First off, I don't own the Tales of the Abyss characters, titles, weapons, or music. This is purely fan-made to show how much I like this series. Just so people know, bold lettering means they are having an internal thought and italic means a past memory. A combination of the two means a significant past memory, like the one below. If anything else bugs you about the story please tell me so that I might fix it. I made this after about the 3rd time I beat the game so I hope you all enjoy it.
TALES OF THE ABYSS: A Fonic Affair
It was a beautiful night, the moon was completely full as it shine down on Tataroo Valley. The ruins of the replica Hod stood still in the same spot it was two years ago. Upon a rock sat a woman with soft skin and long brown hair. Her dark brown and gold uniform remained tight and trimmed in the right places but a slit down both sides of below the waist allowed for more movement. As she sang, four people stood behind her. One was tall with brown hair and deep red eyes that were hid behind a pair of glasses. Next to him was a woman more regal in her disposition. Short pale orange hair and shimmering jade eyes laid upon the one woman on the rock. As if it were going in descending order a younger girl stood next to her. The young girl's black hair was in pig tails, however, she wore a military like uniform. The final figure was a young man with short blonde hair and green eyes, who stood with a gentle smile on his face.
"We should be heading back soon." The one with glasses spoke in a rather deep tone. "The valley is dangerous at night."
The others turned and were about leave the area. The woman on the rock let her feet touch the ground, until she noticed someone coming in her direction. Her eyes widened as the figure grew closer. His long, spiky, red hair followed him like a trail and his black cape-like cloak blended in with it. As he approached the woman, the others stopped.
The woman started, hesitant at first. "Why are . . . you here?"
"This place has . . . a nice view of Hod." He replied. "And . . . I promised someone."
Almost overcome with happiness at the sight of this man, of the sight of her loved one, she shuttered and gulped once. Letting a single tear fall, she ran to him and the others followed. All, except, the eldest who stood watched sincere smile. The wind blew as the man named Luke Fon Fabre returned after two years with the Key of Lorelei strapped to his waist.
1. A New Life
The morning sun shone in from a window, beaming down upon Luke in his bed. For a while, his red hair shielded his eyes from the shine but combined with the sound of a knock, the young Viscount roused from his slumber. A servant girl entered and bowed her head before speaking.
"Good morning, master Luke." She started. "It's nearly noon and I was told to wake you earlier then usual." Luke gave her a small nod as he sat up and yawned. "You have been invited to a meeting with Duke Fabre, King Ingobert and General Cecille about matters concerning a update to the Peace treaty with the surrounded nations."
Luke was fully awake now and looked at her. "Thanks for telling me. If I'm attending, they must want me to do something."
With another bow, she left the room, closing the door. Luke sighed and looked to his dresser. On the top of it was a portrait of him, Tear, Guy, Jade, Anise and Natalia. 'It's been a year since I came back to Baticul. Already things kinda returned to normal.' His eyes gravitated to Tear in the portrait and he remembers when they last met.
"I'll be going back to Yulia City to serve out the rest of my term as Locrian Sergeant of the Order of Lorelei." Tear said, speaking in her usual soldier like voice.
Luke and Tear were standing at the Baticul port as the Ferry moves toward the docks. Luke nodded and looked at her for a moment, chuckling. "Heh, as soon as I come back, you leave. I can tell I'm not wanted."
Tear loosened up a little. "Idiot . . . it's not like that. I want to be . . . I want to be beside you but I must put a few things behind me first. Things that lay within the Order. I'll be back, so . . . don't leave before I return."
"I won't. I'll probably be kept busy by my Dad and his Majesty while your out. Just . . . just don't-"
"Stop." Tear put her finger on his lips. "I know what you're going to say but I could never forget you, Luke."
He shook his head and changed into his new attire. It was the same outfit that he was seen in when he came back in Tataroo Valley. The only thing missing was the Key of Lorelei; it was placed on a sword rack with Ultimatus, Soul Crush, Dragon Claw and his first sword, Cutlass. 'Tear . . . I'm still here . . . waiting for you to come back.' He thought as he looked at the portrait one last time before leaving his room.
