Hey! New chapter, hope everyone likes it. (:

Only in my mind, do I own Suikoden.

The Journey Begins~

I had awoken at a too early of a time considering I had only gotten a few hours of sleep. I looked out of the window into the familiar background, the trees and the birds, all looked the same and it has always been reassuring. A soft sunlight began to pour in, and I groggily lifted my legs onto the cold stone floor.

As I was dressing a loud knock pressed onto my door.

"One moment!" I yelled, and the door opened. And Viktor popped his head in.

"Let's go kid. Everyone is waiting in the hall for you." His features, the ones that were so young and lively in the beginning of this whole war were now wrinkled and you could read his thoughts on his face, it wasn't a good site and was actually kind of saddening

I smiled at him and put on my bandanna. "Alright Viktor, I'm ready.' I said with the new light of the day shining on my face.

"God Riou, you look younger everyday. Everyone sure is going to miss seeing you running around all the time." He laughed and practically drug me down many flights of stairs making sure to keep me from getting hurt. He is so pushy sometimes, and I couldn't help but to laugh right along with him.

I walked in to solemn faces, and mine fell as well. Everyone was there. Ridley, Hauser, Shu, Viktor, Flik, Apple, Rina, Bolgan, and many others, including all of whom I was going to take with me, except of course the kid I was looking for last night. So I spoke up.

"Good morning everyone." I started. "Before we begin… Has anyone seen Chaco..?"

Everyone glanced at each other nervously and Shu spoke up.

"Chaco's grandmother, fell violently ill a few days ago. He and Sid, had returned to Two River City yesterday morning in order to care for her. He has resigned his position in the Orange army for the time being, and he wishes you the best on your journey."

I sighed. He was our form of entertainment. "Well then, for now, we have an opening in my party if anyone would like to go with us. As of now, Kinnison, Shiro, Templeton, Kasumi and Eilie, are all coming with me. Seeing as I cannot allow Templeton to do any fighting, that leaves enough rations for one other person to join." I finished as the door swung open. And an odd but familiar face walked in. Everyone stared in shock.

"I know, I know. My father and I were supposed to be in Harmonia for business," The boy said, "but, he ran into someone that told him of Sir Riou's departure, and asked me to accompany along with you. I cannot fight, Lord, but I hope my skills as a strategist deem usable for you and everyone else." Klaus said as he approached me.

I looked at him. "Klaus, you have always been a help, and I honor your decision to come along and although I know not much of you, I hope we can get along on our way." I said finally, very sketchy of his plans. An old member of Highland, I cannot completely trust him, but he may be helpful.

Shu cut in to my thoughts. "Riou, although everyone's intentions may be pure, and although everyone may want to help, I cannot allow any more people to go along with you, too big of a party may attract unwanted attention to you. No matter where you go, be on the look out, no matter how safe you feel. You never truly will be." He said sincerely.

I know, Shu has always cared for my safety. He has always put his own life on the line, always. I will always be in great debt to him, for not only his protective qualities, but for his wise words.

Viktor piped in, "Klaus, as well as anyone else, will be a great addition. Is this what you want Riou?"

I nodded in agreements to my party members. All of which are incredibly strong, and all very smart in their own ways.

Kinnison and Shiro know the ways of the land, about nature. Templeton knows everything about every place he has ever been to. Eilie is cunning and has a way with people. Kasumi knows how to stay hidden from the unwanted. And Klaus knows the bad guys, who to stay away from, as well as strengths and weaknesses among various cultures and people. I consider this group to be diverse and almost perfect, only lacking a humorous quality, but that can be overlooked. And the good thing is, we all know a lot about each other, at least Kasumi, Kinnison, Eilie and I.

"Riou, are you ready to leave…?" I realized I had been standing there for awhile, lost in my own thoughts, only to be 'awoken' in a sense by Shu's words.

I nodded once more.

"Good. Hai Yo and Barbara have packed your things, each of you has gotten a bag filled with the necessities of your trip. Remember, my lord, nothing will ever compare to your leadership and no one could ever take your place so be sure to arrive home safely." Everyone smiled in agreement, though I still saw all of the sorrows in their smiles.

"There is no need for me to be gone permanently guys." I smiled a smile of reassurance to them and their faces seemed to lighten slightly.

Although many people left, a lot were still there, because just like me, this castle was all they had. Their homes destroyed by the Highland army, caught to fire, burned to pieces. I know these thoughts shouldn't be arising, it's hard to stop them, but for the sake of all, I put them past me and put on the fakest smile.

After all of the preparations, Shu led everyone outside of the castle, me included, and through the gate to the open fields that led past the castle.

It really is a beautiful day outside, birds chirping, trees swaying in the perfectly coordinated breeze, blowing my hair slightly. A few months ago, everyone would have been terrified of days like this, days where invasion was always upon us, days where everyone was drafted into the relentless war. But this day is wonderful.

I turned to face my people and waved, not a wave that said 'Goodbye' but more of one that proudly said 'See ya later.'

Viktor and Flik came up to me, and the one dressed in blue spoke, for the first time today. "Riou, do your best, don't let anything get to you." He smiled and patted my head.

"See ya around kid." Viktor laughed and they left, not saying more than they needed to.

"It's going to be awhile before we're back guys, so say goodbye while you have the chance." They all turned and waved, smiling to their friends.

When all the 'goodbyes' were over with, we began to walk away into a new life.

A/N: I tried to make this chapter showing more of Rious personality. :D Hope you guys like it, comments and criticisms welcome. ^^"