Chapter 52 – The Gentle Path

Despite being rebuffed by Viktor, and the fact that he was still pinned to the floor, the unexpected blond newcomer maintained an unflappable front. Putting on his best smile, he said, "Apple, you remember me, right? It's me, Sheena. Did I tell you how much more womanly you've become since the last time I saw you?"

The room was silent except for the sharp hiss of anger that escaped Apple's lips and the measured beats of Ridley's black boots as the kobold walked over to Sheena. Oulan, while holding both of Sheena's arms behind him with one hand, grabbed the back of his coat with the other and hauled him to his feet. Ridley stared at him, then growled, "Who are you, pup? Don't you know there are severe penalties for trespassing where you're not allowed?"

If Sheena was intimidated by the display, nothing showed on his face. "No need to get your hackles up. Apple and I go way back, all the way back to the Liberation War. You might even say we were inseparable." He winked suggestively.

"How dare you presume!" Apple exclaimed. "If my memory serves, you said you weren't interested in hanging around with a 'stick-figure'." Abruptly she put her hand to her mouth and blushed.

"Always liked playing hard to get." Sheena chuckled, adding, "You're not as much of a 'stick-figure' now."

"Enough!" Ridley interrupted. "This is an important strategy briefing. Whatever your relationship to Lady Apple, rapscallion, your reminiscing can wait until we're finished. Oulan, escort this undesirable from the room immediately." Oulan quickly started dragging Sheena towards the door, overpowering his resistance with brute strength.

Riou glanced at Apple. "You really want him gone?"

Apple was shaking with hostility. "Get him out of here."

That was enough to puncture Sheena's brave front. "Wait, wait! I've got useful information that can help you." His eyes scanned the room. "Viktor, Flik, you can vouch for me, right? Tell them who I am."

Viktor looked at Flik. Flik looked back. Sheena was nearly at the exit. "Never seen him before in my life," Viktor lied, also contradicting his statement from a few minutes past.

"Now that's just wrong," Sheena complained. "How can you two do this to me?" He began to bristle with indignation. "My dad will hear of this. I'll convince him to put a bounty on your heads, or something." His tone turned pleading as Oulan opened the door. "Come on! My dad's the president, and he's famous, and rich. We can work something out here."

Ridley smiled at Sheena, a smile that bared his fangs. "This is serious business. We hardly need the help of a punk's 'old man'."

Shu, who'd betrayed no emotion throughout the disturbance, turned to Apple and calmly said, "You and I both know who he is. Shall I tell Oulan to desist, or will you?"

Oulan, who'd been in the midst of arranging Sheena to toss him out the door, arrested the motion, glancing at Shu for further instructions. Ridley's smile drooped into a frown. "You…can't be serious."

"Finally, someone who recognizes my greatness," Sheena exclaimed. With his hands, which were now free, he began swatting at Oulan's arms. She was holding him horizontally, in midair, preparatory to ejecting him from the room. "Let me down."

Apple sighed and shifted around so that her back was to the scene. "Let him down."

Oulan obeyed by releasing her grip on Sheena. He fell directly onto the floor but sprang back up instantly, a smile on his face. "That's more like it. Now we can get to work."

"So who is he?" Riou asked. He sounded more interested than annoyed.

"My dad's President of the Toran Republic!" Sheena declared, dusting off his green jacket as he walked to the center of the room.

"Why are we putting up with this?" Ridley muttered.

"No, that part is true," Apple affirmed, refusing to look at Sheena. "His father really is President Lepant."

"There you go," Sheena replied. He nudged Viktor affably in the ribs. "Come on, you two, what's with the silent treatment? I get it, you're mad cause I got all the action back in Toran Castle."

Viktor's face nearly exploded before laughter erupted out. Flik quipped, "Didn't your father mention something about castration after he caught you with that maid in Seika? As I recall, you spent the rest of the war going pale at the sight of anything in a dress."

"Ah, all the good looking ones were too old anyway." Sheena sidled up towards Nanami. "You, on the other hand, are absolutely cute." He had to jump away to avoid Nanami's punch. Riou frowned protectively in the direction of his sister.

Shu cleared his throat. "How about we get to the reason you're here, Sheena. Not that I haven't fathomed it already."

Sheena looked grateful for the change of subject. "Yes, of course. I wish to offer an alliance between the Toran Republic and Jowston."

"Not that you have any official diplomatic standing," Shu observed.

"I'm the son of the president!" Sheena retorted. "My dad will listen to me…if he's not in a bad mood…if no one tells him about the girls I've been with."

Shu thought about it for a moment. "There is merit in this proposal. I think President Lepant would want Luca Blight stopped almost as much as we do."

"It's a terrible idea," Freed blurted, his face going crimson. "Just because the Scarlet Moon Empire has changed its name doesn't mean they've changed their aggressive policies. Think about how many wars we've had over the years. Only two years ago, we were at war with this so-called republic."