Luke had received his own Manor near the King Ingobert's Castle and Duke Fabre's Manor. Being a Viscount and well into adult hood, King Ingobert allowed him to have his own manor with his own servants. This, also, meant he had his fair share of policies to approve, meetings to attend, and laws to read over. The red-haired noble left his manor, four servants bowing to him just like at his Father's manor, and he made his way to the Castle. Upon entering the castle, he ascended to the main throne room and saw his Father and Cecille already in discussion. King Ingobert was actually the first to recognize him.
"Ah, Luke. I'm glad you could make it on such short noticed." He made his gratitude known.
"No problem at all, Uncle." Luke walked further into the throne room. "Is there a problem?"
Duke Fabre smiled. "Straight to the point. As of now, there are no problems that will make you work physically but it will exercise your communication skills. This meeting is for our ears only for, it concerns the Score." He looked to the General. "Cecille."
She nodded. "Yes sir. We received reports that they are scattered chapels around the country that still follow the Score. They have caused a revolt and have joined in a effort to make people believe in the Score again."
"We knew this would happen eventually, however, the timing is what caught us off-guard." The King continued. "So far, they have been only minor protests but if things persist as they have been, it may escalate into a civil war."
Luke absorbed all that he was being told. People are still clinging to the Score? This escaped his reasoning, but he put aside his thoughts for a moment. "So all I have to do is be a Ambassador and do some negotiations, right? Should be simple enough." After saying this, he noticed the princess was nowhere to be seen. "Wait, where's Natalia? Doesn't she usually handle things like this?"
"Yes, she does. However, Natalia is currently overseas in Saint Binah. She's helping Mayor McGovern finish reestablishing Saint Binah as major city of trade in the mid-Malkuth region." King Ingobert states, and continues. "Since you have some experience as an Ambassador, you would be the most logical choice."
The young Viscount gave a small sigh. "If that's the case, then I'll do it. I've been a little bored, anyway. So, do I start right away?"
"No, you'll start tomorrow. You'll be busy with this for at least half the month, so you've been granted this day off." Duke Fabre spoke and putting his hand on Luke's shoulders. "And just in case I don't tell you, good luck my son."
He gave a chuckle. "Heh, don't worry, dad. I'm just doing some negotiations and coming right back." He looked at the King and Cecille. "Anything else?"
"Oh, yes." Cecille pulled out a sword that was wrapped in a cloth. "We found this near the remains of Hod recently." She handed it to Luke and took the cloth off. He stood stunned.
"This is . . . Master Van's sword." He held it in his hands, feeling the weight of Van's ideals and beliefs in the blade itself.
The King nodded. "Yes. Goldberg was intent on throwing it away or burying it but a sword of the master should be given to the student, wouldn't you agree?"
Luke was speechless for a moment and responded. "T-thanks . . . this means a lot."
He smiled at his nephew. "That is all. You may go now, Viscount Fabre." Ingobert said and Luke nodded, walking out of the throne room.
As he walked down the stairs, he looked at Master Van's sword, remembering all the lessons he taught him and all the times they did battle, the final battle being the most predominant memory of all. Once he was on the base of the stairs, Luke lifted the sword that represented his master's ideals. 'Master Van . . . I'll take good care of this blade.' He thought and hooked the sword to the back of his waist.
Luke exited the castle and made his way back to his manor. His maids bowed to him as he passed and they went back to their jobs once he was out of sight. He went directly to his sword rack and place the newly given blade next to the Key of Lorelei. 'Now what I'm gonna do? I've got the rest of the day off and I doubt that means that I'll be getting any other assignments.' Before he could continue his thoughts, a loud thunderous roar of cheers reached his ears. Luke walked over to the window and saw the Coliseum below, at the base of Baticul. With a chuckle, he grabs Ultimatus and hurries out of his Manor just as quickly as he entered.
