Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of the Abyss.
Escape and Counter
Flashback: Three years ago
Just outside Baticul, a bandit charged towards Natalia with a dagger and the intent to kill her. The bandit was suddenly stabbed and was stopped in his tracks and fell on the ground. Luke had stood behind the bandit with a short sword and he was shaking as he realized what he had done as he looked at the bandit's lifeless body on the ground with blood seeping from his body. Natalia looked at Luke with concern and she rushed towards him and gave him a hug as Luke continued to look at the man he had just killed. It was the first time that Luke killed someone and he did it to protect Natalia.
Flashback End
Luke suddenly woke up and sat and he saw that he was in a cell with Tear, Jade, and Mieu.
"Luke, are you all right?" Tear asked.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine," Luke answered.
"Thank goodness Luke," Mieu said, "you're okay."
"Yeah, sorry to worry you Mieu."
"I'm just glad you're okay, you were tossing and turning in your sleep and looked shaken up."
"I see…where are we anyway?"
"In a cabin, onboard the Tartarus," Jade answered.
"Oh…that's right, the attack and…" Luke then thought about the Oracle Knight that he killed and had his head down and frowned, "I killed someone…again…"
"All right, we need to get out of here and rescue Ion," Jade said.
"It looks like they took Ion away," Tear said.
"From what we overheard the Oracle Knights saying, it sounds like they will be returning to the Tartarus. We'll ambush them and rescue him then."
Luke then thought about the Ligers and was worried.
"The Ligers…" Luke said.
"Huh, what about them?" Tear asked.
"I wonder if they're okay."
"Luke…"
"I'm sure they're fine," Jade said.
"I hope so…what about the Liger Queen's daughter…the one called Arietta…the Ligers said that she's involved as well."
"We may have to fight her Luke if she stands against us as well. Besides, from what it sounds like, she is indeed involved and willfully participating in the attack. We can't afford to show leniency."
Luke flinched and looked away as he realized that it was a possibility but still Luke wanted to hope.
"Luke," Jade called, "I noticed that you felt ill when you killed that Oracle Knight. Will you be able to continue on?"
"Yes, I know that they'll kill us if we don't kill them. I hate killing people but I know that in this situation that we don't have much of a choice and besides, if we don't do something, a war will really break out and I want to do everything I can to prevent that."
"So you do understand Luke," Tear said.
"I see, very well Luke, I'll be counting on you as part of our forces."
"Sure thing so let's go."
Jade turned to threw something that destroyed the mechanism and it disabled the cell and then he went to speak in the pipe.
"By my name as Necromancer, heed my command!" Jade said, "Initiate emergency plan, 'Corpse Hunt'!"
In the bridge of the Tartarus, the Oracle Knights and one pink haired girl wearing black holding her doll were surprised when the system of the Tartarus suddenly shut down.
"Wh-What happened?" The girl asked.
"Power systems down," One of the Oracle Knights reported, "Controls down, the Tartarus is completely inoperable."
Back with Jade and the others, Luke was surprised and impressed.
"That's amazing," Luke said.
"It's an emergency shutdown system I set up in advance. It should take some time for them to recover," Jade said.
"Where should we head from here?" Tear asked.
"We go to the port hatch. During the emergency shutdown, that's the only one that will open. The Oracle Knights holding Ion should try to enter the Tartarus from there as well."
"But they took our weapons away," Luke pointed out.
"They're probably still nearby," Tear said, "let's look for them."
"Okay."
Luke, Mieu, Jade, and Tear went through the hall and then they opened one of the doors where there was a chest. Luke opened the chest and inside was their weapons.
"They didn't take them far," Luke commented, "where they even guarding them?"
"I imagine they were earlier but now they are all trying to revive the Tartarus," Jade said.
"Well good for us then. So now what?"
"Hmm, somewhere around here, there is something fun we can use to get to where we need to go."
Tear and Luke raised an eyebrow.
"Something fun?" Luke and Tear said simultaneously.
Jade smiled and Luke and Tear wondered what the Colonel was going on about. They left the room and then went through the hall again and then Jade pointed at them to a door that led to another room and they opened the door and went inside. They arrived in a storage room with many boxes all over the place.
"Ah, here we are," Jade said, "we'll find our something fun in the back, behind these boxes."
"So we just need to move these boxes," Tear said.
"In that case," Luke said and then had his hand on one of the boxes and then turned to Jade, "hey Jade, don't just stand there, help me out."
"Oh but you're younger than me Luke," Jade replied, "and you know with my age, all my joints ache…"
Luke glared at Jade, "You're just being a lazy old man," Luke sighed, "whatever…"
"Luke, if you want, I'll help," Tear suggested.
