Chapter 48: Of Pools and Parties
The fire crackled in the fireplace as Nephry sorted through the last stack of papers. A sigh escaped her lips when a glance out the window told her just how late it had become. Had it only been yesterday that her brother's friends had stopped in to see her? Nephry couldn't help but wonder if they'd been successful in locating her wayward sibling, and if they'd remember her request that they stop by to see her before leaving. It had been so long since she'd seen him, and with all the nasty rumours tied to Akzeriuth, she just had to see with her own eyes that he was really okay.
The office door opened a crack, distracting Nephry from her thought. Who was…? "Tanya? Is that you?"
"Your maid's gone home for the day I'm afraid," a deeper voice replied as he walked in the door, followed by several armoured men.
"I don't recall inviting you," Nephry stated curtly.
"Don't be like that; I'm not here to cause you any trouble. Well, not too much anyways."
"Then what drags someone like you all the way up here?"
"I just heard you had some rather special guests here in town." The voice suggested slyly.
"Well they aren't here anymore," Nephry answered.
"But they'll be back right? Your brother and his friends?"
"And if they will?"
"Don't get so defensive," the voice said with a chuckle. "I'm just going to shake things up a bit…and you're going to help me."
--
The midday sun was high overhead, giving the endless fields of snow a magical sparkle. The terrain was finally starting to flatten out as they were finally putting Mt. Roneal behind them; and frankly, Guy couldn't be happier. To say everyone was in rough shape was a huge understatement. Jade being in that oh so wonderful mood he'd been in lately had them up well before dawn and trekking down the unforgiving mountain. While they may make it back before dark, they were still dealing with the collateral damage.
Ion was sleeping on Tokunaga with Anise leading them through some of the deeper snow. Admittedly it was nice to have the oversized stuffed animal clearing the way through the off trail paths they were walking, but Guy would have felt better if Ion wasn't so run down. He wasn't the only one either. Tear had passed out awhile back, and was now resting on Luke's back. He'd have to have a word with that girl later. Didn't she realize it was okay to say something if she was tired? She didn't have to push herself beyond her limits for their sake. A break would be welcome, and not to be mean about it, but probably a lot more so then having to carry her as they pressed on.
Not that Luke really seemed to mind the melodist on his back. Asch had offered to take over for a bit, but Luke claimed he was just fine. Well, no one could say otherwise, especially with the way the conversation had turned.
"Awwww, come on," Luke whined. "I know we're running behind as it is, but everyone's really worn out. We're planning to spend the night in Keterburg anyway, why can't we go to the pool?"
"It's not a pool Luke, it's a spa," Guy said with a sigh. Yeah, if Luke was good to whine, he was still doing okay.
"But there's still a pool where you can go swimming, right?"
"Well… yes, but, we really don't have a whole lot of time to be messing around."
"But it's like Luke said," Anise protested. "We're staying the night anyways, it's not like it's going to set us back at all. Besides, neither Tear or Ion are back up to full speed yet, it would be a really good chance for them to relax and take it easy, you know!"
"You just want to go to a world class spa," Natalia noted sceptically.
"What? Me? No… of course not!" Anise laughed guiltily. "I just thought it would be a great place for Ion to rest!" Natalia hit the nail on the head.
"I'm going to have to agree with Guy on this one," Asch conceded. "While it might be a good place to relax, a good night's sleep will do them just as much good."
Natalia sighed and rolled her eyes. Asch clearly had no idea… honestly; did he really think a good night's sleep was preferred over an evening at the spa? Especially one so well known as Keterburg's? "I have to agree with Luke, I think a night at the spa would do wonders." Natalia piped up. "Besides, things will likely be getting hectic very soon; we should take the chance to relax while we can. Seeing as I doubt Ion and Tear have any protests I believe that makes you two outnumbered," the Princess finished with a sly grin.
"All right!" Luke cheered.
"Not so fast you three," Guy argued. "Even if you win this one, no one here has bathing suits. How do you plan on going to the spa?"
"Oh dear, that's right," Natalia suddenly realized. "I didn't think it would be necessary so I never bothered to pack one."
"Neither did I…" Luke trailed off.
"It wouldn't matter either way," Jade spoke up. "You need passes to access Keterburg's spa and those aren't easy to acquire. Only the highest ranking Malkuth nobility have them."
"Wow!" Anise's eyes lit up. "Such an exclusive spa! Now I really wanna go! Who knows how many bachelors are sitting up there just waiting to meet me!"
"But it's like Jade said," Guy continued, grateful to have found the kink in their plan. A spa would have women… lots of women, women that were difficult to avoid and he'd rather not deal with that. "If we had bathing suits and passes we would go, but we don't."
"Fine," Luke conceded with a pout.
'I know a good remedy for pouting,' Asch said, the tone in his voice making it clear he was displeased with Luke's attitude. Luke took a wide step to the side and put himself out of Asch's range of motion. Those kinds of remedies almost always involved pain.
'Come on, you can't tell me you don't really want to go.'
Asch sighed. He couldn't deny he wouldn't mind seeing what all the fuss was about. He'd heard plenty of rumours about the facilities at Keterburg's hotel, and just how impressive they were supposed to be. While he appreciated Luke's desire to try and have fun while they still had the chance, there was a limit to everything. Jade might not be so out of line with his displeasure. They really couldn't afford to be fooling around. Who were they to toy with the lives of every creature in Auldrant?
'I don't,' Asch lied. 'I've better things to do, like saving the world.'
'You're such a bad liar,' Luke taunted. 'Don't you still owe Jade one for putting you on watch duty and not letting you sleep for a week?'
'And what does that have to do with going to the spa?'
'You have no imagination! You can't tell me you can't think of anything!'
Asch fought the mischievous grin that tugged at his lips. 'It doesn't matter either way; we don't have bathing suits and we don't have passes. We're not going.'
'Yeah, I know. But only because we don't have the passes and the bathing suits.'
Asch rolled his eyes. Luke just couldn't relinquish a victory. 'Yes, only because of that.' The redhead decided it would just be easier to indulge Luke this time around.
'Hey, if we ever get some, can we go?'
Asch would have shoved Luke in the snow if didn't still have the melodist on his back. Didn't Luke know when to just drop it?! 'Yes Luke, if we ever manage to get some passes, we can go.'
'Promise?'
'Only if you stop harassing me about it.'
'Deal.'
'Then it's a promise.'
