Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of the Abyss.
Chapter 8
Remday, Gnome-Decan 31, ND2019 – 4:45pm local time (Yulia City)
Four days after the eruption, the last group of refugees arrived in Yulia City. As Tear had suggested, all ships docking in Daath Bay were being re-routed so that anyone who had been on a pilgrimage could return to Kimlasca, Malkuth, or Chesedonia. There would be delays, however, since the ships were slower than the Albiore and had farther to travel. The pressure of excess demand on the Yulia City's resources would be partially alleviated by the departure of the pilgrims, but it would still be difficult for the city to support such a huge population long-term. Plans were in progress to transport some of the residents of Daath to Chesedonia. This was logical enough since Chesedonia's independence from Kimlasca and Malkuth was enforced by the Order of Lorelei, and thus the autonomous city-state had a close relationship with Daath.
Tear was exhausted. She and Anise had helped Noelle, the pilot of the Albiore II, with the logistics of transporting multiple large loads of terrified people, some of whom were even more afraid of flying than they were of the volcano. Each trip between Daath and Yulia City was only a few hours' flight, but loading and unloading passengers took extra time at both ends. Additionally, Noelle had needed some sleep now and then. Tear and Anise had taken the opportunity to nap at the same time as Noelle.
Florian had been in the first load of passengers, along with Pamela and Oliver. He had been very upset to be forced to leave Anise's side upon arrival in Yulia City, even with his foster parents to take care of him. Anise's guilt for choosing to help transport evacuees instead of staying with Florian and her parents was obvious to Tear, although Anise had successfully concealed it from everyone else, especially Florian. However, Anise was also getting annoyed with him for being so clingy.
"He's barely three years old," Tear had reminded Anise. "It's only natural for a young child to want to stay close to his or her caretakers."
"Mama and Papa take care of him too. It doesn't have to be me. I don't understand why he doesn't want to stay with them," Anise had retorted.
Tear had left the subject alone after that, but now it was time to decide what to do next.
I have no authority in the Order, she thought. Neither does Anise. What can we do to help, now that the people of Daath are safe?
"Tear? Anise?" Noelle said hesitantly. "The Albiore needs a tune-up. Carrying such heavy loads has put stress on the hover drive. I'm sorry, but I need to return to Sheridan immediately."
"Do you want us to go with you?" Tear asked.
"It's not necessary," said Noelle, "but I'd be happy to have some company. Besides, Anise, didn't you want to return to Daath to check up on things there?"
"Yeah," replied Anise. "I want to see how Tritheim is handling this crisis and help him if I can."
Tear was slightly puzzled. Will that help her become Fon Master? Everything Anise has done since Eldrant has been focused on that goal. If this is part of her strategy, I should support her, but if it's just her curiosity then I shouldn't let her get sidetracked.
Before Tear could open her mouth to ask Anise whether returning to Daath was a wise move, Florian ran up to them.
"Anise!" Florian cried. "Are you going away again? I thought you said everyone from Daath is here now. Aren't you done flying yet?"
Anise shook her head. "I'm going to Sheridan with Noelle. The Albiore needs maintenance. Then I'll return to Daath to check on the situation there and do what I can to help Tritheim."
"Anise, please don't leave me alone again. If you have to go, can't you take me with you this time?" Florian begged.
"You're not alone, Florian," Anise replied impatiently. "You have Mama and Papa to take care of you. Tear's grandfather Teodoro will look after you, too. Don't worry, you'll be fine."
"I need you, Anise. I get scared when you're not with me," Florian insisted.
"Florian, don't be silly," Tear admonished him. "You don't need to go with Anise. You'll be safer here in Yulia City."
"No, I'm safest when I'm by Anise's side," Florian countered. "Anise always stands up to people when they mistake me for Ion."
Tear blinked in surprise. "When did that become a concern? Do the people of Yulia City think you're Ion? They should know better by now!"
"Everyone looks at me strangely," Florian complained. "And I've heard people in Daath talking about me before. Some people think I should be Fon Master because I'm Ion's replica. But I don't want to be Fon Master! Anise should be Fon Master!"
"Thank you, Florian," said Anise in a strained voice. "But please stay here and wait patiently for me."
"No, I want to come with you!"
"You'll just get in the way," Anise argued. "And it's dangerous in Daath right now. Even though the lava has stopped flowing from Mount Zaleho, it could start again at any time."
Florian's fists clenched. "Anise, I'm coming with you. I won't be a burden. I'll find some way to help you. Yeah... I want to help you, Anise!"
"Florian," Tear said sternly, "listen to Anise. Stay in Yulia City."
"I'll come back to see you as soon as I can, okay Florian?" Anise reassured him. "I promise."
Florian hunched his shoulders and stared at the floor. When he spoke, his voice was sad and hopeless. "All right, Anise. I'll stay here. I'm sorry."
Anise smiled and gave Florian a hug. "Don't worry, Florian. I'll be back before you know it!" She turned to Tear, and her face took on a determined expression. "Let's go, Tear. First Sheridan, then Daath."
I guess I should come along and make sure Anise doesn't do anything foolish, Tear decided. She felt oddly relieved now that she had something to do. Florian would be safe, and Anise would be supervised.
Tear and Anise followed Noelle up the Albiore's gangplank, made their way through the hold, and climbed the steep, narrow staircase to the flight deck.
None of the girls noticed Florian sneaking aboard at the last second.