Ok, where do I start? This is the longest chapter so far and god, the hardest one to write as well! I'm a little nervous with this chapter since I always make someone read the it for me and tell me what they think, but there was no one that could read it for me this time, so if there is a mistake, I apologize!
IMPORTANT:
1)Anyway, before starting you need to know...Santa Claus DOES exist in Toa, ok? We all know he can disperse his fonons and come down the chimney!
2)This is a dark chapter, well, actually the whole story is a little dark, too bad you can put only two genders in the description of the story. Though it still has humor and romance as well!Also, I changed the order in which they meet Natalia, otherwise Jude wouldn't have seen her
3) I love Machinea Supremacy! (btw, I'll put but the list of songs I used for this chapter down below!)
Edit: I read it again and fix it! Sorry about the countless errors, I always re-read the chapters 3 days after uploading it, its the only way to detect every mistake.
Anyway, ENJOY!
Chapter 9: A Puppet in the Capital
My mouth dropped open, it was impossible to erase the astonishment from my face. We were all admiring, the mighty and splendorous city of Baticul as the ship loomed up towards the port. I knew Baticul was called the 'Capital of Light' and that it was the largest city from the Kingdom of Kimlasca, but I never imagined it was this big. Tiers over tiers of districts rose above us and surpassed the dividing line between the landscape and the endless sky. Large wires of steel ran from the highest point of the city to the bottom, aircars going up and down hanging from said wires. It looked like a huge and expensive wedding cake, those cakes only nobles and royal idiots like Luke could afford.
Talking about weddings, royalty and idiots reminded me of a tiny detail I had forgotten; didn't Asch mention something about an engagement…? Yeah, he did… He said Luke would marry the princess of Kimlasca, which meant that the one that was supposed to be marrying the princess should be Asch, an heir to the throne, that's a little bit shocking. Well, I suppose he wouldn't have been a bad king, after all, he was born as a monocratic jerk. Poor princess, her fate was to stick with either one of the two major assholes in the world, that's some luck. Honestly, I can't picture Luke as a king, it's just…no.
We jumped off the boat when we finally made it to the port, the atmosphere held an air of magnificence and opulence, whereas we were at the lowest part of the city. I couldn't believe I had forgotten a place like this, my eyes drifted to the end of the port where two individuals waited for us. A tall man with broad shoulders and a white moustache, right beside him, a woman with sandy-blonde hair, she was shorter than him and they both wore Kimlascan army uniforms.
"It is an honor." The man bowed to Ion and Luke. "I'm Goldberg commander of the 1st Division, Kimlasca-Lanvaldear Royal Forces." Goldberg pushed himself up, "Congratulations on your safe return."
"Yeah." Tear gave Luke a disapproving look for his lack of manners. He could at least have said 'thanks'.
"A carrier pigeon arrived with a message from Count Almandine." Goldberg mentioned looking at Ion. "He said you were traveling with an emissary of peace from the Malkuth Empire."
"I'm Ion, Fon Master from the Order of Lorelei." Ion inched forward; it was the first time I had seen Ion so serious. "I bear a letter from His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Peony the Ninth of the Malkuth Empire. May I ask an audience with His Majesty, King Ingobert the Sixth?"
Goldberg smiled with courtesy, "Of course. General Cecille here will be responsible to escort you to the castle."
"Brigadier General Cecille, at your services." She introduced herself with a small bow as well. Guy had started shaking at the thought of another woman joining us. That led us to the 'oh' so unwanted introductions, you know, military titles and all. I was wishing to be swallowed by the ground or the sea in this case. I just couldn't accept the fact that I had been fired a few weeks ago, what would I say? Asch's Bitch: Jude Haefner, Oracle Knights 'My Ass' Division!
Fortunately, it was not necessary to introduce myself because General Cecille was too wrapped up admiring the great and mighty Colonel Jade Curtiss, the person who wiped out her troops or so she said. I took that opportunity to hide behind Tear.
"You're well known as the Emperor's personal confidant, Colonel." Goldberg exclaimed, I glanced at Jade with amusement, will he ever stop being so amazing? "If you are here, Malkuth must indeed be serious."
"Tensions along the border are greater now than at the star of the Hod War. We have no choice but to be serious."
"Correct. Well, then, Luke my Baticul defense unit will escort you back to your home." I was surprised when Luke requested to talk with the king on Ion's behalf; all traces of seriousness vanished from Ion's face and were replaced with a grateful smile. Even Tear mentioned how Luke understood his responsibility. Ok, so the guy has his own way to show gratitude, I can't deny that. He is capable of being benevolent, at least when he wants to, it reminds me of a certain someone. It was hard not to think of Asch whenever I looked at him, it was really interesting to see his face show embarrassment, fear or anything Asch wouldn't do.
