A/N: Thanks for all the reviews! And thanks to Doveflight for reviewing about 20 times on the chapters so far and taking up almost an entire page to herself. xD Awesome.

Once again I got an idea in this from the livejournal taleslations site.

I lost an entire section of this chapter because my computer chose a really bad time to restart and update without warning me. Or I was too in the zone to notice it warning me, either way, it pissed me off because I had to rewrite the entire part. -_- The original version I had of it probably would have been better. Oh well.

Enjoy the chapter! Feel free to drop a review at the end. :)


Chapter 52: Together Again

She had never felt so small and insignificant in her life, and the large buildings and the many levels of the city of light towering high into the sky above did nothing to help that feeling.

Anise was worried about what was going on in Daath. What was Mohs doing while they were running around Auldrant and Ion was left all alone? Back home all she could really do was hope Dist was unable to break out and save Mohs, but unfortunately, every thing had seemed to work out. Now all she could do was hope her letter wouldn't make it to Mohs.

She felt bad about lying to everyone, though her feelings on that matter barely scratched the surface on how she felt about lying to poor Ion. She wished that they weren't always so trusting. At least the colonel seemed to pick up on her acting suspicious, but the rest of them were clueless as far as Anise could tell. She wished she could just tell them what was going to happen to Ion, but what would happen to her parents if she did?

Anise tried to keep her mind off of things by talking with the others, but that only helped for so long. Alex was still acting a bit snappy at times, though she seemed to be almost back to the way she was before the group went their separate ways after the Absorption Gate. It made Anise wonder just what kind of things the Colonel had her doing in St. Binah that could cause so much stress.

Or maybe her frustrations had more to do with her being back in Baticul for the first time. That made more sense.

Anise had heard Luke had most of her things sent to Grand Chokmah so she could avoid having to return to the manor, so Anise could only imagine what Alex could be feeling having to go back. At least she hopefully wouldn't have to set foot in the manor.

It was already getting dark by the time they reached Baticul, so they headed straight for the castle. Of course that meant taking several different air carts and lifts to get to the highest level of the city, so it was still taking them a while to get to their destination.

One of the lifts they opted to take was too small to hold the entire group, so the men went ahead while the girls waited for the lift to return.

Tear and Alex were both oddly silent as they waited, but Anise had too much on her mind to really care. They were all exhausted from the days events, anyway, they probably didn't have anything as serious to worry about as she did.

"So what were you reporting to Ion in your letter?" Alex asked suddenly, most likely to break the awkward silence around them.

"Oh, that?" Anise replied with a noncommittal shrug, "I just made a report on the attacks and Frings and all that."

Tear nodded, "Yes, Ion knew Frings as well. His death would be hard on him as well."

"Y-yeah," Anise agreed, staring at her feet. She suddenly wished she had sent a letter to Ion at least explaining that.

The lift finally reappeared moments later, and the three girls took no time in moving toward it.

As Tear and Alex walked onto the lift and waited for her to join them, Anise stopped in her tracks, "Um... Tear, Alex?... What would you think if..."

Anise noticed the girls in front of her share a look before turning back to her, waiting for her to continue. What was Anise thinking? She couldn't tell anyone, her parents could get hurt!

"Never mind!" Anise said, putting on her best fake smile. Tear and Alex looked very confused at the sudden change in demeanor, and watched in silence as Anise skipped onto the lift and pressed the button to start it up. She began to hum a random tune as the lift clanked and whirred into motion, trying to ignore the strange looks she was receiving from the other two girls.

"Anise..."

The younger girl stopped her humming and turned to face Alex, who was giving her a look that said she knew something was up. Tear had a similar look in her eye.

Alex sighed, "I think, if you know something's going to happen...and you have the power to stop it, then you should at least try to prevent it from happening."

Anise stared at her feet as Alex and Tear continued to stare at her, there was no way Alex could have figured it out, was there? No, if they had figured it out, they would already be trying to save Ion. Anise had been acting pretty suspicious, all they must have known is that something was up.

"Is there something you want to tell us, Anise?" Tear asked, the eye not hidden by her bangs showing concern.

Anise looked away from the two older girls again, "N-no... It's nothing..."

"If you're sure..." Alex shrugged as the lift came to a stop on the top level of the city and they spotted the boys standing by the small pond in front of the castle, "We'll drop it for now, the other's are probably waiting for us. Let's keep moving."

They were all too tired to really say anything to each other as they rejoined and kept moving toward the castle, but Anise did notice Alex whispering something to Jade, who nodded and quietly replied, and figured it had to be about her. Even while trying to ignore them, she could practically feel his red eyes on her.

She knew she wished that they would be more suspicious of her for Ion's sake, but whenever they did start watching her more closely, it annoyed her.

"I hope Natalia's back," Luke said as they stopped in front of the great doors of the castle, "We could really use her help."

"Did you call me?"

"Wha-?" Luke spun on the spot, and the others did the same, albeit more calmly. They were faced with Natalia herself, looking even more exhausted than they were. "What are you doing here?"

"She does live here," Alex deadpanned, and Luke glared at her in response.

