Warning!

This chapter is long, all plot and no jadist, the next chapter will have some good old fashion smut! Till then, don't blame you if you skip this one.

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A small boy, hair as blonde as the rays of the sun, sat alone at the edge of the largest center of religion in Auldrant. Though he was lavishly dressed in the rich garments of a noble his blue eyes were sad as they watched the pilgrims pass by. Curled in a corner no one could see his sadness, he just wanted to be alone.

But someone was going to keep that plan at bay.

"Guilardia!" A voice rang down the busy streets, followed by the steady drum of boots on the cobble stones. "Guilardia, I really can't play hide and seek with you today! Master Van wants to see you and I will be in trouble if I don't bring you back to the church!" The voice was growing more frantic with each step.

The boy sighed, no, he wasn't going to get the peace he wanted today.

As if on cue a boy shot around the corner, trying to keep his tall, cylinder of a hat on his head. He came to a screeching halt, holding a hand to his chest as if it would help his racing pulse. With a heavy sigh he fixed his uniform and walked over to the smaller boy, he was twice his age but the little one seemed to always have the upper hand. This was the second time this week he had escaped the dorms of the church when he was supposed to be babysitting. He was going to get demoted because of this child, he just knew it, and he wasn't all that high ranking to begin with.

"Come, Guilardia, we really must be getting back, I do wish you'd stop this mischief when you're under my watch…"

"I don't want to go back yet Reiner…" the boy didn't get up, even when his elder extended his hand, "Vandesdelca is going to send me away…"

Reiner sighed again, kneeling down so he could look the boy in the eyes, "I know, but I'm sure he has a plan for you, as Lorelei has one for all of us. You just have to trust the score…"

The lad sniffed and rubbed the tears before they could leave his eyes, "The last time I did that I lost my home…"

"Guilardia, I know how you feel about Hod but-"

At that point a loud eruption filled the air, making them both jump. Stones shot through the air in every direction, clattering against the wall. Reiner instinctively jumped to cover the younger boy, protecting him from any flying objects. Once the air was quiet the boys looked out from the stands they had been sheltered behind. The large monument in the center of the main street, formally an obelisk, now was only a quarter of its original height. A large metal saucer was now sticking out of the stone, buzzing and sputtering as it slowly crackled to silence.

"What in Auldrant was that?" Guilardia asked breathlessly.

"I don't know…" Reiner surveyed the scene, the citizens had all run for cover, he gasped when he noticed the limp body spread out in the center of the road. It took him a moment to realize the red stains in the stone were blood. "Some one is hurt!"

Before the younger boy could question him the other was to his feet and rushing to the stranger's aid. Reiner dropped to his knees at the side of the motionless form, immediately relieved that a low wheeze signaled whoever it was had not yet left this world. It was a boy, older then himself, dressed in a lab coat that was stained with water and blood. Snow that had stored itself in his clothing was now scattered around him, giving him the illusion of an angel like glow had it not been for the hallo of blood around his face from the impact. Reiner brushed some of the silver hair to reveal a thin face, the color of his skin pail and growing worse.

"Guilardia! Go get help!"

The blonde boy jumped to his feet, confused at what was going on, "W-who should I get?"

"Anyone, now hurry!"

Swallowing hard, he obeyed, rushing off to the church. While he was gone, Reiner attempted to hoist the limp boy onto his shoulder but the dead weight was too much for him. Still he half dragged the body towards the church, unwilling to give up. "Who ever you are, just hold on a little longer…"

Saphir's dreams mixed with the pain he was feeling, creating a vortex of horror within his mind that he couldn't seem to escape. His memories were fogged, all that he could see was Jade's face with that lifeless expression as he brought his spear in for the final blow. By Lorelei, was he dead? Perhaps this was hell. He couldn't find his footing, he couldn't find himself at all, just the pain seemed to be real. It was like he had completely left his body behind for this strange land. Now he was all alone…

Better alone then with that traitor…

Then, the darkness began to lift suddenly, there was a beam of light. He blinked, so he wasn't dead, he could feel the heaviness of his eyelids. When he found the strength to pull himself from the groggy hell hole he didn't recognize a thing. The walls were overly decorated yet dimly lit, and there was some blurry shape hovering over him.