"Understood. In that case, I shall send General Cecille to inform His Grace, Duke Fabre." Goldberg glanced at his partner, "If you would, General Cecille." General Cecille nodded and walked away, the tension in Guy's body reduced considerable. Goldberg left with another bow; there was no need for an escort since we had Guy to take us to the castle. Luke looked around at the place like if it was the first time he had seen the city, that's when Guy brought up an interesting fact; Luke had never gone out of the manor ever since he got kidnapped, which explains his churlish behavior. But for now, he looked depressed. For a split second, I thought he'd jump off the aircar we were riding on, the reason why Guy suggested taking a look around before heading to the castle.
Guy, our tour guide, explained the city was built up in a crater created by a fonstone that fell from the sky. It must have taken many years to build something beautiful and complex as this city.
Indeed, it was well-kept, neat streets and markets. People engrossed in their daily tasks, the place was obviously divided by social status, but no one seemed to mind that, at least not in the lower class tier. Anise fell in love with the place, going here and there, checking every shop that had shiny, pretty things. Luke's bleakness vanished and was replaced with curiosity while Anise, Mieu and Ion went to the next shop. He made sure Anise was far enough so she wouldn't hear what he was about to ask.
"Hey, Guy, I've been wondering for quite a while now..." Luke began; poking a doll from the stand we were looking at, it reminded me of Arietta's doll. "How does Anise makes Tokunaga grow?"
Jade, Tear and I looked at each other, what's with the randomness? Guy was caught off guard too, "Umm, well, I really don't know. Why are you asking me?" Well, you always explain when the rest of us are too lazy to do it!
"You know a lot of stuff." Luke replied picking the doll to have a better look at it. An evil smile curled on my lips as the last words came out of his mouth. I love being spontaneously evil. I could have a little fun with this…
I blew a slacken whistle of 'dilemma' and rolled my eyes. Just as expected, it caught both, Luke's and Guy's attention, my lovely victims. "So, you guys don't know?" My voice held an air of mystery.
Luke and Guy looked at each other before looking back at me. "You guys haven't heard about the 'Cursed Black Widow'?" They shook their heads, a trace of innocence and curiosity spread on their faces, respectively; it almost makes me crack up. Tear and Jade were behind me, listening.
"There is an old story about a powerful witch called the 'Cursed Black Widow'; she didn't have any friends, everyone was afraid of her for being a witch. The only friends she had were her spooky-looking dolls." I snatched the doll from Luke's hand and shook it a little bit, the doll's limbs moved with the motion.
"They say she could make the dolls move with dark magic! According to the story, she'd seek for handsome noblemen and marry them. She would kill them and stuff the dolls with their corpses." I watched expectantly as both guys went pale, whiter than paper. I was about to continued when Jade decided to play along, adding some credibility to my story.
"Ahhh, the 'Curse Black Widow', I hadn't heard that story in a while…." A playful smile on his lips, I smirked back at him. "She would marry one noble after another and used their souls to make the dolls come to life. Yes, quite a story." Tear shook her head in disbelief. She knew I was lying but still, who would doubt the Necromancer with such story? Somehow, there was a little bit of truth in his words, at least in the 'used their souls' part, that's what I think.
I nodded back at Jade in acknowledgement, nice one, Jade! I brought the doll close to their faces, "That's right, that's why the dolls would grow larger and move." Poor Luke turned around to look at Anise, who was talking with the owner of one of the many shops in the market; he looked like he had regret asking about it. No different from Guy, whose eye was twitching, he was probably having a mental image of my (made up) story.
"Of course, the witch is dead now." I added, faking indifference and placing the doll where it had been before. "But I've heard that other women follow her example." I used a thumb to point the small Fon Master Guardian. With the precision of a Daathic clock, Anise ran toward us and wrapped her arms around Luke's waist with a cheerful smile.
"Oh, Luke my beloved-" interrupted by unmanly screams coming from Luke and Guy. For one second, I thought Luke was going to jump to Guy's arms. But that would have been impossible because Guy jumped to Jade's arms. Thank Yulia, Jade had his hands stuck inside his pockets, otherwise Guy wouldn't have fall to the floor, and I'd have been jealous.
