Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of the Abyss
A/N: This is a retelling of Tales of the Abyss with Luke fon Fabre being different.
Different Beginning
It had been two days since Luke had returned to Fabre manor after being kidnapped. The ten-year-old boy seemed like a newborn baby. He couldn't talk, couldn't move on his own, he was completely out of it. It also seemed that he had no memory of his life before the kidnapping. His father, Duke Fabre was frustrated because he didn't remember all the studying that he did. His mother, Susanne was just happy to have her son with her again. Soon, a small figure snuck in and watched from behind a tree holding his sword. No one saw the figure but Luke did and Luke got curious and went to get a close look on the figure. When he got close, he saw the figure that had the exact same face as him and he got scared when the so-called look alike glared at him.
"You…" The unknown kid spoke as he gritted his teeth with anger.
Luke tried to speak but couldn't utter a single word and his person he saw closed his eyes as he was upset and held on this sword tight. He then glared at Luke which made the boy scared and crawl away a bit. The unknown boy quickly left as he saw people heading towards their direction and Luke looked confused and his look alike saw that.
"Oh Luke, what are you doing?" Susanne called out.
Luke turned to see his mother coming towards him along with his father. Luke didn't know who it was and why the person looked exactly like him. Luke was had a strange feeling and he didn't know what it was. He could talk and he couldn't understand and explain why but something inside of him told him do something, something for himself and develop for himself. The boy that was brought home didn't what it was but Luke made that decision for himself and he would somehow be able to force himself to stick through the decision he made and the result would lead a different path for him.
As time went on in the Fabre Manor, Luke with the help of his attendant Guy Cecil was gradually able to walk on his own and began to talk. Luke pushed himself to learn the faces of his parents and the people around him, including his uncle, King Ingobert VI as well as his cousin, Princess Natalia. Soon, Van Grants, the leader of the Oracle Knights came by and started training Luke with the use of a sword. Luke also began studying, much to his father's pleasure and Luke pushed himself to study and have the knowledge that was expected of him as a noble. Duke Fabre was pleased that his son was taking up studying again. He was worry that the studying would be put off since Luke had lost his memories but Luke wasn't discourage, in fact, what was noticed by Duke and Duchess Fabre as well as everyone else in the manor was that Luke was always drawn into books. Luke was showing great result in his studying and the tutors for Luke that had been employed before were amazed at the pace and the result of Luke's learning. Duke Fabre felt that everything was fine and that he figured that Luke would still be a respectable member of Kimlascan nobility and Susanne was just happy that her son was just living and working hard for himself.
Even with all that was going on, Luke desired to do more than just sit in the manor all day. Luke was told that since the kidnapping, it was for his own safety to just stay in the manor but Luke somehow had trouble believing that and he wanted to at least walk around the city of Baticul and even visit the castle and as he as a member of House Fabre. One day, Luke left the manor and walked around the city. He was seeing different things and had enjoyed the atmosphere of Baticul. It led to panic in the manor as it was assumed that Luke was kidnapped again but Guy was able to calm things down as he told them where Luke was and brought him back to the manor. Duke Fabre reprimanded his son for leaving the manor while Susanne just hugged her son and was glad that he was okay. Luke was lectured for leaving the manor but that did nothing to stop Luke's curiosity as Luke soon left the manor again, this time, he went to the castle where Ingobert and Natalia resided. Natalia had seen Luke was surprised and they had actually spent some time together. Natalia was happy but she would have been happier if Luke had regained his memory from before the kidnapping but regardless, Natalia was happy to spend time with Luke. Luke had come to enjoy things that went on around him and he had come to enjoy spending time to the people he considered dear to him, one of was Natalia, the other was Guy, as well as Pere. He also enjoyed training was Van as he considered him as his mentor and idol and he had hopes that he would be just like him.
Luke's curiosity and his desire for knowledge continue as his desire to see the world as it is as he concluded that was also part of his responsibility not only as a Kimlascan noble but as one who lived in the world of Auldrant. In that regard, Luke was always doing something everything day, whether it was reading books and studying about the world and history, whether he was spending time with Guy who he consider as his best friend, spending time with Natalia in which including going to the castle, Luke even spent time in the Fabre Manor looking the flowers that were being cared for by Pere. Luke enjoyed having conversations with Pere and he also enjoyed talking to maids as well as the White Knights, the personal guard of the Fabre Manor but it didn't sit well with Duke Fabre and the butler Ramdas and the butler had spoken to Luke about it and the fact that he would be in the city and associate with the common people but Luke always ignored it. Luke continued on with his life and years later, he would be placed in the motions that would bring the course of Auldrant itself.
