Chapter One - Meetings
A/N: Forgot to mention spoilers. Now you can't say I didn't warn you!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of the Abyss.
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"Oh Jaaaaaaade!" Malkuth's emperor smiled brightly at his approaching assistant. "There you are! There's a letter for you." As Jade was about to take it from him, the emperor took it back playfully. "Nice try."
Jade folded his arms and gave the emperor a look. "Who's it from, sir?"
The leader wrinkled his nose at the name written in large, loopy cursive. "Some person named Dist." Jade sighed. "And you don't need to call me 'sir', I'm Peony."
"Alright then, Peony. May I have the letter?" His foot tapped impatiently and his gaze fixed on the emperor's clear azure eyes. "Please?"
Peony handed him the impeccable envelope. "Just be sure and tell me what this 'Dist' person wants when you're done." Jade bowed and left the room.
The note was unbelievably difficult to read, the rippling and uninterrupted cursive practically a different language to Jade. But nevertheless, it read: Dear Jade, We have completed the replication of Luke Fon Fabre and wish for you to escort his replica to the Fon Fabre manor in Baticul. Meet Van and I in Choral Castle a little past noon today and be prepared to introduce yourself to our creation. I'm sure you'll be impressed as well as proud. Signed, Dist. P.S. Give Peony my regards.
Jade cringed at the way Dist called Luke's replica "our creation". He still felt guilty for the fomicry concept, but knew nothing would stop Van, and Dist. Checking the time, Jade returned to his chamber, where he set the message down and looked at himself in the mirror. "Be prepared to introduce yourself..." Jade paraphrased, combing his fingers through his dark amber hair. He was about to consider changing clothes when the automated voice transporter (a.k.a. "telephone") rang. "Jade Curtiss," he answered involuntarily.
"Well?" The emperor said expectantly.
"Dist wanted to see me around twelve-thirty today at...St. Binah. It's important, sir."
"That's Peony." The royalty's voice sounded sharp.
"My apologies."
"Fine, but why St. Binah?"
"I'm not sure, exactly. But I'll be fine, no need to check up on me," Jade replied a bit too suspiciously. "Er, I'll see you later." He hung up hurriedly.
The paths of Grand Chokmah were sparkling with sprinkled water, kissed by radiant sunlight. The sound of rushing water filled the square as Jade rushed across the pearly avenues. It was already noon, and the castle was further than it looked. Jade could only hope he wasn't interrupted.
"Colonel, wait up!" Jade cast a furtive glance over his shoulder before attempting to walk more briskly, away from the source of the voice. "Colonel!"
A hand caught Jade's shoulder, forcing him to turn around. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," Jade fibbed, looking away and adjusting his glasses.
It was Aslan Frings, Brigadier General of the country of Malkuth. "No problem. Where're you headed?"
"St. Binah, for business." Jade shuffled his feet and looked around nervously.
"Did you-"
"Yes, Peony knows all about it."
"When will-"
"I'll be back in three or four hours."
"...Alright, have a safe trip." Jade nodded and Frings dismissed himself.
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"Fashionably late as always, I see!" Dist exclaimed at sight of Jade. He was only shot a cold glare though. "Ahem, this is Luke. Luke Fon Fabre." Dist gave a pleased smile as he moved aside, exposing a ten year old child with flaming red hair. He looked exactly like the child in Van's arms, who was sleeping in exhaustion. Van gave a curt nod before returning into the castle, still holding the original Luke.
"Luke, this is Jade Curtiss. He'll be escorting you back to your manor," Dist implied emphatically. Jade took the hint and knelt down in front of the scared boy.
"Nice to meet you, Luke. You can just call me Jade." He and Dist waited for the boy to reply, but he was silent. "Well, it's time to get back to your manor." Jade attempted to take Luke's hand, but the child resisted and tears formed in his artificial eyes.
"Wh-what manor? I'm scared. I don't remember anything. Who...who am I?" Luke burst out in sobs and sat helplessly on the dirt outside the old castle. Jade and Dist exchanged puzzled glances, both clueless about the mind of a replica child.
"D-do something!" Dist said, hoping Van wouldn't reappear.
"Like what? I-I don't know anything about children!" Jade retorted in absolute bewilderment.
"Come on, you're young! Figure it out!"
"I'm twenty-eight, Dist. And so are you!"
"Ha, the perfect age for understanding little kids!" Dist shrugged and pushed Jade toward the crying boy. "He's your responsibilty!"
Jade gave up arguing and approached Luke. "Um...Luke, calm down." He sighed at his pitiful attempt, knowing he wasn't heard. "Luke!"
The boy stopped momentarily, his voice only cracking out in irrepressbile chokes. "Huh?"
Looking back at Dist, who was ignoring him, Jade crouched in front of Luke. "I know you're confused, but try to calm down." He locked the child in an unexpected embrace, resting his head on Luke's shaking shoulder. Luke shifted uncomfortably, tears continued to stream down his smooth face and whispers of complaint were barely audible.
