AN: Sorry guys, but I'm all out of inspiration for this story. My muses have all converted, and it's hard to come up with new material when neither myself nor my roommate is playing the game. I had a lot of fun writing it, but I feel like dragging it out any further would not be beneficial. I apologize if this ruins anyone's day, but I don't think it will.

A huge thank-you to everybody who reviewed, put me on their favorites, or put me on alert. Help yourselves to a piece of virtual cake. Thanks to the people who read all the way through, as well. Just looking at my hit-counter makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I leave you all with one last little therapy session that I wrote after the fifth chapter and decided not to include. But, since I can't think of any other story material for you, I'm giving you this one. Please excuse the brevity.

Disclaimer: As much as I might wish otherwise, Suikoden never has been and never will be mine. Just saying that makes me need therapy.

Speech Therapy:

For once, the therapy session was not being conducted by Mio. Mio had turned herself over to Tuta, slightly hysterical and lacking her usual calm competence. The doctor had suggested a vacation for his nurse, and sent her off to Zexen for a shopping spree.

Instead, Ernie had charge of a slightly different set of "patients."

"We will start with the basic parts of speech," Ernie said calmly. "Everyone, please read the following sentences aloud as I call on you. Eike, why don't you start?"

"…"

Ernie tilted her head in thought and then glanced away from the silent librarian.

"Watari? You next."

"…" The ninja scowled at the floor.

"Jacques?" Ernie tried not to sound too hopeful

"…" He appeared oblivious to the world around him.

"Ayame?"

"…" The female ninja crossed her arms over his chest and stared defiantly out the window.

"Geddoe?"

"…" The True Lightning Bearer was even more stony-faced that usual, if that was possible.

"Muto?"

"The…woof…"

Ernie sighed, but at least the kobold had spoken.

"Thank you, Muto. Sgt. Joe?"

"The quick brown fox, quack, jumped over the lazy white dog, quack."

Ernie, for once, looked like she did not know the answer to a question. She sighed, turned to the fic writer, once again observing everything from a corner.

"Where do I start?"

The fic writer glanced up and said articulately, "…"