"Oh good!" the blur said in a cheerful voice that made his splitting head all the worse, "I was afraid you wouldn't wake up for the longest time."

With a groan the scientist tried to roll away from the annoying voice, but as he brought his hands to his aching skull, they paused half way. Apparently something was holding his arm.

"H-hang on, I'm not finished with your bandages you, sir."

Saphir was not in the mood to work whatever was happing out. He was in some unknown bed, as he was on his back, in some place he had never been, with some young boy who apparently insisted on keeping his miserable existence prolonged through the use of first aid… Damn him.

"Who the hell are you?" he grumbled, not in the mood for pleasantries either.

The boy shied away for a second, but continued wrapping bandages around the other's arm, "My name is Reiner, I just joined the order of Lorelei. I'm sorry for the odd situation but you see… I found you unconscious in the street and I couldn't rightly leave you there…"

Fighting a dizzy spell the scientist sat up, why was everything so fuzzy? He touch his hand to his face, finding no frames under his fingers, where were his glasses? They must have fallen off when…

Suddenly there was a pain in his chest along with his head, "…Jade."

"Excuse me?" the boy piped, curious.

Saphir almost couldn't hear him as the memories rushed back all at once, like a tidal wave. He held his hands to his ears to block out the other's monotone voice in his head but it was useless. He gritted his teeth, trying to fight back the tears burning the back of his eyes. Why had all this happened? What had he done to anger Lorelei above to give him such a horrible fate? He was alone, no friends, no family, no home, and no Jade… Why Jade? He would have been able to handle betrayal from anyone else but him, now he was gone, just like the Professor. He would never be able to face those blank crimson eyes again, his heart would surly shatter.

He pulled his knees to his chest, trying to stop the constant shaking that came from within, but the sobs he couldn't choke back only made it worse. He felt so small, unable to control his fate, lost in the world now, no past he could face and no future before him. What was he supposed to do?

Something warm and soft wrapped around him. A blanket? Why? Who would care about the pathetic shell of a human being that he was now?

The boy, Reiner, wrapped his arms around the covered, shaking form. He didn't say anything as the stranger continued to cry, he wasn't going to insult him, and he was in no place to try to cheer him up, as he probably had a reason for being so upset. So he just tried his best to let him know he was there, and the other wasn't alone, at least in a physical sense.

It took a few minuets, but the older boy finally started to calm down, sniffing and sighing from exhaustion, he was so tired of crying…

"Th… Thank you…" he said softly, embarrassed by his display, "Reiner was it… and I guess… thank you for pulling me out of the street too…"

"No problem sir." His cheery disposition returned. He released the boy and sad down beside him on the large bed, returning to his bandages, which needed to be finished. "It was simply Yuilia's will that we met, I just know it."

Saphir squinted, trying to make out the red and black garments the boy was wearing with his poor eyesight. "Is that a Daathic uniform?"

He nodded, cutting the bandages, checking his work to make sure he had set the wound properly, "Yes, I just joined the congregation recently. I'm afraid I'm still rather low in the ranks…"

"So I did make it to Daath…" he mumbled to himself. Well, that was a start…

"Excuse me, I don't mean to pry," this boy's cheerful manors were starting to get on his nerves, "It's probably none of my business how you got your wounds…"

"No it isn't." he replied sternly, he did not want to relive that horrible experience all over again.

"Right, but… I would like to know your name…"

"Oh, yes, it's Sa-" he paused, he was a criminal in Malkuth now… it probably wasn't safe to use is own name. "Uh… Dist…" it was somewhat odd, but after all that had happened did it really matter? He smiled bitterly to himself, Dist, like distance, maybe it had been chosen by his subconscious.

