Author's Note: My roommate and I have come to the conclusion that writing fan fiction gives us a healthy and acceptable outlet to practice our sadism. If you find yourself laughing along with my fic, congratulations! You are a sadist too!
To my anonymous reviewer who suggested I catch Watari: I'm not going to write a chapter just for him. I can't conceive that a ninja of his skill could be captured. After all, Ayame was chasing him for how many years and it was Watari that eventually chose to meet up with her to settle the score. However, I will try to include his character more in my subsequent chapters. Hopefully, that's an acceptable compromise. :)
Boy, are you guys getting spoiled with this chapter...3,435 words and appearances by both Albert and Yuber. Thanks for all the kind reviews. I see that people are still reading the story so I will definitely continue to post. Thank you for your input and suggestions.
Disclaimer: Suikoden and all the characters relating to the game are not mine. If it did, the bishounen would be my personal playthings.
Chapter 7: The King of Bishounen: Second Attempt
The morning after Her new strategist had joined Her team She woke up earlier than usual, excited at the prospect of inspecting Her new ware. She searched the ranch high and low but to her dismay, was unable to find either Her new strategist or Her old one. As a result, She entered the breakfast room in what can only be described as a verifiable tizzy, causing Her bishounen to cast wary glances in Her direction. Only Franz seemed unaffected, but then, he was unfamiliar with Her methods of tor…er…obtaining information.
"Has anyone seen my strategists?" She glared at each and every one of Her bishounen as if each was personally responsible for the apparent disappearance of said persons. The bishounen fidgeted nervously under Her intense gaze.
"Why do you need them?" Fred asked, not even glancing up at Her. Rico cautiously whispered something in her master's ear, causing a puzzled expression to appear in his eyes.
Her lip curled into a sneer and She let out a disparaging sigh before closing Her eyes and softly counting to ten. Watari immediately vanished, Ayame melting into the shadows behind him. Franz merely looked up from his breakfast with a mildly curious expression, Iku sitting nervously beside him. Jacques calmly stood up and quietly walked out of the breakfast hall, Aila hot on his heels.
"Jacques? What's going on? Why are we leaving?" she naively questioned the archer as they made their exit.
Percival and Nash glanced at Her in bemusement, while Borus shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"I'd better not be blamed for this," he mumbled, keeping his eyes firmly on his plate.
Futch carefully stood up from his chair. While he wasn't in any danger, he didn't want to be around to witness the impending explosion either. "I'm going to check on Bright…Sharon?" he glanced down at the perky girl, his expression clearly conveying that he wanted her to follow him.
"Later Futch," she dismissed him flippantly, mouth full, purposefully ignoring his signal. He sighed disparingly and headed outside.
"Wise man," Percival smirked wryly, eyes following the retreating figure of the dragon knight.
"Not even 24 hours and you've already lost your new strategist?" Nash mocked.
Her eyes narrowed into lethal slits. "What was that Nash?"
Percival grimaced. "Foolish man."
He gave Her a nonchalant shrug before turning his attention back to his breakfast.
Rico, on the other hand, looked up at Her warmly, clearly wanting to redeem Fred for his earlier question. "Sorry m'lady. They haven't been in here all morning."
"They weren't at our dawn training session either," Fred remarked.
She slumped down in the nearest chair and began massaging Her temples. "Sharon…" She suddenly cast a warning glance at the dragon knight apprentice, who flashed a wide-eyed, innocent smile back at Her. "You seem to know an inordinate amount of information in relation to what goes on around here."
"Hmmm." The girl cocked her head as if in thought before shrugging. "Nope. Haven't seen 'em."
She sighed in dismay.
The apprentice's eyes gleamed in mischief. "Although…Borus..."
Borus' eyes widened in fear.
"Good morning Shu," Percival interrupted as the strategist entered the room, saving his friend from certain pain. "How was your first night here?" Percival asked, following his question with a smirk.
"Shu, I'm not done with you yet!" a squeaky voice shouted before the other strategist could answer. "Come back here and finish what you started!"