--
The soft rhythmic motion was soothing, like the gentle waves of a calm ocean. It was warm too, so much warmer than it had been. Then what had been, she wondered? But it seemed so utterly inconsequential. So she remained motionless. Voices, there was the sound of voices all around her. Why were there so many? Their noise drew her away, away from the calm, the serenity she had found. Why? Why couldn't she stay?
And yet, an inkling at the back of her mind wouldn't let her rest. There was a reason for the voice, a reason she couldn't remain. There was something she still had to do…someone she hadn't dealt with properly. Until then, there would be no repose for the songstress.
"Tear?" The melodist's eyes slowly opened, and the blurry image of Luke's worried smile came into focus. What was he so concerned about?
Suddenly, where the melodist was, her surroundings, the time of day, all of it hit her at once and Luke fought to hold his grip and keep them both from taking a tumble into the snow. "Luke! What's going on? Put me down."
"Easy there Tear," Guys calming voice came from behind the melodist. "We don't need you passing out on us again. Just let Luke carry you. We're almost in Keterburg anyways."
"But-" Tear tried to protest, her cheeks reddening by the second.
"He's carried you all afternoon," Asch pointed out. "Another ten minutes isn't going to make much of a difference."
"Wait… all afternoon? What happened?" Tear inquired, relaxing a bit and giving in to the fact that for whatever reason, she was stuck on Luke's back until they got back to town.
"You were pushing yourself too hard and you passed out," Luke explained. "Please don't do that again, you had us all really worried."
"Luke's right," Guy agreed. "Tell us if you need to rest for a bit."
"It's shameful for a soldier-"
"Life isn't a battlefield Tear," Asch cut her off. "You don't always have to play the soldier. That's no way to live."
Tear opened her mouth to respond but couldn't come up with anything. Instead she laid her head down on Luke's shoulder and listened to everyone talking. Behind her, Asch and Guy were talking about fon machines, maybe something to do with the Albiore. It was surprising to hear them have such a friendly conversation. Then again, there really hadn't been any animosity between them since they'd gotten the whole mess with Major Cantabile cleaned up. Major Cantabile… Tear wondered how her former instructor was faring. Judging by the degree of the injuries she'd received in their last encounter, she was probably on the mend. The melodist wondered how long it would be before she had to deal with that again.
Then there was Anise and Natalia ahead and to the left. They were chatting about Ion, about how he was a replica and something to do with Arietta. That's right… Fon Master Ion was also a replica. That didn't bother her as much as she thought it would. It was starting to seem like all her friends had some sort of tie to fomicry. Maybe it was true that fomicry had caused her a lot of pain, that it was still taking her brother from her… but Suzanne's words still rang clearly in her mind.
Perhaps your own happiness isn't the only one being sacrificed for that hatred of yours.
How often had she hurt them, said things about replicas and fomicry that put pain in their eyes? And for what? Her own self-satisfaction, and desire to lash out at something. It was so much easier to blame fomicry itself than to accept the fact that Van had chosen his genocide over her. Fomicry wasn't evil, it was a tool. Just like a sword or one of her songs, it was the person behind them that made the choice.
But it had taken Luke's tears for her to finally see it.
"Do you want to get down?" Luke asked softly. "I know the others were bugging you earlier, but you can walk if you want to."
"It's alright," Tear wrapped her arms across his chest. "If you'd carry me just a little further…" The melodist closed her eyes; she could hear the sound of his heart. It was beating so fast. Though she supposed it wasn't much of a surprise; he'd been carrying her all day. The sound of it was soothing, and yet it saddened her. It was that same kind heart she'd attacked, that gentle soul of his she couldn't see because of a silly seven letter word. Luke was more than just a replica, he was her most treasured friend… and someday she'd work up the courage to say the words that lay in her own heart.
Luke… I'm sorry.
--
"Tear? Tear, you alright?" Guy's voice pierced her thoughts.
"Hm?" The melodist opened her eyes again. "What is it?"
"It's good to see you're well," Ion commented from beside her. The melodist's eyes travelled from Ion, back up to the blond then to the area around them. They were in the middle of Keterburg! What-
"You dozed off on us again," Guy said with a bit of a chuckle. "Are you going to be okay to walk?"
"I'll be fine!" Tear nearly jumped off of Luke's back. In the wilderness was one thing, but in the middle of a crowded street was another! Tear felt her cheeks flush when everyone laughed at her. It seemed like the journey up the stairs and into the hotel took forever with the melodist staring at her own feet. She could tell everyone was watching her. What were they so worried about? She wasn't going to drop dead in the middle of the lobby. She'd had plenty of rest, and in all honesty, she felt a great deal more energetic than she had since operating the passage rings.
Luke stole a glance at Tear from the corner of his eye. She seemed okay. He had gotten worried when she fell asleep again, but it didn't look like she was still feeling under the weather. Most of her colour had come back by this point, and to a random onlooker, you wouldn't know she'd been sick at all. But this was Tear; she was far too good at hiding her own pain for him to stop worrying just yet.
"Excuse me?" The receptionist snatched Luke away from his train of thought. "Would you be Master Luke and company?"
"Yes…" Luke answered, an eyebrow raised.
"The Governor left a package here that's addressed to you."
"Nephry did?"
"That's correct; she dropped it off this morning asking that I pass it on to you as soon as you were in."
"I wonder what it is," Luke mused as he shook the package. It was a decent sized box, about the width of Luke's chest and extending from his waist to his shoulders. Luke shook it; something inside moved, but didn't make very much noise.
"Well," Natalia spoke up after a moment. Watching Luke open presents during the winter holidays was bad enough; she didn't want to have to sit through it more than once a year. "Shall we open it?"
"Be careful," Jade interrupted. "That's not Nephry's handwriting."
"Hey you're right!" Luke took a look at the top of the box. "It's not even addressed from Nephry."
"Well then who is it from?" Asch asked. Luke stared at the scratchings a bit longer.
"I can't tell, it's too messy," he replied with a defeated sigh.
"Well we're never going to find out if you don't open it," Anise pitched in eagerly. She was just as curious as the seven-year old to find out what was inside.
"You know," Guy whispered to Asch as Luke tore into the package. "I can't help but wonder why it's addressed to Luke. You'd think if it was supposed to be from Nephry, they'd address it to Jade."
"That's what worries me too," Asch confessed.
"Come on Luke!" Anise was practically bouncing. "What is it?"
"More boxes," Luke explained. "And… there's an envelope."
"Well, if you've come this far, you had may as well open it," Tear suggested, her own curiosity getting the better of her. Everyone stood silently as Luke pulled out a note and a second stack of papers. A huge grin spread across his face as his eyes lit up with delight.
"Well Luke?" Natalia tried peaking over his shoulder.
