Love & War: The Black Moons
Chapter 22: Reflection and Sorrow
Chris found himself in a forest, sitting on a log, crying silently. Kano somehow got into his head again. It got the better of him and ended up assaulting Karin, the same way he assaulted Jade a few months ago when she was a revenant. He wanted to kill him, but Samus only paralyzed him. Or maybe it was the Black Moons causing these emotions, even though he still has no knowledge of them. Even when Chris was living a happy life with Jade, images of Kano keep popping in his head, further torturing him. He continued having nightmares as well. It seemed that no matter what he does or where he goes, he'll never be free. His reflection was recognized by both Jade and Tanya. What they witnessed was someone whose mental capacity was far worse than Sonya's. Even Sonya herself felt the same way when she learned of what Kano did to him. Again, could it be that the Black Moons be overtaking him, adding to the fact that Kano somehow knew about them and plans to use them break him even further? How far will he go until Chris snaps? Karin and Cammy became victims of his savage power. He did not want to hurt them, but seeing Kano still alive made him lose control.
"Chris?" It was Jade, who sat next to him. "I know you did not want to attack Karin, but I think I know why. Kano. The moment you saw him, I knew you wanted to kill him, but will that really make you feel better? You'd be no better than him."
Karin walked by. "Is he ok?"
"Kano got the better of him."
"Who's this Kano?"
"A good for nothing bastard who murdered his wife and daughter. Years ago, he was sent to this place called Cuba on a wild goose chase. It was a trick. Kano used it to kill Chris' wife and daughter. Since then, Kano mocked him in every single way. It seems he has this hold on him. As long as he lives, he'll never be free. I know you won't forgive him, but..."
"The Black Moons."
"Wait!" Jade thought for a moment. She suddenly came to an epiphany that the Black Moons were affecting Chris, especially when seeing Kano after a few months. "Oh my god! Those satellites overtook him. When he saw him, it triggered some nasty reflections." She looks at Chris.
Karin sat next to him.
"Sorry, Jade. Chris, I know what you did to me was horrible, but after hearing what this Kano did to you, I can't help but feel sympathy for you."
"Karin... you didn't deserve what I did. I'm sorry..."
"I understand your pain, but I will be fine. I'm a big girl. I can take it."
"That's what they always think."
"No, it's true. I did not realize you possess such power for a military man. I felt that power, and I know now to never cross you again. Will you join us and help us stop the Black Moons? Guile will be here to give us what he can on how to stop them."
Chris knew they need his help. He laid his hand on her thigh.
"Thank you, Karin. And again..."
"No need to apologize. I told you, I'm a big girl. You know I have respect for you and what you've done to save our world. You could very well do it again. Maybe afterward, we can spar again, under friendlier circumstances."
"Sounds great. Now, I believe Guile is waiting for us. We should go. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
Jade kisses him.
"Hey, you two. That comes later. We need to go."