Usual Disclaimers apply.  You should know what I do and do not own.

It's been a hella tough chapter to write, but I made it as perfect as I possibly could – although it WAS fun playing through the game again just to get the notes I needed for this chapter.  I could've broken it down into two chapters, but I figured I might as well keep it together.  Was it worth the wait?  Well, read it and see…^_^

---

Kahri's Story - Chapter Twenty Four, Andrew's Story – Chapter Twenty Three & Warren's Story – Chapter Five

The Shu Saga

(Location: Path To Radat Town)

---

"Okay, are you all sure we have everything we need for the trip to Radat?"

Apple's query was answered by a series of nods.  Only Warren and Nanami seemed enthusiastic about the whole thing, as they began the reasonably long walk to Radat Town.  Andrew couldn't help thinking they HAD forgotten something, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was.  Kahri walked in front of him, there seemed to be something different about Kahri…

Andrew tapped Kahri on the shoulder, "Are you feeling okay? Something seems…well, wrong."

Kahri simply shrugged.  And then it hit Andrew what exactly was missing.  Kahri had forgotten his…

"Yoo-hoo!  Wait a second everyone."

The voice contained the three "S's" – Sexy, Seductive and Suggestive.  A voice that could suggest "Good Morning" would be an invitation to bed.  Everyone turned around eventually to face Rina, and she was carrying Kahri's Spatula.

"I believe you forgot this young man." Rina said, handing Kahri the Spatula.  Kahri mumbled a quick "thanks" before attaching the Spatula to its special holster on his back.

"How did you manage to forget your stupid weapon?" Andrew said, trying not to let the laughter he was containing out.

Kahri had the decency to blush, "Well…like I said, I was gonna take a nap…and you can't nap with a giant Spatula on your back…so…"

"Ho ho ho…silly boy." Rina tilted her head in thought, "Well, now that I'm here…I might as well accompany you to Radat Town.  I may even let you buy me a drink at the tavern."  She added, before walking ahead.

Warren laughed, "Which means we WILL be buying her drinks…sheesh."

Kahri sweatdropped on cue, before walking on with the others.  He'd get back at Andrew for that later…

---

RADAT TOWN

"You were right Warren, it is pretty nice here."  Nanami said in her best sightseer voice, marvelling at the charming town.

"We can sightsee later Nanami, we have to find Shu right away." Apple chided.

"Darn.  One of these days I'll get to look around first."

They walked through Radat, a soft breeze ruffling through it.  Rina stopped outside one of the buildings.

"Well, this is the only place I'm interested in around here.  You can go find Mister Shu, I'll wait in here." She said, before turning to face Andrew, "Care to join me?"

Andrew looked at the sign on the building, and wasn't too surprised to see it was the Tavern.  With a sigh, he followed Rina in – oh dear, there goes all my Potch…I might as well enjoy myself while I can…

Kahri sniffed.  Then he began to drool. "The food in there smells wonderful…can't…resist…"

He walked in, while the others appropriately sweat dropped.  Warren turned to face the others. "Guess it's just us going to see Shu then."

Apple nodded in confirmation, "Let's get going quickly…" They walked on, towards the largest house in all of Radat Town, "So this is where Shu is, eh?"

Warren's brow creased, "Um, do you know that for a fact or are you just guessing?"

Apple ignored him, pointedly. "Let's go in already."

---

The four of them were led into a small conference room by who could only be one of Shu's servants.  A butler perhaps? Warren thought. 

"I'll call my master. Please wait here."

The servant exited through a door.  Nanami looks around, "Hmm…" and finally nods in satisfaction. "He lives in a nice house."

They hadn't waited too long before another figure walked through the door.  This was unmistakably Shu; his presence was enough to make Apple shiver slightly.

"It's been a long time Apple." He said, before walking to the table and sitting at the opposite end of the table.

"…Shu…"

Warren wondered why Apple seemed so in awe of Shu, but decided not to bring it up right this minute.

Shu looked over, "I already know what you want, but go ahead and tell me anyway."

What's with the pompous act?  He must be REALLY good to be that much of a jerk…Warren thought.

Apple took a deep breath before beginning.  "I want only one thing. I want you to join us; you must know what Luca Blight is up to.  If Highland takes over this country, a lot of people will suffer.  Please, Shu, please lend us your strength."

Nice speech, but she seems so afraid…worry?  What is going on here?

Shu let out a small sigh, "That's what I figured.  You're right, Luca Blight is a disease on this land.  He intends to crush the state."

No duh Sherlock Shu, get to the part where you actually help us?

Apple nodded.  "That's why we must stop him.  Please join our side."

Shu was silent for one moment too long; the air seemed to get colder in the room.  Eventually Shu spoke again.

"I can't."

Two small words.  However they were enough to chill the bones of everyone sitting across from Shu.  Warren involuntarily shivered.