The bishounen glanced at each other with raised eyebrows.
She looked at Shu in horror as a disheveled Caesar barreled through the door.
"Hmmm," Percival thumbed his chin in amusement. "Not bad, I see."
"What's going on?" She glowered at each of the strategists.
Shu, in a rare show of emotion, threw a small notebook down in front of her. "This is how we're going to catch Albert."
"His strategy will never work…as I have been trying to tell him all night," Caesar crossed his arms and glared daggers at his apparent competition.
Shu closed his eyes as he tried to gather what was left of his shredded patience. The resulting look he directed at Her was one of stoic professionalism. "I was speculating on any weaknesses Albert may have that we could exploit. I simply asked Caesar if Albert had ever exhibited any hint of claustrophobia."
Caesar scoffed. "And as I told you before, even if he had, he is specifically trained to never show any fear in any situation."
"Caesar," Shu started, ignoring the other strategist, "decided that my inquiry merited an all night…discussion," his eyes narrowed fractionally, "of how any strategy I developed in relation to catching his brother would be ultimately doomed to failure."
Even Borus winced at the implied agony the new strategist had gone through.
"You had to listen to Caesar's whining all night?" Nash grimaced. "That's what you call breaking him in quick."
"Indeed," She commented dangerously, turning to Caesar. "Are the tasks I'm giving you not challenging enough, Caesar?"
The red-haired boy flushed. "I..." He drew himself up with dignity. "I was under the impression that this project superceded the rest of my assignments."
She smiled, impressed at his comeback. "And you're absolutely right…sort of. It is the most important assignment."
Shu gave Her a deadpan look. "I assure you I am fully capable of handling this without outside interference…But you already know that or you wouldn't have wanted my assistance."
She gave Shu a conspiratorial wink before continuing. "As I was saying before I was interrupted…"
Shu barely refrained from rolling his eyes.
"This is the most important assignment."
Caesar flashed a smug smile at the other strategist.
"But it is not your assignment."
Shu's mouth quirked in a half smile before he quickly smoothed his features.
Caesar's temper snapped. "You didn't even give me a chance!" he cried in outrage.
"Caesar, I fully realize your limitations. You are way too biased against your brother to devise a successful scheme to trap him."
Caesar scowled.
"Not to mention, not talented enough," Nash quipped.
"Why you..." Caesar reddened and would've lunged for the spy had She not put Her hand on his arm..
She sighed. "The point is, we're going to all have to work synchronously if we're going to catch Albert, and that requires a more experienced strategist." She grinned at Shu, who assumed an unconcerned pose.
"I'm not helping you any more unless you bring Lady Chris back here," Borus suddenly stated. Nash snorted, shaking his head while Percival smiled in amusement.
She blinked at the disgruntled knight's request. "Borus," She held back an amused smile. "I know you live in Lady Chris Land but the rest of us live here, in Suikoland, so perhaps you could tell us where that comment came from."
"What do you mean where it came from? I think she should live here!"
"Delusional," Percival coughed.
She met Borus' rebellious gaze with affected remorse. "I'm sorry Borus. Lady Chris is not allowed here any more."
"W…What? Borus shouted in disbelief. "Why not?"
"I consider her to be a severe threat," She continued, in an even tone of voice.
"B…but…"
"You wouldn't want me to have to permanently eliminate her, would you?"
Borus gasped. "You wouldn't…"
"I would."
"N…no more Lady Chris?" The knight trailed off rather piteously.
"You should feel honored that I consider the Lady Knight competition."
The knight glowered at Her a moment, unable to continue his argument lest he insult his idol's honor and prowess. He settled for sulking and moodily stabbed the scrambled eggs still on his plate.
"I can see why the all-powerful bishounen remains elusive," Shu commented derisively before snatching his notebook and sauntering away. "If Caesar thinks he can devise a plan clever enough to capture his brother, far be it from me to stand in his way."
Silence filled the room for a moment, before Nash finally spoke up.
"Does anyone else think this could go really, really bad?"
