Author's notes: Hey, umm. Sorry about the wait it took more time then I
thought to rewrite the chapter. As you will see it is completely redone,
one original character has been added, and that's pretty much it. Please
read and review, as odd as it may seem for how long I took with this
chapter reviewing does help motivate me to write faster. If it hadn't been
for the last review's who knows how long this would have taken. And thank
you all who did review. LOL :-D
No I do not own Suikoden, I'm flattered you thought I might but, no. :-p
*^*^*
"One for the money," A young brunette hair boy stood on one foot. He was maybe six years old. The boy held his arms to the side to give him balance. Nearby a seven year old girl sat watching him with a smile. Beside her an older boy, perhaps eight with short blond hair.
"Two for the show," he took another jump forward. Landing on his other foot his arms circled around, as his balance felt slightly uneven.
"Three for the pretty girl," his balance regained, he grinned. Each time he jumped his silky hair bounced against his forehead.
"Four and five, I'm still alive."
"Six, then seve.. Ofh!"
The young boy tripped falling against the cobblestones, the girl was by his side instantly. The little boy grinned showing he was fine, the two other youths sighed.
*^*^* Sounds of water lapping steadily by his ankles. The soft songs of the forest birds filling the warm afternoon air. Upon the shoreline of the river a youth stirred, his body chilled from the river. His light sand blond hair tangled and clustered similar to the pattern of strewn spaghetti.
"nuh."
After coughing what felt to be half the river Jowy slowly brought himself to his knees. Now realizing he wasn't alone. "'Bout time you woke up. We were ready to toss ya back in the river."
The man standing before Jowy made an easy six feet in height. His extravagant muscles were that of a body builder and a mess of black hair and well-tanned skin. Jowy blinked slowly still on his hands and knees, /A bear.? No, bears don't talk. So.. A were-bear.. No, that's not right. He is human just looks like a bear./
Jowy's mind fazed in and out of dazed confusion. The drunken look faded as the memories of the other night returned. A look of desperation filled his eyes as he looked to the man. "My friend."
Pushing himself onto his legs proved more difficult then he had hoped. Though he himself demanded for his legs to be solid and stand, the pain in his ankle was unbearable. The bear man, fortunately enough, caught Jowy before he fell back down.
Looking into the man's dark eyes Jowy sent a silent thank you. "My friend. Please help him. They caught up to us too soon, please you have to help."
"Whoa kid, hang on. Who attacked you?"
Jowy's mind reeled in the first answer it could find, "City-State ambush. On the mountain."
The man's eyes flickered in definite surprise. "City-State? That's impossible. Flick, cha hear that?"
Another man, this one younger then the first came into view. Cloaked in blue and black; his hair a mix of light brown and blond, this man seemed to value both speed and strength. "Yes Victor, I heard."
Still helping Jowy stand, Victor motioned for someone out of Jowy's view to come over. "Tell you what, me and Flik here will go look for your friend but you have to go along with these guys to be my guest for awhile. Kay?"
Looking at the person Victor called over, Jowy felt his heart attempt to leap through his through his throat. The uniform, it was City-State.
Jowy reeled away from Victor but without the man's support he tumbled backward onto the ground. By whatever luck, be it good or bad he just missed falling back in the river. Victor, Flik and the two others were naturally spread out blocking any escape route. Though with ankle as badly twisted as it is, it seemed doubtful he could outrun any of them. He couldn't even stand on his own, forget running.
Victor and Flik exchanged glances, not wanting to attack. Jowy's breathing began speeding up as he fought back hyperventilation. /calm... calm down, shh shh. It wasn't the City-State that attacked, remember? Rowd sold us up the creek, Luca wants the war to be renewed. It wasn't the City-State. /
"Don't worry kid, calm down. There has to be some mistake cause the City- State Army hasn't budged. If it moved in this here area we would be among the first to know, Flik and I, as you guessed are City-State. This is out territory and it wasn't us who attacked. We'll find yer friend don't worry, meanwhile we have a good doctor who can patch that leg of yer's right up."
/Stay calm Jowy and take them up on the offer. There is no other available option. / Jowy nodded as the soldier who had started approaching him earlier -acting on a que from Victor - stepped toward Jowy slowly and helped him to his feet.
Victor gave a friendly smile as both he and Flik turned to leave. Flik paused as he looked to Jowy, "What's your name? So if. when we find your friend we can tell him it was you who asked us to find him. Also is there anything that would make him stand out in a crowd so we can identify him?"
Jowy gave a solemn nod, "My name is Jowy, my friend is named Riou. He usually wears a gold circlet on his forehead."
*^*^* Huan, a respectable doctor who has been travelling around the City-State for a few weeks now mending the ill or wounded. He left his apprentice Tuta, in the care of some old time friends at the Mercenary fortress.
Currently travelling through Crystal forest, he had thought himself returning to the Mercenary fortress but his calling as a doctor pulled him back to other nearby villages. The day was still young, the forest filled with the songs from birds of all sorts. The war was coming to an end with the recently signed peace-treaty agreement. Yes, life was blissful.
Peace never does last long.
Huan turned as he heard an angry cry that resembled that of an angry horse. Through the evergreen shrubbery a beast roughly the size of a horse with the same basic shape reared back onto its hind legs while the front legs lashed out in an intimidating display.
Falling backward Huan had very little time to move before the beasts' front hooves pounded down upon the earth. The hooves of the creature were split off into four toes.
Turning to run, the beast bounded effortlessly over Huan and started herding the good doctor in the same direction the creature had come from. The beast exaggerated every movement, stomping each foot down with what must have been an exerting force. Huan then tripped over something behind him and braced himself for an impact. The creature went silent.
After a moment Huan lowered his arms to see what was happening. The beast simply stood there, staring at Huan as if waiting for him to do something. The doctor took a moment to gaze at the creature more carefully. At the top of its head a long horn, ringed at the base, and twisted spirally upward a few knots. The horn gleamed lavishly as a dark opal. It was something a bounty hunter might try and sell at a black market.
The beast's entire body minus the four-toed hooves was covered in fur. Some parts of the body were covered in a thin silky fur like on its back. While over the beast's chest and tufting thickly around the base of the feet were thick layers of richly colored fur. The creature's eyes positioned to serve as predator or prey.
Sporadically the beasts horse-like tail would flick around behind it.
The beast snorted. It obviously wanted Huan to do something. Looking down to what he had tripped over he noticed a human form lying at his feet.
*^*^* A small song, /whistling./
A little melody, /a bird? /
The realization he was alive, /ow. Can't be dead, I hurt too much. /
"Are you waking up?"
Rapidly shifting out of the daze Riou's eyes didn't need but a moment to adjust to the heavy morning sun light. Kneeling before him was a man of long straight black hair touching just past his shoulders. He didn't look to be a fighter what with his overly loose gold and black lined robes. Wearing over the robe what seemed best described as a red apron. Small round glasses reflecting the sun gleamed on the thin metal sidings. And kind eyes; this man wasn't the enemy.