'I nearly forgot! Today's the day that the World Tournament is starting! I gotta hurry!' He was in so much of a rush, he nearly knocked a few people down in his high-speed travel. Luke had matured but the fighting spirit that burned within him had only grown stronger. The excitement over took him and brought him back to the days before the battle at Hod. Before he could compose himself, he was at the base of Baticul, next to the Inn and just above the Coliseum Equipment and Item Shop. He jumped down from his level, not bothering to use the stairs, and went right in. Tons of warriors were equipping themselves to the teeth with weapons, armor and accessories that they could afford. Others were eating food that they made from the ingredients bought at the grocer.
Luke was panting a little but a smile was on his face which turned into a small smirk. He sheathed the powerful Ultimatus, walking by the shops and people, a lot more poised and composed then before. Upon entering the main registry area, a few people recognized him as Viscount Fabre. This reminded him that he was a noble now and he had to act more noble-like.
"Ah, Viscount Fabre. What brings you here?" The woman standing behind the tournament registry spoke, bowing her head. "Come to watch the World Tournament?"
He shook his head. "Nah, I've actually come to enter in it."
"W-what?! Um . . . are you sure you want to-"
"Yeah, of course I do." He quickly responded, interrupting her. "I may be a noble but I know how to fight. So sign me up."
She nodded. "Very well, Sir." She typed his name into the registry fon-machine and a form printing from the same machine the size of a name card. "Here, this is your pass to get into the tournament. Please don't lose it. It has your tournament number on it and you'll be called by that number to be shown the match card for today. This is a three-part tournament with the first part being broken up into 16 two-on-two matches. The first part is today, here in Baticul. The second part will be in Daath and the third part will be in Grand Chokmah. You will need your pass to get into those tournaments as well, if you win part one of the tournament."
Luke took the card and read the number. "N 18 . . ." He mumbles aloud. "Alright, when do they announce the match card?"
"In a few moments, please proceed to the waiting room where it'll be shown to you and 15 other competitors." She bowed her head again. "Good luck."
He gave a nod and peaked outside windows before going to the waiting room. The size of the audience was almost overwhelming and Luke even saw an area with the Order of Lorelei Flag was placed. 'So even people from the Order of Lorelei are in the stands? I gotta put on a good show for them.' With that he entered the waiting room, doing what the name implies. In the audience, the crowd was getting ready for the tournament to begin. From normal townspeople, to nobles and from children, to the elderly and replica's were already feeling the tense aura emitting from the coliseum floor. In the section made of the Religious group sat Grand Maestro Trithem, a young female Grand Maestro and Fon Master Teodoro. Along with them were fifteen members of the military faction of the Order of Lorelei.
The female Grand Maestro sighed as she stood next to the exit, her black low pony tails blowing in the air with a sudden gust. She looked around the age of 16 and her uniform was clearly different then the others; a pink shoulder-less shirt, white short skirt, white vest-like cape with a black symbol on it and short black socking going with her brown shoes. She stood out, especially since she looked bored and not interested in the tournament that was about to take place. Before the Fon Master could even ask what was wrong, the Tournament announcer came into the center of battle field with the microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, nobles and fonist, hear me now! Prepared for combat, fame and glory, we will now start the first World Tournament!" She screams as the roar of the crowd follows. "Yes, we've been waiting for this type of spectacle and showcase of the best warriors in all the land for a while and now, the wait is over! Part-one of this great Tournament begins now with a preliminary match!"
"What? Preliminary matches?" Luke questions the guard at the door, who was in the middle of telling the warriors in the waiting room what was about to transpire.
"That's right. They are simple too many people who registered and to cut down the number of competitors, there will be 16 four-way matches." He continued to explain as some of the people mumbled. "The first four to fight will be K 21, B 3, X 35 and N 18."
Luke was surprised that he would fight in the first match. He looked to see who would go up to the guard. He saw a hulking brute that looked like a desert raider from Chesesdonia, a giant poleax on his shoulders, a bald assassin in all black and a knife, and a fonist from the Malkuth military with her stave. From looks of it, it would be a nice warm-up. Confident in his victory, the noble walked up to the guard, receiving some snickers from behind him. 'They must have forgotten that I stopped the miasma and saved the world from being destroyed but then again . . . I didn't really celebrate it that much either.'