Apple, however, was completed composed.  And quite angry too.  "B…But why?  You know what Luca is planning."

Well, that must be the most redundant sentence I'll hear all day…

Shu sounded haughtier than ever. "I'm a trader now.  I use my knowledge to predict shifts in the world's economy.  It's the greatest way to get rich."

Warren had had enough.  "This war is going to tear this state apart…how can you think about getting rich at a time like this?"

Shu stared at Warren, and Warren suddenly felt very uncomfortable.  "Rulers change, borders change, countries change, but money is a constant.  In fact, nothing better for business than a good war."

Apple looked disgusted.  "So Shu, are you saying that even though you know what a monster Luca is, you're just going to ignore it?"

Shu smirked.  "In a word…yes."

Nanami slammed her fist into the table, surprising everyone.  "How…how can you be so callous?"

Shu merely raised an eyebrow, and Warren got the impression he cared more about the table Nanami just hit than about the suffering the people of the City-State were going to suffer at the hands of Luca Blight.

Warren stood up, knocking the chair down.  "You're no better than Luca Blight, condemning all the innocent people to death…or even worse!"

Apple shook her head sadly.  "I…I misjudged you.  You didn't learn anything from Master Mathiu, did you?  The master…"

Shu interrupted her. "The Master expelled me.  Well, it was good seeing you again, I'm sure.  Someone show them the way out."

And with that, Shu calmly left the conference room.  The servant who had shown them in quickly showed them back out.  They wouldn't be able to get back in; a guard had been placed at the front door.  Shu was serious; he wasn't going to help them…

Apple was unnervingly silent.  It seemed she wanted to say something, but all that came out was "…"

Nanami, gratefully, broke the silence.  "A…Apple… This Shu of yours…"

The floodgates opened. "Shu and I studied war tactics together under Master Mathiu.  Shu thought of me as his own sister.  But even though Mathiu warned him not to use his genius for the wrong ends, Shu wound up being expelled." Warren swore he saw a single tear flow down Apple's cheek then.

"Master Mathiu and Shu, they were both so important to me… but they couldn't get along…" Apple finished.

Silence once again fell over the group, and it was eventually broken by the most unlikely source.  "There may be some way to get him to change his mind." Riou said, not too loud, just enough for them to hear it.

Apple looked at the young Riou, who turned away in embarrassment.  "That's true, without Shu's help there's no way we can stand up to Solon Jhee.  I hate to admit it, but I can't do it."

"So what are we waiting for?" Warren said peppily, "Let's go get some more information.  Maybe the others have heard something in the Tavern?  It's worth a shot."

Apple considered this, "Yes…It does seem to be the best course of action.  Let's go."

---

Meanwhile, at the Radat Town Tavern…

"The menu is Fried Prawn, Broiled Snapper, Miso Soup, Rabbit Stew and Simmered Fish."

Kahri listened intently to the waitress.   

"The stew here isn't bad, you should try a bowl."  One of the patrons chorused.

Kahri smiled.  "Okay, one portion of the Stew please!"

The waitress nodded before walking over to the kitchen area.  He looked over at Rina and Andrew, who both motioned they weren't hungry.

Kahri glared at Andrew, "I thought you came here for the food."

Andrew held his glass up to his lips, "Did I?  I'm not sure I recall saying that…"

Kahri pouted, but his eyes soon lit up when the bowl of Stew was placed before him.  "It looks great! Thank you!"

Rina laughed, "Hee hee, it seems you're as fond of food as I am of fine drinks.  Not an easy feat I assure you." 

Kahri started shovelling the stew down his eager throat, only pausing to take a sip of water.  He stopped mid-sip when he saw a man staring over at Rina.  He was no small man either, over six feet at least and very muscular.  His hair was actually blue, and very spiky.  He wore a red robe that clashed horribly with his hair, but it seemed to work even so.  Black pants and a pair of sandals completed the outfit.  Kahri frowned, he didn't seem like anybody else in Radat Town – a visitor maybe?  Kahri shrugged and drunk his water.  The waitress took his order, and then he began to walk over.

"Heads up." Kahri whispered.

The stranger literally loomed over everyone.  Kahri gulped.  Andrew grasped his Sword hilt.  Rina merely laughed and took another drink.

"It's not often we see someone with as much radiant beauty in Radat Town." He said, looking directly at Rina, "Oh, but you have finished your drink.  May I buy you another one?"

Rina looked the stranger up and down, and managed to conceal a smile. "Humph.  I'll think about it.  But the drinks here seem awfully weak."

Andrew's eyes widened, "Eh?  This stuff is some of the most potent alcohol in the whole City-State!"

"Even so, Leona has much better wares back at the castle.  I'll just go back there and drink some real stuff."

And with that, Rina politely swept out of the Tavern, and Kahri couldn't help noticing everybody watching her leave.

