Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Tales of the Abyss.
Fubras to Kaitzur
Luke, Jade, Tear, Mieu, Guy, and Ion had just left St. Binah and were making their way to Fubras River. They had to cross it order to get to Kaitzur and on their way, they all had conversations with each other and most of it was what was going on so far.
Fubras River
They had just arrived in Fubras River and Luke ran a bit and looked around.
"So this is Fubras River," Luke said.
"Let's hurry and meet with Anise," Jade said.
"You're right," Luke agreed with a nod, "the sooner the better," Luke looked on, "once we cross, we'll be in Kimlascan territory…oh," Luke looked over to Mieu and Ion, "Mieu, Ion, how are you two, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine Luke," Ion assured, "I can keep going."
"I'm fine too Luke," Mieu said.
"Okay, good," Luke said, "just hang on a bit further you two, we'll be Kaitzur soon."
Guy just looked at Luke and smile, "Always looking out for others."
"Well now, shall we move forward?" Jade asked.
"Yes, we should," Tear said.
They began walking through the Fubras River. They were being very cautious in making it through, especially the huge puddles of waters. Luke, Tear, Guy, and Jade also took out monsters that got in their way and protected Ion and Mieu as well. They soon got to an area where they had to wade through the water and they were looking out for each other as they passed through the water. When they made it through, they were drenched.
"Man, it's a lot more than we thought," Luke said.
"Well, it can't be helped," Guy said, "I heard that a rainstorm recently happened here.
"A rainstorm?" Luke asked, "Well, I guess we're lucky there's none right now."
"Yes, if there was, it might be worse for us," Tear said.
"Okay, let's get going," Luke said, "I'm sure none of us wants to be here any longer than we need to be."
"Right," Guy said.
"Let's go," Tear said.
Jade simply pushed his glasses up and he looked over to Ion and then Luke.
"I wonder what will happen," Jade said in his head, "what will happen if Luke learns the truth about himself…I wonder if he would hate me if he learned that—"
"Jade, hey Jade," Luke called.
Jade was out of his thoughts and looked over to Luke.
"Jade, are you okay?" Luke asked, "You looked like you had something on your mind."
"Oh…don't worry Luke, I'm fine," Jade assured.
"Hmm," Luke paused a bit, "well, if you say so."
The party moved on through the Fubras River and Luke took glances at Jade and he wondered if Jade was really okay.
"Something is bugging him," Luke said in his head, "I don't know why but I get the sense that something is really concerning Jade."
They continued their journey through the Fubras River. Soon, they stopped when they heard a growl.
"Wait, do you hear that?" Guy asked.
"I do," Luke replied as he and the others looked around.
Suddenly, a Liger landed on the ground and stood before them and Luke was surprised.
"A Liger," Luke said.
"There's someone else here," Jade said as he noticed, "someone behind the Liger."
They looked and the person they saw was Arietta.
"It's Arietta the Wild," Guy said, "it seems they found us."
"I won't let you get away," Arietta declared.
Ion walked up to speak with Arietta.
"Arietta please let us go," Ion pleaded, "you understand, don't you? We can't let this war happen."
"I…I want to help you Ion," Arietta said and then she looked at Luke, "and I know about you Luke…you protected Mommy and promised to get a new home for her and the others," Arietta looked down and was sad, "but even so, I still can't let you pass."
"Because you have your orders," Luke said.
"That's right," Arietta said with a nod, "but don't worry, I've been told it's okay."
"Huh, what do you mean?" Luke asked confused.
"I'll just capture you and Ion, I promise I won't kill you."
"Can't you do the same for the others with us?" Ion asked.
"I won't," Arietta said and glared at Tear and Jade, "especially not these two who were going to kill Mommy. Mommy was just caring for my brothers and sisters and you two were going to kill her."
"What you said is true and I won't make excuses for it," Jade said.
"Neither will I," Tear said, "I took action in I believed was the logical approach at the time."
Arietta glared at Tear and Jade and then looked at Luke and Ion.
