Disclaimer: Suikoden Series is a copyrighted game of Konami.

THE WANDERER (a.k.a "Everybody's mad")

(WARNING: NO SERIOUS PLOT, just a series of scenes of wanderer; plus typos, grammar errors, ect..)

note:from now on, this is going to be much simpler-narrow minded- just for fun thingy- and lack of details.

I kind of lazy and lost my interest on this one anyway, and this project started with a "not serious plot"

=Chapter XV: Uncertainty=

-Obel Palace Museum, Obel, Island Nation Federation-

"So, it's true then? Not just a rumor?" Tir McDohl was sweating. The climate here was a bit unfriendly for him. Yet, the scenery of this country was really worthed for sightseeing, the food was delicious, and Tir could eat banana with low price. The ladies here were beautiful too, just like last time he's here.

" 'When the world is in chaos, the Chosen Son of Obel shall rise once again and the sea will calm; Endless Prosperity, Glory, and Peace will born for Kingdom of The Seas.' A leader, a pure Kuldes, will bring our Nation to its former glory, no... to the most success and glory we could have. Island Nation Federation will stand as a powerful and prosperous country. That is, Sir.", an old man, in his early 60s explained. He was a lean man for his age, had a very neat short and straight blond hair with almost grey streaks covering it, wearing a classic small round glasses that once must be an expensive one, and nice black suits with white shirt, just minus a tie. "Is there anything else you want to know? I am glad that youngster now is interested in learning our history and culture. Oh, but you... you're foreigner, right? Your skin is not tanned. And your clothes..."

Toran classic style of clothing. Even Toran folks nowadays weren't exactly wearing this kind of attire anymore. His clothes was exactly like his golden years of life as the legendary hero of his motherland, completed with his famous green bandana. Why? Didn't he loved that play? hid himself in these past years? Hm, a certain person would love to know that he'd changed. He even built that Toran restaurant, didn't he? If he was in this unique yet familiar attire, that certain person would be actually easy to find him, although yes, it's also likely challenging Sasarai to find him easily. Speaking of Sasarai... if what's Luc had warned him was true, well, it's the best to set off. He might be indifferent at first, but actually that was also what had triggered his rush decision to moved away. Sasarai just couldn't have his.

"Ah... haha... I am not a native, but I am sure I'll promote Island Nation in my homeland through my book. This is a wonderful country, really. ", he answered.

Right, Tir had thought twice, but then he'd decided to literally sold out his dear newly found dynasty of gold to be there. Island Nation Federation; islands full of mysterious things that somehow chanted him to seek their secrets. Again. Probably the Soul Eater had led him there. Oh whatever. He had not expected him to be this rush to left everything and came to the place once had been home of pirates. But here he was...

Obel Island.

At the former Palace of Obel Kingdom precisely, which had been turned by their government to be some kind of museum. A historical building, a perfect place to educate Islander youth to remember their origins, that somehow failed to serve the very purpose of itself, to protect history and culture; and also failed to attract tourism. It was a sacred symbol, a site that highly protected and prestigious for people of Island Nation that really maintained well by the government; but just a symbol of pride, which now usually lack of visitors. Tir, the only visitor now, had already spent two hours exploring this place.

He's kind of tired and not interested in what would Sasarai probably after. One thing he knew: he had his own life to take care, and Sasarai could do anything he wanted but Tir refused if he was about to be the bishop's sor someone else's pawn. It would be wiser if he finally could free himself from the curse, he'd done it without giving Sasarai advantage, that probably could- or could not harm the world. Not that suicide was an option either; Remember kids... don't ever think about it! That low act was certainly against his belief; the biggest sin; and he had promised himself not to do that, regardless how cruel life could be. And without being able to keep his own words, tell me again, what was a man then? That's why,there must be a way, sealing this rune off, without involving Sasarai, although it'd be much easier for Tir if he just gave away his life to that bishop. If he couldn't, just be it, he still had his life, so be it, he'd just have to try to accept it and enjoy whatsoever. Finding this man was also one of his list. After all, even Ted wasn't here -and yes, such a big disappointment- somebody out there also suffered like him. And right! 'That thing' that also bugged him lately...another puzzle... yes, he'd certain that something fishy was going on.. Ah, well, just take a breath first and enjoy moments here.