"I just returned from Chesedonia," Natalia signaled for the soldiers accompanying her to leave before approaching them, fixing a glare on the Colonel, "Actually, I was just wanting to have a word with you."

The second she reached the Colonel she reached out and grabbed him forcefully by the collar. He barely blinked in surprise as he was forced to lean over to accommodate for the difference in their heights.

"My, my!"

"As unconcerned as ever, I see!" Natalia said, still glaring, "Perhaps you can explain to me just what's going on. The Kingdom of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear has taken no military action against the Malkuth Imperial Forces!"

"Ah, that's what I thought."

Natalia gave a derisive laugh, "'Ah, that's what I thought'?! Do you not have anything more on the matter to say?! Everyone in Chesedonia stared at me like I was a demon! It was insulting! My soldiers and I had to leave the city to avoid causing riots by the townspeople. Please tell me this wasn't all just some show of Malkuth force?"

"That's what we've come to talk about, Natalia," Luke said, carefully pulling her arms away from the colonel."Could you get us an unofficial audience with His Majesty?"

Natalia took a deep breath to calm herself before nodding, "Certainly. Let's discuss the details in Father's room."

Everyone nodded and followed her into the castle and through the hallways leading to King Ingobert's chambers, all too tired to talk or give Natalia a proper greeting. Even the Colonel seemed to be too tired to give a sarcastic remark on Natalia's behavior mere moments before. They all just wanted to get the audience over with so they could get some well-deserved rest.

After entering Ingobert's chambers and allowing Natalia to explain to him why they were all there to speak to him, Jade had Guy make quick work of explaining everything that had happened from the attacks on Chesedonia and St. Binah, to General Frings' death. Natalia and Ingobert both listened quietly at the head of his meeting table as Guy was explaining.

"I see," Natalia sighed once he was finished explaining, "So that's what happened."

"I have issued no orders to attack Malkuth," Ingobert explained.

"Indeed," Natalia agreed, "My country is innocent."

"Then who was it that attacked General Frings?" Guy asked.

"He said the eyes of the unidentified soldiers were like those of the dead," the Colonel sighed, hands in his pockets, "That concerns me."

Anise knew he had already figured out the soldiers were replicas, but did he know their origins and purpose? She decided not to say anything on the matter while everyone else talked about it.

"Does that mean something to you?" Luke asked.

The Colonel adjusted his glasses, "Similar cases have appeared in connection with fomicry experiments. With the God-Generals involved, it's possible that they have created replica soldiers."

"Replicas," Luke sighed, staring at his feet, "The same as me..."

Except they weren't, really. Anise had been around a couple of them after their creation and knew that they were basically just dolls; puppets made to do Mohs' bidding. They didn't have normal thoughts or feelings the way Luke did.

"This is an outrage!" Ingobert shouted, pounding his fist on the table, "What could they gain from impersonating my kingdom?"

"Perhaps they're trying to cause a war between Kimlasca and Malkuth," Tear suggested, her finger on her chin in thought.

"That's no different than Mohs."

"That's right... Dist took Mohs away," Guy agreed.

"If he's involved, he's probably trying to put the Score back on track by starting a war between the two countries," Alex said, looking disgusted by the thought of it. After her outburst earlier that day regarding her thoughts on the Score, it was no surprise to anyone that she wouldn't be impressed by such an idea, "Guess the peace treaty must have made it pretty impossible to convince King Ingobert or Emperor Peony to attack each other and start a war, he had to create replicas to do it for them."

And just like that, they'd figured it out. If only they could be that quick about everything.

Natalia turned to Ingobert, "Father, please allow me to go to Daath."

"Why Daath?" Ingobert asked as Anise's head shot up at Natalia's words. They couldn't go to Daath. If they did, she would have to...

"After our journey, I spent a long time thinking about the Score," Natalia explained, "The world has veered from the Score, yet countless people are still attached to it. They don't know how to live without it."

"It's scary not having it," Anise said as Alex rolled her eyes.

Natalia nodded before continuing, "I believe it would be best to hold a summit regarding what to do about the Score. Whether this incident was Mohs' work or not, we cannot allow any further foolish action in the name of the Score. And to do that, we need the cooperation of the Fon Master."

"That's not a bad idea," the Colonel admitted thoughtfully.

"Yeah," Luke agreed, "We have no clue where Asch went, and we don't know where Mohs is, either..."

King Ingobert thought for a moment, "Then I shall permit your departure, Natalia."

"Thank you, Father!"

"So we're going to Daath..." Anise said dejectedly. How could she change their minds on this?

"I think it's a good idea," Tear told her, "We need to tell them that my brother is possibly alive as well."

"I told them that in my letter!" Anise replied, hoping she could somehow get them to change their minds, "So let's pass, okay?"

Everyone gave her strange looks, and she felt those familiar red eyes watching her closely again before Luke spoke up, "What's the matter? You don't wanna go home?"

Anise hesitated, not knowing how she could say it, "No, it's not that-"

"Then let's go to Daath," Luke said, not letting Anise finish. Before she could try to speak up again, King Ingobert spoke and the conversation was suddenly on a completely different topic.

