Blue Lightning and the Bear

by Blue Paladin

Two shadows from the past rise up to confront the New State Army. First they must dispatch the vampire who seeks to make life dance to his whims. But who will aid them against the Dark Knight of Chaos?

79. Chapter 79 When He Needed to Think

Chapter 79 – When He Needed to Think

Flik and his men broke camp early in the morning, eager to be back to Dunan and find out what was happening with the Highland Army. They made good time down the road to the castle and Flik was soon leading his men through the walls and past houses and shops, heading for the barracks. The streets felt even more crowded than usual, with wagons, soldiers, and civilians all moving at a feverish pace. Even after returning to the castle, Flik could feel the mood. Climbing the stairs alongside Viktor, he glanced out one of the widows facing the lake. The harbor was filled with galleys, both large transports and smaller battle craft.

"Looks like this is going to be a big one," Viktor commented, looking out the next window down.

"They sure do like to keep us busy," Flik responded. "What I wouldn't give for about a month to rest in my own bed."

Viktor laughed. "You take what you can get, that's all. Let's see what Shu has to say about your performance."

Flik gulped. Though he knew he'd fulfilled Shu's orders, he was still nervous about Pesmerga. If that had, in fact, been Pesmerga. Had he made the right decision in pointing the dark knight towards Riou? As they reached the top of the stairs, Flik found that he had no more time to worry. Oulan stood in front of the meeting room, arms crossed, checking the two generals over with her eyes. With a nod, she gestured for them to enter.

Inside was an unexpectedly large crowd. While people like Ridley, Kiba, and Klaus could be expected for a regular briefing, others, like Valeria, Freed, and Gilbert were not normal attendees. In fact, it looked like every major officer in the army was present. Flik felt his heart sink. If he was going to be rebuked, he didn't want it to be in front of everyone.

Flik's eyes glanced up towards the dais, where Riou, Nanami, and Shu waited patiently. His eyes met Shu's; there was a slight smile on the strategist's face. "I wanted to commend you for bringing the army home in such a timely fashion. Now that the forces of the New State Army are finally concentrated, we can strike at Highland on equal terms."

Hearing the praise, Flik had to suppress the reflex to wipe at his forehead. Viktor gave him a friendly, but none too gentle, thump on the back. He recovered in time to hear Georg Prime voice a concern.

"If I may, strategist, there was some concern about the intentions of the Highland Army when you and Riou departed. Has that been cleared up?"

It was Apple who answered the question, after glancing at Shu. "Their moves appear to be highly contradictory. Tai Ho and Amada have discovered that they've pulled almost all their soldiers off the coast. We surmise that they are concentrating north of Muse City."

"It could be preparatory to a new offensive," Klaus added. "It might also indicate that they are willing to wait and see what we'll do."

Shu cut off his two subordinate strategists with a wave of one arm. "Their ultimate aim is unimportant in the short term. Our course of action is set."

Riou walked forward next to Shu. Flik watched as his gaze settled on Lady Teresa. "The New State Army will deploy to retake Greenhill, and from there, all of Jowston."

Shin nodded, hearing the news, but Lady Teresa frowned and replied, "As much as I want my people freed, isn't Muse the more important target? It was the seat of the Alliance, after all. Besides, that is where the Highland Army is, correct? We will eventually have to defeat them to win this war."

Shu shook his head. "No. Now is not the time for the decisive battle, not on ground of Leon Silverberg's choosing." He shook his head once again, and to Flik it looked like he was trying to convince himself of his logic. Finally, he turned to Apple and said, "Explain the situation in Greenhill province, please."

Apple had also been watching Shu, and started a little at his voice. "O-Of course. We believe that the Highland Army has fewer than five thousand men in the province at the moment, though some of our spies also speak of a force of new irregulars arriving, so the exact numbers may be in doubt." Shu cleared his throat, a signal of impatience, and Apple glanced his way before continuing, "The most important fact, which we've recently learned, is that the Highland forces are under the command of a new general. Some of you may remember the name Yuber from the Liberation War of two years ago."