Seven Years Later, in a room with a glyph
Somewhere else, there was a young woman with long brown hair with bangs over her right eye and wore an Oracle Knight Uniform was staring at a glyph that was glowing. She had a destination in mind and he was set to go do what she felt that needed to be done.
"So, the time has come," The young woman said as she then walked and stepped on the glowing glyph, "prepare…"
The female Oracle Knight disappeared.
Fabre Manor, Baticul
Luke was in his room reading a small book. Luke was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, black pants with a red belt, brown leather boots, black fingerless gloves, and wore a long short sleeved black coat. His red hair had grown long to his back and it was tied to a ponytail. He then stopped and looked at the sky where he saw the fonstones. He sighed and as finished a page and then he bookmarked the page and closed the book. He looked at the sky again and liked the weather.
"It really is a nice day," Luke said with a smile.
Luke then left his room and took a stroll in the manor. There were maids and soldiers walking by and they greeted him.
"Oh good morning Master Luke," One of maids greeted happily with a bow.
"Good morning," Luke replied in a friendly tone.
"Ah, morning Master Luke," One of the White Knights greeted.
"Hm, morning," Luke said with a smile.
Luke went to the courtyard and saw Pere taking care of the flowers in the garden.
"Pere, good morning," Luke said happily.
Pere looked and saw Luke, "Oh Master Luke, good morning."
"You seem to be doing well as always."
Pere smiled, "Yes, I see you're just as cheerful as ever."
Luke grinned and rubbed the back of his head and then he looked at the flowers. It was one of Luke's favorite things to do which was to spend time with Pere and the flowers he was taking care of. Pere had taught Luke the type of flowers and the meanings. Luke had even helped Pere out with flowers from time to time. It did make Pere worry because although Pere appreciated Luke's approach and his desire to help, he knew it was frowned upon but Luke insisted that there was nothing to worry about as Luke assured that should something happen, he would do something so that Pere isn't burden with any problems. After a bit of time, Luke went on his way and said friendly words to Pere and Pere replied back feeling grateful and lucky to have someone like Luke. Soon Luke entered the common room of the manor when he was approached by the butler Ramdas.
"Ramdas?" Luke said, "What is it?"
"Master Luke, it seems that the Order of Lorelei's Maestro, Dorian General Van Grants will be arriving in the manor soon," Ramdas informed.
"Really?" Luke replied surprised, "But today isn't a training day."
"It appears that he has something important to discuss, something of urgency."
"I see," Luke pondered as he thought about and wondered what was that Van needed to discuss, "should I go back to my room and wait to be called?"
"Yes, His Grace will send someone to you."
"Very well."
Luke was about to leave.
"Oh and Master Luke?" Ramdas spoke.
Luke stopped and looked Ramdas with curiosity, "Hmm, what is it Ramdas?"
Ramdas sighed, "Master Luke, I must ask you again to please stop associating with the gardener Pere. It isn't appropriate for you to converse with someone of his status."
"This again?" Luke said annoyed.
"Your father is losing patience because you seem to refuse to listen and it's not just with Pere, your conversations with some of the maids and the fact that you wander in the city. Master Luke, please understand how your father feels. "
Luke narrowed his eyes, "I understand nothing. I'm just being polite and grateful for the people that serve us and I see nothing wrong with talking to the residents of Baticul…besides," Luke started to become bitter, "all Father does is ignore me and he doesn't act like he really cares for my well-being. Why should I care if he doesn't like me talking to our servants or the fact that go to the city?"
"Master Luke, I must tell you, if you keep this up, it will be them that will suffer His Grace's ire."
Luke glared at the butler, "That sounded like a threat."
"Master Luke—"
"Just so you know that I won't be polite if it resorts to that."
Ramdas was shocked and shook his head, "Master Luke, please…"
Luke just left and Ramdas was getting a bad feeling of what Luke might do. Luke was heading to his room, still angry with what Ramdas had said and angry with his father. Luke was aware that it was seen as unacceptable for nobles to have casual conversations with the workers within the manor but Luke always questioned why that was just as he questioned some of the things in world. Luke decided to get the unpleasant ordeal out of his mind and just try to relax in his room. He was curious of what Van was coming for if it wasn't for training although Luke didn't mind as he felt that it was always a pleasure for Van to come by. Soon Luke entered his room and laid on his bed for a while as he was reading a book. Luke suddenly had a terrible headache and he was hearing the pitched ringing sound.