The redhead held up the second stack of papers. "It's a present from Peony! They're passes to the spa here!"
"You have got to be kidding me!" Asch's palm hit his forehead. Since when were Luke and Peony in cahoots with each other?
"It's really a shame," Guy shrugged. "He went through the effort of getting us passes but none of us have any bathing suits." Luke's ensuing laugh was nothing short of sinister as he picked up one of the smaller boxes and gave it a good shake. Seven years of practice wasn't for nothing, definitely some kind of clothing.
"His Majesty always did have a poor sense of humour," Jade said with a defeated sigh. "I'm afraid it looks like Luke wins this time."
"Is there really one in there for everyone?" Natalia leaned over the box.
"Yeah!" Luke answered with the enthusiasm of a five year old about to get ice cream. "He even remembered to send one for Guy!"
"That's right," Asch realized. "You haven't had the pleasure of meeting Peony yet have you?"
"No," Guy laughed nervously, taking the box Luke offered. He stared at the plain cardboard and the pass that had been shoved into his hands. As he followed the others towards the lift that would take them to the changing rooms and the spa, he could only hope fate would be kind enough to spare him. But given fate's temperament lately, he had a sinking feeling it would be a very long night.
--
Luke broke the surface of the water, taking a deep breath as his red hair clung to his back for a moment before he let himself sink back into the pool. Treading water for a moment, he pulled the dripping red strands from his face then swam over to the edge and pulled himself up. What an amazing place this was!
Forget how long it had been since he'd gone swimming, Keterburg's spa was incredible. The water in the swimming pool was just perfect too. Behind him, there was a hot tub, definitely an appealing way to thaw out frozen limbs. Spending the night in a weather sheltered cave on a frozen mountain was not the most pleasant of experiences and Luke couldn't even begin to express how glad he was that they'd made it here.
Everyone was getting annoyed with his fooling around; even Luke could tell that it was starting to be too much. But what Natalia had said was right, everything was about to get hectic again. Somehow in this northern city, Luke felt separated from the rest of the world. He hadn't forgotten it, far from it; Akzeriuth's weight still sat heavily on his shoulders. But he knew now that letting that weight smother him wouldn't solve a thing. No matter what happened, he couldn't just forget to live, otherwise... if anything were to happen… he'd never stop regretting it; he couldn't honestly say that he was making the sacrifice of all those people worth it. The others may bug him about being a child and scold him for not taking things seriously, but Luke could see it in their eyes even if no one would say it. They all treasured the times they had together, and there was a light there when they could just stop worrying about everything. Even if just for a moment.
"Hey Luke, that was fast," Asch commented. Luke leaned back to see his older brother standing over him, and not surprisingly, wearing a set of swim trunks that was a mirror image of his own. Peony didn't have any more imagination than anyone else did. "How did you make out?" Asch asked a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"You see that little white blob right about there?"
Asch looked at where his sibling was pointing and finally managed to spot a patch of white sitting against the floor of the pool's deep end. "Nice, how'd you pull that off?"
"I tied it to the drain." Asch nearly choked in attempts to suppress the fit of laughter that was just daring to erupt. "How about you?" Luke asked.
"You see that window over there that overlooks all of Keterburg?" Asch asked. Luke did burst out laughing before giving Asch a high five. Now all they had to do was wait.
"So where are the others?" Luke asked.
"Well Guy was still changing when I left. Ion said he had something to inquire about at the reception desk and I think I saw Tear going with him. As for the girls, I have no idea. And Jade… well we'll see when or even if the old man shows up."
"He will," Luke chuckled.
"He won't have much choice now will he?"
"Who won't have much choice?"
"Oh hey Anise!" Luke greeted the dark haired girl. "Nice bathing suit."
"You think so?" Anise took another look at the getup she was wearing. The long orange sarong fell down to her ankles and was complemented by a matching top that tied around her neck. "It's a bit flashy if you ask me, but I guess it does accentuate my curves. You interested?"
"Not really. There isn't all that much to emphasize," Luke pointed out.
"Hey!" Anise protested.
"Well… I mean... it's just…" Luke stuttered. Man if he hadn't put his foot in his mouth there.
"It's okay," Anise sighed in mock disappointment. "I'm talking to the guy who's into Tear. After her anyone would look flat."
Asch laughed; Luke's face suddenly matched his hair.
"Hey Natalia!" Anise yelled over towards the changing area. "Are you coming out some time tonight?"
"No!" Natalia's voice called back.
"Come on!" Anise shouted. "It's not that bad!"
"Yes it is! It's embarrassing!"
"Awww, come on Natalia," Luke added not quite as loudly as Anise. "It can't be worse than Jade's!"
"You saw the Colonel's?" Anise's eyes lit up.
"I might have snuck a peek before I gave it to him," Luke answered mischievously.
"Oh! Spill it! Spill it!"
"Promise you won't laugh!" Natalia's voice called back, saving Luke from the over eager thirteen year old.
"Promise!"
Natalia stepped out from behind the wall. Both her arms were crossed protectively across her chest and her cheeks were as red as the bathing suit made her fiancée's. There was definitely no doubt it had come from Peony. A very small bikini bottom was barely covered by a second transparent fabric that wrapped around her waist, and wasn't much longer. The top looked more like a strip of fabric tied around her chest and she had a matching ribbon in her hair.
'What in the hell does Peony think he's doing?!' Asch practically screamed in outrage.
'Well she had the body for it,' Luke commented.
Asch smashed him upside the head.
'Oww!' Luke protested, sending Asch a dirty look. He got a nastier one in return.
"It's flattering," Luke said aloud with a smile in the Princess' direction. "Don't be so embarrassed. Just...you know… be careful it doesn't untie."
Natalia giggled. "Thank you, Luke." She turned to look towards Asch but he simply turned away, his cheeks still flushing somewhat. A bit of Natalia's cheer died.
'You're a moron, you know that?' Luke shot at his sibling.
'Shut up.'
"Hey guys!" Guy joined the group. "Wow… Natalia… don't you think that's a bit daring?"
"Believe me, I know," Natalia answered.
"Well Peony seems like an interesting guy," Guy laughed nervously. His own bathing suit was rather plain, just a regular set of shorts. He noticed that everyone else had picked up on this fact too.
"Looks like Peony didn't know enough to customize yours," Asch noted.
"Lucky," Natalia mumbled.
"Hello everyone," Ion said hesitantly. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
"No not at all, Fon Master," Asch answered.
"Sorry we're so late, the Fon Master wanted to get a floatation device so he could go in the pool," Tear explained.