Around him, Flik could see his comrades from that war react to the news. Tai Ho's mouth fell open, but he quickly closed it. Max frowned. Valeria had on a thoughtful expression. During the final campaign of the last war, Yuber had summoned an army of demons to oppose the Liberation Army. The demons had only been dispelled by the work of several True Rune bearers.

"He's taken part in numerous major wars all over this continent," Apple continued. "As always, his motives are unknowable."

"Chaos," a voice interrupted. Heads turned, including Flik's, though he'd already heard the speaker before. Pesmerga, who'd appeared from seemingly nowhere, strode towards the dais, his armor making no noise. "That is his desire. He goes where he believes the most can be created and will even bind himself to humans if that furthers his cause."

"He's also a coward," Shu said tersely. "Just as in the Liberation War, he has no staying power when he's forced into an even fight. That is why you've joined us, isn't it, Pesmerga?" Pesmerga simply nodded in response. "That being the case, nothing about Yuber should cause us any trepidation. I have every confidence that this shall be a victorious campaign," Shu concluded.

As Shu stepped back from the dais, Flik was already thinking about how he'd get his mounted archers ready for the upcoming battles. Expecting a dismissal, he was surprised when Riou walked forward and spoke, "There is one further matter that we need to discuss; namely, the organization of the New State Army. As the army has become larger, it's also become more difficult to control. Therefore, at Shu's recommendation, I'm dividing the army up into a number of divisions, each under the command of a general."

The room filled with anticipation. Flik could see a gamut of emotions reflecting on the faces of his fellow commanders - from eagerness to indifference. Sheena, one of the eager ones, literally jumped forward and said, "How about me? You could make me, like, I don't know, maybe a vice-general? Even the title would be fine." He rubbed his hands together. "Man, just think how the girls would flip when I introduced myself as Vice-general Sheena." He stopped, realizing he'd voiced that last thought out loud. Without blushing, he managed to add, "You know, so I could better represent the Toran Republic."

Valeria clipped him on the shoulder, spinning him around. "You're doing a fine job of representing the Republic right where you are, in my unit, under my eye, just like your father wanted."

Sheena wilted under Valeria's glare. "Uh, yes, ma'am."

"I've already decided who the generals are going to be," Riou clarified. "General Hauser, if you would please join us on the dais." When the dark man was in place, Riou continued, "You've served Muse faithfully for many years, and managed to keep your army intact even after your city fell. I ask you to take command of the Left Division of the New State Army."

Hauser gave a crisp salute. "As you command, Lord Riou." Flik felt that Hauser was a good choice, but he was mostly focusing on mentally pleading for Riou to ignore him. He'd had one stint as a general and he really didn't want any more.

Riou looked back to the commanders. "General Kiba, you too have an established and successful career as a general. Since you joined us, you've served the New State Army loyally and well. I ask you to take command of the Right Division."

Kiba bowed and answered, "I would be my pleasure and honor, Lord Riou."

Riou spoke the next name with a smile on his lips. "General Viktor, you offered me my first position with your mercenaries. Now I offer you command of the Center Division. Everyone here knows how much you've done for Jowston over the years, so I ask you, please accept this commission."

Flik's concentration broke and his head swung around to look at Viktor. Many times he'd heard Viktor say that he'd never accept this kind of promotion. Now, he showed no hesitation as he climbed the steps of the dais, coming up to shake Riou's hand. He was smiling, but his voice was husky as he said, "Of course I'll help you, Riou. Just say the word."

With the three new generals standing alongside Riou, Shu, and Nanami, Flik dared hope that Riou was finished. It was not to be. Riou cleared his throat and, even before speaking any words, was looking right at him. "General Flik, your reputation for bravery and valor has long preceded you. However, I have seen that you are far greater than any words written about you. I ask you to accept command of the Front Division."

Flik's mind started spouting gibberish about refusing, but his eyes took in Riou and then Viktor. He set his feet in motion and, tucking all his concerns and fears away, climbed up the steps of the dais to shake Riou's hand. He said something that might have been, "I promised to stand with you, and so I will."

From the moment he stood on the dais until someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder, everything passed in a daze. Flik shook his head and realized that the briefing was over. The crowd of generals was dispersing, heading out through the doors, and only he and Shu remained up on the dais.

