Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of the Abyss.
Katsbert Ferry
The party returned to Kaitzur Naval Port with Van and the maintenance chief Chuck. The two workers, Ned and Floyd saw them were relieved to see their boss well in one piece and Chuck went to greet Ned and Floyd. They said their thanks to Luke and the others for what they did and Luke replied that it was no problem and was happy to help although he also apologized to Chuck for the ordeal he went through. Chuck shook his head and assured Luke he was not at fault for what happened. Van went on ahead to go see Count Almandine carrying Arietta and with Arietta's two Liger and the flying monster, Hresglevr with him and Kimlascan soldiers keep them at bay. Luke spoke with Chuck, Ned, and Floyd a bit more and afterwards, Luke went with the others to follow Van to the meeting hall to see Count Almandine after the maintenance workers informed them that work on repairing the ship was running smoothly and it would not take them long to finish. Luke gave his gratitude to them as he left with the others. The party walked heading to meet with Count Almandine and Anise was looking at Guy and was wondering about something.
"Hmm…" Anise pondered.
Jade noticed Anise's pondering expression and walked next to her.
"What are you up to Anise?" Jade asked suddenly, "Plotting to meet and murder Princess Natalia so that you can eliminate her as an obstacle to marry Luke?"
Anise flinched and looked at Jade angrily, "Of course not! I would never do anything like that!" Anise calmed down, "It's about Guy."
"Guy?" Jade responded with a raised eyebrow, "Oh, do you mean his fear for women?"
"Yeah, you saw how seriously terrified he was. I can't really tease him."
"Seriously terrified...yeah…" Guy interjected suddenly.
Anise flinched as she was surprised with Guy speaking up suddenly and was right at proximity with Jade.
"Anyway, don't worry about it. Who knows, maybe this journey will help me get over my phobia," Guy said.
"Well, just so you know Guy, I would do anything to purposely trigger it," Anise assured, "I heard how Luke chewed out Tear when she used your phobia against you in St. Binah and I can't afford to do anything to make Luke angry with me."
"Uh," Guy chuckled nervously, "r-right…"
"Well, Luke is quite protective of Guy…" Jade said.
"Y-Yeah…" Guy said.
Cantabile hearing the conversation with Guy, Jade, and Anise and she had her thoughts in what she was hearing.
"So, Gailardia doesn't remember what happened when his family was killed," Cantabile said in her head and then had a sad expression, "Hod…"
The group arrived to the building which was the meeting hall and they went inside. Inside, they met with Van and Count Almandine, the Lieutenant General of the Kimlasca military who was also the commander of Kaitzur.
"Ah Master Luke, it's good to see you again," Almandine greeted.
"Same to you too Count Almandine," Luke said with a nod, "it's good to see you again."
"Fon Master, I have informed Count Almandine about the incident with Arietta," Van said.
"Please forgive my servant's mistake," Ion said to Almandine.
"Mistake, huh?" Almandine replied and sighed, "The actions of Arietta the Wild is unacceptable. It cannot be allowed to pass."
"It won't, I promise," Ion assured.
"Count Almandine, I'm sorry," Luke said suddenly.
Almandine looked at Luke surprised, "Luke, why are you apologizing?"
"Luke please, you're not to blame for this," Ion said.
"I don't know…" Luke said unsure, "I feel like I am though…"
"Luke…" Almandine paused for a moment, "please don't be hard on yourself. I just hope that Daath will deal with the matter in good faith."
"Still…"
"Luke, you're not to blame for Arietta's actions," Ion said.
"That's right," Cantabile said, "Arietta carried out this action by listening to Asch, so really he's also to blame for this."
"Cantabile is correct Luke," Jade said, "You will do well to remember that."
"…Okay," Luke said rubbing his head, "um anyway Count Almandine, I need a favor from you."
"Sure, I'll be happy to obliged," Almandine said with a nod, "What is it?"
"I would like you to send a message to my father and uncle," Luke requested.
"Sure, we can do it by carrier pigeon," Almandine said, "We can get the message there before you arrive back to Baticul."
