Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of the Abyss.

Liger Queen

Luke, Tear, Ion, and Mieu entered in the deeper part of the woods and they arrived at the area where the Ligers have taken residence. They make it to the lair and then they see a huge female Liger resting and there were eggs beside her.

"Is that…?" Luke uttered.

"Yes," Tear said, "that must be the Liger Queen."

"So that's her…"

Ion picked up and had the little Cheagle face him, "Mieu, please speak with the Liger Queen."

"Yes sir," Mieu said as he hopped down and went to the approach the Liger Queen, "Mieu! Mieu, mieu, mieu, mieu. Mieu, mieu!"

The Liger Queen slowly turned to see the Cheagle speaking to her and she roared so loudly that the area around them shook and it pushed Mieu back and Luke and Ion rushed to Mieu's side.

"What happened?" Ion asked.

"Hey Mieu, what did she say?" Luke asked.

Mieu picked himself up and turned to the three humans, "She said that her eggs are about to hatch so go away."

Luke, Tear, and Ion were surprised to hear what Mieu had just said.

Mieu continued with a sad expression, "Her Highness is really mad that I accidently burned her home."

"Damn it, of all the worse times," Luke said upset.

"This is bad," Tear said, "Ligers tend to be extremely violent when they're protecting their young."

"This is really bad..."

"If we were to wait, the young will run rampant looking for food, they could very well attack Engeve in search for food," Ion said.

"Then what—" Luke spoke.

Luke didn't get to finish what he was going to ask because the Liger Queen roared even louder and she stood up as she growled. The boulders around them were falling and one would have squashed Mieu but Luke stopped it by kicking it away.

"Mieu, you okay?"

"Yes," Mieu replied turning to Luke, "thank you."

Luke nodded, "You're welcome."

The Liger Queen was slowly approaching them and growled.

"What's going on now?" Luke asked.

Mieu's eyes widened, "She said she's going to kill us and feed us to her children."

Tear narrowed her eyes at the Liger Queen and stepped forward with her staff in hand.

"Fon Master, step back," Tear said, "it looks like we don't have much a choice."

"Hold it," Luke said, "is fighting really the only option? The eggs might break and we didn't even try to actually negotiate."

"It may seem cruel but right now, we don't have much a choice in the matter," Tear said calmly, "if we don't, the eggs will hatch and the young will swoop down in Engeve in search of food. Surely, you're not okay with that scenario Luke."

"Of course not but I'm not okay with killing the Liger that's just trying to protect to her children."

"We don't have a choice besides; they're monsters, monsters that will kill humans if we just let them be."

"Tear…"

"Here she comes!" Ion said.

Luke looked and saw that the Liger was ready to charge.

"Damn," Luke said, "Mieu, Ion, both of you get away from here now."

"Luke…." Ion uttered.

"Just do it! Hurry up!" Luke demanded.

"Uh, r-right," Ion looked at Mieu, "Mieu, let's go."

"Okay," Mieu said as he followed Ion to move away.

The Liger Queen charged towards Luke and Tear and the two of them spilt to the side. Tear started to sing her Nightmare fonic hymn but it wasn't enough to slow the Liger Queen which surprised Luke and Tear.

Luke jumped up in the air, "Havoc Strike!"

Luke's attack surprised the Liger Queen and although Luke didn't hit her at all, the Liger Queen forced herself to quickly jump back.

Luke held out his right hand, "O violent torrent...Splash!"

A stream of water from the air spilled down near the Liger Queen and it just made her even more angry and in a rage, she charged towards Luke and Luke was dodging her attacks. The Liger Queen opened her mouth and a stream of lightning shot from her mouth and Luke was able to quickly dodge that attack as well. Tear was seeing what was happening and she was getting upset with what she was seeing Luke doing.

"Luke, what are you doing?!" Tear asked, "Why haven't you drawn your sword?!"

Luke was still moving away from the Liger Queen, not answering Tear's question and he checked on the Liger eggs and saw they were still not harmed.