The female announcer spun the microphone and shouted. "Now, without any further delay, here are the competitors for today's first preliminary match!"
When she finished speaking, the doors creaked opened and the first warrior exited. "From the desert of Chesedonia, the Raider, Monroe!." Afterward, the next man quickly followed. "From the shadows of the unknown, the masked assassin!" Next came the Malkuth fonist. "Straight from Grand Chokmah, representing Malkuth, Diana Fey!"
"Looks like I'm next." Luke took a deep breath and walked out. "Time to dish out the pain."
"And finally!" The announcer turned to see Luke and she almost couldn't speak. Remembering that this was a live event she continued. "A hometown noble from right here in Baticul, he's the son of Duke Fabre and nephew to the King, himself, Luke Fon Fabre!" The crowd was mixed with amazement and exciting cheers.
Luke was quite the surprise opponent to the crowd and the most surprised was the female Grand Maestro. "L-Luke?!" Without another word, she ran from the stands, heading who knows where.
"Grand Maestro, come back!" Trithem tried to call her back but as soon as he finished, the announcer's voice echoed.
"Ready for a fight?! Then fight on!!" She yelled, exiting the main battle area.
The crowd screamed as the battle commenced. Luke pulled out Ultimatus and found that the assassin and the desert raider were coming straight for him. 'What the hell?!' Quickly, he blocked an attack from the raider's axe and back stepped away from the assassin's quick swipe. Before he could move, he noticed that the Fonist had just finished a chant and screamed "O Darken Storm Cloud, loose thy blade and run my enemies through, Thunder Blade!!" At the very sound of the Fonic Arte, Luke tried to run but was caught in its range. He was blasted in the air but recovered, landing on his feet. 'So they want me out first, huh?' The three were glaring at the red-haired Viscount. 'Just try and take me out, weaklings!!'
Luke quickly dashed at the raider going into a Swallow Fury. While he was air-bourne, he blocked a rapid stab from the assassin and countered with Sonic Thrust. The assassin was stunned and the raider was just about to hit the floor. Thinking on his feet, he pulled out a Devils Inferno to launch both of the attackers into the air. That still left the Fonist active and during the time Luke was keeping the two fighters busy, she had finished another Fonic Arte, shouting. "Howl, O wicked winds, Turbulence!"
This time he had it telegraphed and back stepped out of its range. Conveniently enough, the strong spell left a green field of fonons. Luke ran for it as the two fell. "Piercing Flash! Light Blast!!" He launched the Light Blast attack, disabling the assassin and stunning the raider. To finish him off quickly, Luke used his Raging Blast to blow the desert raider away. Now, it was only the fonist who was trembling slightly. He smirked and centered himself, a light glow emitting from under his feet. He was about to perform a Fonic Arte.
The female soldier saw it coming and tried to work up a Fonic Arte in time to cancel his out. Before the right arte came in to mind, Luke had finished and spoke the final words. "O Frigid Blades pour fourth! Icicle Rain!" The chilling arte quickly appeared and blasted into the Fonist. Even though she was knocked down, she started to raise, not wanting to give up. Luke wanted to finish it and so he did, rushing toward his opponent. With four solid strikes, he followed up and finished the match with his most trusted arte: "Fang Blade!"
As she fell to the ground, unable to battle. Luke threw his blade high and caught it, placing it on his shoulders. "Too easy."
The crowd cheers grew louder after his display of confidence and they were pleasantly surprised at how well he handled all three opponents by himself. Luke had almost forgotten the feel of a real battle but shouting out his artes and trying out the Icicle Rain arte made his fighting spirit rage with intensity. The announcer made her way back onto the field and raised Luke's free hand.
"And the winner of the first preliminary match, Luke Fon Fabre!" She yelled, making the cheers grow even further.
Luke smiled at the people and as his hand was dropped, he went back to the waiting room. Once he entered the room, he heard more cheers from his competitors as well. It seemed he won some respect in that battle. 'Oh, come on. No more cheering, it's embarrassing!' He thought as he sheathed his sword and chuckled. One man, whose face was hidden within a hood, walked toward him. His blonde hair covered his eyes and his clothes were that of a military commander, gray and black in color.