"Ion and Luke, please come with me. I promise you two won't be harmed, I'll make sure of it.
"I see…" Luke said, "that's a kind offer Arietta, unfortunately that's a problem. We need to get to Baticul and prevent this war and we can't let anyone stop us."
"It's as Luke said," Ion said, "we can't go with you Arietta."
"But Ion…"
"Please understand Arietta, like I said, we can't let this war happen."
"Please Arietta," Luke pleaded.
"But I—" Arietta spoke.
Arietta was interrupted when an earthquake suddenly occurred and it surprised her and the others and they were trying to keep their balance. Several mists were spewing from the ground and Tear was shocked as she knew what it was.
"An earthquake?" Luke spoke, "Hey, what's that?"
"What is that mist?" Guy asked.
"It's the miasma!" Tear said.
"The miasma?!" Luke said in shock, "Why…why is the miasma spewing out of here?"
"This is not good," Ion said, "the miasma is deadly poison."
Arietta screamed and fell on the ground and her Liger friend fell on the ground as well and Luke and Ion looked at Arietta and the Liger with concern.
"We are in serious trouble!" Luke said panicking, "We're dead if we breathe in to it!"
"If you don't inhale a large amount over a long period of time, you'll be okay," Tear said, "let's get out of here and—"
Tear stopped herself when she saw the part of the ground breaking apart and more of the miasma was spewing out from the broken ground.
"Damn, we can't seem to get away," Luke said.
Tear narrowed her eyes, "Guess there's only one thing left to do."
Tear started to sing one of her fonic hymns.
"A fonic hymn at a time like this?" Jade asked raising an eyebrow.
"Wait Jade," Ion said, "it's one of Yulia's fonic hymns she's singing."
Tear's fonic hymn formed a sort of large shield around her and the others and the miasma stopped spewing out and the others were surprised and impressed with what Tear did.
"The miasma is gone," Guy said.
"I've applied a vibration identical to the inherent vibration of the miasma," Tear explained, "it's a temporary shield so it won't last long."
"The seven fonic hymns left behind by Yulia," Jade said amazed, "I've heard rumors about them but still…I had heard they were difficult for anyone to decipher."
"Yeah…" Luke agreed.
"Let's worry about that later," Guy said, "we need to get out of here."
"Yes, you're right," Jade said.
Jade then turned to Arietta who was still on the ground and was unconscious and he formed his spear. Luke didn't like what he saw and ran and got in front of the unconscious Arietta.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa Jade," Luke said, "There's no need to kill her."
"Luke if we don't kill her, she'll just come after us again."
"Even so, it's not right to kill someone who's unconscious and defenseless."
Tear sighed and shook her head, "You really are soft Luke."
Luke frowned at what Tear said and then he closed his eyes.
"Even so…I don't want you to kill her. Even though Arietta is one of the Six God-Generals, she's still the Liger Queen's daughter and not only that, the Ligers assisted us back in the Tartarus despite the risk for themselves…surely that can justify to let her live."
"Luke, do you understand the implication of what you're asking, especially in this situation?" Jade asked.
Luke nodded as he opened his eyes and looked at Jade, "Yes Jade I am. I understand where you're coming from and you're right in what you're saying but still…I don't want her dead."
Jade sighed, "Is it for the sake of the Liger Queen?"
"Yes, that's part of it. I know the Liger Queen will be sad if her human daughter is killed and I know how the Ligers will respond when that happens. Not only that…please Jade, don't kill Arietta. I'm begging you."
"Jade, I would like to make the same request," Ion said.
"Ion…" Jade said.
"Please Jade, Arietta was originally one of my Fon Master Guardians."
Jade looked at the pleading looks of Luke and Ion and then he sighed and put away his spear.
"…Very well," Jade said reluctantly.
"Thank you Jade," Luke said, "and with that…"
Luke went over and picked up Arietta in a bridal carry manner and took her to area where she would be safe and asked Guy to help with the unconscious Liger.
