Like I said, I do not own Suikoden 2 or Legend of Dragoon.
With the events of the forest behind us, we made our way to Toto Village, north of the fort. It was larger than Ryube, but not by much. The people seemed to recognize Jowy, and we soon found out why.
"Uncle Jowy!"
"Pilika!" Jowy hugged the little girl. He turned to me. "Pilika's parents took me in when I washed ashore. If it wasn't for them, I would be dead." Jowy smiled at the girl. "This is Julian Genkaku, my best friend, and his sister Nanami."
Nanami smiled at Pilika. "Nice to meet you."
Jowy led us to Pilika's home, where we met her parents. Jowy was happier than I had seen in quite some time. He seemed to feel at home there.
After a meal, Pilika asked a favor: she wanted a wooden amulet from Muse to give to her father. She gave us 70 potch to cover the cost. We agreed and went on our way.
"You really like them, don't you, Jowy?" I commented.
"Yeah. They're nice people. Besides, I've always liked kids."
"Very true." We stopped at the local inn to make preparations. I noticed among the patrons, a young man with a weird hat. He looked around with an arrogant expression.
Nanami went up to the innkeeper. "Who's that?"
Our host shrugged. "His name's Zamza. He comes from time to time."
Zamza overheard, sparking a heated argument with Nanami. At first he wanted nothing to do with us, then he insisted on joining our fight. He just wouldn't take no for an answer. Nanami said we didn't need him, but that didn't work either.
"I've got good moves. I look good. I'm perfect in every way. How can you say you don't need me?" he barked.
"Fine," I said. "Our base is due south of here, halfway to Radat. Talk to Viktor." Zamza left. "Pompous twit," I muttered. Jowy chuckled.
Muse was far to the west of Toto. The six of us covered the distance in three days, killing any monsters foolish enough to attack us. Aside from that, it was a peaceful trip, free of the horrors of war. It was a nice change.
The city was surprisingly large to someone accustomed to such places as Ryube and Toto. Shops everywhere, and an energetic populace. Gengen was particularly excited by the blacksmith.
"Gengen's sword was getting dull," he explained.
While the others went on their own errands, Jowy, Nanami, and I went to the item shop to purchase a wooden amulet. I also made sure to buy some medicine; we were running low. Our mission complete, we regrouped at the city gate.
Gengen brandished his new blade. "Gengen's sword is much stronger. Gengen is pleased."
I grinned. "All right, let's get back to Toto. Pilika is waiting." Little did we know of the tragedy that awaited us.
I led the way into Toto and stopped short. "What the!? What happened!?"
Toto was in ruins. The inn was ash, most of the houses had been reduced to rubble, and there were dead bodies everywhere, including Pilika's parents. Pilika herself was sitting on the ground, crying her heart out.
"Pilika!!" Jowy rushed over. "Pilika, what happened?"
"Bad people came. Pilika's dad told her to hide, but…"
Kinnison cursed savagely. "Who could have done this!?"
"The Highland Army," I said grimly. "Probably with Luca Blight in personal command. Calling him a sadist is akin to saying that water is wet. They'll probably blame this on the City-State." Shiro growled. "My sentiments exactly, Shiro."
"Who are you!?"
We spun around, searching for the speaker. This proved to be a red-haired woman in her mid twenties. She was unarmed, with glasses that gave her an owlish look.
"We're with Viktor's mercenary army," I replied. "My name is Julian Genkaku."
"You're with Viktor? Good. I was afraid you were Highlanders." She smiled. "My name is Apple, and I need to see Viktor at once."
I nodded quickly. "We'll take you to the fort. And three of us were Highlanders, but we were falsely accused of spying for the City-State. So we joined Viktor's army to fight back. The other two are my sister, Nanami, and our friend Jowy Atreides."
We got back to the fort in record time. By the time we passed the gate, even the seemingly tireless Shiro was breathing hard. As for me, the martial arts training my adoptive father had given me helped me stay on my feet. Nanami and Jowy weren't so lucky.
After a quick stop for water, we went straight to the conference room, where Viktor and Flik waited anxiously.
"We heard about Toto," said Viktor. "You're just in time, Apple." He turned to us. "Julian, I need you to do something."
I stepped forward. "What is it?"