"I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity to learn how to swim," Ion admitted sheepishly, gripping the large inflatable ring he'd picked up.
"Peony certainly picked an interesting bathing suit for you, didn't he?" Tear commented on the Princess' swimwear.
"Yes, I'm sure he thought he was being very funny. Though I must say he was quite conservative for yours," Natalia nodded at the bathing suit Tear wore.
"Oh he wasn't. Mine was just… too daring. This one is a rental."
"I don't think you need your knife though Tear," Luke pointed out as she noticed the red strap still on the melodist's leg. "We won't be attacked in the pool."
"It never hurts to be safe," Tear replied matter-of-factly. "It would be shameful for a soldier to be caught completely unarmed."
"Natalia…is something wrong?" Guy asked. Natalia's face has turned red all over again.
"Y-You mean there are rentals?!" Natalia exclaimed.
"That's right," Tear answered. "Over at the reception-" Before the melodist could even finish her sentence, Natalia had bee-lined for the change rooms.
'Awww, looks like you're out of luck Asch,' Luke taunted.
'I got more luck than you did,' Asch shot back. Luke's face flushed and he didn't reply.
"So where's Jade?" Ion inquired.
"He should be due to join us… any second now," the older redhead answered, making no attempts to hide the devilish smirk that had spread across his face.
"Asch, Luke, may I speak with you for a moment?" Right on cue, the voice came from the direction of the change rooms.
"Sure thing old man," Asch called back. "Come over and join us."
"I'd rather have this conversation in a more private setting."
"Whatever you have to say, you can say over here."
They heard a frustrated sigh as Jade contemplated his situation. He would let them have their way for now, but it wouldn't be without repercussions... even if it involved some patience on his part. He could wait as long as was necessary.
Jade stepped out into the spa and as he did several minds simply shut off at the sight. Anise burst into a fit of laughter with Asch and Luke not far behind her. Guy chose the safe route and got out of the line of fire and Tear decided that wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.
Oh they were dead. Luke knew that look in Jade's eyes and they were both dead… but it was so worth it! His bathing suit was skin tight too! The things you don't notice just from glancing at it in a box. Asch was in an equal level of hysterics and even Ion was trying his hardest not to laugh. First and foremost it looked like something Dist would wear. That alone was more than plenty, but it got so much better. Peony had obviously had it made out of his great-grandmother's curtains because the pattern consisted of a large number of pink flowers against a navy spandex material. There were large pink frills sewn down both sides and that lined the bottom about halfway between his waist and his knee.
"Where are they?" Jade asked calmly.
"Where's what?" Asch managed.
"Fess up," the Colonel demanded.
"To what?" Luke asked amidst a fit of laughter.
"Enough playing dumb with me, what did you do with my belongings and my bathrobe?"
"What makes you think we took them?" Asch demanded. "Why don't you look around," he suggested slyly. "I'm sure you'll find them."
Jade looked at both of them with one of the most dangerous looks either of them had seen him wear. "Need we have group discussions about secrets being kept?" Jade whispered threateningly into Asch's ear.
"We'll participate if you will," Asch shot back. An angry look swept over Jade's face. It was clear he'd never dealt with a situation like this before.
"Hey Luke," Anise whispered. "Is that thing at the bottom of the pool what I think it is?" A mischievous grin spread across Luke's face and Anise giggled even harder. "What do you say we get out of the line of fire?"
Luke looked up at his brother who was already engaged in a battle of wits with Jade, one that, for all he was trying to hide it, Jade was starting to enjoy. "Maybe that's not such a bad idea," Luke conceded. "This can't end well."
"No, no it won't," Anise agreed. "But seriously you two, next time let me in on this stuff sooner!"
"If Jade lets us live until a next time," Luke laughed.
"True enough."
--
Luke ran the towel through his hair one more time, doing his best to get the last of the water out. He knew he should have tied his hair up like Asch had, it was going to be a headache combing through it all later. But that was for later, Luke wrung out his bathing suit before tossing it back in the box it had come. He could leave it out to dry once they got back to their room, for now he just had to hurry. He'd been the last one out of the water because Jade had made him go get the bathrobe that was still tied to the bottom of the pool. He was no fun at all. It had taken a few tries to get it untied and out of the water.
Luke had spent most of his time in the pool. Eventually Natalia and Anise had dragged Tear off with them to enjoy some of the spa's finer amenities. Luke would have liked to tag along just to see what they were, but that kind of stuff was just too girly. Guy admitted he wanted a massage, but his plan was foiled when they found out all the masseurs were...well masseuses. So instead Luke began teaching Ion to swim, a feat all in itself as Luke discovered he really wasn't good at explaining how to swim.
"There you are, Luke," Guy stated as the redhead rounded the corner. A quick glance told Luke he was the last one.
"Sorry I'm late."
"What took you?" Luke held up the wet bathrobe as an explanation before tossing it along with his towel into the designated bin. "He made you go get it?" Guy asked with a chuckle. The full story of his and Asch's little joke had made it through the group and Luke had already received several recommendations that he sleep with one eye open tonight. Luke certainly wasn't inclined to disagree.
"Well then," Jade spoke up garnishing everyone's attention. "If we've had enough fun for-"
"Excuse me," one of the hotel workers interrupted the Colonel mid-sentence. It was an older man, dressed quite finely and bearing a silver-looking platter that had several envelopes on it. "Would you be Master Jade and company?"
"Since when are we your cronies?" Asch whispered to the Colonel.
"You were the ones who came running here looking for me," Jade slyly pointed out.
"What is it now?" Guy inquired with an exasperated sigh. There had been far too many noble girls in that place, and the close encounters he'd had still sent chills up his spine. Anise's rescue method from the flirts hadn't been any less taxing. Only the former Fon Master Guardian could have the normally adept swimmer practically drown in four feet of water.
Jade turned back to the hotel worker and nodded to indicate the man had his attention.
"Your presence has been requested in the ballroom in one hour."
"By whom? And for what purpose?"
"I'm afraid I wasn't given any details, I was only given these invitations and asked to escort you to your respective rooms," the man replied meekly.
"And what rooms might those be?" Jade inquired. "We've already booked a set of rooms for ourselves, and we're more than capable of returning to them when we so choose."
"I'm sorry sir, I was only given instructions." The man offered Jade the envelopes on his platter, and quickly slipped away before his inquisition continued.
"So much for our escort," Asch commented.
"No matter, the rooms are on each invitation," Jade noted. Below the three digit number that told them their next destination, was an invitation written out finely in what Jade recognized as his sister's handwriting. It was suspicious, for the words, he knew were most definitely not hers.
