A/N:
Disclaimer: I do not own the Tales of series, they belong to Namco.
Pairing: Main Asch x Luke, Flynn x Yuri, Richard x Asbel.
One-sided Yuri x Luke, Natalia x Asch, Tear x Luke, and Guy x Flynn.
Hints of possible Jade x Guy and Ion x Sync.
Warning: Contains Yaoi, language and blood, OC's included, Skits and diaries included (Mainly by Luke), Luke is the main here, and OCC characters possibly.
Helpful Tips:
Crossover- Titles
Crossover- Skits/Current Date/Setting/Location/Diary
Crossover- Thoughts/Flashback/Artes/Emphasis/Weapons Name
Crossover- Normal speaking/Present Time
Chapter 6: Kidnap
The Floating Capital of the Malkuth Empire, Grand Chokmah said to be actually a city floating on top of the water at the corner of Northern Rugnica. A total population of 600, 000 people reside in Grand Chokmah. Their emperor, Peony Upala Malkuth IX dwells in the palace in the center of the city.
At the docks where the Tartarus had anchor several hour ago, the others excluding the Colonel were at a nearby Inn to rest paid by General Frings, a military officer with pale blond hair.
"Ah! I'm so tired of waiting, what's taking Colonel so long?!" The Fon Master Guardian exclaimed angrily, flailing around in her seat.
Ion, sitting next to Anise right scooted away closer to Luke to avoid any accident that might happen. Aaralyn, sitting next to Anise left simply ignored the arms swinging around and continued to eat her favorite food: Fried Rice.
"Calm down, Anise…If Emperor Peony hadn't change; he must be trying to keep Jade around so that he wouldn't do any paperwork." The redhead replica tried to reassure the Fon Master Guardian, earning a death glare from her that made Luke flinched.
"I don't wanna hear that from you!"
"Now, Anise." The Fon Master called Anise attention, turning his head to face his guardian. "Luke has a point, we just have to be patient and wait."
"General Frings said that he'll notify us when Jade and Emperor Peony are done conversing." Guy reminded helpfully.
"It's been two hours…" Anise groaned dramatically, earning some chuckles from the rest.
"I do agree that it's been long to wait now…" Tear nodded, holding Mieu in her arms.
"Vekam'tneally do much afout it, kam'tve(1)?" Aaralyn spoke up, through it was muffled judging the amount of food stuffed into her mouth and making her cheeks stand out like a squirrel.
Everyone stared at the blond Guide a moment before turning their heads away, shaking with uncontrollable laughter that's close to exploding. Aaralyn realizing this quickly swallowed her food and made a fuss, flustered in embarrassment now. It didn't quite help as the others began to laugh loudly to their hearts content.
"W-Wow…I haven't laughed like this….!" Luke wiped a tear forming at the corner of his eye. "Aaralyn, don't you remember it's polite to swallow your food before talking?"
"Be quiet I don't want to hear that from someone that chokes on their bread!" The blond Guide hissed, smirking as the laughter volume began to increased and a slightly flustered Luke.
"Hey! That was Asbel fault for shoving that bread down in my throat when I was sleeping!" The redhead Captain countered.
"Whatever." Aaralyn shrugged and finished her friend rice.
Their laughter died down in time for General Frings to appear, giving a polite nod to them.
"Emperor Peony and Colonel Curtiss have finished discussing and are asking for your presence now."
Grand Chokmah, the Palace
The group followed behind General Frings that leaded them to the Throne Room inside the Palace. The deep sea and grayish silver colors were all nostalgia to the redhead replica.
"Luke, you okay?" Ion asked the redhead Captain. "You seemed pale…"
Luke would be lying if he said he wasn't anxious to meet the Emperor after five years like this. Heck, he wasn't even sure what to do if he had to go visit Baticul and being in the Malkuth Territory was more reassuring than in Kimlasca.