"Luke, you have to draw your sword, otherwise you'll be killed!" Tear said as she threw two of her knives at the Liger Queen.

The two knives struck the Liger Queen on her right side and caused her to yell in pain. The Liger Queen growled and turned as she glared at Tear.

"She's not going down," Tear said.

Luke ran and stood next to Tear.

"Luke, what are you doing?" Tear asked, "Did you hear what I said earlier? We have to kill her and her eggs, if we don't they'll attack Engeve in search of food."

"I heard you," Luke said.

"Then what are you doing? Why are you hesitating?"

"I'm not hesitating…we came here to negotiate, right?"

Tear was shocked, "Luke, that is no longer an option!"

The Liger Queen charged again at full speed and forced Luke and Tear to move out of the way. Luke performed the Flame Burst and Tear performed her Nightmare again and they both struck the Liger Queen at the same time. It stopped her for a little bit but it did not bring her down.

"None of our attacks are working," Tear said.

"She's a lot stronger," Luke commented.

"You seem to be having trouble," A man's voice said, "allow me to assist you."

Luke and Tear looked over and were surprised to see Jade Curtiss.

"Jade Curtiss?" Luke asked surprised, "Why are you here?"

"Leave the inquires for later," Jade replied, "I'll use fonic artes, you two make sure I have time to cast!"

"Wait a minute!" Luke replied back.

"Luke, let's go with what the Colonel is doing and do our part," Tear said as she then glared at Luke, "and you need to draw your sword. We have to kill the Liger Queen. Like I said, it may be cruel, but we have no choice!"

Tear charged and threw more of her knives at the Liger Queen and they struck the queen and stopped her in her tracks. Luke stood in the way of the Liger Queen, distracting her.

"Releases the mighty power of the earth," Jade chanted,"Ground Dasher!"

Luke moved away as a huge triangular chasm opens under the Liger Queen, calling forth a wave of several stalagmites that rise and fall through the ground, juggling and dealing very heavy damage to her.

Jade nodded and then he chanted for the next fonic arte, "Arise, o violent waters, to rout mine enemies…Blessed Drops!"

A large bubble which then bursts into several smaller bubbles did multiple damages to the Liger Queen. The Liger Queen was furious and was going after Jade but Tear and Luke blocked her way again. The Queen was ready to chop on Tear but she counter when she blocked that attack with her staff.

"Oh flames of hell, cremate my enemies in a cage of fire," Jade chanted, "Infernal Prison!"

Tear moved away as Jade created a red glyph on the ground from which pillars of flame rose up and the flames surrounded the Liger Queen at various angles creating a pyramidal "cage" of fire. After being hit with very powerful fonic artes, the Liger Queen was staggering and was no longer able to stand as she fell on the ground. The queen looked back at her eggs and had a sad expression. Tear narrowed her eyes at the Liger Queen and threw her three knives at the Liger Queen and her eggs to finish them off but suddenly Luke rushed in, quickly drawing his sword and deflected all three of the Tear's knives away from the Liger Queen and her eggs. Luke's actions surprised everyone present including the Liger Queen.

"Luke, what are you doing?" Tear asked surprised.

Luke stood straight, "The Liger Queen can't fight anymore and besides…" Luke looked over the Liger Queen, "I'm certain of this although I don't know why but…if we kill her and her eggs, I'm sure that I'll really regret it."

Jade wondered what the boy was thinking and Tear couldn't believe what Luke was doing while Ion and Mieu hoped that Luke was going to be okay since he seemed to be standing real close to the Liger Queen and hoped that what Luke was saying was true and that the Liger Queen couldn't fight anymore.

"Luke, do even understand how serious the situation is?" Tear asked upset.

"Of course I do," Luke replied as he sheathed his sword and turned his back.

"No, I don't think you really do and right now, you're putting people of Engeve in jeopardy. I don't know what game you're playing and what you're trying to prove but—"

"Game?" Luke interrupted and looked at Tear, "I'm not playing any game."