"..who.." Riou's voice buckled being caught by surprise. He started sitting up but the pain in his side burned itself wake at his motion.
"Be still, your injuries are fairly serious. Here drink this slowly."
The man held a small flask to Riou's lips, as with the man's other arm he helped prop Riou up a bit. Riou looked at the vial hesitantly, "What is it?"
"A good medicine, it will help with your injuries." Riou accepted the potion and started swallowing. His nose wrinkled up and his eyebrows knitted together as the vile taste filled his mouth. Once the bottle was empty the man put it away within his shoulder bag. Riou blinked as he scrapped his tongue against his teeth to try and rid it of the flavor. /Why is it the good stuff always tastes bad./
The man slowly pulled his arm away as Riou sat up on his own, though his body was protesting greatly to his course of action. Riou glimpsed into the man's bag before he closed it. "You're a doctor?"
"Yes. You should thank the runes. One of the lucky ones was watching out for you. I fear the worst if I had not found you."
Looking around Riou noticed he was in a forest with heavy greenery on all sides. "How did you find me? And where are we?"
The man frowned as he placed his hand against Rious forehead, then his cheeks. "You have a faint fever. You can't remember what happened to you?"
"Oh no. It's not that I don't remember what happened, I just don't remember being here."
The man pulled his hand away, "You're in Crystal forest, just beyond Lake Toran. Forgive me I have yet to introduce myself. I am Huan from the village Rikon."
"I'm Riou, currently should be residing in Kyaro."
Huan thought carefully, "Kyaro. I'm not sure I am familiar with that location. Is it close by?"
Riou blinked, "Umm it's a small walk from where I was before. No idea right now." A slight pause followed, "I don't mean to sound rude by repeating myself but how did you find me. It doesn't seem to me that this is a very conspicuous place."
"Your friend was very insistent I come this way."
"My friend?" Huan looked over to the shrubs beyond him; following the man's gaze Riou saw whom the doctor was speaking of.
The creature hoofed the ground lightly, to Riou it looked to be some type of horse or even a large elk cause of the horns. Except for the fact it had four toes on each of its feet.
Looking at the creature with curiosity Riou blinked, as his mind was unable to think of any species this animal could belong to. "What is it?"
Huan looked to Riou with somewhat surprise; "He isn't yours?"
Shaking his head, Riou struggled to his feet. Only now noticing his tunic hanging down his legs held by his belt, while white bandages covered his chest and left shoulder. Pulling his tunic back up Riou thanked the doctor again before returning his attention to the creature.
Walking slowly over Riou felt mild surprise that the creature didn't bolt at his approach. His reached out and rubbed the animal's sheep like muzzle earning a small but pleased snort.
Huan moved beside Riou, the creature seemed more wary of the man but content with Riou's touch. "I'm surprised it's so friendly toward you if it's never seen you before."
Glancing at Riou for a moment Huan then reached out to the animal. The beast reared, sounding its protest before bounding off. Only to return a moment later at a distance, watching the two.
Huan smiled, "It seems to like you enough. I'm heading to a village called Toto; you are welcome to come with me. In fact I recommend it with your injuries, you have at least one broken rib. Your initial wound was also rather deep, it required stitching to close."
Riou gave a courteous bow as his grandfather had taught him to. "Thank you again. I don't think I can repay you but if there ever is something, I am in your debt."
"You won' be travelling with me then?"
"Sorry no but I have to find my friend. My guess is he's somewhere downstream of the river."
Huan lowered his head, "I see. Best of luck to you, and walk as little as you have to. The injuries could get worse if you put too much strain on them. Next village you find you should buy some more medicine to help the healing process."
*^*^*
As Huan walked out of sight Riou turned back to the unknown creature who was watching him with its own curiosity. Leaning against a tree for support Riou held out a hand and made clucking noises under his tongue.
The animals' ears flickered around trying to discern the sound, slowly at first then changing to a slow trot the creature went back over to Riou. Reaching out like before didn't work as the elk bolted away again. "A bit fickle aren't you. That's okay."
Riou pushed himself away from the tree, wincing slightly before wrapping an arm around his chest. His other hand felt his hip for the hidden dagger he kept. At finding it safely tucked under his tunic Riou began his walk toward the river using the directions Mr. Huan gave him before he left.
*^*^*
Within the town of Kayro a once happy and celebrating crowd had gone silent. The crowd was gathered to welcome home the returning soldiers, but the young Unicorn Soldiers were nowhere to be seen. Only the Captain with the replacement soldiers. For the last half-hour he had been explaining to the people about the ambush by the City- State, killing all the boys except one.
As Rowd spoke the crowd would speak with soft murmurs, some with disbelief. Rowd stood on a small wooden crate to be seen by all the faces of the crowd. "Other than myself there is only one who survives, Jowy Atreides, who was a spy and a traitor to his fellow comrades, and country."
"I don't believe you!"
A shorthaired brunette stood in the front of the crowd, she was obviously trying to fight back tears. While her hands clenched themselves tightly into fists, "I don't believe you, Jowy would never betray his friends! And Riou isn't dead! You're lying! You're lying!"
The innkeeper, Marcy hugged the youth and whispered soothing words. The girl was no longer able to fight back the tears. Face buried in the woman's chest as she continued to cry, "He's lying. He's lying."
Rowd looked at one of the soldiers and nodded. The soldier fished around in a bag before producing a crimson stained scarf. The true color that was for the most part hidden, could be seen in thin streaks of sun yellow. Rowd took the scarf and handed it to the girl who held the scarf in silence. Her eyes went dry as her cheeks paled from their flushed red.
Marcy sent a look of displeasure toward the captain. Nanami held the scarf loosely, her body moved with tiny tremors. Marcy, showing maternal concern but afraid that if she touched Nanami the girl would breakdown. "Nanami?"
Nanami didn't move, she couldn't, she forgot how. Her own instinct caused her to pull the scarf to her chest. Slowly, she turned and at a normal pace walked away, back to her home. Marcy turned to the Captain. Within an instant she raised her hand and slapped Rowd across the face. "Rowd, she's a child! How dare you do such a thing as crush her hope!"
Marcy stormed off, within a few minutes the other villagers began dispersing. The new soldiers were silent Rowd touched his reddening cheek before heading toward the headquarters of the previous Unicorn Brigade.
*^*^*
This wasn't working as well as he had hoped.
Riou collapsed to he ground breathing heavily, his ribs had started aching after only a few moments of walking. After a few hours he finally reached the riverbank, slipping to the ground with exhaustion. The gurgling riverbank invited him to take a sip of the crystal cool waters. Dipping his hands into the stream he began to drink his fill.
Looking over he saw 'Gly', the odd animal who had been following him all morning. The name had just slipped out when Riou was talking to it. The name seemed to suit the creature so he kept it.
Lying down against the lush grass, looking up at the sun glistening behind the tree leaves Riou felt his eyes edge close, allowing sleep to come.
*^*^*
"Victor, we've been searching all day, the light is too dim to look for Jowy's friend anymore. We should head back to the fort."