"Now that that's settled," Ingobert stood from his seat, "I insist you all spend the night here. You must be exhausted," he turned to look at Alex, "Would you be comfortable staying here in the castle, or shall I arrange for a room in the hotel?"

Alex looked slightly taken aback by the question, "Oh, um... Thank you for the offer, Your Majesty, but I don't want to be a burden. I'll stay here with everyone else."

"Are you sure?" Luke asked.

She nodded, "Yeah, let's just please not make this a big deal."

"Well, if you change your mind, don't hesitate to tell Natalia or myself," Ingobert told her, "We'll make the arrangements at once."

"I'm sure at least one of us would be willing to join you in the hotel," Jade added as Natalia and Luke led the way out of Ingobert's chambers. He spared a glance at Guy, who glared back at him.

"I'll just head to the manor, then," Luke said in an attempt to change the subject, "See you guys tomorrow."

"Wait up, I'll go with you," Guy told him, "Might as well visit Pere while I'm around."

"Do you mind if I tag along?" Alex asked, much to everyone's surprise.

"Really?" Guy asked while everyone turned to look at her.

"Yeah," Alex took a deep breath, "I think it might be good for me. I might be able to get some closure and, you know, put my past behind me."

Guy looked closely at her for a few moments, "Okay, if you're sure. We'll see you guys in the morning, then."

Natalia nodded, "All right. I'll show everyone else to the castle's guest rooms and send someone to escort Noelle here. Please get some rest, you three."

"Will do."

...

She wasn't entirely sure why she had decided to join Luke and Guy in the manor, and as they entered the familiar building, she quickly wished she hadn't asked to accompany them.

She was overwhelmed with feelings of nostalgia, and it almost made her sick to her stomach. She tried to convince herself that this experience would help her get over her past and move on as she looked around the entrance hall.

The place looked exactly the same as it always had, even the same group of maids stood on either side of the doorway to welcome them into the building. Ramdas even stood next to the door leading to the drawing room, as he usually did. Not much had changed since she'd last been there.

But so much had changed...

"You all right?"

She turned to see both Guy and Luke looking at her closely, as if waiting for her to freak out.

"Yeah," she replied, trying to smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's just find Pere, okay?"

"My, how you've grown."

The sudden voice startled Alex, and she turned to find herself facing Suzanne, who had just left the drawing room.

The older woman was smiling a little sadly at her, and Alex couldn't help but feel awkward while greeting her. Suzanne made a comment about how different she looked since they'd last seen each other, and how much she seemed to have grown. Alex wasn't really listening, she wasn't sure of what to even say in the situation. The two boys stood behind her, looking as awkward and out of place as Alex felt.

Why in the hell did she choose to go with Luke and Guy?

Suzanne surprised her by asking her to accompany her in her quarters for tea, an offer she accepted, not knowing what else to say. She followed the woman she used to call 'Mother' out of the entrance hall, leaving Guy and Luke to their own devices.

She followed her through the drawing room and the adjacent hallway into the room she shared with the Duke, and found herself hoping against hope that he was out on business or with some other reason to be nowhere near the manor. She took the seat across from Suzanne at the small table in the corner of the room, and hardly a few moments later, Ramdas was in to serve tea.

Alex found herself avoiding looking at Suzanne by keeping her gaze steadily on the dark liquid in her cup.

"This must be hard for you," Suzanne finally said, and Alex forced herself to look up at her. She wore the same kind and almost comforting smile she always had, before it turned into a more serious look, "I am so sorry, for lying to you all those years."

Alex had to look away again, becoming suddenly fascinated by the floral design of the teapot in the center of the table. "You don't have to apologize."

"But I do," Suzanne pressed, "I knew full well your origins, and I kept them from you regardless. You had the right to know."

Alex wasn't sure what to even say anymore, it wasn't like she disagreed with her, but she didn't blame her either. Most of her anger was aimed at the Duke.

"I felt awful, lying to you. After a while I had convinced myself you truly were my daughter. I don't think I would have gone alone with what my husband suggested, I knew it would be cruel to raise you in our home after what happened. But even the Score had said it was for the best," the older woman continued, and Alex chose not to listen to the rest. She probably wouldn't know how to respond, anyway, without insulting the Score and the older woman's beliefs. She let Suzanne speak for a few minutes before deciding it was rude to ignore her when she was trying to make things right, and forced herself to pay attention to her words. "I know I may not have the right to say this, but part of me will always think of you as my daughter. Whether or not you choose to remain in my life would not change the fact that you are still someone I hold dear. I understand if you wouldn't, but I do hope you wouldn't be opposed to a friendly relationship. I understand if you wouldn't want to."

Alex realized it was her turn to say something, but she still didn't really know what she could say, "I... I need some time to think. Just being here is a little overwhelming, I doubt I can even stay in the castle tonight."

Suzanne nodded, she had probably been expecting this, "I understand. Take as much time as you need, just know you are always welcome here."

Alex nodded before standing up and bowing her head, "Thank you for the tea, but I should be going now."

She left the room quickly after excusing herself, and found that it was much easier to breath once she exited the hall into the courtyard. After finding a place to lean back with her head against a wall, she closed her eyes for a few moments. She should have just stayed in the castle with the others.

