I do not own Suikoden 2 or Legend of Dragoon.
We were just catching our breath from that last battle when Flik rushed in, accompanied by our remaining teammates and Pilika. He looked outraged.
"What is it, Flik?" I asked.
"Highland has captured South Window," he answered. "Mayor Granmeyer is dead."
Viktor cursed. "Great. That means we're cut off. Who's in command over there?"
"Solon Jhee. He studied under General Kiba." Flik pursed his lips. "We need someone who can match Jhee's abilities."
"Excuse me," Apple spoke up. "I believe Shu is living in Radat. Maybe he can help."
"Good thinking." Flik turned to me. "Julian, would you escort Apple to Radat? We need Shu."
"No problem." I spun on my heel. "Jowy, Nanami, Kinnison, Shiro, Gengen, come on."
We carefully walked to Radat, avoiding at least eight Highland patrols along the way. The only fight was with some wolves, who were easily dispatched. I was glad to make it alive. Finding Shu was another matter. He didn't want to be found, at least not by us.
Apple caught up with him near his home, but he refused to help. After constant badgering, he flipped a coin into the river, saying he would join if we could find it.
Nanami moaned in despair. "We'll never be able to find it!"
"Don't be so sure," Jowy said. "If we close the gate, the water should drop enough for us to look." Closing said gate proved difficult.
The man in charge, Amada, initially refused. "We only close it for repairs."
"You idiot! This is a matter of life or death!" I shouted.
Amada gave me a considering look. "How about a one on one? Beat me, and I'll close the gate."
"Fine. Let's do it." Amada hefted what looked like a large oar, while I spun my tonfa.
"Here I go!" he yelled, charging wildly. I jumped back, dodging the attack, and retaliated with a quick one-two combo. This happened several more times, then I finished him off.
"You win," Amada grunted. "Come back tonight."
That night, Nanami, Jowy, Apple, and I waded into the now-drained river. Even though it was only knee-deep, it was freezing. I will be very glad when this is over. I dredged with my bare hands, sifted the mud, then straightened with a cry of triumph. "I found it!!"
Apple took the coin and showed it to Shu. "Now will you help us?"
The strategist smiled. "Yes. Leave it to me. I'm worth more than 100,000 soldiers, and I'm on your side now." He then caught sight of my hand. "Is that…the Bright Shield Rune?"
I nodded cautiously. "Yes. Why?"
"The previous bearer, Genkaku, was a hero of the City-State. That rune was a sign of hope for thousands."
My jaw dropped. "Genkaku was my father."
"Was?"
I looked away. "He died last year."
Shu nodded. "I'm sorry. Well, I'll see you at the castle."
Feeling much better than I had in days, I led my team back to the castle to await our new ally.
We rushed into the meeting room, breathless. "Shu's agreed. He'll be here soon," I said.
"Excellent!" said Flik. "Now, we wait."
"Can we really trust him, Apple?" Viktor asked.
"If you don't trust me, then perhaps you should leave." Shu strode into the room. "Do as I say, and you'll win. Ignore me, and you'll go down in defeat. Question me again, and I'll see you as an obstacle to be removed." Shu turned to Apple. "Apple, I want you to handpick 200 soldiers for Julian's unit. This will be important."
"What are you planning?" Jowy asked.
"Solon Jhee is a good commander, but he tends to discount the water. Therefore, we'll ferry your unit around so that you can strike him from the rear." Shu grinned. "Do that, and he'll fall apart. Freed!"
The bespectacled swordsman jumped. "Sir!"
"Infiltrate the Highland army. Spread the rumor that South Window soldiers will be executed following this battle. That should persuade them to join us."
"Yes, sir!" Freed left.
Shu turned back to me. "Are you ready, Julian?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," I responded.
"Then proceed."
200 soldiers. That was the largest unit I had yet commanded. All of them were seasoned veterans, which made my job easier. What worried me was the chance of Solon Jhee's unit spotting us before I was ready. Everything was riding on this battle. If we lost the battle, we lost the war.
