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 7: Greetings Again
In the southeastern Padamiya subcontinent, the theocracy city divided into thirty-three sections based on thirty-three monuments and headquarters to the Order of Lorelei was none other than Daath.
Third in political power in Auldrant, the Order history has been vast since the Dawn of Age when the Order of Lorelei had been first established.
At the entrance of the city of Daath, the group had decided to stay at an Inn for the night before they head into the Cathedral. As they headed to the Inn, there was a crowd of people circling around the monument in the center all chattering loudly. Anise stood up on her toes and wondered what the crowd was there for.
"Something interesting happening over there, you guys!" The Fon Master Guardian shouted, waving for the others to catch up to her.
"That's strange, there shouldn't be any Score readings at this time. " Ion mused and turned to the others. "We should check it out."
"Well, not exactly our agenda…" The Colonel shrugged his shoulders.
"There might be something helpful." Natalia suggested helpfully, this reminded her of the side-quest they had done in their previous journey.
"I'll go check it out!" Anise declared and grabbed Luke sleeve, dragging him along.
"W-What? I'm coming too?" Luke asked the Fon Master Guardian in a baffled tone, his apple green eyes wide.
"Of course, silly!" Anise said in a sing-a-long voice and attempted an cute beam smile.
In moments, Anise and Luke disappeared into the crowd leaving Aaralyn to sweat drop at this.
"She sure does change her mind fast." The blond Guide stated bluntly, slightly worried of the redhead Captain.
"Anise can't hate Luke forever." Guy chuckled, relieved that Anise is acting like her usual self around Luke.
"Well, if you're worried Ms. Aaralyn why don't you go after them?" Jade suggested, watching the blond Guide pondered for a moment.
Aaralyn only shrugged and walk into the crowd, now it was Guy turn to sweatdrop and glanced at the Colonel.
"Was that really okay?"
"What is the something the matter for a young lady to check on her friends?" The Colonel drawled in a sarcastic tone.
No one answered and only waited for the three that went into the crowd to appear. But suddenly, the crowd began to panic and disperse when loud clangs of metal hitting each other sing the air. This brought the others attention and began to run into the crowd, stopping when at the very front to witness Luke clashing blades with a long raven haired man that appeared to be smirking.
"Who the hell is that?!" Guy shouted, unsheathing his blade to help his best friend out when the redhead replica shouted.
"Don't butt into this, Guy!" Luke yelled, never taking his sight away from the raven haired man.
The raven haired man tapped the dull edge of his blade against his shoulder, watching the people behind Luke before his smirk grew.
"What's this, Luke? You never told me you had friends in Auldrant when you looked like a grumpy guy." The raven haired man taunted.
"Just when I was worried that you might have been dead, Yuri we meet again and this bullshit occurs." The redhead Captain countered back, pushing his blade against Yuri before stepping back.
Yuri only chuckled and got into stance, staring down at Luke, who stared back. There were whispers in the group about this.
"Anise, what happened?" The Princess asked in a quiet voice.
"Un…I don't know what happened exactly…" The Fon Master Guardian trailed off. "The moment we were at the front and saw that long haired dude standing arguing with the Innkeeper. That guy turned around and saw Luke, eh…after that…they began fighting or something, throwing insults. I guess they know each other…"
"We aren't sure if this person is a friend or foe then." Tear stated calmly, watching as Luke and Yuri began clashing swords again.
"Then, Ms. Aaralyn." Jade called the blond Guide attention that flinched.
Aaralyn had been watching the two clashing swords without much surprise on her face. She tensed when the Colonel called her.
"Yes, Jade?" The blond Guide squeaked.
"Mind do telling us if Luke and this man know each other?" The Colonel raised an eyebrow, his crimson eyes staring at Aaralyn.
"That…Well…" Aaralyn wondered how to put this.
"It's a simple answer, Aaralyn." Guy eased the tension with his trademark smile.