Victor scratched the top of his head, "I suppose yer right Flick, I still feel bad for the guy though. I'll send some scouts out tomorrow."
Flick nodded as the two turned back oblivious to the eyes watching them in the veils of shadows.
*^*^*Dream *^*
A first glance told his senses he was on a tundra, with but a few trees. Yet the ground, the grass, and the sparse trees; they were all crystal. Copses of shrubs with berries of red rubies, trees with gold apples, emerald dewdrops lay upon the grass. The path Riou walked was a solid crystalline sheet.
A light neighing catches his attention, looking to the distance he spots a white horse. Riou smiled lightheartedly as he walked towards the creature. Getting a better look, he noticed the single three-foot golden spiral horn emerging from the creature's forehead.
Riou clucks to the unicorn softly, while holding a hand out to it. The unicorn tilts its head curiously but goes over to him sniffing the offered hand.
"Hello to you too. What's your name?"
Riou reached over and touched the unicorns' muzzle, the eyes of the beast go wide as if in shock, time pauses. Riou hears laughter, panic sets in, as he can't move his body. Everything around him seems affected. Staring into one of the unicorn's eyes he sees the body behind the unmistakable voice.
Luca Blight, Prince of Highland, his Prince. Only because of the reflection from the unicorn's eyes could Riou see him. Luca was laughing at him, his weakness, and his failure.
"That's all you'll ever be boy. A failure, a useless miserable failure, you failed your friends, all of them. Leaving them all. A coward like you has no place in this world. "
Riou finds himself able to move once more; turning he sees Luca standing right behind him. The man was frowning, then smiles. That hideous wolf like smile, "Run little lamb run. Don't let the war catch you."
Luca begins laughing again stepping forward; Riou trips backward his mind screaming. /the unicorn! /
Throwing his weight under his legs Riou fell away from the unicorn, for fear if he touched the frozen creature it would shatter as glass. Agony coursed through his left leg as it twisted beneath his weight. "Ahhhagh!"
Towering above him Lucas' expression was stoic, "Poor little lamb, didn't run fast enough did you. A little failure, useless, your friends had been counting on you. But you failed so now it's your turn, say bye-bye."
Luca unsheathed his sword, Riou cried out as the sword was brought down over the unicorns' neck. Instead of a clean slice the unicorn shattered, as if a fire rune had been set off in its belly.
"Coward." The man stood there laughing. Screams of a thousand pilfered the air. Riou covered his ears as tightly as he could; warm blood ran down his hands as his ears began to bleed. The screams tearing him apart from the inside out. The screams of those killed by Luca's sword, a thousand screams crying out. Emotions flooding through him like never before, Riou's own cry was drowned out by the others.
Chaos in the purest form.
Chaos that was, that is and what shall be.
It was all right here.
His mind was ready to break, just like the unicorn. Then the silence, utter and pure, silence. Riou only now realized his eyes were closed; seconds pass by without any more screaming. He then opens his eyes.
The crystal forest was gone, replaced by a pool of darkness. There, standing where Luca had been a woman now stood. Her bare feet didn't quite touch the ground as she floated just above it. Her back was to Riou, while her waist long white hair had a slight sparkle like snow.
Moments pass by, unheeded by either, till the woman turns her head slightly allowing Riou to see her profile. Blue eyes, older then Jowy, perhaps in her early twenties.
Riou narrows his eyes, /She seems so familiar, but from where? /
The woman closes her eyes, Riou felt no fear or darkness from the woman. Just sadness, she was so lonely.
"Find me."
^*^End Dream ^*^
"Neehhhg."
Opening his eyes to an odd sound Riou saw Gly standing over him watching him intently with his ears up. Noticing Riou was awake he nuzzled the boy's face earning a surprised smile from Riou. "Don't tell me I was talking in my sleep again. I have the worst habit with that. Sorry if I scared you. Hum?"
Looking past Gly Riou saw the night sky with its stars shining with their fires offering the same light as the sliver of moon. /Was I asleep that long? /
"Neigh."
Gly's head reared up his ears rotating forward and back locating a noise.
"Victor we've been searching all day," -Gly bit a piece of Riou's tunic and started pulling him up. Pain awoke within his rib cage, as Gly insisted they move away from the stream and to the shadows of the forest.
".The light is too dim to look for Jowy's friend anymore. We should head back to the fort."
Riou blinked, /Jowy? /
The man Riou was guessing to be Victor scratched the top of his head, looking unsatisfied. "I suppose yer right Flick, I still feel bad for the guy though. I'll send some scouts out tomorrow."
Flick nodded as the two turned back oblivious to the eyes watching them in the veils of shadows. Once the two were out of ear shot Riou whispered to Gly, "Do you think they're talking about my friend Jowy? How common a name is Jowy in the City-State?"
Gly tilted his head at Riou's words and looked back at the two disappearing figures. Riou nodded, "Right, let's go after the aah."
While feeling much better then earlier, his broken began burning in protest of moving. Gly watched Riou for a moment, the boy was in obvious pain his face paler then before. He put on a pained smile. "Sorry, it's under control now. Let's go."
Gly snorted and paused as if weighing some sort of decision within its mind. The creature then lay down on the grass looking at Riou giving a soft neigh. Riou's mind took a moment to understand what Gly was saying, "You're sure?"
The beast snorted looking ahead to where the figures were almost completely gone from sight. Riou gave a reserved smile, "Thank you."
Mounting onto the beast's back a jolt of electricity went through his body. It didn't hurt, rather it felt odd. His ribs didn't hurt quite as much as the pressure was taken off them. Gly stood up, Riou couldn't help grinning like a child at Christmas, he had rarely ever ridden but when he was able to he liked it a lot.
With his rider holding loosely onto the thick fur on his neck Gly moved forward at a quickly paced walk.
^*^*^
Watching from the cover of shadows as the guards made their rounds. The fortress wasn't heavily guarded but it would still be a trick getting in getting Jowy and then getting out. Riou sighed in defeat, with a gentle amount of pressure applied the Gly's neck the steed turned, heading back toward the river. A little later they were back along the river.
Dismounting from Gly's back Riou sat at the river's edge. /How am I going to pull this off. There might not be too many guards but even while it shouldn't be too difficult getting in with the stealth training I've had, how to sneak Jowy out is the problem. He could be seriously hurt or under enemy interrogation, I have no idea what condition he's in. /
Noticing a fair sized stone he picked it up, tossing it up once testing its weight then tossed it roughly into the shallow river. Underwater clouds of red mud began to stir rapidly with the sudden disturbance to the bank. Riou blinked as he dipped a hand into he moderately warm water and lifted some of the sticky red mud.
*^*^*
"By the Gods!"
The two patrol guards were chilled to the bone with even the humid night air. From the sky a demon had fallen with runes of red brown and black painted over it's body. Large fierce wings stained with blood. "Be gone foolish mortals or suffer the fate of your kind!"