"Ah, well Dist, Grand Maestro Mohs is eager to meet you when you are well."

"I imagine he is…" yes… that's why he came to Daath in the first place… he needed to continue his research… but could he do it now, alone and illegally? He hugged himself under the blanket, feeling cold again. He noticed his shirt was open (probably for the medical treatment) and his coat was gone. "Reiner, where might my lab coat be? Was I wearing it when you found me?"

"Yes, but it had a lot of snow melting on it and I feared you would freeze." The boy picked a soggy white coat from a chair next to the bed. Shaking it out him handed it to the scientist. Saphir held it close, despite the fact that it was very cold against his fingers. This was who he used to be, a well revered scientist for the Malkuth military… and after all his help they just threw him out like the trash he felt he was… no, Jade threw him out.

Curse that snake… he thought to himself. He wanted to throw the horrid piece of clothing out a window, burn it, forget about the past no matter how much he wanted to return to it. His nails dug into his fabric as he wrapped his brain with the horrible memories it carried now.

"Mr. Dist, there's something in the pocket…"

Saphir paused, noticing a light brown letter that was slightly peeking out at him from the side pocket. Curious he pulled it out, immediately remembering something that had been so far forgotten with all of the mess that had been happening lately.

It was his birthday… he was twenty today, by Auldrant law, an adult. Usually there would be a large ceremony for such and occasion, but none for Saphir because Saphir no longer existed. Still, there was the letter, given to him by Jade just a few days before, addressed to that someone who was forever gone. He debated in his head, back and forth, about what to do with such a trinket. Would he listen to whatever the snake had to say? If it was only another insult, more salt in the wounds he had torn both mentally and physically, would he be able to handle it? All that really depended on what was in the letter when it came down to it. With shaking fingers he pealed back the tab.

Inside was a letter, and something he never expected, a pair of spectacles. They were similar to his old pair, round lenses, but much smaller, more adult (Peony always referred to his larger lenses as "Nerdy") and they were a milky white. Odd, how would he be able to see out of them if they were white? But then he put them on and everything was clear, even clearer then before, as his old pair had been repaired so many times. With his new sight he read the attached letter.

Salutations Saphir

I borrowed one of those toys you call machines to make these, I believe you don't mind. I applied a Fonic Glyph to the glass, which is why they hold such an odd color, but I ensure you, it is for the better. These lenses are now nearly indestructible, it would take Arts more powerful then even my own to break them. You're an adult now and you need to take care of yourself, I do hope this helps. This way I have at least one less thing to worry about. Do try not to get yourself killed when we have to part, I have so few friends as it is.

Have a happy birthday,

Jade

"Mr. Dist…" Reiner's voice was high with worry, the man was gripping the paper so tightly his nails were tearing through the edges.

How could he call him a friend after what he did? Had Saphir read this just yesterday he would have been ecstatic with the title, but now he wasn't sure what to think. He wanted to be angry, he wanted to hate Jade, with every Fonon in his body he wanted to hate him… but somehow he couldn't bring himself to. He needed to get him back somehow.

"Reiner…I want to see Mohs… now." He swung his legs over the side of the bed and tried to get to his feet, much to the panicked reaction of the boy beside him. As soon as he put weight on the floor his knees buckled and he stumbled back. Still he gritted his teeth and fought against the exhaustion and pain and finally stood.

"I don't think you're ready to get out of bed yet, sir!" Reiner hopped down to his side, hands hesitating, tensing to catch the scientist the next time he fell. Saphir's pride wouldn't let him ask for help now, Jade was right, he had to take care of himself, no one else would.

"Guilardia, get off that, its dangerous!" Van ran after his younger companion from their fallen home. The blonde boy had retrieved the metal disk from the earlier incident and somehow had gotten it to float again, deciding to take a ride. The strange machine floated randomly around the meeting hall of the church, carrying the boy with it.