"Colonel, are you really going to allow Luke to carry her to another area?" Tear asked.
"I'm already letting her live," Jade said, "I can't really complain with what's going on afterwards."
"This is a mistake, a huge mistake," Tear pointed.
"I agree…but there's no point in discussing it now. Besides, we should hurry and get to Kaitzur."
"Yes, I know," Tear said with a nod.
Jade went to help Guy with the Liger. Luke had just set Arietta on the ground and Arietta slowly opened her eyes and saw Luke and Luke smiled while Guy and Jade set the Liger down next to her. Afterwards, they left and were heading out to exit out of Fubras River.
"So Arietta the Wild was raised by the Liger Queen?" Guy asked.
"Yes, she lost her real parents during the Hod War when she was just a baby," Ion said, "the Liger Queen found her in a basket and took her in."
"It's really amazing," Luke said, "even more so considering that well, Ligers actually eat humans."
"Yeah, that's true," Guy said.
Tear was right behind them and looked at Luke and she shook her head thinking that Luke was making a mistake with Arietta and wondered if Luke was going to take responsibility for what she considered his careless words and actions. Meanwhile Arietta was getting up after regaining conscious and so was her Liger friend and Arietta thought about when she saw Luke's smiling face.
"He's not a bad person," Arietta said and she had a sad expression, "should I really continue with this? I don't doubt his words and I owe so much for him for helping me but Ion and Luke, they…"
Her Liger friend stood right next to her and spoke and Arietta nodded.
"Yes, I know," Arietta said, "and I know that he would never have Ion harmed but Luke…I'm sure if I talk to him, I'm sure that…maybe he can help Luke too…"
Meanwhile Luke and the others had just left the Fubras River and were walking through the plains to get to Kaitzur and they fought and defeated monsters and bandits that dared got in their way. They continued on the journey and then Jade suddenly stopped.
"If I may have a moment? Jade asked.
The others stopped and looked at Jade.
"Huh, what's up Jade?" Luke asked, "We're almost at Kaitzur."
"I know, it will just be a moment. There's something I would like to know."
"Huh?" Luke asked.
"It's Tear's fonic hymns, isn't it?" Ion deduced.
"Yes," Jade replied, "I've been wondering about them for a while. Tear, your fonic hymns are different from the ones I know and I was curious. Ion, you said that they're Yulia's fonic hymns."
"Oh, I see now," Luke said, "you were curious about them."
"Yes and Luke, I know you were as well."
Luke flinched and the others looked at Luke.
"Were you Luke?" Tear asked.
"Y-Yeah," Luke said scratching his cheek lightly, "guess you figured me out Jade…well truthfully I was. I just didn't know if it would be right time to ask. So anyway, Yulia's fonic hymns are special, right?"
"Yeah, that's right," Guy said, "normally fonic hymns are just the incantation used in a fonic arte, combined with a melody. They're not as strong as fonic artes."
"But Yulia's fonic hymns are different," Ion said, "they are said that they hold the same power as fonic artes."
"Yes, the fonic hymns that I use are those of Yulia," Tear said with a nod.
"Hmm, I thought that Yulia's hymns meant nothing with only the melody and verses," Jade said.
"Hmm, really?" Luke responded, "You can't just sing them?"
"When one truly appreciates the symbolism meaning sings a verse, it draws a map of hidden wisdom," Guy said.
"Hidden wisdom…is that how it is…"
"Well, so they say and supposedly they're passed down in secret from one generation to the next."
"Yes, that true," Tear said, "you seem to know a lot about them Guy."
"I heard about it once, way back."
"Really?" Luke said and was curious, "I wonder Guy…"
Jade had a suspecting look towards Guy and then he looked over to Tear.
"Tear, how are you able to sing Yulia's hymns?" Jade asked, "Who did you learn them from?"
"I was told that my family descended from Yulia," Tear answered, "although I don't know if it's actually true or not."
"A descendant of Yulia, I see…"
Luke looked at Tear and was impressed, "You're a descendant of Yulia, Tear?"