Kahri shook his head, "We can't let her go off on her own."

"Ah, but the youngster is right." The stranger said, "You have nothing to fear, I shall accompany the lovely lady back to…did she say castle?"

Andrew nodded between sips of his drink. "Yeah, the old North Window Castle."

The stranger seemed to light up at the mention of the Castle. "Well, then she must know… well, excuse me gentlemen.  I must be off.  Important business and all.  Good day."

The stranger left abruptly, almost spilling the rest of Kahri's stew over him.  Luckily, Kahri managed to save it – before gobbling it down.

"You think Rina will be okay with that guy?" Kahri asked, before wiping his lips with a napkin.

"Hmm…" Andrew muttered, finishing his drink, "I was wondering if he'd be okay with Rina…"

Kahri frowned, not quite understanding.  This caused Andrew to laugh quite loudly.  "Never mind kid, you'll figure it out when you're older."

Kahri shrugged, before asking the waitress for some more stew…

Which is when Riou and the others entered the Tavern. "Hey guys!" Kahri waved them over.

Andrew frowned, "So…it didn't go well with Shu then?"

The solemn looks were enough to answer his question. 

"Are you guys talking about Lord Shu?" The waitress asked, as she put down Kahri's second helping of Stew.

"Yes.  Why do you ask?" Apple asked.

"Oh, no reason.  This Tavern is Lord Shu's favourite. He's here all the time.  Actually, come to think of it…he hasn't been in at all today.  Maybe he'll be in later…" She trailed off, attending to another customer.

Warren smiled, "Hah! I knew coming here was a good idea!"

Andrew eyed him warily, "And not because you were hungry or thirsty?"

Warren laughed, "No!  Don't be silly."

"So we'll just wait here for Shu then." Apple said, "Well, it's not the best plan…but it'll have to do." 

"And while we're waiting…more stew please!" Kahri chorused.

Everybody looked down to see Kahri had just put away a third bowl of Stew, with a fourth on the way.

"Greedy little…" Andrew began…but he was cut off.

"Apple, are you still here?" 

They all turned to face the door, and standing there was Shu, flanked by two of his servants.  Apple walked right over to him, the others following close behind.

"I think you know this, but Highland will be here sooner of later." Shu finished.

"I know that." Apple put on a look of determination, "But we're not leaving until you agree to help us."

Kahri raised an eyebrow, "She's persistent.  Gotta give her that much." He whispered to Warren.

Shu shook his head. "So what are you going to do?" He gave it a moments thought, "Are you willing to get down on your knees and beg?"

"Now wait just a second!" Andrew stormed right up to Shu, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

But before Shu could answer, "…If that's what it will take…" Said Apple in a quiet tone, her determination fading slightly.

Collective gasps echoed around the tavern. "Stop it Apple!" Riou said.

"What good will it do to humiliate yourself like that?"  Warren added.

But Apple shook her head, "It's okay. I don't mind…"

They could only watch as Apple got down on her hands and knees to beg to Shu.

"I beg of you. Please help us. We need you."

Nobody could believe his or her eyes.  Neither could Shu. "Apple… You…"

"Please.  Please.  I'm begging you.  We need you're strength, Shu."

Shu closed his eyes slowly and turned away from her, "Grrr… I'm leaving. I'm not thirsty anymore."

Shu walks to the door, but looks over his shoulder at Apple. "Apple… Have you lost your pride as one of Mathiu's disciples?  You should be ashamed."

"How dare you?" Andrew moved to attack Shu, but Kahri held him back with his Spatula. "Let me go Kahri."

Apple looks up at Shu.  "No.  You should be ashamed." Her determination flared up again, "Of course I don't like to dirty myself on the ground before everyone, begging like a dog…but if necessary, I can throw away my vainful pride.  That's what I learned from Master Mathiu."

Shu actually seemed to consider her words.  He said nothing for the longest time, "…I'm leaving."

"Y… Yes." The servant on his left stammered.

And with that, Shu left the Tavern.  Apple closed her eyes and bowed her head.

"C'mon Apple." Nanami said, helping her up. "That's enough."

Andrew drank the last of his drink down.  "It's obvious the jerk's not gonna help us.  Let's just cut our losses and head back to North Window."

"No…" Apple said persistently, "Even if there's… even a tiny change… Please stay with me a while longer."

Riou nodded, "We have to keep trying."

"It's not a challenge if it's easy after all." Warren added.

"Hey, if it means I can eat more stew before we leave…" Kahri said between gulps of his fifth bowl of Stew, just served by the Waitress.

"Sorry, that's the last of it. You ate it all." The waitress added before leaving.

"No…more…stew…" Kahri looked heartbroken.  "Bah, might as well help you out now with Shu."

"Humph, you'd better hope he helps us before I cut his arrogant head off." Andrew said, sounding very serious.