"No, that's okay Tear, I got it," Luke assured.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure, although I can't say that I respect people that just use their age as an excuse not to help with things."
Luke just looked at Jade and Jade looked away acting he had no idea who Luke was referring to.
"You can do it Luke," Mieu cheered.
"Nice to have your support Mieu," Luke responded happily.
Luke moved the boxes and was able to clear the path for them to get through. They got to back and they say a box that was marked with skull and crossbones.
"Here it is," Jade said.
"This is your something fun…?" Luke asked and then after taken a close look, he realized something, "wait, this is…"
"Colonel, is that gunpowder?" Tear asked surprised.
"Gunpowder?" Luke asked surprised, "Why is that here?"
"A group of soldiers aboard the ship had been pilfering supplies to sell on their own," Jade explained, "I discovered that they've been hiding gunpowder here," Jade shrugged, "although this commotion has made my investigation pointless."
"I see," Tear said, "so we're going to ignite this and destroyed the wall."
"Really?" Luke asked, "Will it be all right?"
"It'll be fine just as long as we're not caught in the explosion," Jade assured.
"In that case, shall I use my fonic arte?" Luke asked.
"Let's have Mieu do it."
"Mieu?" Luke then looked at the cheagle, "Up for it my little buddy?"
"Sure," Mieu responded.
Mieu spit out fire and caused the box to explode and destroyed the wall.
"That's was perfect Mieu," Jade said, "now, let's get going."
"Okay," Luke said.
Luke, Tear, Jade, and Mieu were walking outside and were on the ledge and near the hull of the Tartarus.
"What are they really trying to accomplish?" Luke asked.
"Hmm, what do you mean?" Tear asked.
"Attacking the Tartarus and to get Ion. I get that Ion has influence and is trying to establish peace and they are people who want to prevent but…well, I get the sense that they is more to it than that. I mean where the heck did they take Ion right now and why return?"
"You do bring up a good point Luke," Jade said, "actually, I was wondering that myself."
"I see what you mean," Tear said.
They got through the deck and opened the door and there they were peeking outside and seeing three people and one of them was Ion and the two were the blonde hair woman wearing black and an Oracle soldier.
"It looks like we made it just in time, there they are," Jade said.
"It would be a surprise if they haven't realized that the Tartarus is on an emergency shutdown," Luke said.
"More importantly we can't use fonic artes, there's not enough casting time."
"It's not like you be able to cast strong ones anyway since your fonic artes are sealed and I doubt my fonic artes will be enough for this situation."
"Luke, how could say such things, especially the things to the colonel," Tear berated.
"It's fine Tear, I don't mind. What Luke is saying is the truth," Jade said.
"So what's the plan?" Luke asked.
"Right well…"
Jade discussed his plan to Luke, Tear and Mieu. Meanwhile, the blonde haired woman looked at the hatch.
"Open the hatch," The blonde woman ordered.
"Yes ma'am," The Oracle Knight responded and went to open the hatch. When he did, Luke stood there in front of him with a grin and held out Mieu in front of him.
"Now, fire!" Luke said.
Mieu shot fire at the Oracle Knight causing him to lose balance and fall. The woman saw what happened and quickly drew her twin guns but then she saw someone in the air and it was Jade with his spear in hand. Jade threw the spear at the woman and the woman dodged and then spear disappeared. The woman then stepped back and saw the same spear pointed at her and then she looked at Jade.
"Jade Curtiss," The woman said, "you're hard to beat even with your fonic artes sealed."
Jade pushed his glasses, "I'm honored by your complements, now throw down your weapons."
The woman did that just that while Luke pointed the sword at the disarmed Oracle Knight and knocked him out using the pommel of his broadsword and Jade nodded.
"Tear, your fonic hymn, now!" Jade called out.
The woman was surprised when she heard the name.
"Tear?" The woman said and then turned to glance behind her, "Tear Grants?"
Tear appeared and was surprised to see the blonde haired woman.
"Major Legretta," Tear said.
Luke saw something and was surprised, "Tear, behind you!"
Tear realized and dodged as a lighting breath from a Liger with the pink haired girl with the Liger and that distracted Jade just enough for Legretta to knock him back and grab her two guns and shot at Jade and Luke as well as Tear and they dodged the bullets and Luke blocked the bullets with his sword. Ion tried to get to the others but Legretta blocked them. Another Oracle Knight appeared and pointed his sword at Luke and Mieu and they had no choice but to stop and Jade and Tear felt pinned as Legretta pointed her guns as them. The pink haired girl went to Legretta.
"Arietta, how's the Tartarus?" Legretta asked.