He placed his hand on Luke's shoulder. "Good job, Luke. You've gotten better since your fight with Van three years ago". With that he walked to the guard at the door, consorting with him.
"Huh? What was that about?" He was slightly confused but he shook if off, taking a seat near the back of the room. He sighed of relaxation until a voice called to him.
"Oh, Luuuuke!"
Luke jolted a little and looked around, finally seeing a female Grand Maestro coming his way. "Wha?! Who are you?"
"What do you mean 'Who are you?'?! How could you forget me so quickly, Luke? It's only been a year since we last met." She spoke in a pout, getting close to his face. "Or have I changed so much that you don't recognize me?"
"Wait a minute . . . Anise?! Is that really you?" Upon closing inspection, he realized that this woman was Anise.
She smiled and hugged him. "Of course it's me, my silly Luke." She let go of him and placed her hands on her hips like she use to but this time, she was a lot taller then before. "Didn't you receive my letter with the last request for funds?"
"A letter? No. If I did get it, it was probably taken by one of my servants. I have a lot of letters not opened." Luke responded, standing. Anise was right below his chin now, around Tear's height "Wow, you've gotten a lot taller."
Anise nodded. "Yep, sure did. But that's not the only thing that's different. Don't you notice anything else?" She asked, bending forward a little.
Luke looked her up and down. "Um . . . well . . . your hair's longer, um . . . I said you were taller . . . Um . . . um."
"Argh! My bust size! See, they're way bigger then before."
"Wha?! Well . . . I wasn't looking at your chest so I wouldn't know!" He responded, placing his hand on the back of his head.
She was shocked and then, she quickly glared at him. "How can you miss these things?! Oh, Luke, you're the worst."
"But I-"
"Idiot!" Anise quickly shouted and folded her arms tightly, turning away from him.
"And finally, the mysterious swordsman from depths of Sheridan, Galan!"
The announcer's voice reaches the ears of Anise and Luke, making them gravitate toward the window in the waiting room. They see four figures one of which Luke is familiar with. 'That's the guy that complimented me a minute ago.' He took off his hood but his blonde hair still cover most of his face, it was spiky and loomed just above his shoulders. He was matched up with a white knight from Baticul, a Oracle knight and a female warrior fonist with a halberd. They looked very skilled but their attention was divided. Unlike the battle with Luke, they were more concern about all of their opponents instead of one. Galan's smile was clear, even from under his hair and Luke saw it a mile away.
"Alright, Round two begins. Ready for a fight? Then fight on!"
The knights clashed swords and entered in a one-on-one duel. The warrior fonist chanted for a fonic arte. "Unyielding Aegis, Barrier!" Casting barrier on herself, she charges at Galan swinging the halberd. Galan stood his ground and blocked the strike with a quick draw of his Mythril Sword. He held the sword with only one hand and the sheath in the other. 'The way he holds his sword . . . it looks just like Guy's Albert Style . . . but Guy's in Malkuth as a nobleman. Even though Peony is a nice guy, he wouldn't let someone like Guy leave so easily.' He continue to block the woman's strikes and eventually pushed her away. Flipping backwards, Galan pulled back his blade and unleashed a "Tri-Demon Fang!". Three Demon fangs come toward the two knights and the warrior fonist. The knights blocked it but the fonist barely avoided it.
Galan was planning on taking on all of the warriors in the area. The three charged at him not taking the attack kind heartedly. He lets them come toward him in order to pull off a Sword Rain: Alpha. Both of the knights were caught in fury of swipes and were launched into the air as the lone fonist slid further away. As the knights were airborne, he unleashed a Severing Wind, chaining it to a Soaring Light Spear and brought them both down with Tiger Blade. Both knights were hurt but a Double Demon Fang knocked them out of the fight.