"Thanks…" Apple was deep in thought, "…but it looks like Shu is going to avoid us from now on… What should we do?"

Andrew walked over to her, "I have an idea… the people in the Tavern talked about some Private Investigator, Richblood or something like that.  Maybe he could help us get to Shu?"

Apple processed this, "Yes! It just might work!  Come on, let's go find this Private Eye guy."

They didn't wait for Kahri to finish his Stew, "Hey…" he shovelled the rest in his mouth, "Gmfple!"

---

"We've looked all over town, this Richguy isn't anywhere around!" Nanami complained.  "And my feet hurt!"

They had spent about an hour searching Radat. 

"Gah, there's only one section left, the bit by the local Appraiser's Shop to the south." Andrew grumbled, "And why would he be outside the Appraiser's anyway?"

"Hah, he'll be there. Last place we look.  Of course he'll be there." Kahri said, with a hint of sarcasm.

"Aha!!! I know about the three of you.  You're Riou, that's your adopted sister Nanami, and that's Apple, student of Mathiu.  Am I right?"

Kahri, Andrew and Warren looked over at the figure talking to Riou, Nanami and Apple.  Kahri smiled as Warren said "Looks like we just found Richie."

They were looking at the man in astonishment.  "That's right." Was all Riou could say.

"I knew it. Richmond, the greatest private eye in Radat Town can find out anything."  Richmond takes a couple of steps back, "Ah, and here come Treasure Hunter Andrew, Football Player Warren and Sajah Village's Kahri."  Richmond smiled as the look of astonishment came over their faces.

"So you all came to get Shu the trader to join you, right?" Richmond continued, "Yes, I know about the scene in the Tavern too.  And I figure you wanna hire me to help."

They all nod in confirmation. "Well, I'll need 1,500 Potch upfront.  Then I'll get you some good information on Shu."

Nanami looked dubious, "That's a little pricey."

But Apple shook her head; "He's our best chance now…we have no choice."

Riou nods and walks over to Richmond, "Please do it."

Riou gathers together all the Potch, and promptly handed it to Richmond.  "Okay. It's a deal.  Leave the rest to me.  Go back to the Inn and relax.  I always do what I promise.  That's a Richmond guarantee.  I'll find you when I get the Information.  The inn is… oh yeah, the Toran Inn, of course I know.  They have great soup.  Try it."

Richmond zoomed past them.  Andrew looked slightly worried, "You think he'll be able to help?"

Apple shrugged, "We didn't have a choice, we'll just have to now."

Nanami nodded, "Yeah, let's go to the inn and relax like he said.  I'm tired, a nap would be good."

Warren seemed to agree, "Seems like a good plan, we'll be all fresh to get Shu to join us… are you okay Kahri?"

They all turned to look at Kahri, who had hung his head.  He raised it slowly.  "I'm still hungry."

"Oh boy…" Andrew shook his head, "That's hardly a surprise…you can have ONE bowl of soup, it's all we can afford."

"Yay."

---

It was late.  Everyone had gone to bed.  The lights were all out…at least they WERE all out.

"It was a success!"

Within seconds Andrew had his sword pointed at Richmond, luckily he saw who it was before he gutted him.  Andrew put the sword away.  "Sorry."

Nanami crawled out of her bed, and she too walked over to Richmond. "Who… Wha… Hey!  You're the guy from before, Richsauce."

"Richmond."

"How did you get in here?" Nanami said, ignoring the fact Riou had corrected her.

"Just calm down a minute.  I've come to report what I've found out."

Nanami scratched her head. "Really?  Really?"  She seemed skeptical, "C'mon, you really haven't done anything, have you?"

Richmond looked disgusted, "Hey pretty lady," Nanami blushed, to the surprise of all, "why would the hard-boiled private eye, Richmond, do something like that."

"MMMM…eggs…" Kahri muttered, still asleep.

Apple however, had woken up from all the commotion. "…Hey, what's going on? Don't make such a fuss…"

Richmond looked over at Apple. "Well, I'm good about getting the job done quick.  It looks like Shu is avoiding you.   But there's an important trade tomorrow night, Shu has to attend it.  The trade will be at the port east of here.  If you wait at the bridge, you'll be able to get the jump on him." Richmond smiled, "Well that's the end of my job.  The rest is up to you."

Richmond heads to the door, "Well, see you later."  He walks out of the door.

Nanami looked at Andrew, Riou and Apple before smiling.

"Tomorrow night, eh…" Andrew said, before returning to his bed.

---

The next morning…

"Aaaah!" Nanami stretched her limbs, almost bopping Kahri's nose, "I slept well.  Well, let's go!  We'll wait for Shu at the bridge to the East, like Richtea said."

"Richmond."

Kahri yawned, "Wait? At the bridge? What do you mean?"