"The Dauntless replica, although small, is amazing... Is it true that the original was that big?"

"Still amazed by that replica from west wing earlier, Sir?Hm.. if you really like it, you could stop in marketplace to buy a much smaller one in souvenir stall. Oh, you haven't heard about rune cannon, it's more breathtaking!"

"rune cannon?"

"Yes, once a powerful unique weapon... but... ah, forget it. Anyway, you speak Island Nation language quite good, young man- ehm, Sir. That explains how you love this lands of heaven, right? So? Shall we continue the tour? Is there anything else you'd like to ask? It's sad that this museum is a little out of visitors right now, but that means you can have all the time you need", he smiled.

"*clear throat* ahem, anyway...Kuldes... the royal family... aren't they vanished from the world? I am sorry... but I heard that last month, all remaining Kuldes family; the descendants of the royals all murdered in unsolved murdering cases, right? "

"what a shame, a sad incident really. Yes. But it's politics. I don't know, we don't have to talk about it. Island Nation Federation has already a strong and stand as a well developed country anyway... ha ha... We don't really need that prophecy. We just need to elect a finer president and prime minister –ehm- not that the current government is bad... So, shall we move to other areas, Sir?"

...Ted is not here.

Ted was here at the Dauntless... long before our meeting.

..."Ah, Mr Kenneth, I heard that the war inflicted the birth of Island Nation Federation involving a mysterious rune... a true rune perhaps?"

"Nope. But the Royal Family of Obel did have mystical history...But I don't know anything."

"-a dark rune? A curse rune perhaps?"

"Rune? Island Nation riches of mystical stories since centuries ago... like all kind of monsters, the story of mermaids, tales of the pirates... and we do have Nay Kobold and Elf tribes, but... rune? Probably you should ask some magician scholar far to the Queendom of Falena or Harmonia Kingdom about that."

Tir was stunned suddenly, looking at a big old painting with gold luxurious frame that was clearly taken care despite it had been dull in several aspects. Real gold.

"This painting... a boy? Well, he's unlikely older than me... But not royalties, why is his picture here, among pictures of royalties?" a boy, brown-dirty blond hair with red bandana, ocean blue eyes full of sadness but so sharp and intimidating in the same time... brown jacket and a pair of shorts.. , shorts... seriously?ha ha... but that pair of blades seems dangerous...

"Oh, he is the Brave Lazlo, our legendary hero, the valiant fighter who's loyal to the founder of Island Nation Federation, the last Obel King, Lino en Kuldes. He was a great leader and legend said he possessed a mighty power. Rumor spreads among folks that he was the true leader that led his own army aboard the Dauntless, the biggest ship in his era, not King Lino en Kuldes, the first President of Island Nation. But that is up to folks to judge... he's too young anyway. Oh yes! The Dauntless we talk about it earlier is his . And do you know what? My name is after his loyal friend... yes, such a popular legend it is..."

"Lazlo? Could he be a true rune bearer? What he'd become as King Lino became the first President? Prime Minister? Or vice-something? Gener-"

"Died. I heard Harmonian legend that true rune bearers couldn't die. That means he didn't have any."

Aha! Maybe he is... And he'd succeeded in sealing the rune! I must find it, then. I don't have any regret traveling here for a second times...

"...He was said found dead, floating in the ocean on his tiny little ship just after the final battle during the war. Ah... but that is just legend. Legend... history... well... You should try library, not just a tour in the museum to write a real book, Sir. Well, well..., let's move forward."

But Tir was still looking at the painting.

Hm...

?! Huh...?

o.O.o

Meanwhile...

-Vinay del Zexay, New Knight Lounge inside Former Coucil Building-

"A suspicious letter that delivered by that merchant?", Edmund asked.

"One of our soldiers delivered it this noon... he said he got this from a merchant... But our men had already taken care the said merchant. He had been brought to Brass Castle prison.", Adrian answered.

"Brass? So, the poor merchant didn't even put his steps here. But imprisoned? What a poor guy...", Edmund commented.