"Because you had occupied our territory," Sheena countered.

"Because you sent emissaries seeking our help during your uprising!" Freed shouted.

"Freed, stand down," Shu ordered. "It is a different country now, in the same manner that our New State Army is independent of the old alliance's control. Since the end of the fighting, Toran's foreign policy has not been hostile to Jowston. There is no reason not to form an alliance. Lord Riou, the decision is yours."

Riou regarded Freed, who was breathing heavily from his outburst. Freed frowned, looking first at Sheena and then at Riou. "My lord, I will accept any policy you choose, but Scarlet Moon is the enemy of South Window. They have always been our enemy."

"Your enmity is more important than defending your homeland?" Riou asked, with surprising coolness. "Is hatred the only way you can define yourself?" He shook his head fiercely. "If we cannot learn to forgive, then nothing will ever change, we will never have peace, and all our efforts will be in vain. I, for one, accept the alliance proposal."

There was silence following Riou's speech. It seemed to Flik that no one knew how to respond. Finally, Sheena, ever practical, replied, "That's great and all, but how do we get to Toran? I came up by boat into Highland. We're obviously not going back that way. As for going across the badlands, that's just suicide."

"Done it…three times," Viktor observed.

"And you nearly killed me that last time," Flik countered. "Besides, it's the middle of summer. Even you aren't crazy enough to try the desert right now." Viktor coughed, conceding the point.

"There are other ways," Shu said. "Freed, would you care to elaborate?"

Freed was obviously struggling with Riou's words, his eyes shut tight behind his glasses. "I-"

Tapping his foot, Shu snapped, "Make your decision! It's time to set your past grievances aside."

"I understand." Freed stood upright, facing Riou, eyes open and untroubled. "There is a way, if we take the Dunan River south of Radat down to the village of Banner. From there we'd have to go overland because of the rapids. I can guide you that far. After that, I guess it all depends on what sort of reception we get at the border."

"That's where I come in," Sheena interjected. "I'll make sure things go smoothly at the border. We'll be partying in Gregminster in no time at all." He smiled as if already imagining the celebrations.

Shu deliberated momentarily. "It seems Riou must go. He's the only person who'll be able to meet with a president on equal terms. Viktor, Flik, you'll go along too. Your familiarity with the leaders of Toran should aid us."

"You want us to go back there?" Flik asked dubiously. "Neither of us is really current with their politics."

"We kind of burned our bridges," Viktor added. "After all, we're supposed to be dead."

"I'm sure that the sight of you two living and breathing will dispel those rumors," Shu said. "Now, who else will join you?"

"You're not leaving me behind," Nanami answered. "I go where my brother goes. Somebody's got to look after him."

"The thought of leaving you behind had never crossed my mind," Shu replied. "Is there anyone else who we need?"

"I will go," Oulan said. "It's my job to be Lord Riou's bodyguard, wherever he goes." Flik had no doubt she could perform that duty admirably, since she was certainly taller and possibly heavier than he was. "I'll also make sure he doesn't cause any trouble." She jerked her thumb in the direction of Sheena.

"I just want to get home," Sheena pleaded. "I've had enough of wandering around a war zone."

Shu nodded. "Good. I'd say Riou's escort is large enough. It will depart tomorrow morning."

With the course of action decided, the meeting broke up. Flik didn't stick around to reminisce with Sheena -who was busy trying to make a good second impression with Nanami- but went back to his room to prepare for the journey. He tired to set his thoughts in order. It wasn't like he would be returning to the Warrior's Village, his hometown, so he didn't have to worry about any confrontation. His feelings for the Republic itself were much more ambivalent. Before he'd met Odessa, he'd been something of a wanderer, rarely returning to the land of his birth. During her struggle, he'd looked forward to the country she was planning to create. Now that country existed, but she was gone. He knew that any return to Gregminster would be bittersweet.

Before going to sleep that night, he wondered if he would dream of her. If he did, he could not recall the dreams when he woke in the morning. After a quick breakfast, the entire delegation assembled at the departure point. It was a very confusing scene.

"Well look at who we have here," Sheena said, smiling brightly as he laid eyes on the person in charge of seeing them off. "It's just like old times back in Toran. Maybe you could give me a little kiss goodbye."

"Huh?" Viki replied, looking confused. Of course, she always looked confused. After her sudden arrival during the Festival of Candles, she'd quickly become an integral part of the New State Army, teleporting people to the surrounding villages. Sometimes she even managed to get them where they wanted to go. She'd set up her teleportation mirror in one corner of the entrance hall. Flik had even heard rumors that she slept there. She regarded Sheena vacantly. "Have we met somewhere?"