"Yeah…Just...anxious…" Luke reassured the Fon Master with small smile. "You know, after five years of being dead and appearing out of nowhere like this…"
"I can't help, but feel you there, buddy." Guy patted Luke back gently. "You worry too much, I'm sure Emperor Peony won't do anything like arrest you."
There was a thoughtful look on Guy face before he changed that statement.
"Wait that arrest part would be most likely in Baticul."
"Don't remind me about Baticul...I already had enough worries about that…" The redhead Captain mumbled softly, thanking Guy for calming his nerves a bit.
"We're here. "General Frings deep voice gathered their attention.
They were in front of a deep sea color door with the emblem of Malkuth. The General opened the door wide and then moved to the side when he was done, nodding to them they could enter now.
"Please do be respectful to his majesty." General Frings reminded, earning nods of understanding from them.
"Then you may enter."
There were some expectations that Luke would have been arrested just like Guy said or probably worse, executed on the spot for being a replica…Well, Ion was one too, but there might be a reason why he's still alive. With those expectations half-heartily echoing in his mind, he expected a cold welcome or such at least.
Sitting on the throne was a stunning man in his thirties, shoulder length blond hair with a lock braided and beaded at the side of his head. Deep sea eyes full of warmth and playfulness that almost matched the man Malkuth trademark color clothing which designs seemed simple yet sophisticated.
This isn't…what the redhead replica expected.
"Five years you returned after being declared dead to the world…" The man mused to himself and smiled warmly.
"Welcome back, Luke!"
Luke mouth gaped slightly, bewildered at the…welcome that seemed warm. The redhead Captain thoughts snap out of it when Guy patted his back quite hard.
"See?" Guy grinned at his best friend. "I told you that nothing was going to happen, Luke."
"Uh…yeah…"
"Well, well…Did you expect that Emperor Peony would just order an execution on you, Luke?" Jade, that stood next to the Emperor teased. "You have a lot more to learn I suppose."
The Colonel ignored the glare directed at him from Luke and only smiled.
"Jade told me everything that happened in Engeve, Luke. " The Emperor stood up from his throne and walked down the steps, stopping in front of Luke with both hands on his waist. "I would be lying to say I wasn't surprised, but I was anyway!"
"Everything?" Aaralyn repeated, paling slightly at the thought.
It could be possible that the Colonel could've told the Emperor about her village and possibly it might get discovered. She hope not or else…
Peony turned to the blond Guide and grinned at her.
"You must be Luke companion I heard from Jade, Aaralyn the Guide right?"
"…The Guide?" Aaralyn thought before nodding as a "yes" to the question.
"You must have heard everything about Luke in the last five years then, your majesty." Guy coughed lightly to gain the Emperor attention.
"Yes, that's right. " Peony confirmed. "I'm seriously considering for Luke to be the Captain for the military in Malkuth if he doesn't want to return to Kimlasca."
"I apologize, your majesty." Luke smiled sadly. "I'm afraid I have to return to Terca Lumireis after some business in Auldrant...I'm considered dead here after all."
That was true after all; he hadn't made even the hints of appearances in Auldrant for the last five years and expected everyone to think he was dead.
"But not to me, Jade, or anyone else in this room currently." The Emperor countered, frowning slightly. "At least think about my offer."
Peony wasn't blind, the first moment he saw the redhead replica that he respected for saving his citizens of , the boy- no young man had talent to be one of his Captains in the Malkuth military. There was also the fact that Luke might still be uncomfortable with visiting Baticul in the Kimlasca territory.
"I will do that, your majesty."
"Good…Now, there is a guest in my room that wants to see you all, through she didn't mentioned Luke or his companion." Peony informed the, earning bewildered looks from the group.
"You'll see everyone. I already informed them of our arrival here while giving my report to Emperor Peony." Jade smiled at them.
"Now I have a feeling who it is…" Anise muttered quite loudly.
"So do I…" Guy groaned softly.
"We should see for ourselves, all right?" The Melodist suggested, which everyone didn't argue.