"What would you expect? He delivered a very suspicious letter, from 'Ryu of Toran' to 'the Captain Edmund Redrum of Zexen. The date itself was around our battle against Dunan when we aided Tinto for the first time. Remember? Our loss in long march to Black Mine Fotress, due to Ferulean's request of truce." , Adrian said.

"Probably just some kids playing a bad joke..."

"Ed, I doubt that. ...And Hans mumbled about Toran involvement..."

"Hans? Did he?why bring Hans now? Arrggh... I can't believe that boy fooled us!"

"... The most intriguing part is the fact that this letter is intended to a man named Ryu, not from Ryu. It's almost as if the sender want to attract us- or someone- with words 'Ryu and Toran'. Mentioning your name, as if this is meant for you...just an act to make this letter arrives here. Yes, because you were our highest figure at time apparently, before Lady Chris appeared."

"A bad joke? Or is this some kind of insult or a warning sign from Toran?Since it involves my name, let me see it.."

"I doubt you'll find it's useful for you. See? It's written in Toran language."

"Read it for me, Adrian! I mean, translate it. I know you're capable."

"It doesn't make any sense, though...Ok...ok.. Fine." Adrian cleared his throat then started to read in Zexen language:

"Ryu, finally I write to you. I know, it'll take times that maybe even this letter will be too old to read, when everything has become 'past tense' , haha... (I bet you fail to laugh)...Ah, how I hope this letter arrives in your hands just in time. I can not use the birds, it's too far from here.

I just want you to know that I am OK. Do not worry about me. When you read this, I'll probably have been in Island Nation.

You're right. It is really the time for me to stop chasing the shadow of my past.

No clues leading to him, but I did some literature reading in Greenhill that mentioned 27 true runes instead. I believe there is a person that suffers similar torments like me. Everything is unclear, though, because you know how Harmonia keep their secrets, how Harmonia acclaimed true runes and every tiny bits of information on them just for themselves, and all true runes matters have been wiped off from history. Oh! and there is this ancient belief, a prophecy in Island Nation:

'When world in chaos, the Son of Obel shall rise once again and the sea will calm; Prosperity,Glory, and Peace will born for Kingdom of The Seas.'

It's a translation, that's why I am going to check it for real this time in Island Nation. Last time I was there, I just spent my time and money seeking for my past. So, this was oblivious for me. I believe the person who suffers like me, is the same person this prophecy mentioned. I just need to find this person.

Yes, my friend, although I think it's time to give up already, I've found something interesting during my journey instead . That's why, I want to meet you in person then we could talk much... My hunch is something fishy is going on. Lately, to trust people seems a bit pricey, eh?

Please trust me. I have never betrayed you as friend, which I don't have to worry, since it's Ryu who we're talking about... haha... years must have taught both us well, right? I believe you understand my bizarre actions lately.

Note: Just give me the signals, I'll be waiting there. We need some catch up talk. We should travel together like old times. If you angry just because of 'that', bring your precious tonfa and settle one on one like a man, in a fair match with me!

[don't dare to ignore THIS. I've spent almost all my potches and gone bankrupt just to ascertain this arrives!]

But, if this letter happened to come too late and you found no significance of the situation, just ignore it, and forget about me. I might have freed myself. I'm trying some speculations here.

*unclear Symbols; a signature*

[Desperate letter]"

"Desperate letter? What the hell is that?...and is this a girl's writings? These aren't words of a man.", Adrian commented after finishing the last words. "And do you know what, Ed? The merchant, a native Zexen man, was paid as high as 300.000 potches and given a sword and a horse just to deliver this letter to Captain Edmund Redrum." Flat expression of Adrian. Then a sneer.

"Hm... odd. Ah, but I think... we don't have to worry about it now. It's been a month... That creepy Bishop Sasarai hasn't made a move yet. Dunan and Tinto surprisingly leave us alone... But I know this is just transient calm..."

"A month... I wonder how's Lady Chris right now... I hope she's alright. Not a single clue about her and the true water rune... What did Sasarai do to her?"

"Worrying , are you, Adrian...?"

"Hey, it's not like what you thought! We are somewhat a supposedly uncle and niece, right?I mean, a Harras always vows to protect the Silver Maiden through generations... although I admit I just found it recently after doing some literature research in my old family mansion."

