Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 116: Goodbye to the Journey

3 hours passed, and the carriage pulled up in the middle of a field to stop off, as Craaq's legs were tired from directing the horses. The doors swung open with a jolt. "I can't believe he's here with us again....", Demitris revelled. Sulena climbed out of the carriage first, to which Demitris took her hand, and helped her to the bottom of the steps. "This is close to the village you live, right Sulena?", asked Demitris. "I'm sorry we couldn't take you all the way, I'm blacklisted in this village.", he added

"It's fine.", Sulena responded. She continued, "Let's just stay here for a while to contemplate everything that happened.". At the centre of the field, Demitris, Fleur, Aster, Craaq and Sulena were left staring at the horse drawn carriage. "How are your injuries?", asked Craaq to Fleur. "I think I need some medical attention, but it's nothing life threatening...", she replied. "And you, Aster?", asked Sulena. "Same as Fleur, I certainly need treatment, but I can account most of the reason for me collapsing back there as exhaustion.", he confirmed. "Seems Rou didn't want to come out...", remarked Fleur.

"His eyes seemed so desperate when I finally caught up with everyone...", Demitris murmured. Aster placed his hand upon the one eyed boy's shoulder and explained his point of view, "I thought so too, that wasn't Rou that we fought. If the theory that he is indeed being controlled is true, then maybe he doesn't really have the capacity to join us here...". Demitris couldn't believe it, could Rou really be so doomed as to never have full control of himself again?

Demitris continued, "This was a response Rou was expecting within himself for a while, finally setting itself free at the auction, barely anyone could see it coming, anyone but me that is...". The failed capo looked down at his feet, "I...I think...", he fell to his knees, shaking. Craaq got up and went to him, "Demitris...you alright?", she asked. He tried to respond, but didn't. "Demitris...?", enquired Fleur, who was also getting very concerned. "I...think it's my fault he got that way!", he finally declared.

Fleur and Sulena came to his side, "No, it's not your fault, Demitris.", Sulena consoled. "I...I think we should go back to the mansion...", he said, still adamant to insist on the blame. "We've only just got here, why leave now? It means I have to split off from all of you...", Sulena enquired. "It's the only place I can think of that I can weaken the Renegard syndicate's control on Rou...", he explained. Sulena and Craaq helped Demitris to his feet. "I think we should go back, we've been away for days and many of us are injured.", Craaq said.

Sulena agreed, "If it's your home, I understand. I just wish I had somewhere permanent like the five of you...", she stated. "It's okay Sulena.", responded Aster. "We'll certainly need you again one day, besides, you wouldn't want to live in a crime syndicate.". Sulena smiled at the comment, "That's true, I wouldn't want to live in a crime syndicate either, I just hope that one day you guys will be able to get out...", she admitted. "We'll get out of this, I promise.", Craaq assured her. Sulena nodded in agreement, "I'll see you all soon!", she announced before finally waving goodbye to them.

As the group went back into the carriage, Rou was sound asleep. "He's obviously very tired from all he's been through.", Fleur remarked. Demitris lifted him up gently and let him settle down on his lap, "This will be more comfortable for him...", he whispered, lightly stroking his capo's royal blue hair. "At least in this state he's the Rou we're familiar with, maybe sleep was what he needed...", Fleur wondered. As Fleur began to drift off, Aster opened his arms to allow her to fall asleep in his arms, even if it hurt him.

"Maybe it's best to remain comfortable Aster. You're injured, don't let it get worse.", Demitris warned gently, trying not to wake Rou or Fleur. "If Fleur's comfortable, I'm comfortable...", Aster insisted. Demitris facepalmed, "You're so selfish at times...", he stated. Aster raised his voice, "I'm only telling the truth!". Demitris immediately silenced Aster by covering his mouth, putting a finger to his lips, Aster tried to yell, making an awful sound, but stopped rather quickly after hearing the snoring of one of his sleeping friends.

"I don't know what to do...", Rou whispered to himself, his eyes closed. "I don't know what to do...", he repeated in a whisper. Demitris tried to hush him, and Rou reciprocated, "I think we should stop talking, Rou needs his sleep...", the auburn haired boy requested. Aster agreed, "Fleur does too, look at how exhausted she is, let's just hope we get to the infirmary soon, we all need to be checked over. The carriage continued in the dead of night, in the early hours of the morning, they would arrive at the mansion, where the changed environment will finally become apparent.