Nanami frowned, "You slept through it…?"

Kahri sweat dropped, causing Nanami to giggle, "Well, that's okay.  Anyway, it looks like we should go to the bridge to the ease to ambush Shu."

It was a quick walk to the Bridge, which crossed over a river.  "That river flows down to Banner Village.  We trade with them often." Came a quick reply to Kahri's question.

"According to that Private Eye, Shu will come this way." Andrew said, remembering what Richmond said last night, "So let's wait for him here."

"Wait?  But, it'll get cold and stuff." Kahri said, looking unsure.

Looking equally unsure was Apple, "…okay."

Kahri gazed down river; a boat was just heading down to Banner Village.  "We better not be waiting long…"

---

Hours Passed…

"I'm cold. I'm bored. I'm tired. I'm hungry. Can we GO now?"

"Shut up Kahri." Warren said, throwing his football at Kahri's head.  Kahri deftly knocked it away with his Spatula, inadvertently inventing the game of Baseball at the same time.  Warren caught his football.

"Brrr…you're right.  It's starting to get cold.  And he's not here yet…" Nanami said, shivering.

"…" Apple looked saddened. "You're right…"

"…Hey.  Over there!"

They all turned to see Shu approaching with his two servants.  Shu didn't seem too pleased. "…There's nothing left to talk about."

Apple got right in his face. "No. I'm not giving up!"

Shu backed up a bit, surprised by Apple's audacity. "Apple… Listen carefully. It's a WAR you're trying to get me involved with. How to kill, that's what you and I studied.  In the last battle, Viktor's fort was burned to the ground because your strategy failed.  How many people died? Do you even know?"

Kahri looked confused, "Viktor had a fort?  When was this?" He whispered to Riou.

"Before we met you. I'll tell you later." Riou added.

"…Yes, I know. I was weak and ineffective. That's exactly why we need your help."

"And none of your wise cracks, we've had enough of your arrogance.  A straight answer would be nice!" Andrew said, demandingly.

Shu ignored him. "And if your strategy had been successful, it would also have meant the loss of life. Can you really bear that burden?"

Apple opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out.  Shu reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold coin.

"I use these coins to trade with the island countries south of the Toran Republic."

Surprising everyone, Shu threw the coin into the river below. "If you can find that coin, I'll join your side."

Apple's eyes lit up, "Is that really a promise?"

Shu nodded. "Yes…but remember… That's only if you find the coin. Now if you'll excuse me."  Shu walks past them, his two servants close behind.

Nanami and Kahri look over the side.  Nanami spoke up, "Hey. It's impossible. We'll never find that little coin.  Let's go home."

"Yeah," Kahri added, "Maybe Viktor and the others will have come up with a good plan."

But Apple's determined look answered their query. "No. I'm going to find that coin."

Nanami and Kahri both sigh very loudly as Apple continued, "First we'll have to stop the flow of water…we'd better ask the man controlling that sluice gate up ahead."

Nanami watched on, absolutely speechless.  But she followed everyone, who had already started talking to the person in charge of the gate.

"Whadda you kids want? This is no place for a bunch of landlubbers like you."

"Landlubbers?  I can't believe anyone would ever say that for real…" Warren said, "I haven't heard it once in all the time I lived in Kuskus or in Coronet."

Kahri shook his head, "It must be the sea air…"

Riou walked up to the man, "Could you please close the sluice gate?"

"The sluice gate? That's a funny joke, kid. This gate only gets closed a couple times a year for special reasons.  There's no way I'm closing it now, okay? Now go on home. It's past your bedtime, kid."

"Already getting on my nerves…" Kahri said, tightening his grip on his Spatula.

Apple stepped in front of Kahri, "Please. It's very important."

"You don't hear too well, little girl.  Don't make me give you a spanking. You don't wanna get hurt, do ya?"

"Just try it." Andrew threatened, pulling out his sword.

"You can hurt me if you want to, but close the sluice gate…" Apple said

Nanami walked up to Apple, "Let's just give up.  He's not gonna help us."

"Hey, you should take that cute little girls advice."

"Little girl?" Nanami's face contorted into one of pure rage.

"Hey, what's the trouble, Gin?"

It was another person, and he was walking towards everyone.  He was definitely built for sea travel.

"Hey Amada, these crazy kids are telling us to close the sluice gate." Gin answered.

"So these kids are up to funny stuff eh?" The man known as Amada replied.  "I'll take care of this."

Gin looked immensely relieved, "Thanks." He said, standing to the side.

"So what do you want?" Amada said, facing everyone, "The sluice gate?  You mean this?"

Apple nodded. "Yes, please. Just close it for one day, even just one night.  Couldn't you please close it?"

Amada thought about it, seriously. "Hmmm, I see." He looked sad, even as he said it. "Sorry little lady, I can't just close the Sluice Gate for no good reason.  If someone was drowning or if there was some kind of emergency, it would be different."