"Luke…fragment of…my soul…heed my voice," The voice said.
Luke was clutching his head and was feeling pain.
"Ugh, it's that damn voice again," Luke complained.
Luke fell off his bed and was still holding his head as he was gritted his teeth.
"Luke! What is it?" A voice of a young man said, "Not another one of those headaches."
"Guy, is that you?" Luke asked.
Luke turned to see someone leaning near his window and it was Luke's attendant and best friend, Guy Cecil. Luke suddenly felt relief as the headache was gone and he was no longer hearing the voice.
"It's okay," Luke assured, "it's gone now."
"You're hearing voices again?" Guy asked.
"Yeah, I've been trying to figure it out. I even read books about hearing voice and headaches but none seem to come close with what I'm experiencing, it's such a pain."
"They've been getting more frequent. They happened after you were kidnapped by the Malkuth Empire. What's that…seven years now?"
"Malkuth, I wonder…"
"Hmm?"
"I wonder, did Malkuth really kidnap me?"
"Luke?" Guy spoke surprised.
"Somehow I don't see how it would benefit for Malkuth to kidnap some noble like me, even if I am related to the king and they made no ransom for it. I wonder…why do it anyway and how did my kidnapping cause me to lose my memory and my function to do simply things when I returned? So much that I still don't understand."
"Luke…" Guy spoke concerned for his friend and then shook his head, "well, I hope you'll find the answers and if anything, I'll do what I can to help you out."
Luke looked at Guy with a smile, "Thanks Guy, I know that I can always count on you."
"Well of course, I am your loyal servant," Guy said with a bow.
Luke however didn't like what Guy had just said and frowned.
"Guy," Luke said strongly.
"Uh, Luke?" Guy looked at Luke a bit surprised.
"You're more to me than my servant, you're my friend, my best friend," Luke said strongly.
Guy paused and then smiled as he as felt glad, "You're right, sorry Luke; I didn't mean to upset you."
"You're one of the people I hold dear, just like my mother, Pere, Natalia, and even Master Van."
"Right, right," Guy replied happily and then he cleared his throat, "anyway, what do you want to do Luke, how about some sword training? Or maybe you like for me to assist you for your practice with fonic artes."
"Well, not at the moment, Master Van is coming," Luke replied.
"Van? But today is not sword training day, is it?"
"Apparently something came up, something urgent."
"I see…"
There was a knock to Luke's door.
"Master Luke, may I come in?" A female voice said.
"Oh, is that you Sheila?" Luke asked.
"Yes, it's me," Shelia said.
"Uh oh, I better not let her see me here," Guy said as he was near the window, "I'm out of here before I get caught, see ya."
"Huh, wait Guy," Luke called out but Guy had already left and Luke was disappointed.
"Master Luke?" Sheila asked.
"It's open Sheila, come in."
Sheila opened the door and came in.
"His Grace requests your presence in the drawing room," Sheila said.
"Understood, I'll be right there," Luke said with a nod.
Sheila bowed and was about a leave.
"Hold on for a minute Sheila," Luke said.
Sheila stopped and looked at Luke, "Uh, yes?"
Luke smiled, "I see you got a new hair ribbon. It's looks good on you."
Sheila was surprised and blushed at Luke's words, "Oh Master Luke, I never expected that you noticed. T-Thank you."
"I really mean it, you look nice," Luke said with kindness.
Sheila was blushed even more and was felt her heart skip a beat.
"A-Anyway, I should get going, you should head to the drawing room Master Luke."
"Sure, thank you Sheila as always."
Sheila happily bowed, "My pleasure."
Sheila left Luke's room and then Luke nodded.
"I should get going and with Master Van here, well…"
Luke looked and went for his sword which was a hand and a half broadsword that had a black hilt, gray cross guard, gray circular pommel, and held in a red sheath. Luke picked it up and left his room to go where he was requested to be.
Drawing Room
Luke arrived in the drawing room where three people were sitting at a long table. His father Duke Crimson Herzog fon Fabre, his mother Duchess Susanne fon Fabre and his sword instructor who was also the Commandant of the Oracle Knights, Van Grants.