"Like I said, I don't know if it's actually true or not. I was just told that I was."
"Wow, so you and Master Van are descendants of Yulia Jue? That's…so cool, that's amazing."
"You really think so?" Tear asked.
"Yeah, I do. Yulia Jue was an amazing person and to think one of my teachers and his sister that I'm traveling with are her descendants, I can't help but to be impressed."
Guy simply nodded with a smile and Jade simply nodded as well.
"Thank you Tear," Jade said, "I would certainly like to have a chance to learn more of about fonic hymns."
"Yeah, me too, me too," Luke said, "I want to learn more about them as well. I'm more interested now than I was before especially with what you did back in Fubras River Tear."
"I see…" Tear said.
"I would also like to learn about the Grand Fonic Hymn," Jade said.
"Wait, the Grand Fonic Hymn?" Luke asked, "What's that?"
"The fonic hymn Yulia sang to use Lorelei's power," Ion answered, "It's proof of their covenant."
"Shall we get going?" Tear asked, "I believe I answered your question."
"Mm…yeah, that's true," Luke said, "we should move."
"Indeed," Jade said.
They continued and headed for Kaitzur.
The Border Fortress, Kaitzur
The party arrived at Kaitzur and they looked around and were glad that they made. They walked forward and they noticed someone talking to a Malkuth guard and Jade, Tear, Luke, Ion, and Mieu recognized the person was Anise and it looked as though she was pleading with the guard.
"Hey, it's Anise," Luke said.
"Oh, so that's Anise," Guy said, "so that what she looks like."
"Yes, that's Anise," Ion said, "one of my Fon Master Guardians."
"I lost my identification and my passport," Anise said to the guard, "please you have to let me through, please."
"I'm sorry," The guard said, "but without the either of them, I can't let you pass."
Anise growled and turned around.
"You better watch your back," Anise said.
"Anise, did you seriously threatening a Malkuth soldier for just doing his job?" Luke asked.
"Yes Anise," Ion said, "Luke just heard you."
Anise was surprised when she saw Luke, Ion, and the others and was felt happy and giddy.
"Oh, it's you Luke!" Anise said happily, "I'm so happy to see you!"
Anise rushed and hugged Luke and Guy was surprised and thought that women were scary.
"Luke, I'm so glad to see you," Anise said, "I was so worried."
"Glad to see you too Anise," Luke said with a smile as he had Anise release him, "we were worried as well. We heard that you fell from the Tartarus."
"Yeah, it was real scary," Anise said with a giggle.
"Anise must have been terrified," Ion said, "she screamed, 'I'll kill you bastards!' as she fell."
Luke raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
Anise turned and frowned at Ion, "Fon Master please, Shh!"
Luke chuckled a bit and then Anise turned back to Luke with smiles.
"I've kept the imperial letter safe, aren't you proud of me Luke?" Anise said.
"Yeah, thank you Anise," Luke said with a smile.
"Yay!"
"I'm glad to see you made it through Anise," Jade said.
Anise turned to Jade and felt happy.
"Oh my, were you worried about me too Colonel?" Anise asked.
"Yes, we can't do a thing without that letter."
"You're mean," Anise replied disappointed.
"But how are we going to cross the checkpoint?" Tear asked, "Neither Luke nor I have passports."
"Yeah, that's a problem," Luke said crossing his arms.
"You won't need any once you're dead!" A voice said suddenly.
They were surprised by the voice and Luke looked up and quickly got Anise out of the way as he drew his sword and blocked the sword attack. Luke faced his would be assailant and was surprised to see him as he had long red hair and green eyes and had the same face as Luke.
"What the hell?" Luke spoke surprised.
The red headed person who wore mostly black glared at Luke with hatred and Luke thought about seeing the boy that looked exactly like him seven years ago back in the Fabre Manor.
"Who…are you?" Luke asked still shocked, "Are you…?"
"Tch," The red headed look-a-like responded.