"Wha-what's wrong?"Anise blinked with confusion, her arms where still on the air, arched as they had been before Luke decided to jump away. Her question went unnoticed as I covered my mouth and laughed; Jade snorted and cleared his throat with a fist over his mouth. Town folks had stopped to look at us with curiosity.
"You guys are terrible…" Tear sighed placing a hand over her head and one on her waist. Luke glared at Jade and me while Guy scrambled to his feet, having troubles because his legs were shaking.
"S-She is evil." He stammered and Luke nodded shooting daggers at me. "You too!" Guy added, gazing at Jade.
"Come on guys! It was just a joke!"I felt a little bad for Guy, I really like him but I must admit messing with them was fun, especially with Luke. Anise demanded an answer and Jade explained her with meat and potatoes. She gave me a stern look when Jade was finished.
"Boo! Jude is a meanie!" She scowled, folding her arms over her chest. "She wants to take Luke awa-"
"You know, I got a refund ticket for that ring I bought to you..." I grinned, but a vein popped out of my head, clearly annoyed by her comment.
She twitched nervously and then, she wrapped her arms around my waist with optimism. "Jude is like an older sister to me~." I whispered, 'That's better.' And she forced a smile, one that said 'You'll pay for this.'
"Jude is just as hateable as Jade." Luke growled, looking at Guy to get his support. But Guy shook his head from left to right when I rubbed my hands evilly, clearly not wanting to mess with me.
I smiled back at Jade with mischief, "Jade and Jude, even our names are similar. See? We are meant to be together." I think Jade is starting to trust me now! Hooray!
"My, my, you flatter me." Jade chuckled with his distinguishing tone of amusement. "But flattery won't get you anywhere, young lady." I pouted and huffed when I heard Anise and Luke snorting behind me. Ugh, it's impossible to win against Jade and his comebacks!
When Luke was satisfied with what he had seen, we headed to the castle. We got into an elevator and walked out when we overtook the next district, that's when we noticed them. Not so far away from us was the infamous trio we encountered in Chesedonia, the Dark Wings. None of us minded what they were doing here, but they were talking to an oracle knight, isn't that suspicious?
Oracle Knights are like black cats, you cross paths with one and you end up chained to a mattress, flying on griffins, jumping off from landships, ran over by rivers and opening some replica's fon slots, you know, the usual. No offense to Anise or Tear, but if I had to thank Yulia for getting kicked out. Then, I had plenty of reasons to do so.
"...I see. That's our specialty." The woman in red giggled, as we walked by.
"We'll expect a fat check for this one." Mr. Penguin chirped, what was his name…Urushi?
"This is going to be a big job, Noir." York beamed; his name was easier to remember, pork, dork, fork, see? Ah and apparently, the old lady's name is Noir. At this point, none of us cared or felt like hiding to hear their conversation, too fucking tired for that. Luke was the first one to speak.
"What's up? You're going thieving again?" He placed his fists on his waist in a scolding manner.
The thieves and the knight turned around quickly. The knight stammered, "W-well, then. That will be all. Excuse me, Fon Master." I had the urge to tackle him and demand some answers about that ridiculous rumor going around, but I knew I couldn't ask in front of the others. I was glad that they had forgotten about that with the so called mystery of my artes. I hadn't thought about them that much, I was just happy to be able to perform a decent attack.
Anyway, even if I had tried to ask the knight for a logical or mathematical answer (which, if you ask me, would need background research, a hypothesis and a logical god damn conclusion.) concerning that rumor, it would have been impossible because as soon as the knight glanced at me, he ran away like he had just seen the devil. Awk~ward.
"Oh, is that boy Fon Master Ion?" Noir's question brought my attention back to the trio. Anise stepped in front of Ion protectively.
"What do you want, old lady?" She growled, giving Noir a poisonous look.
Noir mimicked Anise's expression, "Quiet, little girl. Or are you a boy? It's hard to tell."Anise balled her fists with anger, a dark aura coming from her.
"At least she doesn't look like a whore." I stated matter-of-factly. I could tell Tear was glaring at me, either because I just don't know when to shut up or because of my 'coarse' way of speaking; she had scolded me a few times about that. Either way, Noir ignored the insult and scowled at her comrades, they were engrossed in a conversation, whispering to each other and looking at me, the same way people stares at you and giggles when they know your dirtiest secret. Ah, crap, this is seriously getting out of control!