You are to attend a private meeting in the ballroom that will take place just after supper. Your attendance is not optional as we'll be chatting about some very important matters. Should you not choose to come, well we'll have to deal with that should the event arise. But I'm sure you're much smarter than that now, aren't you?
PS. This event is formal. You will find what you need in your designated rooms. Do not be late.
"A meeting in the ballroom?" Luke puzzled over the invitation.
"Sounds more like a trap to me," Asch commented.
"But why the dressing up?" Guy inquired.
"At the very least it would disarm the girls," Jade pondered. "While most formal wear for men allow for the carrying of at least a sword, if this person has chosen it for us, there's no guarantee of that either."
"You guys are over thinking this," Luke protested. "What if it's really just a meeting?"
"What about this letter doesn't seem suspicious to you?" Anise asked sceptically.
"How about the fact that it has Peony written all over it?" Natalia provided. "This certainly seems like the sort of prank he'd pull. Especially after going through the trouble of arranging the spa, I wouldn't put it past him to continue the joke."
"I agree with Natalia," Ion spoke up. "It doesn't seem like the sort of thing Van or any of the God-Generals would set up. Why don't we at least check it out? Nothing says we can't leave if things seem suspicious."
"Well I guess we don't have anything better to do." Guy shrugged.
"Yeah, but even if this is a big joke of Peony's, who's going to be meeting us?" Anise asked.
"Well," Asch replied. "There's only one way to find out."
--
Natalia took a deep breath and looked back down at her invitation and the three numbers at the top of the page. Looking up, the same numbers decorated the wooden door in a stylized golden numbering. The Princess' supper roiled in her stomach; she really didn't want to do this. A dress… from Peony of all people, it was a disaster just waiting to happen; and this time there weren't any alternatives.
Never did Natalia think there would come a time she'd regret not packing something nice to wear. Most anything that could be worn on occasions was completely impractical for travelling in, so never once had she bothered. Oh what she wouldn't give for her wardrobe full of gowns right now. But wishing wasn't going to get any of her dresses halfway across Auldrant but it would certainly make her late. With a burst of determination, Natalia turned the knob, slipped in the door and shut it behind her.
The dress was hanging from the canopy bed, its black fabric contrasting against the soft blue sheets. Natalia was… impressed, definitely not what she had been thinking. She was expecting something with a little more skin and little less class, but the gown he'd provided was exquisite. The black fabric was broken by a white train that stemmed from the back and draped down the length of the dress. The soft satin flowed beautifully under her fingers, and a burst of delight rose in the Princess. A small note was sitting on the bed.
To make up for earlier. Have fun tonight.
Unsigned, though Natalia was sure of who it was from. Peony certainly knew how to be a gentleman when he tried. What spiked her curiosity even further, was the reason behind tonight's events. Why was Peony going through so much effort to set everything up in Keterburg for them? What purpose did it serve him?
Regardless of his reasons, Natalia was deeply grateful for his actions. After all that had happened, after all the mistakes she had made, and with the world at stake, tensions among them were running unusually high. His intervention couldn't have come at a better time, and somehow, Natalia felt he knew that. Being a world leader he would certainly have an idea of everything that had been going on.
So for whatever purpose Peony had in mind, she, at the very least, would indulge him a little.
--
The knock was soft at first, so much so that Luke thought it was his imagination. But as he finished tightening the last belt, the knock came again. Who? Shouldn't everyone be busy getting ready? If the others had half the belts his outfit did, they should sill be getting dressed.
"Come in, it's open," Luke called as he strapped his sword to his side.
"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
"Natalia," Luke smiled when the Princess walked in. "You look really pretty in that dress."
"Thank you." Natalia blushed a bit. "You look rather dashing as well. Really, you ought to dress up more at home."
Luke laughed weakly. "This isn't really my thing. It's not bad, but I couldn't imagine having to wear something like this everyday."
"Fair enough," Natalia conceded. "Do you need someone to help brush your hair?"
"You don't have to-"
"I don't mind at all," Natalia cut Luke off. "I'd really like to, if you'll let me."
"Sure," Luke shrugged. "There's a brush in my bag on the bed. I should warn you, it's probably a mess after the pool."
"All the more reason to have someone who can see what they're doing," Natalia argued.
"So what did you come here for?"
"What? You don't think I came just to comb your hair out properly?" Natalia teased.
"Sorry."
"No you're right. I guess I was just a bit nervous, that's all. It's the first time I've been to a party without some kind of escort."
"Wow, you and Asch really do go way back, don't you?"
"Every since we were children," Natalia replied softly, running her fingers through Luke's hair as she combed it out. "Probably since before we were even born… or I guess, before I was ever adopted."
"Natalia, did you ever meet your birth parents? Like did Van tell you who they were or anything when he told you you were adopted?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"Well I was thinking about it the other day," Luke explained. "I was trying to figure out how Master Van could have found out your secret. Didn't your Nana say only a couple of people knew?"
"That's true I suppose," Natalia contemplated as she moved around the side of Luke's head. The redhead was doing an amazing job of keeping still, even though she knew she didn't have the gentlest hands when it came to these things. "I guess I never really gave it much thought. So much was going on around then…"
"You don't suppose it's one of the God-Generals, do you?" Luke asked with a laugh.
Natalia was silent. The possibility was there…
"I was kidding, Natalia. Besides, Legretta really doesn't seem like the mother type."
"Why Legretta?" Natalia asked in outrage.
"Well she looks the most like you, and really if you think about it, she's the only choice. Sync, Arietta and Cantabile are all way too young. Wait- You don't think it's Dist do you?"
"You're not being funny!" Natalia smacked Luke in the head with the brush while the young noble reduced himself to stitches at the thought of Dist as a parent.
"He'd probably lose it in one of those machines of his!" Luke was still laughing. Natalia began to laugh in spite of herself.
The thought of Dist tearing apart a machine looking for a baby, or even doing anything remotely related to caring for a child was amusing to say the least. "Now seriously," Natalia managed through her giggling. "Hold still so I can finish."
Silence settled over the room again.
"I think you should try and make up with Asch," Luke suggested, returning to the underlying issue.
"Why- why do you say that all of a sudden?"
"Things aren't going to get easier later. We all know it; you feel it too don't you? This is it, we're getting down to the end, and Master Van isn't going to just sit back and watch. Now's the time to tell him how you feel before things get stressful again, and before something happens. Live so you'll have no regrets."
"For a seven year old, you say some pretty mature things," Natalia replied.
"I try," Luke smirked.