"Many people's lives depend on it." Warren interjected, "We must stop the Highland Army…" He realized how stupid it sounded.

And Amada looked absolutely confused. "Listen kid, I don't think the sluice gate has anything to do with the war…"

Then Riou decided to employ his deadliest tactic. Cute puppy dog eyes.  "Please?"

"Wow.  You're absolutely serious about this." Amada looked into Riou's eyes, "You seem like a real hard working kid, and I've got a soft spot for hard working kids.  Okay, here's what we'll do.  I'll fight you for it.  If you win, that means you're for real and I'll close the gates.  How about it? Want to try?"

"You want to fight Riou?  You gotta be joking!" Andrew said, "You can fight me instead."

"No Andrew." Riou said, "It's okay.  I'll do it."

"You're crazy!" Kahri said, echoing Andrew's train of thought. "Let Andrew handle this."

"I knew you'd go for it. I've got a good eye for character. You look like a tough kid.  Now you and I will fight like men. Ready? Let's do it?"

Kahri sighs, "Hope you got some medicine handy there, guys…"

Nanami smirked, "Yeah, sailor boy's gonna need it."

Andrew also smirked, "10 Potch and dinner says Riou wins."

"Done." Kahri said, shaking Andrew's hand.  "Not that I want Riou to lose of course…"

It didn't stop Nanami whapping Kahri on the back of the head though.

"Okay, ready boy?" Amada yelled as he and Riou squared off at opposite ends of the bridge, "First, a little test."

Amada charged forward, a hefty Oak Oar raised, ready to strike Riou down.  Riou was caught off guard by Amada's speed, and the Oar just caught him before he could get fully out of the way.  Riou rolled, and landed ready to counter attack.

"Ouch! That musta hurt! Sorry about that."  Amada almost laughed, but contained it as Riou charged him.

He was a blur, Amada brought down his Oar to defend himself – but Riou ducked under it and caught Amada with two mighty Tonfa shots. One to Amada's stomach, which doubled Amada over, and another to the back of Amada's head.  Amada stumbled back, but remained on his feet.  Nanami cheered Riou on.

"I won't fall for that one again." Amada said, reeling from a mixture of the blow itself and surprise at the power of the blow.

Amada charged again, he brought the Oar down – aimed right at Riou's head.  But Riou jumped back, the Oar hit the bridge.  Riou caught Amada with a whiplash inducing shot to the back of Amada's neck.  Amada fell forward, but used his Oar to regain his balance.  He swung the Oar around, catching Riou right on the back.  Riou flew forward, landing awkwardly on the ground.  Riou got back up, but he was obviously winded.

"Better get ready, here I go again!"  Amada yelled, charging forward again.

The Oar shot caught Riou in the ribs, but it was only a glancing blow.  Riou managed to recover and strike back with several lightning fast Tonfa shots.  Amada was completely caught off guard, and every single shot connected.  With one final shot to the head, Amada fell to the ground.  The duel was over.

---

"Ouch…Hey I'm sorry.  I guess you really WERE serious." Amada said, managing to get back to his feet without help.  "What do I do now…well, a promise is a promise.  But I'm only closing the gate for ONE night.  That's all."

Apple almost beamed, "O…Okay. Thank you so much!"

Gin walked over to Amada.  "Hey Amada, is it really okay to do that?"

Amada looked at Gin, only just noticing him. "Huh? Yeah, these guys must have a good reason.  It must be pretty important, well anyway – it's MY responsibility, okay Gin?"

Gin nodded uncertainly. "Oh okay, I get it and all…but it sure is strange."

Amada walked towards the sluice gate controls, and activated the closing device.  The sluice gate slowly closed.

Amada took one last glance at Riou, and nodded.  He and Gin left.  Apple turned to face Riou.

"Are you okay? You're not hurt?"

Nanami walked over to her, "He's fine. Riou's is a lot stronger than he looks."

Kahri joined them.  "Hey, only a few cuts and scrapes. Nothing a little medicine won't fix right up."

Andrew put his hand on Kahri's shoulder. "I believe you owe me 10 Potch, and everyone dinner."

Kahri narrowed his eyes, and promptly handed over the 10 Potch.  With a sigh, he checked the rest of his money, "Hope a salad will do you all…"

Andrew shook his head, "I'll wait until you have more money, and then get a slap up meal."

Kahri felt his head fall forward, "That's what I was afraid of."

Apple then headed towards the riverbank. "I'm sorry you had to do that Riou. We don't have much time. Let's hurry and get below the bridge. We must find that coin."

"We can get into the river down there." Andrew pointed out a set of small wooden steps.

Nanami shivered, "This water looks pretty cold."