"I can fly!" The blonde cheered, shaking the machine, trying to get it to go higher but it was traveling of its own will. Eventually it bumped against a wall, causing the boy to loose his balance and tumble back to the floor, thankfully he had only been floating two or three feet from the ground at the time. As he got up he was more concerned with the disk then his own clumsy landing, as it was still traveling.

A whistle echoed through the large room and the machine froze, spun a bit and shot over their heads, back towards the entrance. The boys turned to watch it in awe, until it found its owner.

Saphir, now in decked in his lab coat (to hide at least some of the bandages that wrapped him up like some corpse) caught the disk with practiced ease, even in the state he was in. Reiner had followed behind him loyally, making sure he would actually survive the short trek to the gathering chambers. Van and Guilardia rushed over to the visitor, full of questions about him and his strange contraption, but before they could utter a word, a familiar presence entered to the room.

"Ah, I see our visitor has finally recovered, it's been hours. I've been curious to see the one who has caused such excitement in my city by flying in." The voice of the Grand Maestro rang through the chapel with the practiced boom of a preacher, filled with the passion and vigor he put into his faith. All of the boys turned, as if his very presence called for attention. Reiner put his hands together and bowed, Saphir hesitated, then followed, unsure of what to do otherwise.

But when Mohs saw the scientist's face he immediately recognized it. His jaw dropped for a moment before he regained composure. "My dear boy, what has happened to you? I saw you not but a few days ago in-"

"Nothing happened, sir!" Saphir interrupted, no need for anyone to know more then they had to, "I came here to discus that offer you gave at our first meeting." his voice kept an annoyingly high pitch, he wasn't a good actor, "You do remember me, right? Dist?" he put emphasis on the name, trying to pass on the hint of his new identity.

Mohs paused, then nodded. The young Van took a few moments longer, staring down the man, as if he couldn't place his face. I'm easy to forget I guess, he thought to himself miserably. When the boy finally found his memory he gasped, then nodded too, though he still seemed confused.

"I remember you," Mohs' voice was grave, "and I know my offer… Reiner, Guilardia, would you two please go outside and play for a while, this is not for young ears."

"But I want to hear more from the flying man!" The blonde boy complained, "I want to fly too!"

Reiner nodded without protest, Guilardia was about to whine more but the older boy dragged him out by his arm before he could, making sure to shut the large doors of the entrance behind them. Van stayed, his gray eyes narrowed, they didn't seem like that of a child's any longer. They held the same kind of aura that was in Jade's crimson orbs, eyes that had seen hundreds of deaths over such a short time, and the loss of something great.

After they left, the Grand Maestro crossed his arms in concern with the matter at hand. "Professor Nies… I hope you are aware of the recent decree about Formicary and those who practice it…"

He winced at the memory, "Painfully aware sir… It is the reason I'm here…"

"You still plan to practice it then, I suppose…?"

"I have to, for personal reasons… Do… do you still plan on perusing the situation with the Fon Fabre son?"

He paused again, the answer to such a question could be damaging now that theses sciences were illegal. "… If we can obtain the recourses… yes."

Saphir swallowed hard, the idea of kidnapping a boy and replicating him, taking his very life away and presenting it to another, wasn't the noblest of ideas. At this point did morals even matter anymore? He had never been overly concerned with the score, things without substance and scientific bases were truly of no matter to him. It didn't matter that these people were driven by it, after all, he was driven with the same vigor to reunite with his beloved professor. Fate and the score were one in the same, and if fate had planed to take away what little that was precious to him, then he would rewrite this score through his own abilities. First he would need funding, time, and assistance, all off his former research was still back in Grand Chokema and he would need to almost start over by himself. It was a daunting task, but he wanted the end product more then anything. He wanted Jade back, despite all that had happened, he couldn't let him go. That letter held onto him, like the last thread on his heart, tying them together. He couldn't hate him, as much as he wanted to… he was too engraved into his life, heart, and mind to just forget, it drove him half insane. He needed him back, he was he last thing he had left in this world special to him…

So what if some got hurt in the process, people obviously didn't care about him, he knew that since he was young. He had always been the target of abuse from his fellow man, why should he worry about their fate if they disdained him so? What did it matter the subjects if in the end progress came? No one cared, why should he? He knew what he wanted, nothing was going to stand in his way of taking it!

