Disclaimers: The only things Konami do not own are the three created characters. Konami own everything else.

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Andrew's Story - Chapter Ten, Elaine's Story - Chapter Seven & Avara's Story - Chapter Two

A Crazy Plan

(Location – Muse City)

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Andrew got back to Leona's Bar after the meeting with Lady Anabelle. He looked around for Kahri, but didn't see him. He did see Elaine talking with two guys though. Andrew walked over.

"Hey Elaine, aren't you the popular one?"

Elaine just looked up at Andrew: "I have no idea what you are talking about...oh, this is Flik in the blue, and Avara...also in the blue...guys, this is Andrew."

Avara muttered a quiet hello, and Flik pulled up a chair for Andrew. Andrew turned round to Elaine again.

"Did Kahri come back yet?"

Elaine thought about it: "No...I guess he's still out with Riou and the other seeing Lady Anabelle."

But Andrew shook his head: "But...he said he was coming back here. Oh, you haven't heard what happened yet...duh."

Elaine and Flik paid close attention to Andrew's tale; Avara looked bored stiff.

"So this woman, Elza, held Riou hostage. Kahri tried to stop her, but she knocked him out before he could do anything. She shot her...weapon at the man in black and ran off. Nanami said something to Kahri, about it being his fault. I think Kahri really believes it IS his fault now...and he said he was coming back here..."

Elaine looked suitably concerned: "Well, if he's not here...then where DID he go?"

Andrew got back up: "I'm going to look for him."

Elaine also stood up: "I'll go with you."

Avara looked at both of them: "You're just going to wander around this massive city looking for him...GOOD plan..."

Andrew looked at Avara with contempt, while Elaine just tossed her hair: "Ignore him. If we're not talking about him he doesn't care."

Avara said nothing, but got up and walked upstairs. Flik soon followed, citing his reasons as "needing rest." Andrew and Elaine looked at each other, nodded, and made to leave the Bar to search for Kahri. Andrew opened the door...

And was knocked down by a charging Nanami...

Riou and Jowy came in behind Nanami, they looked at Andrew and Elaine, then at Leona. Pilika walked over to Jowy, who gave her a big hug.

"Nice to see you too Pilika. Leona, where is everyone?"

Leona walked over: "Well, Viktor's not back yet...Flik's asleep. Why?"

Riou looked at Jowy, who nodded: "After meeting with Lady Anabelle....."

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After the meeting...

Jess led Riou, Jowy and Nanami out of Lady Anabelle's office. He had the air of a strict headmaster about him.

"Now feel free to explore the city, but please don't disturb Lady Anabelle...she is going through a lot right now with the war going on."

Jess entered the nearby room, leaving Riou, Jowy and Nanami to have their conversation.

Jowy was first to speak: "If only we could help out in someway..."

Nanami shrugged: "Hmm...well, at least we got plenty time to explore the city now!"

Riou looked at Nanami: "No, I agree with Jowy...why don't we speak to Jess and see if there's anything we can do to help."

Nanami looked miserable as her sightseeing plans dissolved. They entered the room Jess went into. They stopped as they saw Jess having a conversation with yet another clerk. And Jess looked very unhappy.

"These...are Youth Brigade uniforms! Who do you think'll fit into these?"

"I'm sorry sir, but these were all we could get...I apoloigse."

"Oh, I suppose it's not your fault...but who can we get..."

Jess turned around and saw Riou, Jowy and Nanami. And a little lightbulb flashed in Jess' mind. His eyes positively gleamed.

He walked over to Riou and Jowy: "You were in the Youth Brigade, weren't you boys?"

Riou and Jowy nodded, with Jowy adding in: "Why do you ask?"

Jess nodded: "I am sorry to ask you this...but it would really help the city of Muse if you help. Could you sneak into the Highland Camp and check how many provisions they have with them? It'll let us know whether or not they're planning a quick siege or a lengthy battle."

Nanami looked shocked: "How can you ask them to go into a Highland Camp!?!?"

Jowy and Riou looked at each other. Jowy spoke first: "Well...if it'll help out, I say we do it Riou. What do you think?"

Nanami snapped at Jowy: "How can you say that so calmly? If you're caught..."

But Riou interrupted her: "We'll do it."

Nanami turned to Riou: "Riou! What are you saying?"

Jess looked immensely relieved: "Thank you both. Here are the uniforms. I'll inform the border guard that you are coming. I suggest you tell somebody where you are going though."

Riou and Jowy took the uniforms and left, with Nanami's protesting ringing in their ears...

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Leona had doubtful look on her face: "Well...it's not a very good plan is it?"

Andrew and Elaine, eavesdroppers extrodinaire, walked over.

Elaine looked at Riou: "I think it's a bit crazy myself. But admittedly it would provide vital information."

Andrew nodded: "So if you need any help with it, we'll go with you."

Nanami turned around in dismay: "Don't encourage them!"

"Well, if you must go...I'll be sure to tell Viktor and the others." Leona said, sighing a little.

Riou nodded: "Okay, the border is to the North...let's go!"

"...I'll go too."

Everyone turned to the stairway, and saw Avara holding a Staff, his right hand glowing. His spiteful look still etched across his face.

Riou turned to face Elaine and Andrew: "Who's this guy?"

Avara walked towards Riou: "...guy? My name is Avara. And luckily for you, I'm on your side."

Elaine sighed: "Flik knows him...and he's helping Flik cause he owes him one."

Avara spun his Rod around and pointed it at Elaine: "The girl is correct. Now let us go. My magic will be more than enough to protect you."

Andrew and Elaine sighed simultaneously. Andrew whispered to her: "This guy is a total...jerk."

Elaine shrugged: "Hey, if you got the ability you have every right to boast about it...okay, so he overkills the boasting...but still, the theory's there."

Andrew suddenly looked concerned: "But what about Kahri?"

Elaine looked thoughtful again: "He'll turn up after he calms down. Let's help Riou out just now, and Kahri'll probably be back here when we get back."

Andrew blinked: "Why are we whispering?"

Elaine smiled: "No particular reason, it's kinda fun."

Riou led the others out of the bar, with Jowy giving Pilika a goodbye hug. Nanami was still protesting, but went along anyway. Avara followed without a word. Andrew and Elaine exchanged nods, and followed the others.

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Find out where Kahri's got to in the next chapter!