Jess jogged my elbow. "Message from Shu. Attack as soon as Solon Jhee passes."
"Send an acknowledgment." I squinted into my binoculars. "Almost…almost…now! Attack!"
200 soldiers charged the main Highland unit from the rear. The enemy was thrown into chaos; Solon had dismissed the possibility of a rear attack, and now he was paying for it. If he survived, Solon Jhee would never underestimate our forces again. A ways to the northwest, I saw Freed's South Window defectors make contact with Gilbert's unit, a nasty combination.
"Sir! They're pulling back!"
The man was right; Solon Jhee had evidently decided that we weren't worth dying for and retreated. I watched him go, then made my way back to the castle amid the cheers of my men. So this is how it feels to win a battle.
Eilie met me at the gate. "Great work, Julian. Everyone's waiting for you."
The meeting room was actually crowded when I arrived. "What do we do now?"
Shu grinned. "We now have a home base, so let's use it."
"You think we should use this castle as our headquarters, Shu?" Flik asked.
"Why not? All we need now is someone to lead us." Shu looked thoughtful.
"Do you think you should be that leader?" asked Apple.
He shook his head. "No. I'm a military genius, but I don't have the gift of inspiring people." Shu looked up. "There is someone here who should be the leader." And then, to my eternal shock, he turned to me. "Julian…no, I mean Lord Julian, you should lead this army."
To this day, Jowy insists my eyes were as wide as dinner plates. "Me…a leader?"
Viktor's jaw dropped. "Is it…the name Genkaku, Shu?"
Leona's eyes widened. "Genkaku…do you mean `that` Genkaku?"
"What is it about my father that gets everyone so excited!?" I demanded. "He was a great teacher, yeah, but a hero!?"
Shu stepped forward. "On your hand, you bear the Bright Shield Rune that Genkaku bore when he fought Highland thirty years ago. You are Lord Julian, the son of Genkaku, who defeated the Highland Army. Only you can rally the troops."
Nanami broke in, "This is a big decision. He can't do it right away."
I smiled gratefully. "Let me think about it. I'll give you my decision in the morning."
Shu smiled. "Fair enough."
Viktor said, "Julian, why don't you come to the bar later. I'll tell you about Genkaku. Maybe that will help you decide."
That night, I wandered into the bar with Jowy and Nanami in tow. Viktor was sitting alone at a table, drinking what I think was beer, judging from the smell. The room was otherwise deserted.
He looked up when we entered. "Julian, Jowy, Nanami. Have a seat."
We arranged ourselves around the table. "You were going to tell me about my father."
Viktor raised his eyebrows. "You sure you want to hear this? It's not a happy story."
"I'm sure." My companions nodded agreement.
"Alright." His eyes got a faraway look. "Thirty years ago, Muse was ruled by Annabelle's father. He was a greedy man, so he picked a fight with Highland. He had no skill in battle, so Highland won most of the fights at first. Then a hero appeared: your adoptive father, Genkaku. He led the State forces, and the famous general Han Cunningham led the Highland armies. They were from the same village, and had always been close friends. Han and Genkaku would even drink together in the middle of the battlefield." Viktor glanced at Jowy. "Han, incidentally, was the last bearer of the Black Sword Rune."
Jowy's jaw fell open. "I have Han's rune!?"
Viktor nodded, then continued his story. "Han and Genkaku realized what a stupid war it was, so they worked for peace. The negotiations went well, but there was one sticking point: your hometown of Kyaro. Neither side was willing to give it up. Eventually, it was decided that Han and Genkaku would duel, and whoever won would secure Kyaro for his side. But, during the match, Genkaku refused to raise his sword. With no other choice, Han knocked Genkaku's blade aside, put his own sword to his friend's throat, and declared victory."
"Why did Genkaku refuse to fight?" Nanami asked.