"It's easy enough to say such things but… I don't even know where to start."
"Ask him to dance."
"And if he refuses?"
"Then you come get me and we'll tag team him."
Natalia couldn't help but giggle at the thought of her and Luke wrestling Asch on to the dance floor. How was it Luke could so easily appease her concerns? All the butterflies in her stomach were gone.
"There, finished," Natalia declared, quickly running the brush through Luke's hair one last time. "You're still not presentable, but it's as good as you're going to get."
"Look who's being funny now," Luke shot back.
"What can I say, I try."
"Hey Luke!" Anise's voice came from the other side of the door. "Come on, you're going to be late! Who's in there with you?"
"Natalia," Luke answered. "And we're coming, just give us a minute!"
"Oh I get it," Anise said in a sing-song tone. "Well you two love birds take all the time you need. Natalia, be sure Asch isn't late now! I still have to go get Luke!"
Natalia looked at Luke questioningly.
"No, we're not," Luke pre-empted the question. "It's probably because we're alone in here together that Anise is assuming Asch and I switched. I'd like to be there when she goes to get Asch though."
"Really?" Natalia looked into the redhead's emerald eyes. They looked so much alike. It hurt her to know that she had no way of knowing for sure it was truly one of them or the other. Well… there was one way.
"N-Natalia, please don't," Luke stuttered when the Princess took him in her arms, slowly leaning in. "I'm really not Asch," Luke turned his face away.
Natalia placed a small peck on Luke's cheek. "I know," she said, smiling as Luke turned bright red. "Thank you for everything, I'll think about what you said. See you in the ballroom." Natalia closed the door quietly behind her as she left.
Luke held his hand over the cheek where Natalia had kissed him. He had never been kissed by a girl before. Granted Natalia was family and it didn't actually count any more than a kiss from his mother would, he was still flustered.
Luke took a deep breath and found himself staring out the window into the night. Snow was gently falling, glittering in the moonlight that had found a hole in the clouds. Everything seemed so quiet. The calm before the storm? If the first half of their night was any indication, it just might be. But it was those kinds of storms Luke liked to throw himself into full force. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with the people he cared about.
'Hey Luke,' Asch's voice came across their connection, betraying a hint of confusion.
'What's up?'
'Why did Anise think I was you?'
Luke burst out laughing. Tonight would definitely be one to remember.
'That's a bit of a long story.'
--
Music was already playing when Asch opened the doors into the grand ballroom. Violins and cellos serenaded the eight people who stood, with varying levels of confusion on the marble floor. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling giving the room a soft glow. Outside the giant glass windows, snow gently fell under the room's watchful gaze and warming light. Around the boundaries of the dance floor, several tables were set up with a variety of drinks and food ranging from meats and vegetables to an assortment of snacks and cakes.
"So glad you decided to come," an all too familiar voice erupted from behind them.
"So it was you," Natalia smiled at the Malkuth monarch.
"Your Majesty," Jade said with as much politeness as he could muster through varying levels of frustration. Peony had always enjoyed dragging others into his affairs. He'd irresponsibly done so for as long as the Colonel could remember knowing him, and Jade had always done his best to tolerate it. Why he decided to put up with such behaviour had always been a bit of a mystery, even to Jade himself, but at the time it was something that seemed necessary to do. This time however, it was not. There were other places for all of them to be and responsibilities to tend to. Peony's decision to temporarily abandon the throne during war times may be his own, but he had no right to be putting their mission on the line for his foolish games. "What are you doing here?"
"Lighten up a bit Jade; you're going to put an awful damper on things at this rate," Peony patted Jade on the back. "How long has it been since of all us were together, much less here in Keterburg? I think it merits a bit of a celebration!"
"All of you?" Luke inquired curiously.
"That's right, this old bugger over here and I used to live up here back in the day. Keterburg wasn't the same by the time we were done with it!"
"I believe that was all Your Majesty's doing," Jade calmly pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose.
"Well whatever," Peony shrugged. "You're still enjoying being the kill-joy, I see."
"Man, you got that right," Anise muttered under her breath.
"While I'm not as opposed to having some fun," Asch commented. "I'm still a little in the dark here. Your so-called 'invitation' sounded like you had something urgent to say."
"Oh that. Sorry about the whole 'threatening letter' thing, but I knew Jade would never so much as think of showing up if there wasn't at least something for him to confirm or figure out."
Asch smirked as Jade did his utmost to hide the frustrated sigh that escaped him. Peony had played him like the instruments that still lured sound into their midst. "You still haven't explained why you came," Asch pointed out.
"Oh, I have my reasons," Peony gave the redhead a wink. A knock came on the giant wooden doors, and if possible, Peony's grin grew even wider. The blond monarch made his way over to the door and opened it letting in a young woman.
Of course, Asch rolled his eyes. He should have expected as much from the flirt. Though he couldn't help but be curious as to who the woman Peony had invited was. It wasn't until Luke said something that he noticed.
"Nephry!" The younger redhead exclaimed in surprise. Nephry looked completely different than when they'd seen her a few days ago. The dress she wore was much more flattering than the suit she'd had on and if not for the colours that danced around the bottom, it would have been reminiscent of a wedding dress. Her golden brown hair was pulled back into a bun from which several curls flowed. A golden chain was hanging around her neck, and from the way she fingered it, Luke guessed it was probably a gift from the man who held her arm. "It's a surprise to see you here."
"I'm surprised to be here myself," Nephry confessed. "I didn't intend to come."
"Well I'm glad you did," Peony replied, wearing a victorious grin of sorts.
Jade was simply shaking his head. Peony in Keterburg, he should have known this would involve Nephry in some way. It certainly explained why he'd gone to such drastic lengths to arrange the evening. If anything, the rest of them were probably there to keep things from getting awkward between the two of them.
"We're not late, are we?" A head of silver hair ducked in the door followed by his sister.
"Ginji, Noelle!" Guy said in surprise. Both pilots were dressed up and looked amazing. Most of the time the two of them were covered in oil or engine grease, and yet, they both looked completely comfortable in their formal wear.
"Hi guys," Noelle called. "We ran into Emperor Peony in the port when he arrived so he invited us to come along."
"Master!" A ball of blue fluff flew from Noelle's arms and landed in Luke's.
"Hey there, Mieu. How were things on the Albiore while we were gone?"
"They were really good! I listened to Master and helped Ginji out all the time!" Luke met eyes with the pilot's who smiled nervously indicating things didn't go quite as smoothly as the cheagle indicated. Somehow, Luke figured that Mieu's 'assistance' was a large part of the problem.