In Peony room, it was the usual mess of the sword clattered against the floor. The blue fabric of windows and bed tangled halfway from its area and touched the deep sea floor. Sounds of rappigs reached the ears of the arrivers walking into the Emperor room along with the smell.
"Sorry, did I make you wait too long?" Peony cheerful voice broke through the room as the rappigs turned their attention to their owner.
The Fon Master Guardian peeked from behind the Emperor. Anise chocolate brown eyes caught sight of a sophisticated woman wearing blue and white adventure attire that blended well with her short golden hair held by a brown headband and her fine green eyes. A bow strapped to her side and quivers of arrows attached to her back. The golden haired woman smiled politely and spoke in an elegant speech.
"Its fine your majesty as you were busy."
"Eh…Natalia?" Anise blinked in confusion.
Natalia eyes notice the people behind the Emperor and there was a glint of joy in her fine green eyes.
"Ah, Anise and everyone…It's good to see you all again." Natalia greeted them all, her eyes taking in Jade, Guy, Tear, Anise, Ion and Mieu faces till her eyes landed on familiar red hair.
"A-Asch?" The golden haired woman stuttered, surprised to see her cousin.
"…I should leave." Luke spoke for the first time the moment they were in the room.
The redhead Captain was about to turn around when Jade and Guy stopped him by grabbing each of Luke arms.
"Now, Luke…We have questions to ask Natalia to make the stories perfectly clear." The Colonel reminded the redhead replica sternly.
"Jade right, Luke." Guy agreed, adding another reason. "Besides, it's been five years and the gang is finally back together."
"…Fine." Luke reluctantly stayed and heard Natalia gasp.
"L-Luke?" The golden haired women questioned in shock.
Fear flashed over Natalia fine green eyes that made contact with Luke apple green eyes. The tension rising between them and the two didn't speak when Peony decided it's best to break the air now.
"Since everyone here, we should discuss what's happening right now!" The Emperor ever optimistic voice boomed.
"I wholeheartedly agree, your majesty." The Colonel nodded slightly, the others agreeing too.
"Good, Jade you begin of what you told me already."
There was a dramatic sigh escaping from Jade mouth as he pushed his glasses up.
The beauty of the Floating Capital during the dazzling day of the Sun Goddess is equaled to the mesmerizing night of her evening twin. Coming from under the dark clouds was the radiant full moon that shined against the flowing water like sparks and the soothing calm waves was a mirror that reflected the great moon.
Only one stayed up to watched the sights were none other than the redhead replica at the bridge. His arms were against the railing and using it as support to lean on against; he wasn't wearing his hair tie that left his red hair loose against his shoulders and stood out on his white coat.
Earlier today in the Emperor room, Jade had explained everything of recent events happening in Engeve and the redhead Captain appearance with the blond Guide, Aaralyn. Luke had to admit it was humorous to see the Princess shocked face, who seemed to not believe such words at first. After that explanation from Jade, Aaralyn with mostly the help of the redhead had to explain the events of three years ago. Better term would be summarizing of what the blond Guide had said earlier to Jade back in Engeve.
Unfortunately as Jade wanted to hear Natalia story again of what happened five years ago, it was already late by then and they were all tired. On Peony treat, the group didn't have to pay for the fee at the Inn and stayed for free for one night. The redhead replica didn't quite fall asleep immediately and decided to take a quick walk.
So here he was right now in silence, Luke stared down at the reflection of the moon.
"…This reminds me of Asch…" Luke thought, resting his head on his arms like a pillow.
An original and replica created by fomicry are perfect isofons; both are like two sides of a coin.
"Um…Luke…" An elegant tone called out, breaking the redhead Captain from his thoughts.
Luke stood up straight and turned around to see a fidgeting Natalia there. The Princess fine green eyes staring down the now dark blue ground before tilting her head up to face the redhead replica. Natalia walked closer to Luke.
"Do you…have a moment?" The Princess asked nervously.
The redhead Captain stared at Natalia a moment before nodding to Natalia relief etched on her features. Silence returned between both Natalia and Luke for what seems to be hours until Natalia broke the tense air.
