Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Tales of the Abyss.
Tataroo Valley
Van had his thoughts with everything that was happening so far. So far, most of the phases of his grand plan were in place and he was pleased but there was one thing that caused him to be concerned and it was Luke. Van had known that Luke was intelligent with his desire for knowledge and he knew that the boy was very sharp. He also knew that Luke was getting skilled in not only in his swordsmanship but he was learning and actually getting good with fonic artes and he was certain that Luke was studying and finding ways with regards of his hyperresonance since Luke learned that he was capable of performing one on his own four years ago. Van could honestly say to himself that he did not like it, not one bit. Luke was not someone he could control so easily. Van could not understand how that could be and it made him worry since he had plans to use him in accordance of the Score of the Sixth Fonstone, after all, Van saw Luke as nothing but a tool for him to use and to throw him away afterwards. Van wondered what was going to happen. He was sure that when the time came for him, Luke would start questioning him on things and although he did not want to admit it, he was sure that Luke would ask him and become suspicious of him, especially with the future plans for Akzeriuth. Van decided to come up with some measures since it was likely that Luke was not just going to do what he says. Van decided to worry about that later and do what he planned to do now. Now Van was in the courtyard and was talking to Guy and he told Guy about the situation with Fon Master Ion.
"I see," Guy said, "sounds like the Oracle Knights have it rough."
"I'll have to leave everything to you for the time being," Van said, "the king, the duke, and Luke's—"
"Ah, Master Luke!" Pere greeted.
Van and Guy turned to see Luke coming towards them. Luke was surprised to see Guy talking to Van.
"Guy, what's up?" Luke spoke.
"Well, Master Van is master swordsman, thought I get a few tips from him," Guy said.
"Really, tips? That didn't sound like it to me and besides, you fight in the Sigmumd Style and Master Van fights in the Albert Style."
Guy chuckled lightly and he was a bit nervous. Guy thought to himself that Luke was a really sharp person.
Luke suddenly felt something and he didn't know what it was.
"What's going on?" Luke asked himself in his head, "Is something coming? Or is it someone?"
Luke looked up and wondered what was the strange feeling he was having, the feeling of someone's presence.
Meanwhile, the young female Oracle Knight had just entered in the Fabre Manor while singing a fonic hymn and it slowed the White Knights who were in the room down and they all feel asleep and the female intruder looked around and then walked through and heading for her objective. Back in the courtyard, Luke was still trying to figuring things out and Van was calling for him.
"Luke, did you not hear me?" Van asked.
Luke got himself out of a sort of trance and shook his head and gave Van his attention.
"Oh, uh…yes Master," Luke said.
Van nodded and he unsheathed his sword, "Are you ready?"
Luke had a determined expression, "Yes sir."
Guy sat on a bench and crossed his arms and nodded.
"I'll sit here and watch," Guy said, "let's see what you got Luke."
"Absolutely," Luke said as he unsheathed his sword and held his swords with both of his hands and got in a stance.
"All right," Van said, "come at me!"
"Yes!" Luke replied as he charged towards his sword instructor.
Van and Luke clashed their blades and sparred with each other. They went back and forth with each other with Guy and Pere watching and they were amazed with how Van and Luke were going at it. Van went on the offensive and with his sword swings being very fast and Luke was parrying each attack with his sword and he was succeeding in blocking all of Van's attack.
"Very good Luke!" Van said loudly, "You're parrying all my attacks well!"
"Thank you Master!" Luke replied.
Luke then went on the offensive and Van was easily blocking and parrying all of Luke's sword attack and then Luke jumped and did a air slash in which Van parried and then Luke stepped to the side and lunged his sword towards Van's sword. Van was caught off guard but then quickly set himself to block Luke's incoming attack.
"Luke, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to best me," Van said with a grin.
Luke grinned, "Wouldn't that be interesting Master Van? The student beating the teacher."
Van pushed Luke back and did a strong horizontal swing and forced Luke to block the attack.
"A teacher is a teacher for a reason Luke," Van said and then he pointed his sword at Luke, "How well can you perform Fang Blade?"
"Fang Blade!" Luke said performing the arte.
"Excellent," Van said with a nod.
Luke followed it up with another arte, "Havoc Strike!"
Guy and Pere were watching and they couldn't help but to be impressed with Luke's performance.
The training with Luke and Van continued on and then suddenly a hymn was being sung and it brought the four men down.
"Wh-What's going on?" Luke asked surprised.
"That voice!" Van said.
"That's a fonic hymn," Pere said, "Has a Seventh Fonist invaded the manor?"