"Well then, Nephry," Peony spoke up as the small orchestra changed songs. "May I have this dance?" Nephry took the monarch's hand and he pulled her out onto the dance floor. Ginji turned to his sister and made the same offer.
"Well," Anise shrugged with a bit too much cheer for attempting to sound disappointed. "Looks like we're stuck here all night; might as well make the most of it."
"Indeed," Jade replied. This was a horrendous waste of time, but unfortunately Anise was correct. Peony had trapped them there, and it was going to be a long term of imprisonment.
--
Tear stood on the edge of the dance floor watching the activity before her. Her blue and golden dress swayed as the various couple passed by with unusual grace. The music was soft and flowed beautifully among the dancers, putting her heart at ease. She had always loved music, but so seldom had the chance to truly enjoy it.
"How are you feeling?" Guy took a place beside the melodist.
"Fine, much better than before," Tear admitted.
"Well then why aren't you dancing? Even Anise and Ion are making a go of it." The blond chuckled at the awkward pair trying to navigate their way around their more experienced counterparts.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Y-You know why I can't dance!" Guy managed. Tear chuckled. Her gaze shifted across the room where Nephry and Jade were deep in conversation.
"I'm glad Nephry got the chance to talk with the Colonel."
"Yeah," Guy agreed. "She seemed pretty worried about him. You know, they seem like such unusual siblings."
"And yet they're surprisingly functional," Peony cut into their conversation.
"That doesn't surprise me either," Guy confessed. "It's hard to picture Jade as part of anything dysfunctional. Well, except lately," Guy muttered let last part under his breath.
"Is he being a stick in the mud?" Peony asked.
"Well that's one way of putting it. He's always been the one to keep us organized, but lately it's just been ridiculous."
"He's just starting to feel the stress of everything that's all," Peony explained. "I don't think it's physically possible for Jade to stress out, so he just gets that way. He's never been one to do something halfway. As soon as he gets involved, everything becomes his responsibility."
"That might explain why he's been so uptight since we left him in Sheridan," Guy realized. "He's probably been worried about how all the projects are coming along. Not to mention the fate of the Outer Lands."
"Yeah, that sounds like our Jade." Peony grinned. "He's just the type that needs someone to force him to stop and take a breather every once and awhile."
"I guess that makes sense," Tear agreed as Nephry said something that made Jade smile. He resisted it every step of the way, but he was enjoying himself as much as the rest of them.
"Well then," Peony offered his hand to the melodist. "May I have this dance?"
"Thank you, but I'll have to decline."
"Come on now, you're far too beautiful to just be a wall flower."
Tear shook her head, her cheeks turning a pinkish hue.
"I'll take you up on that offer," Noelle stepped in. Tear sent her a grateful smile as the blonde led the monarch onto the dance floor.
"You can't dance, can you?" Guy guessed. Tear's face turned bright red, betraying the melodist's answer. Tear looked back out at the dancers. Across the floor, Asch and Natalia were dancing; the young couple were easily the most beautiful dancers she had ever seen. They seemed to effortlessly float across the floor with unparalleled grace.
"Don't compare yourself to them," Guy commented noticing the melodist's blue eyes following Asch and Natalia around. "They've been dancing together since they were old enough to walk."
"They're still amazing; I would never be able to dance like that."
"If you want, I can teach you," Luke's voice came from behind Tear. The melodist spun around to find the redhead smiling at her.
"I don't think I'd be able to-"
"How do you know you can't unless you try?" Guy protested.
"We don't have to go out on the floor," Luke added. "We can just practice off to the side. Come on, it'll be fun." Luke extended his hand.
"Okay…" Tear accepted his gesture. "But just for a little bit."
Luke led the melodist off to the side just as he had promised. As they walked along, Asch and Natalia danced by, putting another smile on Luke's face. He was so glad to see the two of them together again. Maybe not back to normal, but definitely a step in the right direction. Deep down, he knew Asch had missed Natalia as much, or perhaps even more so than the Princess did the same. They were both just too stubborn to realize it.
Tear took a deep breath trying to suppress the butterflies in her stomach. Luke gently took her hand and showed her how to stand. He was very patient with her and for all that she knew she was making a fool of herself, it was fun. Luke's smile reassured her and before she knew it they were slowly moving along.
"I didn't know you could dance," Tear commented, daring to take her eyes off her feet for a second to meet Luke's soft emerald eyes.
"I may only be seven, but I'm still a noble. It sort of comes with the territory."
Tear laughed. It was surprising to see just how skewed her perceptions had become. Here she had promised to get to know Luke, and yet she had spent the last month trying to fit him into her pathetic little prejudices about replicas. She hadn't learned a thing. Before her was a warm and surprisingly mature young man, and she didn't even know where he'd come from.
--
"Wow, those two look like they're having fun," Anise commented watching Luke and Tear in the corner. It looked like they'd moved on from the waltz and Luke was trying to show her the fox trot. Tear didn't look like she was doing quite as well with the more complex footwork.
"Indeed," Jade commented. The Colonel's eyes moved from them, to Asch and Natalia still out on the floor. Nephry was dancing with Ginji and Ion was watching them while enjoying a glass of water across the room. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves for the time being.
"Hey Colonel," Anise piped up.
"Yes, what is it former Fon Master Guardian?"
Anise shot Jade a dirty look before turning away again. "Come dance this next dance with me."
"I don't have a secret stash of money like Guy does."
"Oh come on, that has nothing to do with it. I've been watching you all night, you haven't danced once. I only want one dance."
"I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully decline."
"Well, if you're not going to dance with me, at least dance with your sister or something. It would be a shame to waste the chance."
"Oh but once you get to be my age, dancing is so hard on your old bones," Jade placed a hand on his back in mock pain.
"Colonel… do you know how to dance?" Anise asked, a mischievous grin working it way onto her face. Jade coughed indignantly.
"Hey there you two," Peony sat down in a nearby chair. Noelle had snatched the Fon Master and the two of them were dancing across the room.
"Hey… Peony?" Anise sang in a nonchalant manner as she approached the blond monarch.
"Oh Anise," Jade interrupted. "I have a mission for you."
"Just a second, I have something I wanna ask Peony," Anise chirped with an evil gleam in her eyes.
"I'll give you 500 gald if you can get Guy to dance a full dance with you."
Anise's eyes lit up. "Oh Guy!" He sang tauntingly as she skipped off.
"Well that got rid of her pretty effectively," Peony slyly commented.
"Money usually does, I only wish the same tactic worked against you."
"Hey, that's pretty mean after I went through all this trouble."