"Then you're just being naïve, soft, or just arrogant of the situation," Tear said, "Right now, you're endangering the lives of others just for your selfish reasons!"

"Dammit Tear, will you just shut and stop acting like you know everything!" Luke said loudly.

Luke picked up one of Tear's knives from the ground and quickly turned and threw the knife and the knife went pass Tear and cut small strands of her hair and the knife hit the bark of a tree. Luke's actions and words once again surprised everyone present and the Liger Queen couldn't comprehend the action of the red haired human and Mieu was a bit nervous while Ion was sympathetic with Luke and Tear was shocked with what Luke had just done and Jade was not sure what to make of Luke. Jade turned and saw the Fon Master Guardian that Luke and Tear met yesterday arrived and looked on to see what was happening. She asked Jade what was happening and Jade said that he was not sure while Ion was happy to see the one of his Fon Master Guardians.

Luke continued, "I understand the situation and taking this very seriously. I still think that we should try to negotiate and see if we can come to an understanding. In this situation, I don't want to just kill without trying everything and I'll say this," Luke pointed at Tear with a glare, "you don't know a damn thing about me so stop talking like you know all there is to know about me."

"Luke, you…" Tear spoke.

"Are you willing to be held responsible if things become worse?" Jade asked.

"Mieu, over here," Luke said ignoring Jade.

"Mieu?" Mieu spoke with a nervous tone.

"Over here, please," Luke looked at Ion, "Ion, you too."

"Luke, what are you planning to do?" Ion asked as he and Mieu went to Luke.

"Isn't it obvious?" Luke asked, "We're going to do what we came to do and that's negotiate. Remember Ion, this was your idea and I agreed to go along with it."

"I see," Ion then paused and nodded, "okay."

"Mieu."

"Yes?" Mieu replied.

"I'm going to take the Sorcerer's Ring from you and place it for the Liger Queen. I get the feeling that she's not willing to listen to anything you say so Ion and I will try to talk to her and try to solve this, okay?"

"Okay," Mieu said in a sad tone, "if it will help."

"I'm amazed," Jade commented, "a Cheagle speaking human language."

"It's the power of the Sorcerer's Ring," Ion said looking at Jade.

Luke took the ring from Mieu and placed it on one of the ears of the Liger Queen.

"There, that should do it," Luke said, "hello Your Highness."

The Liger Queen was surprised and spoke, "I can…understand you…wha…what is this magic?"

"The power of the Sorcerer's Ring," Ion said, "it allows you to be able to understand and speak our language."

"I see," The Liger Queen replied and then growled, "don't think this will calm my anger towards you humans. You dare invade my space while my children are about to hatch any moment," The Liger Queen glared at Mieu, "and that despicable little Cheagle burned our home."

"Meiuuuuu," Mieu spoke sadly.

"We understand and that's why we're here," Luke said.

"There's nothing to discuss," The Liger Queen said, "the moment that I'm healed, I'll kill you all and feed you my children when they hatch."

"Luke, this isn't working," Tear said, "it's obvious she's not interested in anything you say."

"Will you shut up already," Luke said glaring at Tear, "I'm not done."

"Luke, you don't understand anything," Tear shot back, "you know it's true but you refuse to acknowledge it."

"I said shut up," Luke turned to Tear in anger, "shut up already!"

Tear was getting frustrated and drew one of her knives and Luke saw this and got in front of the Liger Queen and unsheathed his sword.

"Don't interrupt Tear," Luke said, "I'm not going to tell you again."

"Luke," Tear said glaring at Luke.

"Both of you stop it, don't fight!" Ion pleaded and then looked at Tear, "Tear, let's give Luke a chance on this so please, put away your weapon."

"Fon Master," Tear said surprised.

Jade pushed his glasses and sighed at what was happening and the Fon Master Guardian was worried for Ion's safety.

"Tear, please," Ion pleaded again as he stood in front of Luke.

Tear closed her eyes and put away her knife.

"As you wish Fon Master, however, if you are placed in danger, I will take action," Tear glared at Luke, "regardless if Luke likes it or not."