"Haha.. unlikely you to fall into such a comment. But yes, Lady Chris had become a part of us although brief. I wish her safety. I felt like a coward that time!damn!", Edmund punched the wooden table.

o.O.o

-Harmonia, a very beautiful garden at Crystal Palace-

"Chess? A game of chess?", Chris angry,annoyed, and confused in the same time.

"Yes, like old times, Chris."

"...what are you really after, Sasarai?" Still, Chris Lightfellow appeared calm.

Sasarai smiled. "Hm, you have never refused those exciting matches before. It's good to relax yourself, you know that a bit exercise will be good. Thinking, was the best for us to have fun, wasn't it?" He sipped his coffee. "the brand of coffee you loved, Lady Chris."

"..."

"Oh, fruits perhaps? You loved grapes, and Harmonian are the best."

"...what are you scheming now?"

"Chris, it's a shame really. You always believed in me. How about now?"

"... Why didn't you kill me? Or just simply remove my rune now?"

"Why rushing? We don't need to hurry things."

"...I don't see why you treat me nicely, Sasarai."

"Are you a friend?"

Hey! Isn't it supposedly MY questions?! "..."

Sasarai smiled, appeared genuinely that Chris was doubt whether it wasn't. "But you were. We were."

True.

It was the same beautiful garden in Crystal Palace. The place was the most beautiful garden Chris had seen. It was carefully designed and maintained, but not losing its natural elements. Different colors of flowers...with yellow butterflies... Green trees...with sometimes falling brown leaves played by the wind...the same gentle wind that danced the most beautiful and soft green grasses she'd seen in the world... And a miniature of fall. Yes, the miniature of the fall which gave birth to a small ocean blue pond below, the area especially Chris liked most, secluded between the grass that made a circle shape around small area covered by white shining marble floor, precisely by the miniature of the fall. Such a serene. Three tables were there, with two chairs for each; two square wooden tables, with a round-shape white ceramic table in between. The round table had two chairs with same material as the table, placed face to face, with a very good quality of chess board on the table. Really, that secluded area of this garden was the most serene place for Chris that time, with relaxing sounds of water crashing the black obsidian stones below the miniature of the fall. Just perfect.

"I could always laugh freely, and so did you. Our favors for coffee, worthed chess games...philosophical matters... idealism.. Both of us together meant: relax. You talked about your matters, and I talked about mine. You discussed everything you didn't share to your precious knights to me. You trusted me to give you opinions. I knew you're not that strong and flawless, and you knew how I was not that innocent and naive. Not hypocrite, we were nice persons in our own unique ways.

Well, I could say that we were best partner around.", Sasarai sipped his coffee casually, end it with his ever-innocent and warm smile.

Where does this conversation lead to, Sasarai?

"Our blind ideals, how perfectionist we were, how we tend to sacrifice ourselves for others... Hard workers, weren't we? We shared same ideas. And certainly we loved our land, our people so much and vowed to protect it with everything we got. Our blind loyalty beyond common sense that made us give hearts to no one but our motherlands."

"..."

"We were best partners around. Even we could be couple if we weren't bound to certain circumstances."

"?!"

"You knew it. And I understood your circumstances well, and you did mine too. My hearts belongs to Harmonia, and yours were always Zexen's. And I am a bishop. Our situation wasn't quite different. That was friendship surpassed the gender issue."

"..."

"I believed so, until you're suddenly married to Percival."

"..."

"And you forgot to invite me. What a friend you were. "

"...you don't mean?!"

"You kept it as secret, and after his death you turned down my help and went to isolate yourself in Iksay. Why Percival? I assume because I am more like a child to you, aren't I? Isn't it ridiculous? All about the looks. My looks betrayed my age after all. Hmm..." Sasarai gave away his smile, without ill intention. Not even sarcastic. Just playful, and... friendly; casual but seems rather funny for him.

"What ARE YOU GETTING AT?!"

"Hmm... Ha...ha... Easy, Chris. You know well, that I was a proud bishop of Harmonia and I am a bishop. Unless I sold out my loyalty and perhaps...became a new King of Harmonia? Well, with Hikusaak gone, it could be..."