"I want you to find Tsai of the Divine Spear. He lives in a hut in the forest north of Ryube. Offer to pay him for Fire Spears. We have some, but they're in bad shape. We need them repaired, and we need more." Viktor looked grim. "We think Luca Blight is coming here, so hurry."
I saluted. "Consider it done."
Before leaving, we took Pilika to the barracks so she could rest. Jowy gazed at her sleeping form. "Julian, what's happening?" He shook his head. "We were supposed to be at peace."
"I don't know." I closed my eyes. "Everything's turned upside down."
Jowy looked away. "Who can I trust?" he asked plaintively.
I placed my hand on his shoulder. "You can trust me, you can trust Nanami."
He smiled. "I know I can. Thanks, Julian."
Kinnison appeared in the doorway. "We're ready."
I got to my feet. "Let's go."
The forest didn't take long, thanks to Kinnison's knowledge of the area. We made it to the hut without incident, only to find it deserted. "Now what?"
Just then, a middle-aged man came in. "What have we here?"
I turned to him. "Are you Tsai of the Divine Spear?"
"Just Tsai, please. What do you want?"
"I'm Julian Genkaku, of the mercenary army. Viktor wants your help." I reached into my pouch. "He told me to pay you for Fire Spears. We need them in order to fight Highland."
Tsai smiled. "Of course I'll help, but I don't want payment, at least not right away. There is too much at stake. Come."
We raced back into a scene of total chaos. Soldiers charging everywhere, people screaming, and in the midst of it all, Luca Blight. He seemed to be enjoying himself. I wanted to break his neck. That bastard.
A woman lay at Luca's feet. "Please spare me!!"
"Then act like a pig!" Luca spat.
The woman got to her knees. "Oink, oink."
Luca raised his sword. "Die, pig!" He struck the woman down. There were no more villagers. The army had killed them. I trembled with rage.
Jowy was incensed. "He'll die for this!!" We had to physically restrain him from attacking Luca then and there.
"Now is not the time," Tsai said. "We need to get back to the fort." Jowy nodded reluctantly.
Once back, we immediately took Tsai to Viktor, who welcomed him. "Thank you. We have Fire Spears that need work."
"He doesn't want payment," I put in.
Jowy burst out, "Ryube has been destroyed."
Viktor cursed.
Flik turned to me. "Julian, good work. Now you folks get to Muse. This is no place for a kid."
I shook my head. "I want to fight by your side. I can't let Luca win."
He thought for a moment. "Okay, I'll test you. If you can just wound me, I'll consider you a warrior."
I readied my tonfa. "Alright, here goes." I lunged forward, striking twice with my weapons, then hitting him in the sternum with a roundhouse kick. Flik tried to block, but I replied with an uppercut to the jaw.
Flik grinned. "You're pretty good. Okay, I'll vouch for him."
Jowy, Nanami, and I returned to the barracks to prepare. Viktor had given me command of a small company, enough to help against a raiding force. I had no intention of bungling my first command.
I looked at Jowy, and could tell he was thinking the same thing. "What should we call our company?" he asked.
"How about Dragon Company?" I held up my violet gem, noticing for the first time that it had what looked like a dragon's eye in the center. Jowy's did as well.
He grinned. "Dragon Company it is. Let's go join our men."
We assembled just inside the fort. Our orders were simple: wait for the enemy to get within range, then hit them hard. Apple had been placed in my unit to guide me. I needed that guidance.
She looked to the east. "Here they come. Get ready."
While we waited, I surveyed my command. Fifty soldiers, plus Jowy and Nanami, an effective force. Most of them carried swords, as the Fire Spears were with Viktor and Flik. All we had to do was delay the enemy long enough to use the spears. Hopefully, it would be enough to make them retreat.
This should be interesting. For the first time, I'm commanding soldiers against Highland. I looked around. With Jowy and Nanami at my side, I can take on anything. Look out, Luca Blight.
"Sir!" a lookout yelled. "Highland soldiers!"
I raised my right hand. "This is it, people! Us versus the Highland Army! Attack!" The battle was joined.
I parried an enemy's sword, then slammed my tonfa into his neck, breaking it. I saw Jowy take down three soldiers with one sweep of his staff.
"Julian!" Nanami shouted. "Let's use our team-up attack!"