"Damn it, it's putting me to sleep," Guy said as he was trying to stay on his feet, "what the hell are the guards doing?"
Suddenly out of nowhere, a figure landed on her feet and appeared before them with her staff in one hand and a small knife in her other hand and it was the female Oracle Knight and she began to charge towards Van.
"I finally found you Vandesdelca," The young woman said, "prepare to die traitor!"
Van dodged the attack and looked at his would-be assassin with a glare.
"Tear, I knew it!" Van said.
The young woman named Tear went on the attack against Van but Van was dodging and blocking her attacks. Tear was pushed back and then she charged again towards Van but her attack was blocked by the sword that was wielded by Luke as Luke got in between her and Van. Tear and Van were both surprised and Luke was glaring the woman with anger.
"Who the hell are you?" Luke asked, "Why are you trying to kill my sword instructor?"
Tear didn't say anything and just clenched her teeth.
"Answer me!" Luke demanded strongly.
"This doesn't concern you," Tear said.
"The hell it doesn't!" Luke countered as he pushed Tear back.
"Stay out of this!" Tear demanded.
Luke charged and swung his sword at Tear and Van's eyes widened as he knew what was about to occur and it wasn't their physical well-beings.
"No, stop!" Van screamed.
Luke's blade and Tear's staff clashed and a power occurred between both of them.
"Resound and heed me," The voice said, "the way of the path shall open."
"That damn voice again," Luke said, "but wait, this is…"
"It's can't be…" Tear said.
"The Seventh Fonon!" Tear and Luke said simultaneously.
The power engulfed them both and they were taken upward in the sky somewhere and they both screamed.
"Too late," Van said, "the Seventh Fonons have reacted to each other!"
Night time, somewhere on a selenia field
Tear looked around and saw that she was in some sort of valley.
"I wonder where we are," Tear said to herself, "well, I better get the person name Luke up and see to leave here."
A blade was suddenly close to her throat and she was surprised and she looked and saw Luke glaring at her. Tear then saw that Luke had his sword on her.
"I see that you're already up," Tear said.
"That's right," Luke said in cold tone, "now, who the hell are you?"
"I'm Tear."
"Tear…I see," Luke looked around, "it seems that a hyperresonance occurred between us."
"Yes, isofon-induced resonance, I never expected you to be a Seventh Fonist too. That was careless of me. Now I know why the royal family is protecting you."
"Protecting me?" Luke asked a bit confused, "I don't think that's right. But anyway, I can see from what you're wearing that you're an Oracle Knight. So tell me Tear, why are you, an Oracle Knight, trying to kill your supreme commander, Van Grants?"
"Van…" Tear looked away, "it has nothing to do with you Luke."
"It does," Luke insisted, "Master Van is my sword instructor and you tried to kill my sword instructor not to mention that you invaded my manor, why?"
"You sound pretty fond of him."
"I am."
"Well then sorry, but I can't tell you."
"Can't or won't?" Luke replied narrowing his eyes at Tear.
"Both and besides, I doubt you would understand anyway since you seem so loyal to Van."
"Well then I have a problem with that and you're pretty damn rude."
"Look Luke, I'm not going to hurt you, I have no intention to hurt you and I didn't harm anyone in your manor. My only target is Van and I have no intention in getting anyone else involved. Anyway, might I suggest that we leave here? I realize that I caused you some trouble but I'll do this, I'll escort you back to your manor in Baticul."
Luke scoffed, "Really? Do you even know where we are?"
Tear looked at the sea, "You see the sea, don't you?" Tear looked at Luke again, "If we follow that, we'll sure to be back in Baticul."
"That's where you're wrong," Luke said coldly.
Tear was surprised to Luke's reaction, "What, what do you mean?"
"Just following the sea is not going to cut it, especially here."
"Luke, what are you getting at?"
"The place that we're in right now is Tataroo Valley," Luke explained, "I know this because I studied the geography of Auldrant."
"Okay, I still don't see what the problem is."
Luke sighed, "You really don't know? Tear, Tataroo Valley is part of Malkuth."
"Malkuth?" Tear responded surprised, "Wait so that means…"
"Yeah, we're in the Malkuth Empire," Luke said, "the hyperresonance blasted us here in Malkuth territory."
"Hmm, I didn't realize."
"This is a problem, I've entered the Malkuth Empire illegally," Luke said upset, "I would actually be surprised the Malkuth military didn't pick up on the hyperresonance. If we're caught, they'll find out who I am and then they'll think it some aggression by House Fabre and things are already tense between Kimlasca and Malkuth right now."
