From Ally to Antagonist: Tragic Luc In Suikoden
- Amethyst
- 8 July, 2025
- Amethyst
- 13 June, 2025
A new day has arrived in Faucon-Bas. Even with the great amount of rain in the night, it’s still very hot inside Jowlani’s house. The summer turns out warmer every single year it seems. Because of the heat, local farmers have had trouble with their crops. Yields turn out lower this year, because of the various changes in weather. The merchants at the market are having problems selling their wares because nobody dares to go there.
They much rather stay inside in the coolness of their homes. But the special pair of human beings will always venture out. Jowlani and Zayden wake up.
“I wish I had slept better, because this weather is awful. When will this drought and the heat stop? The rain is there, but it does absolutely nothing. Even aunt Serena said that her vegetable garden has gone to, well, certain forms of verbal expressions. With the expected forecast, isn’t it better to stay inside?”
“Ughh….I much rather stay in bed but when it’s cold. Please tell me it’s like at least 9:00. If it’s not, I’m just going to put myself into the refrigerator. Should I pause? That’s much better than wasting away in this desert.”
“Sorry to tell you, but it’s 7. I guess it’s afraid too much to ask for a hug?”
“No, absolutely no hugs involved today. There’s only one activity I want to do today. That’s indoor swimming if it’s cold. If it’s not cold inside, it doesn’t matter because you only sweat and the pool gets dirty as what. Plus if there is any form of kids there, I swear I’ll scream out loud. I’m not in a good mood today as my sleep has been terrible. So yeah, ‘Lani, I know you want a hug, but absolutely no. Since when did I start saying ‘Lani. That’s Laura’s fault for sure. Listen to me now, since when did I become the chatterbox? That is also Laura’s fault. 100%!”
“Yeah, if it’s swimming, I’m really fine with that. Just basic rules. Don’t push me off the diving board or down a slide. And if you splash me or push me underwater, get ready for revenge later!”
Zayden takes the stone from the drawer and puts it in a backpack. He straps the backpack on and the pair walks outside towards the Market Square. Arriving there in 15 minutes, they are already greeted by the red panda bear as described by Zayden.
“Well hello there, I recognise you from somewhere. Oh yeah, you are the kid that was with Laura and had some issues with a… friend. Is this the specific friend you were referring to? Then nice to meet you, kind sir. The name is Adnap, and I’ve been a merchant here for over two decades. What can I do for you today?”
“Well, sir, it’s about this. I have been in the castle ruins to find a present for uhhmm… my friend. After much effort I found a purple stone, but I have no idea of what it is. Is it just a stone or does it have capabilities? Could you take a look at it?”
“Certainly I can, if you would hand it over to me. I’ll do my research and get back to you. I need a couple of hours. So circle back to here this afternoon. Enjoy your morning!”
“Thank you sir!” say the pair in unison and head off for their swimming trip. Upon returning around the clock of 15:00, they meet Adnap who has a big smile on his face.
“Gosh, swimming felt like an exercise today instead of being relaxing. I wonder what he has to say about the gem that we found, or stone, whatever it is. It’s in our best interest to know exactly what it is, even if it’s just a rock.”
Adnap sees Jowlani and Zayden and meets them halfway through. His smile gets wider and he already starts talking before he gets to them.
“Kind sirs, I will invite you to my market store. I have much to inform you about this purple stone. Please follow me along and I will tell you all the details. In general, I can just brief you shortly. This is much more than a rock. Come along now.”
The pair walk behind Adnap, back to his colourful market stall. It seems that Adnap got in the mood for redecorating his stall, upon finding out what the stone is about. Everything is covered in the colour purple.
“May I ask how you turned everything purple so fast? It was brown this morning. Do you know any magic perchance? My friend here also knows magic and he’s just passed his exams as well. He’ll get a spot in the Magician’s faction soon.”