The sounds of the cicadas chirping, a sound that always used to annoy her, managed to calm her down a bit. Once she was feeling better, she opened her eyes and was greeted by yet another familiar sight: Pere tending to the gardens. She wondered if there was much need for him to be doing so at night, but shrugged it off. It was Pere, gardening was his life.

Alex smiled at the sight. Flowers could always relax her, no matter what was happening. While watching Pere, she thought back to all the times she had wanted to ask him to teach her how to garden.

She vaguely wondered if Guy had found him yet, as it was his reason for going to the manor in the first place. If he hadn't, she wondered why Guy wouldn't think to check the garden. It was almost a guarantee Pere could be found there, morning or night.

She pushed herself off the wall she had been leaning against and slowly walked over to him.

"You know, I always wanted to ask you if you could teach me how to tend to flowers?" Alex called over to the older man as she approached. He looked up from his gardening and watched as she walked over to him. He narrowed his eyes for a few second before-

"Miss Alexandra, is that you?" he asked, his eyes widening as he stood to bow out of habit, "I hardly recognized you."

Alex laughed, "Just call me Alex, okay? And no more bowing either. I'm not a noble, you know that."

They spoke for a few moments, and Pere said he would have happily taught her everything he knew about flowers if she wasn't so busy all the time. He was always happy to talk about flowers with someone.

"I remember teaching you once in Hod how to care for lilies. I remember Master Gailardia was particularly bored with us that day."

"That's funny. Lilies are actually my favorite, maybe that had something to do with it."

Pere smiled before turning to face the flower beds. There was a long pause before he spoke again, "Today is my last day tending to these gardens."

"You're leaving?"

He nodded, "Yes. I can no longer stay here now that His Grace knows my reasoning for accompanying Master Gailardia here."

"So he fired you," Alex frowned.

"I understand his reasoning for it. I'm a flight risk, so to speak. I have no hard feelings for it. I'm happy I had the chance to bring beauty to this courtyard, and I will leave with pride in knowing that."

There was another long pause before Pere spoke up once more.

"I have to thank you, as well."

"Me?" Alex asked, "What for?"

"You, and Master Luke as well, were enough of a reason for Master Gailardia not to go through with his revenge. I would have hated to see such a fine young man lose himself to hatred, no matter how justified he may have been."

"You don't have to thank us," Alex told him, "I don't think he would have gone through with it anyway. I don't think he would be able to kill so many innocent people for the sake of revenge, especially not after getting to know them all. And honestly, he only turned out so great because of how you raised him."

"I have grown to think of him as something of a grandson," Pere admitted, "I only wish I could have done something about his phobia. I'll have to leave that to you."

Alex coughed, she was glad it was dark out, or he would have noticed her red face. She decided to change the subject before he could go on.

"Maybe one day you can come to Grand Chokmah, and then I can take you up on your offer to teach me about flowers."

Pere smiled, "Perhaps one day I will, but for now I think I'll return to St. Binah. I lived there with Master Gailardia before coming here for a while, and I remember the city had such beautiful gardens. After falling into the Qliphoth, I would love to have the chance to return some of that beauty. It might help to give the residents good spirits in this time."

"It probably will," Alex admitted, "Do you know where Guy went? It's getting late, I should probably find him."

Pere suddenly wore a more serious look, "Yes, he told me he was heading back to the main entrance a little while before you came."

"I wonder if he left," Alex asked, more to herself than the older man, "Thanks, Pere. Maybe we'll see each other again soon."

"I hope your travels will find you well."

Speaking to Pere had managed to calm her nerves about being in the manor quite a bit, she realized as she reentered the manor and headed for the main entrance. Without the distraction, some of the anxiety was coming back. She was really ready to leave.

She opened the door to the main entrance and spotted Guy, who stood staring at a brilliant sword hanging from the pillar in the middle of the room. She was curious, she had seen him staring at that sword many times in the past. Clearly it meant something to him, and she had to wonder what.

His eyes were cloudy, and he didn't even notice her as she approached him.

"Guy?"

Guy jumped slightly when she said his name, but relaxed when he saw her standing beside him. His gaze slowly moved back to the brilliant sword on the pillar. "You know this sword has an interesting history?"

Alex turned to look at the sword as well, "Really?"

Guy paused, "Yeah... The Duke won it in a great battle. He brought it back with another token of his victory."

Alex wasn't sure she wanted to know what that token was, but she asked anyway, "And what was that?"

"His head," Guy said slowly before taking in a deep breath, "The commander of his enemy's head."

"Guy," Alex was pretty certain of what Guy was talking about, "Are you talking about the Hod War? Your father was the commander, right? This was his sword?"

Guy didn't respond to her questions, and avoided her gaze. Alex decided she didn't like seeing him like this. He was always so calm and cool, she often forgot he had problems of his own to deal with because of how he always put others before himself.

Thinking about it, he must have gotten pretty good at acting, it would be strange if he was actually as happy as he seemed working and living in the manor all those years. He did originally enter the manor for revenge, after all.

