Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of the Abyss.
Engeve
Luke and Tear were ready to head for Chesedonia and before they could make the journey, they heard a loud sound. They looked around and saw the Roltero Bridge.
"What's going on?" Tear asked.
Luke looked and saw something and he pointed it for Tear to see, "Over there."
There were three people, a man, a woman, and a small girl at the bridge and there was a coach that was speeding onward and then they looked and saw something enormous chasing after them that looked like a large white boat and what was chasing them was a land dreadnought. The little girl tripped and fell and she hurt her leg. The man and woman rushed to get to the girl and they tripped due to the coach that went passed them. Luke looked on and he clenched his teeth and decided to do something and ran towards Roltero Bridge.
"Luke, where are you going?" Tear asked surprised.
Tear looked on and then decided to run after Luke as she was going to make sure that Luke did not get hurt in whatever it was he was doing. Tear ran passed the fleeing coach that went to the opposite direction and Tear caught up with Luke and Luke was helping the three people get up and it turned out that it was a family of three.
"We need to get to Engeve," The man explained.
"Engeve?" Luke replied.
"Yes, we live there and were heading back," The woman said, "we ran because we didn't want to get caught up with that coach and the land dreadnought Tartarus."
"The Tartarus?" Tear asked.
"Yes, it's Malkuth's newest land dreadnought," The man said.
"You there, leave the area quickly so that you're not caught in it," A male voice said.
Luke looked and saw the Tartarus heading towards their direction and then Luke looked back and noticed that something was being put on the Roltero Bridge.
"Wait a minute," Luke said as his eyes widened, "don't tell me…they're actually going to…"
"Luke, we'll talk later," Tear said, "right now we need to move."
"Uh…right."
Luke and Tear got away taking the family of three with them. Afterwards, the Roltero Bridge was blown up when the people in the getaway coach planted bombs. The Tartarus barely was able to stop and prevent from getting caught up in the blast. Afterwards, the Tartarus moved to the opposite direction and Luke looked and was upset.
"Damn it, they blew up the Roltero Bridge," Luke said upset.
"Looks like we won't be able to get to Chesedonia now," Tear said.
Luke crossed his arms and tapped his right foot and then he looked behind him.
"The only option now is to get to Kaitzur…oh, but before that," Luke went to the family, "are all okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, thanks to you," The man said feeling grateful, "you saved me, my wife, and my daughter, thank you so much."
"Yes, thank you," The woman said feeling grateful.
"Thank you mister," The girl said with glee.
Luke felt happy and smiled, "Well, I'm glad you're all okay."
"Yes, still though, it was just bad luck on us that we got caught up the conflict of the Dark Wings," The man said upset.
"Wait, the Dark Wings?" Luke replied as he and Tear were shocked.
"Yes, those people that were running away in that coach were those horrible bandits, the Dark Wings."
"I see," Tear said, "those must the people that the coachman we met mistook us for."
"Rotten bandits," Luke cursed and then thought of something and looked at the family, "say, you folks are from Engeve, right?"
"Yes, that's right," The man said.
"Hmm, considering where we are, it might be dangerous walking there with the monster roaming around. If you want, we can accompany you all the way to Engeve, we need to stop by there anyway."
The man and woman were surprised at Luke's suggestion.
"Oh my, are you sure?" The woman asked, "We don't want to trouble you."
"It's no trouble," Luke assured, "please, let us accompany…just so I can feel relief that you all make back to your village safely," Luke smiled warmly, "plus, it will be my first time."
The family looked at each other and then smiled as they agreed and Luke was happy about it and they began to move to head to Engeve.
"So Luke, what are we going to do?" Tear asked.
"Since the Roltero Bridge is out, we'll have to go around getting to Chesedonia. It'll be a long walk."
"I have to say that I'm impressed."
"With what?"
"The fact that you helped this family and even accompanying them to Engeve even though doing so cost us the chance to get to Chesedonia."
"I was simply doing what was right. They were caught up in danger and I couldn't bring myself to just sit back and do nothing, especially since it was happening right in front of my eyes."
"You're kind."
Luke was surprised in what Tear said and just looked forward. Luke and Tear continued on as they accompanied the family to Engeve.
