Chapter 35: Letting Go
Why was it that the longer they were gone, the more amazing Baticul's heights seemed to be when they finally returned? Though the recent betrayal of his best friend still weighed heavily on his mind, Luke couldn't help but embrace the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over him. He was finally home.
It had been a long time since they had been back to Baticul, and even their surroundings had begun to show it. The lush green trees surrounding the city had faded into various shades of gold and red, and many of their leaves had already fallen. The air had a cold bite to it, and while it would probably still be a month or two until the city got some snow, winter had set in. Luke let out an involuntary shudder.
'Cold?' Asch inquired.
'Just a little,' Luke sheepishly admitted.
'Then I guess it's a good thing we're going home,' Asch replied, the faint traces of a grin on his face. Luke was happy; it was the closest Asch had come to smiling in almost a week now. The trip from Daath to Baticul had been painstakingly long, and if someone tried to console either of them one more time, they would probably snap. Why couldn't everyone just stop talking about it? Guy was gone, and no amount of comfort was going to bring him back.
"Wow! It's really, really tall!" Mieu commented from his perch on Luke's shoulder. "I can't believe Master lives all the way at the top!"
Asch chuckled; despite everything that had just happened, he couldn't suppress the joy and relief that welled up inside of him as he watched the bustling streets of his hometown. He had been gone a lot longer than he had originally anticipated when he and Natalia had chosen to sneak off, and he was very glad to be back.
It had been long in coming too. Their trip from Daath had taken longer than anticipated. But by the second day, Noelle had pushed herself past her limits and even Jade insisted that they take a day off so she could rest up properly, rather than the scant few hours of sleep she had been allowing herself each night. Given the fact that the perky young pilot's hometown was only an extra 20 minutes out of the way, it had made for a convenient resting point. In the end, the unexpected stay in Sheridan had proven to be rather useful. They had managed to re-supply the Albiore II and visiting with Ginji had really helped take his mind off things for a bit. The first Albiore was almost finished its repairs, but much to Ginji's dismay, Iemon refused to deem it ready to fly, so the silver haired pilot was forced to wait before he could rejoin his friends on their journey.
But when they had departed again, Asch felt his sullenness return. The others kept trying to comfort him, but that only made it worse. They didn't understand at all. He didn't hate Guy nearly as much as he hated himself for being stupid enough to believe in him. After so many years, you'd think he would have known better. He should have been expecting it. So why did it hurt so much?
Beside him, Luke let out another shiver. Not surprising given the flimsy top he was wearing. While it worked just fine on a summer afternoon under a jacket, it wasn't in any way suited for Baticul as it bordered on winter.
"Natalia where are you going?" Anise piped up when the princess diverged from the group. "The lift is this way."
"There's something important I have to look into," Natalia replied.
"Natalia, don't go up to the castle alone," Asch interjected. "We should all go together. There's no saying what Mohs has told Uncle, or what he might do to make sure Uncle keeps believing it."
"Don't worry," Natalia smiled. "While you two stop in at the manor, I just want to verify something I heard while we were away."
"Okay," Asch finally decided. "But promise me you won't go up to the castle by yourself."
"I promise," Natalia took Asch's hand and looked him straight in the eye. "I won't try to go see my father. I'll meet you at your manor once I'm done and we can go together, okay?"
"Alright, I'll see you there," the redhead conceded as they watched Natalia make her way through the early morning crowd.
"You think she'll be okay?" Anise inquired. Natalia was no longer visible, even from the lift that they were now riding to reach Baticul's highest level.
"She'll be fine," Luke provided. "She knows Baticul like the back of her hand."
"Maybe, but she does tend to go a bit overboard sometimes. Do you think she really meant what she said about not going to the castle?" Anise asked rather sceptically.
"She may go overboard sometimes, but she's still got a good head on her shoulders," Asch replied. "She won't go up there on her own and risk jeopardizing this attempt to stop the war."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. It is all she's talked about for the past month," Anise rolled her eyes. There was being passionate about something, and then there was Natalia. That girl was scary when she was on a mission.
"Can you blame her?" Tear asked. "She's a princess worried about her country, I think that's perfectly natural."
"Indeed, it's likely why the people here regard her so highly. As they do our troublemakers," Jade added with a smirk. Luke and Asch couldn't resist a smile. Making their way through Baticul had ended up taking ten times longer than it should have, every few feet they were met by another group of people overjoyed to see that they were alive and well. They could only imagine what a time Natalia must be having.
"Say Asch?" Luke asked once the last lift had come to a stop.
"What is it?"
"Why are we going home to the manor?"
"What kind of question is that?" Asch shot back. "Why wouldn't we go back home?"
"I know, but when we left Daath you were pretty avid about going home to the manor. Not to Baticul, not to the castle, to the manor. Why?"
"Youwere quite particular when we departed," Jade pointed out. "Might it have something to do with our defective comrade?" Asch didn't answer, but it didn't take a genius to figure out the answer.