"I understand completely Tear," Ion replied, "thank you."

Tear stepped back and stood next to Jade.

"Are you certain about this?" Jade asked.

"Honestly, no I'm not but I respect the wishes of the Fon Master."

"Why?" The Liger Queen asked, "Why are you willing to go so far?"

Luke looked at the Liger Queen.

"Did you not hear what I said?" The Liger Queen asked, "I'll kill you and feed you to my children the moment they hatch."

Luke went and kneeled in front of the Liger Queen and Ion stood next to him.

"It's completely understandable," Luke said.

"Huh?"

"Your home was burned down and you Ligers are angry at the fact that Mieu caused the fire…I know I would be too if someone burned my home."

"Even if you say that…"

"What if I was to say that there is a way to provide you a new home?"

Ion, Mieu, Tear, and even Jade and the Fon Master Guardian were surprised to hear what Luke had just said and the Liger Queen was surprised as well.

"Is that possible?" The Liger Queen asked.

"Yes, I know someone that can help me provide you and your brethren a new home where you all can live. There's enough space and where you can hunt for your food. Besides, I know this place is not exactly an ideal place for you Ligers."

"Luke, are you serious?" Tear asked.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Luke said looking at Tear, "Especially in a serious matter such as this."

"You're telling me that there is a place where my brethren and I can live?" The Liger Queen asked.

"There is," Luke said looking at the Liger Queen, "and I'm willing to provide it to you but only if you stop preying on the Cheagles."

The Liger Queen growled.

"We're begging you, please," Ion said, "The Cheagles have resorted to steal food from the people of Engeve and it's causing problem for the people. If it keeps up, they won't be able to last and it will lead to negative effects."

"The happenings of that human village are of no concern," The Liger Queen said.

"Even so, we want the Cheagles to stop and I'm sure that the Cheagles don't want to keep stealing from them," Luke said as he stood up, "just hear Mieu out, please."

Luke picked up Mieu and signaled Mieu speak to the Liger Queen and even though the Liger Queen roared at Mieu causing Mieu to be scared, Luke managed to calm Mieu and get him to speak with the Liger Queen and Mieu did just that explaining how sorry he was for burning their home and wanted to do everything he could.

"Do you honestly expect me to trust you?" The Liger Queen asked.

"I want you to," Luke said determined, "because I make it a personal rule to always keep promises and I promise to provide you and your brethren a new home."

"Why though? Why do so for me and my people?"

"Well…to be completely honest with you…I'm also fond of you Ligers as well."

"You're what?" The Liger Queen responded surprised.

"Luke, what are you saying?" Tear asked surprised as well.

"You Ligers are monsters that look out for each other all the time and you protect each other. That is something I've come to admire and you…you're quite majestic Your Highness," Luke smiled, "I can see why you're the queen. It is true. There are so two kind of monsters that I'm fond of and it's the Cheagles and the Ligers."

"Luke…" Ion spoke amazed.

Luke continued, "Look, I'm not asking you and your brethren to be friends with the Cheagles but I am asking you to stop preying on them. If it for the fact that your home was destroyed, then I can guarantee you a new home for you and your brethren."

"Is that why you were not willing to draw your weapon?" The Liger Queen asked.

Luke nodded and had a genuine expression, "Yes and because I didn't want to kill you and your children. Killing a mother and her children who were about to experience life isn't something that I can't go for. I just ask that you don't prey on the Cheagles anything further and I also ask that you don't target the village of Engeve for search for food."

"There's no point," The Liger Queen said.

"Huh?"

"There's no point asking about Engeve because we had no intention in going anywhere near that human village."

Luke and the others were surprised.

"But I though…"

"It is true that we Ligers eat humans and if it was necessary, we would have gone to Engeve for food but the Cheagles convinced us not to do so as they would acquire food for us there."

"So that's it…" Ion said.

"Yes, also the truth is my daughter will arrive and she promises us food for her siblings."

"Daughter?" Luke asked.

"Yes, this may be hard to believe but she's actually human like you, I raised her myself when I found her."

