A/N: I forgot to put a disclaimer in the first chapter . sorry about that!

For the Honored Guest who gave me a review earlier, Thank you so much . you don't know how much your review motivated it me to write this ch. I hope that you'll continue to give me your opinion after reading this addition. And for the romance part yes I don't want to write up that genre because I don't have an experience in that field. It might be foolish to dismiss it entirely , but I don't want to write something I don't know much about.

I Own nothing except my OC Susan, Tales of the abyss is owned by namco Bandai. I'm just a fan like many others In this site.

Humiliation

The only thing I felt was a light gust of wind and ropes binding cut me loose. I collapsed on the ground as heap less mess, since the rope was what kept me standing the whole time.

Both Tear and Ion ran to my side, gushing some form of reassurance. It wasn't even minutes since this whole chaos started and the Guilty party was smiling nonchalantly eyeglasses reflecting the light.

'' What the hell jade!'' with that the young noble took a fistful of the colonel's uniform, pulling him to his level. It looked like the mouse got in a scuffle with the amused cat.

Guy was onto them in an instant, he pulled Luke away from the over calm troll. Even though he himself looked like he wanted to say something, keeping Luke at bay took all of his effort.

'' Damn it! Let go of me, Guy. This Asshole needs to…'' Luke struggled against Guy's hold, his face turned as red as his didn't help that the blonde had the advantage of height.

'' I merely did it as a precaution, the Fon Master's safety is crucial for the success of this mission.'' His casual tone contrasted sharply with the rigid atmosphere he created.

''But! That doesn't give you the right to kill people…you-'' he was cut off from continuing the stream of insults he was about to unleash on the famed colonel.

'' That was never my intention. As a soldier my job is to protect civilians not endanger them.'' He shrugged his shoulders with a smile plastered on.

Luke having had enough shaking Guy off, stormed off muttering curses all the way. Tear got up with a tired sigh. She was about to follow in Luke's trail only to be stopped by Guy. They exchanged a couple of words, I couldn't hear because of their distance. He nodded in my general direction, then handed Tear something. She shuffled a bit then headed towards me, her face reddened. Satisfied Guy took off after Luke.

'' Excuse Me, Miss…'' Ion let the unasked question hang in the air, my brain took its sweet time recovering from the shocking confrontation with the Necromancer.

'' Uhh…um…'' I wasn't rushed for an answer; instead he patiently waited for my response. His face and his tone matched his ever gentle impression I had of him as a game character.

They're Real People. Living and breathing by my side. Ever since I came to Auldrant, I tried my best to adapt, but deep in my mind I dismissed them as Game Characters.

All this time I've wasted…waiting to be rescued from this horrible dream…to wake up, but this isn't a dream.

This is real…I'm here.

What should I do?

My heart began to pound loudly in my head; my lungs protested their deprivation of Oxygen.

I can't breathe. Panic spread through my body crippling me. My face contorted as I gasped for air.

Ion's expression turned to one of great concern, his mouth moved but I didn't hear his words.

My left cheek was pierced with countless hot needles, head tilted to the right. The stinging sensation relocated to my eyes.

Face cradled gently in gloved hands, it was turned to confront my assailant.

Crimson orbs grasped my attention; somehow they weren't as scary as before. He didn't let go. He was saying something ,that my still frazzled brain couldn't translate.

My breathing returned to normal and I snapped out of whatever took over in that moment. His eyes held mine steadily.

'' …''

''…''

Jade was crouching before me, his hands left my cheeks. His right arm was draped over his lap, while his left hung limply by his side. With that he bowed his head briefly, in what could be an apology? He lifted his head, pushing his glasses up with his middle finger.

Tear and Ion stood behind the Malkuthian colonel. Attentive to what was being said to the strange girl. I didn't know where Luke or Guy were; from my position I couldn't see them. My Attention was drawn to jade as started to talk.

'' I can't go over the details of this mission; if I do you might put all of us at risk. Do you understand?'' as I numbly bobbed my head up and down, he acknowledges my silent reply by continuing where he left off.

'' From what I gathered you already know that the Fon Master is being chased -''

'' Saint Binah… '' My interruption only earned me a nod from Jade.

'' Yes, that's Correct. A Stray band of the oracle knights are chasing the Fon Master. Last night we mistook you for one of their scouts, I sincerely apologize for giving you such a fright.''

He once again bowed his head, but as he rose his head and our eyes met. I knew then that he sensed there was something off about me. Maybe the others did believe they were mistaken, but he didn't.

'' I'm so sorry that you had to go through such a dreadful time because of me, it's been a rough couple of days for us and everyone's been on edge. That's why…'' he hung his head in what I could only describe as remorse.