Galan looked to the fonist and she had already prepared a Fonic Arte. "O secret will strike down those who would be my enemy, Divine Sab-" Before she could even finish, Galan had performed a Tempest to cancel the attack. The fonist rose and tried wielding her halberd again but Galan retaliated with ten sword strikes, stunning her and followed up with a Sword Rain. To end it, Galan used his speed to get behind her falling body and used Beast to blast her to the ground, ending the match.
Sheathing his sword, he smiled and sighed. "Enemies just can't keep up with me."
The crowd cheers for a great showcase of fighting ability and use of artes and the female announcer says, loud and proud:"The winner, in spectacular fashion, Galan from Sheridan!!"
Once his hand was down, he took a bow to the crowd and they cheered more for his politeness, majority coming from the female spectators. Luke stood in amazement, shocked at his speed and his familiar move set. 'That . . . who is that guy?' Anise looked up at him and elbowed him, to break him of his state. Before he could complain, Galan entered the waiting room. He walked right past the Grand Maestro and Viscount, leaning against the wall near the back. His presence was hidden behind the rack of weaponry and the natural shadows.
"You need to be more careful of your surrounds, Luke." Anise advised, not making eye contact with Galan. "That Galan guy is on a whole other level. Let's hope you don't have to fight him."
Luke glanced back and sighed. "I could take him. He fights like Guy and since I sparred with him all the time, he should be a easy read."
"Are you sure about that? His speed is-"
"Nothing like Guy's speed." He interrupted her with a smile. "Don't worry, if I fight him, I'll win."
"W-wow . . . you've changed . . . you're a lot more mature then you were before." Anise said, with flustered cheeks. "I may have to try and be your Duchess again."
He jolted a little. "A-again? . . .b-b-but . . . Anise . . . "
Anise chuckled and placed her hands on her hips again. "Calm down, silly. I'm only teasing you. Don't you remember what I told you before? I have to rebuild the order and become the first female Fon Master."
"Yeah, I do remember. I see you're a Grand Maestro. At this rate, you'll be the Fon Master in no time". He said with his arms folded.
"Grand Maestro Tatlin!" an older voice called out to her. It turned out to be Trithem. "There you are! You must report back to your station in the audience stands. You are not allowed to mingle with the brutes here."
"B-brute?!"
"Ah . . . yes. I'm sorry . . . I lost myself in the heat of seeing a familiar face. I'll return at once." She sounded a lot older and more elegant for a moment. Trithem nodded and left the waiting room. Once of sight, Anise turned to Luke. "You'll have to forgive Trithem . . . he's nearly blind. I'll come back down once the tournaments over. We'll talk then." She ran off, turning around to give a wave. "Bye, my dear Luke!"
Luke stood there, waving back with a slightly nervous expression on his face. 'So, Trithem is going blind? No wonder he didn't recognize me.' He walked over to the window to watch the reminding fights, all the while his thoughts on how Anise has changed. 'She hasn't just changed in looks, but how she treats certain people . . . heh, time flies . . .' The day goes on and the battles along with it. The first two preliminaries with Luke and Galan were the peaks of the day, everything afterward was dull in comparison. In fact, a lot of the people watching left and waiting for all the preliminaries to finish before they returned.
When the matches were over, sixteen competitors were finally picked out and randomly placed in the eight matches of the first round of the World Tournament. The guard rolled out a chalk board with eight matches placed on it. It was the match card. Luke looked at the card and saw the numbers. N 18 was in the last match along with G 5. 'G 5? I wonder who that is.' Before he could guess, Galan walked up next to him and looked at the match card. He gave a chuckle and headed back to his previous position. 'I'll bet Galan is my opponent. He seemed amused at the card but, I saw the reason. His eyes shot directly to the last match.' Analyzing his opponent, Luke leaned up against the wall next to the exit and watched the female announcer take center stage through the window.
"The preliminaries are now over and the real tournament can now begin. Starting off will be the Oracle Knight Commander, Ronald and Animal Tamer Lisa!" Even though she sounded enthusiastic, the crowd was less please then before.
