Kings Gambit

Chapter 34 - Confessions

It all felt like a nightmare. A horrible, mind-splitting nightmare. The screams... The crying... The truth... It all seemed to build up so quickly.

Are you surprised? Are you mad? You shouldn't be. You knew all of what that bastard had to say. He was nothing more than a pawn.

Of course, I'm mad... You make me mad.

Is that so? It was your idea to erase your memory, you know? Don't treat me like I'm not you.

But why? Why would I do such a thing? These people are innocent! They had no reason to lose their lives... Their memories...

You got your memory from your role, right? You should know that answer.

The Machina...

You were hunting them down for quite a while. You were the only one ever to find them. Of course, she helped you significantly along the way.

Annie... She didn't have to go like that... Tristan, that sick bastard, I'm glad I watched him die.

Justice, right? That's what you're all about. That's what we're all about. Criminals and liars should pay for their actions and deserve death. Don't you agree?

No, I disagree. I don't know what happened to make me so cynical about justice, but I disagree with your thought process. Not all criminals deserve to die.

That's because you don't have the complete picture yet. The Machina taught us the truth. You just forgot it.

Like hell, I'll never side with-

The Machina? Yeah, you hated their guts. I still do. But they had a point. He had a point.

Rid the world of crime using crime... The people The Machina targeted were criminals who had escaped the law. And notorious liars.

They could do things that you couldn't do in the police force. And you wanted the power of justice for yourself. You even roped your little friend as well. You're quite convincing. I guess that's why you're a good interrogator.

My friend?...

Guess I went too far. You should wake up soon. The game is about to begin once again... Oh, and watch out for your brother. He seems to be a bit on edge.

Before I could respond, my eyes opened, and the musty air filled my senses. I placed my arm over my throbbing forehead. Just what did I do?

I got up from bed, put on my jacket, and fixed my tie before walking out of my room. I looked at the clock in the central hall. 9:46 AM, I suppose I should go to the dining room.

I stretched my shoulders and walked down the stairs. With a deep breath, I opened the dining room door.

"Morning, Mr. Detective." Jasper tilted his head towards me. With an awkward pause, I spoke.

"Morning," I glanced away as I sat at the dining table. I was at least expecting someone else to be here.

"Claire is a bit upset at me, and I don't blame her. But that's the reason she isn't here yet." Jasper continued.

"Right." I looked down. Jasper's eyes switched to red.

"You know, I don't think we should worry about our little blood relation. It makes no sense. After all, Tristan probably pulled that out of his ass." Jasper laughed.