All eyes turned to the strategist still in the room who put in hands together with a child-like pleasure before addressing them. "So, who's up for a trip to Crystal Valley?"
And so it came to be that the troop of bishounen, their attendants and She came to be at the "One Temple" in Crystal Valley, disguised as Harmonian "second-class" citizens.
Caesar stared thoughtfully at the Temple. "If my sources are correct, Albert should be in here."
"Of course he's in here," She rolled her eyes. "It's the biggest library in the world."
"Caesar. Do you really think it wise to confront Albert at his home base?" Percival asked while glancing guardedly at his surroundings.
"Of course! It's the one thing he won't expect."
"That's because it's stupid," Borus countered.
"I don't know what you're talking about. The best way to fight evil is to confront it on its own ground." Fred puffed his chest out, proudly.
Nash groaned. "Now I know this is a bad idea."
She looked at the bishounen in amusement. "Well, there's nothing left for it now but to check it out."
She led the way into the temple, Caesar close behind, with the rest of the bishounen cringing behind them. Well, except Watari, that is, who was calmly walking beside Her.
"Come on guys! I've gotten us this far," Caesar encouraged them as they walked into the library.
"I could've done this," Percival murmured.
"What was that?" Caesar snapped.
"I said, lead on, O' fearless one."
"I still say this is a bad idea," Borus mumbled.
"That's because you're the one most likely to get hurt," Sharon smirked.
Borus directed a fierce scowl at the miniature dragon knight. "Why does Futch get to stay outside?"
"So at least one of us will be alive after this is all over," Nash grumbled.
She snorted. "He's our emergency escape plan."
"Shhh," Ceasar motioned for them to be quiet. "The element of surprise is essential for the success of the mission."
"It raises our chances from none to slim?" Nash raised a disdainful eyebrow. "I think we should've sent the ninja in to snatch Albert. Surely he couldn't evade that."
"There are...certain things he could've subjugated Watari to that caused me to deem the situation too dangerous for Watari to handle on his own."
"The demon," Percival breathed.
The group froze, not having considered the possibility of Albert using the demon as retaliation against their plan.
"..." Watari replied, still unconcerned.
"Uhhh, guys?" Fred broke in.
"You think so?" Nash continued, ignoring Fred. "I don't know...I don't think even you have the skills to fight a 432 year old demon."
"How do you know he's 432?" Percival inquired.
"She told me."
"Guys..." Fred became more insistent.
"How does She know," Borus interjected.
"I don't know. Maybe you should ask Her."
"Guys!"
"What Fred?" the agitated bishounen collectively asked.
"Our strategist..."
Sure enough, Caesar and She were currently ignoring the group and had continued up the steps without them. The bishounen scurried to catch up with their leaders as they continued to climb endless flights of stairs to one of the top floors of the library. Finally Caesar stopped. "Ah. Just as I remember. Most of the important books are on this level."
"Indeed," Percival commented as they began to walk amongst the books. "War history, battle tactics, heroes of war, famous strategists…Wait a minute! Strategic failures!"
"Uhhh, guys?" Fred started.
"I've got a new one to add to that book," Nash smirked.
Percival winced. "That's definitely an omen. Caesar…"
"Uhhh...guys?" Fred interrupted again.
"What is it this time Fred!" Borus snarled.
"Where'd She go?" The group paused. Unbeknownst to them, She had disappeared upon reaching the level, along with Watari.
"She probably doesn't want to get caught in the line of fire," Nash mumbled.
"Can you blame Her?" Percival glanced around warily. "Caesar, don't you think we should…"
But the strategist was blissfully ignoring the group he was leading into imminent danger and was instead talking to himself. "Too biased. Hmph. I'll show them. Let's see…If I was Albert I would probably be studying somewhere around…"
"Here?" a familiar voice arrogantly finished the sentence, as the group rounded a corner.
Caesar gasped as he came face to face with his arch nemesis.
"Not again," Sharon groaned.
"Hello Albert. What a surprise to run into you here." Caesar glared daggers at the other strategist.