Suddenly, Jade leaned back and placed a gentle kiss on the boy's tear-stained cheek. The tears dissolved on his soft lips in attempt to hush Luke's anguish. Luke gasped quietly and Dist's eyes widened at the sight. Jade finally released his hold on the child and lifted his lips from his face. "Luke...please..."
Dist coughed and put his hands in his pockets casually. "Jade?"
His name snapped the man out of his state and Jade rose to his feet immediately. His head felt fuzzy and his vision unfocused for a second. Dist walked toward him and took a close look before breaking into a maniacal grin. "You're blushing, aren't you?!"
"Wha-? Dist! It's n-nothing like that!" Jade stammered, hiding his face from his friend. Dist doubled over laughing while Luke stared in puzzlement. "Dist! Stop laughing!"
"The kid's ten years old, Jade! Get real!" Dist was about to make another comment but a lurid glare reduced him to giggles. "Hee hee, don't you have a job to do?"
Jade shook the red from his face and turned back to Luke. "Yes, let's go. Are you okay?" To his surprise, a large smile formed on the child's face and Luke hugged Jade tightly around the waist. "Uh, Luke?"
"You're nice, Mister Curtiss! I feel a lot better now! Thanks!" The boy snuggled adamantly against Jade's waist in affection. Jade gave Dist a look.
"Is this kid ten or six?" Dist shrugged, and Jade shook his head. "Alright, alright. Let go so we can get moving. Say bye to Dist."
"Bye, Mister!" Luke gave an enthusiastic wave to Dist, who waved back cautiously. Jade took Luke's hand and the two started down the trail.
After a while of walking, Jade took a break in a shady spot under a tree. "Peony's going to be so mad if I don't show up on time..." he mumbled to himself. Luke sat next to Jade under the tree, breathing heavily. "Just a little futher and we'll be back in your kingdom."
"I'm telling you, I don't remember even having a kingdom!" Luke yelled, pulling at his bright hair. "It feels like I was just born." Jade bit his lip at the irony and averted his gaze to the distance.
"Just a little further." He stood and dusted himself off, then offered a hand to Luke. "Get up, we're almost there." Luke stayed seated however, still trying to catch his breath. "Luke, get up!"
"No! I'm tired! I'm taking a break!" The child folded his arms and remained firmly planted by the tree.
Jade smiled warmly, but gave Luke a warning look. "Get moving or I'll be forced to carry you the whole way."
Luke scoffed. "Whatever, I'm not walking anywhere." He closed his eyes, but gasped in shock when he felt himself picked up off the grass. "H-hey!"
"We've got to go, I'm not letting you slow me down." Jade held the boy close, ignoring the protests. Thankfully, Luke was as tired as he'd said and fell asleep in the man's arms. Because of Jade's solace earlier, Luke found it comforting to fall asleep in the grasp of the man who would be his security until they reached the Holy City of Light.
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At the gates of Baticul, Jade stated his reason and entered without too much argument. Luke continued to rest in his arms until they reached the entrance to the manor. Jade precariously entered, looking around for someone who would help him. He was then sighted by a blonde boy who looked about fourteen years old.
"Hey, can I help you with something?" the boy asked, keeping his blue eyes focused on Jade's red ones. Jade set Luke down and tried to wake him. "Oh, that's- Luke?" The boy looked at Luke, then back at Jade. "I'm sorry, what's your name again?"
"Jade Curtiss, Third Division Malkuth Imperial Forces." Jade extended a hand to the teenager, who grabbed it in trust. Good, the kid's never heard of me...
"I'm Guy Cecil, a servant for House Fabre." He smiled kindly, a naive honesty in his eyes. "Nice to meet you, Mister Curtiss."
"This is Luke, who was recently kidnapped by someone. I'm here to return him." Jade watched his tongue, careful not to let Dist or Van's names escape.
Guy's aqua eyes fell and he sighed. "Yeah, I heard about the kidnapping. I didn't think he was ever coming back." The light returned to his face when he looked back at the sleeping figure. "Thank you for returning him, I'm sure the duke and king will be thrilled to hear of this." Suddenly, a voice hollered out at them.
"Guy! Who's that?!" An old man waved at them nosily.
"Oh, that's Pere. Another servant. It's okay, Pere, it's just a visitor from Malkuth!" The shouting caused Luke to stir and his eyes fluttered open. "Ah! You're awake!"
"Wh-who are you?" Luke asked, standing up. Guy's face fell, and Jade shrugged.
"D-don't you remember me? Guy. Guy Cecil, your servant." Luke continued to stare at the boy sleepily, who eventually gave up. "I...guess you've been away too long."
Jade gave him an understanding smile. "I'll explain when we reach the duke and the king."
Luke gasped suddenly and took a long look around the manor. "Where am I? What's this? Who's that?" Again, he clung to Jade's waist tightly, keeping a safe distance from the stranger. "Jade?"
Trying to ignore the clinging boy, Jade took a deep breath. "We're back in the manor, your home. This is Guy, your servant, and we're about to go see the duke." He looked down at Luke. "Your father."