The Grocer's Hamlet, Engeve
Luke, Tear, and the family of three had finally arrived in the small farming village, Engeve.
"Thank you so much," The man said turning to Luke and Tear, "thanks to you two, we made it back home."
"Yes, thank you both," The woman said happily to Luke and Tear.
"Thank you," The little girl said with glee.
"Sure, it was no problem," Luke said with a smile.
"Yes, we were happy to help," Tear added with a smile.
"If you ever get the chance, come visit us in our home. It near the hill from here, we'll treat you well as a way of thanks for what you did."
"If we get the chance," Luke said, "we'll take you up on that offer. Thank you."
Luke waved happily at the family and family waved back in glee as they headed back to their home. Afterwards, Luke and Tear looked around.
"So we're here in Engeve," Tear said.
"Yeah…" Luke crossed his arms and then he had his thoughts, "this is Malkuth territory. I'll have to be cautious here considering that my father is one of Malkuth's worse enemies," Luke had a sad expression, "no doubt that there may be people here who had family and friends killed by my father. It'll be trouble if I reveal my full name," Luke frowned, "damn, another terrible aspect of war."
"Luke, Luke," Tear called.
"Hmm?" Luke responded looking at Tear.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Luke answered turning his attention to the front.
"You don't seem fine. What's wrong?"
"Nothing for you to worry about."
Tear was shocked and was a bit offended.
"What do you mean it's nothing for me to worry about?" Tear asked.
"As exactly like I said," Luke replied, "it's none of your business so butt out."
"Listen Luke, we're going to be together for a while so there's no need for you to be so rude. Let's try to work with each other until we get back to Baticul."
"Did you forget what I told you in Tataroo Valley?" Luke turned and glared at Tear, "I don't trust you and you have given no reason for me to do so. I have stuff to think about but I'm not willing to share any of them with a filthy assassin like you."
Tear looked away with a frown and was offended but she had also realized that it couldn't be helped but she wished that Luke would give her a chance while they were together for the time being.
"Luke, listen—"
Tear cut herself off when she noticed that Luke was nowhere near her presence and she looked around wondering where he went.
"Luke, Luke," Tear called and got annoyed, "oh, where did he go?"
Tear went looking for Luke and was annoyed. Meanwhile Luke was at a shop looking at the apples and he thought that they looked very tasty.
"I'll buy one," Luke said.
Luke gave the merchant some gald and Luke received an apple. Luke took a bite and he enjoyed the taste.
"Man, this is so good," Luke said as he continued to eat the apple and then he looked at the merchant with a very satisfied expression, "this is really good."
"Haha, I'm glad you enjoy them," The merchant said with a smile.
"Thank you so much," Luke said with glee.
"Luke," Tear called.
Luke just looked at Tear while still eating the apple he purchased.
"Luke, you shouldn't just wander off like that," Tear admonished.
"Hmph, you can't tell me what to do," Luke replied glaring at Tear.
Tear frowned and didn't appreciate Luke's attitude.
"Luke, don't act like a child," Tear said upset.
"I'm not acting like a child," Luke said with a calm tone, "I'm simply saying that you have no right to try to tell me what to do."
Luke walked away and Tear got annoyed and followed him. Luke and Tear ended up in a secluded area in Engeve.
"Luke, I'm…I'm just trying to help you, but it seems that you won't let me," Tear said upset.
"Tear, what part of, 'I don't trust you' do you not understand?" Luke replied.
"That doesn't mean that you need to be so hostile towards me. I understand that you're upset and I get that you're annoyed that I won't tell you the reasons for my actions, but please, until we get to Baticul, how about we try to get along."
"You invaded my home, tried to kill my teacher, and you won't say why. I'd be willing to hear you out if you tell me why but you're not willing to say anything and yet you want me to trust you. How am I suppose to trust someone that tried to kill someone in my home and you have done nothing to make me think otherwise. I've asked you again and again why you're trying to kill Master Van but you won't tell me."
"Luke, enough," Tear said.
"Excuse me?" Luke responded surprised.
