Disclaimers - The name Suikoden and everything related to the game are property of Konami. Elaine, Andrew and Avara were created by fans of the game, who have graciously allowed me to use them in the story.

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Andrew's Story - Chapter Twelve, Elaine's Story - Chapter Nine & Avara's Story - Chapter Four

Please Rescue Him!

(Location – Muse City)

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The group returned to Muse City in a rather sombre mood, except for Avara who had an air of apathy around him. Sombre and worried stiff, Riou and, especially Nanami, walked in silence, looking over their shoulders often. Elaine sensed the worry surrounding the group (except Avara, of course).

"I'm sure once we explain the situation to Lady Anabelle...she'll help get Jowy back." Elaine frowned as she realised that wasn't quite the best thing she could've said.

Surprisingly Nanami stayed quiet; Riou also said nothing.

"I mean, he'll probably be out already...not even an army could keep that boy down...um...I mean, he's probably already in Muse waiting for us...maybe...I mean it's Jowy after all...um..."

Andrew tapped Elaine on the shoulder, "You're babbling again..."

Elaine hushed up immediately. Which was for the best really, Riou and Nanami looked even more depressed now. Avara, on the other hand, smirked.

"You've surpassed yourself again, Elanna." He said, walking off.

"It's Elaine you jerk." She said as Andrew once again restrained her from attempted Avara GBH.

"Leave him alone, he's not worth the effort." Andrew said as Avara re-entered Muse City.

"Just one little slash and...fine, I'll let him live. This time." Elaine grumped.

"Pouting really doesn't suit you." Andrew said, before running to catch up with Riou and Nanami.

"Yeah, but this knife of mine would really suit Avara's throat. Hey, wait for me!"

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They all headed for the Town Hall right away. Well, except for Avara who went back to Leona's Bar.

"His concern overwhelms me..." Elaine had said.

"Your sarcasm is duly noted." Andrew had replied.

They had stormed into the hall, despite the protests of the various clerks.

"Hey you can't go in there! Lady Anabelle is in a meeting!"

Elaine pulled out her knife and flashed it at the clerk, "We're going in there."

"....yyyy....yeee.....WAAAAAH!!!"

Elaine tried not to laugh as the Clerk ran out the front door, probably crying all the way.

They approached Lady Anabelle's office, nodded to each other, and stormed in...

At least that was the plan...a group of guards suddenly approached the group.

"Lady Anabelle is busy, you'll just have to come back later. Get lost before we throw you in the cells."

Andrew and Elaine, comically, said simultaneously, "Again?"

They were then unceremoniously thrown out of the hall...

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"Ow."

Literally thrown out of the hall...

Nanami stood up and dusted herself of, "So what do we do now? How are we gonna get in there?"

Riou looked really worried. Elaine looked uncertain, but Andrew suddenly had an idea.

"Why don't we go back to the bar and talk to Viktor. He might be able to get us in."

Nanami's eyes gleamed, "Yeah! That old grump'll get us in no problem!"

Elaine let her head fall down, "Well, we got nothing else...let's head back to the bar."

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They went to the bar, their mood still sombre. Viktor and Flik were sitting at one of the tables nearby. Riou and Nanami wasted no time, and walked right up to them.

"You guys okay? Leona told us where ya were going." Viktor said.

Flik looked at them, "Where's Jowy?"

Riou closed his eyes, leaving Nanami to tell the whole story...

"...and...he said he'd catch up with us back at Muse.....but he's not back yet, and I'm really worried."

Tears flowed down Nanami's cheeks. Viktor and Flik stood up.

"Come on, we're going to see Anabelle." Viktor headed for the door.

"But she's in a meeting right now..." Nanami said sadly.

Elaine turned to Andrew and whispered "Somehow I don't think that'll stop Viktor."

Andrew whispered back "Somehow I think you're right..."

They headed straight for the town hall...again. There was only one guard guarding the entrance.

Viktor looked back at the others, "Let me take care of this...I know a little trick that'll get us right in there."

Andrew and Elaine looked at each other with doubt in their eyes. They watched Viktor say something to the guard, before he charged right into him, knocking the guard down. The guard ran past them crying. Flik raised an eyebrow at Viktor.

"That was some trick....."

Viktor looked at Flik, "Well...it worked didn't it? Let's go confront Jess already."

Elaine shook her head as they entered. "He really is all muscle isn't he?"

Andrew sighed. "I'm afraid so."

Viktor walked right over to Jess, who looked angry.

"You can't just barge in here..."

Viktor grabbed Jess by the collar of his shirt. "What's the big idea sending the kids into the Highland Camp?"