"I'm sorry," Alex said quietly, she wasn't quite sure what else to say. When he turned his head to look at her, she saw that he looked confused, as if wondering why she would be apologizing.

"I caught you looking at this sword once a few years ago and explained that the Duke won it and how happy I was that he did. I was so stupid back then," she sighed. Forgetting where they were, she reached out for his hand, "It must have been hard for you to see it here...and I just made it worse."

Guy smiled at her, "Nah, it wasn't like that at all. It's because this was here that I could keep going. And you didn't know, it's not like you were trying to get to me on purpose. It wasn't your fault. If I just told you from the beginning that-"

"Stop," Alex told him, she knew where he was heading with this, "You know you don't need to apologize about that anymore."

"Right," Guy scratched the back of his head with his free hand, "Sorry."

Alex groaned, "Didn't I just tell you to stop apologizing?"

"Well, yeah. But you told me to stop apologizing for not telling you you're from Hod. I wasn't apologizing for that."

"So now you're apologizing for apologizing?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow at him, "Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds?"

"Oh, come on," Guy laughed, "Give me a break."

Alex smiled, "Have you talked to Pere yet? I was talking with him in the garden a few minutes ago."

"Yeah, I have," Guy nodded, "It was nice to catch up with him. He even taught me a new arte."

"Really? So fast?"

Guy laughed, "Well, not really. Our way of sword is passed down by word of mouth, so he'd actually been teaching me it for a while. We just ran out of time before Luke disappeared with Tear, and everything just kept happening after that. Tonight he gave me the final instructions and had me put everything he told me before together during a duel."

"And you pulled it off?"

Guy smiled, "Yep. Shining light spear is mine to use now."

Alex leaned into him slightly, "Is it as cool as it sounds?"

"I don't know," Guy laughed, "Maybe."

Suddenly, they heard someone clear their throat behind them, and immediately froze before slowly turning to face him.

Luke stood before them with his arms crossed and an unimpressed look on his face, and only then did Alex remember that she and Guy were holding hands. "So... You guys aren't a couple, huh?"

Mieu, on the other hand, looked positively delighted at the discovery.

"Sorry, Luke," Guy said, nervously scratching the back of his head.

"We just weren't ready to tell yet," Alex explained, her face red as she let go of Guy's hand.

This apparently did nothing to help Luke's feelings on the matter, "You could have at least told me!"

"Well, you know now, so what's the difference?" Alex asked.

Luke opened his mouth to respond when they all noticed whispering and looked closely behind Luke where five maids stood in a tight group. Alex immediately recognized them as five of Guy's biggest fan girls in the manor, and knew this wasn't about to go anywhere good. Guy seemed to have the same thoughts, because he backed away a few paces as soon as they noticed the girls.

They were whispering just loud enough for them to hear.

"Did you see that?"

"He was holding her hand..."

"That must mean he's over his phobia!"

"Should we...?"

"Yes, I want to touch him, too!"

Before they even knew what was happening, Luke and Alex were pushed to the side as the five squealing girls surrounded Guy, who was looking very terrified with the situation. He attempted to get away from them, but to no avail. He only ended up being trapped against the pillar holding up his father's sword.

"So maybe not everything's changed," Alex thought out loud.

Luke laughed, "Come on, we should help him before he passes out."

"Just like old times," Alex rolled her eyes, "I'll get Ramdas. If I get involved in that it'll probably just push Guy over the edge."

Luke nodded before approaching the group of maids who were now all attempting to hug Guy, while the blonde in question was trying to push them all away. The scene looked very much the same when Alex returned with Ramdas a few moments later, with Luke hovering behind the girls, not sure what to do.

The second Ramdas cleared his throat, the squealing stopped, and the girls all turned to look at him. Once they noticed who it was, they all quickly moved away from Guy. Alex was constantly amazed by how much control Ramdas had over the maids, most of whom seemed to have very little in the way of brains from what she remembered.

"Might I inquire as to why you are all giving Young Master Luke's guests a hard time?" Ramdas asked, to which the girls bowed their heads in what looked like shame. When it became apparent that no one was going to answer, Ramdas continued, "Unless you wish for me to speak of this to His Grace, you will all get back to work at once."

"Yes, sir," the maids chorused before leaving the entrance hall one by one.

"Thanks, Ramdas," Luke said as a shaken Guy slid down the pillar that was currently supporting his weight. Ramdas simply bowed before following the maids into the adjacent hallway.

"So obviously you guys have a lot of work to do on the phobia," Luke continued once they were the only ones left in the room.

"I think anyone would be a little shaken after that," Alex pointed out.

Guy nodded stiffly from his seat on the floor, and Alex figured it would be best to keep her distance from him for the time being.

"I'm guessing you want me to keep your relationship a secret?"

"It would be appreciated, yes."

Luke shrugged, "All right. But when everyone knows, I don't want to see anything past hand holding from you guys. So no kissing."

Alex blushed as she agreed. It wasn't exactly like she was comfortable doing that sort of thing in public anyway.

Luke nodded and turned to Guy for his answer. He merely shrugged, "I can't make any promises."