"Enough is enough," Tear said upset, "no matter how many times you ask, no matter how you go about it; I'm not going to tell you the reason for my actions. I know this is hard for you to understand and you don't have to agree with me on my decision but I'm not going to tell you why. It's something that I need to do for myself, something that has to do with my homeland. So please, I'm asking you Luke, just drop it. Don't ask me anymore, okay?"
Luke just glared at Tear and sighed.
"Tch, whatever," Luke said and pointed at Tear, "Just remember what I said, I'll have you arrested the moment we get back to Baticul and I mean it. If you don't want that to happen, I suggest you stay the hell away from me, you know, run away and consider this, Master Van isn't someone you can kill easily, I doubt you would be so lucky next time should you try again."
Luke…" Tear said but stopped herself as Luke walked passed her and she frowned.
Luke continued onward and he was at what it looked like to him a storage that had its door opened and then he noticed something on the entrance. Luke took a closer look and was surprised as he picked up what appeared to be a fur.
"This fur," Luke said, "is this…a fur of a Cheagle?"
Luke suddenly heard talks and saw they were a group of people standing near the entrance of Engeve's inn. Luke got curious and went to see what was going. As he got to them, there was a man who came out of the inn and frowned as he shook his head.
"Nothing," The man said, "every food in the storages has been stolen."
Luke was surprised to hear what had just happened.
"This has happened time and time again ever since those fires in the north," Another man said.
"Do you think it some deserters scouring for food?" Another man said.
"It might be the Dark Wings," Another man suggested.
"Could it really be them?" Luke asked suddenly.
The villagers were surprised and look at Luke.
"Hmm, who are you?" The man standing near the entrance of the inn asked, "What brings you here?"
"Uh, hello," Luke said in a polite tone, "I'm sorry, I overheard your conversation. You said that your food was stolen and that it has been occurring since the fires broke out. Could you tell me more about it in detail? I might be able to help in fact, I might have a clue to the problem," Luke held up the Cheagle fur, "I found this near one of the storages. It's fur of a Cheagle."
"Wait, seriously," One of the villagers replied.
They all looked at the fur that Luke had just handed to them.
"It is a Cheagle fur," Another villager said.
"It may have been a Cheagle that stole your goods," Luke said, "but the question is why?"
"Wait a minute, this seems awfully too convenient," One of the villages said.
"Huh, what do you mean?" Luke asked.
"How do we know that you didn't just grab that fur and why would someone we don't know suddenly want to help us?"
"That does seem suspicious," The second villager said, "you may be on to something Kelly."
"Wait a minute, that doesn't make sense, I told you where I got it," Luke replied.
"And I'm saying that it's all too convenient," Kelly said.
"Hey, he could be with the Dark Wings," The third villager said.
"Are you kidding me?" Luke said upset, "I have nothing to do with those bandits!"
"Save it, I'm taking you to the authorities," Kelly declared.
"You've got to be kidding me," Luke said annoyed.
Another villager rushed to where the others were and it was the merchant that Luke bought an apple from.
"Hey, I heard that Kelly's place was raided," The merchant said and then he looked at Luke, "oh, it's you, the lad that bought an apple from me."
"Yeah," Luke said looking at the merchant with a smile, "Your apple was really good. In fact, I would dare to say that it was the sweetest and tastiest that I ever had."
The merchant chuckled, "Well thank you."
"Let's go food thief!" Kelly said.
"Huh, what's going on?" The merchant asked confused.
"This brat is the one who been stealing food," The third villager said.
"What?" The merchant looked at Luke surprised.
"No, that's not true, it wasn't me," Luke said, "c'mon, do I seem like I would steal?"
"They say a criminal would always return to the scene of the crime," The fourth villager said.
"What?" Luke looked at the fourth villager shocked.
"Luke," Tear called and got to where Luke and the villagers were, "Luke, what trouble have you gotten into?"
"I didn't do anything!" Luke said as he was losing his patience.
"Let's go you," Kelly said as he and other villagers were dragging Luke somewhere.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
Luke was dragged by the other villagers to the mayor's house and Tear sighed in disappointment. Tear was still bothered with what Luke had said before and thought that he was just being rude and did not understand but regardless she was going to stick with him and get him back to Baticul as she did feel responsible for what happened. Tear believed that it was her duty as a soldier to make sure a civilian was kept safe from danger and Luke was civilian so she was going to make sure he made it back to his home in one piece. She just now hoped that the problem that was going on now could somehow be solved.