Viktor snorted. "The mayor had coated his sword with poison. He was jealous of Genkaku's fame. If Genkaku lost, he was dead. If he won, the mayor would execute him for his `crime`. Genkaku found out, and so refused to fight. The mayor was so angry that he banished Genkaku. Your father went to live in Kyaro, even after his name was cleared. As for what happened next, well, you'd know about that better than I do."
I shook my head in amazement, then jumped; Nanami had started snoring.
Viktor noticed, too. "You'd better put Nanami to bed."
Jowy had one more question: "Is Han still alive?"
"I think so," Viktor answered. "I think he's retired."
Jowy and I carried Nanami to her room, then retired to ours; we were too used to being roommates to have any other arrangement. I couldn't remember ever being so exhausted.
Jowy sat on his bed. "What are you going to do, Julian?"
"I'm going to lead this army to victory," I answered. "If so many want me to lead them, then I can't let them down. It's an awesome responsibility, I know, but I really don't have much choice."
He clapped me on the shoulder. "I'm behind you all the way, old buddy."
"Thanks." I went to sleep, happy that I had such a loyal friend.
I awoke truly refreshed for the first time in far too long. I'm actually ready. Ready to face my new role. I walked down the stairs to the meeting room, finding the core group waiting. This is it. They're expecting my answer.
"Have you made your decision?" Shu asked.
I squared my shoulders. "If you think I can do it, then I'll give it a shot. I accept the position of leadership."
Viktor grinned. "Julian, thank you. I'll use all my strength to beat that bastard, Luca Blight."
Shu shook my hand. "My strategic skills are at your disposal, Lord Julian."
Jowy actually saluted. "Congratulations, Julian."
"Allow me to congratulate you, as well."
A middle-aged Oriental man had joined us. Since he had young Tuta at his side, I easily identified him. "You must be Dr. Huan. Welcome to the Dragon Army."
Huan smiled. "Thank you. I hope my small knowledge of curing will be of help to you and your troops." Tuta nodded ecstatically.
Flik chuckled. "Viktor wants to have a party, but first we need a name for our new home."
Jowy raised a hand. "We're the Dragon Army. How about Dragon Castle?"
"Sounds good to me," I responded, holding up my Dragoon Spirit. "After all, the leader is a Dragoon."
Before Viktor could get a party going, a bubble of light appeared in the back of the room. It faded, revealing a form I had seen before. "Leknaat?"
She smiled mysteriously. "Julian, Jowy, you have reached a turning point in your lives. I have come to present you with this tablet. The Stars of Destiny are gathering once again. As they join you, their names will appear on the tablet. I have also brought you one of them."
The teenage boy at her side stepped forward. "I'm Luc, Lady Leknaat's apprentice, and holder of the True Wind Rune. You'd better be grateful that she's giving you this tablet." He shot one annoyed glance at Leknaat. "I'll also favor you with my great presence. It's not what I choose, but Lady Leknaat has ordered it."
"Good luck to you all." Leknaat vanished in the same manner as she arrived.
Luc sized up our little group. "Viktor, Flik. Still alive, eh?"
"You!" Viktor was at a loss for words.
I glanced at him sidelong. "You know this guy?"
"Yeah," Flik nodded. "We fought together for a while."
"I see." I eyed Luc dubiously. While I had no intention of questioning Leknaat's decision to bring him here, he was likely to be second only to Zamza as an ego case. Hopefully, he had the abilities to back up the ego. Since Kahn had left to chase Neclord, we needed a strong magic user.
I made my first decision as army commander. "Apple, put this guy in a well-defended unit. I'm sure he can wreak havoc from a distance, but the last thing we need is for the Highlanders to get a close-up on our most powerful mage."
"Yes, sir."
