"Bounty hunters?", Lilith exclaimed in shock, "why would bounty hunters be after you?  You're not a criminal!"  With his head still bowed and unable to look his old friend in the eye, Hikaru spoke, "yes Lily, I am a wanted man on the Jongtai Islands.  I've been on the run for over fifty years now.  I'm wanted by the Imperial Court... dead or alive."

"Wait a moment", Marren interrupted, "I've known some less than savory characters in my life, but you hardly fit the description or act the role, Hikaru."   "Aye", Petra also remarked, "from what I've heard and seen over the past few hours, unless ye be one hells of a con man, I agree with the lad.  Ye be no criminal."  Adding to the conversation, Lyranda spoke, "though the spirits seem confused about you, they do tell me there is no evil about you."

"Surely there's a mistake Hikaru," Lilith once again tearfully addressed the old man, "I cannot believe that you are a criminal.  You are one of the most kindest, loving and honorable men I have ever known, it has to be a mistake."  With sobs of pain filling her words, thinking that the man she had loved as a father most of her life may be a fraud, Lilith asked,  "can you please tell us... tell me... what happened?  How are you a criminal and what is your crime?"

With a labored sigh, Hikaru rose from the bench beside Lilith, walked over to the fire and knelt there, staring into the flames.   "I am wanted for murder," the old man told the young woman, "I killed a man."   Knowing  his friend was about to speak, Hikaru  silenced her with a raise of his hand and continued his tale, "I know this troubles you, my child, but please let me finish before you ask or speak of the incident," then glancing around at the others, began to tell his story.

"I was a young monk of the Shaikwon Order, not even twenty years of age when it happened.  I was walking along the road when I spotted this man beating a woman with his riding crop while everyone that passed averted their eyes so as not to witness the event," then drawing a quick breath, continued, " I was appalled and angry that no one came to the woman's aid, I could not understand why the people around did nothing!  As I approached, the man began to draw back his arm to strike another blow, I grabbed the crop and stopped him.  He turned and screamed at me, 'What are you doing peasant? Do you not know who I am, fool?'."  Again taking a pause, "I answered him, 'No, I do not, nor do I care.  You will stop this and let her be.'  With that, the man drew his sword and began to lunge at me.  Using my staff, I meant to strike his sword arm and block his charge.  Unfortunately, he saw my staff coming and tried to duck the blow, he was a bit too slow and the end of my staff struck him in the temple, killing him instantly."  Standing now, Hikaru brought his narrative to a close, "when the bystanders saw what happened, they froze in fear.  Then one shouted, 'He killed the Emperor's nephew, go get the Imperial Guard!'  Knowing that no matter how right my interdiction was and that the man's death was a quirk of fate, I knew at that moment I was doomed to die a slow and torturous death in the Imperial Dungeons for killing a member of the Imperial Family... so I fled.  I've been on the run since that tragic day over fifty years ago."

After hearing her friend's account, Lilith rose from the bench and standing beside him, took the old man's hand in hers.  Reaching out to gently caress his cheek, she gazed into Hikaru's eyes and with her voice filled with love for him, spoke, "dear Hikaru, you are no criminal, you never were.  You were a man doing the right thing and having your honorable deed repaid with injustice and fear.  And for that, my 'little father', I will always love and respect you."  With tears in his eyes, Hikaru looked at the young woman, "I love you too, Lily."

As the rest of the group gathered around the pair, all began telling the old Jongtai of their respect and admiration of his past deed.  All agreeing that the grave injustice he received was the only thing that was criminal.  As the discussion went on, subjects changed and finally curiosity got the better of Hikaru.  Turning to Lilith, he asked, "exactly why are you with these people Lily?"  To which Lilith answered with a smile, "while in Myra's Cove, I inadvertently overheard they were headed to Crider's Blight and asked to join them.  They agreed, so here I am."  "I see," Hikaru replied, "and what takes you to Crider's Blight, may I ask?"   Responding to her friend's query, "I'm going to see my great aunt Sarah, she's a Priestess of the Light that ministers there.  She wasn't a young woman when she went there and she's getting along in years.  She's all the blood family I have left and I wanted to see her before it's too late."  "Sister Sarah is your aunt?  That is wonderful!", Hikaru said with a small laugh, "she's a beautiful woman, both within and without.  I would not mind seeing her again, myself."

Speaking up, Cailin interjected, "Hikaru, you're welcome to join us, if you'd like.  It's safer to travel in a group than alone and besides, it'll give you and Lilith some time over the next few days to get reacquainted... how about it?  Care to come along?"  "Are you sure Cailin?  You'll be traveling with a fugitive and could be putting you and your friends in harm's way," Hikaru responded.  With that, the whole group broke into laughter, first to speak was Marren, "Hikaru... you do realize where we are right now?  There hasn't been law and order in this area for over fifteen years now.  You'll fit right in with the locals.  Ah hells, even if they do learn about your past, knowing these scoundrels around here, they'll make you their king."  Once again, the sound of laughter filled the camp.

"Since you put it that way, sir," the old man responded, then turning to Cailin, continued, " I accept your offer, young lady and would be honored to join your merry troupe."  Looking around, Petra stated, "it be gettin' late folks, best we be beddin' down for some rest."  Placing her arms around Hikaru's shoulders, Lilith lovingly said to her old friend, "come Father, it's my turn to tuck you into bed" and began to walk him back to his hovel.  When they arrived at the doorstep, Hikaru turned to Lilth, "thank you my child, for everything.  I'll be fine now.  Return to your friends and I will join you again in the morning."

As Lilith turned to leave, Hikaru softly said, "goodnight and pleasant dreams.  I love you, Daughter..."

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