Luke arrived to entrance of the mayor's house with Tear and the villagers. They opened the door and they noticed a middle aged woman and a man with long auburn hair and glasses in military uniform.
"Rose! Rose!" Kelly called.
The woman name Rose and the long haired man looked at the villages.
"Quiet, can't you see we have a guest," Rose berated.
"But we got him; we got the guy stealing food."
"I'm telling, it wasn't me!" Luke said angrily.
"Rose, this guy could be part of the Dark Wings," Another villager said.
"Okay, now you're just being insulting, I did not steal your food!"
"Oh my," Rose said, "why don't we all calm down?"
"Yes, let's be calm," The bespectacled man said.
"Hmm, and you are…? Luke asked.
"I'm Colonel Jade Curtiss, commander of the Third Division, Malkuth Imperial Forces."
Luke was surprised to hear the name, "THE Jade Curtis?" Luke shook his head, "You're quite well known."
"My, my, I didn't realize I was famous," Jade replied, "and may I ask who you are?"
"My name is Luke," Luke introduced himself and then noticed Tear looking at him, "What?"
"Oh…n-nothing," Tear said although she was relieved.
Luke sighed and shook his head, "You really are weird."
"Luke," Tear responded offended what Luke had said.
"Um, is this young lady with you?" Rose asked.
"Uh, somewhat," Luke replied although he was annoyed, "this is Tear."
"We were on our way to Chesedonia and we saw a family that lived here caught up in a conflict and we escorted them back here," Tear explained.
"Oh and being affiliated with of the Dark Wings?" Jade asked.
Luke sighed with annoyance, "As I kept saying, I'm not with the Dark Wings, we are not with the Dark Wings, we happened to witness the real Dark Wings getting chased by Malkuth military in the Tartarus, crossing the Roltero Bridge, the same bridge that they blew up."
"Oh, I see, so you were the people that I saw helping those people and moved them away from danger."
"Yes, that was us."
"Wait, would you happen to be referring to Ronald and his wife, Edith and daughter, Sandy?" Kelly asked.
"Yes, that's them," Luke said.
The villages looked shocked and embarrassed.
"Roland mentioned that there were a couple of people who helped them out in a tight spot and one of them had long red hair," Kelly looked at Luke, "I see, that was you."
"Now you believe me?" Luke asked.
The villagers looked even more embarrassed.
"I knew the kid wasn't a thief," The merchant said.
"They are definitely not food thieves," The voice of a boy said.
Everyone in the house looked over and saw a boy with green hair and wore a robe.
"Fon Master Ion," Jade said.
"Huh?" Luke spoke surprised and looked at Ion.
"I got real curious and checked the food storages and I found this in the area," Ion said.
Ion walked up to Rose and handed her a piece of fur and Rose was surprised.
"Why…this fur of a sacred Cheagle," Rose said.
"Yes, a Cheagle may have been the one who raided your food storages."
"See, I told you so," Luke said, "it's the same fur that I showed you guys as well."
The other villagers were even more embarrassed and felt ashamed.
"I see, so you were telling the truth," One of the villages said.
"But Luke, next time you should really be careful in what you do," Tear commented, "this is what happens when you go off on your own."
"Shut the hell up Tear, you're not one who has any business saying something like that, you wannabe assassin and I did nothing that deserved the accusations, don't say things that you know nothing about."
Tear was taken back and couldn't bring herself to say anything.
"Well, I think this all clears up," Rose looked at the villagers who looked embarrassed, "don't you all have something to say to the red head lad?"
The villagers nodded and looked at Luke with remorse.
"Sorry for the unfounded accusation," Kelly said, "with the all the thefts, I've really been on the edge…but it doesn't excuse my behavior so again, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too kid," The second village said.
"So am I," The fourth villager said.
"I'm sorry I made the assumption that you were part of the Dark Wings, there's no excuse for it, sorry," The third villager said.