Before I could complain about them, Noir spoke, "We've got a great show in store for you, kids. Look forward to it." She winked at Guy, which almost makes him pass out. "Let's go, boys." Guy regained his composure when they were gone. He said something about the Dark Wings looking like the circus troupe, the Black Dream, which could explain their creepiness. At any rate, everyone told Ion to be careful since those creeps were obviously planning something.
Done chatting, we head to the castle, for real this time. Another elevator took us to the highest tier of the city. Oh, Lorelei, flawless gardens and immaculate structures stood before us. I shook my head in disbelief and turned around to admire the view from here. "Bastard…" I muttered to myself, nonetheless the insult was addressed to Asch because he had been born in pure 'Aschwesomeness'.
The guards of the castle let us in; I barely had time to admire the luxurious corridors of the castle. Luke wanted to be done with this as soon as possible to be able to go back to the manor. So, when a guard told him His Majesty was in an audience with Mohs, the guy that wanted to start the war and Tear's boss as well, all his demons came out.
Luke wore an expression that said 'Oh no, you didn't!' while he threatened to chop off some heads if someone dared to stop him. He stormed into the audience room and we followed him. Inside was His Majesty, sitting on his throne, beside him was a short man that looked like Santa Claus, maybe his assistant. And a few feet away from us, a man in white robes and the features of a frog, probably Mohs.
"The Malkuth Empire is strengthening the defenses in their capital, Grand Chokmah. With Engeve as their supply base, even Saint Binah has been-"Definitely Mohs! He shut his mouth as soon as he sensed us behind him.
We were verbally attacked by Santa Claus, but Luke wasn't in the mood to get ordered around or to listen to anybody. King Ingobert looked surprised for a moment, but his composure came back when he saw the little troublemaker was no other than his nephew. And from his reaction, I could tell he had been waiting for us.
Mohs looked nervous, but managed to fake concern over Ion saying they had been 'looking' for him. More like, trying to kidnap him and almost killing us in the process, but I guess that was just a tiny detail to Mohs.
"Mohs. Let us speak later." Ion glanced at him briefly before turning back to His Majesty. Go Ion, he is the authority! "Your Majesty, this is Colonel Jade Curtiss. He represents His Imperial Majesty, Peony the Ninth."
Jade bowed solemnly, "I'm honored to be in your presence." Goldberg said Jade was the Emperor's personal confidant, Peony must really trust Jade, I bet he knew Jade would have found a way to deliver the letter, even without Luke. "I bear an imperial letter from my lord for His Glorious Majesty, King Ingobert the Sixth."
"Uncle, what Mohs is saying is nonsense." Luke inched forward territorially and pointing Mohs with a finger. "I went and saw Malkuth with my own eyes. We didn't get close to the capital but Engeve and St. Binah were completely peaceful."
Mohs's face contorted with indignation, "W-what did you say? I'm merely trying to convey to His Majesty the threat that Malkuth-"
"Shut up! You're just trying to start a war! I don't even know you and I'm sick of you already!" His nasty attitude is surprisingly useful today. Ingobert intervened, he would get to read the letter after all, and at this point that was enough. I mean, we were all tired and I was wishing to relax a bit ever since Sync and Dist left me behind at Choral Castle.
I was happy to hear they had prepared some rooms for us in the castle. Ingobert asked Alpine A.K.A Santa Claus, to escort us there but Ion insisted on visiting Luke's manor first. I smiled at him, even if he is the Fon Master, the symbol of the Order of Lorelei, he is still a child and that's what I like about him. And, well, I still had energy to have a look at the manor.
"Tear, you stay here." Mohs ordered bitterly. "I must hear your report regarding the matter I assigned you." I pressed my lips together, I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but even I have my limits, especially when the king of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear is present.
"Grand Maestro, it is my responsibility to see that Luke makes it safely to his manor. I'll return with my report shortly." Tear answered with 'due respect'. The man had been lying to the king when we came in, for Yulia's Sake! I never went to St. Binah or Engeve while I was with Asch, but I knew very well that the ones messing around in those areas had been the Order of Lorelei and the Six-God Generals.
Mohs agreed to the terms and excused himself before leaving, giving us a dirty look as he walked out. King Ingobert waited for Mohs to close the door behind him before turning to Luke, a troubled expression on his face.
"Luke, Susanne has fallen ill."
"Mother's sick?"
"I've sent Natalia to her side in my place. Please look after them for me." With that, we left the audience room. I didn't get to tease Luke for his remarkable performance back there since it was obvious he was worried about his mother. So we followed him through the corridors of the castle without making any comments.
Instead, I looked back at Tear and whispered, "Hey, what are going to do after this?"