"It's still inoperable," The pink haired girl named Arietta explained, "I was only able to get through because my friend had to tear open a wall."
"I see, very well then, restrain them…"
Luke suddenly looked up and saw someone coming from the sky and then he smiled. Jade saw the same person and felt relaxed. The person knocked Legretta down on the ground, surprising her and Arietta and then quickly grabbed Ion to take him away from them. Legretta shot at the person but her bullets were deflected by the blade of the person's katana and the person was Guy.
"Enter the amazing Guy," Guy said.
Arietta suddenly screeched and Legretta looked over and saw that Jade was holding Arietta pointing his spear at her throat.
"Arietta!" Legretta said shocked.
"Now you," Jade said to Legretta, "return to the Tartarus."
Legretta clenched her teeth and then decided to give in and went to the Tartarus.
"You're next," Jade said to Arietta, "take yourself and your monster friend back to the Tartarus."
Arietta couldn't believe what was happening and then looked at Ion.
"Fon Master, I…I…" Arietta spoke.
"Please do what he says Arietta," Ion pleaded.
Arietta just looked at Ion and had a sad expression. Arietta did what she was told and had herself and her Liger ally back in the Tartarus and then hatch was closed.
"All the hatches should stay closed for a while," Jade said.
"Whew, thank goodness," Luke said and smiled at Guy, "Guy, great timing."
"I looked all over for you," Guy said with a smile, "never thought you turn up in a place like this."
Luke rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, I'm sure."
"Ion, did you see Anise?" Jade asked.
"The enemy stole the emperor's letter. Anise tried to get it back but…"
"She was knocked out and fell," Luke added, "we were told."
"By the Ligers I assume," Ion said.
"Yes."
"Wait, Ligers?" Guy asked confused.
"I'll explain things Guy."
"Huh…"
"For now, let's head for Saint Binah," Jade suggested, "that's our rendezvous point with Anise."
"Saint Binah," Luke said, "that's the city southeast of here, right?"
"That's right Luke," Tear said.
Luke nodded, "Okay, then let's go there."
"Wait, what about your troops?" Guy asked Jade, "They're still inside, right?"
"I can't imagine there being any survivors," Jade said with a grim expression, "if they had left any witnesses, it would lead to war between the Order of Lorelei and Malkuth."
"How many troops were onboard?" Luke asked.
"This was a top secret mission, so only half of the usual number…around 140."
Luke clenched his teeth as he was upset as was Guy.
"Damn…" Luke said.
"Over 100 people were killed," Guy said.
"Damn them!" Luke said clenching his fists.
"Let's get going," Tear suggested, "if we get caught here, a war will start and even more people will die."
They went on their way and had the destination to go to Saint Binah. They walked on the road heading for the city where they hoped to meet with Anise.
"Never imagined that you would be in such a situation Luke," Guy said.
"Yeah no kidding," Luke replied, "it's been one thing after another…although I can't say that it's been all bad."
"Luke's Grand Adventure in Malkuth," Guy said with a smile.
"Huh, what?" Luke replied and then raised an eyebrow.
"Well, this is your first time in Malkuth so I'm thinking you be having a grand adventure."
"Guy, stop kidding around…I mean I wouldn't mind but I really want to get back to Baticul, I'm sure everyone back home is worried."
"Right, I understand…anyway, let's get you back."
"Yeah and Guy, thanks for coming," Luke said with a smile, "it's really make me feel calm with you here."
"Hey, don't worry Luke, you would have done the same for me," Guy said happily.
Luke grinned and nodded, "We're best friends after all."
"Yeah…"
After a bit of time, Ion didn't feel well and fell and stood on his knees. The others saw this and got worried.
"Ion, are you okay?" Luke asked being very concerned.
"Ion, you used your power in the Tartarus, didn't you?" Jade asked.
"Like back in the Cheagle Woods?" Luke asked.
"I thought I would be all right since a fair bit of time passed," Ion said.
"We should stop here for a while," Luke suggested.
"That's a wise suggestion," Jade agreed, "if we were to keep going on, we run the risk of shortening Ion's life."
Tear and Guy nodded with as they agreed as well. They all rested up for a while and Guy was being informed of what the situation and what their goal was were.
"I see, you're all acting as envoy for Emperor Peony of Malkuth to prevent a war," Guy said, "but why would Mohs want to start a war?"
Tear flinched and clenched her teeth.
"That's matters within the Order," Ion said, "I'm afraid I can't talk about it."
"Oh c'mon Ion, really?" Luke whined.
"I'm sorry," Ion responded.
"Whatever his reason, we have to get the letter back and meet with His Majesty, King Ingobert," Jade said, "we won't let Mohs interfere."
