It's short, I know. :(

Beginnings
By Neko-chan the Mewse
1/25/10

"Luke, where are you?" Tear cried. It was so dark. Perhaps it hadn't been a smart idea to continue traveling through the night. She didn't mind the dark, she had grown up with it as her companion, but she had come to love the bright sun. She wanted Luke with her. Where was he? Was he alright?

"Tear, you came," Tear whirled around and took in the sight of Luke with an outstretched hand. She hesitated only for a moment before taking it in her own.

It only took two days for news of Luke's disappearance to get to Yulia City. When Tear heard the news, she dropped the ceramic bowl in her hands, uncaring of the mess she made on the floor. Luke had more of an impact on people than he knew. The whole kingdom of Kimlasca was in an uproar over the missing noble.

Tear knew Natalia would be worried with the disappearance so close to the castle, so she packed up to go visit the princess. She was received warmly. "Tear, it's so good to see you," Natalia abandoned her throne to give her friend a hug. Tear gently hugged her back, feeling the way Natalia was shaking.

"Let's talk in private," Tear said, guiding Natalia out of the audience hall and towards her bedroom. Behind her she could hear King Ingobert silencing his angry advisors. Tear couldn't help but smile—Ingobert really did love his daughter. Once they got to Natalia's room, Tear gently sat her on her couch. "Shh, its okay, I'm scared too."

"The last time Luke disappeared something awful happened," Natalia said with wide eyes. "What if this is a sign of something coming?"

"It's not, Natalia." Tear said firmly, sitting beside her friend. "I'm sure Luke will turn up soon."

"He would have left a note if he was going anywhere," Natalia argued. "That he disappeared with no warning says that he didn't go of his own free will."

Tear swallowed all the doubts Natalia was voicing for her and said, "Everything will be fine, Natalia, and if it's not, I'm sure we can handle it."

Natalia nodded, eyes worried but willing to trust Tear's opinion. "Will you stay in Baticul for long?"

Tear smiled and squeezed Natalia's hand. "I'll stay for as long as you'll have me." Natalia slowly smiled back.

They spent the next week together, nearly inseparable. Tear would wait outside of the audience chamber whenever Natalia was absolutely needed and Natalia clung to Tear as if the other would disappear at any moment. One never knew, after all.

"What is it, Natalia?" Tear asked when Natalia left the audience hall with a disturbed look on her face.

Natalia blinked and looked up as if she had forgotten that Tear would be there. "Oh, Tear, I—" Natalia looked away and bit her lip.

Tear knew immediately that something was up. "What is it? You can tell me."

"Someone brought news of Luke," Natalia murmured. Tear's eyes widened. "He was spotted near Mushroom Road." Natalia's eyes wandered up to meet Tear's. "Please, please don't go."

Tear knew how much it took for Natalia to say such a thing but she had to go. Natalia would understand. "I'm sorry, Natalia. But I'll keep in contact, alright? I'll be fine, I promise."

She left in a hurry, all of her belongings already neatly packed. It was a habit she had never gotten over and she was glad for it. She didn't want to waste a single moment in her search for Luke. Natalia met her at the front steps of the palace and walked with her to the port where Ginji was waiting to ferry her to Mushroom Road. "You promise you'll come back?"

Tear smiled. "As soon as I can," she assured the princess. "It's shouldn't be longer than a few days."

"Alright, come back safely," Natalia looked so insecure that Tear couldn't resist stepping forward to pull the noble into a hug.

"I'll bring Luke back with me," Tear promised. Natalia waved her off wistfully, standing there long after the Albiore had left the port, unable to shake off the sinking feeling in her chest.