"And it'll only get colder when night falls, we must hurry to find that coin before then." Apple said, "As soon as the water level drops…"

Kahri looked at Apple indignantly, "…COLDER?!?"

Apple simply nodded, leaving Kahri to shiver even more. "Well, don't expect me in there helping you. I'm going back to the Inn."

Kahri stormed off to the surprise of everyone.

"What's his problem?" Nanami asked to no-one in particular.

"Hmmm…" Was the only response she got, it was from Andrew.

---

It was quite dark before the water level dropped sufficiently.  Apple had waited by the river all that time, and as soon as she got the chance – she was in the water, searching for that elusive coin.  Everyone else had gone back to the Inn to wait, but only Kahri stayed there.  The others soon came back to the riverbed to find Apple already searching for the coin.

"Hey," Nanami yelled to Apple, "are you okay? It's really starting to get cold."

"How long have you been looking already?  You should have come back and got us." Andrew chided.

"I'm fine. You can go back to the Inn if you want." Was Apple's reply.

"Not a chance, we're helping too." Warren said, walking down the steps into the water, "A little cold water won't bother me!"

"I'll help too." Riou added, joining in the search."

Nanami let off a little moan, but she too went into the water

"Well, too many people would cause too many ripples in the water.  Making it harder to search. I'd better keep an eye on spatula boy…he still owes me dinner." Andrew shrugged, before heading back to the Inn.

"Well that was out of character…" Warren said, before resuming his search.

"He's up to something." Riou said simply. "I just know it…"

---

There's only so much one can write about looking in water for a coin…but the four companions had searched in the water for the better part of an hour now, in complete silence.  Nanami suddenly stood up straight and let out a loud sigh.  When everyone ignored her, she reverted to her best weapon.  Constant jabbering.

"Hey, enough already! We'll never find the coin." She said.

Still they ignored her.  Nanami paused uncomfortably, then she yelled. "Hey! We'll never be able to find it! I saw the whole thing!"

This caught Apple's attention, but Riou and Warren kept searching. "Saw what?"

"When Shu threw the coin…" Nanami started. "I saw what he did, he replaced the coin with a small stone before he threw it.  It happened so fast, I wasn't sure at first, but… That's why…we'll never be able to find it."

Warren looked up at Nanami. "It does strike me as something Shu would do… he's too greedy to throw away a coin."

Apple's stare cut Warren off.  Warren hastily resumed searching for the coin, as did Apple. "…I refuse to believe that." Was all she said.

Nanami sighed again, but she started looking again.

"I'll look too."

They all looked up to see Kahri sans spatula. "I couldn't sleep, felt too much like a bastard…"

With that Kahri got in the water, and he too started searching.

Damn it all… If Riou weren't so darn cute I'd be out of here already…

---

Time passed slowly, but it got colder much more quickly.

"You know, if you had brought that spatula of yours Kahri…you could've shovelled more water out of here." Warren said jokily.

"Yeah, and I might have swept the coin away with it." Was Kahri's reply.

Warren stopped searching, "How did you figure that one out?" He said to Kahri.

"…actually, it was Andrew who figured that out.  He told me that before I left."

"And that's the Kahri we all know and love." Warren laughed.

Kahri stuck his tongue out at him and promptly resumed searching.

"…it's fine."

Everyone turned to look at Apple, except for Riou who kept searching.  "You can go back. It's fine." She continued, "I knew it wouldn't be easy… Shu wasn't even willing to give us a fair chance.  But I didn't want to believe it."

A single teardrop fell into the river, causing the water to ripple in an ironically pretty way. "That's why… Please go back to the Inn…" Apple finished.

Nanami smiled, "Don't say that."

"Yeah, we're seeing this thing through to the end." Warren added.

Kahri nodded in agreement, "Can't leave you here on your own." He said, before looking back at Riou, "Isn't that right Riou…what's that?"

They all turned to look at Riou, who was reaching into the water.  Nanami was the first to see it; she blinked in disbelief and suddenly squealed with excitement.

Apple looked confused, "What's that?"

Nanami ran over to Riou, "It can't be!"

Warren, Kahri and Apple all walked over to Riou, and in his right hand was the coin. "It is! It's the stupid coin I got hypothermia for!" Kahri said happily.

"That's it! That's really the coin!" Nanami hugged Riou in delight, almost causing Riou to drop the coin back in the water.

Apple breathed the hugest sigh of relief Kahri and Warren had ever heard. "Re… Really?  That's wonderful! Well done Lord Riou!"

Nanami hugged Riou tighter; Kahri felt a small pang of jealousy, "Hurray Riou! Hurray!" She said, water splashing everywhere as she jumped.

Apple nodded. "The coin… So now Shu will…"

"Apple…"

They all turned to face Shu, who was walking down into the water.  Apple took a few steps forward, but managed to restrain herself. "Shu!"

Warren walked over, "And now, the promise."