Sheena's face went from beaming to crestfallen in moments. Shu interposed himself between Sheena and Viki, catching the latter's attention. "I need you to teleport them to Radat, if you would."

"Excuse me." Freed coughed nervously. "I was hoping we might begin by going to South Window first."

Shu quirked an eyebrow as he glanced sidelong at him. "Speed is of the essence. The journey to and from Gregminster will take the better part of a month, barring no difficulties. We will be fortunate if Luca Blight gives us even that much time."

Freed was not to be swayed by such logical considerations. He appealed to a higher power, namely Riou. "Please, Lord Riou, it's very important to me that I see South Window one last time before we set out. It'll only add a day to our journey."

"If Freed is this adamant, then it must be important," Riou answered. "We can afford one day." Flik saw the gratefulness reflecting in Freed's eyes and decided that Riou was right.

Shu didn't look happy about being overridden. "Are you sure? As necessary as you are for this mission, I dislike making your absence even one day longer than it needs to be."

"Luca Blight won't attack during while I'm gone," Riou replied. "I feel pretty sure of that." He put his left hand over his right, the one that had the Bright Shield Rune.

Shu relented. "I will trust your judgement on this matter, Lord Riou."

If it were possible, Viki looked even more dazed than before. "Where do you want to go?"

"South Window," Riou replied. Flik noted Shu backing out of teleportation range.

"Here we go!" Viki shouted, waving her staff in a circle above her head.

"Hope we get there," Viktor muttered, before the world around Flik exploded into white light. Flik had been teleported before, but he was certain he'd never get used to the sensation. For a moment, he was vaguely aware of being in some "other" place, but the vision was fleeting. He never got more than the impression of checkered blue and white squares.

Then they arrived, wherever it was that Viki sent them. Flik found that he was lying on his back, looking up at the rafters of a ceiling. A bloody cleaver flashed in front of his face and he reacted by bring his arm up and catching the hand that held it before it descended to do any damage.

"Where the hell did she transport us?" Viktor bellowed, though Flik couldn't see him. Nanami squeaked in dismay and some large object thumped to the ground.

"What the hell are you doing in my shop," a voice above Flik asked. A portly man with a thick head of gray hair and a bloody apron loomed over Flik. Flik, not wanting to face such a man in close quarters, rolled away and over an edge, landing face first on the floor.

Things sorted themselves out following that. By the time Flik got to his feet, he could see that they were in a butchery, with slabs of dressed meat hanging from the ceiling. Nanami had knocked one of them over while scrambling up. A water rune embedded in one of the ceiling beams kept the room much chillier than the summer heat outside. Freed walked forward to speak with the butcher. "Greetings good man, I am Lord Yamamoto, in the employ of the New State Army. Have we arrived in South Window?"

"You've wrecked my business," the shopkeeper shouted. He stopped and gaped as Oulan hefted the large piece of meat back onto its hook. She noted his ogling and smirked.

Freed stuck his head out the open door. "Yes, this is South Window. I know where we are."

"Let's go," Sheena groused. "Any longer in here and you can hang me up on one of those hooks." Under his breath, he added, "Doesn't even have the decency to have a cute daughter. Oh well."

They bustled out of the butcher's shop and onto one of the streets of South Window. Flik squinted in the sun, glad for the heat. He knew he wouldn't be glad long, it was shaping up to be another hot day. Freed led them east, towards the mayoral palace.

As they walked through the city streets, Flik tried to gauge the mood of the people. Highland soldiers had occupied the city twice during the past two months, though never for more than a few days either time. The city was lively, if not bustling. If there were fewer merchants than normal hawking their wares, Flik couldn't tell. He wondered if he ought to ask Freed about that.

The street they were on led to the square in front of the palace. Nothing much had changed here. The memorial stone with the founders' names was still in the center of the square. Children ran about, playing games of tag.

"You!" Viktor exclaimed. The giant monk with the huge beads and the growth on his forehead was also there. Flik tried to recall the name…Gontetsu? Gentetsu? He decided it must be Gantetsu.

The monk laughed gigantically, the sound filling up the square. "You have returned for another lesson in strength? I shall be glad to teach you."

"Who is this quack?" Sheena asked. "I've never understood people who devote their whole lives to religion. Worst part is, they're all miserable and they want everyone else to be miserable too."

Gantetsu didn't look miserable. Smiling broadly, he addressed Sheena. "Some believe they have power through brute strength. Some believe they have power through cultivated skill. Some believe they have power through leeching off their father's name. All shall be undone. You, who believe in your strength, are little more than cripples standing before me. One good breath will knock you all over."

"Stop it!" Nanami shouted. "Go away!"

"I'll pound another bump onto that shiny head of yours," Viktor threatened, advancing on Gantetsu. "Why don't you leave us alone?"