I looked around. "This is a grave responsibility. Highland is strong, and we have just over two thousand troops. But…there will be more. Luca Blight leads by fear, I will lead by inspiration, by example. I chose Dragon Army as our name for two reasons. The first is that Jowy and I are Dragoons, warriors who rule Dragons. The second is as memorial for those members of Dragon Company who died under my command. They died for what they believed in; I will not let their deaths be in vain. Luca Blight will fall." To my embarrassment, this small speech was followed by thunderous applause.
"Well done, Lord Julian," Shu said. I blushed.
I glanced at the others. "Make the new recruits welcome, people. I'm going out to get a feel for the situation." I left for the gate, Jowy and Nanami at my heels.
Before leaving the castle, I explored a little. It wasn't much to look at as yet, due to the ongoing renovation work. The soldiers greeted my respectfully, a gesture I was still getting used to. I returned the greetings nervously, feeling somewhat ill at ease, though I knew it would wear off with time. After a brief stop for breakfast, I hit the road.
Our first stop was the town of Kuskus, where we had met Oulan. With Highland driven back to Coronet, the town had calmed a bit, so we strolled without fear.
Nanami elbowed me. "Julian, look."
I followed her gaze and saw immediately what she was talking about: Tai Ho and his brother, Yam Koo. They were standing near the docks, looking somewhat out of place.
I ambled over. "Tai Ho, Yam Koo, nice to see you again."
Tai Ho grinned. "Same to you. I hear you had another run-in with the Highland Army."
"'Run-in' is something of an understatement. We beat them back, and now I'm scouring the land for new recruits." I gazed at him speculatively. "Perhaps you would be willing to join?"
He considered. "If you can beat me at Chichirorin, we'll join your army."
"Agreed." I shook the dice and tossed them in the cup, getting a five. Tai Ho lost, barely. Two more rolls of the dice, and I had it made.
Tai Ho smiled. "A promise is a promise. We'll join the Dragon Army."
We next traveled to South Window, knowing that we could get lots of support there, since the recent Highland occupation was still fresh in everyone's minds. Thus it was no surprise that the first person we met, a fellow named Clive, offered to join us. We accepted gratefully.
While Jowy and Nanami went to purchase supplies, I dropped by the inn, searching for news. I ran into some familiar faces upstairs: Alex and Hilda, from White Deer Inn.
Alex smiled broadly when he saw me. "Julian! Great to see you."
I grinned back, glad to see someone I knew. "Alex, Hilda. What brings you to South Window?"
"White Dear Inn is no longer safe," Hilda answered. "We came here looking for sanctuary."
Alex glanced at his wife, then said, "Julian, we heard that someone with that name recently defeated the Highland Army. Hilda says it's you, but I don't believe it. What do you say?"
I chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed. "Hilda's right, Alex. I beat Solon Jhee."
Hilda smiled. "You see, Alex? I saw it in his eyes. He's the one." She turned to me. "We're not soldiers and we can't offer to help with the fighting, but I think we can still help. Please let us help…."
I nodded. "By all means. We need more than just soldiers, so you can help within the castle. Besides," I added, glancing at Pete, "Dragon Castle is as safe a place as you can find, despite being the headquarters of a major army. Also, Pilika needs someone her own age to talk to. I think she'll get along with Pete just fine."
"Thanks, Julian," said Alex. "We'll see you at the castle."
I caught up with Jowy and Nanami at the house of a slightly deranged inventor named Adlai. It seemed that they tried to recruit him, but were brushed off. I decided to try personally.
Adlai was standing at a table when I entered. "Do you have the Sacrificial Jizzo!?" he demanded.
It just so happened that I did, so I handed it over.
"What's this junk!? What I need is a wooden shield!" Giving him one just made things worse. "What am I going to do with this!? Now, where's that Wind Crystal I told you to get!?"
His attitude made me mad. I threw the Wind Crystal at him, knocking him back.
Much to my surprise, Adlai was pleased with my response. "I like a man who stands up for himself!! I'll see you at Dragon Castle!!"
What a lunatic.
I met the others outside Adlai's home. "We've got another lunatic in our ranks. Where to next?"