“That is a rather marvellous remark, kind Sir. Can I call you by your name? Which I believe is Zayden? Sir Zayden, I have grand news for the both of you. Sir Jowlani, is your magic staff imbued with a purple stone as well?”
“Yes sir, it is. The staff was gifted to me by professor Rania. Maybe she’s an acquaintance of yours? She always comes to the Market Square for anything she needs in class.”
“Ah, yes. The more elderly woman with short grey hair. She always visits me for many items. Ranging from food to materials for knitting. A woman of fine class, I must say. If she gave you that staff, I have good news. The purple stone your.. boyfriend found, is also embedded with magical capabilities. Informing at the Lair of Magic, I’ve found that this specific one has the power of light embedded into it. It’s an ancient method of storing magical powers into stones, for staffs and swords. Or in jewelry for example, in case of small emergency situations. The power of light is not easily sealed, like water or fire. The power is always drawn from an individual. Powered by well, the person’s passing.”
“Do you mean this comes from… murder?”
“Not necessarily kind sir. The natural passing of certain individuals can bring forward this power. Usually emanating from a complete soul, full of pure love and a heart filled with the capabilities of kindness and forgiveness. If you wish to know more about this in detail, you can visit the Lair of Magic. But this covers the substance of it. Keep this stone safe at all times. If it falls into the wrong hands, the powers unlocked are capable of changing the course of fate I’ve been told. For better or worse.”
“Thank you very much, sir Adnap!”
Telepathy strikes again, as Jowlani and Zayden answer in tandem. They carefully place the stone into Zayden’s backpack and venture off home.
It was an intense day once again, so cooking dinner is off the table. Luckily, there are snacks at home to feast on, while playing some table top games.
“This was an exhausting day, Zay. We walked a lot. We swam a lot. We learned a lot more on the purple stone. So let me see if I remember correctly. The purple stone has the power of light. And the power of light can only be sealed into a capable stone, if somebody passes away. That’s rather eerie. We should definitely safeguard it, but I know you are much more capable of the task to do so. Even if it’s a gift for me, please keep it safe. Like Adnap said, it must not fall into the wrong hands. It’s hard to imagine you’ll be gone in a few days, and I just hope you’re back soon. I don’t necessarily think it’s a good day to take the stone with you to Altgrön. Maybe it’s best to leave it in the safe here. I trust you to do the right thing, so please do. You know I love you.”
Jowlani gestures a heart with his hands towards Zayden and then goes up to him for a hug.
Zayden responds with a kiss and says:
“That is definitely the best idea. I don’t want to risk it falling into anyone’s hands in Altgrön, especially not my parents. They cannot be trusted with such a powerful object. If it’s true, what was said, then it’s our task to safeguard it. When I’m back, we can take it towards professor Rania. She’ll have the best advice for us. Don’t worry either, I’ll be back before you know it. I repeat this every day, but I want you to know, that I love you too. Nothing will stand in our way of changing the course of history for a lasting peace. We’ll make it through together, in good and bad times. Now let’s catch some sleep and spend the last few days in a relaxed atmosphere. No more overthinking or feeling overwhelmed for you, my love.”
The door is locked by Zayden, with Jowlani double checking the lock in the process, as always. The night falls as the sun sets into the horizon. Another exciting day filled with adventure, even when it’s just learning about the purple stone.
Zayden writes a note, tears the page from the notebook in the bedroom, and puts it on Jowlani’s nightstand.
Jowlani enters the bedroom after washing his face. He sees the note at first glance and opens it.
“I’ll be gone in the morning. Don’t worry about where I’m going or when I’m back. I’ll find you right here.”
“Zayden, what do you mean? I thought we were supposed to be together the last few days before your departure?”
“We will be, but the bath’s too small to fit together. So if you miss me, you can double check there in the morning.”
Zayden winks, kisses Jowlani, and lies down and pulls the bed covers over his body and shoulders.
Thus the day ends with a double entendre, as the pair doze off into the night.
How will Zayden’s departure and trip to Altgrön go?