"Peace, Viktor," Riou commanded. Viktor obeyed, though he continued to glare at the monk. Nanami looked appalled that her brother had stopped Viktor. Riou walked forward to study their tormentor. "The last time we met, you said that some things must be done from weakness. I think I understand your words better now. Even with my Rune, I'll never be powerful enough to force peace on my own. If I want to end this war, I must reach out to others."

The monk's smile was crafty. "Even with the aid of friends, what awaits you will be harrowing. Perhaps it will be too much for you to bear?"

"I didn't refuse the power," Riou answered. "It's my responsibility to use it justly. What about you? Do you mean to stand in front of this stone until the end of time, giving advice to everyone who comes along?"

Squatting down, Gantetsu looked Riou in the eye. "I suppose not. Even if I had until the end of time, I'd surely not reach all the people who need my advice by standing here. If you've room for an excommunicated monk in your army, then I would be glad dispense my wisdom there. At least, I'll dispense it until they get so sick and tired that they try to throw me out. Try, mind you." He started laughing again. Then, collecting his huge staff, he started down the street.

When Gantetsu was gone, Freed led them in the opposite direction, towards the mayoral palace. Flik noted that there were fewer refugees than the last time he'd been in the city, but officials were still busy handing out food and setting up shelters. One of the officials noted Freed and came scurrying up, blocking the path forward.

"Lord Yamamoto, whatever are you-" The official suddenly picked out Riou. "Uh, Lord Riou, is there…any problem with the government? Have you come to see General Arnhem?"

"Our business lies in the crypt," Freed declared. "We're not here to level any judgement against the government."

Flik was tempted to ask what was so important in the crypt, but held his tongue. Riou nodded, as if he understood perfectly well what Freed's intentions were. The official hesitantly yielded the path. Freed walked on, through the gilded entrance. Inside, he took a route that was unfamiliar to Flik, leading away from the mayor's office and the throne chamber. The corridor led to a small courtyard behind the palace, a place filled with small rock pools, gardens of blooming flowers, and a set of stone steps leading downward into the earth.

"It is said that Bernand, when he built this palace, had this garden constructed first. He abandoned the old tradition of cremation to have his body, and those of his descendants, buried beneath the earth." Freed advanced towards the steps. There was a lantern, already lit, waiting on a pedestal at the top of the stairs. "He wanted those who followed him to reflect on the past- both the good and the ill. He wanted them to see the past and understand that all men are mortal."

At the bottom of the steps, Freed pushed the unadorned iron doors open. Beyond was a passage of stone with niches carved into the walls. Full of curiosity, Flik came closer to get a better look at the first niche. There was no elaborate sarcophagus, no coffin at all. What rested on the carved stone was simply a skeleton, clothes and flesh long rotted away. Nanami choked back on a half gasp, half shriek.

The smell of decay that rolled out of the crypt wasn't unfamiliar to Flik, but it was unexpected. He fought a moment of nausea and backed out of the tomb. He wasn't the only one who did so. In a moment, only Freed stood beyond the doors.

"Eww," Sheena commented.

"The descendants of Bernand probably thought as you do," Freed continued. "Yet none of them ever sought to change what he started." Flik's eyes tracked down the hall. Each niche was occupied, most of them with bones, but further back he was certain he could make out bodies.

Thankfully, Freed didn't enter any further. Holding the lamp up, he said, "Here you will find the kings of Dunan- great warriors who commanded mighty armies and waged battle against Scarlet Moon, Harmonia, and later Highland. Yet, for all of their power, for all of their battles, they couldn't safeguard the kingdom. Here also you will find those who gained power after the monarchy fell- the mayors of South Window. Believing themselves the successors of the monarchs, they continued the wars, especially against Scarlet Moon."

He let the lamp fall back to his side, enshrouding the crypt in darkness again. "Our history became like a chain. We fought Scarlet Moon because we always had, and because we always would. Lord Granmeyer got caught up in this too, but I know he never enjoyed it. He was a gentle man, but even he could not figure out how to end the ancient hatreds. Two years ago, when he retreated from the war with the Toran Republic, many people called him a coward, but he told me that it had been the correct decision."

Freed's head slumped down. "In a better world, Lord Granmeyer's gentleness would've been acclaimed as a virtue. In this world, the people damned it as a sin. Despite that, I'm proud of Lord Granmeyer. When I looked at him, I saw hope, even if I didn't understand it."

He turned about suddenly, staring straight at Riou. "Now I think I do. Anyone can win a war, even Luca Blight, but only someone special can win the peace. This crypt is testament to the futility of strength alone. Instead, I will follow the gentle path, the path of forgiveness. I will follow that path even into the heart of my land's oldest enemy, because it is the only path that offer hope to my eyes."

Blowing the lantern out, Freed started back towards the doors, leaving only a sliver of light to illume the tomb. "Lord Riou, with your strength, win the war, but remember, it is your forgiveness that will win the peace."