"There you go," Rose said and looked at Luke, "well, do you think you can forgive them boy?"
"I'm not a boy," Luke said.
"I'm sorry, Luke, can you let bygones be bygones?"
"…Sure, as long as they realize their mistake, I can forgive them."
"Well, I'm glad that has been solved. Now all of you, if you all could leave, I have things to discuss with the colonel."
The villagers were leaving Rose's residents and Tear and Luke were following suit as Luke took a look at the boy who was referred to as Fon Master Ion. Luke wondered what was going on as he stepped outside.
"What was Fon Master Ion doing here?" Tear asked.
"That is a good question," Luke said as he crossed his arms and thought about it, "considering that I had heard that the Fon Master was missing. In fact, Master Van was going to go back to Daath and start the search…so what the heck is the leader of the Order of Lorelei doing here and Engeve and with the Malkuth Colonel Jade Curtiss."
"You say that you heard he was missing?" Tear asked, "I haven't heard anything like that."
"I want to go back in there and ask…but I think I better hold off on that and I don't why but I didn't get the sense that he was being held here against his will."
"I'm sure there's an explanation," Tear said.
"Hmm, I ask him myself when I get the chance," Luke said as he walked off with Tear following him.
They decided to stay overnight in Engeve and went to an inn. When they got inside, they notice a girl talking to the innkeeper who was Kelly.
"Have you seen a boy around who looked kind of out of it?"The girl asked.
"Huh?" Luke uttered.
"Sorry, I was away from my counter for a while," Kelly explained.
The girl sighed, "Oh that Ion, where could he be?"
"Ion, you mean Fon Master Ion?" Luke said.
The girl turned around and looked at Luke and Tear.
"If you're looking for Fon Master Ion, he in the mayor's house with Colonel Curtiss," Tear said.
"Oh really, thank you," The girl said with a smile.
"Hold on," Luke said as he was able to get the girl's attention.
"Hmm?"
"I heard that the Fon Master was missing so why is he here and with Colonel Curtiss?"
The girl was surprised, "Oh, there are rumors like that? I have to tell Ion."
The girl left the inn in a hurry.
"Hey," Luke called but was not successful, "she didn't answer my question."
"Yes but she looked like a Fon Master Guardian," Tear said, "We can assume that the Fon Master is here on official business."
"Oh, so she's a Fon Master Guardian…I see, I see. Still though, I wonder why the Fon Master was declared missing. Something is definitely going on here."
Luke went up to the front desk and was greeted by Kelly.
"Hi," Kelly greeted, "again, my apologies for the trouble that I and the other villagers caused you. To make it up, I'll let you stay in a room, on the house."
"Really?" Luke replied, "I see…thanks. Okay, I'll take you up on that."
Later on in the evening, Luke and Tear were in a room at the inn. Tear was thinking about what they were going to go in order to get back to Baticul while Luke was thinking about something that was bothering him and it was the fact that Cheagles were stealing food supplies. Luke found it to be unnatural and he couldn't help but to wonder why.
Flashback: Five years ago, Baticul Palace
Luke was with Natalia in the library and they were reading a page in the book.
"A Cheagle?" Luke asked.
"Yes, they are considered sacred creatures by the Order of Lorelei and they are herbivores," Natalia said.
Luke and Natalia continued to look through the books about the Cheagles.
"I wonder if I'll ever see a Cheagle," Luke said.
Natalia looked at Luke and smiled, "It would be nice."
"Yeah," Luke nodded, "maybe one day, we can go to where they live, the Cheagle Woods and see the Cheagles."
Natalia was surprised and smiled and nodded, "That would nice."
Luke grinned, "Then I'll make sure that happens, I promise."
Natalia was touched by Luke's words and hugged him as she laughed with joy and Luke laughed with joy as well.
Flashback End
Luke enjoyed thinking about his time with Natalia and then he was went on to worry again and wanted to know the reason for the Cheagles' actions and he figured that trying to know why would not be easy.
"Tomorrow, we'll head to the Kaitzur checkpoint," Tear suddenly said, "With the bridge out, that's our only way to get back to Baticul also we'll have to do something about passports."
"Hmm…" Luke crossed his arms.