"How about Radat?" Nanami suggested. "That's where we found Shu."
We struck a gold mine in Radat. Five recruits: Richmond the private eye; Amada (after beating him up again) for our dock; a deranged elf named Stallion; Lebrante the appraiser; and, of all people, Freed's wife, Yoshino. Seeing no reason to hang around, we headed northeast to check out the old fort. There, we ran into a young cartographer named Templeton. He offered to join us when we encountered him again in the ruins of Toto.
I shook my head in amazement. "Six recruits in less than a day. At this rate, Highland is toast."
"I hope you're right," Jowy said grimly. "We need all the help we can get."
"We should go home now," Nanami put in. I saw the sense in that at once.
As soon as we returned, a messenger came up to me. "Lord Julian, Lord Shu wishes to see you at once."
"On my way."
The meeting room was crowded by the time we arrived: Shu, Jess, Viktor, Flik, Apple, Freed, and…
"Fitcher? What are you doing here?"
He jumped. "Lord Julian! I…I'm here on a scouting mission for Two River City. I'm supposed to check out South Window."
"Do Ridley and Makai know you're here?" Shu asked pointedly.
"N-No, I'm doing this on my own." Fitcher looked around nervously. "I was thinking that Two River would be a good ally."
Viktor grunted. "What do you think, Julian?"
"I think it's a good idea," I said without hesitation. "Two River would give us a big morale boost."
"Very well." Shu nodded. "Since you persuaded Amada to join us, you should be able to go to Lakewest by boat, and from there overland to Two River."
"Thank you," Fitcher murmured, looking relieved. "You won't regret this."
There isn't much to say about Lakewest. It was small, with mostly wooden buildings, basically a fishing village. The one upshot was that we got two more people almost immediately: an old woman named Taki, and a man called Tetsu, who seemed obsessed with baths.
Fitcher went on ahead. "Take this letter of introduction. You should be able to see Lord Makai." This sounded sensible, so, leaving Amada with the boat, the three of us left for Two River. Just as we reached the edge of town, Nanami picked up a small blue stone: the Dragoon Spirit of the Blue Sea Dragon.
Jowy chuckled. "Better start learning to use a hammer, Nanami."
Two River was an interesting place. Three different species lived in relative harmony: humans, Kobolds, and Wingers. The Wingers were mostly humanoid, except they had clawed feet and bat-like wings. I know this because I got an up-close look at one as soon as I entered the city.
I searched my pockets. "Why…that little creep!"
"What is it, Julian?" Nanami asked.
"He stole my wallet!" I looked around furiously. "We'd better check out the Winger section of town. He can't get away.
We charged onto town, aiming for a cluster of wooden buildings. It didn't take long to find our quarry; he was standing on a deck, chuckling to himself. "That guy had a lot of money! I'm rich!"
That was when I came up behind him. "You little punk! I'm gonna kill you!"
The Winger snorted. "I've got wings. You don't. See ya!" He flew off.
I fumed. "We can't afford this. The letter of introduction was in that wallet."
"Let's go back to the human section," Jowy suggested. "Maybe Fitcher can help."
I turned out that Fitcher had problems of his own. He was standing near city hall, facing a Kobold aristocrat I assumed (correctly) was Lord Ridley. The Kobold did not look happy.
"For the crime of desertion while on a mission to South Window," Ridley was saying, "and spreading the lie that you brought the man who defeated the Highland Army, you are sentenced to ten lashes."
"Stop!" I shouted.
Ridley flicked a glance my way. "And who are you?"
I smiled slightly. "Fitcher was telling the truth." I pealed the glove off my right hand. "I am Julian Genkaku, leader of the Dragon Army. I am the one who defeated Solon Jhee." I disliked sounding so grandiose, but I had little choice.
Author's note: Thanks again for the reviews. I hope the story is living up to your expectations. As regards the Abomination, I don't remember how I defeated it, except that Kahn's Charm Arrow spell is very important. D.S.