"Looks like you got in a serious situation Luke," Guy said.
"By the way," Ion said, "you're Guy, right? Luke talked about you before."
"That's right," Guy said as he stood up, "I'm Guy Cecil, I serve in the manor of Duke Fabre."
"Nice to meet you Guy," Ion said.
"It also nice to meet you Fon Master Ion," Guy said then turned to Jade, "and you are…?"
"This is Colonel Jade Curtiss," Luke said, "he's the commander of the Third Division of the Malkuth Imperial Forces."
"So this is Jade the Necromancer," Guy said amazed.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Guy," Jade said as he and Guy shook hands.
"The same for me," Guy said with a nod.
Tear walked up to Guy and before she had a chance to introduced herself, Guy flinched and took a step back and he was shaking and Guy's action surprised Tear as well as Ion, Jade, and Ion and Luke slammed his forehead berating himself for not mentioning Guy's 'condition'.
"What?" Tear asked confused.
Guy screeched in response.
"Guy has this phobia," Luke said.
"A phobia?" Tear asked.
"Yeah, he can't really get close to women. It's not that he hates women but sadly, when a female gets close to him, his body reacts in fear."
"I see, that's unfortunate," Jade said.
"It really sucks since Guy is such a nice and friendly person," Luke said.
"Sorry," Guy said, "it's nothing personal."
"This is Tear by the way," Luke said to Guy.
"Right," Guy said and then looked at Tear, "nice to meet you."
"Right…you know if it helps, you don't have to think of me as a woman," Tear said.
"That doesn't help actually," Luke said.
Tear walked towards Guy and tried to get close to him but Guy kept backing away and was shaking in fear.
"Tear, stop that," Luke berated, "you're not helping. You're going to make it worse."
Tear had her head down and turned away, "Fine, I'll keep my distance."
"I'm sure if we find the root, what causes it, I'm sure we could do something about it so until then…"
"Sure, I understand," Tear said and then turned to Guy, "sorry."
"No, I'm sorry," Guy responded.
"So Guy, since you serve House Fabre, I assume that you travelled from Kimlasca looking for Luke."
"That's right, under orders of Duke Fabre," Guy answered, "we knew he disappeared into Malkuth territory. I went by land from Chesedonia while Dorian General Grants crossed the sea and started search from Kaitzur."
Tear and Luke were surprised to hear what Guy just informed them.
"Master Van is looking for me as well?" Luke asked while feeling happy that one of his mentors was looking for him.
"My brother is here?" Tear asked.
"Brother?" Guy responded surprised looking at Tear, "I see, then you must be—"
Guy was interrupted when there was some noise and four Oracle soldiers appeared with their drawn sword. Luke, Tear, Guy, Ion, Jade, and Mieu faced them and Jade formed his spear.
"Oh dear," Jade said, "it looks like we've ran out of time to chat."
"Damn them," Luke said as he drew his sword, "Ion, Mieu, stay back!"
"Okay," Ion replied.
"Be careful," Mieu said as he and Ion did what they were asked.
Guy drew his katana and Tear had her staff and her knives in hand.
"You won't get away!" One of the Oracle Knights said.
It was a four-on-four fight and it was a short but tough fight as the Oracle Knights fell one by one by their opponents. Afterwards, they all checked with each other and saw they were unharmed and Luke nodded.
"It seems you're all okay," Luke said.
An Oracle Knight was sneaking up behind Luke and then rushed towards him.
"Luke, behind you!" Guy said loudly.
"Huh?" Luke said and turned.
Luke saw the charging Oracle Knight but was slow to respond as the knight was able to disarm Luke of his sword and Luke was shocked as was the others.
"Luke!" Tear said loudly.
"Die!" The Oracle Knight said.
The Oracle Knight charged toward Luke and Luke was backing away while Tear and Guy rushed to help Luke.
"You bastard!" Luke said and then brought out his right hand, "Flame Burst!"
Luke shot the fonic arte and it struck the Oracle Knight, making the attacker cry in pain and Guy swooped in and slashed him with his katana killing the knight. Luke and Guy sighed in relief and Tear felt glad as she was saw that Luke and Guy was able to handle things.
"Luke, are you all right?" Ion asked.
"Yeah," Luke said and then turned to Guy, "Guy, thanks."
"No problem, I'm just glad you're okay," Guy replied.
Luke sighed, "I was careless…"
Luke went to go pick up his sword and Mieu rushed towards Luke and Luke nodded at his cheagle friend as Mieu saying how glad he was that Luke wasn't hurt.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The group arrives to St. Binah and plan their next course of action.