"Hmm yes, that would be a problem."
"I can't believe you didn't realize where we are," Luke said agitated.
"I don't know the area," Tear replied back calmly.
"Unbelievable," Luke sighed, "anyway, how about you tell me why you tried to kill Master Van."
"Luke, I said it before, I can't say."
"You know you invaded my manor and caused problems."
"And I apologize for that, now would you mind getting your sword away from my throat."
"Actually I do mind, you tried to kill someone in my manor and you don't even have the courtesy to explain why. Who put you up to this? Are you doing this for revenge? Does it…is it part of the conflict within the Order of Lorelei with the two factions?"
"No one put me up to this, it's not really for revenge, and I don't know what conflict you're talking about within the Order of Lorelei."
"You called Master Van a traitor, why?"
"I won't tell you."
"What rank and division are you from within the Oracle Knights?"
Tear sighed, "You sure have a lot of questions."
"Well, what do you expect? You, some stranger who happens to be an Oracle Knight, showed up in my manor in Baticul trying to kill your commanding officer who is also my sword instructor and you won't say why and then you have the nerve to say it is of no concern to me."
Tear looked away with a frown, "I'm really, really sorry for this Luke. I understand that I've caused you trouble and you been taken away from your manor against your will. That's why I want to make it up to you by escorting you back to your manor in Baticul," Tear looked at Luke with a smile, "Trust me, I'll find a way to get us back to Kimlasca and get you back to your manor in Baticul. Now again, how about you put away your sword."
"No."
Tear was shocked and her expression changed, "N-No?"
"That's right no. I have no intentions of trusting you. I mean, how can trust someone who caused trouble in my home and tried kill one of my teachers and with no explanation."
Tear frowned, "Look, I just—"
"Save it, unless you tell me why you're trying to kill Master Van, anything else you say means nothing to me. I do agree that we should get out of here," Luke moved his sword away from Tear and walked passed her, "know this Tear, if you insist on not telling me why and for a real, real good reason why you're trying to kill Van by the time we get to Baticul, I will have you arrested, despite that you're an Oracle Knight."
"Arrested?" Tear replied in shocked, "For what?"
Luke sighed heavily and looked at Tear, "How about the fact you broke into a noble's manor with the intent to harm."
"I told you Luke, I had no intention to harm you and I didn't harm anyone else in the manor."
"That may be true but I didn't know that and how are people in the manor supposed to be able to tell and even if you did say it, how are they expected to believe you? You did try to harm someone in the manor and that was Master Van. You actually expect me to just be fine with that just because you smiled because if you did, then you are a damn fool."
Tear was taken back and was shaking at the things that Luke said to her.
"This has not gone well," Tear said in her head.
"Of course, you can stay here and I'll head back to my country by myself," Luke pointed out.
Tear was surprised as she saw Luke sheathed his sword and started walking. Tear was already at her wit's end. Things didn't go as she planned and now she had a problem and she saw that Luke was not one who would just take her words. Tear mentally prepared herself and was set to kill Van but she didn't take into account that someone like Luke would defend him. She had known that Luke fon Fabre was Van's student and she knew that Luke was well-liked in not only by the residents of Baticul but also most of the citizens of Kimlasca. Tear knew there would be trouble if it became known that an Oracle Knight attacked the popular young red headed Kimlascan noble without justification. Tear knew that Luke meant what he said but even so, she couldn't tell the reason for her action against Van and she couldn't bring herself to just let Luke go by himself and so she made a decision.
"Luke, wait," Tear called as she caught up with Luke.
Luke stopped and turned to see Tear.
"Yes?" Luke asked.
"Again, I am sorry for the trouble I caused. You're in this situation because of me so please; let me help you to make sure you make it back to Baticul."
"Are you going to tell me why you tried to kill Master Van?"
Tear shook her head, "Luke I can't, I can't tell you why."
"Hmph, then I suppose I should take that as you're prepared to be arrested for invading my manor."
"W-Well, I…" Tear looked away nervously.
Luke sighed again, "Fine, I'll work with you for the time being but know this, it's like I said before, I don't trust you and if I get the sense that you're even attempting to harm me, I'll defeat you."
"Do you really think you can?" Tear asked raising her eyebrow.
"…I'm sure I can," Luke said, "let's go."
Tear was surprised with Luke's confidence and knew she needed to come up with something by the time they reached Baticul. Tear and Luke continued on as they walked in Tataroo Valley. Soon, they heard noises and looked around.
"Monsters," Tear said.
"Yep, monsters," Luke said.