Luke was pushed back and was on one knee and faced his attacker. The attacker readied his sword and charged towards Luke but was stopped by someone else who had his sword and he and Luke were surprised to see that it was Van.
"Stand down Asch!" Van demanded.
"Out of the way Van!" The red headed person named Asch responded angrily.
"What do you think you're doing?" Van asked upset, "I don't recall giving any orders like this. Now stand down!"
Asch clenched his teeth and he looked over at Luke who had a surprised expression. Asch backed off and sheathed his sword and then he left and Luke stood up and felt relief.
"Master Van!" Luke said.
Van turned to Luke, "Luke, that parry was pathetic."
Luke sighed, "Gee, nice to see you too Master Van."
"Hmph, well it's good you made it," Van said as he and Luke sheathed their swords.
"Van!" Tear spoke as she drew one of her knives.
Van looked over to his sister and shook his head.
"Tear, put away your weapon," Van suggested, "you misunderstand."
"What do you mean?" Tear asked annoyed.
"Calm down, once you're ready to listen, come to the inn."
Van started to walk to go to the inn.
"Master Van, thanks for what you just did," Luke said, "I really appreciate it."
"It must have been tough for you," Van said, "and yet regardless you didn't let it get you down and did an admirable job facing through adversity," Van smiled, "I'd expect no less from my own pupil."
"Thank you my teacher," Luke said with a nod and a smile.
Van walked by the others and Tear just put away her knife.
"Tear, let's listen to what Van has to say," Ion suggested, "I think it would be foolish to insist on fighting and ignore the chance for communication."
"Yeah, I agree with Ion," Luke said, "I want to hear what Master Van has to say and what his response is to the situation so far."
"As you wish Fon Master," Tear said.
"Okay, let's go see Van," Guy said.
Luke just stood and couldn't help think about the person named Asch that confronted and when he recalled seeing the red hair boy seven years ago who looked at him with the same hate as Asch did and he was sure that it was the same person. Luke looked down on the ground and he frowned and he clenched his teeth.
"Fomicry…" Luke quietly said.
"Luke! Luke!" Guy called.
Luke was out of thought and looked over seeing Guy and the others looking at him.
"Luke, what are you doing?" Tear asked.
"Uh, right, sorry," Luke said as he rushed over to get to the others.
"Luke, are you okay?" Mieu asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine, I was just thinking about something," Luke replied.
"About Asch the Bloody?" Guy asked.
"Yeah…well, that's part of it."
"Part of it?" Ion asked.
Jade glanced at Luke and it was becoming more clear to Jade that his theory on Luke was true and he wondered how Luke would responded if Luke suspected and realized it on his own. They all went to inn to talk to Van and they all hoped that they would get answers although Tear still believed that Van was up to no good and she had good reason for it and she convinced herself that no matter what, she would end her brother's life in order to protect many people. They went in the area of the inn where there was a table and Van was there waiting for them. Van nodded when he confirmed that everyone was here and then he looked at his sister Tear with concern.
"Have you calmed down Tear?" Van asked.
"Why are you trying to interfere with Fon Master Ion's efforts to prevent war?"
Van sighed and shook his head, "Are you still saying that?"
"It's not true, is it Master Van?" Luke asked.
"But the Six God-Generals are trying to kidnap Ion," Tear pointed out.
"Calm down Tear," Van said, "I have no idea why the Fon Master is even here to begin with. The only thing I've heard is that Ion disappeared from the cathedral in Daath."
"I'm sorry Van," Ion said, "I did it out of my own volition."
"I would appreciate if you can clue me in of what's be going until now."
"I'm the one who took Ion out of Daath," Jade confessed, "allow me to explain."
Jade proceeded to explain things to Van and Ion along with Anise and Luke added and gave their explanations as well while Tear just crossed his arms and still glaring at her brother. Van listened to every word of the explanations and he nodded.
"I see," Van said, "well I do command the Six God-Generals but they are on the Grand Maestro faction so it's likely they are taking orders from Grand Maestro Mohs."