Jess struggled. "Put me down, barbarian."

Anabelle looked at Jess. "Is this true, Jess?"

Jess straightened his collar after Viktor put him down. "Yes. I did. For the benefit of Muse City. By the way, how many provisions do the Highland camp have?"

There were gasps from around the room.

Elaine walked over and slapped Jess right across the face. "How can you be so callous? Jowy got captured by them because of your little stunt!"

Jess didn't even acknowledge Elaine. "He knew there would be risks, and he did it for Muse City and it's citizens. But we need to know how many provisions they have."

Elaine unsheathed her knife. "You bastard! How can you be so uncaring."

Nanami pleaded to Anabelle. "You have to help Jowy...please Lady Anabelle."

Anabelle walked over to Riou and Nanami. "I'm apologise for what has happened, and the information you gave will be invaluable to Muse...but we cannot help Jowy now. I have to think of my city and it's citizens now."

Nanami's face fell, and Riou looked like he would cry. Andrew and Elaine's hope also seemed to vanish.

Andrew understood why though. "I see...I understand you cannot sacrifice your citizens for one person. The Highlanders have around two weeks worth of provisions."

Nanami stared at Andrew. "Wha...why did you tell them?"

Andrew looked sadly at Nanami. "There's no point in not telling. Jowy may have risked his life to get the information, so it must be important to them."

Nanami closed her eyes, letting tears out. "I understand....."

Riou walked over to his sister and hugged her. "Come on, we'll go wait for him at the bar. He'll be back soon, he's just got to..."

Riou led Nanami out of the office. Elaine took one more angry glance at Jess before putting her knife away again, she left in disgust. Andrew went to follow her.

"Thank you for telling us...it means so much to us and to Muse." Anabelle said to him.

Andrew looked over his shoulder at her, but he said nothing. Letting his look of pure hatred do the talking for him. He left, slamming the door behind him.

Elaine was standing right outside the door. She wiped away a tear, but not before Andrew saw it.

"Don't let it get to you Elaine. Oh, here...I think I've got a handkerchief on me somewhere. Wipe your eyes."

Elaine took the handkerchief and quickly dried her eyes. Andrew continued.

"War changes people. They don't have much choice. Anabelle has her own city to worry about, she can't risk the lives of her own citizens over one person."

Elaine nodded sadly. "I know it makes sense...but it's still wrong."

Elaine let her head fall onto Andrew's shoulder. Andrew put his arm around her, and she began to cry again.

"Sorry Andrew...it's all so much."

"It's okay. Let's head back to the bar, I think we could both use some rest."

"You're right..."

"Besides, Jowy's a very resourceful kid. I'm sure he'll get out."

"Yeah...I'm sure he will."

They walked together, her head still on his shoulder. His arm still around her to support her. It had turned dark outside, and there weren't many people outside now. There wasn't anybody up in the bar either, it had gotten quite late.

"Where do you suppose everyone is?" Andrew asked.

"I have no idea..." Elaine replied, looking around, "They must be asleep."

"Elaine?" Andrew asked.

"What is it?"

"Why is you head still on my shoulder?"

"Why is your arm still around my waist?"

"No particular reason...it's kinda fun."

"Didn't I say that once?"

"You might have."

"Oh...I'm sure I did."

"Well, it is kinda fun. Nice even."

"Yeah...it is nice."

Elaine lifted her head and turned to face Andrew, their faces close to each other. They're faces inched closer together. Closer...their lips almost brushing against each other...

"HE'S BACK!"

Elaine and Andrew jumped apart as Nanami ran into the bar. She looked at Elaine and Andrew questionably.

"Was I interrupting something...never mind, Jowy's back! Just like he said he would be!"

Riou walked in next, his face full of relief, with Jowy and Pilika following close behind. Andrew turned to look at Elaine, but she had disappeared.

He sighed, before asking Jowy if he was okay. Jowy simply nodded...Andrew stared at Jowy...

Something's wrong...I sense something's changed in his heart...what could it be?

Jowy looked around, "Sorry for worrying everybody...I'm really tired now...I'm going to bed."

Jowy, Riou, Nanami and Pilika all walked upstairs to the bedrooms. Andrew's eyes narrowed as Jowy left.

He's plotting something...and he's plotting something that could change the world forever. What is he up to?

Andrew walked upstairs, his confused thoughts still in his mind even as he fell asleep. He fell asleep, unaware of the muffled weeps coming from Elaine's room...

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Ooooh...it's getting really interesting now. If you've played the game, you'll know what happens next - and that's the next chapter!