Alex sighed, hoping he was just saying that to bug Luke. She was never really fond of the idea of public displays of affection. "Right, well I think I'm gonna head to the hotel before it gets too late."

"The hotel?" Luke asked, "I thought you were staying in the castle with the others."

"I don't think I can," Alex admitted, faking a small smile so they wouldn't be worried, "It's been hard enough just staying here for a couple hours."

"I'll go with you," Guy said while standing up. Most of the shock seemed to have worn off. "It's dark out, and the hotel isn't exactly close. The city's not really safe at night."

Alex had figured Guy would want to stay in the manor so he could catch up with Pere, but agreed to his offer all the same. She was too tired to argue with him about something so small.

After saying goodnight to Luke, they went to leave the manor, but a familiar man Alex was hoping to avoid entirely entered the room before they could.

"Alexandra..."

Alex determinedly met his eyes, "Your Grace."

If he felt uncomfortable by Alex's use of his title, he didn't show it, "Suzanne tells me you have chosen to stay in the hotel tonight. You both realize you are welcome to stay here or in the castle?"

Alex wanted to think Suzanne had put the words in his mouth, but he seemed serious. She liked to think it was Suzanne who made the original offer anyway, "Thank you for your hospitality, but I'd rather stay the night in the hotel."

"At least let us cover the cost of your room, then."

Again, Alex had the feeling that this was Suzanne's offer and not his. Even if it wasn't it wouldn't have exactly impressed her. Even the Duke would have to know covering the cost of a single hotel room as a sort of apology for everything would be more of an insult than anything else.

"That won't be necessary-"

"I insist," the Duke pressed, "There's little room for argument, the cost has already been covered."

Then why even ask? Alex was about to respond when Guy cut in.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace," he said, bowing in respect. Alex had to look away from him and suppress the urge to roll her eyes. The man hardly deserved any respect from them in her eyes, even if it wasn't sincere. It was all she could do not to call him 'Asshole' when speaking to him.

"Suzanne also wishes for me to tell you that you are welcome here any time," the Duke continued, and Alex chose not to look at him again. "I...would like to express the same. I would also like to...apologize for lying to you all those years."

"Please, don't," Alex told him. It was much easier for her to hate him if he didn't.

The Duke turned to Guy, "I witnessed your duel with Pere in the courtyard. I have to say, I was impressed by your skill."

Guy looked a little shocked about the compliment, and Alex thought the man was trying too hard to seem kind. It seemed a little out of character for him to be acting this way, and Alex didn't like it at all. She just wanted to leave and be away from him, then maybe the boiling anger in the pit of her stomach would dissipate. She was already looking anywhere in the room but directly at him to avoid lashing out.

"I'm sure you must resent an article of your father's being displayed in his killer's home."

Alex's eyes snapped in the direction of the Duke, who was now looking at Guy. Why would he even bring that up? Luke looked a bit confused by the words, as he had no idea what the man was talking about.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't."

"Father," Luke said, "What are you talking about?"

"This sword belonged to the late Count Zygmunt Bazin Gardios," Pere explained, catching everyone off guard. No one had heard him enter.

"Wait," Luke replied, "So this was Guy's father's sword?" Guy nodded, and Luke continued, "But wouldn't seeing it here be really hard for you."

"It was," Guy admitted, "But you taught me something important."

"Me?" Luke asked.

Guy nodded, "Yeah. You taught me that I can't stay shackled to my past."

"Luke taught you that?" the Duke asked.

Guy turned back to the Duke, "Yes. once Luke said something about the past he thought he had lost. 'You can't go forward if you keep looking back'. At the time, I thought what he said was irritating. But I decided to make a bet with him, anyway."

"A bet?" Luke asked.

Guy nodded again, "Yes. If the son of my father's killer, the man I hated more than anything, grew into someone who could make me feel loyalty to him, then maybe I'd lose my desire for revenge."

The duke thought for a moment, "Ah, I remember now. It wasn't too long after Luke returned form the kidnapping. He mentioned a bet you made with you on whether he could become an adult worthy of you pledging your sword."

"Right. And Luke won that bet."

"Then you believe Luke has matured into a person of such value?"

"I believe he's working hard to be one," Guy shrugged, "That's good enough for me. He made up his mind to change himself. If he can do it..."

"Then so can you..." the Duke finished thoughtfully, "I see. In that case, I would like you to take this sword, and with it, pledge eternal loyalty - no, eternal friendship to Luke."

Everyone was shocked, to say the least, by his words. Alex wasn't honestly sure whether she should be more shocked about him returning the sword, or about how cheesy he made the offer sound.

"Wha-" Luke was clearly still the most confused about what was happening, "Father!"

"This child has no father," he replied, "Not because he is a replica, but because I, his own father, tried to kill my own son in accordance with the Score. He cannot possibly call me his father. Unlike me, you looked after and cared for Luke. You are his brother, his father, and an irreplaceable friend."

As the Duke took the sword off the pillar and handed it to Guy, who accepted it gratefully, Luke cut in , his face starting to turn a bit red, "I'm not going through any weird loyalty ritual! We're fine the way we've always been, Guy!"