"Luke…I'm sorry…" The Princess apologized in a soft tone, turning to face Luke directly with a grim expression.
"I'm sorry…I nearly killed you when I wasn't myself that time…No, that was wrong, perhaps it was myself, but I didn't want to hurt you at all, Luke…I…I only wanted…" Natalia trailed off; trying to finish the words she wanted to say.
Unknown to the Princess, tears had begun to form at the corner of her eyes and when she did notice. She wiped them away with a white gloved hand and was about to continue when Luke intervened.
"Natalia…I know that it wasn't actually you that time…and I know of your feelings for Asch. "Luke began slowly, earning a flinch from Natalia.
"…People can't choose who they fall in love, that's what I realized."
"I know…I know…But still, it doesn't change my envy toward you, Luke." Natalia reminded the redhead replica. "I wasn't surprised when Asch broke our engagement when I was about to do the same anyway…Apparently, my father and Uncle Crimson weren't quite pleased, but they accepted it anyway. Oh Yulia, Uncle Crimson expression was priceless…"
A smile graced upon Natalia features at the humorous memory of her Uncle face of the announcement.
"I heard from Tear, I was quite surprised too…" Luke admitted to himself that he could've seen Crimson, his father also expression. "Have you seen Asch after that then?"
The present smile soon turned into a small frown on the Princess face, which shook her head.
"Not much…Despite the fact he has a home in Baticul, he stayed as a God-General in Daath. He does visit a few times, but only for business related." Natalia said softly, her arms relaxed and hands overlapped together resting against the front of her legs.
"I see…I guess Asch hasn't changed much either." Luke stated bluntly, earning another shake from the Princess.
"No…Well, yes, but no either." Natalia sounded unsure. "What I mean is, Asch became his old self when we first met him except more…closed off from everyone else."
The redhead replica clenched his fist tightly against the stone railing.
"Other than that, recently due to what Jade had been explaining about these...Incidents, I haven't seen Asch since then." The Princess answered solemnly.
"I…saw Asch while I was headed to Auldrant…" The redhead Captain confessed, not looking at the mildly shocked look on Natalia face. "…I didn't get a good look at him or talk to him since I had to leave shortly before Arietta had found me while my friend that chose to disguise himself as me distracted her and Sync."
"I supposed the others already know about this." Natalia concluded.
"Yeah, they do."
Their conversation ended there when they heard rapid footsteps coming up to them. The cousins turned around to see Jade, who appeared grim.
"Jade…What's wrong?" Luke asked, frowning more now.
"…Ion and Aaralyn had disappeared." The Colonel informed them.
"What?!" Natalia exclaimed, her fine green eyes wide along with Luke apple green.
"The guards patrolling around earlier said they saw the Fon Master and a blond woman being escorted by Oracle Knights and a God-General, three of them to be exact." Jade scowled at this, cursing himself for being slow this time. "Guy and the others have gone after them since there's a chance while I had to look for you two. We should hurry."
"Right." The redhead Captain nodded.
Skit 13: Culprit
Luke, Natalia and Jade expressions are grim.
Luke: Why would the God-Generals want to kidnap Ion and Aaralyn?
Jade: I don't quite know exactly. If this incident is like five years ago, then I can understand if it's Ion if they're capturing, but what I can't understand is why Aaralyn would be kidnap as well.
Natalia: Aaralyn is from a mysterious village and is a Guide, right?
Luke: Yes, that's correct. I wouldn't be able to come to Auldrant if it weren't for her.
Natalia: That would mean that the God-Generals somehow found out that Aaralyn can go freely between the continents. But for what reason do they need her knowledge for?
Jade: Either way, we won't know unless we find them.
Natalia: Right, we have to save the Fon Master and Aaralyn.
Natalia and Jade leaves, Luke was alone and stares down.
Luke:..Just…Who is planning all of this? It can't be…Van…is it?