"Perfect, I would like you to state that I'm returning home with an envoy for Emperor Peony of Malkuth who wish to propose a formal peace treaty with Fon Master Ion who is acting as the neutral ambassador and Colonel Jade Curtiss of the Malkuth military who's acting as the emperor's representative."
"Colonel Jade Curtiss?" Almandine replied surprised and he looked at Jade, "So this is Jade the Necromancer?"
"That's him," Luke said.
Jade sighed, "Oh Luke…"
"What?" Luke asked looking at Jade confused.
"Oh well…" Jade looked at Almandine, "my apologies for not introducing myself. I carry a letter of peace on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Peony the Ninth of Malkuth."
"Your entourage is smaller than I would expect," Almandine commented.
"We suffered a great deal of interference. I hope you can forgive us."
"They really helped me out," Luke said, "please put in a good word for them."
"I see…all right for you Master Luke, I'll send out a carrier pigeon to them at once."
"Thank you Count Almandine," Luke said with a smile.
"Sure," Almandine said with a smile as well, "as for the ship, it will be ready by tomorrow so please get some rest here in the port town."
"Okay, understood," Luke said.
"Thank you Count Almandine," Ion said.
The party left the base and was heading for the rest facilities within the port town. Luke stopped and went back in the base to ask Almandine one more thing.
"Count Almandine," Luke said.
"Huh, oh Master Luke, was there something else you needed?" Count Almandine asked.
"Yeah, actually there is one other thing," Luke said with a serious expression.
"What is it?"
"I need you to send another message back to Baticul. The second message is to General Goldberg and Brigadier General Cecille."
"Hmm, why them?" Almandine asked.
Luke looked over to Tear who was walking with Cantabile and Mieu.
"You see that girl with the long brown hair and blue eyes?" Luke asked.
"You mean the one that wearing an Oracle Knight uniform?"
"Yes…"
Luke discussed things with Almandine and Almandine agreed and got on doing the things that Luke requested him. Luke went to catch up with the others and they all went to rest facilities and sleep.
The Next Day
The group went on the ship, the Katsbert Ferry that was repaired and ready to set sail. Count Almandine with a few soldiers was there to see them off as well as the three maintenance workers, Ned, Floyd, and Chuck. They all said what they wanted to say and Luke thanked all of them for their hard work and Almandine assured Luke that with what they discussed that it was taken care of and certain people would be informed. Luke nodded and thanked Count Almandine. The group got on the ship and the ship sailed leaving the Kaitzur Naval Port.
Katsbert Ferry
In one of the cabins, Luke was lying on one of the bunk beds and Mieu was lying on Luke's chest. Luke thought about everything that happened at Choral Castle and Luke wondered what was the true purpose of God-Generals' actions.
"What was it they're really trying to accomplish?" Luke said and then he sighed, "You know Mieu, I haven't been able to figure things out."
"Mieuuu, me neither Luke," Mieu responded.
"The only thing we know for sure is that Fomicry machine we found in Choral Castle."
"So what do you want to do Luke?"
"I'll ask Master Cantabile. I have a feeling that she might have figure things and she seems to be willing to tell me…more so than Jade anyway."
"Oh right, you did ask Jade when we started sailing," Mieu recalled.
"Yeah," Luke said and then he frowned, "unfortunately, he dodged the question and it seems that now he's avoiding me."
Mieu flapped his ears, "I guess your best bet would be to ask Cantabile."
"Yeah, I'll do that and besides, she did say we needed to talk. She might know something."
Luke got up from the bed and Mieu hopped off and got on Luke's left shoulder. Luke left the cabin he was staying and looked both ways in the hall. Suddenly Luke felt a sensation and it was a headache, the same one he had been having before. Luke fell on his knees and held his head.
"No, not again," Luke complained.
"Luke!" Mieu said with concerned and hopped off Luke's shoulder.
"Awaken…hurry…heed my voice…" The voice said in Luke's head.
"Oww!" Luke said in pain, "Damn it!"
"Luke, hang in there!" Mieu said.
The pain went away and Luke was feeling better again.
"Phew, it's gone now," Luke said as he got up.
"Luke, are you okay?" Mieu asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Luke replied, "sorry to worry you Mieu."