I couldn't help grinning. "You got it. Family Attack!" This move is best described as a synchronized pounding. Nanami and I timed our moves to the second, knocking the enemy commander back through the gate.
"Well done, Julian!" I turned to see Viktor and Flik coming towards me. "I've never seen a green commander do that before," Flik continued.
I smiled shakily. "Thanks. Remember, it's not over yet." How right I was.
We assembled in the courtyard to prepare for another Highland assault. I was admittedly worried; Dragon Company had gotten off lightly in its first engagement, but I knew better than to get overconfident. If Luca Blight's personal unit showed up, we were toast.
"Julian!" A messenger rushed in. "Message from Flik, another Highland unit is en route! Prepare for battle!"
I whirled. "All right, people, you heard him! We've got incoming!" I glanced at Jowy and Nanami. "Let's move!"
We joined our company at the gate. The men cheered; evidently I was a popular commander. Fortunately for my peace of mind, Genkaku's lessons kept me from getting a swelled head. Too much was riding on this battle for me to go on an ego trip.
"Here they come, boys." I squinted. "Steady…steady…attack!!"
Fifty swordsmen and three martial arts students charged the Highland unit. They seemed to be made of sterner stuff than our previous opponents, blunting our charge. Still, victory was within our grasp…or would have been, if not for…
"Attack from the rear!!"
I spun around, jaw dropping in disbelief, as at least two hundred Highland soldiers swarmed into the fort. They smashed everything in their path, and then I saw their banner.
I gaped. "It can't be!" I grabbed a messenger. "Get to Viktor, quickly! That's the White Wolf, Luca Blight's personal unit!" While he left, I turned back to my men. "It's the White Wolf! Fall back!"
Jowy grabbed my arm. "Julian! We have to save Pilika! She's still in the barracks!"
"Right! Nanami, Kinnison, Shiro, Gengen! Come on!"
We rushed into the fort, killing any Highlanders dumb enough to interfere. Speed was of the essence; the Highlanders had set the fort ablaze. I personally took down two of the arsonists.
I found Pilika in the conference room, with Pohl…and Luca Blight. Before we could react, Luca had killed Pohl, leaving us to face him ourselves. Jowy grabbed Pilika while I faced off with the prince.
"You'll pay for what you've done, Luca!" I shouted. "First the Unicorn Brigade, then Toto, then Ryube, now this! This war will be your last!!!"
We fled before he could respond, scampering out of the fort and making for the ruins of Toto. I had been told to take my company to Muse if we were driven away. I hoped the others got out. I didn't want to fight alone.
Toto was almost deserted when we arrived. Almost; there was a single person wandering the ruins, a woman named Hanna. I invited her to join; she accepted, saying she had nothing better to do.
Jowy nudged me. "Julian."
"What is it?"
"Pilika wants us to follow her."
Pilika led us to a hidden cave behind her house. It looked like a shrine of some sort. I couldn't see much, but that was meaningless. Things are not always what they seem.
There was a flash of light, temporarily blinding us. When it faded, a woman was standing before us. She looked from one to the other of us, wearing an unreadable expression. "Julian, Jowy, your lives are about to change drastically. You must be prepared."
"Who are you!?" I demanded when I found my voice. "And how do you know who we are!?"
"I am Leknaat, the Watcher," she replied. "I have been observing you for a long time." The wall behind her opened into two hallways. "Each of you choose a door. There you will receive your fate." She vanished.
Jowy glanced at me. "I'll go right, Julian. You go left."
"Got it." I moved slowly down the left hall. At the end was a tablet, on which was written: "The Bright Shield".
"Put up your right hand," said Leknaat's voice.
I complied, and a bright light engulfed me. It shrank to cover my hand, then faded. On my right hand was the Bright Shield Rune, one of the twenty-seven True Runes. I could feel the power throbbing in my hand. It was like nothing I had felt before.
Julian met me as I came out. "Julian, look at this." His right hand bore the Black Sword Rune, brother to the Bright Shield Rune. Whereas my rune had both attacking and healing power, Jowy's was meant for one thing: battle.
"We don't have time, Jowy. We have to reach Muse soon."
Author's note: So far so good. Like I said, there's plenty that I don't remember, so it can get a little strange. To Paladin Dragoon: Thanks for the review; I'll see what I can do about the story being fast. Later chapter should improve in that regard. D.S.
