Disclaimers apply. I didn't create all the characters I used in this story, and I deserve no recognition whatsoever over them. Suikoden belongs to Konami.

Luca's Redemption – Chapter Five

~~~~~

A New Mission

Location: The City

"Whew!" Dr. Robert sighed, "I think it went well."

"Yeah? Well, as long as Luca is okay." Maroux agreed.

"So, Doc. When does Luca get up?" Ayuko asked.

"Well, he should be awake by tomorrow morning. Why don't you go to the inn?"

Ayuko and Maroux both agreed and were on their way. There were no people on the road that night. The stores were closed and windows were shut, though it was no surprise: It was midnight. It took time for Maroux and Ayuko to realize how tired and sleepy they were. It was pretty tiresome treating Luca's seemingly endless magic wounds. "Hey… Ayuko, right?" She nodded. "Where d'you come from? You don't look like you're from around here." Maroux asked.

"I am…… sorry. I can't say…yet." Ayuko had a sad look on her face, so Maroux took a hint and kept quiet. Once they arrived at the inn, they walked right in. But the innkeeper had to stop them, since they hadn't booked a room yet.

"What're you talking about? We already booked a room! It was right after we-" Maroux paused and then realized; they hadn't. They were on their way to the inn when… the incident with Luca occurred. "Ah! Sorry! We'll book a room, then."

* * * * *

The next morning, or late morning early noon rather, Maroux and Ayuko awoke in a haze. They were still kinda sleepy, and they didn't really care whether- "Hey! Luca should be up now! We gotta hurry and see!" Maroux exclaims.

"Ah… Tell me again why I care? The guy nearly killed me, and I should be glad for his well-being?" Ayuko retorted sleepily.

Maroux pretty much dragged her back to the Doctor's place, forgetting all about their already-paid-for breakfast. They barged into the small cottage and saw Luca. But… he was still unconscious, in bed. They turned to Dr. Robert sitting nearby and asked why he hadn't woken up yet. Dr. Robert said, "It seems his condition was worse than I thought… If he is still in bed by noon, then perhaps it's not only physical damage that he's suffering from."

"So, what should we do?" Maroux asked.

"Well… We have to… If it's emotional trauma, I can't really do anything…"

"!!!!!! So you mean… You can't help him? He's gonna be unconscious forever?!"

"No! I did not say that… What I'm saying is… Now you have to understand, this goes against my very principle as a physician and I for one-"
"Blah blah blah! Cut to the chase Doc!" Ayuko commanded.

"Well… We're gonna have to… try and get inside… his head…"

"………………What?" Ayuko was baffled, while Maroux was speechless.

"Wait! I've heard of that…" Maroux said, "There is supposed to be some kind of magic device that allows one person to go into another's dreams!" Maroux acknowledged.

"Yes, well… The original device was lost at sea, and the one who made it is dead…"

"It can't be…"

"I'm afraid so. But…"

"But what?" Ayuko inquired.

"The doctor supposedly had some kind of lab underground somewhere. If we can find it, which in itself is already a long shot, we may be able to find its blueprints…" Dr. Robert didn't really sound like he was serious. He thought the others would just dismiss this idea. He was wrong.

"I suppose…… I suppose it's worth a shot!" Maroux said. "Now, we are going to have to gather some information. Now, I'm in this thing, the question is: Are the two of you, Ayuko and Dr. Robert, willing to help me? Help Luca?"

===Maroux Recruited!===

"I will never give up on a patient!" Dr. Robert says.

===Robert Recruited!===

"Well…… Alright. Sounds like fun; why not?"

===Ayuko Recruited===

"Alright! Now, I don't think going into a dangerous underground dungeon such as the Scientist's Lab is a good idea…" Maroux said.

"And, we need someone to stay here and look after Luca. And that person also has to have some kind of medical experience…" Dr. Robert added.

After about fifteen minutes of consulting one another and planning, they came to an agreement that Dr. Robert would stay with Luca for the time being while Maroux looks for recruits and Ayuko gathers information. Maroux and Ayuko set off.

~~~~~

The next few chapters will be written in 1st person. Maroux will tell his tale about what happens to him while trying to find recruits, next in Chapter 6.