They both seemed to be ignoring everything Luke said, because Guy was soon kneeling before him anyway, much to the redhead's obvious discomfort. Alex wasn't quite sure what she was meant to do in this situation either, so she and Pere merely watched in awkward silence.

After the ritual, which was extremely short and awkward all around, the Duke spoke up again, "I'm happy knowing that sword will be put to use by its rightful owner, Guy. I'm sorry."

Even Alex had to admit it was a good apology, or a good start for one anyway. But despite the kindness, he was still responsible for killing Guy's parents.

"You would be a fool to ever fully forgive me for what I took from you," he said, and for once, Alex fully agreed.

Throughout the conversation, Alex started to sense real sincerity in his words, and was beginning to find it harder and harder to really loathe him. It didn't stop her from trying, though.

The Duke left the room once he was finished what he had to say. Luke was still looking quite awkward, and soon excused himself before going to bed. Both Guy and Pere looked really content now that the former was holding his father's sword in his hands.

"Congratulations, Guy," Alex said, not really knowing what else to say.

"Thanks," he replied with a bright smile.

"Will you two be leaving now?" Pere asked.

Alex looked over to Guy, wondering the same thing.

"Actually, I think I want to talk to Pere a bit more, if you want to hang out here a bit longer?"

Alex shook her head, "I'm pretty tired, I'll just go ahead. You stay and talk to Pere."

"Are you sure? The city's pretty big, and I know it better than you-"

"I'll be fine," Alex told him, "There are a lot of knights out on patrol around this time, right? I'll just ask one of them for directions if I lose my way."

Guy still seemed a little hesitant, but reluctantly agreed.

"Good," Alex forced a tired smile, "I'll see you in a little while, then."

Hardly a few minutes and a lift ride later, she was regretting yet another decision she had made in the past few hours.

Once she exited the lift into a street that probably would have been busy during the day, she realized she had absolutely no idea where the hell she even was, let alone where the hotel was. Which level was it on? Alex wanted to say the second one... Wait...which level was she on, again?

Damn, her sense of direction sucked. She probably should have at least asked Guy where it was before she left the manor.

Thank Yulia the fonon lanterns throughout the streets were there, or she'd be completely screwed.

"Lost?"

Alex jumped at the sudden voice and realized she had been standing in the same place, staring absently around the street for a few minutes. She turned to see a young man in a knight's uniform looking at her from across the street, only he wasn't wearing his helmet. She still couldn't make out his appearance from where she was standing, though.

"I've seen that look a thousand times since moving here," the knight said in a friendly voice as he made his way over to her, "You need help getting somewhere?"

Now that he was closer, she could make out russet brown eyes and messy brown hair. She couldn't help but think that the man was very attractive, but quickly banished the thought from her mind.

"Y-yeah," she replied, "Could you give me directions to the hotel?"

He grinned and nodded at her, "You're in luck. My shift just ended, I can show you the way if you want."

"Really?" Alex asked, relief flooding through her, "That would be amazing, thank you."

"Don't worry about it. It's pretty much on my way home, the residential district isn't far from the hotel. I'm Gerard, by the way."

"Alex."

He held out his hand, which she took, "Well then, it's nice to meet you, Alex."

She smiled as she shook his hand, "You too. I'd probably be screwed if you hadn't been here."

Gerard laughed as he started leading the way, "So, where are you from? You're obviously not from around here."

Alex thought it probably wasn't a good idea to say she was from Hod if she wanted to avoid questions, and it would be pretty embarrassing to admit she had lived in Baticul most of her life and had no idea how to get around. "Grand Chokmah. I'm here visiting some friends."

Gerard let out a low whistle, "That's a long trip. I've heard it's beautiful there."

"It is really nice. It rains a lot."

They shared an awkward laugh and a smile, then silence followed for a few moments before Gerard broke it.

"You have a pretty smile."

Alex was taken aback by the sudden comment, and couldn't help but blush slightly while raising an eyebrow at him. His forwardness with comments like that did remind her of a certain someone. She cleared her throat awkwardly, "Well, that was out of nowhere."

Gerard laughed, "Speaking of out of nowhere, I know this is kind of sudden, seeing as we just met and everything, but would you want to join me for dinner? There's a restaurant in the hotel. You seem nice, I'd like to get to know you a little."

"Um..." Alex didn't really know what to say, "You don't mean...like a date, do you?"

Gerard smiled, "You know what, a date sounds nice."

Alex's voice rose a few octaves and she picked up her pace, beginning to leave him behind, "You know, I think I can find my way to the hotel from here! Thanks for your help and everything-"

"I can take that as a no, then?"

"S-sorry," Alex said, and they both stopped in their tracks, "I just-"

"Oh," Gerard's eyes widened slightly, "Oh! You have a boyfriend. Sorry, I didn't know. Probably should have guessed, a girl as cute as you."

Alex cleared her throat, "You're not really helping."

Gerard laughed, "I was just kidding. I left most of my friends in Daath a while back, I have a few friends here, but I still like to talk to new people. Come on, the hotel's not far from here."

Alex nodded absently as he walked past her and continued leading the way. It took her a couple seconds to realize he may have just made fun of her, but decided it was better not to care about whether or not this random guy actually thought she was cute. She went with a different subject instead.