''Fon Master…'' Tear's worried gaze locked on Ion. I suppose he's that fragile.

''…it's okay, Fon Master. I understand'' my forced forgiveness, earned me a nice 1000 watt smile from the green haired 'pope'.

''Oh Thank you!'' he was about to crouch down himself to my level, until the necromancer stopped him.

'' Fon Master, if I may take a bit of your time?'' he was standing up with his hands in his pockets, like nothing happened.

'' What is it, Jade?'' he tilted his head frowning.

'' *sigh*as perfect Gentlemen, we need to give the Ladies a bit of privacy'' he wagged his index finger in a no-no fashion clicking his tongue all the way.

'' Oh Yes! Of course. Tear, Please take care of her'' as if an invisible bulb turned on above his head,he politely nodded his head towards me and was whisked away by Jade.

Something smelled fishy here…no …more like a sour smell. I scrunched up my nose in disgust. Ughh it smells like Urine…pretty strong too.

I could see a smile dancing at the corner of Tear's mouth as she observed me sniffing sround like a dog would, though she stifled it in the end.

Her eyes landed on my crotch, and I followed her gaze…to find that I wet myself. My dark travelling pants were Soaked. How the hell didn't I notice?

'' I have a change of clothes ready; there is a nearby clearing we could use for cover.'' I couldn't meet her eye, out of shame. My cheeks burned, head casted downward I followed her.

Tear kept her back to me, as I...Cleaned up myself and started to change. I had no doubt that she was watching me just in case I turned rogue. Even though they considered me harmless for now, they weren't willing to take that risk.

'' Are you done yet?'' her voice hinted at the subtle irritation, that she masterfully hid.

'' Just a second!''

Her interjection to my thoughts, prompted me to pick up my speed, to make things worse I didn't have 'extra clothes' unless you mean by that my Peachy colored long sleeved flowy nightgown.

Reaching to up my ankles, I shortened it by tying it below my bra line. The last thing I need was for my only clean garment to get all muddy and for them to get a hold of that. I rolled the long sleeves to my elbow, effectively converting my nightgown into a summer dress.

'' Done!'' It came out more flustered than I wanted to show.

Upon turning around to face me, her azure eyes softened as soon as I landed in her eyesight. There was a blush invading her usual colored cheeks. Her fisted hand covered her mouth.

'' How cute…'' her voice was so faint, that I doubted I ever heard it in the first place.

I started double checking the pockets of my travelling pants, since they weren't loaded with anything; I was in the middle of folding them before Tear dropped to my level, taking my hands between hers.

''Um…is something's wrong?'' I wasn't sure what to say in this situation. Tear beat me to it though.

'' I'm sorry'' her single visible eye reflected the emotion being convened in her words. Her hands gave my hands a gentle squeeze; I returned it with one of my own.

'' It's alright, you did what you had to do in order to protect the Fon Master'' I tried to give a convincing smile, but my dull grudge within me opposed it. I know that she has been through a lot taking care of Luke all this time. He wasn't helpful in the least despite being a good kid…there is also the issue she has with Van.

My eyes settled in lap, I couldn't face Tear. I always hated her Nagging persona, but she must've been in a lot of pain. Having no one to talk to, her only surviving family member about to commit a horrible thing. Shame soon replaced my foolish grudge. To think that she's younger than I. Forced to carry such a heavy burden.

'' You don't have to force yourself'' her reply took me by surprise. That I snapped my head to face her.

'' No... I'm not…'' my pathetic broken denial was met by unspoken disbelief on Tear's part; She raised her exposed eyebrow upward as if saying 'Really?'

Silence bombarded the moment. It wasn't uncomfortable. Yet, I don't want to have to fight with them; they could prove to be a powerful ally. Taking a deep breath, I willed myself to let go of my proclaimed Vengeance.

'' Tear was it?'' it was her turn to be surprised, though it took her seconds to shake it off. Unlike myself. She nodded in confirmation.

'' My name is Susan, it's nice to meet you Tear-'' I shook her hands firmly.

'' What are you doing?'' her firm voice interrupted my feeble attempt to introduce myself.

'' ...I know that it might sound silly,but since it turned out to be a misunderstanding. I don't want our first meeting to be remembered like that. So...Let us try to have a brand new start '' it sounded a whole lot confident than I truly felt, it was quite brutal trying not to break eye contact with Tear. After what seemed like an eternity passing by, Tear showed me a small but a pretty smile.

'' Yes, it's a nice to meet you as well, Susan'' the warmth of her words, made me crack an involuntary smile.