Skit Ends
Theor Forest, North Entrance
The moment Luke, Jade and Natalia reached the North Entrance of Theor Forest, they were greeted of the sight of Anise, her Tokunaga enlarged and holding off against Sync in melee combat. Guy was fighting against a light blue-silver haired man larger than him in size wearing a dark purple close to black with red accent uniform that held parts of armor and wielded a giant scythe. Tear was in the back, in charge of healing and long-distance attacks, using light Fonic Artes.
Behind both Sync and the large man was Asch standing in front of Ion and Aaralyn with her hands tied up. Apparently, the redhead God-General found it unneeded for him to assist his two comrades.
"I won't hand Fon Master Ion over to you lot!" Anise declared on top of Tokunaga.
The Fon Master Guardian puppet jumped and raised a stitched arm to punch the green haired God-General.
"Heh! I like to see you try!" Sync taunted, smirking behind the mask.
Sync jumped up, sending a flurry of kicks to the doll head that pushed Anise away to the grassy ground, a loud cry of pain came from the Fon Master Guardian when she landed. The green haired God-General lightly stepped on the grass to glance at Guy and the large man battle.
"Anise!" The Gardios Noble called out the younger girl name in worry.
Guy glanced behind, but his attention was quickly left short when he narrowly dodged the large scythe aimed for his head. The large man laughed mockingly.
"Do you have time to worry about your friend when you should be battling me, boy?"
"Largo, hurry up and finish him!" Sync shouted as he walked up in the opposite direction.
"I was getting there, Sync." Largo grunted, raising his scythe with the fifth fonons gathered around the blade.
The Princess quickly pulls an arrow from its quiver with her bow already out. Natalia pulled the string and aimed her target, in second the arrow was shot aiming for Largo.
"I won't let you!"
Largo reacted quickly and grabbed the arrow with a burly hand, snapping the arrow in half and glanced at Natalia.
"Hmph, not bad for a Princess." Largo scoffed, slightly impressed.
The Gardios Noble used the moment pause to charge in, gripping his sheathe in his left hand tightly. When at a certain range near Largo, Guy swung his sheathe up to send an extreme force, the blast visible in the image of a lion that hit the defensive Largo.
"Beast!"
The larger man was pushed back by a few feet and when the effects of the attack were over, he gave a weak smirk.
"Hah, that tickled a bit." Largo grunted, getting out of defensive stand and went offensive.
"Now, Luke!" Guy signaled, already seeing a blur of red passing by him.
"Crap!" Sync cursed, about to intervene when he stepped back in time for several arrows heading at his direction.
The green-haired God-General glared at the Princess that was prepared to shoot another three arrows, having no intent to let Sync stop Luke. The Colonel was behind Natalia as he already began casting a high level Fonic Arte.
The redhead Captain drew his sword out, heading toward the God-General, Asch, who drew his sword out the same time.
"Give Ion and Aaralyn back!" Luke shouted, raising his sword in attempt to slash Asch.
Asch quickly blocked the pathetic slash, a gust caused by the impact when their swords clashed. The narrowed apple green eyes of the original stared into his mirrored, rounder ones, almost to the point of glaring. They pulled away, both in stance and circled around in a perimeter of a circle.
"If you want them back that badly…" The redhead God-General began, not taking his eyes off of Luke. "…You have to beat me, dreck."
"Looks like you haven't changed much at all, Asch." Luke commented dryly, but nonetheless accepting the terms.
"You're nothing but words, replica." Asch hissed angrily.
The redheaded God-General was about to charge at Luke when a hand was placed on Asch shoulder, earning a growl and glanced at who it was.
"What are you doing, Sync?" Asch demanded, glaring at the green haired God-General. "If you are going to stop me, I like to see you try."
"Remember your orders, Asch." Sync reminded him, a frown etched on his features. "It's not worth it if they're here."
Asch seemed to consider it a moment before sheathing his sword away and Sync removed his hand from the redhead God-General shoulder. The green-haired God-General glanced at Largo, who nodded reluctantly and made no attempt to show any threats. To almost everyone confusion, Asch undone the ropes on Aaralyn wrist and pushed her toward Luke harshly. The redhead Captain had caught her in time and stared at Asch, puzzled by the change of action.