One of the soldiers clutched his weapon as a life line the other stumbled for the whistle to warn the others. A battle cry like neither had ever heard before rang through their ears before both fell to the ground. The demon smiled at his companion, the fur on the beast was crusting with dark mud.
Not wasting another precious moment Riou quietly moved to the beast who waited by the door. "Wait here, till I get back. No matter what, if anyone sees you, run."
Gly vocalized a noise, whether or not it understood Riou was uncertain, as he moved through the door Riou peered around the corner. By luck no soldiers were visible, probably all asleep. Riou considered his options, up, down or doorway number one. /Jowy's most likely in a holding cell so I should go down. /
Half way down the stair was a bend, turning to the right. Beyond it footsteps alerted him someone was close by. Waiting till his senses told him to strike. The demon lashed out knocking a brown haired soldier down the remaining stairs. Riou glared down at the dazed soldier. "You captured a Highland soldier earlier, where is he! Answer now or I'll cut your throat."
Pohl still dazed saw the demon, fearing for Jowy's safety he pressed his lips closed. One of the demons wings suddenly fell off its back. Riou sent a side long glance at the wing, /knew I should have tied it on with something better then pine bark. /
Pohl looked at the creature's eyes, the eyes were of large amber coloring. Pure enough to remind him of the eyes of a child, a purity that drew people in. /This isn't a demon it's a. /
Riou punched Pohl's temple as hard as he could, knocking the soldier out cold. /Now what? /
From further down the hall a voice called out, "Riou! Riou is that you!?"
Riou sighed happily, /Lucky day. /
Riou got off Pohl carefully as not to upset his ribs anymore then he already had. He quickly moved down the hallways. Riou looked at the two door, "Jowy, where are you?"
Turning right, round a corner Riou saw Jowy and smiled happily. Jowy on the other hand jumped back against the wall and clutched at his heart. "Gaaahh! Riou? You trying to kill me?!"
Riou looked at is disguise, "I thought I did really well considering the circumstances."
"Nuh," Jowy calmed himself and smiled. "Riou I was so worried about you. I'm so glad to see you're alright."
Jowy looked Riou over, "What are you? A fallen one winged angel?"
Riou looked somewhat upset Jowy didn't guess right at what he was, "I'm the demon of the twenty-seven true runes. My other wing fell off in the hallway."
Jowy was staring at the rune symbols on Riou's chest, "Oh, well you look," He then looked up at Riou's eyes with a slight blush, "nice."
"Thanks, why are you blushing? I'm not mad you got it wrong, so don't be embarrassed."
Jowy turned away slightly, "Um, why don't we get out of here now?"
Riou nodded, "Right. Umm.. Jowy? Where are the keys?"
Jowy looked at Riou, the blush now gone, "what do you mean where are the keys? Didn't you get them?"
Riou blushed narrowing his eyes a bit to try and hide his embarrassment. "I thought they would be somewhere near the cell."
"Well, they're not. Pohl carries them."
Riou shook the bars slightly to tell how sturdy they were, "Who's Pohl?"
Jowy held one hand a bit above his own head; "He's about this tall and has a child's face."
"A child's face?" Riou thought carefully about all of the people he ran into on the way in. "I saw him, coming down the stairs. Hang on."
Riou left the room and peered down the hallway only to notice Pohl had left, probably to get help. /Damn it, I should have tied him up. /
Riou went back into the room, staring at the bars with determination. "Jowy move away from the door."
Doing as he was told, Jowy wasn't sure what Riou was planning without a weapon. The younger boy looked as if he were concentrating. Riou backed away gaining a small amount of running distance, pausing then charged. A meter away he jumped while performing a full 180. His hands landed square on the ground his knees, which had been braced against his chest shot out with all the force he could muster. The heels to his boots landed upon the cell's lock.
The force caused an awful lot of racket, but the door to the cell had been knocked off the hinges. Lying in a broken dented pile. Jowy blinked staring at the busted door. After the kick Riou landed in a not so graceful heap on the floor, moving to his hands and knees. Slowly he stood up rubbing his sore behind. "Ow."
Stepping over the remains of the door Jowy looked at Riou, "When did you learn to do that?"
Riou gave a half self-satisfied smile, "I've been perfecting it for a few week now but I've never gotten a kick like that out of it before. I'm still working on the backlash effect though."
"Oh," Jowy paused for a moment; "we need to head out now though, you've probably woken up half the soldiers."
"Actually, the soldiers here sleep like logs. It was the earlier stunt that got us here."
Turning around Riou had a double take at the sight of the man standing there. /He looks like a bear. /
Victor smiled, it wasn't threatening or dark but friendly. "So your Jowy's friend, Riou was it?"
Raising an eyebrow Riou looking over his shoulder to Jowy questionably. The blond looked away from his friend, "I. I thought you were badly hurt or worse. I needed someone to look."
Riou turned his attention back to Victor and the two other guards behind him. "It's okay Jowy. I probably would have done the same thing. Let's worry about getting you out of here now."
Victor didn't look too worried, crossing his thickly muscled arms across his chest, "Look why don't we all just take a breather and talk things out. Jowy I don't know if you've noticed but your friend looks pretty badly injured"
Tilting his head toward Riou, Jowy's eyes remained trained on Victor for a moment before looking to Riou. "Oh kuso, Riou you're bleeding bad."
The commentary didn't phase Riou his eyes remained fixed on the obstacle blocking the only exit. "It's just wet mud Jowy, I slapped it on by the river."
Jowy's eyes narrowed, /That isn't what it looks like Riou. /
Jowy placed a hand on one side of Rious bare chest, gently gliding the hand across his friends' torso. The thick liquid dripped down his hand, /it's too water like to be mud. /
"Riou this is blood, not mud. Look for yourself."
Risking a quick glance down Riou looked to Jowy's hand, /How did. Of course, I must have pulled the stitches when I kicked opened the cell door. I thought it was just the jolt that was causing my ribs to hurt again. /
"Riou?"
Both Riou and Jowy looked up and watched Victor and Flick move aside just enough for a man to pass by. Rious eyes widened in surprised, "Huan-San."
Looking from Riou to the man Jowy hunched over slightly, in a semi- defensive stance. "You know this man Riou?"
Speaking in a hushed voice for Jowy's ears only, "Huan-San saved my life, he found me and tended my wounds."
"I see."
Blinking at his friend's response Riou wasn't sure what to make of the apathetic voice. As if Jowy was speaking of the events to come, not of what had happened. Huan took another step forward, "Riou. In the woods you said you owed me a debt of gratitude. I call on that debt now; the odds are against you. Your wound is open, between you and your friend you have one weapon against an entire fort. Surrender please."
Jowy let his defensive stance fall as he stood up, /in the Unicorn brigade we were taught to use our bodies as weapons. Even with Rious injury we could take down at least a quarter of the soldiers here. But even that wouldn't get us by Victor and Flick, maybe if Rious injury was./
"I'm sorry Jowy..."
Looking to his friend Jowy gave a private smile that he shared only with Riou. "Don't worry. Least you're safe."
