Prologue: Parallel
Listen my children and listen well
to this interesting story that I have to tell
Two worlds, both held by the might of power
Its energy blooming like a mighty flower
One world, yet two worlds
One Divine Being, yet two Divine Beings
Lorelei, yet Lilith
I am dying my children, for my years are many
I am dying for my eyes have seen much
I am dying for my feet have felt many a ground
I am dying, for I am indeed mortal
"W-Where am I?" Luke's green eyes blinked open, only to slam shut at how bright it was around him. Realizing that his ability to see would be very limited at the moment, Luke decided to note what his other senses felt. He could definitely feel himself floating, seeing how he couldn't feel any solid ground of any sort. He couldn't feel any wind, so he wasn't falling or anything. The tired teen scoffed and decided to try his eyes again.
"Luke,"
Said noble mentally froze upon hearing his name called. The voice was very, very familiar, "Lorelei?" Luke opened his eyes just enough to see the being circling him, enveloping his naked form with his orange and red light. Pushing his luck, Luke carefully observed his surroundings. He was surrounded by nothing but white, a blank canvas of space that had not a top, bottom, up, or down.
"Yes Luke, it is I." Lorelei patiently waited for Luke's gaze to return to him, "Luke, I must be swift, for I am unable o remain in this place with you."
Luke nodded, showing the being before him that he paying close attention. Though he truly was listening, Luke couldn't help but notice something off about himself, 'Wait, where's Asch?' Luke glanced around quickly, but he didn't see any sign of said general.
Lorelei sensed his distress, "Do not worry about Asch Luke, though I must wait to tell you what happened to him. For now, simply listen," Luke nodded again, "I must ask you to do one, final thing for me Luke, I am sorry to ask this of you."
Luke carefully thought about this. How long has he been here? Luke was absolutely certain a particular young woman was waiting for him back in the world of the living, but this was Lorelei. Could he truly refuse such a being? Luke steeled himself, deciding to at least hear what Lorelei needed, "What do you want me to do Lorelei?"
The being smiled gently, having seen every thought that passed through Luke's mind, "Luke, I need you to go and wake up Lilith, she is another being like me."
Luke's head tilted at this, "Well alright, I don't see why not, where is she?"
"She is in a parallel world, one like yours, yet vastly different." Lorelei mentally sighed, knowing full well that Luke did not understand what he had just said.
"Run that one by me again." Luke gave Lorelei a blank, confused look. How can something be similar and different at the same time?
Lorelei remained silent, choosing every word very carefully, "Luke, the world Lilith is sealed in is very similar to yours, in terms of technology, human intelligence and who you must search for. However," Luke saw caution flare in the 'eye' of the newly awakened being, "in this world, you and your friends do not exist in any way, and the geography is vastly different."
Luke's face lit up, "Oh, I get it. So the basics are the same, but everything else is different?" Lorelei nodded. Upon hearing these conditions, Luke's expression fell. This might take quite a bit of time, seeing how long his past adventure took. Lorelei saw the hesitation on Luke's face, and uttered a phrase that Luke couldn't dispute.
"I love her Luke," The red-haired warrior's head shot up, "Lilith and I are one, but I love her dearly." Luke could practically see Lorelei on his knees when he said his next words, "Please Luke, I beg you to do this."
It was dead silent in the void of bleach white. However, it didn't take Luke long to figure out what the right thing to do was. In the past, he might have thought more selfishly about this decision, but now that he sees things differently, his path was clear, "I'll do it Lorelei, I'll free her."
"Very well," The warm colored being motioned to his left as a faint image appeared beside them, "You must look for the one who is destined to release her; you will know when you find him." Lorelei pointed to a figure standing amongst a crowd of similarly dressed soldiers. They all wore golden armor over an impressive black outfit. The armor only covered the chest, hips, and back, the rest of their bodies being covered by black shirts and pants. On their belts hung a royal-blue cloth, a substitute for a cape, Luke figured.
"So, when do I leave?" Luke quickly shot up an apology to his friends and the one waiting for him, knowing they'd have to wait longer for him to come back. Lorelei, however, did not give him an answer; instead the world around Luke suddenly turned ink black. His ears picked up the booming sounds of yelling, the sound of steel ripping flesh and the thunder of scurrying feet.
It all started, my children, when a man with burning hair fell from the sky…
A/N: Hope you liked the prologue. I just want to lay down some ground work before this gets kicked into high gear. First, I'm no Tales of the Abyss expert, so expect some mistakes involving the details (I'm happy to take constructive corrections and suggestions from experts though). Second, this story will take a bit to iron out, so just give it time. Third, there will be OCs since an entire world will be involved. Fourth, my notes will never be this freakin' long, I promise. Next chapter, we turn to Tear and the others. Until then, please review!