Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 130: Vengeful Spirit

"Let's go!", Fleur shouted. Demitris quickly nodded, "Alright, let's go!", he said as he pulled Fleur along. The two slowly made their way through the buildings in the village, carefully going between houses through holes in the walls, trying to find some clues of what exactly happened to Aster and the other soldiers. After an hour of nothing, both of them began to get lethargic, yawning and dragging their feet along.

What time is it?", Fleur asked, trying to hide her fatigue. "It's late afternoon I think.", Demitris answered, "We have been exploring for nearly an hour.", Demitris said, trying to keep himself awake. "How about we rest for a while?", Demitris suggested. Fleur nodded, "I guess it would be best.", she said with a smile. The two sat down on the ground, watching the sun slowly make its way towards the horizon through the window.

"Thank you for staying with me Demitris.", Fleur said, "I know it was a lot to ask, but I didn't want to go alone, I couldn't, all this fighting and going out in the field, it's still new to me.", "Don't worry about it, I'm glad you're here, and I know I'm not the only one who thinks so. Aster knows you can save him and the other soldiers, I'm positive.", Demitris smiled. "You seem calmer Demitris, as if you work better under pressure.

"I do, I guess it's just how I was raised.", Demitris said, "I guess you could say I'm a natural born leader.", Demitris said, "I'm not sure if I like it though.", Demitris said, "I don't want to be like my parents, I heard they were monsters, capitalists that yearn to exploit. They neglected me because of my ability, and that I wouldn't be as heartless as them. I'm glad my memories have returned, it means I know how to be better than them."

"Demitris, there's something I need to tell you...", muttered Fleur. "Sure tell me anything.", replied the auburn haired man. "The syndicate are the reason why you were cursed with such an ability...", uttered Fleur. Demitris didn't know how to feel, "H-how so?", he struggled to get the words out. Fleur was hesitant to explain, with Demitris's emotions bring uncertain, and the walls being as fragile as they were, but now could be her only chance. "You're the product of a succubus attack, which your parents fell for, and Catoria was the culprit...".

"I see, so you guys planned this!", he began to raise his voice. Fleur had to stop him, or the walls would certainly fall down on top of them. "No, it was an act of revenge! Your parents abused their power!", the elf girl exclaimed. "How do I know I can trust you? You're almost as high up as the traitor! You probably want me loyal and obedient!", Demitris headed for the wall, Fleur behind him, desperately trying to push him away when suddenly, they felt a presence.

"The flames of corruption appear to be strong it seems.", said a voice from the blackness. "W-who are you? I'll decay you if I have to!!!", Demitris shouted, still very provoked. "I'm but an old friend of the syndicate's, nothing more.", they remarked. "Come out this instant!", demanded Fleur, a sword in her gripe. "Ah, young Fleur! Seems you've grown since I last saw you.", the voice called out. Fleur recognised their tone, but couldn't pinpoint it.

"Who's your friend? Or enemy? It's not clear with you two, not pretty at all...", they continued. Demitris took a deep breath and tried to answer as calmly as he could, "I'm Demitris, Demitris...Lowpeak.", he responded, having difficulty getting his words out. The presence admired the man, giving their own advice, "Seems you have shame on your family name, a line full of exploitation, selfishness and greed.", they pointed out.

"I-I know, but why couldn't I just know the truth instead of having it erased and hidden away from me by those higher up?", asked Demitris. Fleur felt empathy for the one eyed man, and wanted to know how to reach out to him, without seeming corrupt, but how could she do that when the syndicate was the only thing she ever knew. "Demitris, we can talk this out. I believe in you!", she projected.

"A conflict of experience it seems.", commented the voice. They continued, "I was betrayed, once. It's an ugly thing really, it's why I'm here and not living in that mansion. I refuse to accept my fate, i became a spirit token early, but it's just how things played out.". Demitris was skeptical, "A betrayed spirit? Seems like a bit of a stretch for what I went through...", he reflected. Fleur agreed, "I've had misunderstandings, but never a betrayal. Could the syndicate really be that corrupt? I've heard many things today about 'someone pulling the strings' and 'a traitor in our midst', we have to solve this."

"So you're interested in learning my story?", the spirit said with excitement. "It could be interesting…", Demitris remarked. "I want to know if there really is a traitor in the syndicate.", added Fleur. The spirit cleared their throat "Then we'll begin, if you want to search for what you seek, you have to find it...". As the sun started to set on an eventful evening, Fleur and Demitris were about to look for the truth about the syndicate, the soldiers, and their lives moving forward, and neither were going to expect it.