Riou took only small assurance in Jowy's smile as he looked to the ground letting his dagger slip from his fingers, /My dream was right. I am a failure. /
Watching the approaching figures Riou heard a small voice, /coward. /
No I do not own Suikoden, I'm flattered you thought I might but, no. :-p
*^*^*
"One for the money," A young brunette hair boy stood on one foot. He was maybe six years old. The boy held his arms to the side to give him balance. Nearby a seven year old girl sat watching him with a smile. Beside her an older boy, perhaps eight with short blond hair.
"Two for the show," he took another jump forward. Landing on his other foot his arms circled around, as his balance felt slightly uneven.
"Three for the pretty girl," his balance regained, he grinned. Each time he jumped his silky hair bounced against his forehead.
"Four and five, I'm still alive."
"Six, then seve.. Ofh!"
The young boy tripped falling against the cobblestones, the girl was by his side instantly. The little boy grinned showing he was fine, the two other youths sighed.
*^*^* Sounds of water lapping steadily by his ankles. The soft songs of the forest birds filling the warm afternoon air. Upon the shoreline of the river a youth stirred, his body chilled from the river. His light sand blond hair tangled and clustered similar to the pattern of strewn spaghetti.
"nuh."
After coughing what felt to be half the river Jowy slowly brought himself to his knees. Now realizing he wasn't alone. "'Bout time you woke up. We were ready to toss ya back in the river."
The man standing before Jowy made an easy six feet in height. His extravagant muscles were that of a body builder and a mess of black hair and well-tanned skin. Jowy blinked slowly still on his hands and knees, /A bear.? No, bears don't talk. So.. A were-bear.. No, that's not right. He is human just looks like a bear./
Jowy's mind fazed in and out of dazed confusion. The drunken look faded as the memories of the other night returned. A look of desperation filled his eyes as he looked to the man. "My friend."
Pushing himself onto his legs proved more difficult then he had hoped. Though he himself demanded for his legs to be solid and stand, the pain in his ankle was unbearable. The bear man, fortunately enough, caught Jowy before he fell back down.
Looking into the man's dark eyes Jowy sent a silent thank you. "My friend. Please help him. They caught up to us too soon, please you have to help."
"Whoa kid, hang on. Who attacked you?"
Jowy's mind reeled in the first answer it could find, "City-State ambush. On the mountain."
The man's eyes flickered in definite surprise. "City-State? That's impossible. Flick, cha hear that?"
Another man, this one younger then the first came into view. Cloaked in blue and black; his hair a mix of light brown and blond, this man seemed to value both speed and strength. "Yes Victor, I heard."
Still helping Jowy stand, Victor motioned for someone out of Jowy's view to come over. "Tell you what, me and Flik here will go look for your friend but you have to go along with these guys to be my guest for awhile. Kay?"
Looking at the person Victor called over, Jowy felt his heart attempt to leap through his through his throat. The uniform, it was City-State.
Jowy reeled away from Victor but without the man's support he tumbled backward onto the ground. By whatever luck, be it good or bad he just missed falling back in the river. Victor, Flik and the two others were naturally spread out blocking any escape route. Though with ankle as badly twisted as it is, it seemed doubtful he could outrun any of them. He couldn't even stand on his own, forget running.
Victor and Flik exchanged glances, not wanting to attack. Jowy's breathing began speeding up as he fought back hyperventilation. /calm... calm down, shh shh. It wasn't the City-State that attacked, remember? Rowd sold us up the creek, Luca wants the war to be renewed. It wasn't the City-State. /
"Don't worry kid, calm down. There has to be some mistake cause the City- State Army hasn't budged. If it moved in this here area we would be among the first to know, Flik and I, as you guessed are City-State. This is out territory and it wasn't us who attacked. We'll find yer friend don't worry, meanwhile we have a good doctor who can patch that leg of yer's right up."
/Stay calm Jowy and take them up on the offer. There is no other available option. / Jowy nodded as the soldier who had started approaching him earlier -acting on a que from Victor - stepped toward Jowy slowly and helped him to his feet.
Victor gave a friendly smile as both he and Flik turned to leave. Flik paused as he looked to Jowy, "What's your name? So if. when we find your friend we can tell him it was you who asked us to find him. Also is there anything that would make him stand out in a crowd so we can identify him?"
Jowy gave a solemn nod, "My name is Jowy, my friend is named Riou. He usually wears a gold circlet on his forehead."
*^*^* Huan, a respectable doctor who has been travelling around the City-State for a few weeks now mending the ill or wounded. He left his apprentice Tuta, in the care of some old time friends at the Mercenary fortress.
Currently travelling through Crystal forest, he had thought himself returning to the Mercenary fortress but his calling as a doctor pulled him back to other nearby villages. The day was still young, the forest filled with the songs from birds of all sorts. The war was coming to an end with the recently signed peace-treaty agreement. Yes, life was blissful.
Peace never does last long.
Huan turned as he heard an angry cry that resembled that of an angry horse. Through the evergreen shrubbery a beast roughly the size of a horse with the same basic shape reared back onto its hind legs while the front legs lashed out in an intimidating display.
Falling backward Huan had very little time to move before the beasts' front hooves pounded down upon the earth. The hooves of the creature were split off into four toes.
Turning to run, the beast bounded effortlessly over Huan and started herding the good doctor in the same direction the creature had come from. The beast exaggerated every movement, stomping each foot down with what must have been an exerting force. Huan then tripped over something behind him and braced himself for an impact. The creature went silent.
After a moment Huan lowered his arms to see what was happening. The beast simply stood there, staring at Huan as if waiting for him to do something. The doctor took a moment to gaze at the creature more carefully. At the top of its head a long horn, ringed at the base, and twisted spirally upward a few knots. The horn gleamed lavishly as a dark opal. It was something a bounty hunter might try and sell at a black market.
The beast's entire body minus the four-toed hooves was covered in fur. Some parts of the body were covered in a thin silky fur like on its back. While over the beast's chest and tufting thickly around the base of the feet were thick layers of richly colored fur. The creature's eyes positioned to serve as predator or prey.
Sporadically the beasts horse-like tail would flick around behind it.
The beast snorted. It obviously wanted Huan to do something. Looking down to what he had tripped over he noticed a human form lying at his feet.
*^*^* A small song, /whistling./
A little melody, /a bird? /
The realization he was alive, /ow. Can't be dead, I hurt too much. /
"Are you waking up?"
Rapidly shifting out of the daze Riou's eyes didn't need but a moment to adjust to the heavy morning sun light. Kneeling before him was a man of long straight black hair touching just past his shoulders. He didn't look to be a fighter what with his overly loose gold and black lined robes. Wearing over the robe what seemed best described as a red apron. Small round glasses reflecting the sun gleamed on the thin metal sidings. And kind eyes; this man wasn't the enemy.
"..who.." Riou's voice buckled being caught by surprise. He started sitting up but the pain in his side burned itself wake at his motion.
"Be still, your injuries are fairly serious. Here drink this slowly."