"It's not your fault. You had those headaches for a long time, haven't you?"
"Yeah and let me tell you, it's annoying as hell," Luke crossed his arms, "I need to figure it out and soon. If this was to happen during a battle, I'd be in serious trouble. Anyway, let's go."
"Sure," Mieu said with a nod.
"Master Luke," Someone called him.
Luke and Mieu looked over and saw a Kimlascan soldier approaching them.
"Yes?" Luke spoke.
"Dorian General Grants wishes to see you," The Kimlascan soldier informed, "He ask for you to wait on the deck."
"Master Van?" Luke thought about and had a guess, "Okay, I'll be waiting at the deck then."
The soldier nodded and left. Luke and Mieu walked through the hall and as they kept walking, they noticed a soldier standing guard in front of a door. Luke figured that was where Arietta was being held and decided to go over there.
"Pardon me," Luke said.
The guard looked and saw Luke.
"Oh, Master Luke," The soldier said giving his salute.
"Is Arietta in that cabin you're guarding?"
"Yes, as you know Arietta the Wild is being held for treason against the Fon Master," The soldier answered.
"How is she right now?" Luke asked, "May I see?"
"Well Master Luke, she is still unconscious right now."
"I see," Luke replied as he looked through the door window.
Luke saw Arietta lying on the bed in the cabin unconscious with her two monster friends with her.
"I guess I won't be able to talk to her," Luke commented.
"Master Luke, I'm afraid that even if she was conscious, Dorian General Grants was very clear to not let her speak with anyone."
"….Right…right…"
"What now Luke?" Mieu asked.
"No choice but to just head to the deck."
"Okay," Mieu replied.
"This is a first for you, huh Mieu?" Luke asked, "Being out in the sea."
"It sure is," Mieu said happily, "and it's enjoyable."
Luke smiled and nodded, "C'mon, let's see more before we see Master Cantabile and Master Van."
"Sure!" Mieu said with excitement.
Luke signaled Mieu in which the little Cheagle hopped up and got on Luke's left shoulder. Luke grinned and headed up to the deck. When they arrived on the deck, they saw Ion looking out at the sea. Ion sighed and looked over to his side and saw Luke and Mieu.
"Oh Luke," Ion said.
"Hey Ion," Luke greeted as he approached Ion, "how are you doing?"
"Well, I'm okay," Ion said with a nod, "I just hope that what happened won't incur King Ingobert's disfavor and cause negotiations to fall through."
"Yeah, I know Count Almandine wasn't particularly happy about how things went," Luke replied, "well don't worry Ion. I'll explain everything to my uncle. In fact, I'll even ask my parents for assistance as well."
"That's right," Ion recalled, "your mother is His Majesty's younger sister."
"Yep, so relax," Luke said with confidence, "I'll do everything I can."
"You're right," Ion said feeling relaxed, "thank you Luke. I just want you know again that I really appreciate you helping out. You've done so much given the circumstances."
"Well, I don't know. I'm just doing what I can."
Ion smiled and Luke grinned. Afterwards Luke and Mieu walked a bit and they were seen by Anise and Anise herself walked over to Luke.
"Hey Luke," Anise greeted happily.
Luke looked over and saw Anise.
"Oh, hi Anise," Luke greeted.
"Say Luke, do you mind if I ask you a weird question?" Anise asked.
"Uh sure, what is it?" Luke replied although he was a bit unsure, "What's your weird question?"
"What do you think of Tear?" Anise asked.
"Tear?" Luke asked taken aback, "Why are you asking me about her?"
"Well…" Anise paused a bit and then she sighed, "okay, is Tear your type of woman?"
Luke was shocked and looked at Anise surprised as he blushed a bit.
"A-Are you serious?" Luke asked shocked.
"Yeah I am…well?"
Luke frowned and crossed his arms.
"I do believe that Tear is very skilled as a fonist and I am impressed at the fact she can utilize Yulia's fonic hymns. I'm also impressed at the fact that she and Master Van are direct descendants of Yulia Jue."
"Okay…" Anise said.