Shu frowned, but nodded. "Yes, the promise…"

Shu walked over to Apple.  Apple turned away slightly, "You were so cold to me… Why did you have to…" But Apple couldn't finish.

Shu interrupted her, "It was necessary." Apple turned back to look at him, "You're a strong woman. I may have inherited Master Mathiu's brain, but you, Apple, you inherited his heart…"

Apple smiled, she didn't bother trying to hide it. "So then…"

But Shu interrupted her again. "Yes. Leave it to me. I'm worth more than a hundred thousand soldiers, and I'm on your side now."

A mini cheer erupted from Warren, Kahri and Nanami as Apple could only say "Th…thank you."

Shu looked confused for a second, and he approached Riou – who was still holding the coin in his hand. "Can you show me that coin?" Shu asked.

Riou opened his hand, but it was not the coin that made Shu gasp in surprise. "Th…that rune on your right hand."

Shu looked deep in thought for a second, "Your name is Riou, right?  You wouldn't be Master Genkaku's son, would you?"

Riou blinked in surprise, before nodding in confirmation.  Nanami was equally surprised, "How do you know about Grandpa Genkaku?" She asked.

Shu nodded, "I see… There aren't many left who remember what originally happened, but the name of Master Genkaku has a special meaning for the City-State."

Nanami gasped, "Wh, wh, what do you mean?"

"This must've been what Anabelle wanted to tell you two…" Kahri stopped, not wanting to reopen that particular wound.

"It seems everyone knows this story except us." Riou said, eventually.

"We'll talk about it after the war." Shu finished, "Right now we have to worry about Solon Jhee and his troops.  Riou… I want to thank you for helping Apple.  Between you and that rune on your hand, we might just have a chance to win this war."

Shu took the coin from Riou's hand, and looked at it – confusion etched across his face.

"But… this coin…"

---

Richmond nodded at the scene below the bridge; he tossed a coin in the air and caught it with precision. "Ha… another job well done."

Richmond moved to leave, but a man in the shadows stopped him.  Andrew. "I knew it would work.  Thanks for your help Richmond, how much is that I owe you now?"

Richmond shook his head, "No charge this time… but you owe me a huge favour for this one kid.  Shu's the only hope that ragtag army has, I don't want to see this state fall down anymore than you do.  And that's why I helped."

Andrew nodded, "We all have our reasons for helping…some more so than others."

Andrew walked away quickly before the others could see him.  Richmond did likewise a split second later.

---

The next morning everyone awoke feeling refreshed, although Kahri kept everyone up sneezing throughout the night.

"Don't worry Kahri, we'll have Tuta fix you right up." Warren said, trying not to laugh as Kahri sneezed again.

"Shut Up…" Kahri mumbled.

Andrew was the last to awake, "So you finally found that coin…and Shu's really going to help us eh?  Shame I missed it all…"

"Will Shu be travelling with us?" Warren asked Apple.

She shook her head, "He has lots to take care of.  It was so sudden, he might take some time.  He wants us to go ahead without him."

"Are you sure?" Kahri asked skeptically, "He might be trying to trick us again…ACHOO!"

"Bless you." Riou said laughing.

Apple giggled, "It's okay Kahri." She stopped giggling, "Shu isn't that kind of person. Let's head back to North Window everyone."

"Yeah, everyone'll be getting worried by now." Andrew said, and hopefully that includes Elaine too…

"You're hoping that includes Elaine too?" Warren nudged Andrew in the ribs with his elbow.

"Huh? What you taking about?" Kahri looked confused

Warren sweatdropped, as Andrew laughed out loud. "How can anybody be so ignorant to stuff like that?"

"Stuff like WHAT???" Kahri yelled.

Andrew shook his head, "Don't you DARE tell me I'll figure it out when I'm older…" Kahri threatened, unsheathing his spatula and pointing it at Andrew.

Andrew laughed as he walked along, Riou, Nanami, Apple and Warren right behind him.  An exasperated looking Kahri put his spatula away and rushed to catch up with them

"You'd better tell me la…aaaa….ACHOO!!!"

"BLESS YOU!"

===

Hooray, the Chapter is now officially finished! Yay!  Hopefully there won't be as much of a delay between new chapters from now on.  Anyway, watch out for the next chapter, "The Strategist's Plan vs. Solon Jhee" coming soon.

Well, it took some time…but I finally got a negative review.  That's fine, I said I welcomed criticism, and someone was brave enough to give it to me.  Although calling the story "Erratic" to the storyline is a bit silly, there are new characters with differing backgrounds – of course the story is a bit erratic from the storyline.  I always thought I was following Suikoden II's storyline quite well, even when it strayed from it – it was still believable.  Never mind, thanks anyway to King Gilby for posting the bad review, it did make me stop and think for a while.  Hopefully it'll do more good than harm.