The man held a small flask to Riou's lips, as with the man's other arm he helped prop Riou up a bit. Riou looked at the vial hesitantly, "What is it?"
"A good medicine, it will help with your injuries." Riou accepted the potion and started swallowing. His nose wrinkled up and his eyebrows knitted together as the vile taste filled his mouth. Once the bottle was empty the man put it away within his shoulder bag. Riou blinked as he scrapped his tongue against his teeth to try and rid it of the flavor. /Why is it the good stuff always tastes bad./
The man slowly pulled his arm away as Riou sat up on his own, though his body was protesting greatly to his course of action. Riou glimpsed into the man's bag before he closed it. "You're a doctor?"
"Yes. You should thank the runes. One of the lucky ones was watching out for you. I fear the worst if I had not found you."
Looking around Riou noticed he was in a forest with heavy greenery on all sides. "How did you find me? And where are we?"
The man frowned as he placed his hand against Rious forehead, then his cheeks. "You have a faint fever. You can't remember what happened to you?"
"Oh no. It's not that I don't remember what happened, I just don't remember being here."
The man pulled his hand away, "You're in Crystal forest, just beyond Lake Toran. Forgive me I have yet to introduce myself. I am Huan from the village Rikon."
"I'm Riou, currently should be residing in Kyaro."
Huan thought carefully, "Kyaro. I'm not sure I am familiar with that location. Is it close by?"
Riou blinked, "Umm it's a small walk from where I was before. No idea right now." A slight pause followed, "I don't mean to sound rude by repeating myself but how did you find me. It doesn't seem to me that this is a very conspicuous place."
"Your friend was very insistent I come this way."
"My friend?" Huan looked over to the shrubs beyond him; following the man's gaze Riou saw whom the doctor was speaking of.
The creature hoofed the ground lightly, to Riou it looked to be some type of horse or even a large elk cause of the horns. Except for the fact it had four toes on each of its feet.
Looking at the creature with curiosity Riou blinked, as his mind was unable to think of any species this animal could belong to. "What is it?"
Huan looked to Riou with somewhat surprise; "He isn't yours?"
Shaking his head, Riou struggled to his feet. Only now noticing his tunic hanging down his legs held by his belt, while white bandages covered his chest and left shoulder. Pulling his tunic back up Riou thanked the doctor again before returning his attention to the creature.
Walking slowly over Riou felt mild surprise that the creature didn't bolt at his approach. His reached out and rubbed the animal's sheep like muzzle earning a small but pleased snort.
Huan moved beside Riou, the creature seemed more wary of the man but content with Riou's touch. "I'm surprised it's so friendly toward you if it's never seen you before."
Glancing at Riou for a moment Huan then reached out to the animal. The beast reared, sounding its protest before bounding off. Only to return a moment later at a distance, watching the two.
Huan smiled, "It seems to like you enough. I'm heading to a village called Toto; you are welcome to come with me. In fact I recommend it with your injuries, you have at least one broken rib. Your initial wound was also rather deep, it required stitching to close."
Riou gave a courteous bow as his grandfather had taught him to. "Thank you again. I don't think I can repay you but if there ever is something, I am in your debt."
"You won' be travelling with me then?"
"Sorry no but I have to find my friend. My guess is he's somewhere downstream of the river."
Huan lowered his head, "I see. Best of luck to you, and walk as little as you have to. The injuries could get worse if you put too much strain on them. Next village you find you should buy some more medicine to help the healing process."
*^*^*
As Huan walked out of sight Riou turned back to the unknown creature who was watching him with its own curiosity. Leaning against a tree for support Riou held out a hand and made clucking noises under his tongue.
The animals' ears flickered around trying to discern the sound, slowly at first then changing to a slow trot the creature went back over to Riou. Reaching out like before didn't work as the elk bolted away again. "A bit fickle aren't you. That's okay."
Riou pushed himself away from the tree, wincing slightly before wrapping an arm around his chest. His other hand felt his hip for the hidden dagger he kept. At finding it safely tucked under his tunic Riou began his walk toward the river using the directions Mr. Huan gave him before he left.
*^*^*
Within the town of Kayro a once happy and celebrating crowd had gone silent. The crowd was gathered to welcome home the returning soldiers, but the young Unicorn Soldiers were nowhere to be seen. Only the Captain with the replacement soldiers. For the last half-hour he had been explaining to the people about the ambush by the City- State, killing all the boys except one.
As Rowd spoke the crowd would speak with soft murmurs, some with disbelief. Rowd stood on a small wooden crate to be seen by all the faces of the crowd. "Other than myself there is only one who survives, Jowy Atreides, who was a spy and a traitor to his fellow comrades, and country."
"I don't believe you!"
A shorthaired brunette stood in the front of the crowd, she was obviously trying to fight back tears. While her hands clenched themselves tightly into fists, "I don't believe you, Jowy would never betray his friends! And Riou isn't dead! You're lying! You're lying!"
The innkeeper, Marcy hugged the youth and whispered soothing words. The girl was no longer able to fight back the tears. Face buried in the woman's chest as she continued to cry, "He's lying. He's lying."
Rowd looked at one of the soldiers and nodded. The soldier fished around in a bag before producing a crimson stained scarf. The true color that was for the most part hidden, could be seen in thin streaks of sun yellow. Rowd took the scarf and handed it to the girl who held the scarf in silence. Her eyes went dry as her cheeks paled from their flushed red.
Marcy sent a look of displeasure toward the captain. Nanami held the scarf loosely, her body moved with tiny tremors. Marcy, showing maternal concern but afraid that if she touched Nanami the girl would breakdown. "Nanami?"
Nanami didn't move, she couldn't, she forgot how. Her own instinct caused her to pull the scarf to her chest. Slowly, she turned and at a normal pace walked away, back to her home. Marcy turned to the Captain. Within an instant she raised her hand and slapped Rowd across the face. "Rowd, she's a child! How dare you do such a thing as crush her hope!"
Marcy stormed off, within a few minutes the other villagers began dispersing. The new soldiers were silent Rowd touched his reddening cheek before heading toward the headquarters of the previous Unicorn Brigade.
*^*^*
This wasn't working as well as he had hoped.
Riou collapsed to he ground breathing heavily, his ribs had started aching after only a few moments of walking. After a few hours he finally reached the riverbank, slipping to the ground with exhaustion. The gurgling riverbank invited him to take a sip of the crystal cool waters. Dipping his hands into the stream he began to drink his fill.
Looking over he saw 'Gly', the odd animal who had been following him all morning. The name had just slipped out when Riou was talking to it. The name seemed to suit the creature so he kept it.
Lying down against the lush grass, looking up at the sun glistening behind the tree leaves Riou felt his eyes edge close, allowing sleep to come.
*^*^*
"Victor, we've been searching all day, the light is too dim to look for Jowy's friend anymore. We should head back to the fort."
Victor scratched the top of his head, "I suppose yer right Flick, I still feel bad for the guy though. I'll send some scouts out tomorrow."