She told me about the party, who they were and why were they in this place. Of course she didn't reveal anything Juicy, like the oracle knights are after them because of the peace letter they need to deliver to Kimlasca or that she was van's sister. I couldn't hold it against her though.

Who in their right mind would tell a stranger about the intimate details of their lives? I knew I wouldn't.

As we were making our way back into camp, I remembered something really important.

'' Hey! Tear!'' my sudden exclamation, had the oracle knight alert and looking for danger in our surroundings. Having found nothing that was threatening to our being. She gave me one deadly cold glare.

''Sorry…but how does my hair look? Is it too messy?'' Tear wasn't amused by my all.

My bad eyesight got in the way a lot of times before especially with my eyeglasses gone. It's certainly annoying how Auldrant, doesn't have a corrective eyesight procedures. Yet. Wish I got it over and done with back home. If I did I might've seen things clearly.

Like what sort of expression Luke is making while he's sparing with Guy. Is he happy or does he remembers the people he's slain 'til now. Instead all I'm seeing are blurry figures, the Fine Details of their Features gone.

Ion had his back, the baby Cheagle resting comfortably on his shoulder. Jade was nowhere to be seen. Though there was a heavenly smell wafting around.

As soon as we were spotted by the sparing duo, it put an end to it. Sheathing their swords, they headed our way along with Ion and Mieu trotting behind his beloved 'Master'.

All I wanted was for the earth to open and swallow me was too humiliating, especially in front of Guy, I was always crushing on him back home. Though I don't know what I should be feeling right now.

The quadruplet closed in on us. I could feel the heat intensify in my cheeks and ears. My sight has been direct to a very interesting pebble that lies in front of me.

''…''

''…''

Everybody had an uncomfortable look on their face except for Ion who was nervously smiling. And Tear who looked around the area.

'' Where is the colonel?'' Tear broke the silence, and it shattered like glass.

'' He's making Breakfast, I think he'd almost be finished by now'' the Fon Master kindly answered her question. He looked as uncomfortable as I did.

''Luke, did you wash the dishes? It was your turn yesterday… '' she added the last bit as an afterthought, though I think she already knew the answer because her face looked weary and she was pinching the bridge of her nose.

'' Huh? Oww!'' he looked more confused than anything; she twisted his ear in retaliation, dragging him behind muttering something under her breath. Luke's agony could be heard even from afar.

''Please Excuse me. I think Jade called for me'' Ion's lie enabled him to escape the awkwardness of this situation.

Glancing at Guy, I could see he was scratching his neck while looking at nothing in the horizon. He suddenly faces me and I couldn't help but flinch back, his terrifying image flashing through my mind. That seemed to pain him as he bowed before me.

'' I'm sorry. What I did was inexcusable'' my tongue was tied.

''Hey look um …Guy?'' He didn't even raise his head. It pained me to see him doing this. It seems I still have a soft spot for him.

'' Please! It's Okay. They explained it to me…I think anyone would've done the same. These are trying times and people have been tense because of the possibility of war…Just raise your head, okay? You're making this more awkward than it already is'' thankfully my blabbering got him to raise his head.

'' Thank you…'' he looked a bit flushed. Guess I need to snap him out of it.

'' It's Susan…you're not Luke by any chance?'' I tried to match the confused tone I've used with my expression. It seemed to work as his usual friendly smile was back.

'' Ah no, I'm Guy. I guess Tear told you about us, huh?'' I nodded, but his smiling face was replaced by a troubled one. It was when his blue eyes landed on my folded urine soaked pants and underwear.

'' Let me at least Clean your clothes for you…I feel awful about earlier'' he scratched his head once again.

'' n-no, that's alright .i don't want to trouble you with it'' more like I don't want my teenage crush to touch my stinky underwear. My face became as red as a tomato.

'' Well, it's not the first time I've cleaned up soiled clothes. Luke had a lot of accidents after his kidnapping especially at night time…'' his face was scrunched up as he tried to remember and he waved his hand wildly in the air.

I burst in an uncontrolled fit of laughter; Guy's expressions were that funny. It took a while for my giggles to die out, but when it did Guy's smile was infectious and I couldn't help but return it.

'' It's such a shame to deprive the world from you radiant smile'' his flirting was one of first class; he actually was a hopeless flirt. I knew that he was one smooth talker and he didn't mean it that way,But I still blushed from his over exaggerated compliment.

''Ahem. I'm glad to see that you're both getting along so well. But Breakfast is getting cold and we need to have an early start today, that's if we want to reach Kaitzur before the end of the week.'' Jade's sarcastic voice caused me to jump out of my skin as he appeared from whatever he crawled from.

Wonderful

Thanks ! for reading it till the end, you're the best!