"I still have a mission to accomplice, orders from Maestro Mohs." She replied softly, though there was a bit of doubt in her eyes. "What about you?"
"That's a good question…" I crossed my arms and scowled "I had a mission as a Yurian Warrant Officer but I'm useless without my memory." She frowned, and the others turned and look at me… so, they could hear after all…
"Don't say stuff like that." Tear huffed in a heart-grieving tone. "You were a big help against Dist, remember?" I nodded shamefully, she had a point there.
"She's right." Ion gave me a sweet smile. "I'm sure you'll realize how special you are, with or without your memories." Those words sank into my heart, and I smiled wide enough to make everyone stop looking at me like I had killed a cute cheagle in front of their eyes.
"Idiot." Luke concluded, looking at me from the corner of his eye.
"Awww, that's the sweetest thing you have said to me, Luke." I teased and he gave me a stern look. We were a few steps away from the manor's front door, when it opened from inside.
A beautiful girl came out; she had short, blonde hair and fern green eyes. Although I hate dresses, I had to admit, the one she was wearing was really cute, or just looked good on her, probably both. Her face lit up when her eyes found Luke on her way; she jumped over him and embraced him in a tight hug. "Luke, it's you! Oh, thank goodness!"
I stepped away from Anise, hot waves of anger where flowing from her. Luke rolled his eyes and grunted, not hugging her back. The girl stepped away to look him in the eye, "What kind of attitude is that?" She scolded. "Do you realize how worried I was?"
Guy spoke. "Oh, well, you know. Luke's just embarrassed, Your Highness." Oh, wait she's the princess…? Ah, this is Natalia.
"Ah, Guy, it's you!" She crossed her arms in discontent. "I told you to come tell me before you went searching for Luke! Why did you leave without speaking to me?" Guy backed away from her when she approached him.
Natalia shook her head, "Once I marry Luke you'll be my servant too, so you'll have to get used to me." Yeah, she is definitely the princess. Guy hid behind Luke; Natalia waved her hand indifferently, "You are so strange. Look how pathetic you are, I don't know what the maids see in you."
I sneaked behind Tear. "What's wrong with this girl?" I whispered, raising a brow at the princess. Jeez, and I thought she was going to be the one suffering from all the brilliant marriage idea. Poor Guy, he would have to deal with them.
"Who are they?" Natalia turned and scanned Tear, Anise and me with disapproving eyes. Wait, so I was here before, but she doesn't know me? Before the conversation could go any further, a roar drew our attention.
"YOU?" General Cecille and a man with mid-length dark red hair (like Asch's) were looking at us from the manor's entrance. General Cecille was looking at the man beside him, quiet startled. Apparently, he was the one that growled a few seconds ago. "WHY ARE YOU HERE?"
It took me some time to figure out he was talking to me, but I was too confused to speak, what did I do now? "F-Father?" Luke frowned. Duke Fabre? Natalia and Guy looked shocked, Jade, Anise and Ion where observing behind us while Tear had frozen, right beside me.
"I warned you to stay away from my son!" He yelled again. "How didn't I see it before? You were helping Van as well!"
I shook my head in disbelief, "Sir, with due respect, I don't know what you are talking about."
"Don't play dumb." He gnarled furiously. "I told you to never set a foot back into my house!"
"You've been here before?" Luke questioned, and for a second, I felt cornered. Like admitting it would be wrong.
"I-"
"Take her to the prison!" Duke Fabre ordered, and before I could figure out whom was he talking to, my ears drummed with the loud sound of metal striking on flesh and bone. I was knocked to the ground, screams, armors clapping and pinning me to the ground. I felt numb and disorientied.
"Stay away from her!" Tear cried, but I couldn't see her anywhere since the guards where pressing my cheek on the ground as they tied my hands behind my back. That's when I understood, the loud sound that I had heard before had been a guard using his pole to strike me; the reason why blood was dripping from the side of my head. There was noise around me; it was like having a crowd, screaming at your ears.
"Father, what are you doing?"
"Jude, Jude are you ok? Please talk to me!"
"Your Grace, please listen!"
"She is bleeding!"
"Ion, we have to do something!"
There was more noise as the guards lifted my limb body off the ground, I couldn't tell how many of them were. My vision was still blurry, but I managed to see Tear and Luke trying to push off some guards that were intentionally blocking their way, or at least I think it was them. I overheard a few words from over the crowd.
Van…Conspiracy…Jude…Execution.