"There's a strategy meeting tomorrow morning," Shu informed him softly. The strategist stepped by him and added, "Just in case you hadn't heard earlier." Then he was heading for the exit. Flik wasted no time in leaving too.

The hallway outside was clearing rapidly. Flik looked around for Viktor, but couldn't see him anywhere. That was a surprise, for he'd expected Viktor to hang around and wait for him to talk about their mutual promotions. Thinking that his friend might've wanted to unpack, Flik headed off towards Viktor's room. The door was ajar and, though his stuff was there, the room was empty. With a resigned shrug, Flik decided to walk to his room. It wasn't like Viktor was purposefully avoiding him. Probably he'd gone to bathe or eat.

As soon as he opened the door to his own room, Flik was greeted by a hiss and a flash of something orange and furry that jumped off the covers of his bed and disappeared under it. The sight startled him, but then he laughed. Carefully placing his sword and shield on the table in the center of the room, he knelt down to regard the pair of glowing eyes that were watching him.

Smiling, Flik fished around in one pocket and came up with a lump of hard cheese. He broke off a smaller piece and placed it on the floor, between the table and the bed. Before long the cat emerged, a scraggly orange tabby. The cat approached the cheese cautiously, eyeing Flik with every step forward. It sniffed the cheese, licked it, then grabbed it in its mouth and disappeared back under the bed.

The cat emerged again while Flik was checking his sword and shield for damage. This time it was a little friendlier; it came halfway across the room and mewled at him. Flik laughed and broke off another piece of cheese, which the cat immediately took back under the bed. They continued this game several more times until the cat was comfortable with Flik's presence. The cat jumped up onto the table and, purring loudly, rubbed up against Flik's arms and generally made a nuisance of itself. When Flik set it back down on the floor, it started batting at the edge of his cape.

Flik's stomach suddenly growled, sending the cat back under the bed. He laughed and mused aloud, "I wonder what I should call you, if you decide to stay." Clipping his cape back on, he left the room, though he did leave the door slightly open so the cat could get out. He swung by Viktor's room again, but no one was in. Flik walked on. Since Viktor hadn't returned, there was probably only one place where he was, and that was where Flik went.

Even from across the entrance hall, Flik could hear the noise from Leona's bar. It sounded like quite a party was in the making. When he opened the door, the patrons were just beginning the chorus on a bawdy tune. He looked around, expecting Viktor to be on top of a table, leading the revelry. To his surprise, he couldn't see his friend anywhere.

Flik walked into the bar and stepped aside as a drunken soldier staggered past him. Leona waved to him and pointed towards the back. There, at a table tucked up against the stairs, was Viktor. He wasn't alone. Flik's eyes widened as he approached and saw that Nina was there too. They were apparently in a deep conversation, for Viktor only noticed his arrival at the last moment.

"There you are, Flik!" he shouted cheerfully. He had a mug of beer in one hand and a smile on his face. "Nina and I were just talking about you."

Flik glanced at the blonde girl. She chewed on her lower lip and hopped out of her chair when Flik sat down at the table. Looking away from him, she walked over to Viktor. "Thanks for listening to me! You're a much better conversationalist than some people I know." She leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, then skipped back and quickly walked for the door.

Flik frowned as he watched her go, then turned around to find Viktor rubbing at the spot where Nina had kissed him. "What was that about?" He tried not to sound accusatory. In fact, a small part of him wondered why he was upset at all.

Viktor finished his mug before answering, "She's one of your aides, right? She wanted to know more about your habits, how you think, things like that."

"And you told her?" Now Flik did feel annoyed, not out of jealousy, but the invasion of his privacy.

Viktor gave him a big grin. "She's not going to stop, Flik, not until you definitively tell her. Maybe she'll get bored." Flik was still glaring at him. Viktor held out his hands and added, "Even if I tell her nothing, she'll still learn things. I saw her speaking with Richmond the other day."

Flik shook his head. "Maybe, but it sounds like you're supporting her in this insane quest." From somewhere, a waitress appeared with two more mugs of beer, though neither man had ordered. Viktor took a swig rather than answer, so Flik let the matter drop. Instead, he asked, "Who's Richmond?"

"You don't know? Even I've used him a couple of times."