"Your Majesty," Jade adjusted his glasses. "What are you doing here? Your country is currently at war; the state of affairs in the world is hardly stable. It is scarcely the time to be leaving the throne."
Peony sighed and a hint of laughter escaped his lips. "You never change, do you?"
"I don't see how that relates to the matter at hand," Jade answered sternly.
"It has everything to do with the matter at hand," Peony pointed out. "No matter how important someone seems, no matter how crucial their task is, everyone has to take to take a break every now and then. No one can run on full forever, a break helps clear the mind."
"Even so, what of the affairs in Grand Chokmah? I can't imagine you got the council members approval."
"I left a message. Besides, from what you've told me, there really isn't a war between Kimlasca and Malkuth. Neither of us plans to continue hostilities, we've just yet to formally make peace. The council members know what to do in the case of an emergency, it's not like I left when they needed me for anything other than day to day stuff."
"It doesn't change the fact that you're being irresponsible," Jade pointed out.
"Maybe, but if being responsible means driving these kids into the ground until they're past their breaking point, then I'll live with it."
Jade smiled in defeat. "You certainly are ruthless."
"Hey Your Majesty!" Luke called as he and Tear made their way over. Over by the windows, the musicians finished their final song, and soon everyone had gathered around.
"Thank you so much for everything!" The young redhead said enthusiastically, Tear's arm still around his own. "It must have been a lot of trouble to go through just for us!"
"See Jade, that's what we call some appreciation!" Peony said with a wide grin.
"Jade probably would have appreciated it a little more if he had a different bathing suit," Asch commented slyly.
"You got him to wear it?!" Peony nearly jumped out of his chair in excitement. Both redheads nodded simultaneously with matching grins. "Oh, I wish I could have been there to see it! I guess my imagination will just have to do."
"Your Majesty," Jade spoke up. "Please stop imagining me with less clothing on."
"Eww, Jade! You don't have to put it like that!" The monarch protested. Everyone laughed.
"Actually, Emperor Peony," Natalia began. "While you're here, there are a few matters between our countries that we'd like to discuss."
"See Jade," Peony elbowed the man on his right. "Who said I wasn't working?"
"I'm sorry," Natalia replied.
"No, it's alright. There's a fair few things to settle, aren't there?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"From our understanding, neither country wants war," Asch picked up. "On behalf of His Highness, King Ingobert, I'd like to propose a peace treaty between our two countries, to end such senseless war. At the same time, I think it would be a good idea to discuss anything necessary for when the lands will be lowered."
"A good idea," Peony agreed. "But you realize this can't happen here, right?"
"I do realize that," Asch acknowledged Peony's concerns. A true peace treaty would have to be conducted between both official rulers, and after being passed by their respective councils. "However, because of other responsibilities we can't help mediate the process."
"That's fine," Peony laughed. "Believe it or not, we were able to get things accomplished before you guys came along. Not that it seemed that way with the pointless hostilities all over the place, but it happened. I'll work on arranging it. Finding a mediator could be difficult though."
"How about my grandfather, Teodoro?" Tear suggested. "He's the mayor of Yulia City. Not only could he act as a mediator, but he could provide information about living the Qliphoth."
"That's a great idea Tear, but how is Teodoro going to mediate a meeting from Yulia City? He doesn't seem the type to be able to travel Yulia Road all that well," Anise pointed out.
"I can bring people where they need to go," Noelle offered. "You don't still need both Albiores do you?"
"No, that's a good idea," Asch agreed. "Looks like Ginji is stuck with us."
"What a terrible fate to have forced upon me," Ginji rolled his eyes.
"Actually…" Peony pondered. "Noelle, would you mind shuffling people the other way around? Yulia City might not be a bad place to hold the meeting, especially since Daath doesn't seem too stable at the moment."
"I do apologize for that," Ion bowed.
"You don't have to apologize Ion!" Anise protested. "It's not your fault the Commandant and Mohs are lunatics!"
"Well Ingobert will have to agree to it first. I can't make any promises on how all this will turn out," Peony reminded them. "But I'll do my best. I think we've all had just about enough of this war."
"Agreed," Asch nodded.
"I don't mind bringing you where you need to go," Noelle replied. "I'll have to head back to Sheridan for supplies but I'll head to Grand Chokmah as soon as I'm done."
"We'll be returning to Sheridan as well," Jade provided.
"Yeah, we should see how Iemon and the others are doing," Asch agreed.
"Thank you so much for your efforts," Natalia said with a bow.
"Oh don't worry about it," Peony said with a mischievous wink. "I'd do anything for you." His gaze landed a foot south of Natalia's face.
A dinner roll hit Peony in the back of the head.
'You do realize you may just have sparked international conflict, right?' Luke taunted.
'On what basis?'
'Harassment of enemy royalty with bread.'
Asch laughed. 'See if I care.'
--
"Oh come on, don't give me that crap. You've had three days to get ready. There's no excuse for being this far behind schedule!" The violet haired God-General's voice echoed in the empty chapel. The captain before her cringed at his superior's displeasure; Cantabile may be the most laid back and easiest of the God-Generals to work for, but her temperament, and more specifically her temper, were to be feared. "Now!" she continued. "You're going to have everything done so we can depart tomorrow or so help me Yulia I will knock you into next week."
"Ma'am!" The captain scurried off.
"How are things coming along, Cantabile?" Van asked, the woman's captain flying by him as if hell itself had just been loosed.
"They're worse than useless!" She protested. "Honestly, you'd never know they were my men!" Van chuckled. It was common knowledge Cantabile's squad was the most lax of the six divisions.
"How about you?"
"I told you to stop worrying about me," Cantabile shot back. "I've been good as new for almost a week now. I'll be fine; you've got much more important things to worry about."
"How about the other divisions?"
"They're ready as far as I can tell, but you'd have to ask her." Cantabile purposefully added a touch of spite to the last word. "I still don't see why she has to come," Cantabile mumbled.
"It's not like you to be so foolish," Van commented.
"Hey!" Cantabile protested. "Who's being foolish?"
"Legretta's squad is suited to the task at hand, and is the only one currently able to assemble in time. Don't let your personal feelings get in the way."
"Yes, sir."
Van let out a heavy sigh. Asch and his band of fools were beginning to grow cumbersome. Their fooling around was tolerable at first but it had reached a point where enough was enough. He couldn't allow them to interfere any longer. This wasn't some game and the future was at stake.
He had tolerated such irrational behaviour long enough; it was beyond the time when he could just sit back and leave things to others. Now it was time for him to do something about it.