"However as far as her being my type," Luke shook his head, "no way and it's not just the fact that I'm engaged to Natalia. Her personality isn't something I'm attracted with. Sure, she can caring and responsible sometimes, but most of the times, she irritates me."
"So even with her being good looking and having such a great body?" Anise asked, "Especially with those melons?"
Luke flinched and blushed again as he was amazed that Anise would even say those things with a straight face.
"As I said, her personality doesn't sit well with me," Luke explained, "I wouldn't mind her much if she didn't act like she knew better than me of how I'm supposed to be and react."
"I see…well" Anise smiled, "it just means that there's hope."
"Huh?" Luke asked confused.
"I know you're engaged to Princess Natalia and I wouldn't want to be in the way…but you know, in case you have second thoughts," Anise smiled, "just so you know that I'm right here."
Luke groaned and shook his head, "Honestly Anise, what is it about me that you like and please tell me it's not because of my social status."
"Well…" Anise said as she shifted her eyes.
Luke sighed and after speaking with Anise, he left to go elsewhere. As Luke kept walking, he saw Cantabile looking out at the sea.
"Master Cantabile," Luke called.
Cantabile saw Luke and motioned him to come over.
"I see you're taking in the scenery," Luke commented.
"It's nothing new," Cantabile said, "I do go back and forth, whether it's to and from Daath and Baticul and any other place that I need to be."
"Right, of course…anyway Master, what we need to speak of…"
"Yes, regarding our findings at Choral Castle," Cantabile said, "Luke, did you ask Jade again about what he knows?"
"I did," Luke frowned, "but he wouldn't really say anything and now it's seems that he's avoiding me."
"I see," Cantabile shook her head, "I should have known."
"I just don't understand, why won't Jade say anything?"
"He believes by not saying anything, he can avoid responsibility for what he's done…at least that how I feel with what's he's doing."
"What he's done?" Luke asked confused, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you know him as Jade Curtiss, Colonel of the Malkuth military but he is also known as Jade Balfour."
"Jade Balfour?"
"Yes."
"Wait, Balfour? That name sounds familiar…" Luke then realized, "That's right, I read it in a book once and…" Luke's eyes widened and he looked at Cantabile, "no way…"
"That's right, Jade Balfour is the one who created Fomicry."
Luke and Mieu were shocked hearing what Cantabile said.
"Jade Curtiss is also Balfour?" Luke asked shocked.
"Yes, Balfour was his original surname. He was adopted into the Curtiss family, a well-known military family when he was a child."
"I see…but I still don't get why Jade won't tell me what he knows," Luke pointed out, "it's obvious that Jade knew so why would he keep quiet and say that he was not sure."
"Fomicry and all information relating to it were supposed to be kept locked away sixteen years ago but the taboo was broken and by doing so, allowed Fomicry experiments to go underway and with Jade being the Father of Fomicry, he can tell which traits one possesses as one who was created by Fomicry."
"I see…"
"Anyway Luke, after knowing you were found in Choral Castle and with the Fomicry machine we found there, do you have any theories?"
"Um…" Luke had a worried look, "well…I believe that there is indeed some sort of connection with me and that Fomicry," Luke had his head down and clenched his fists, "Master Cantabile, I'm sure you have figured things out. Please tell me, what the connection with me and that machine and what about Asch the Bloody?"
"Hmm, what do you mean?" Cantabile asked, "Why are you asking about him?"
"When I was being held, I heard Dist and Sync talking about Asch and how he wanted to use Choral Castle and…I'm sure that I've actually seen Asch before seven years ago."
"I see…" Cantabile said and then she closed her eyes for a bit and then opened them, "well Luke…"
Meanwhile, Tear was taking a walk and she sighed and wondered what she was going to do and questioned herself if what she was doing was the right course of action. Tear looked over and saw Luke and Cantabile. Tear looked over to one of her former teachers and the red head noble and decided to go over to them.
"Luke, Major Cantabile," Tear called.
Luke and Cantabile looked over and saw Tear as she walked over to them.
"Tear," Luke said.
"Oh Tear, did you need something?" Cantabile asked.
"No, not particularly," Tear answered and then looked over to Luke, "after Chesedonia, we'll take another ship which will take us to Baticul."
