Suikoden VII

Chapter Eight: Part Seven

I have good news; after years of struggling with health problems I have a proper diagnosis and the help I've been getting has made significant improvements in a short period of time. I'm still battling chronic pain, which has made it difficult for me to concentrate on writing. I intend to finish this story regardless but chapters may be shorter.

This one took a little longer because of my health, but also because I lost a portion of this chapter when I got logged out and had to rewrite it. 😭

I appreciate your support and sticking with me.

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Chapter Eight: Part Seven

It really felt like a real arm. Even three days later it felt like a real arm.

When he clenched his hand into a fist he felt tension. When he touched the "skin" it had the same texture as the skin of his other arm. Viktor knew that it wasn't actually an arm, though; it was the Night Rune fused onto his body. Thankfully he hadn't heard the Rune speak to him yet and he didn't relish having private conversations with it.

But he had a right arm again. And with just a thought the arm could mutate into a sword. He would never need to yield another weapon again for as long as he would live.

Or until this Rune leaves me. Whenever that is.

"I can leave you now if you wish."

The familiar voice whispered across his mind like a soft caress. Viktor shuddered and rubbed at his nape with his free hand. "So you'd leave me after making that speech?" he grumbled.

Much to his surprise, the Night Rune had no answers for him. He scoffed and shook his head. "I'm glad to have all my limbs again, but now I'm frozen in time at 57 years old," he sighed. He looked down at his new arm. "Could you really not have made this offer to me before I turned 40?! I mean I'm still good, but I had better stamina 20 years ago!"

His right arm twitched, and Viktor felt a prickle at his senses. Someone was approaching him, but it wasn't a True Rune wielder. In the week since the Night Rune became his new right arm he had come to know the presence of other True Runes when they were used. This presence wasn't a True Rune wielder, but there was nonetheless familiarity. Viktor swiftly stood up and turned to face the person approaching him. He didn't bother to hide his frown. "What do you want, witch?" he announced.

Zerase materialized from the shadows, her movements soundless. Her dark brow arched as she stood before him. "The Night Rune has gifted you with better reflexes," she observed, folding her arms over her chest. "Most do not sense when I approach, even True Rune users."

Viktor lifted his right arm and pointed to it with his left hand. "It felt you coming. Probably because of that Twinkling Star Rune—"

"Just the Star Rune," Zerase interjected curtly, her eyes narrowing. "As it is the Firstborn Rune of the Night Rune, you should know its name."

"Why should I care to know its name?" Viktor asked. "After this war is over I'm going to make sure I never see your face again, lady."

"You speak with absolute certainty," Zerase replied, her tone dull.

"I'm going to disappear and move on—"

"And I will follow."

"Why?" Viktor spat out.

"Because I want the Night Rune," Zerase said simply.

"Well the Night Rune doesn't want you. Or did you not hear it tell you so multiple times?"

"Nonetheless you will not be rid of me, Vagabond Viktor," Zerase told him. She moved closer, still gliding soundlessly, and Viktor reflexively jumped back away from her. "I will be your shadow, just as the Black Knight will be the shadow of that teleportation girl—"