"M-Master Luke! Master Asch!" One of the guards on duty at the manor's gates noticed the boys. He almost didn't believe it at first, but when they had gotten closer, there was no doubt. He was so glad to see them both, and both relatively uninjured. The tense air that had settled over the manor after news had reached them of Akzeriuth had been unbearable. Everyone had been on edge and fraught with concern. Even the Duke, who normally spent a great deal of time away, had stuck close to home as of late; waiting, hoping beyond all hope for any sort of message that his children might have survived, that they might be okay.
"Shall we be going then?" Jade suggested.
"Sure," Luke agreed, smiling and waving at the guard in recognition of his welcome.
"I'm glad to see you are both well! The Duke and Lady have been overcome with worry!"
"I somehow doubt Father was all that concerned," Asch mumbled to himself earning a jab in the side from Luke.
Though Baticul had changed over the course of their absence, their manor had not. The morning light was streaming in the windows from the courtyard and lit up the familiar room. Three pillars formed a grand archway and the vaulted ceiling only added to the grandeur of it all. The sole presence in the room was that of the guard, dutifully standing in front of the drawing room, and an older man, standing alone, staring up at a sword that hung decoratively on the nearest pillar.
"Père!" Luke called out to the gardener.
"Master Luke!" The man turned around. "Master Asch! You're alive!"
"Yeah, we're fine," Luke provided. Père's smile faded as his eyes passed through the group.
"Where's Guy?" He asked. Asch clenched his fists and an awkward silence settled throughout the entire room.
"Guy's…no longer travelling with us," Luke eventually managed.
"I see," Père replied simply.
"You don't sound very surprised," Jade pointed out, eyeing the gardener suspiciously.
"He's always been one to follow his own path," the gardener explained.
"Ah, so you know him well then?" Jade inquired.
"I've worked with him here for many years, so I guess you could say that." Jade eyed the man, but ceased his interrogation.
"So what are you doing here in the entryway?" Luke inquired curiously. It was odd to see Père simply hanging around; he usually kept himself pretty busy outside and around the yard.
"Well the flowers don't need much tending this time of year so-"
"That sword," Asch cut him off, not buying the diversion that had easily satisfied his sibling.
"Oh this?" Père inquired.
"That sword belongs to Guy doesn't it?"
Luke looked up at the sword Asch was referring to. It was a beautiful blade, wonderfully crafted with a golden hilt. The gold wrapped around a beautiful blue jewel that was set in the center. The blade hung straight and clean, untainted by the wear and stain of battle. It had been there for longer than Luke could remember. How could it belong to Guy?
"Ahh…" Père paused for a moment. "Well yes," he finally conceded. "Though one could technically say it belonged to his father."
"But what is Guy's dad's sword doing here?" Luke asked.
"Gaillardia Galan, son of house Gardios, one of the more prominent noble families on Hod," Jade provided.
"You knew?" Asch eyed the Colonel.
"I had my suspicions," Jade pushed his glasses back up with his forefinger. "So I looked into it while we were in Grand Chokmah."
"So Guy's actually a noble?" Luke still couldn't quite follow what they were all talking about.
"Yes," Jade provided. "A Malkuth noble at that."
"But how did you know that?" Luke inquired, this time requesting answers of his older sibling. How in all of Auldrant could Asch have known that?!
"It's his fighting style, isn't it?" Père spoke up.
"Yes, that and something he had mentioned to me on the Albiore when we were on the way to get Tear," Asch replied. "I didn't think anything of it at the time, but after everything that's happened, it started to bug me."
---
"Asch," Guy hesitantly began. "Maybe I could explain a few things…"
"What's that?" The redhead replied with a smile.
"When I was young, the reason that I started working at your manor…" the young servant continued.
"What is it?" Asch looked at him curiously, the blonde's sudden hesitation spiking his curiosity.
"No, never mind," Guy dismissed the thought. "It's not important, forget I said anything."
---
"It reminded me," Asch continued. "When we were younger, he used to stare at that thing when he thought no one else was around."
"Is his fighting style really that unique?" Tear inquired.
"Yes, the Sigmund style is a fighting style unique to Hod," Jade explained. "Very few people are left that are still fluent in it. Why do you ask?"
"Well it's just that Major Cantabile uses the same style," Tear explained. "She trained me since I was little but I wasn't aware she was from Hod."
"Cantabile?" Père's attention was drawn by the name of the God-General. "Cantabile is alive?"
"Ah, so you do know Guy," Jade slyly remarked. "More than just as a co-worker. Because, if I recall correctly, Cantabile was the name of the daughter of another of Hod's noble families. Just another little tidbit that caught my eye, after all, Cantabile isn't a very common name." Père bit his lip, but not in time to catch his blunder.
"You knew Guy before he came here?" Luke inquired, still struggling to keep track of what was going on.
"I did," Père confessed. "I was his sword instructor when we still lived on Hod."