"Allow me to lead the project!" His voice for once was steady with resolve, fist clenched by his side with the vigor of his new conviction. "Let me create these replicas for you! I'll do whatever you wish, just allow me to continue my research. I can make your plans possible!"

The Grand Maestro's eye's widened with awe at the young man's passion. "My, my, you seem very excited about this venture… you realize what our doing is illegal, you'll have to do it all in secret and under the threat of imprisonment… not to mention we might get in a bit of trouble should your research be leaked."

"I-I wouldn't do such a thing, you have my word! How could I betray the order?" he gritted his teeth, as he was lying through them, he didn't feel any loyalty towards these people, he had never even been concerned with his own score, much less the entire order of Lorelei. Times were tough, he'd get on his knees and worship the Fon Master himself if he had to, he wasn't going to give up just yet. Religion had always been just a tool for those who knew what they wanted anyway.

"Grand Maestro," Van suddenly integrated, "We've never heard anything about this professor that hasn't had to do with Jade, how do we even know he has any ability on his own. After all, Jade Curtis is much more well known."

Ouch, if that wasn't a stab to his already fragile pride… he didn't need to be reminded of the ever present shadow he was under. "I… I…" he wasn't sure how to respond, he was used to Jade either taking over… they were right, could he handle this on his own? He had always just followed the lieutenant's orders… No! Enough of that thinking, Saphir stood in Jade's shadow his whole life, this was Dist now.

"All Jade ever did was come up with the theories, I built the machines. The ideas are already in place, I don't even need him anymore… I just need time to make up for the research I lost… I can do this, I know I can, even better then Jade! You have to give me a chance." He tried to keep his voice from whining and decently managed too, but still he was shaking inside, he had never set off on such a venture by himself.

Even the young Van was impressed now. "Dist, is it now? This Formicary makes replicas, right? Can you make one of anything, not just people?"

He paused, an odd question. "Yes… objects, animals, even land, theoretically of course…"

"Land?"

"Yes, up to a small continent I suppose…"

"It's the theoretical part I'm worried about…" Mohs put a hand to his face in thought, "You've never attempted anything like this?"

"Only objects and a few people… but now that the experiments are outside the law the options are endless."

The two order members looked at each other for a moment of silent discussion, then Mohs nodded, "Well, Dist, I have no reason to turn down your proposal… but why do you want this? You could have stayed back in Malkuth, worked on legal projects, grow famous in your own right. Why leave."

Hands clenched at his side, so tightly that if it had not been for his gloves he would have drawn blood, "I… I lost something very dear to me… and this is the only way to get things back… the way it used to be… I'd do anything, no matter what it takes… Please, sir…"

The air was so quiet you could almost reach out and touch it. Every second that went by was sheer torture for the scientist, he couldn't even bare to open his eyes to see their expressions, he was too scared.

"I think he'll do a fine job…"

He looked up, it was the boy, Van, who had spoke, the one who showed doubt before. Now his grey eyes seemed to soften, why?

"I agree, you seem very passionate about this." Mohs nodded. "The details can be decided later, you need to recover. We'll arrange for you to become an oracle knight so that everything will be provided for this research. You'll be working alongside Van," he smiled at the boy, "Who is up and coming very quickly in the knights… Van, could you show Dist to his bunk."

"Yes sir."

As the young knight led him out of the room, Saphir's shoulders sagged, he felt as if twin ton weights had just been lifted. He wasn't used to standing up for himself and even though he had succeeded, this was but the first of many hurtles to come in the near future. He had to hold up to the promises he had just made, researching by himself felt almost like a dream, he was so used to being just tugged along by Jade, like a dog on a leash. Now he was free of that leash, both an exciting and frightening concept, would he even know where to go?

He had a point, a destination, he would revive Neblim with his own hands, and bring Jade back to him.