"You're not going to tell me?"

Viktor started laughing. "It's better for someone like you to find out about that stuff on your own."

There was a commotion from the front of the bar. Flik turned his head to see what was going on. A bunch of Lampdragon bandits were getting into a shoving contest with some of the Zexen mercenaries. Flik got up, wondering how best to break this up, when a large woman got up from the Lampdragon side and started speaking. He'd seen the woman before, during the fight with Neclord. Apparently she was related to Gijimu and Koyu in some way.

"The best way to prove who can hold his liquor is to have a contest, yeah? So, how about it? Who here thinks they can drink Lo Wen under the bar?"

She cut a fierce figure, glaring as much at her own people as at the Zexens. She did not have the obvious muscles of Oulan, but she was formidable. It also helped that she'd shrugged her purple robe open to reveal some cleavage.

"A drinking contest? I'm in!" Viktor walked past Flik, smiling like a little boy. "You coming, Flik?"

"I'll pass." He sat down and watched as several others, including Ace, Rikimaru, and Anita, joined Viktor and Lo Wen at the bar. He was so focused on the contest that he didn't notice a newcomer approach him until the man sat down across from him, setting down a plate of cheesecake first.

"This seat taken?" Georg Prime asked. Flik shook his head, more because he was startled than because he was answering. The older man laughed and gestured towards the front. "If I were a little younger, I might've joined in, but I know my limits. Especially with that bandit woman in – nobody's going to beat her."

Flik watched the contest a little longer, while Georg methodically demolished his cheesecake. "I've really got to watch what I eat," Georg commented. "Wouldn't want to lose my edge because I got fat."

"Huh?" Flik asked, looking back at the older general.

Georg had a friendly smile on his face. "You remind me a little of myself when I was younger. You've got a strong sense of duty, but you're still trying to find your place. Am I right?"

Flik looked from Georg to the mug of beer on the table. He'd hardly touched it. He wasn't sure how much of his past he wanted to share with the famous general. Georg continued to sit across from him, not betraying the slightest sign of impatience. Up at the bar, Ace was already down, sprawled across the floor.

Finally, Flik answered, "I've always wanted to help people, that's all. I don't like confining myself to one place." The answer was more or else honest, though it omitted any reference to spending his life with Odessa. He didn't want to get into that with someone who was a stranger.

"I once had a friend like your friend Viktor," Georg said, gesturing to the bar. "Wherever your travels take you, don't take that bond for granted." His smile was suddenly wistful. "Appreciate your time with those who are closest to you, for it is limited, passing before your eyes." He got up from his chair, laughing once as he did so. "I must sound like an old man, right? If you're ever in need of a direction to travel, might I suggest you go south? I think you'd like Falena. If nothing else, it'd help you relax a little." He nodded and walked away, easily sidestepping Rikimaru as he toppled off of his stool.

Flik finished the rest of his mug and got up as well. Viktor was caught up in the contest, going drink for drink with the two remaining women. There wouldn't be any talking with him this night. That was fine. Flik walked out of the bar, down several corridors, and up the nearest flight of stairs. There was only one place he'd go when he needed to think.

He emerged into the cool night air awaiting him at the top of his tower. The sky was cloudless and the full Blue Moon loomed large, already well up into the sky. Its reflection rippled in the waves below. He leaned back against the roof of the tower and sighed. His thoughts went back to Georg's question. If Odessa had lived, he would've made his home with her, certainly. Yet, a part of him liked being out in the world, fighting alongside Viktor in some adventure. Hadn't he been struggling with this problem just before he found Riou?

There were steps approaching him from below. He knew who it would be, but he wasn't sure how to confront her. Nina came up at a run, but stopped at the top of the steps, almost as if unsure how to continue. Flik wondered if his silence would be enough to ward her off.

It wasn't. She let out a ragged laugh and came all the way out onto the landing, though she didn't try to get close to him. "I knew you'd be here. You always come up here to think."

Flik sighed. "I suppose so."

His evasive answer didn't put Nina off. "So, what were you thinking about?"

Flik tried to read her face. She seemed to be purposefully holding back. "I told you before. It's none of your business."