"So you'll still take time out of your night to lead me back to the hotel knowing I have a boyfriend?" Calling Guy her boyfriend sounded strange to say out loud, but she was starting to get used to it.

"I told you, it's no big deal," Gerard shrugged, "And that's not why I was helping you, anyway. I'm one of those people that enjoys talking, so I like the company. That is, if you don't mind spending the time with me."

"Well..." Alex started, "It's dark, I'm alone in a huge city I have very little experience with, and I have a horrible sense of direction, so...I think I can put up with you for a while longer."

Gerard laughed, "Well, good. But I thought you said you could find your way from here?"

"Yeah...I lied about that..."

Gerard smiled again, "Alright, the hotel's only a little ways from here. And about that dinner? Don't worry, it won't be a date."

Alex sighed, taking note of the fact that she was actually pretty hungry after the long day, "I guess. But you'll be the one explaining to Guy. He doesn't admit it, but he gets pretty jealous."

Gerard shrugged as they got into an aircart leading to a lower part of the city and he pressed the button to get it moving, "That shouldn't be a problem."

They spoke casually the rest of the way to the hotel, and wasted no time in getting food once they arrived. Alex felt strange eating with some guy she never met, and most of her hoped Guy was still talking with Pere, she was worried he would automatically think Gerard was another Cameron if he saw her with him. Alex wasn't too worried if he was like that, they lived on opposite sides of the map, so it wasn't like it would be a problem even if he was.

A few minutes into dinner, Guy entered the hotel and spotted them. He looked a little confused when he noticed Gerard, who looked behind him when he noticed Alex watching Guy.

"I take it that's your boyfriend."

"Yeah," she replied, "Pretend you're interested in fontech."

"What?"

"Just trust me," she whispered as Guy made it to their table, "Hey, Guy."

"Hey," he replied as he sat down, still looking a bit confused, "So who's...?"

"I'm Gerard," he held out his hand, which Guy hesitantly took, "I guess it's not really cool of me to be having dinner with your girlfriend, huh? Sorry, man. I don't like eating alone."

Guy still looked a little confused despite the introduction.

"Gerard helped me get here," Alex explained, "You were right, I probably should have waited for you."

Before Guy could asked any more questions about the mysterious man, Gerard cut in.

"Hey, so I heard from Alex you know a lot about fontech? Can I ask you a question? I've been having trouble with something..."

And suddenly any suspicions Guy had about Gerard were gone. his eyes lit up and he launched into an explanation of whatever problem Gerard may or may not have actually been having. As predicted, Guy was off in his own little world the second fontech was mentioned. Gerard looked a little amazed at how Guy could change his demeanor so quickly and keep talking so quickly, but after Guy had been going for a few minutes while the brunette nodded occasionally in response, he looked over to Alex as if asking if this was normal behavior. She merely mouthed an apology as an answer.

After a few more minutes, she decided enough was enough, and managed to change the topic, much to Guy's disappointment and Gerard's apparent relief. As the two of them kept talking, they realized they had been going to the same dojo in town for training, and wondered how they hadn't met each other before. It wasn't long before Alex was feeling like a third wheel, and took notice of the time. It was nearly midnight, and they had to be up in just a few hours.

She got Guy's attention and told him she was going to bed, and only then did he seem to notice the time and got up as well.

"If you're ever in Baticul again, we should do some training," Gerard said as he also stood up.

"Sounds good," Guy replied, "Same goes if you're ever in Grand Chokmah."

Alex and Guy had to get up earlier than everyone else in order to meet outside the castle the next morning. The others didn't seem exactly surprised that Alex had opted to stay in the hotel after all, nor did they seem particularly surprised that Guy had accompanied her. Either that, or everyone was just too tired to say anything about it, the sky was still tinted pink when they met up, after all.

"Everyone ready?" Luke asked once they were all together.

Everyone nodded in response, while a couple stifled yawns. Anise seemed the least eager out of all them to get going.

"Then we're off to Daath."


A/N: Hope you liked it. I'd been looking forward to this chapter for a while.

I know it's soon compared to the game for Guy to get his family's sword, but really with what I have planned for future chapters, I wouldn't have room to get this scene in later. And with that in mind there will be more major changes from now on.

Happy Belated Birthday, RubyMoonz, whose story 'Different Paths' is awesome. Gerard is her character, by the way, and the conversation between him and Alex (mostly the part where he asks her to hang out and have dinner with him) is from a conversation we had about him and Alex being a crack pairing that could work under certain circumstances (Alex never going to Baticul and meeting Guy again, for one) in an AU setting that also includes Gerard joining his family in moving to Baticul from Daath. But yeah, that entire scene was kind of a birthday shout-out for her. Plus Gerard's awesome so I wanted to throw him in. xD

The convo with Pere (which is the part I had to rewrite) I added because a long time ago RisingXxLawliet told me I should add a convo like that sometime because he gets like no credit, which I agree with. So she gave me the idea to add that part.

I ran out of time for this chapter so there's no preview for the next one this time.

Please review! It would mean a lot.