Behind The Mask

Chapter 25: A Needle In A Haystack

Fassad lived. How? I don't know. I would try and explain it with some form of logic, but Fassad living in the first place isn't very logical to begin with, so why bother?

Mind you, he's certainly a lot worse for wear — permanently crippled, and unable to speak. Just like Dr Andonuts predicted. They finished all the modifications to him just yesterday, so he's fit — well, in the loosest terms of the word, fit to be in action again.

What is that man made of? I'm still questioning it now — a 300 foot drop off an exploding tower which collapsed on him. Followed by being left there for nearly 24 hours. There's no possible way you could survive that, let alone come out as well as Fassad did.

I'm going around in circles. But I know I'm not the only one who thinks this makes no sense — my entire team thinks so as well, but apart from Fassad simply being beyond lucky, we don't have any possible explanation... and calling being lucky an explanation would be lacking.

There's more important things than that right now. Taking my sword, I start marching back up the steps to the bridge of the ship. We should've very close now.

Tazmily Village. I still remember the two times I've come here — the first rather briefly, and the second... funny that I'm coming back here for the same reason.

I remember being interested with it the first time I came here. I had a desire to learn more about the place, but it was a desire I couldn't fulfil then.

The second time around, I could though. And I remember being almost enamoured with the place. It was much different from New Pork, yes, but I could appreciate it for its own merits. And the people there didn't seem half as bad as what Master Porky depicted them to be.

But here I am, coming here for the third time, and now? I'm disgusted to be back here.

I haven't forgotten Thunder Tower. How could I? There was only one saving grace with all that happened — yesterday, I finally managed to contact the safe zone, and found out that all the Pigmasks inside at least made it to safety.

But I won't forget what was lost because of the actions of the imposters, and Fassad. An entire tower and... someone far more valuable inside.

And now, I'm forced to return the home of the imposters. It makes my insides curl... forget it. It'll be quick and simple. In and out.

As I reach the bridge, I look out of a window, seeing the land below... it looks as peaceful as before. But that's just part of the illusion, isn't it? I'm disappointed in myself for ever doubting Master Porky in that regard... but now's the chance to redeem myself.

"Sir! Ma'am! We have visual of the castle!" one of the pilots shouts.

Immediately, I stand up, looking out of the front window... coming into view is a stone castle, dilapidated and rustic, yet still standing. Osohe Castle.

"Ah, there it is." says the Colonel. "You know, you'd think someone would have bothered to fix this place up."

"Does anyone even live here? I recall seeing some bedrooms." I ask.

"Oh yeah, you've been there. Who knows?There's ghosts, but I wouldn't exactly call them living."

"Well, at the very least, we shouldn't have much interference. It's early, so very few of the villagers should be out at this time. If all we have to worry about are the ghosts, then I see little in the way of our path. Though, correct me if I'm wrong, you've been here as well, haven't you?"