Luke and the others were surprised as well.

"Really?" Luke asked.

"Yes," The Liger Queen replied.

"Um, would you happen to be referring to Arietta?" Ion asked.

The Liger Queen looked at Ion, "Yes, that's her."

The Fon Master Guardian frowned at the mention at that name.

"Oh, I see…" Ion said.

"Ion, you know her?" Luke asked surprised.

"Yes," Ion said with a nod and then looked at the Liger Queen, "I'm sorry, I assumed that you were going to let your children search for food in Engeve."

"It's like I said, I don't care about that village. My daughter will provide food. She will be here soon."

"That's great," Luke said happily, "that's good."

Luke reached his hand to the Liger Queen and performed a healing artes on the Liger Queen. The Liger Queen was surprised and then was able to stand as Luke stood in front of her as well. Tear and Jade were prepared but then the Liger Queen just stood and looked relaxed.

"You healed me," The Liger Queen said amazed.

"Yes," Luke said, "now, can you trust me, me and Ion? I know what you said but I hope that we can come to an understanding."

"Human, what is your name?" The Liger Queen asked.

"I'm Luke," Luke introduced himself, "it's a pleasure to meet you."

"I see."

"I'm Ion, it's nice to meet you," Ion said.

"I'm surprised; this is the first time that a human healed me and the fact that the same human admires us Ligers. Normally, humans would either run from us or try to kill us. You are strange humans. I'm…intrigued...I thought the only exception would be my human daughter…and that other human…"

"Other human?" Ion asked.

"Yes…I believe he called himself…Van."

"Oh Master Van," Luke said surprised.

"Hmm, do you know him?"

"Yes, I know him," Luke said.

"I see…maybe that's why…"

"Well, I don't mind being strange, I'm just saying the truth, that's all," Luke said with a smile.

The Liger Queen looked at Luke and Ion and looked in their eyes.

"So what do you say?" Luke asked, "Would you be willing to…?"

"Hmm…this whole thing started ever since that Cheagle destroyed the home of me and my people but if you can truly provide a new home, a new forest, then I have no problem with what you're proposing. But know this, should you break your promise, we will kill all the Cheagles and then, we'll hunt you down and eat you."

"Understood," Luke said immediately, "that condition is perfectly fine for me.

Luke put out his hand and extended it to the Liger Queen. The Liger Queen looked in Luke's eyes again and placed one of her paws on Luke's hand.

"Very well, I'm holding you to that Luke," The Liger Queen said.

"You got it," Luke said.

"Luke, you did it," Ion said happily.

"I couldn't have done without your help Ion," Luke said happily.

"Oh no, it was you that really did much."

The eggs began to hatch and baby Ligers were emerging from the shells. Luke was in awe and the Liger Queen went to her children that were born. Luke and Ion were near the Liger Queen. Luke gently removed the Sorcerer's Ring from the Liger Queen's ear and place it around Mieu's shoulder and Luke was giving his gratitude to Mieu for his support. Tear sighed as she felt exhausted just seeing what Luke was doing. Jade stepped forward and looked at Tear and then he looked at Luke and he pushed up his glasses.

"Anise, could you come over here please?" Jade asked.

The Fon Master Guardian who was named Anise went straight to Jade.

"Yes Colonel?" Anise replied.

Jade whispered something in Anise's ear and Anise nodded and was willing to do what Jade requested.

"Okay, you got it," Anise said with a smile, "but in exchange, you have to look after Ion."

Jade nodded and Anise ran off to do what she was asked to do. Tear had watched the exchange between Jade and Anise and then she turned over to look at Luke who was petting the baby Ligers that had hatched and felt happy while the Liger Queen was able to relax as she sat near Luke.

"I'm glad everything worked out," Luke said feeling relief.

"Luke, you were extremely lucky but I hope you don't make it a habit," Tear said, "I doubt it will go well like it did for you next time and how are you going to do what you promised the Liger Queen?"