Flick nodded as the two turned back oblivious to the eyes watching them in the veils of shadows.
*^*^*Dream *^*
A first glance told his senses he was on a tundra, with but a few trees. Yet the ground, the grass, and the sparse trees; they were all crystal. Copses of shrubs with berries of red rubies, trees with gold apples, emerald dewdrops lay upon the grass. The path Riou walked was a solid crystalline sheet.
A light neighing catches his attention, looking to the distance he spots a white horse. Riou smiled lightheartedly as he walked towards the creature. Getting a better look, he noticed the single three-foot golden spiral horn emerging from the creature's forehead.
Riou clucks to the unicorn softly, while holding a hand out to it. The unicorn tilts its head curiously but goes over to him sniffing the offered hand.
"Hello to you too. What's your name?"
Riou reached over and touched the unicorns' muzzle, the eyes of the beast go wide as if in shock, time pauses. Riou hears laughter, panic sets in, as he can't move his body. Everything around him seems affected. Staring into one of the unicorn's eyes he sees the body behind the unmistakable voice.
Luca Blight, Prince of Highland, his Prince. Only because of the reflection from the unicorn's eyes could Riou see him. Luca was laughing at him, his weakness, and his failure.
"That's all you'll ever be boy. A failure, a useless miserable failure, you failed your friends, all of them. Leaving them all. A coward like you has no place in this world. "
Riou finds himself able to move once more; turning he sees Luca standing right behind him. The man was frowning, then smiles. That hideous wolf like smile, "Run little lamb run. Don't let the war catch you."
Luca begins laughing again stepping forward; Riou trips backward his mind screaming. /the unicorn! /
Throwing his weight under his legs Riou fell away from the unicorn, for fear if he touched the frozen creature it would shatter as glass. Agony coursed through his left leg as it twisted beneath his weight. "Ahhhagh!"
Towering above him Lucas' expression was stoic, "Poor little lamb, didn't run fast enough did you. A little failure, useless, your friends had been counting on you. But you failed so now it's your turn, say bye-bye."
Luca unsheathed his sword, Riou cried out as the sword was brought down over the unicorns' neck. Instead of a clean slice the unicorn shattered, as if a fire rune had been set off in its belly.
"Coward." The man stood there laughing. Screams of a thousand pilfered the air. Riou covered his ears as tightly as he could; warm blood ran down his hands as his ears began to bleed. The screams tearing him apart from the inside out. The screams of those killed by Luca's sword, a thousand screams crying out. Emotions flooding through him like never before, Riou's own cry was drowned out by the others.
Chaos in the purest form.
Chaos that was, that is and what shall be.
It was all right here.
His mind was ready to break, just like the unicorn. Then the silence, utter and pure, silence. Riou only now realized his eyes were closed; seconds pass by without any more screaming. He then opens his eyes.
The crystal forest was gone, replaced by a pool of darkness. There, standing where Luca had been a woman now stood. Her bare feet didn't quite touch the ground as she floated just above it. Her back was to Riou, while her waist long white hair had a slight sparkle like snow.
Moments pass by, unheeded by either, till the woman turns her head slightly allowing Riou to see her profile. Blue eyes, older then Jowy, perhaps in her early twenties.
Riou narrows his eyes, /She seems so familiar, but from where? /
The woman closes her eyes, Riou felt no fear or darkness from the woman. Just sadness, she was so lonely.
"Find me."
^*^End Dream ^*^
"Neehhhg."
Opening his eyes to an odd sound Riou saw Gly standing over him watching him intently with his ears up. Noticing Riou was awake he nuzzled the boy's face earning a surprised smile from Riou. "Don't tell me I was talking in my sleep again. I have the worst habit with that. Sorry if I scared you. Hum?"
Looking past Gly Riou saw the night sky with its stars shining with their fires offering the same light as the sliver of moon. /Was I asleep that long? /
"Neigh."
Gly's head reared up his ears rotating forward and back locating a noise.
"Victor we've been searching all day," -Gly bit a piece of Riou's tunic and started pulling him up. Pain awoke within his rib cage, as Gly insisted they move away from the stream and to the shadows of the forest.
".The light is too dim to look for Jowy's friend anymore. We should head back to the fort."
Riou blinked, /Jowy? /
The man Riou was guessing to be Victor scratched the top of his head, looking unsatisfied. "I suppose yer right Flick, I still feel bad for the guy though. I'll send some scouts out tomorrow."
Flick nodded as the two turned back oblivious to the eyes watching them in the veils of shadows. Once the two were out of ear shot Riou whispered to Gly, "Do you think they're talking about my friend Jowy? How common a name is Jowy in the City-State?"
Gly tilted his head at Riou's words and looked back at the two disappearing figures. Riou nodded, "Right, let's go after the aah."
While feeling much better then earlier, his broken began burning in protest of moving. Gly watched Riou for a moment, the boy was in obvious pain his face paler then before. He put on a pained smile. "Sorry, it's under control now. Let's go."
Gly snorted and paused as if weighing some sort of decision within its mind. The creature then lay down on the grass looking at Riou giving a soft neigh. Riou's mind took a moment to understand what Gly was saying, "You're sure?"
The beast snorted looking ahead to where the figures were almost completely gone from sight. Riou gave a reserved smile, "Thank you."
Mounting onto the beast's back a jolt of electricity went through his body. It didn't hurt, rather it felt odd. His ribs didn't hurt quite as much as the pressure was taken off them. Gly stood up, Riou couldn't help grinning like a child at Christmas, he had rarely ever ridden but when he was able to he liked it a lot.
With his rider holding loosely onto the thick fur on his neck Gly moved forward at a quickly paced walk.
^*^*^
Watching from the cover of shadows as the guards made their rounds. The fortress wasn't heavily guarded but it would still be a trick getting in getting Jowy and then getting out. Riou sighed in defeat, with a gentle amount of pressure applied the Gly's neck the steed turned, heading back toward the river. A little later they were back along the river.
Dismounting from Gly's back Riou sat at the river's edge. /How am I going to pull this off. There might not be too many guards but even while it shouldn't be too difficult getting in with the stealth training I've had, how to sneak Jowy out is the problem. He could be seriously hurt or under enemy interrogation, I have no idea what condition he's in. /
Noticing a fair sized stone he picked it up, tossing it up once testing its weight then tossed it roughly into the shallow river. Underwater clouds of red mud began to stir rapidly with the sudden disturbance to the bank. Riou blinked as he dipped a hand into he moderately warm water and lifted some of the sticky red mud.
*^*^*
"By the Gods!"
The two patrol guards were chilled to the bone with even the humid night air. From the sky a demon had fallen with runes of red brown and black painted over it's body. Large fierce wings stained with blood. "Be gone foolish mortals or suffer the fate of your kind!"
One of the soldiers clutched his weapon as a life line the other stumbled for the whistle to warn the others. A battle cry like neither had ever heard before rang through their ears before both fell to the ground. The demon smiled at his companion, the fur on the beast was crusting with dark mud.
