In a way, a sequel to this fantastic game; set a year after Luke's return in the final cutscene. I hope that this doesn't disappoint all you ToTA fans. A fresh cast of characters standing alongside the originals.

Chapter 1: Another Journey

"Lunaday, Ifrit Decan 10th, N.D 2021 I'm about to strike; over." A young man crept atop the roofs of the houses in Baticul. Everything was silent, except for the sounds created by the winds and guards patrolling the area. Black boots kept his footsteps silent but did nothing for the rustling of his brown pants. The strategically placed headband kept sight clear even when his short brown hair was tousled by the cool breeze of the night. The black scarf around his neck and the black coat covering his body gently floated along with the breeze. There was a sword scabbard on his left hip; he was holding a phone like device.

"Jason, you don't have to tell me that; I know what you're doing."

He chuckled. "Okay, Celia, whatever." He stopped when he heard footsteps. He looked down to see a guard holding a lantern. "I'd better hurry."

Jason ran across the roofs, and the guard looked up to where the sounds origin was. "Odd; I wonder what that was…"

He continued on his way. Jason stopped a house next to a new museum. He looked around. "No guards; perfect."

He jumped down and hurried to the door. "Double check, Jay."

He looked around quickly. "I'm clear, Ce."

He took out a lock pick and got to work. Shortly after, he heard the lock click, and slowly opened the door. "I'm in."

"You still have it?"

He pulled a small black ball out from his pocket and threw it. A purple smoke was released from it and red infrared lasers were visible after it lifted. "They're everywhere…" He carefully maneuvered through the lasers, and went towards the center of the room. A brown stone was underneath a large glass container. He drew his sword and carefully cut out a circle in the glass. He reached in and took the stone, then placed it in one of his coat pockets. "Mission complete."

"Good, now get out."

He maneuvered through the lasers again and walked outside. "For the capital of Kimlasca; that was easy." He began to walk, but stopped when he heard a yawn. He looked and saw a young man with long red hair approaching him. "Who is that?"

"What's up, Jay?"

He let out a small gasp. "T-that's… Luke Fon Fabre."

Luke looked at Jason and rubbed his eyes. "I must be really tired; I'm seeing things…" He continued walking, but stopped when he stepped on something. "What the…?" He called a guard over, and picked up what he stepped on. "A scarf?"

The guard followed the scarf and held out his sword. "Stay where you are!" Luke looked at what the guard threatened, and noticed Jason. "Master Luke; what should I do with him?"

Luke yawned. "Take him to the castle." Jason didn't resist, and went silently.

"What is it that you must see me so early, Luke?"

Luke sighed. "Sorry, uncle, but a thief was caught late last night."

King Ingobert yawned. "I see; what was it he stole?"

"Gnome's Crystal."

Ingobert's eyes widened. "What; how did he get it? The security around it should've been airtight!"

Duke Fabre, Luke's father nodded. "The infrared lasers were revealed inside the museum."

Ingobert looked at the door. "Crimson, I'd like you to-"

Luke stepped forward. "Uncle, Tear came with me and she's gone; she probably went to talk to him."

Ingobert nodded. "Very well, we'll leave it to her."

"Why did you do it?"

Jason looked up at Tear; she was glaring daggers at him. He shrugged. "I'm a thief; I was gonna sell it."

"Sell the Gnome's Crystal; are you daft?"

Jason shrugged. "So? The things a damn fonstone."

Tear crossed her arms. "It's much more than a fonstone. It's one of the most powerful things on the planet; even a child could conquer the world if they used it right."

"Oh, really?"

"You knew that, didn't you?"

Jason raised a brow. "What makes you say that?"

"You got through the infrared lasers; they were everywhere. You must need it if you went through the trouble of figuring them out."

Jason snickered. "Well, what; you wanna know why I need it?"

Tear nodded. "We need to know if you're friend or foe."

"If I don't say anything?"

"We'll be forced to assume you plan on using it for evil, and execute you."

Jason rubbed his temple. "Okay then, should or shouldn't I…?"

Tear scoffed. "You're contemplating on telling us? Don't you have someone that would be crushed if you were to die? If you do, are you really so willing to throw your life away?"

Jason looked down. "Yes, there is someone…"

Tear smiled slightly. "Good; now, would you want to disappoint them so?"