"Yeah, I'll finally get back home," Luke said.
Tear nodded, "Luke, I know I'm repeating myself but I want to tell how sorry I am for dragging you out of your home. I know I've caused you such inconvenience and for that, I'm sorry."
"I see…" Luke said.
"Tear, you do realize that you have a lot to explaining to do," Cantabile said, "because I'm sure if you understand that regardless that you didn't harm anyone within the Fabre Manor, your action is most likely is seen as an act of aggression against House Fabre which could lead to a conflict between the Order of Lorelei and the Kingdom of Kimlasca."
"But I was only after Van," Tear said.
"That isn't going to matter to Duke Fabre nor is it going to matter to King Ingobert," Cantabile pointed out, "things are already unwell with the actions that Arietta committed and with you…well, I wouldn't be surprised if you were accused of kidnapping Luke."
"Yeah, that is a possibility," Luke said scratching his head with a frown, "in fact, it probably won't matter that our Seventh Fonons reacted to each other."
Tear was shocked and she wondered why she didn't think of the seriousness of what had happened when she trespassed into a noble's mansion to assassinate her own brother.
"I…I don't know what to say," Tear said.
"I want ask again why you want to kill Van," Luke said and continued before Tear had a chance to say anything, "but I know you won't say anything, much to my dismay so I won't bother. Anyway, I should get going."
"Hmm, where are you going now?" Tear asked.
"Master Van asked me to meet him so I'm going to go and wait for him," Luke said.
Tear and Cantabile frowned when they heard that and Cantabile walked up to Luke and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Luke," Cantabile whispered to her student.
"I know what you're going to say Master Cantabile and I understand," Luke whispered back and had a sad expression, "I understand."
"Just make sure you watch yourself."
"I know," Luke said as he left.
Tear and Cantabile watched as Luke left.
"Major, did you tell Luke about…?" Tear asked.
"No I haven't," Cantabile replied, "well, not yet at least."
"Major, is there any way I can't convince not to tell him? I don't want Luke to be drag into this."
Cantabile sighed and shook her head, "You continue to say such selfish things."
Tear frowned and looked away, "It's not selfish."
Cantabile glared at her female pupil. Meanwhile Luke was walking talking to Mieu on his shoulder and they arrived at the rear of the ship. Luke suddenly felt the same painful sensation again and he fell on his knees holding his head.
"No dammit," Luke complained, "not again."
"No Luke!" Mieu said with worry.
"Ow!"
Luke started to get up and he was disturbed.
"No, my body is moving on its own," Luke said in his head.
"Luke?" Mieu spoke.
"Why am I moving?" Luke asked himself as his hands moved forward.
"I have reached you," The voice in Luke's head spoke.
"W-Who the hell…are you…?" Luke spoke.
"Show me your power," The voice said, "the same power as mine!"
"Are you the one controlling me? Luke asked, "What the hell are you? I knew wasn't just hearing things. Who are you? You've been talking in my head for years. Why?!"
"Luke, snap out of it!" Mieu said.
On the other side, Van walked and he saw Luke and was wide eyed in what he was seeing and he rushed over to him. Luke was still struggle to regain control over his own body and stop whatever was going on.
"W-What's going on?" Luke spoke, "N-No, stop!"
Van suddenly placed his hands on Luke's shoulders, "Luke, calm down!"
"M-Master Van?" Luke spoke.
"Yes, Luke," Van said, "calm down, take a deep breath," Van saw Luke was doing what he was saying and nodded as he continued, "there you go. That's it. Now Luke, focus your mind on the tips of your fingers. Listen to my voice Luke…now relax, just like that."
Luke did what Van was saying and was able to get calm. Mieu was standing and saw Van say something to Luke but was unable to make out what Van had said to Luke in which Luke had his eyes closed. The sensation over Luke dissipated and Luke was able to regain control of his own body and felt relief and he opened his eyes and felt relaxed.
"Are you all right Luke?" Van asked.
"Yeah," Luke said, "what happened to me? No, I think I already know. It was a hyperresonance, the same that sent me and Tear to Tataroo Valley."