The last word was enough stimulation to start squirming, "Let go off me!" They had to be more than two guards because I felt a lot of hands grabbing my legs and arms. I felt a drop of blood run down my face as I kept struggling; I was getting tired, quicker than I thought and the voices started to echo as I started losing consciousness.
"…shit…not again."I closed my eyes as the last words reached my ears.
"Don't tell Susanne…"
The sound of water drops echoed in my ears, the numbness ruling over my body started to vanish and my senses started to work again. I was lying on the cold floor, the dullest of rooms. There was a nauseating smell, an infusion: humidity, rust and… rotten eggs? Gross. A cold drop of water landed on my cheek, rebooting all my senses at once…leaking water?
I found out my hands had been untied and lift off my head from the floor. 'Why does this stuff happens to me?' I thought as I rubbed the side of my skull, a sharp pain had started to replace the numbness.
I was in a small room with metal bars, a prison cell. There was a bucket of water beside me, and a stool a few feet away. A faint rectangle of light projected on the floor of my cell, the light came from a small window above my head, this one had metal bars as well. I dragged my legs to the bucket, I was about to wash my face when I sensed someone watching me. I turned around, right in front of my cell was another one, and it was occupied.
"Are you ok?" He asked. I bared my teeth, giving him a murderous expression. Somehow, I managed to stand up and stumbled to the bars for support.
"Look at my face, you idiot." I snarled, wiping the blood away. "Do I look, ok? This is your fucking fault!" Van's stoic expression remained that way. He was sitting on the stool of his cell, no scratches, no marks or a bruised ego.
"You were like that when they brought me here. What happened?" There was no concern or curiosity in his voice.
"They think I'm your stupid accomplice. What the fuck did you do now?" I growled, pressing my forehead on the bars, glaring at the floor with half shut eyes because of the pain.
"What are you talking about?" Again, his tone was plain and indifferent, but when I looked up, my eyes widened when I found a smirk on his face.
"You son of a bitch! I hope they kill you!" My knuckles turned white as my grip tightened on the bars. "Asch told me. He told me the real son of a bitch you are, you kidnapped him and replaced him with a replica!" I turned to the metal door between our cells, hoping someone was there. "Is anyone listening? Van Grants, Commandant of the Order of Lorelei, kidnapped Luke fon Fabre!"
Van laughed his ass off, not even caring to be heard. He stood up and walked to the bars, his lips were still curved into that ugly smirk. "We are in the deepest part of the castle, guards come as they go." His smirk turned into a wide smile, "No one can listen to you."
I stared at him in horror, who was this person? Why wasn't he surprised that I knew? Why? My heart started racing, fear and anxiety pressing on my chest. "You…you knew?" I stammered. "You knew Asch would tell me…"
He chuckled. "Everyone has a weak spot, I just happened to be correct when I chose you…"
I shook my head, his words sinking into my head. "W-wha, what?" Then, one by one, each piece started to fall into place…Luke Fon Fabre's childhood friend…
"If the data here was that important, you shouldn't have had Asch use Choral Castle in the first place."
"That idiot came here on his own. We'll have to have Van punish him later." Van…he knew…he knew… why we were there.
Van shook his head and sighed, "I should have seen this coming when Arietta said Asch had planned all this. I'm really sorry you got involved in this matter, Jude." Lie.
"I was planning a reunion so you could see her," Van said as he glanced at Tear, "I guess the best we can do know is to let her go with you." Lie.
Van's laugh brought me back to reality; he must have seen realization in my eyes. My hands were shaking, fear, anger? I wasn't sure myself. "W-What are going to do to Asch?" I spluttered, fear leaking out from my voice.
He laughed once more; his dark-blue eyes were clouded with euphoria. I rested my knees on the floor, it was almost impossible to stay up now, my legs were shaking. "You are worried about him?" He sneered. "Your dear Asch will be fine... He is the key, after all." He turned his back to me, "But, what about you?"
"M-me?" He took out something from his pocket, it was silver and shiny. I couldn't see what it was, his cell was too dark. Van turned and showed it to me, it was Asch's medallion, the one with large wings and intertwined rings, his capacity core. "That's Asch-" But I cut off my own sentence, when I noted the stone in the center was from a different color, amber. "No, it's not the same…"
"Correct." His gaze locked on the accessory with dead eyes, his smile had been reduced to a straight line. "It's time for you to be a good puppet and do what I say."I frowned at the term puppet, who the hell does he think he is?
"What makes you think I'll help you?" I scoffed with a cold smile. "People like you make me sick! Besides, what makes you think we'll get out of here alive?"