"You wanted to see me Father?" Luke spoke.
Duke Fabre nodded, "Yes, have a seat Luke."
Luke nodded and sat next to Van and he was really happy to see the Dorian General.
"Hi Master Van," Luke greeted happily, "so are we going to do some sword training today?"
Van smiled and looked at Luke, "We'll get to that later," Van then had a serious expression, "first we have to discuss on something."
"Oh right," Luke said with a serious expression, "I was told it was urgent."
"Yes Luke," Duke Fabre said, "Dorian General Grants will be returning to Daath tomorrow."
"Oh, is that so?" Luke nodded, "I see, well it can't be helped, after all Master Van is the leader of the Oracle Knights, the military branch of the Order of Lorelei."
"That's correct and as I'm sure you know Luke that part of my duties is to provide protection for Fon Master Ion," Van said.
"Yeah, the leader of the Order of Lorelei," Luke said as he crossed his arms, "it is amazing that Fon Master Ion was able to put the peace between the Kingdom of Kimlasca and the Malkuth Empire in place, considering how young he is."
"That's right," Susanne said in glee, "well said Luke."
"Uh, you don't need to praise me Mother," Luke said feeling bashful, "it's common knowledge."
"Still, it's nice to hear it from you Luke."
"Uh, right."
"If Ion's predecessor, Evenos is the hero that ended the Hod War, then the current Fon Master is a symbol of that peace we have today," Van said.
"Unfortunately, Ion is missing," Duke Fabre pointed out.
Luke was shocked, "Wait, Fon Master Ion is missing?"
"Yes, he is," Van said, "therefore I must return to Daath and help look for him."
"Hold on Master Van, don't you have Fon Master Guardians, the group within the Oracle Knights that safeguard the Fon Master?"
"Of course, it's another reason why I'll be heading to Daath and try to figure out how this happened in their watch."
"Wow, sounds serious," Luke said, "I understand now."
"I may be gone for a while Luke, so in the meantime, I'll have one of my men to train you while I'm gone."
"Oh, you don't need to trouble yourself Master Van, if anything; Guy can help me with my training. Sure he and I fight in different style but I'm sure it would be beneficial."
"I'm glad you understand the situation Luke," Duke Fabre said.
"Just please don't push yourself Luke," Susanne said with worry, "I know how hard it was for you when you were kidnapped," Susanne felt sad, "you even lost your memory, oh, you poor thing."
"M-Mother, please," Luke said blushing, "I'm fine, really. Please don't worry so much."
"Susanne, you're embarrassing the boy," Duke Fabre said.
"Still it can't be easy," Van said, "people worrying about you and your safety Luke."
"Yeah, especially my uncle," Luke said as he crossed his arms, "I understand that he's the king and he just doing what he feel it is his duty, but still…"
"Luke, my brother is worried about your safety," Susanne said, "we just want you safe. I just…I just couldn't bear it if you were taking away from me again."
"Mother…" Luke said with concern.
Van cleared his throat, "Anyway Luke, we'll do some training today to make up the entire time that I'll be gone."
Luke was cheery and excited, "I'm looking forward to it."
"Good," Van said and then stood up, "Duke, Milady, we must begin our training."
"Thank you Dorian General," Duke Fabre said.
Van looked at Luke, "I'll be waiting in the courtyard Luke, come see me when you're ready."
"Yes Master Van," Luke said as he stood up.
Van bowed to Duke and Duchess Fabre and left for the courtyard.
"Luke, do be careful," Susanne said with worry.
Luke looked at his mother and smiled, "I will, thank you Mother."
Susanne sighed, "You know Luke, I still think you would be better off as a scholar than a swordsman."
Luke just looked at his mother and didn't know how to respond to that.
"I'll be going now," Luke said.
"Luke, after you're done with your training, we need to talk," Duke Fabre said, "I need you to understand your place as nobility. I can't tolerate you doing what you please much further."
Luke glared at his father but didn't say anything and just left.
Somewhere in Baticul
The young female Oracle Knight was making her way to the Fabre Manor and had determination to do what she felt it needed to be done.
"No matter what, I have to kill him," The young woman said, "I have to kill Vandesdelca."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Luke confronts the Oracle Knight and ends up at a place called Tataroo Valley.