"A surprise for you perhaps," Albert smirked contemptuously at his little brother. "But I don't see your Master here. Did She suddenly lose faith in her undefeatable squad? Or perhaps She's doubtful of Her strategist's abilities." Caesar's face turned red and puffed up as he tried to think of a clever retort.
"Sorry I'm late." Her voice broke in, saving Caesar from a reply. Watari and She walked up behind the boys, smirking knowingly. "I just wanted to check out a few books." She held up Her bulging knapsack to prove Her alibi. "What?" She shrugged as the bishounen's eyes rested on Her before turning Her attention to a more important figure. "So we meet again." She tried and failed to keep Her eyes from glittering.
The strategist's eyebrow twitched as he directed his haughty gaze at Her.
"Pity it's not under more pleasant terms," She continued, settling a predatory gaze on Albert.
"Pity," he responded, only his intense training keeping him from taking a step backwards.
"I see you're more prepared for our visit this time," She continued silkily, ignoring Caesar's scowls.
At this statement, Albert completely recovered his confidence, and smugly made his reply. "It seems that not all of your subjects are as loyal as you perceive them to be."
She started in surprise. "Wha.."
Albert smirked arrogantly. "I received an anonymous tip yesterday stating a Girl and Her 'pets' were traveling to Crystal Valley on a mission to detain an 'important person'. I assume that no one but your closest allies were informed of your plans."
Caesar gasped as Her face paled at the implication. The rest of the bishounen and co. shifted uneasily behind them, wondering which one of them was the traitor.
"P…pets?" Borus snarled indignantly. Just then, the demon called Yuber sauntered up behind the strategist
Percival recovered almost immediately. "She's not the only one to use 'pets' for Her dirty work."
"I am not a pet," Borus growled, drawing his sword.
Albert chuckled humorlessly, never taking his eyes off his little brother. "Yes. Well, my 'pet' is not so domesticated as this group here. Why, he hasn't killed anyone in days. I suspect you'll settle his bloodlust…for now."
Yuber flashed a feral smile at the group, causing everyone (with the exception of Watari and Her) to take an involuntary step backwards.
"Domesticated," Fred frowned. "Oh, I get it. Because only tame animals are domesticated." He chuckled, while the rest of the group stared at him in astonishment. Even Albert experienced a brief moment of shock before he recovered his stoic expression. Watari vaulted to the top of a bookshelf, preparing for the fight.
"I don't suppose we could just offer him a sacrifice?" Nash offered. "Caesar and Fred for us?"
"Yuber?" the strategist nonchalantly flicked his hand up before coolly walking away from the group.
She stared longingly at the retreating figure and sighed as he disappeared around the corner.
"I can't believe you let yourself be controlled by such an insignificant human!" Caesar shouted at the slowly advancing demon.
Yuber stopped directly in front of Caesar and stared the little strategist down, causing the redhead's eyes to glisten with fear. "Insignificant. Do you really think so?" The demon shrugged. "He certainly gives me enough excuses to sate my bloodlust." He traced his sword along Caesar's neck.
"Well that worked." Nash glanced at Her hopefully. "I assume you have a backup plan."
Watari faded in to the background.
"So, who wants to fight the bloodthirsty demon?" She asked, backing away slowly.
"I volunteer Borus," Sharon shouted before running the other direction.
Fred drew his sword. "Have no fear! I will vanquish the demon."
"Not today Fred. Retreat!" She shouted, pulling the strategist along with Her. The bishounen rapidly followed their leader.
"I suppose I could make this interesting and give you a little head start," the demon unnervingly scraped his swords together. "One…two…"
"Caesar!" Percival shouted, frantically as they ran towards the stairwell. "Didn't you devise some sort of a plan to counter this?"
"Ten! Ready or not here I come!" The group heard the demon shout before he came flashing towards them.
"Uhhh…sort of." Caesar hurriedly retrieved a gun-like contraption from pocket, pointed it behind him and shot, setting a net around the now charging demon.