Tear looked at Luke, "Luke, what is it? You look like something is bothering you."
Luke just looked at Tear.
"Will you tell me or are going to say that not for me to be concerned with?" Tear asked.
Luke just stayed silent and then decided to go to bed.
"I'm going to sleep," Luke said.
"Luke, hold on a minute…"
"Have to get ready for tomorrow," Luke commented ignoring Tear.
Luke laid on his bed and fell asleep and Tear sighed feeling unsure what to do. After some time, Tear was looking at Luke as he was sleeping. Tear had a curious expression and she went for a closer look and watching him sleep.
"Hmm, for all his roughness, he sure sleeps soundly," Tear said in a low tone.
Suddenly, a blade got close to Tear's neck and it surprised her and was surprised again to see Luke with his eyes opened glaring at Tear while holding his unsheathed broadsword towards Tear.
"What the hell are you doing watching me sleep?" Luke asked, "It's creepy. Planning to kill me in my sleep?"
Tear narrowed her eyes at Luke, "Of course not. I would never do that."
"Then why are you just standing there watching me sleep, you pervert."
Tear was shocked, "Did…did you just call me a pervert?"
"Yes, I did."
"Luke, that's despicable, there's no need for you to be so insulting."
"Like I care how you feel, pervert."
"Don't call me a pervert," Tear said feeling a bit agitated.
Luke got up from his bed still holding his sword towards Tear and had Tear move until they got to the door and Luke opened the door with his free hand.
"Luke, what are you doing?" Tear asked.
Luke got Tear to move out of the room.
"I don't feel comfortable with you standing over watching me sleep, an assassin watching me like a pervert, so…"
Luke suddenly shut the door in front of Tear and Tear couldn't believe it.
"You've got to be kidding me," Tear said as she tried to open the door but it was locked and then she knocked on the door.
"Luke, open up, open up right now," Tear demanded.
Luke ignored her and went back to his bed and went to sleep while Tear was shocked with what was happening she growled.
"I can't believe this," Tear said, "I cannot believe this is happening. Luke is…he's such a…"
Tear growled in frustration and wondered what she was going to do.
The next morning
Luke left the room and was set to go to his next destination. He left the inn and was about to continue walking.
"Luke," Tear called.
Luke stopped and turned to see Tear who looked to be in a foul mood.
"Good morning pervert," Luke greeted.
"Will you stop that?" Tear said frustrated.
"Hmph, you were watching me sleep with those perverted eyes, I can't help to feel uncomfortable," Luke said.
Tear narrowed her eyes, "You're actually enjoying this."
"I have no idea what you're talking."
Tear shook her head, "Anyway, now that you're here, we can head to Kaitzur right now."
"No," Luke said.
"What?" Tear replied surprised.
"I'm not heading for Kaitzur right now. I decided to go to the Cheagle Woods."
"Why there?"
"To find out why the Cheagles are stealing food from the storages here in Engeve. If this continues, it may come to the point where the villagers may retaliate against the Cheagles and it would only end real badly. I want to find what's going on and do what I can to solve this."
"Are you sure you want to get involved with the situation with the Cheagles?"
"I'm sure of it."
"Luke, I don't know if you'll find any and even if you do, how do you know for sure that you'll be able to do something about it."
"Shut up I made up mind on this and I won't back down," Luke replied strongly pointing at Tear.
Luke left and Tear sighed again as she was feeling frustrated. Tear just decided to follow him and keep an eye out for him. Tear didn't know how long she could keep this up but she reminded herself that she was the reason that Luke was dragged out of his home in Baticul and she had every intention to make sure that Luke made back to his manor even if Luke didn't want her help and even if Luke was going to have her arrested when they got there. Tear hoped that she would find some way to either convince Luke that there was no need or find some way to make sure that it didn't happen and she had plan to end her brother so that Van would not carry out what terrible plan. Tear had decided that she would be the one with the burden to stop her brother and didn't want anyone else involved. Tear ran to catch up to Luke and they both left Engeve to go to the Cheagle Woods.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Luke and Tear arrive in the Cheagle Wood and meet a Cheagle named Mieu and they try to solve the situation involving Ligers.