"If I remember it right, Father was the one who led the forces to attack Hod," Asch pitched in. Things were finally starting to make sense.
"That's right," Père confirmed. "Duke Fabre was the one that attacked our household. The Lord and Lady were both killed as was the rest of his family. Most of the servants were also killed. It was a terrible war, many people were needlessly slaughtered and a great deal of hatred and resentment was born."
"If the Kimlascan forces resorted so low as to slaughter even the servants, how did the family's sole male heir survive?" Jade inquired.
"I can't say for certain," Père conceded. "I found him unconscious under the body of his sister and those of her attendants." Luke covered his mouth, his stomach lurching at the thought. Their father…had done that?
"It was Guy's decision to come work at the manor here," Père continued.
"He wanted revenge," Asch realized, the last piece of the puzzle falling into place. "He probably plans to kill us to get back at Father for killing his family."
"But why didn't he? I mean, he had plenty of chances," Luke pointed out.
"Perhaps he changed his mind over the years," Ion suggested. "Based on that fact alone, Sync could still use the Curse Slot to have him try to kill you. The feeling was there at one point, but it might not still be lingering."
"That still doesn't explain what we overheard," Asch pointed out bitterly.
"I still don't understand," Tear spoke up. "How does Major Cantabile fit into all this?"
"Cantabile…" Père muttered. "It's been a long time since I've heard that name."
"Did you know her too?" Anise asked.
"If it is truly the one that I'm thinking of, then yes, I knew her well," the gardener replied. "She was the youngest daughter of another prominent noble house. At one point her family was considering marrying her off to Guy, but the idea fell through and they eventually chose another lad. In spite of this, the two of them remained close friends, along with Van who served Guy at the time."
"Master Van was one of Guy's servants?!" Luke's astonished cry interrupted the elder man's tale.
"Yes and no, he was not a servant in our house. Rather, he was a member of the Fende household. For generations the Fende had served the members of House Gardios, and of course, Van and Guy were no exception. The two were quite close as children. Guy always looked up to Van like an older brother. Along with Cantabile, the three of them were inseparable, they did everything together. I still remember how relived Guy was when he and Van reunited after Hod."
"And they've been close ever since," Asch noted, saying everyone's thoughts aloud. "If he, Van and Cantabile have been close since they were kids, there's a pretty good chance Guy's been with them this whole time."
Guy was… Guy was with Master Van? All this time, he had been lying to them, deceiving them all? Luke just couldn't believe it; it was too hard to swallow. Guy had followed him to Akzeriuth; Guy had been there when he came back. Guy had been through everything with them, and his best friend had never let him down. Not once. Had all that kindness really been by design, just as Master Van's had been? Why was everyone he cared about being ripped away?!
"What's going on in here?" Duke Fabre's authoritative voice echoed in the entry hall where the manor's newest guests were now silently standing. He entered from the drawing room followed by his wife and a servant who was talking far too fast for either of her patrons to catch a word of it. Realizing she wasn't getting anywhere, the flustered young maid simply bowed and pointed at the crowd that stood near the door.
"Asch! Luke!" Susanne ran over and both her sons found themselves trapped in her embrace. Despite the fact that both of them felt that they were too old for such signs of affections, in front of their friends no less, the cold tears that fell onto their shoulders kept either of them from moving. Instead, they simply allowed themselves to relax and gently returned the gesture. "I'm so glad you're both alive, I was so worried!"
"We're sorry Mother," both boys replied in unison. Susanne let go of the two of them, but refused to allow them out of her sight as if she were afraid they would vanish again if she did.
"Where have the two of you been?" Duke Fabre stepped in. "Why didn't you promptly return after what happened in Akzeriuth?"
Asch scowled. Leave it to Father to find something to scold them about when they had finally made it home. "We were busy," Asch finally provided.
"And what is more important than returning home and letting us know you were safe?"
"I sent word, did you not get it?" Asch matched his father's look and tone.
"We received it, but there was no way of knowing it was truly from you. With war ready to break out, it could have easily been a ploy from Malkuth. You of all people should know that."
Asch simply rolled his eyes, muttering something about no one else possibly being able to know about the things he wrote down; but rather than start an argument with his father, Asch returned his attention to their mother who proceeded to interrogate him on the state of his wellbeing. Only Luke saw the relieved smile that graced their father's face once Asch's back was turned.
"Father," Asch spoke up after several minutes of conversation in the entryway.
"What is it?" Duke Fabre replied sternly, but not with the anger or scolding tone in his voice this time.
"May I have that sword on the wall?" Asch asked, meeting his father's look with an equally intense one of his own.
"But Asch, isn't that sword technically Guy's?" Luke asked hesitantly, afraid to interrupt Asch and his father's staring contest.
"Exactly," Asch replied. "If he really did betray us, then it's going to be the first thing he'll come after."
"Ah, so that's why it was so urgent to return to your manor," Jade realized. "You believe Guy may target it to retrieve his family heirloom."
