Author's note: Well here it is my first fanfiction. It took a long time to get here, but I just really thought that the lukeXion pairing deserved some more love. I'm mostly going to focus on Ion's point of view and maybe skip to Luke or another character from time to time. Also, I won't be sticking straight to the original story line, dialog, and etcetera, but I'm going to try my hardest to at least try to stick to the original . Anyway, enough of my rambling, on with the show.

{Fire and Ice} Chapter 1

"Beautiful", is the first thought to cross my mind as we entered Keterburg. The entire town was covered in a thick, sparkling blanket of snow. The temperature was below freezing, but I didn't mind, I was mesmerized by the scene before me. I was shaken out of my daze by Anise, whom was tugging me along with the others.

"Wow, so this is Keterburg, huh?" I looked to the left to see Luke just as dazed as I was, only more mobile and responsive.

"Yup, one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Auldrant." said Guy as he flashed another one of his prize winning smiles. It certainly is a shame that Guy's phobia keeps him far away from women, he would have been an amusing ladies man, but perhaps that's a bad thing. I didn't have long to dwell on my thoughts as a soldier approached us.

"Halt. What business do you have here? You all look awfully suspicious…"

"We mean you no harm", of course jade would know how to handle a situation like this.

"We are simply travelers that had to make an emergency detour due to our ship being damaged." The soldier still looked skeptical, and I was almost afraid that he would respond with violence.

"Hmm, alright then, please repot to the governor. Maybe she may be able to help with the repairs."

"You're too kind" Jade said in his usual calm and collected voice. The soldier saluted and was on his way.

"The governor…perhaps we should have asked for directions." Natalia inquired.

"No need, I grew up here"

"Colonel, you used to live here?" said Anise, looking expectantly at Jade.

"Yes, but it was a long time ago." A look of nostalgia flashed across the colonel's face for a brief second. I would have missed it if I wasn't looking directly at the necromancer.

"Come along everyone, this weather is hard on old people like me" Jade said as he started to walk down the cobble stone road. Natalia and Tear giggled at the colonel's remark, while Luke rolled his eyes and started down the path. It's nice to see that everyone still has their humor.

I was quite surprised to find out the governor was actually Jade's sister, although I probably should have know considering my relationship with the Necromancer. The others were just as surprised as I was when they heard the news, Luke especially.

"Jade I never knew you had a sister!" His boisterous response earned a sigh from Tear.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude" Luke said sheepishly as he stared down at the expensive rug.

"No, it's quite alright." Jade's smirk still in place at the young noble's antics. After a short conversation with Nephry, we all headed towards the hotel to get some rest and wait for the repairs to be completed.

"Um, I'll be right back; I left something in Nephry's office" I turned to see Luke already walking towards the door. I didn't see Luke lose anything, and I was watching him the whole time.

"Then I'll come with you" Tear started to walk towards Luke. Hmm, I would like to come too…but I doubt Anise would allow that.

"No, its fine, and I'll be quick about it" Tear didn't look convinced.

"Fine, suit yourself" She walked briskly towards the receptionist. Luke gave her one last look before he headed back into the cold.

"Don't worry Anise, I'm just going out to get a bit of fresh air" The young puppet master was the only thing blocking me from sweet freedom. I really did appreciate Anise's efforts to protect me and keep me from harm, but right now it was quite the hindrance.

"Ion, you know one of the god generals could be just waiting around the corner to kidnap you again!"

"I know, but this is a public place full of lots of people, as long as I don't stray too far, they won't come after me." Anise pouted for a while longer until she relinquished a long sigh and stepped aside.

"Whatever, just remember if there's any trouble come straight to me" Our position momentarily reminded me of a mother lecturing her child. A smile bloomed on my face as I thought of Anise as a mother. The puppeteer looked puzzled at my sudden fit of giggles, but she just shook her head and opened the door for me.

"Don't take too long." I nodded as I walked out the door, and as soon as the door closed I sped to the elevator. I hope Luke hasn't made it to his room yet.

When the elevator doors opened I was relieved to see Luke walking into the hotel. I was about to approach him, but Jade beat me too it. Quickly, I scurried to hide before either of them could spot me. As I listened I caught bits and pieces of their conversation. Something about a fellow researcher that Jade tried to make a replica of. The news was a bit shocking; knowing that Jade would do such a thing, I guess we all have our own dark secrets.

Finally, their conversation seemed to have ended, so I waited for Jade to take his leave and then quietly approached.

"So, did you find what you were looking for?" He looked slightly startled; maybe I should have announced my presence.

"Uh…yeah, I found my…" He quickly searched his person for the "lost item". Luke's antics are truly amusing.

"My…hair tie?" He looked confused as he stared at the object. I tried to stifle my laughter as he held in his hand a worn out hair tie.

"You went searching for a hair tie?" I questioned. My amusement escalating as Luke finally sighed in defeat.

"What were you really doing, Luke?" He absentmindedly played with a stray piece of red hair, and looked anywhere but at me. Another giggle escaped my lips.

"I don't know, buying a gift for Tear?" Even though I knew it was a joke, that statement still extinguished all of the joy inside me, but I still held my cheery smile. He finally looked up at me. A big grin plastered on his face.

"Just kidding; it's a secret." Luke looked like he was about to retire to his room. I wanted to stop him. Maybe I can convince him to stay a while longer, maybe not. In the end, the unthinkable happened.

"Hey, Ion, do you want to take a walk with me?" Praise Lorelei!

"I'd love to, Luke." He turned and started walking towards the hotel's exit, expecting me to follow. My heart fluttered a bit as a hurried after him as he held the door for me. Not even the cold wintry air could snuff out the warmth blooming inside of my chest.

TBC