FATE\Deus Decipit

Chapter 65: Inner Demons

12:35am, The Acropolis

Where Aaron once sat, Rider was now perched in a posture unfit for his magnanimous appearance. Hunched over, kneading his hands, he could almost be mistaken for human, as the emotions that filled his glowing mind most certainly were.

As he'd expected, Lancer's rake appeared off the edge of the plateau, coming taught to pull the small form up to the mountain's peak with enough force to land on his feet. It could be immediately determined from the misery that wafted off his body that the search for his Master had been a complete and uncontestable failure.

"Ah, friend Lancer. Wast there any sign of thine Master?"

He shook his head, "Nah. None," He pleaded with his eyes, "What do we do now?"

Rider heaved a deep sigh, filled with regret, "Aye. I do fear that, for the time being, there should be a lack for any 'we', my friend. Not by mine own volition, mind, but mine choices are both few and difficult."

Lancer paused here, the torrent of emotions clashing against each other to create a complete mental and physical stand-still,

"...So... Your Master didn't come around, did he?"

"I fear so, aye. Although, I yet hath faith that he may see the light, but that should not occur before the dawn, not in the least because of the dreams that have taken him tonight. A thousand apologies, friend. I plead to thee, do not come to hate us, for I myself mean well, and mine Master, he..."

His voice trailed off, without any clear indication of where the thought had intended to end.

Pigsy grimaced, "...Whatever. I don't hold it against you..."

"All my thanks to thee, Lancer, but please, do not lose hope in thine allies now. As said, I do believe mine Master will come to see these events... in another, more generous perspective."

He eyed the glowing Rider with suspicion, "And why's that?"

"Mine Master hath a great pride in him: a pride which prevents him from admitting when he is in the wrong. But pride is a most fickle mistress, and I hath faith that she would keep him from becoming a spectator in his own life, and from forsaking the chance to make the change he wishes to see in the world around him."

Rider glanced at his hand and looked away, continuing, "However, even if that should not come to pass, we shall certainly negotiate on thine behalf come the war council tomorrow. I doth see no sensible reason why we should not be able to earn thine Master's safe return given the war as it is." He returned to Pigsy, his voice raising with a note of genuine hope, "Nevertheless, that is only the worst scenario, and I doth not think that should be what comes to pass. Prithee, Lancer, there is no reason to despair, not so long as thine Master still draws breath."

Pigsy's face fell, "I see. You say there's nothing to be done tonight, then?"

"Aye, though I doth realize that such an idea does not being thee any satisfaction."

He shook his head, "No, no. It's fine. This is war after all; it isn't right to go to your enemies and expect unconditional support..." He took a large sniff, and it became clear that he was holding back tears, "Hey, Rider, before I go, could I ask you something?"

Rider leaned forward, his attention brought fully to the pig, "Of course, cousin, ask without remorse."

Mucus began to drip from his large nose, "You've got a good head on your shoulders, so I want to know what you think.. what you think about... everything. Why is it that everything good always ends so horribly? Why can't it just last forever?"