"That's right, and if he wants it back, I want him to have to face us for it."
"Fine," Duke Fabre conceded. "You may have the blade. I'll get Ramdas to take it down and retrieve the sheath for you later."
"If possible, could you get him to retrieve it now?" Asch asked as politely as he could.
"It's really important that we go talk to Uncle right away," Luke explained. "We're not sure how long it's going to take or if we'll be able to stop by again before we leave the city."
"If you're looking to speak with my brother, it will have to wait until this afternoon anyway," Susanne provided.
"Why's that?" Asch asked. "Uncle has always seen guests this time of day."
"Not lately," their mother replied. "Every since Natalia disappeared, he hasn't been well. He only accepts guests for a few hours in the afternoon now. Where is Natalia, anyway?"
"Don't worry," Jade cut in. "Our vivid, young princess is fine, she's just tending to a personal errand. She should be joining us as soon as she's done."
"Well speak of the devil," Anise piped up, hearing the door handle turn behind them. "Your timing is scary, you know that?" The Fon Master Guardian commented to the princess that had just walked in the door.
Natalia walked in, but if she heard Anise's comment, she chose to ignore it. She seemed lost in thought, and something was clearly wrong. It was written all over her face.
"Natalia? Are you okay?" Her fiancée inquired.
"Oh," Natalia snapped herself out of the daze she was in, putting on a smile that didn't fool anyone. "I'm sorry, I'm fine. Hello everyone, sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's alright," Susanne smiled, giving her niece a much needed hug. "It's just nice to see that you're well, your father has been absolutely distraught since you disappeared." Natalia smiled, but somehow seemed even sadder than she had before.
"So," Natalia spoke up, trying to disperse the attention that was suddenly focused on her. "What are we waiting for? Shall we head to the palace?"
"No good," Asch provided. "Apparently Uncle isn't seeing anyone until later this afternoon."
"Oh," Natalia's shoulders sank.
"Why don't you all take the chance to rest here until this afternoon comes around?" Susanne suggested. "You look like you've been through a lot, and could use a chance to relax."
"Thank you very much for your offer," Ion replied with a courteous bow. "I think that would be a wonderful idea."
"Splendid," Susanne smiled. She was more excited than Luke or Asch had seen her in quite awhile. "I'll have the chef prepare something nice for lunch."
"Alright!" Anise cheered from the back of the room.
'Are you sure this is okay?' Luke asked as everyone began to happily chat. 'I mean I feel kind of guilty about being so close to the castle and just hanging out around the house.'
'We really don't have much choice,' Asch replied. 'Besides, even we need the chance to unwind every once in awhile. Don't take these opportunities for granted.'
Luke laughed. 'I guess you're right.' But a more serious thought crossed Luke's mind and his laughter immediately ceased.
'What is it?' Asch asked.
'Why do you want Guy's sword?' Luke was still confused.
'Exactly what I said. I won't let him sneak around us for the rest of his life; if he wants his family sword, he's going to have to face us for it. Why do you ask?' Luke didn't reply. 'You want to talk to him, don't you?' Asch realized.
'I do, I want to know why.'
'Knowing doesn't always make it easier,' Asch pointed out.
'I know, but I still want to know, no matter how painful it may be.'
'Good. If you truly believe that, then you'll eventually find your answers.'
-------
"So where did Luke go?" Tear inquired, noticing the redhead's absence from the courtyard where everyone was sitting.
"I believe he went to fetch something warmer to wear," Natalia provided. The princess' mood had improved considerably over the past few hours, and while she hadn't actually shared whatever was bothering her, she seemed to have gotten over it. Maybe she was just disappointed she hadn't been able to find whatever she was looking for.
"I believe that's where Asch went as well," Ion provided. "It must be nice for them to finally be able to come home, they've been away for a long time now."
"They have," Natalia agreed.
"Oh! I'm sorry Natalia," Ion stated, suddenly realizing the implications and to whom he was speaking.
"Don't be," Natalia chuckled. "I'll make it home soon enough. But Asch is with his father right now, he's fetching that sword that Asch asked for."
"I wonder what Asch has in mind," Tear pondered.
"I bet you he's worried that this place could become a target," Anise pointed out. "I mean, like he said, if it's that important, Guy's bound to come after it eventually."
"I suppose you're right," Tear conceded. She didn't like the idea of thinking of Guy as the enemy anymore than the rest of them, but even she had to face the facts at hand: Guy wanted Asch and Luke dead, and she refused to lose either of them. They had both become too important to her.
"That's much better," Luke's voice came from the other end of the courtyard, where the noble in question had just walked through the door.
"There you are dear," Susanne replied somewhat disapprovingly, but failing to maintain any degree of discontent with her son. The Lady of the house had kept their company since they had decided to sit outside in the courtyard to avoid the constant hustle of the servants as they came and went. "It's rude to keep your guests waiting."
"I'm sorry, Mother," Luke apologized.