As Van opened the large doors, there was a yelp from the outside. Reiner, the boy from before, came tumbling in. He fell flat on his face, the door he had been listening at no longer supporting him. The boy got up as quickly as he could, an ashamed flush to his cheeks. Mohs could be heard sighing behind them.

"Reiner… you know the teachings of Yulia frown upon eavesdropping… "

"I-I know sir!" his young brown eyes looked up at the scientist, but shot away when the young man glanced back. What was wrong with this boy? He seemed to eager and friendly earlier. "Grand Maestro," he bowed again, "P-please forgive my spying, I was curious and-and I wanted to ask something of your sir…"

"What is it now, Reiner…" seems this lad often annoyed the Grand Maestro.

"May… May I assist Dist? As his confidant? Gaillardia will be leaving soon and I'll have no other responsibilities."

"Now I'm sure Dist has no need for-"

"I'll take him!" Saphir integrated quickly. He could tell just from the boy's voice that he had was going through something similar to what he had just experienced. Besides, if it wasn't for him he'd be dead in the streets. "I can always use the extra help…"

Though the fellow members of the order seemed surprised, no one questioned him. The boy seemed ecstatic as he followed the scientist and the knight out of the meeting room and into the vast hallways. Reiner's excited footsteps echoed off the hallway.

"Master Dist, if I had known you were the scientist that Van and Mohs had gone to see in Grand Chokema I would have given you a better welcome!"

"Whys that?" Saphir asked, confused.

"Van told me everything about you! You're brilliant, the leader of Fontech in all of Auldrant!" he was practically skipping, "You've created everything from military machines to modern conveniences. They wouldn't let me come along when they went to visit."

Van chuckled, "I couldn't even tell him your name, he was just too excited, we were afraid he'd jump you at first sight."

"I would not!" the boy whined, "Don't tell him that Van!" he looked up at the scientist, his large eyes apologizing in a way words couldn't, then looked away again in embarrassment.

Saphir couldn't help but smile at the scene, this boy reminded him of when he was young and followed Jade around like a fan boy. "Are you interested in Fontech?"

"In a way… back in Hod my family was rather poor, we didn't have money for things like Fontech… But I've always heard of the magical things they did, playing music, moving dolls, and if you can make such great things then you must be a genius."

The man's smile grew wider, he didn't get praise very often, at least none directly for him and not both him and Jade… or most of the time just Jade. If this kept up he was going to get a big head. But something caught his attention.

"You're from Hod?"

"Yes, I came here after it fell."

"We all did." Van nodded, "There are quiet a few refugees that have now joined Daath, Guilardia, Reiner, and myself just to name a few… a lot of orphans were taking in by the church. They're making good use of us, I became a knight very quick and I've already assigned Guilardia on his first mission, though he's been a bit miffed at me since. Its for his own goals."

"I joined the order because I believed Lorelei had a reason for letting us survive such a disaster." Reiner added, "I think we're meant to help the world."

"Exactly" The knight's gray eyes shined with future ideas and plans, he was very aspiring for his age.

Saphir paused in the middle of the hallway, so that was it, why Van had suddenly been so accepting. He might have lost his friend and identity… but these boys had lost there entire home and families… He suddenly felt an odd, warm sense of belonging, it was both touching and sad in a way, it seemed to emphasize the transition to his new self… and put him further from his old life.

"Master Dist?" the alter boy patted his shoulder in concern, "Are your wounds making you dizzy again?"

"N… no Reiner, don't worry." He gave the boy a reassuring smile, and strangely, it felt real. He had been so alone just hours ago, alone in the darkness of the unknown. It had been like he'd never left the cold, lifeless snow of Keterburg, and the Professor's grave.

Now he was surrounded by new people, ones that at least needed him, and one that even admired him. Suddenly things weren't so dark, he had a possibly future and companions. There was a chance all could turn out alright in the end.

Please let it be alright, he thought to himself, please Neblim in heaven… let this be the right path…