He shook his head. "No, I couldn't hurt her."

"Her?"

Jason blushed. "We're only friends! Anyway; I'll talk."

"Who are you, boy?"

Jason knelt before King Ingobert. "My name is Jason Oltarain, your majesty."

"Why did you steal the Gnome's Crystal?"

Jason hesitated for a few moments before speaking. "My friend and I fear that there's someone who plans to use it, and the others, for evil; what exactly, we are yet to find out. I went to secure it, as a way to hinder them."

Ingobert nodded. "I see, so you aren't a villain?"

Jason nodded, and Luke crossed his arms. "You said others; what do you mean? There are more than one Gnome's Crystal?"

Jason sighed. "In a way; there are six more fonstones like it,"

Ingobert stood. "Very well; I'll send a letter to Emperor Peony to inform him of this."

"There's no need; I came from Grand Chokmah, the emperor already knows."

"Okay then; you should restock on supplies and continue on your journey then."

Jason stood. "Thank you sir."

Duke Fabre stepped forward. "Your majesty, he may be lying; I say we send some knights with him to make sure he isn't lying."

Luke beamed. "That's awesome! Can I go?"

Ingobert laughed. "Very well, Luke; Tear would you-"

"Yes, your majesty; besides, I don't trust Luke to go alone, he might do something stupid."

"Tear!" Luke whined.

Jason began to walk to the door. "I'll be in town; meet me at the entrance to the capital when you're ready."

Luke sighed. "It's not like I don't trust him; he just seems really cold."

Tear walked for the door. "Let's get ready Luke, we can't waste time."

Jason walked through town looking at everything. "This is a cool place; no wonder everyone seems so happy."

He heard a ringing sound, and pulled out his 'phone'. "Hello?"

"Jay; I was so worried!"

"Celia; I'm alright."

"Are you free? No guards following you?"

"I was forced to tell 'em. We're now on a mission from both Emperor Peony, and King Ingobert. Luke Fon Fabre and Tear Grants are tagging along."

"I see; I'll try to meet you guys in Chesedonia; if that's okay with them."

"Okay then; see you then." He hung up and put it back in his coat. He walked over to a small building and looked at the sign. "Miyagi Dojo…" He entered the building and sat down. A man was sparring an old man. "The old guy must be Miyagi."

The other man was wearing clothes that seemed tribal, he was wielding a katana, and his brown hair was covered in sweat.

"That's enough." The old man walked over to Jason. "Hello there; how may I help you?"

Jason shook his head. "I'm just observing old timer."

Miyagi nodded. "I see, you may look around if you like."

Jason got up and walked over to a cabinet of scrolls. "Strike Artes…"

"It's been about three years since Strike and Fonic Artes were lost."

Jason chuckled. "I see, mind if I take these?" Miyagi nodded, and Jason put some scrolls in his coat, and then walked out. He looked at his wrist; a bracelet with a green stone. "Lost, huh? They're in for a surprise."

"Can I come, master?"

Luke looked up from his bag to the small Cheagle in front of him. "Sure thing; it wouldn't be the same without you, Mieu."

"Yay, master wants me to come!"

Luke chuckled. "Well, the sorcerers' ring is the really important thing."

Mieu pouted. "So, you don't care?"

Luke grabbed Mieu and placed him on his shoulder. "Of course I care, buddy."

"How cute."

He turned to see Tear standing in his bedroom door. "Are you ready, Tear?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Tear began to walk out of the manor, and Luke ran to catch up. "Do you trust Jason?"

She nodded. "He doesn't act like it, but he's really sweet."

"How do you know?"

"There's a girl he cares about out there."

Luke chuckled. "Well, I guess everyone has at least one person they don't want to let down."

"Damn straight ." Jason was sitting at the table in the drawing room. "She's my partner; the brains of the operation. Without her, I'd be six feet under right now."

Tear walked over to him. "You're lying; that's not the only reason you care."

Jason stood up. "I'm not; now let's get going."

Jason rushed out, and the other three followed. Luke smiled widely as they left the town. "Another journey; this is going to be great!"

I hope that this chapter doesn't disappoint, and I hope this is the beginning of what grows to be what could be considered a good follow up to Tales of The Abyss.