Luke was annoyed, "Back off, it doesn't concern you anyway. Besides, there's no need for you to worry about it. It was my proposal so I'll take responsibility for how it goes."

"Don't say that," Tear said annoyed, "it does concern me when you put the Fon Master in danger for your selfish whims."

Luke scoffed, "Ion was never in danger, I wouldn't let that happen and don't call what I did selfish whims."

"You're so full of it. It was all luck as far as I can tell."

"You're annoying; in fact, you're actually a pest, a real stuck-up pest."

"You…" Tear was shaking with anger.

"Oh my, a lover's quarrel," Jade commented as he stood next to Tear.

"Not funny," Luke replied glaring at Jade.

Tear also glared at Jade, "Colonel Curtiss, we don't have that sort of relationship."

"I'm kidding," Jade said, "and please call me Jade. I'm not one for being referred to by my family name."

Ion went to Jade, "Jade, I'm sorry for doing this."

"It's not like you just run off on your own," Jade said looking at Ion.

"Cheagles are the sacred beasts of the Order of Lorelei; I felt I had to take responsibility for any trouble they caused."

"And that's why you used your power? Didn't the doctor tell you not to?"

"I'm sorry."

"And you involved civilians as well."

"Ion didn't involve us, we came here on our own accord," Luke pointed out, "we just happened to meet each other by coincidence. I made the suggestion that we work together."

"Oh I see, so you willfully went along with this, I must say I am surprised."

"It's been one surprise after another for me," Tear said in her head.

"Well anyway, we should get out of this forest."

"No, we have to speak to the Elder first," Mieu said as he got on top of Luke's head.

"I agree," Luke said, "we need to speak with the Cheagle Elder. Ion…"

"Yes, I agree as well," Ion said and then looked at Jade, "Jade, can we stop to see the Cheagles?"

Jade pushed his glasses and then nodded, "All right, but remember we don't have much time."

"Okay," Ion then looked at Luke with a smile, "Luke, thank you for everything you've done so far."

Luke stood up, "No problem, happy to help."

"You really are a nice person Luke," Ion said.

Luke felt embarrassed, "C'mon Ion, it's what friends do."

"Yes, you're right."

"I'm so happy," Mieu said happily as he flapped his ears.

"Yeah, thanks for your help Mieu," Luke said as he picked up the Cheagle and wrapped him around his arms, "you've really been helpful."

"Mieu, mieu, mieuuuuu!" Mieu replied happy what Luke said.

Luke said his goodbyes to the Liger Queen and her newborns and the Liger Queen responded well and Mieu spoke to the Liger Queen assuring that Luke would keep his promise. The Liger Queen growled at Mieu telling him that it is because he had Luke with him that she was not going to feed him to her children. They left the Liger Queen and her children and headed back to the tree truck where the Cheagles lived to report to the Cheagle Elder. As they continued to walk, Tear kept staring at Luke. Tear acknowledge what Luke did was amazing but she also concluded that Luke was being reckless and didn't have a real understanding on things and she figured Luke would assume that things would go well for him forgetting that he was not in Kimlasca at the moment. It was actually a pain for Tear dealing with the long red haired noble but even with that the case she was not going to abandon her duty in which she felt was to escort Luke back to his home in Baticul as she reminded herself that she was the reason why Luke was yanked out of his home in her attempt to kill her brother Van. Tear figured that she would find the time and convince Luke that he can't act as the way he has been going on so far and she was going to do whatever to take to get him to listen for this sake of his own safety.

Inside the giant tree trunk

The Cheagle Elder holding the Sorcerer's Ring and was speaking with Mieu and Mieu replied. Mieu relayed everything that had happened with the Liger Queen and how Mieu himself was so in awe with what Luke did.

"It's very interesting to see them speak to each other," Jade commented.

"They're so cute," Tear said in a low tone.

"Hmm, did you say something Tear?" Luke asked.

Tear was taken back and looked away feeling a bit embarrassed, "N-No, nothing at all."

"…I see."