Tear had her staff and small knife ready and Luke drew his sword as a group of monsters that consisted of Filifolias, Mandractuses, and Rhinossuses appeared and Luke and Tear fought of the monsters. Tear used threw one of her knives at the Mandractuses and then used her fonic hymn, Nightmare on the monsters that were charging towards her and it stopped them in their tracks and it allowed Tear to finish them off. Luke swung his sword and was able to avoid all the attacks of the monsters aiming for him.
"Fang Blade!" Luke roared as he used one of his strike artes and brought down a Rhinossus.
A Filifolia charged after Luke from behind and Luke felt the incoming charge and quickly turned. After Tear finished off another monster, she looked and saw the monster charging towards Luke.
"Luke!" Tear called.
Luke started an incantation for a fonic arte and then pointed at the monster, "Flame Burst!"
Three fireballs appeared from the sky and struck the Filifolia. The fonic arte of the Fifth Fonon burned Filifolia, killing the creature. Luke sighed and then saw Tear running towards him.
"Luke, are you all right?" Tear asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Luke said as he turned and moved on.
"…Okay then," Tear said as she followed Luke.
Luke and Tear continued on as they walked through Tataroo Valley, fighting and defeating monsters that crossed their path. While it was happening, Luke was thinking about things. He wanted to know who this Tear person was and why she wanted to kill Van. It irritated him that someone tried to kill his teacher and wouldn't tell him, giving him a response saying that he wouldn't understand and saying that it had nothing to do with him. Luke felt that Tear was rude and insulting and he definitely felt that she was not trusting. He was keeping an eye on her and see if she would try anything. One thing that Luke was determined he was going to do, he was going to defend his mentor and not let anyone try to kill him and Luke had also planned to talk to Van and see if he would give an insight about this Tear person. Luke knew from the way Van was saying her name and how he responded to her, Luke was sure that Van knew her and Luke hoped that Van would tell what was going on. They soon were getting close to the area of the valley and it was exit.
"The exit is there," Luke said, "the south of Tataroo Valley is Chesedonia."
"I see, we should keep moving and head there," Tear said.
They get near the exit and then they stop.
"Someone's coming," Tear said.
A man appeared and he was carrying a bucket. The man stopped and looked a bit terrified.
"Ah, d-don't tell me you're the Dark Wings," The man said.
"The Dark Wings?" Tear asked confused.
"Who the hell are they?" Luke asked confused as well.
"They're bandits, two men and a woman…wait, there's only two of you."
"Hmph, don't compare us to some bandits," Luke pointing his thumb at Tear, "especially her. You might offend the bandits."
Tear glared at Luke, "I think the bandits would take more offense with you being compared to them."
Luke just looked at Tear with his own glare. Tear ignored Luke's glare and walked towards the man.
"We ended up here due to circumstances," Tear said to the man, "who are you?"
"I'm a coachman. One of the wheels of my coach started acting up," The man said, "We lost our drinking water when the jug fell so I came to draw up some more."
"A coach…" Luke said, "Say, are you stopping at Chesedonia?"
"Nope, I'll be heading to Engeve."
"Engeve, I see, so I guess that means you'll be crossing the Roltero Bridge."
"That's right," The coach said with nod.
"Oh well," Luke said with a shrug, "we'll be walking on foot to Chesedonia."
"You're awfully calm about this," Tear commented.
"Huh, why wouldn't I be?" Luke replied with a raised eyebrow, "And what are you implying?"
"Nothing Luke, nothing."
"Man, you're weird."
Tear looked at Luke as she was offended at Luke's comment but turned and gave her the indication that he didn't care and Tear sighed and put her hand on her head feeling a bit frustrated.
Luke looked at the night sky with his thoughts, "I'm sure everyone back in the manor is worried about me, I hope everyone can keep themselves together…especially my mother. News has probably reached the castle as well and knowing Natalia…I hope she stays calm as well."
Luke and Tear soon exited out of Tataroo Valley and were ready to head for Chesedonia and before they could make the journey, they heard a loud sound. They looked around and saw Roltero Bridge.
"What's going on?" Tear asked.
Luke looked and saw something and he pointed it at Tear, "Over there."
There were three people, a man, a woman, and a small girl at the bridge and there was a coach that was speeding onward and then they looked and saw something enormous chasing after them that looked like a large white boat and what was chasing them was a land dreadnought.
That's it for this chapter: Next chapter, circumstances leads Luke and Tear to be in Engeve and Luke and Tear has a chance meeting with a Malkuth Colonel and the leader of the Order of Lorelei.