Not wasting another precious moment Riou quietly moved to the beast who waited by the door. "Wait here, till I get back. No matter what, if anyone sees you, run."
Gly vocalized a noise, whether or not it understood Riou was uncertain, as he moved through the door Riou peered around the corner. By luck no soldiers were visible, probably all asleep. Riou considered his options, up, down or doorway number one. /Jowy's most likely in a holding cell so I should go down. /
Half way down the stair was a bend, turning to the right. Beyond it footsteps alerted him someone was close by. Waiting till his senses told him to strike. The demon lashed out knocking a brown haired soldier down the remaining stairs. Riou glared down at the dazed soldier. "You captured a Highland soldier earlier, where is he! Answer now or I'll cut your throat."
Pohl still dazed saw the demon, fearing for Jowy's safety he pressed his lips closed. One of the demons wings suddenly fell off its back. Riou sent a side long glance at the wing, /knew I should have tied it on with something better then pine bark. /
Pohl looked at the creature's eyes, the eyes were of large amber coloring. Pure enough to remind him of the eyes of a child, a purity that drew people in. /This isn't a demon it's a. /
Riou punched Pohl's temple as hard as he could, knocking the soldier out cold. /Now what? /
From further down the hall a voice called out, "Riou! Riou is that you!?"
Riou sighed happily, /Lucky day. /
Riou got off Pohl carefully as not to upset his ribs anymore then he already had. He quickly moved down the hallways. Riou looked at the two door, "Jowy, where are you?"
Turning right, round a corner Riou saw Jowy and smiled happily. Jowy on the other hand jumped back against the wall and clutched at his heart. "Gaaahh! Riou? You trying to kill me?!"
Riou looked at is disguise, "I thought I did really well considering the circumstances."
"Nuh," Jowy calmed himself and smiled. "Riou I was so worried about you. I'm so glad to see you're alright."
Jowy looked Riou over, "What are you? A fallen one winged angel?"
Riou looked somewhat upset Jowy didn't guess right at what he was, "I'm the demon of the twenty-seven true runes. My other wing fell off in the hallway."
Jowy was staring at the rune symbols on Riou's chest, "Oh, well you look," He then looked up at Riou's eyes with a slight blush, "nice."
"Thanks, why are you blushing? I'm not mad you got it wrong, so don't be embarrassed."
Jowy turned away slightly, "Um, why don't we get out of here now?"
Riou nodded, "Right. Umm.. Jowy? Where are the keys?"
Jowy looked at Riou, the blush now gone, "what do you mean where are the keys? Didn't you get them?"
Riou blushed narrowing his eyes a bit to try and hide his embarrassment. "I thought they would be somewhere near the cell."
"Well, they're not. Pohl carries them."
Riou shook the bars slightly to tell how sturdy they were, "Who's Pohl?"
Jowy held one hand a bit above his own head; "He's about this tall and has a child's face."
"A child's face?" Riou thought carefully about all of the people he ran into on the way in. "I saw him, coming down the stairs. Hang on."
Riou left the room and peered down the hallway only to notice Pohl had left, probably to get help. /Damn it, I should have tied him up. /
Riou went back into the room, staring at the bars with determination. "Jowy move away from the door."
Doing as he was told, Jowy wasn't sure what Riou was planning without a weapon. The younger boy looked as if he were concentrating. Riou backed away gaining a small amount of running distance, pausing then charged. A meter away he jumped while performing a full 180. His hands landed square on the ground his knees, which had been braced against his chest shot out with all the force he could muster. The heels to his boots landed upon the cell's lock.
The force caused an awful lot of racket, but the door to the cell had been knocked off the hinges. Lying in a broken dented pile. Jowy blinked staring at the busted door. After the kick Riou landed in a not so graceful heap on the floor, moving to his hands and knees. Slowly he stood up rubbing his sore behind. "Ow."
Stepping over the remains of the door Jowy looked at Riou, "When did you learn to do that?"
Riou gave a half self-satisfied smile, "I've been perfecting it for a few week now but I've never gotten a kick like that out of it before. I'm still working on the backlash effect though."
"Oh," Jowy paused for a moment; "we need to head out now though, you've probably woken up half the soldiers."
"Actually, the soldiers here sleep like logs. It was the earlier stunt that got us here."
Turning around Riou had a double take at the sight of the man standing there. /He looks like a bear. /
Victor smiled, it wasn't threatening or dark but friendly. "So your Jowy's friend, Riou was it?"
Raising an eyebrow Riou looking over his shoulder to Jowy questionably. The blond looked away from his friend, "I. I thought you were badly hurt or worse. I needed someone to look."
Riou turned his attention back to Victor and the two other guards behind him. "It's okay Jowy. I probably would have done the same thing. Let's worry about getting you out of here now."
Victor didn't look too worried, crossing his thickly muscled arms across his chest, "Look why don't we all just take a breather and talk things out. Jowy I don't know if you've noticed but your friend looks pretty badly injured"
Tilting his head toward Riou, Jowy's eyes remained trained on Victor for a moment before looking to Riou. "Oh kuso, Riou you're bleeding bad."
The commentary didn't phase Riou his eyes remained fixed on the obstacle blocking the only exit. "It's just wet mud Jowy, I slapped it on by the river."
Jowy's eyes narrowed, /That isn't what it looks like Riou. /
Jowy placed a hand on one side of Rious bare chest, gently gliding the hand across his friends' torso. The thick liquid dripped down his hand, /it's too water like to be mud. /
"Riou this is blood, not mud. Look for yourself."
Risking a quick glance down Riou looked to Jowy's hand, /How did. Of course, I must have pulled the stitches when I kicked opened the cell door. I thought it was just the jolt that was causing my ribs to hurt again. /
"Riou?"
Both Riou and Jowy looked up and watched Victor and Flick move aside just enough for a man to pass by. Rious eyes widened in surprised, "Huan-San."
Looking from Riou to the man Jowy hunched over slightly, in a semi- defensive stance. "You know this man Riou?"
Speaking in a hushed voice for Jowy's ears only, "Huan-San saved my life, he found me and tended my wounds."
"I see."
Blinking at his friend's response Riou wasn't sure what to make of the apathetic voice. As if Jowy was speaking of the events to come, not of what had happened. Huan took another step forward, "Riou. In the woods you said you owed me a debt of gratitude. I call on that debt now; the odds are against you. Your wound is open, between you and your friend you have one weapon against an entire fort. Surrender please."
Jowy let his defensive stance fall as he stood up, /in the Unicorn brigade we were taught to use our bodies as weapons. Even with Rious injury we could take down at least a quarter of the soldiers here. But even that wouldn't get us by Victor and Flick, maybe if Rious injury was./
"I'm sorry Jowy..."
Looking to his friend Jowy gave a private smile that he shared only with Riou. "Don't worry. Least you're safe."
Riou took only small assurance in Jowy's smile as he looked to the ground letting his dagger slip from his fingers, /My dream was right. I am a failure. /
Watching the approaching figures Riou heard a small voice, /coward. /