He braced himself for an outburst. Instead, Nina leaned forward and said, "I know who you're thinking about. It's that old lover of yours, Odessa, right?"

Flik stood up straight in shock, nearly slipping on one of the stones of the landing. He nearly rounded on Nina to demand how she'd learned the name, but his memories brought him the answer first. "Viktor told you this, didn't he?" His throat tightened. He was not going to be mad at Viktor, but why had his friend done this?

Refusing to answer Flik's question, Nina countered with one of her own. "You still can't get past her death, even after all this time?"

"It's not that!" Flik shook his head. Hadn't he worked this out in Lenankamp? He knew she was gone, but he didn't want Nina reminding him of the fact.

"Then why?"

Flik let out his frustrations with another sigh. He knew being evasive wasn't going to work now. Besides, maybe Nina deserved an honest answer. "Odessa was more than a lover to me." He turned away from Nina, looking down to the water below. For a moment, he did nothing but stare into the deep shadows the moonlight created on the castle walls. He knew it was a trick of his mind, but the shadows seemed to move, to be creeping up the wall towards him.

Flik gathered himself, turned back to Nina, and slowly worked the words out of his mouth. "After I left my village, she was the first person I really looked up to. She had a way of looking at things, one that was broad enough to take in the whole world, yet still had space to care for a wretch like me. She was always teaching me, always challenging me to become a better man than I was." He shook his head. "Maybe, even in her death, she was trying to teach me. How can I forget that? I don't ever, ever want to lose those memories."

He couldn't clearly see Nina's face, but her frown was clear in her tone. "Even if you never see her again? You'll never meet her again. You'll never hold her again."

Her words felt like a slap across his face. The beliefs of Warrior's Village came roaring to the front of his mind and out of his mouth. "I will see her again! She's waiting for me up there." He thrust his hand up towards the sky.

Nina shook her head. "Dead is dead. She's not coming back."

Flik snarled reflexively. "Learn some manners! It's not your business."

Nina put her hands on her hips. "You can't tell me to butt out. I say it's my business."

This time Flik turned his back to try and cut off the conversation. "And I say it is not your business, brat."

Finally Nina's voice rose in anger. "Brat, brat, brat! Is that all you can say? Don't you ever think of anyone else? I spend all of my time thinking about how to make you happy! What good will obsessing over this corpse do for you? All you'll do is make yourself sick with grief!"

"Shut up!" Flik's shout echoed out into the night, down the walls, and over the water. Nina shrank away, coming to rest on the opposite railing. She looked away from him. Embarrassed, Flik did likewise, once again watching the shadows playing along the walls.

"I…I'm sorry," Nina quietly offered.

Flik rubbed his forehead and continued to look away. "Listen…I didn't mean to yell at you like that. I was a fool not to appreciate what I had. I was just a young idiot."

"Won't you forgive me?"

Flik turned back to look at her. He couldn't tell if she was crying. "You're not the one that made me yell, so there's nothing to apologize about." He started walking, not towards her, but for the stairs. "Listen, I'm going to bed. You should, too."

As Flik reached the stairs, Nina extended her hand towards him. She couldn't reach him, but the gesture made him stop. "Flik, I…"

Flik crossed his arms. "What?"

"I still want to remain with you during battle. I want to do whatever I can for you."

"I won't stop you. Perhaps if you wait long enough, your heart will change. Time does that to people. You'll understand soon enough."

Nina shook her head vehemently. "You're wrong, Flik! I'll always want your happiness. My feelings for you won't ever change!"

Flik started down the stairs, but tossed a last comment over his shoulder. "I guess we'll find out." Nina mumbled something behind him, but he didn't hear it. Moments later, he was down in the hallway below. The way was empty and silent, darkness broken by the moonlit windows. He stepped into the first shadow, feeling his way along the wall.

He was nearing the next set of stairs down when he heard a cry off to his right. At first, he thought it might be Nina, but then the corridor shook from an explosion. Flik staggered, trying to get his bearings. There was combat nearby, coming from one of the rooms on this level.

That was when Flik realized there was only one room on this floor. There was a sudden cry of agony and then the light of the Bright Shield Rune started pouring out of the interstices in the stone, flooding the hallway. Flik covered his eyes and shouted for help.