"Many things…" Van pressed his back on the wall. "Tell me Jude, what would you do if you where a replica?" I raised a brow; silence was all he got for an answer. "Let me be more specific. What would you do if you where the first replica with a past?" I didn't answer either, what does he wants to prove? What's the catch?
He continued. "A special replica among replicas." His eyes were still locked on the object, twisting it between his fingers to see the details spark with the few rays of sunlight that came from the small window. "A special puppet."
"What are you…?" I forced myself to stop halfway, swallowing the last word down my throat.
"…Implying?" He retorted, "Puppet…" My throat felt dry all of a sudden. No. No. No.
"You're lying! Stop lying!" I growled. I could feel my heart drumming inside my rib cage. Too fast it hurt.
He glanced at me with cold eyes. "The ideal replica."
"I suppose you heard that conversation just now…I have heard you are even more screwed than this idiot, whatever they did to you… it's working."
"Shut up!" I was back on my feet again, "SHUT UP!" Even if they were lying, I couldn't hold back what I felt. Because of him, I was stuck here, and because of Duke Fabre's hatred as well. I do remember saying things didn't go too well in the manor in one of my memories.
He looked at the medallion. "Thanks to this... You are Ju-"
"I said-"
He pointed the bucket that was a behind me. "Look at the water…" I looked down at the water, just because I wanted to get out of his little game. I found my reflection, both eyes were blue, it changed again? My eye started stinging again and I fell on my knees, the bucket of water was a few inches away from my face. And right before my eyes, I saw it on the water's reflection… My left eye decolorized from blue to yellow, blood dripping from it again. I twisted in pain, covering my eye with a hand; the pain would not go away and I dug my nails on my skin with desperation.
"Look." Van commanded, even if he hadn't told me to look, the yellowish light coming from the medallion's jewel lit up the whole room. "Let me show you… what I can do."
-0-0-0-
Memory Fragment: Danny (age: 7)
I closed the door of my room behind me and ran downstairs, the stairs squeaked loudly as I went down. I made my way to the kitchen, the start of another lightless day and yet I was welcomed with one of the brightest and authentic smiles I have ever seen.
"Good morning!" chirped Danny looking at me over her shoulder. Her thin hoary hair brushed her shoulders, her green eyes sparkling vivaciously. Even though she was seventy years old, she was very lively.
"Good morning Danny!" I replied with the same enthusiasm. I crawled over the chair and swung my legs happily waiting for her to take out the bread out of the oven, the one she had baked for us. Today we were having a picnic.
She noticed how impatient I was, I'd peep in direction to the oven every five seconds, "Now now my dear, Jude be patient, if you run with the basket you may trip." She said opening the oven and taking the tray with her cooking gloves.
"It's not like I trip all the time!" I reproached, crossing my arms.
"Oh really?" She faked ignorance, but then pointed my right leg. "So what's that bruise in your leg?"
I sighed, "Ok, maybe I get too excited sometimes..." She carefully sliced the bread into pieces and placed them inside a wooden basket then, she covered it with a blanket. The aluminum thermos filled with fresh orange juice was next; she gave me both items with a smile.
"Be careful honey, please don't run, we don't want to cause trouble to other people, do we?" She leaned and kissed my forehead.
"Don't worry Danny, I'll be careful, I'll be back when we are finished." I replied with a hug.
"Ok, now go, Van and Tear must be waiting for you." I nodded, she opened the front door for me and I walked out. I walked until she closed the door. I stared at the door to make sure she wouldn't go out again then, I started running, I'm not so sure why I'd always do what they told me not to do, but then again, many kids are like that at such a young age.
I quickly got to the selenias' garden, Van and Tear where sitting around them as usual. I think Van could have done something else than hanging around with us, but he still did. Well, he would join us whenever he wasn't practicing with his sword. He had always been really good with it, even before I met him; I wanted to learn how to use one but he wouldn't teach me, of course.
"Oi!" The rings of the basket resting somewhere near my elbow as I waved happily. Tear forced a smile, it didn't reach her eyes. It meant something was wrong.
"What's with that long face?" I asked her, sitting beside them. Van just scratched his head messing the mid-length bangs of his hair; he pressed his lips forming a straight line, which meant he wasn't going to open his mouth for this one.
"Van is joining the Order of Lorelei…" Tear said in a dry tone.
"What's that?" I looked up at Van incredulously. Biting my lip and closing my eyes halfway.
"The central religious organization of our world, Auldrant. I want to join the Oracle Knights." Van replied.