"Well you're here now, that's what matters," she replied with a smile. Wow, she sure went easy on him, Anise noted how quickly Susanne had lost her dismay at Luke taking his sweet time. It was a miracle Luke was disciplined at all if that was any example of his childhood.
"No way," Tear interrupted. "Not happening. Go change."
"What?" Luke demanded. "It's warm."
Tear only shot him a pointed look eyeing him from top to bottom. Luke had chosen a black jacket; almost identical to the one Asch was currently wearing, and a longer black top that covered his abdomen. Other than the tail of the jacket that was split in two to accommodate his sword and the yellow edging, it might as well have been Asch standing before them.
"Fine," Luke grudgingly conceded.
"I don't care what it is, just go find an outfit that doesn't look like something Asch would wear," Tear called after the redhead who stomped back inside. Across from the melodist, Natalia was in a fit of giggles. "What is it?" Tear's curiosity finally got the better of her.
"Something that Asch wouldn't wear?" Natalia snickered. "Have you seen their wardrobes?"
"Identical?"
"Pretty much," Natalia explained. "They're twins. People always thought it was cute to give them matching outfits."
"Man, that must have been a pain!" Anise exclaimed. "Not only are they practically identical, but they have all the same clothes? How did you stay sane?"
"Thankfully, they didn't really like the idea of having matching wardrobes either," Natalia replied with a chuckle. "Needless to say they're pretty good friends with a couple of the seamstresses here in town. Asch's favourite colour is red, Luke's is yellow, so you can usually use that to tell whose outfit is whose. Of course that means absolutely nothing when they switch."
"No kidding, those two are freakishly good at that," Anise grumbled. "I still haven't got it figured out. Come on Colonel, out with it! How can you tell?"
"Yes, I admit, I'm rather curious as well," Natalia conceded.
"What makes you think I can tell?" Jade taunted.
"Come on tell me!" Anise pouted.
"Like I said it's quite simple," the Colonel began. "It's simply a matter of calculation. Asch steps at 1.26 second intervals and Luke steps at an interval of 1.43 seconds."
"You're not funny, Colonel!" Anise stuck her tongue out at the man.
"I'm being perfectly honest," Jade shrugged.
"I just wish they'd stop doing it," Natalia commented.
"But you know," Ion began. "To them, it's really just a game, a way for the two of them to have fun. I mean, for them to manage it so flawlessly, they must be very close."
"I guess you're right," Anise admitted. "It's just annoying."
"But they don't mean any harm in doing it," Tear replied. "They're both just trying to lighten things up a bit, I mean, we all laugh about it later, right? Deep down, they're both really good people at heart. It's just so hard to believe that someone like that caused Akzeriuth to…"
"Tear…" Anise began hesitantly. "…didn't anyone tell you? You didn't yell at Luke about it or anything, did you?"
"What? Why?" Tear eyed the Fon Master Guardian. "Tell me what?"
"Tear… Luke wasn't the one responsible for the disaster in Akzeriuth," Ion explained.
"It was Van," Asch finished for the Fon Master, making his way into the courtyard. He must have slipped away to change because he was wearing a different outfit than the one he'd had on earlier. The jacket was shorter, though still black with blue bands on the sleeves. Rather than trailing behind him, this one didn't even reach down past his waist. He had a plain black top underneath his coat and the edging at the end of the long sleeves matching the blue bands of the jacket. His black pants were decorated with a set of belts that supported his own sword as well as the one they had seen in the entryway that he wore next to it.
"Yes," Duke Fabre also joined them in the courtyard. "Had I known the man was capable of such atrocity, I would never have allowed him in this house."
"What?" Tear sat dumbfounded as she listened to Asch explaining the facts to her. That her brother had tricked Luke into causing Akzeriuth to collapse, about how Luke had kept it a secret out of guilt because he blamed himself, everything. She didn't quite understand it all, like how Luke could have destroyed a passage ring? But she just couldn't bring the questions to her lips, so she remained silent. Why didn't he tell her? Why didn't he stop her when she had gone and lectured him about it? Or maybe he did, maybe he had tried to tell her, and she just wouldn't listen.
---
"Tear, there's something I have to tell-"
"Please, let me finish this."
---
She hadn't ever stopped to let him defend himself, not then, or after Akzeriuth. Not once had she ever given him a chance. Knowing that, just how was she supposed to face him?
Duke Fabre and Susanne were also hearing this story for the first time. Jade watched the expressions on the two nobles quite carefully, and only he saw through the indifference on the Duke's face. He was equally talented in the art of hiding one's emotions, and it took one truly well versed to see through it. Something Asch wasn't quite capable of, and caused him a great deal of irritation as a result. Though whether it was that, or just the boy's usual caution that kept Asch from explaining the part about him and Luke being able to create a hyperresonance, Jade wasn't quite sure. It certainly didn't do much for Tear's understanding of the situation. Oh well, she'd find out eventually.
