Chapter 200 - Why?

So, that's how it would look like to outsiders. She didn't think that many people paid attention to her relationship with Akito, anyway. So, up until recently. Setsura didn't care about other people's opinions. But, once she realized it affects Akito too. Setsura slowly changed her mind. These days she is far too reckless and attracts too much attention. How many times does Akito have to clean up her mess? She isn't a child. However, she is grateful.

Akito is one of the few people who accepted the weak side — accepted everything about her, no matter how ugly it is. Back then, no matter what she did. No matter how much effort she put in. It was always her fault. Everything she said was an excuse. She was never right; she was always wrong. Before she knew it, Setsura found herself gradually affected by those words. She understood it was their opinion, that's just how things are.

Some will accept you, those who will understand. Just because somebody rejects you, does not mean you are a bad person. It does not mean you give up on the world. However, slowly, her faith and belief in people - in herself diminished.

No matter how much effort she put in. People still looked at her with those cold eyes. They still pushed away any trace of the effort she made; they dismissed it as nothing. Her feelings slowly became numb on the matter. But, whenever something happened. The pain would come crawling back and eat her out. It would make her feel depressed all over again.

Setsura was about to say something when she saw that Victor had fallen asleep.

She blinked once and then twice. Is he serious? Who falls asleep while standing? A deep sigh passed her lips as she supported him over to the bench. 'What a hopeless person,' however... He certainly caught her off guard there. She didn't think he would say something like that.

His words bothered her a bit. Akito and her have not known each other for long. That's why when Victor said those words. An indescribable feeling welled up inside her.

____

Victor stood in a field; he couldn't see anything but the color white. Thick and heavy rain droplets fell

on to the ground. His lips turned blue because of the cold. Victor had never felt so helpless in his entire life before; his feet felt heavy. It felt like shackles wrapped around his feet, weighing him down.

His entire body felt heavy, and just as he was about to take another step forward. He felt a sudden sharp pain at his shoulder. His vision blurred, somebody was following him. An arrow lay not too far from his feet. Familiar voices and yet filled with so much malice.

He continued to walk, and they continued to attack.

No matter how much he screamed, no matter how much he yelled, nobody could hear him through the strong winds.

He shivered violently before he collapsed face first. Moments later, he hears footsteps. "Do you think he's dead?"

"Of course, he is."

"That's good."

"Is it really okay?"

"He was against it! We had no choice."

Ah, he knew these voices. Of course, he did. How could he forget? These people are his dear companions. So, they are the ones who did this to him?

As numerous images flashed across his head, images and voices of the very people who did this.

'I hope we get to play here someday.'

'Don't just hope idiot we will.'

'On this stage the 5 of us...'

'Huh, what did you say...could you repeat that?

Why? Why is this happening? Wait don't leave, don't leave. Victor hears their footsteps fading, and he wanted nothing more than to get up. But the pain in his body is unbearable.

His thoughts broke off when those images faded. Somebody was calling out to him.

"Victor!"

Why did they all leave him? All alone. Why did they all go?

"Victor."

Victor woke up in a cold sweat, breathing heavily as he extended his hand out and grabbed the person who called out his name's arm. Adjusting his vision, he could make out Setsura. "Why are you still around?" Victor murmured.

Judging from the slightly darker skies now. He had slept for a while now. Why didn't she go home?

"I heard you were in pain as I went past so ...."

He drops her hand then. " Sorry," Victory apologized.

Setsura backs away slightly, and Victor saw that she kept her head low. Is she nervous? That's a new one.

If he weren't in this state, he would undoubtedly tease her shy character right now. But he really isn't... Victor felt terrible after waking up to such a terrible nightmare. Quite some time has passed since he last had one of those. Usually, he is far too busy, and he keeps himself occupied with other things.

"Um, you look quite pale. Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

Victor closes his eyes, "It's nothing." At least it's nothing she should get involved in.

"Victor, it appears you've been overworking yourself a lot lately. Maybe you should take a break...."

Victor glares at her, "Didn't I just say this was nothing?"

"But.."

Tsk, she has no right to lecture him on this matter. Feeling his irritation build-up, Victor shook his head. Don't lose control; if he does - that sight will happen again. He will end up pushing away somebody who cares for him.

"Are you sure you really don't want to appear? At the last festival?"

It seems like Akito already told her everything. Victor knew the reason why his friend was changing; it's because of this girl. That's a good thing, and yet ...

"I have work that day, so there is no chance for me to go there?" Victor retorted and stood up as he put his hands in his pockets and brushed past her. That's right; things are different now. He can no longer return to those days. That's why it's already fine this way.

"Even if you can't participate. You can still watch a bit..." Setsura carries on.

Dam, she really won't get the message, huh? For the longest time, Victor has felt that a monster was growing inside him. Not an actual monster. But such dark and ugly feelings appeared inside him. Victor wondered, since when did he have such thoughts? He's always been the cheerful type. That one guy people could rely on to deal with all the mess.

"I already said I wasn't going," Victor still tried to remain calm. He didn't want to scare her too much.

"You don't mean that, though!"

At that comment, though, Victor snapped. He couldn't take it anymore. How come this girl sees through everybody? What's with her?

Victor grabbed hold of the girl's arm and pins her towards the pillar wall and brought his lips towards the girl's neck. "I warned you already to leave the matter alone. If I do something to you now, don't blame me."

To his surprise, though, she suddenly grabbed hold of his wrist, before Victor could react. Setsura twisted it, causing him to yelp in pain. His eyes widened, 'she's strong?' Victor thought so when he saw her marksmanship, but this was a bit too much. He didn't think she would be this powerful.