"Yes, I would assume that is the case," Van said, "although in an incomplete form."
"It's amazing and scary at the same time," Luke said, "I know that a hyperresonance occurs when two Seventh Fonons react to each other, destroying and recreate any matter and yet…for some reason, I'm able to do it on my own."
"Yes, that is the case," Van said and then he looked out in the ocean, "Luke, have you been wondering about your kidnapping and the reason why your family wanted to keep you in the manor originally after the kidnapping?"
"Yes, I've always found it strange," Luke said, "they say they want to keep me safe and prevent it from ever happening again but still it's too much to just keep me locked up and every time I ask, they would avoid and/or change the subject."
"Yes, well Luke, I'll tell what you've been trying to know," Van replied and then looked at Luke with a serious expression, "it's because they want to keep you, the only person in the world who can cause a hyperresonance on his own, on a short leash in Kimlasca."
"On a short leash?" Luke asked, "Is that true?"
"Unfortunately yes and with training, you could control it at will. It would be…well, useful for war."
Luke was shocked as he looked at his sword instructor, "W-War?"
"Yes, your father and your uncle knew that. It is also why Malkuth wanted you."
"Wait a minute," Luke said in shock, "Are you saying they wanted to keep me locked up just to use me a weapon, a weapon of mass destruction?" Luke then realized something, "So they were planning to keep me locked up."
"Yes but seeing that you wouldn't stay still and refuse to just stay in your manor, it made it real hard for them to keep you in check but they have not giving up on keeping you on a short leash. Also with your marriage to Princess Natalia would mean having you kept held in the castle."
"There's no way I'll accept that," Luke said angrily, "I refuse to be used as an instrument of destruction by anyone, no matter who it is. I know there's no way Natalia would agree with it as well and Guy would always support me so he wouldn't agree with it as well. I'm not a tool for my father and uncle to use!"
"Calm down Luke," Van assured, "first we avert the war and then let everyone know of that success," Van smiled, "if we do that, it will establish your status as a hero who preserve the peace. At the very least, it would end any ideas and attempts to keep you of being a prisoner in your own home."
"Do you really think so Master Van?" Luke asked.
"Don't worry Luke," Van said, "Have confidence in yourself. You have been chosen. The power of your hyperresonance will make you a hero."
"A hero huh," Luke said pondering on the idea, "me…a hero…"
The sound of the Katsbert Ferry's horn went off and Luke and Van looked on.
"It sounds like we're arriving to Chesedonia," Luke said.
"Indeed and from there, we'll change ships to one heading for Baticul," Van said and then he looked at Luke and patted him on the shoulder, "cheer up Luke, a sullen face isn't becoming for a future hero."
Luke just looked at Van and smiled as he nodded.
"Yes, right…" Luke said.
Van nodded at Luke and left and Luke looked on seeing his teacher walk away. Luke then frowned and he sighed as he shook his head.
"I didn't want to believe," Luke said, "I didn't want to believe that he was up to something bad…but I can no longer ignore the signs."
"Luke?" Mieu asked.
Luke placed his hand on his head, "I know he did something to me…but I don't know what," Luke then looked over to Mieu, "Mieu, when he was calming me down, were you able to make out what he said to me?"
Mieu shook his head, "No, I wasn't able to hear him. He was talking very softly."
"I see," Luke said and then looked over seeing Van walking away, "he's planning something. I just know it and I need to find out what it is and quickly…it may be the reason why Tear is trying to kill him."
"In that case Luke, I'll tell you what Van is planning," Cantabile said.
Luke and Mieu looked over and saw Cantabile.
"Master Cantabile," Luke said.
"It would have been better if Tear told you herself but since she has constantly refused, it falls to me. So listen up Luke, here's what you need to know about Van."
Luke gave a determined expression to Cantabile.
"I'm listening," Luke said.
"Me too," Mieu said with a determined expression.
"Master Cantabile, what is it that Tear…and you know about Van's intentions?" Luke asked.
"Well Luke, the truth is…" Cantabile started.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The arrival of Chesedonia with the encounter of the Dark Wings, the attack by Sync, and the confrontation of Dist in the sea.