"Better?" Luke demanded, bursting back out in the courtyard, completely unaware of the topic of the conversation he had interrupted. Admittedly, his irritation at the fuss being made over his choice of clothing considerably lightened the mood. Clearly he had never needed to meet anyone's expectations as far as clothing was concerned. It certainly made one wonder why he was trying so hard all of a sudden.
Luke's second outfit looked surprisingly practical, especially considering who it was on. Like Asch, Luke had chosen a shorter coat, probably tired of the coat tails getting in the way in battle. This one still ran down to his knees but was more beige in colour than the one he'd abandoned in Yulia City. The edging was a rusty colour and matched the cuffs on the long-sleeved top he wore underneath. He wore a set of belts similar to Asch's but his sword was still strapped behind him, where the jacket split. On his feet he wore matching boots that looked far more durable than the shoes he had on before. All things considered, the ensemble he had put together looked rather good on him, and the colour almost seemed to resonate in his hair giving it a somewhat rusty hue.
"Much better," Tear replied, somewhat solemnly. She still couldn't shake the pit in the bottom of her stomach. But seeing as she wouldn't likely get a reason for Luke's lack of explanation without upsetting him, she let it go for the time being. Maybe she could bring it up later, but for now, she just didn't have the heart to drag him down. Not when his mood had finally picked up for the first time in a week.
"You know, what I don't get is why it's so cold here when it was so warm in Grand Chokmah." Luke inquired as he sat on one of the planters, taking an open spot in the circle that his parents and comrades had formed.
"Grand Chokmah is on the opposite side of the world, so their seasons are opposite from ours," Asch explained. "So while we're almost in winter here, they're just starting summer."
"I'd like to see Grand Chokmah in the winter time someday," Luke commented. "With all that water it must be really beautiful."
Susanne happily sighed as the conversation turned to the many places her sons had been. They had seen so many places and done many things, not all of them easy, not all of them pleasant. Especially Luke; he had been through a lot, but he had grown up so much in the short time he'd been away. She could see it in his eyes. He was so much more open minded, more aware of the world around him and the people in it. It was so wonderful, but at the same time, it was frightening.
For now he longed for that world. He yearned for the sky beyond the cage in which he'd been content all these years. It was as obvious to her as the sun overhead; the light that lit up in his eyes when he spoke of all those places he'd seen was unmistakable. To hold him up here would be all the crueller, so while she wished with every essence of her being for her boys to stay home where they were safe; she also knew that wasn't possible anymore. Luke had grown up somewhere along the way, but she just wasn't ready to let him go.
"Lunch is ready!" One of the servants called across the courtyard.
"Let's go eat shall we?" Susanne suggested. "I had the chef prepare your favourite."
"All right!" Luke cheered and then proceeded to hurry everyone inside. But amidst the rolling eyes and stifled chuckles, Susanne couldn't help but smile.
Maybe he was still a child after all.
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Man oh man what Anise wouldn't give to live a life like this. The food here was amazing, and she couldn't remember the last time she was so full. But she just had to try everything, it all looked so good! It would be a shame for any of it to go to waste, so what's an extra couple platefuls? Ion needed the sustenance anyway. He never ate enough, if it wasn't for her constantly shoving food in front of him, he'd be nothing but skin and bones!
But that wasn't the only reason lunch was good. Everyone at the table had been happy, and much more relaxed for the first time in quite awhile. Between Luke fretting over Tear, then Ion being kidnapped and now this whole Guy fiasco, it seemed like forever since everyone had been in a good enough mood to just sit down, eat, laugh and just enjoy themselves. It was a pity Noelle wasn't around, she probably would have loved to be in on it. Oh well, at least they could bring her some of the left over sandwiches.
"There you are Anise." The Fon Master Guardian jumped at the sound of Ion's voice.
"Don't scare me like that Ion!" Anise protested. She hadn't expected anyone else to join her in the otherwise empty entrance hall.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was just wondering where you were. What are you doing in here all by yourself?"
"Nothing really, just thinking I guess."
"Really? Thinking about what?"
"About everything," Anise replied nodding in the direction of the drawing room.
"I certainly was wonderful to see everyone happy and laughing again," Ion commented.
"Yeah, but I wonder if everyone's really as happy as they seem."
"What makes you say that?" Ion inquired curiously.
"Oh nothing," Anise dismissed the topic. "You know what else I was thinking about?"
"What's that?"
"You."
"Me?"
"Yes you." Anise replied in a tone of voice Ion knew meant only one thing: she was about to scold him. "You don't eat enough; no one's going to be offended if you help yourself to seconds. It's no wonder your health is so bad, you have to take better care of yourself!"
Ion laughed, knowing full well the truth behind what she said. But that angry pout she gave him when she scolded him was amusing. Something about it put his mind at ease. It was nice knowing someone else was looking out for him.
"Thank you, Anise."