"A net?" Sharon yelled. "The best you could come up with was a net?"
"Oh. That'll work," Nash's sarcasm cut through the air.
"I don't see you coming up with any better ideas!" the strategist snarled.
"That's because I'm not the strategist," Nash retorted, glaring at Caesar.
"Don't worry," She reassured the group. "My other strategist did account for this possibility."
"Other strategist!" Caesar wailed.
"You mean to say that you conspired with Shu behind Caesar's back?" Percival gasped in feigned shock.
"Do I look stupid?" She retorted.
Nash smirked.
"Don't answer that." She warned.
Percival cautiously tapped her shoulder. "Might I remind you all that we have a very angry demon right behind us, whose only reason for not killing us is because he is trapped in a net which is rapidly being slashed into tiny pieces."
"Oh yeah." She quickly brought Her watch to her mouth. "Futch. Code D."
"Are you talking to your watch? How's it going to help us!" Borus shouted.
"Just a second, Borus." She gestured for them all to look towards the nearby window where Futch and Bright suddenly appeared. "Get down!" She shouted, as the dragon sneezed, projecting a flame towards the demon.
"He missed," Borus stated in a monotone.
"How is that possible!" Caesar shouted. "The target was right in front him!" Caesar's voice ceased as She quickly put her hand in the air and began to chant. To the astonishment of the bishounen (and Yuber), the net burst into flames. She then put her other hand in the air, and mumbled another incantation, this one causing the demon to freeze.
"That's going to wreak havoc on his thermoregulatory system," She smirked.
"His what?" Borus
"He's not going to be happy when he unthaws," Sharon clarified.
"Oh, I get it!" Fred shouted. "D for demon!"
The group stared at the Maximillian knight blankly. "I think I liked him better when he completely clueless," Nash remarked.
"Never mind that," Percival retorted, glaring at Her accusingly. "You have a fire and water rune?"
"Uh-huh." She nodded uncomfortably.
His eyes grew wary. "Please, tell me you don't have one affixed to your forehead."
She smirked.
"Uh guys," Caesar tugged on Her shirt. "I think our best course of action here would be a tactical retreat, as the dragon's fire along with Your Explosion spell has very effectively set the library on fire."
"So it has. How 'bout that." Her amused smile quickly turned to a worried frown. "Oh no! The books! Oh well. Hopefully they weren't too important."
Caesar turned on her. "Oh, no," he began sarcastically. "There's only some of the rarest war strategy books on this level."
"Nothing too important then," Nash commented. Caesar scowled.
"I saved some of them," She adjusted the knapsack on Her back. "Someone grab Yuber before he unthaws. We can use the impending chaos to escape."
"Yeah. I'm sure no one will notice us carrying a frozen body through the library," Percival snorted, but went over and picked up the demon.
"Borus. Go help him." She ordered.
"Why do I always get stuck with the manual labor?" he complained.
"Because it's fun," She grinned. "Now go."
Borus grumbled defiantly, but went to help his comrade.
Surprisingly, the team made it through the library with little fuss, except for the people screaming and running towards the emergency exits, that is.
When they reached the city limits the boys unceremoniously dumped the demon's still frozen body on the ground.
"Sorry about back there." Futch scratched the back of his neck nervously. "He's had a cold this week and…"
"He's not going to stay like that for long," Percival reminded Her, indicating the demon.
Nash glanced at Yuber doubtfully. "What're you going to do with him once you get him back at the ranch? Your containment systems are impressive but…"
"Oh don't worry about that," She gave the frozen demon a grin evil enough to rival his own. "I have plans for this demon."
Okay, so I'm not actually keeping Yuber but am giving him to my good friend Psycholeopard. We collaborated on the next chapter entitled "Yuber's Education." Would you guys like me to include it in the story, post it as a separate mini-story or not post it at all. It's a little violent, but that goes without saying since we're dealing with Yuber. Also, I could have Yuber make appearances in my later chapters. Would you like that or should I just keep him out of this after this chapter? Let me know what you think.
