TRUE COURAGE FOUND

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or anything else, except this story, on Suikoden IV.

Author's note: The names I chose for the game are as follows; the hero's name is Link, the ship's name is the Dauntless, and the army's name is the Crusaders.

"What makes you think I would loose to a fleet full of rebels?" Vingerhut asked.

"Considering that these rebels were able to reunite the islands together for a good cause, plus pull off a pincer maneuver on us when we least expect it, then you don't even stand half of a chance in defeating them." Colton answered.

Vingerhut just snorted, not believing a word Colton said, "That was nothing but a fluke, and nothing more."

"There is a difference between a fluke and good leadership, and considering that we've beaten a good portion of the Kooluk forces, I'd say it's the last one." Both men turned to be greeted by Warlock, just as he exited out of the cannon control room.

Colton chuckled at this, "Indeed, and in a way, I'm glad that Sir Troy had let him and his friends go after we defeated them." He said.

Vingerhut was surprised to hear this, "If you defeated them, then why didn't you kill them on the spot when you had the chance?" He asked.

"Because when we found them, they were just a group who could never return home due to being exile from there." Colton explained, "Plus, if we have killed Link, then one of us would have been next to receiving the Rune of Punishment."

"Which is what this invasion is really about." Warlock said, "Cray doesn't care about which side wins. Right now, the only thing he wants is the Rune that currently resides on the boy's hand. For what purpose, only he knows."

"Excuse me, Sir Warlock," All three men turned to see Paula walking up to them, "Lady Elenor would like to see you whenever you have some free time."

"Any time away from Pablo is free time for me." Warlock said, before walking away.

Paula looked at Vingerhut for a bit before walking away, "Wait," She stopped to listen to what he has to say, "Tell me, why would your friends stand up to me since you all used to serve under me as one of my knights?"

"The keywords are used to," Paula started answering back, "The reason why we stand up to you is because we're on a ship in the middle of water, and the only authority around here is the captain. The main reason is because you exiled our friend from the island without even giving him a chance to defend himself. We were the only ones who believed in him in the first place, and the fact that you did not send one single ship to aid us against the Kooluk invasion fleet gives us every right to stand up to you."

Vingerhut was angry at the response, "She's right, Vingerhut." Colton started saying, "While you sat around scratching your butt, you left your son alone to a possible death, and when the island becomes free from Kooluk control, you walk in and act like you still own the place even though you never even once lifted a finger to help.

Paula started to walk away once again, "Hey Snowe, I see you finally got some new clothes." She said, while greeting her friend.

Snowe was wearing something similar to his pirate suit, except without the collar, "Yeah, well, my old clothes were starting to show off parts of me that don't need public viewing, so I decided to go for a little change."

"I think Jewel would be disappointed about that since she was hoping to see parts of your you-know-what." Paula said, leaving behind a very red Snowe, and a laughing Colton.

Vingerhut was getting mad at this, "Snowe, I want you to come with me now, off this cursed ship. I'm afraid this crew is becoming a bad influence on you." He ordered, while walking away. When he noticed that Snowe was right where he left him, "Snowe, you will do exactly what I say, I'm your father."

"Could have fooled me," Snowe said, "Since the last time I checked, I don't owe you anything, but you owe me plenty."

Vingerhut is shocked by this, his own flesh and blood was no longer listening to his commands, "Snowe, son, what has gotten into you?"

Snowe was now getting angry, "Oh, you leave me on my own against the Kooluk without sending any support and you want to know what's gotten into me?" He said, making his father's eyes grow wide, "You thought that I'll still be the same person you left in charge of Razril, that I would start begging you to save me from these people, even though they've been watching out for me."

Vingerhut started felt like he was being attacked hard by his own son, "See what I'm saying, this crew is turning you . . ." He started to say, before Snowe intercepted him.

"Turning me into what? My own person?" Snowe said, "Ever since I started walking on my own two feet, you were making decisions for me, without even asking for what I thought about it. Growing up was hard for me because my father was the governor of the area, plus a big part of Gaien, that I never got a chance to have a decent childhood."

Vingerhut's ego was now in control of him, ""Now you see why I wouldn't let you be with that Link and his friends? They've corrupted your mind. Now I want you to come with me right this moment."

Snowe was now furious, "No father, I will not come with you. Link and the others were the only friends that I've had. They were the only ones to treat me like an equal while most of the town was too busy kissing up to me." He said, before walking away, "As of now, I'm no longer your son, since you made that perfectly clear at Razril. Now please leave this ship."

About a hour later, Vingerhut was on his ship, trying to control his anger. Not only did this crew show no fear of him whatsoever, his only child cut him off from his life. He looked up to his ship's captain, "Sir, what would you like to do now.

Vingerhut had only one answer, "We attack."

Here it is the latest chapter. The next one will be the final one. I'm still determining on wither I should let Vingerhut get killed, or let him live. Read and Review.