"Thank you? What for?" Anise was caught off guard by Ion's reply. Usually he would happily reassure her that he'd do exactly as she said which always meant that he wouldn't. But really, Anise wouldn't have it any other way. He wouldn't be Ion otherwise.
"For caring about me," Ion provided. Anise stuttered a bit but couldn't quite formulate a response to the Fon Master's unexpected response.
"Anyways, do you mind coming to join us?" Ion finally asked. "The others are preparing to head over to the castle, and we would appreciate your presence in the other room."
"There's no need," Natalia interrupted as she came through the door from the drawing room followed by the others. "We'll just join you in here."
"So what is our course of action?" Ion inquired once the entire group as well as both Duke Fabre and Susanne had joined them in the entrance hall.
"Well we don't really have a formal plan," Tear replied.
"Yeah," Asch confirmed. "We're just going to go see Uncle and hopefully we can talk him out of this. Natalia and I are both alive, so he shouldn't have any reason to want to continue with war. I can't think of any possible benefit war would have for Kimlasca beyond seizing territory, and that isn't something Uncle would do."
"Uh guys," Anise hesitantly spoke up, her face glued to the window. "I think we might have a bit of a problem."
"Why what's the matter?" Luke joined her at the window.
"What is it?" Jade demanded.
"Oracle Knights," Luke cursed. "And not just a couple of them; there has to be at least a dozen, and I bet there are more that I can't see from here."
"Damn, they must have realized we're here!" Asch pounded his fist against the nearby pillar.
"But how?" Tear asked.
"Enough people saw us on our way here," Jade provided. "It wouldn't be difficult information to obtain."
"Can we assume their objective is to stop us from getting to the castle?" Natalia inquired.
"I'd say that's a safe bet," Asch replied. "Mohs doesn't want Uncle to know we're alive."
"Yeah, I bet he's really pissed since Peony won't listen to him anymore," Anise stated.
"That's likely the case," Jade agreed. "He won't risk his hold over the world's other power. So what is our plan?"
"Can't we just take them on?" Luke asked.
"We can't risk losing Ion," Asch replied. "If we lose and are captured, then that means they'll take Ion back to Daath. As much as I hate to say it, priority goes to making sure Van can't access any other passage rings."
"I hate to agree, but he's right," Natalia conceded. Everyone, including Asch turned to Natalia in shock. "What?" Natalia looked at them all, almost offended that they seemed so surprised. "If Van continues to access the passage rings, than even Kimlasca will end up falling into the Qliphoth. It will be easier to find another opportunity to get to the castle than to raise the land again."
"Our princess raises a very valid point," Jade agreed.
"This is nonsense!" Duke Fabre interrupted. "No one is going to keep my guests, my children, prisoner in their own house! I'll have the White Knights deal with these fools at once."
"No, don't!" Asch protested.
"Why not? I mean, if we can get to the castle, then all the better right?" Anise looked up at the redhead confusedly.
"If we cause an incident here now, then Father will lose favour in court and no one will be able to do anything," Asch stated before turning to the man he was speaking of. "Since we won't be able to make it to the castle, can I ask you to do your best to stop this war? I know it's not likely possible for you alone, but if you could delay things as much as possible, we'll go speak with Emperor Peony and try to work on relations from the other end."
"Of course we can," Susanne pitched in. "Don't you worry about a thing here, we won't let my brother do anything rash, now will we dear?"
Duke Fabre looked down at his wife who had just taken hold of his arm. She certainly picked odd things to be eager about. "No of course we won't," he finally provided. "This war has no justification, I won't see lives thrown away for nothing."
"Thank you, Father," Luke gratefully replied. "We'll do our best as well."
"That's great and all," Anise interjected. "But those guards are standing right outside your gate. Even if we don't intend to go to the castle, I highly doubt they're going to let us just stroll out of here."
"Leave that one to us," Luke replied with a wink.
"What do you plan to do?" Tear inquired.
"We'll show you when you get there, for now let's head out the back into the yard."
"Alright," Tear replied but still had a suspicious eye on the young noble. Just what did he have in mind? But for the time being she followed the others into the drawing room, leaving the Fabre family alone to say their goodbyes.
"Luke, Asch," Susanne began once the others had left, giving each of her sons a hug. "Please do be careful."
"Don't worry Mother," Luke replied. "We'll be back before you know it."
"Be sure to look after each other."
"We will Mother," Asch answered. "We always do."
"Thanks again," Luke stated with a polite bow towards their father. Luke was so glad he agreed to Asch's request. Yeah it was great that he would help stop the war, but more than that, it was a step in the right direction for both of them. Who knew, maybe someday Asch would finally realize that in spite of what he believed, their father really did care about him. Even if it wasn't as obvious as he'd like it to be.
"You just do your best," Duke Fabre replied sternly. "I'd expect no less from either of you."
"We will. Thank you for your efforts as well," Asch replied stiffly, echoing his little brother's gesture.
"Best of luck to both of you," Susanne stated with a smile. "But you'd best get going, you shouldn't keep your friends waiting."