"I see…" I said, though I didn't. "Why?"
Van was silent for a moment, he frowned. "Well…it's something I feel I need to do, like a mission."
Tear shook her head in disapproval, "Van won't be here anymore, he'll have to go to Daath."
My gaze fell with sadness, "Really?"
"Yeah…I'm sorry." He mumbled, his eyes rolled up to avoid our puppy faces. "I'll leave next week."
"So soon?" I complained, resting my knuckles on my waist. He nodded, slowly. No one spoke after that, guilt could be seen in his eyes. I spaced out for a moment, not having Van around would feel…empty.
"I think we should eat now..." He chuckled. "I'm hungry."
"Oh, that's right!" I chirped putting the basket and the thermos in front of me. Tear took out the jar of jam, strawberry flavor and the peanut butter jar too. Van took out the plastic cups and started to fill them with orange juice. I was pretty sure Van's friends would have laughed at him if they saw him playing with us; then again, he would do anything for Tear.
The sadness slipped away for an hour. We found eternity in a moment, when our past meets the future, that's how the present is born, the only moment the Score couldn't touch us. The Score can't tell you if you'll feel: happy, alone, excited, confused, embarrassed, afraid, alive…or gone. It can't tell you what he/she thinks about you, if the person you love, loves you back. Or doesn't. But it still takes away a third of your life, a third of 'what if´s', of mistakes, of surprises. Van would do his best to remind us, almost every day.
When we were done, Van asked Tear to take their stuff to Mayor Teodoro. I jumped to my feet, the basket on my right hand and the thermos in my left hand.
"Jude?" I turned; Van approached to me and crouched.
"You are going to take care of Tear while I'm gone, right?"He asked; hope leaking out from his voice.
"Sure, don't worry." I beamed and then, a question popped in my head. "Van, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Daath, that place is in the Outer Lands, right?" I tilted my head.
"Umm yes, why you ask?"
"I want to see the Outer Lands too…" I mumbled. "Maybe, one day I'll see you there. I'll take Tear with me…"
Van blinked a couple of times and then smirked, "Why don't we make a deal?"
I raised a brow, "A deal?"
"Yeah, when I get strong enough, I'll take you and Tear to the Outer Lands, like a vacation. Of course, I'll have to bring you back here after that." He mused, poking me in the shoulder.
My eyes sparkled with happiness, "You promise?" He nodded, his bangs moving with the motion. "Then I'll promise too, I promise to take care of Tear while you are gone!" A smug drew on his face and he ruffled my hair.
"That's perfect." He said. After that we took separate ways, I sauntered my way back home.
"I'm home!" I raised my voice so Danny could hear me as I closed the door behind me; she would always greet me with a hug, not this time though...
"Danny!" I went to the living room, she wasn't there, I went to the kitchen, and she wasn't there. I went upstairs and walked inside her room, I smiled. I found her sitting in her old rocking chair, she was sleeping.
I approached to her and touched her arm, "Danny, I'm here."I tugged from her long sleeved shirt, "Danny!"
"Danny." I tugged again.
"Danny?" My voice cracked as I shook her shoulder.
"Danny? DAAAANNY!" Danny Haefner wasn't there, the end of another lightless day and the Score couldn't touch me.
Ok, before I go on with the list of songs, there are a few things I need to say:
1) I swear I didn't know the main character of Tales of Xillia is called Jude! When I saw the trailer I didn't know that was his name. Also I noticed the similarities in Jude & Jade until the third chapter, to be honest I thought more about Judy (TOV) & Jude since they both have blue hair! XD
2) Also, I had them meet Natalia first, otherwise Jude wouldn't have met her.
Ok, anyway the list of songs for this chapter!
Calling to the Night- Natasha Farrow (piano version) - (MGS has an awesome soundtrack)
Progress - Ayumi Hamasaki (Tales of Xillia Main Theme) -(found it a few days ago when they told me about the mane of the main char.)
The One - Tantric (I LOVE THIS SONG! Whenever I read the lyrics I think about Luke & Asch)
Lonely Wolf - Lineage 2 (good old times!)
AND FINALLY!
Nova Prospekt - Machinea Supremacy (they rock, there is a song called Shinigami, its a reference to Death Note! They also have a song called World Of Light, their own cover for Light Yagami's theme song!) They have lots of awesome songs but I can't write all of them here!
A/N: It may look like I have seen a lo of anime but the truth is I've only seen Death Note, Code Geass and Toradora -(though, I never finished it) XD
