「SO OUTSIDE OF MY MISERY, I THINK I'LL FIND」
「A WAY OF ENVISIONING A BETTER LIFE」
「FOR THE REST OF US, THE REST OF US」
「THERE'S HOPE FOR THE REST OF US, THE REST OF US」
•THIS IS BOOK II
• THE FIRST BOOK IS CALLED "Revenge"
•ART CREDITS ARE UNKNOWN:...
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Chapter Thirty-Three: A Hunter's Promise
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SIMON stood by the doors to the garden, his gaze centered on the small girl playing there. Despite the winter weather that stood outside, the Sanctuary garden was vibrant with life. Vines hung from the concrete walls, and hundreds of flowers bloomed inside of their beds, some hanging down into the walkway. Hope stood in front of the fountain, watching the waterfall. She held a bundle of flowers in her hand, and when she noticed Simon there, she smiled.
"She resembles Akeldama when she was younger," Simon said.
"Has her temperament too," Satoru added. "She's only doing this for her, you know."
Simon exhaled. "I know. Though I will never understand what it's like to love a child of my own, I understand why she is choosing to do this."
"Having a kid is like having a piece of yourself," Satoru said. "It's an instinct to protect yourself, but when it comes to your child, it's a whole different story. You'd sacrifice yourself to save them. Aki's doing just that."
"I don't believe that she is sacrificing herself," Simon replied. "I believe she knows she will win. Even if Satan doesn't perish, but rather hides to recuperate himself, that is still a victory. I don't believe Akeldama will kill him, but I do believe she will make a difference."
"Do you think it's a bad idea?" Satoru asked, turning his head to Simon.
"I don't think it's a good idea to fight against the devil," He answered. "But I don't think it's a bad idea to try and do something to protect your family."
Satoru glanced back at the doors to the chapel. "How long will she be in there?"
"I don't know. She is in confession. It could take minutes, hours, or even days. She's repenting, trying to rid her body of any evil in it. After her confession, Nathan will baptize her. If she feels ready, then she may go whenever," He said. "She's already cut her hair."
"Cut it?" Satoru asked, slightly surprised.
"The cutting of the hair is more of a cultural belief than it is religious," Simon replied, moving both of his hands to rest on his staff. "It represents cutting out the bad parts of your life. It allows for growth, and for more memories to grow. Her mourning period is over, and she will burn the parts of her hair she cuts, offering it to the spirits to show her grief."
"Did she do this because of Father Brayth?"
"I believe he played a role in it," Simon nodded. "But she has been in mourning for many years. Akeldama has lost many things in her life, but, she has also gained things."