The Cheagle Elder nodded and turned to four humans, "Mieu has explained to me what has happened. You endured a great deal on our behalf."

"Of course, Cheagles are considered sacred to the Order of Lorelei," Ion said.

"Not only that, I'm surprised that you Master Luke were able to convince the Liger Queen to have her and her brethren to not prey on us anything further with a promise to provide a new home for the Ligers. I can't thank you enough."

"Don't worry about it," Luke assured, "I was just doing what I could and to be honest, I'm really fond of the Ligers and you Cheagles as well. I know some of your people have already lost their lives to the Ligers and I may be asking too much but I want to do what I can to at least ease the tension."

"We're not vengeful creatures. Though, some of our members have been eaten, we do not desire for revenge, it is not in our nature. Besides, the whole crisis started when Mieu destroyed the Ligers' home, so I will have Mieu atone for what he has done."

"What are you going to do?" Tear asked.

"I will exile Mieu from our tribe."

Luke and Ion were sad to hear that.

"Really?" Luke said sadly.

"That's cruel," Ion said sadly.

"Naturally, I don't mean forever," The Cheagle Elder assured, "Mieu will accompany Master Luke for one cycle of the season."

"M-Me?" Luke spoke surprised, "Is that necessary? Not that I would mind though."

"Mieu insist on accompany you Master Luke, I leave it to you on how you deal with him."

"Hmm," Ion nodded and then looked at Luke, "well Luke?"

Luke kneeled to face Mieu, "Mieu, do you really want to accompany me?"

"Yes, I would be happy to do so," Mieu said happily.

Luke looked at Mieu and then smiled, "Okay, if that's what you want then I have no problem with it. When we get back to my manor in Baticul, I'll introduce you. Naturally since you're a Cheagle, you'll be accepted, no problem. I'll introduce you to Natalia, she'll be happy to meet you, then there's Guy, he's my best friend, and then there's my mother. You can keep her company for a while and who knows; maybe your cheerful energy will be really helpful for my mother. Oh, there is also the staff at the manor, especially Pere, Sheila, and even Ramdas. Then there's my father, even he won't be against having you around. Oh, the people of Baticul…especially the kids Guy and I play with...they'll be excited to meet you, I'm sure of it."

"Mieu, mieuuu, I'm so happy. I'm looking forward to it Master!"

"That's great but Mieu, you have to do something for me."

"Mieu?"

"Don't call me Master, just call me Luke. I won't respond to you if you don't call me by my name."

"Sure Luke!" Mieu said with joy.

"All right, I have a new friend!" Luke said happily as Mieu was speaking happily as well.

They left the giant tree trunks and said their goodbyes to the Cheagles. Luke was amazed that the Elder allowed Mieu to take the Sorcerer's Ring with him but he also figured that it was convenient which he was glad. They continued on their way and then finally they were about to head to the exit where they were met up by Anise and some of the Malkuth soldiers.

"Hey, that Fon Master Guardian," Luke commented.

"Yes, that's Anise," Ion said.

"Welcome back," Anise greeted.

"Anise, is everything set for the Tartarus?" Jade asked.

"Sure is Colonel, the Tartarus is right outside near the entrance. You did say to make it quick so we hurried as fast as we could."

Luke's eyes widened as he and Tear had a good idea what was really happening and then they noticed Jade looking at them with a serious expression.

"Aw hell," Luke said, "I see what's happening."

"Restrain those two, they're the ones that were producing the Seventh Fonons," Jade ordered.

Ion got concerned and then looked at Jade, "Jade, don't do anything to hurt them."

"Don't worry, we won't kill them…assuming they don't resist."

The Malkuth soldiers closed in on them and Tear and Luke just accepted what was happening.

"Be good kids," Jade commented.

Tear, Luke, and Mieu were being escorted by soldiers to get to the Tartarus with Jade, Anise, and Ion following them. After being inside the land dreadnought, the course was set and the Tartarus moved, heading to its destination.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Jade and Ion explains things within the Tartarus about their intentions and then there's an ambush by a group of Oracle Knights.