The redhead scratched his head in confusion. "My...father?" He looked up at the colonel innocently. "You're more of a father to me, anyway." Jade felt himself blush again, and Guy's jaw dropped.
Pere promptly emerged from the residence with a maid by his side. "Sir, the duke and His Majesty will see you now."
Luke grabbed the edge of Jade's coat, looking at Guy again. "I don't want to see these people, they're just a bunch of strangers..." Jade said nothing. "But I'll do it if you think I should. You're the only guide I have right now, Mister Curtiss."
Jade placed a hand on the duke's son's shoulder and smiled tenderly. "Please...just call me Jade."
The interior of the residence was formal and very neat, the floors flawlessly shiny and the windows like crystal. The king and his brother were seated at a long table, and the woman, Susanne, was standing behind the king. "Oh, Luke!" she cried, running forward and embracing him. Jade saw the boy stiffen and look to him for help. "Thank goodness you're safe, we've been so worried these past few days!"
Jade stepped forward and nodded to the king. "I'm Jade Curtiss of Malkuth. I'm here to return your son and inform you that he has amnesia. This traumatic event has left him without memory of his past." He bowed his head in sympathy, hoping the family would believe the lie.
"So that's why he didn't remember me..." Guy whispered to himself, staring in awe at the child he thought he knew. The duke shot him a firm glance.
"Guy, you're dismissed."
"Yes sir." Guy left the room quietly, giving one last look to the redhead. He closed the door gravely behind him.
"Ahem, thank you, we're so glad you returned our son to us safely," Duke Fabre announced, looking to Jade, then Susanne. "If you ever find out who did this atrocious crime, I'd like to hear from you. I will have them executed." The duke's rage was apparent, and his wife patted his shoulder to calm him down.
Checking his watch, Jade said, "Alright then, I should be going now. Thank you for your time." He turned on his heel and left, hoping to have to lie to the happy family no more. Outside, the sun was brightly shining on the manor and Jade knew it was time to be heading back, or Peony would send someone to check on him in St. Binah. But before he could leave, the doors opened again and Luke came running out.
"Wait, wait!" He caught up with Jade and blocked his path in the center of the manor. "Are you really leaving?!"
The servant, Guy, walked over to them. "It's okay, Luke. I'll be taking care of you from now on." His eyes turned to Jade. "Right?"
Jade nodded. "That's right, Luke, so behave yourself while I'm gone. These people are your family." Luke's expression grew angry and hurt. "Luke?"
"You're leaving for good, aren't you?" Luke stated, a twinge of pain in his voice. "Because you don't care about me."
"Luke, no. I care about you. But I have a duty and as a member of Malkuth, I couldn't stay here if I wanted to." He sighed hopelessly. "You're too young to understand it all."
Guy placed his hands on Luke's shoulders, but the boy shrugged him off rudely, walking closer to Jade. "Then will you come back and see me? Am I ever going to see you again?" Jade bit his lip at the sight of Luke's hope, the child's eyes wide with optimism.
"I might be able to come see you..." Jade averted his eyes unsurely, hoping to drop the subject.
"Promise me you'll come back!" Luke demanded, those frequent tears gathering in his eyes again.
"Promise me you'll remember me if I come back," Jade compromised.
"When you come back," Luke corrected. "Which you'd better."
Jade smiled half-heartedly and reached into his pocket. "Alright, I promise to come see you if you remember me." He pulled out a small, off-white object and placed it in Luke's hands. "This might help."
The object was a porcelain statue that fit in Luke's hand perfectly. It was the shape of an owl and had no distinct features. It looked to be worth a lot of money. "That once belonged to someone very important to me," Jade informed, recalling the tragic incident painfully. Luke fingered the piece carefully, then clutched it firmly.
"This means so much to you..." Luke hugged Jade in desperation and squeezed his eyes shut. Tears were pushed onto Jade's teal suit, tainting tiny spots of navy. Jade stroked the boy's head fondly and looked up at Guy, who nodded.
"I have to go now. I'll return, don't worry." Luke finally let go of the colonel and wiped his tears carelessly. Jade walked away from the kingdom, looking back once to see Luke staring at him sorrowfully.
"I'll never forget you...Jade!'" he called, isolated tears sliding down his cheeks again.
Jade smiled weakly and waved to the two. Lifting a hand to his eye, he felt that he too was crying, and he knew why. He sighed and pulled his coat tighter as the wind blew steadily out of the north. Jade let himself cry, fearing he lacked the ability to keep his promise, and knowing he would not see Luke again.
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A/N: Okay, I know that newborn replicas are supposed to have 0 knowledge, but how boring would that be? I just made Luke have a six year old IQ instead of 10 years, or 0 years. Seriously, it would be too weird if he couldn't talk or anything. And...I would be surprised if you don't know the couple yet. I kind of gave you a sign there. Also...TRY TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS KIND OF STUFF IS VERY BORING AND HARD TO GET PAST! I'll have Chapter 2 up in a jiffy if you review!
