Highland Rebellion

Disclaimer: I don't own Suikoden, Suikoden II, or any of their characters, period.

Author Note: I have no idea what happened with the first chapter, but it was actually meant to be in more than two paragraphs…

Jowy's fever was high again. Nanami dabbed at his brow with a wet cloth. Jowy had been okay for the first couple of years. But recently, he was continually sick. As much as Nanami hated to admit it, she would have to see a real doctor soon. Jowy and Nanami both and agreed on secrecy though and wouldn't visit any doctors like Liukan or Huan; it would cause too much of a stir. Nanami looked up as the door opened.

Riou came in, with some lush green herbs.

Riou said, "The healer said to try these, but Nanami, I really think…"

"No, no, no! We can't see a doctor! Jowy will get fine soon, and we won't have to attract attention to ourselves!" Nanami yelled.

"Nanami…" said Riou quietly.

Jowy moaned softly and turned over.

"I'll set the water to boil. I just know these herbs'll work!" Nanami went over to the fire.

Riou could only hope Jowy would survive Nanami's persistence. Riou knew it was the Black Sword Rune, even though Jowy wouldn't admit it. It would freak out Nanami. Riou knew they needed to see a doctor, but Nanami wouldn't hear of it. Riou shook his head sadly. Riou hoped he would survive as well.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"What's wrong dear?"

"I'm beginning to see why McDohl ran away," Lepant replied to his wife.

"It can't be that bad."

"Oh yes it can. Just look at this: Tax management in Rikon, Minor rebellions in Pannu Yakuta, food shortages in the Dragon Knight Fortress, near holy war between the Warriors' Village and Qlon Temple… the list goes on and on. I can't take it Eileen!"

"Well, if you couldn't do it, who could?" Eileen asked, smiling slightly.

"Tesla could," Lepant muttered sourly.

"Oh stop that," Eileen shoved Lepant playfully.

"Eileen, you'd best head to bed, this will take awhile," Lepant said.

"Oh Lepant, you don't get enough sleep, why don't you come to bed," Eileen said.

"Eileen…" Lepant said in a cautious tone.

"Just one night," Eileen said.

"Okay… but if Tesla yells at me, it's your fault," Lepant said, smiling.

"Okay, let's go dear," Eileen said.

Little did they know what was going to happen just a little later that night in Gregminster.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"So what's up?" Koyu asked.

"Can't we just get in?" Futch asked.

"Nope, Border Guard's duty, you ought to know," Koyu said.

"Since when were you a Border Guard?" Millie asked.

"Ever since the War ended. I know these mountains well, and since the job had a reasonable amount of money in it, I decided to do it. Pretty noble huh? Goin' from being a bandit to a Border Guard," Koyu said.

"Why do we need a pass?" Millie asked. "We didn't need one when we left."

"Oh, it was a law passed about a year ago, kind of rough on travelers, but it ensures better security," Koyu explained.

"Okay… How do we get a pass?" Millie asked.

"Find a village with a passport office, ask for one, wait until you pass the test, if you pass the test, then both countries will affirm the passport, give it to you, and voila, you can get in!" Koyu threw his arms up for emphasis.

"Ugh…" Futch said. "The nearest village is three days back, and I don't recall a passport office."

"Please let us in," Yuzu pleaded.

Koyu jumped back. "Hey I didn't see you there… Yuzu? How did Yuzu get to be with you? I thought she was with her grandfather."

"Grandpa let me go, because it was getting boring in the same spot. Yuzu likes this more," Yuzu explained.

"Oh…" Koyu acknowledged.

"Please let us in…" Millie pleaded.

"How about if you go on a date with me," Koyu said slyly, winking at Millie.

"No," Millie said. "I don't go on dates with anyone."

"Sheena said that that would work," Koyu said.

"What do you mean?" Futch's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, nothing," Koyu said.

"There's something suspicious about this," Millie said.

"Yeah…" Futch said.

"Yuzu doesn't like this…" Yuzu said.

"Okay, okay, there is no passport, but Sheena said that this would get me a date in a heartbeat. I knew I shouldn't have listened to him," Koyu moaned. "Go in…"

The huge stone gates opened up, leading down into Tinto.

"Well let's go," Millie said happily. She turned and stuck her tongue out at Koyu.

Futch rolled his eyes. "Let's go…"

"Yay! Yuzu gets to see Grandpa again!" Yuzu exclaimed.

"We go to Tinto first," Futch said.

"And finally I get to sleep on a decent bed again!" Millie exclaimed.

Futch smiled. "I think we'll all look forward to that."