Disclaimers apply. I didn't create all the characters I used in this story, and I deserve no recognition whatsoever over them. Suikoden belongs to Konami.

Luca's Redemption – Chapter One

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A Second Chance

Location: The Woods near Dunan Castle

"Look at me, Riou!!!! I am the true face of evil!! MWAHAAHAA!!!..Ha…ha.ha… haa….h-" And then he collapsed. The one whom struck fear into the hearts of all men with his malice and cruelty. Riou's army left for their castle leaving Luca and his night raid party for dead. But….

"……Is this….how it's all….going to end?? I…. I can't die….not here… I just can't……" Luca muttered as his demise approached closer and closer.

"Resurrection Rune! Flowing Rune! Show me your power! I command upon thou!! Yell!! Mother Ocean!!" A seemingly distant voice shouted. And suddenly, a warm, gentle light surrounded Luca. The two runes' spells were working together to revive him.

'What is this?? After all I've done… Is this how they show their fear of the true face of evil?' Luca's mortal wounds were slowly going away. He couldn't believe it. He was getting healed!

Luca got on his feet and glanced around for the person that healed him. He saw a man nearby. He wore a Buddhist monk's robe, except the robe was dark blue and the sash part was white. 'Blue and white… Those are the colors on the Highland flag…' Luca thought. The man's brown hair was cut short, almost like Luca's haircut. He had both his hands raised, one glowing a blueish color, and the other a light red.

"Hey!! You healed me?"

"Your time is not now. Yes, I am he whom has healed you."

"Run now and I might just let you live!"

"………………"

"PIG!!! Aren't you scared?! As far as I'm concerned, Riou's army ran away because they couldn't take me down!! Your story will not reach anyone's ears!"

"If I was searching for fame, I would've taken your life. Not give it back."

"Then, DIE!!!!" Luca grabbed his sword and sprung towards the mysterious man and swung. But, surprisingly, the man dodged the sword as if not lifting a finger. Luca swung again and again, but no avail. He evaded Luca's attempts so easily, it almost looked like he wasn't moving at all.

"Bastard!! Who are you?!"

"I… am here to give you a second chance. I have been sent by Fate… Destiny, if you will. As I said before, you are not supposed to die here and now. You must-"

"Shut up!! Stop yakking and tell me who you are?!" Luca interrupts.

"I am Maroux. I ask that you put down your sword…"

"OOHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Or else what??!! What could an imbecile like you do to ME?!! BAHHAAHAHAHAHA!!!! Stupid fool!!! You-"Before he could say anything else, Maroux lifted a magic scroll.

"Scroll of the Wind Crystal! I command you! Wind of Sleep!!" The scroll lit up and the Wind Rune symbol materialized in the air. The wind scroll turned into a pinkish mist that enveloped Luca, causing him to collapse; Luca had fallen asleep.

"We must travel far from here, before you cause anymore harm to the people around you… Your second chance begins now Luca. I beg of you, Fate: don't let this chance be wasted…"

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What will become of Luca? Who is this Maroux? And what plan does 'Fate' have in store for Luca? Find out more as the story continues… Chapter 2 coming up!