Most of the people wanted to leave, however, they couldn't leave during the actual tournament. They had to grin and bear until an exciting match came along. Anise sat in her chair next to Trithem with a bored expression on her face once more. 'Booo . . . this is so boring! When is Luke's match? Or that Galan guy's match?' She thought with her hand underneath her chin. Teodoro was quite pleased with the matches so far, being in either the chapel in Daath or Yulia city all the time made him easily pleased. She sighed at his spectacle and turned to Trithem who was trying to go over some documents with a couple of the Oracle knights.
A couple of hours passed and night had slowly crept in. The torches around the Coliseum were lit and the red flares filled the area with enough lights to put on a brilliant show. It was becoming obvious to everyone in the once lifeless crowd who would be in the final fight. Neither Luke or Galan had fought in the previous matches, which means that they would be fighting in the final battle. The people, who wanted to leave so desperately, now could not leave their seats. Their voices, again, rose, for they knew of the coming show. The two were in the waiting room, the echoes of cheers bouncing off the walls. All the other competitors were outside, either celebrating a win or wallowing in a defeat, leaving the two in the room alone. Galan walked to the gate and looked to Luke. Luke looked back at him and he gave a faint grin.
"So . . . it is you." He started. "I thought that style look too exact . . . what brings you here, anyway, Guy?"
He chuckled and moved his hair so his face could be seen clearly. "Looks like you're more aware of the things around you." Guy folded his arms and put the mythril sword on the window sill. "You've grown quite a bit, Luke. To think you can use Strike and Fonic artes now."
Luke laughed lightly. "Only because my dad had a teacher pound it in my head." He looked to his old friend and previous servant. "But you didn't answer my question. What brings you here?"
"Well . . . Emperor Peony decided to give me the next two weeks off. It's his gift for anointing me, Gailardia Galan Gardios, Viscount of Malkuth", He spoke in his usual tone. He hadn't changed a bit beside his longer hair. "So I decided to go see you. But, when I heard the World Tournament was starting today, I thought that this would be the best way to meet you."
"Viscount?! Just like me." He grinned widely, making his old friend laugh. "That's cool, Guy. I'm still a easy it seems, if you knew I would be here."
Guy laughed just a little bit more and sighed. "Luke . . . I'll be fighting you seriously out there." He continued. "I won't show you mercy just because we're friends. Besides . . . I think I'll find some answers to the questions I have in fighting you."
"Good." Luke replied. "Fight as hard as you can so you can try to find your answers but I'll be giving it my best shot, too."
The two shared a stare, a tense feeling surrounding them. They were a few inches taller then they were three years ago. Both of them had matured together. Luke grabbed Ultimatus and Guy pulled out the Fonic Blade that was within Hod. The female announcer took the stage and the crowd instantly broke into a loud roar like before. It took a while for the announcer to get her words in but finally she spoke.
"And now, the eight and final match of the evening! Night has descended on this stage lit with fighting spirits emitting from the final two competitors! The match you all have been waiting for is here!" She paused. "May I introduced, the Viscount from Baticul, Luke Fon Fabre!"
Luke emerged from the waiting room, one final time and took the stage with his blade in hand. Even though they were tons of screams coming from the crowd, he heard Anise in the upper rows yelling his name. He couldn't help but give a chuckle at this and stood tall, waiting for the announcer to continue. "And his challenger . . ." she reads a piece of paper given to her by a co-worker. "Coming from the capital of Malkuth, Grand Chokmah, newly appointed Viscount Gailardia Galan Gardios!!"
The crowd erupted into more cheers at the sound of the true name of Guy. He walked out with a smile on his face and took a bow before the people. Anise was slightly surprised. 'Whoa! That's Guy?! And he's gonna fight Luke . . . Alright!!' She thought and started cheering for both of them. Guy and Luke stared at each other again, they were not friends on this stage. No, their friendship was put aside in the waiting room. Now they were rivals, battling for the last spot in the World Tournament. The two took their positions as the announcer spoke.
"Ready for the final bout?! GO!!"
I hope you enjoyed the story thus far. I tried to makes some corrections here and there and thanks to some more proof-reading, I think I got it. Thanks for the reviews and I hope to live up to your expectations in the future.