"You're lucky this time since the Fon Master and that Guide there isn't worth much if you lot struggle to save them. " Asch scoffed, staring back at his replica a moment longer than needed before turning around.
"What's this?" The Colonel sarcastic voice reached their ears. "First, you captured both Fon Master Ion and Ms. Aaralyn and now you return them? What's your goal in this?"
"That's none of your concern really." Sync sternly said, if weren't for the mask they would've saw that the green haired God-General was glaring.
"Does my brother have something to do this?" The Melodist asked, narrowing her eyes.
"If you want to know that badly, ask the Commandant yourself." Largo suggested, turning around.
"If you both are done chit-chatting, we're leaving." Asch informed his two comrades harshly and quickly left with the two God-Generals.
Then Asch stopped to glance, or to be precise glare at Luke.
"Is that woman really important to you?" The redhead God-General asked in a neutral tone, glancing at both Aaralyn being checked for injuries by Tear.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Asch." Luke frowned, wondering who Asch meant.
"Tch, forget it since you're too stupid." Asch insulted, turning his head and continued walking.
Once the God-Generals were gone and everyone appeared to be healed, Anise ran up to Ion worried about the Fon Master.
"Ion! Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" The Fon Master Guardian leaned up looking right to left at the Fon Master.
"I'm fine, Anise." Ion reassured his Guardian with a smile. "They didn't hurt me, but they had to tie up Aaralyn in case she resisted."
"Ms. Aaralyn, was there a reason why they captured you?" The Colonel asked sternly, his attention at the blond Guide, who shifted a bit.
"Well…There was something about me needing to guide them to the nearest gate…I couldn't hear much since I was still half-asleep." Aaralyn answered sheepishly.
"What would the God-Generals need the gate for?" Guy questioned. "I mean, there's no reason to be ambitious outside of Auldrant."
"He has a point." Tear agreed.
"…Should we try taking Largo advice?" Luke suggested cautiously, earning weird stares from the others that made him flinch. "W-What?"
"As much as I don't want to trust an enemy word, Luke has a point." Jade sighed, pushing his glasses up.
Yulia…What has the world become to trust someone that was your enemy for even a slight moment?
"Then we should head to Daath soon." Ion informed them. "Van should be working in the Cathedral when we head there."
"Ugh…We are going to get information from the major boss…" The Fon Master Guardian groaned, but nonetheless followed her superior orders.
Skit 14: Unrequited Love 1
Aaralyn: U-Um, Luke…
Luke: Yes, Aaralyn?
Aaralyn appears shy and looks at Luke.
Aaralyn: That person that looked like you…Asch, was it?
Luke: Yeah…Something up?
Aaralyn:...I was wondering about his question, the one asking "Is that woman really important to you?" Who did he meant by that?
Luke began to think.
Luke: I'm not quite sure really… I mean I care about you, Tear, Natalia and Anise.
Tear: But Luke, I'm sure Asch question had more meaning into them.
Luke: Really? What would he mean?
Aaralyn and Tear only stayed silent to Luke confusion and Guy comes in, grinning and laughing.
Guy: Luke, I know this isn't any of my business, but who's your love interest to be exact?
Luke then became flustered and glared at Guy.
Luke: W-W-What the hell of any business is that?!
Tear: So you do have someone you like, Luke?
Tear leans in, curious now.
Guy: I mean, you didn't seem interested for some reason, so I was curious.
Luke: Ugh…W-Well…I do like someone…
Luke trailed off, mumbling softly and looked somewhere else to Guy and Tear shock. Aaralyn was only silent and thought to herself.
Aaralyn: (I knew it…Luke only special person is…)
Skit Ends
A/N:
Translation:
Vekam'tneally do much afout it, kam'tve(1) - "We can't really do much about it, can't we?" remember, Aaralyn is talking with her mouth full.