"?!y-YOU! What's wrong with you?" Chris Lightfellow stood up. She grabbed her sword, but it wasn't there. Right, it's on Sasarai since that day.

"Relax... Don't be so serious. Ha...ha... Chris, you know too well that I was not interested in women."

"...!"

"How about now you wonder? I am still the same." He ended with a casual laugh. Chris just couldn't be angry toward him. Sasarai was always like this. She just couldn't get angry.

"A chess game then?"

Steady steps then heard. Both of their attention drawn as Frans walked closer to them. He greeted both of them politely with a simple nod.

"What's the matter, Frans?"

"Pardon me to disturb your time, Your Highness, I have a message for you."

"And that is?" Sasarai noticed Frans brought a fine letter in his hands.

"New Highland asking our help in order to face drenched possibilities of Dunan invasion, my Lord. This is the letter from the King."

Sasarai opened the expensive envelope and read the letter briefly, which indeed written in familiar messy handwriting of Hawk who spoke straightforwardly like usual.

...

...

...

"Ehm, interesting. It's certainly not a bad deal. They probably ask for alliance, but we just have to ascertain that we could help them, in one condition: that independent kingdom then under Holy Kingdom of Harmonia in return. ... It appears they also wish to be included as a part of our Kingdom. Under our Kingdom, just like the former Highland Kingdom centuries ago. "

"Arrange the meeting , My Lord?"

"Ah, why so, Frans, when those Howling Voice Guilds, or the factions, aristocrats, and the newly One Assemble just selection of fine untrustworthy backstabbers?", Sasarai said sarcastically. His eyes made a brief contact with Chris when saying so, saying distrust, asking for trust, and showing disappointment. Frans felt he's choking. His saint Lord Bishop Sasarai never used these kind of languages, and he acted odd, almost childish.

Sasarai cleared his throat. "The meeting, then. "

"Yes, Your Highness. I am on my way then, please excuse me."

The man left.

"Answered my question. Why did you kill your own comrade? Why did you- have a heart to kill Hugo?!" Finally the question was spoken clearly. For someone who was cold to even hurt a child and so heartless to fight young Hugo without hesitation, even gave him brief lecture of life coldly in doing so, she was quite ashamed of herself to ask that.

Sasarai didn't answer. He stood up instead and said, "Ah, Chris, I am sorry for this inconvenience. I am afraid I must take my leave. I must prepare something first before the meeting. Feel free to taste the coffee. Oh, feel free to do anything." He then took his leave.

Free? "What is freedom, Sasarai?"

That stopped his pace briefly. He smiled, without turning his back to face her.

"Percival's sword... You can have it after the meeting."

o.O.o

Meanwhile, Ryu was in the luxury chamber of Highland Palace in New Highland Kingdom. He was standing beside the King, who was sitting comfortably in his mighty chair, listening to the audience. It was almost like a meeting, that's how Ryu put it, as he already felt tired standing all along, not to mention he was really sleepy.

... Alberto, never thought you end up as a King. Ryu suppressed his grin. it's just so damn funny!

"Ahem. *clear throat*, So, Vincent... What do you say about it?", the King asked.

"Vincent? Hm... Oh! Forgive me that I was unaware of your saying, Your Majesty King Alberto... ", Ryu said, while looking at the audience. Those men were laughing behind his back... and some of them suspected him for being a fake. Ryu was sure about that. HEY! I am the TRUE VINCENT GOLDENLINE! The genius and gentle and charming strategist that made this kingdom standing proudly so that now the big head Alberto Hawk could sit on that throne! But couldn't be helped, he's just too unfamiliar with that name, too unfamiliar with Vincent's attitude and clothes. Ryu looked at the king now, who looked quite disappointed.

Oh, for a man who had just revived after his so called death, give me a break, will you, Alberto?

o.O.o

Meanwhile...

Geddoe was walking in Muse City, Dunan Republic. A lively city indeed, and the tavern wasn't bad either. I am going to find more information first, then see this Gareth Silverberg...

o.O.o

*End of Chapter: Uncertainty*

A.N: Thanks !

(For Satsukiyurami, I know it's highly possible that you don't read this, but I apologize that I haven't made your request yet.)