"You're right," Asch agreed. "We'd better hurry. Goodbye." Asch finished with one last hug for his mother.
"Goodbye!" Luke waved enthusiastically as he followed his sibling out the door.
"They certainly have grown, haven't they?" Susanne whispered softly to her spouse once their sons were both gone, gently laying her head on his shoulder.
"That they have. Time goes by so fast."
"It does," Susanne chuckled. "I still remember when we just had Asch running around the house. It doesn't seem like all that long ago, now does it?"
"No, it doesn't." Duke Fabre agreed with a rare softness to his voice. "They've both changed so much since then. Not that they didn't cause their share of troubles along the way."
"Do you ever regret taking Luke in?" Susanne inquired gently.
Duke Fabre thought on it a moment. "No, if anything they've both grown because of each other."
"They both have a bright future ahead of them," Susanne replied with certainty.
"They will," Duke Fabre added with determination. "I'll make sure of it."
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"Why am I not surprised you two have an escape route?" Anise stated sceptically as she eyed the part of the wall to which Asch and Luke had led them. Two nearby trees and worn out ridges in the stone made the barrier easy to climb, and the wear proved it had been used, and quite frequently. Luke just shrugged but didn't erase the mischievous smile on his face.
"You think you can climb it, Ion?" Luke finally asked, watching the Fon Master who was eyeing the wall hesitantly.
"I'm not sure," Ion admitted.
"That's okay," Luke reassured him. "Here, hop on my back, I'll carry you over."
"Are you sure?"
"Sure, I've climbed this wall tons of times, it's not a big deal." Luke quickly proved his point by allowing Ion up on his back and began to scale the wall.
"But what about me?" Jade asked his voice drowned in a mocking tone. "Someone as old and frail as I couldn't possibly scale this wall all on my own."
"Well then we'll just have to use that thick skull of yours to make a hole in the wall and then you can walk through," Asch shot back with an equally mocking tone.
"My, my, such violence," Jade shrugged.
"Okay we're good!" Asch heard his sibling call from the other side of the wall.
"What's that about?" Tear asked.
"Only one person at a time," Asch explained. "You'll see once you're over."
"Okay," Tear replied as she grabbed a hold of the same branch she had seen Luke take. Following in his exact footsteps she quickly found herself on the other side of the wall. She immediately saw why Asch had said only one person could go over at a time. The landing on the other side was nothing more than a small observation station. At best it might fit three people, and it made landing a great deal more nerve-wracking. All it took was a misplaced step to send you tumbling over the edge.
"Over here," Luke called once Tear had both feet safely on the ground. She found him and the Fon Master standing on a walkway that presumably led them towards the lift. Once he had taken her hand, Luke called over the wall and slowly but steadily, everyone made it over, including Jade who, in spite of his earlier comment, probably made it over faster than any of them, with the exception of the twins.
"This should take us straight to the lift," Luke explained as they hurried along.
"Do you think they'll be okay?" Tear asked. "I mean, can they really stop the war on their own?"
"Not likely," Asch answered. "Father may be stubborn, but it's still going to be him against the rest of the court. War could still break out any day now."
"That's terrible," Tear replied.
"Yeah well, look at the bright side," Anise suggested. "At least we're not down another member."
Every one fell silent at her attempt to lighten the mood. It was still far too soon to be making jokes about Guy and his departure it seemed. Anise let out a frustrated sigh. Well they could be depressed all they wanted, but they'd better not be expecting her to walk on eggshells about it forever.
Asch continued along, Anise's crack putting a bad taste in his mouth, but at the same time, he wondered if maybe she didn't have the right idea. It's not like they had the time to be sulking around anyway. They had far more important things to handle, and he'd be damned if he let Guy ruin it all now.
They had almost made it out of Baticul, and still no one had said a word. Luke appreciated Anise's attempt to lighten the mood a bit, but it was just not the right time. Luke still didn't know what to make of it, especially as far as Guy was concerned. Guy really did have a valid reason; after all, Luke couldn't even imagine what his former best friend must have gone through. But at the same time, it also meant that what they had overheard in Daath was true. Guy really did want to kill both of them, and for all Luke cared about Guy, he wouldn't allow that. There was too much he had to do, and he wasn't going to let anyone hurt Asch either. But the thought of Guy as an enemy… that was something he still couldn't swallow. The sun peaked out from behind the clouds and the light reflected on the blue jewel inlaid in the blade at Asch's side and drew Luke's attention away from his thoughts.
It really was a beautiful sword. But would Guy really come after it? If he did, what would Luke say to him? What words could possibly make up for the death of his only family, the loss of everything he ever loved? Luke wanted to know why Guy did what he did, but deep down, he probably knew, he just couldn't accept it. Even with the truth spelled out for him to see, in all its harsh reality, he wouldn't be satisfied until he heard it from Guy himself. Not until he saw his friend one last time.
But when that time finally came, would Luke really be able to let go?