Tear glared at her brother when he said that.
"I see now," Guy said, "you may have been recalled to steal Ion back from the Malkuth military."
"Yes, perhaps so," Van said with a nod.
"Um Master Van," Luke said, "that guy that attacked me earlier. He's one of the Six God-Generals as well, right? Asch the Bloody?"
"Yes Luke, that was him but even I didn't know that he was also involved in this matter."
"So you're trying to say that you have nothing to do with all of this?" Tear asked.
"Exactly but although I was unaware of what my own troops were doing, I still must take some responsibility. But I don't side with the Grand Maestro, that's for sure."
"That's news to me Commandant," Anise said.
"Well, the God-Generals are my direct subordinates so it's not unreasonable for people to assume that I side with Mohs," Van then looked at Tear, "speaking of which Tear, you're part of the Intelligence Division that's under the command of the Grand Maestro so why are you here?"
"I'm searching for something under orders of the Grand Maestro but I can't say anymore than that," Tear explained.
"The Seventh Fonstone?" Van replied.
"I'm not at liberty to say," Tear replied back.
"The Seventh Fonstone huh," Luke said, "Do you have clues as to where to look for it Tear?"
"Like I said Luke, I'm not at liberty to say."
"I see…" Luke crossed his arms, "still though, I wonder what that Mohs guy plans to do when he gets his hands on it…the Score that Yulia herself read and then hid it. Say, do any of you know why Yulia hid the Seventh Fonstone?"
"No clue on that Luke," Ion said, "but that is a good question."
"Indeed, I don't think anyone really knows why she hid the Seventh Fonstone herself," Jade said.
"We do know that both Kimlasca and Malkuth have tried to claim the stone that fell on land which led to war," Anise added, "because if you have it, you can learn the future."
Van glanced to the side and then back to the others.
"At any rate, I have nothing to do with Mohs," Van said, "I'll order the Six God-Generals to not interfere with you all although I don't know how much good that would do."
"Van, what about passports?" Guy asked.
"Oh yes, Duke Fabre entrusted me with temporary passports and with the spares I brought just in case, there's enough for all of you."
"Spares?" Luke asked.
Van handed the temporary passports to Luke and Luke gave all except one to the others.
"Now we can cross the border," Luke said.
"You should get some rest here before you continue on," Van suggested, "I'll go on ahead across the border and ready a ship."
"So we'll meet up at Kaitzur Naval Port?" Guy asked.
"Right, once you cross the border, just follow the sea and you'll be there shortly."
"Okay, understood," Luke said.
Van nodded and left to leave Kaitzur and cross the border to go to the Naval Port.
"So Tear, you heard your brother in what he had to say," Luke said.
"I don't trust him," Tear responded.
"Right, figure you say that…although it's not like you're trustworthy yourself."
"That's fine with me."
"Just remember what I said Tear, prison…"
Tear frowned, "Will you stop that?"
"Nope," Luke responded.
Guy sighed heavily and Luke thought about the things that Van had said and there were things that still bothered him and he frowned without anyone noticing.
Flashback: One month ago, Fabre Manor
"Luke do you know why I'm not one of the God-Generals anymore?" Cantabile asked.
"No, how come Master Cantabile?" Luke replied.
"Because I'm not so willing to cooperate with Van."
"What do you mean?"
"Most of the God-Generals are extremely loyal to Van and are willing to do anything he asks."
Flashback End
Luke frowned and he crossed his arms and he was worried.
"Luke," Guy called.
"Yeah?" Luke responded.
"Luke, are you okay?" Mieu asked.
"Yeah…um Guy, can I talk to you about something?" Luke asked.
"Huh, sure what is it?" Guy responded.
"Not here, let's go somewhere more private."
"Um, okay…"
"Luke?" Mieu spoke with concern.
"Mieu, come with us as well," Luke said.
"Sure, okay," Mieu said.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Luke and the others arrive at Kaitzur Naval Port and there, Arietta strikes again which would lead Ion and Luke to Choral Castle.