"Yes…They know each other." The blond Guide was thankful for the Gardios noble that moment. "His name is Yuri Lowell, a vigilant in Terca Lumireis. He's the one that suggested for Luke to join the Imperial Knights since Luke rejected Yuri first offer to join the guilds…from what they told me."
The blond Guide said the last sentence a bit too quickly after a pause when she felt the intense stares.
"Hm…I do have to admit, his swordsmanship is quite skilled." Guy observed his best friend and the vigilant spar.
"Should we stop them?" Natalia asked worried about the redhead Captain that might get badly hurt. "I mean, they could get hurt."
"Oh don't worry, Natalia. "Jade reassured the Princess and others that began to worry much to their confusion. "I'm sure someone will stop them soon since they don't want the peace be disrupted by a pair of troublemakers. For now, let's watch and see how much of this man skills are."
No one could ever argue with that statement from the Colonel and only watched. Luke had expertly blocked an attempted slash aimed for his arm by Yuri. The vigilant pulled his sword away and stepped slowly, finding an opening to finish this match the redhead Captain imitating the action.
"Looks like you didn't slack off while you were at home, Luke." Yuri commented dryly with a smirk.
"It seems that you are healthy as ever, Yuri." Luke countered back, stopping to place his sword in front of him. "But let's end this."
"Heh, lets." The vigilant stood motionlessly, his smirk still plastered on his features.
"…Can we stop the now, Jade?" Guy begged the Colonel, who kept a amused expression. "I think they're both going to unleash their powerful moves!"
"I agree with Guy, Colonel. There are chances that innocent bystanders might get involved." Tear stated, she knew how reckless Luke can be and was the few that watched that recklessness.
"As I said, don't worry." Jade reminded them.
The redhead replica began to charge quickly at the raven haired vigilant, a hand removed from the hilt as he prepared to thrust his sword at Yuri. The said vigilant began to concentrate before running in as well, spinning his entire body and letting his blade spark against the concrete floor like it was heavy lead. The two shouted at the same time.
"Lightning Blade!"
"Divine Wolf!"
A blinding light flashed when the two clashed their blades, leaving a singing cry. The others covered their eyes in time when the light came, all unaware of shadows passing by and charging into the crossfire between Luke and Yuri. When it died and everyone opened their eyes, they-excluding Jade- widen to see two men stopping the redhead Captain and raven haired vigilant blade.
Stopping Luke sword was a scruffy looking man wearing an Oracle uniform in his early thirties with similar features to Tear. The man seemed to be shocked from the indication of his slightly widening eyes staring at the redhead replica narrowed green ones.
The other stopping Yuri blade however wore a different uniform that didn't belong to Auldrant and what was most surprising is that…he looked like Guy. To everyone else shocked as they looked from a bewildered Guy to the look-a-like.
"Uh…Can someone…tell me who that person that looks like me is?" The Gardios noble asked in a shaky breathe.
"Must be your replica, Guy." Anise suggested with a sly grin, watching the horror stricken face of Guy. "I'm just kidding!"
"That better not be a jinx, Anise…" Natalia shake her head.
Anise appeared she wanted to tease the Princess when the dark grayed haired man spoke in a demanding tone.
"Put your blade away, replica."
The redhead Captain gritted his teeth, about to counter that statement when Guy twin glanced at him.
"Do as he says, Captain Luke." There was a silent plea to it before he turned to Yuri, glaring. "You do the same too, Yuri."
"…Fine, Flynn." The Vigilant reluctantly obeyed this time while rolling his eyes.
Yuri relaxed and pulled away from Flynn, putting his blade away to watch as Luke did the same. Instead of staring at the Oracle commander in front of him, the redhead replica walked up to Flynn and to almost everyone surprised, he saluted properly in respect.
"Commandant Flynn, sir." Luke greeted.
"Please do drop the formalities; we're in Auldrant now, Captain." Flynn reassured and smiled when the redhead Captain relaxed.
"All right, sir."
There were hushed whispers among the group as they saw this shocking development that transpired in front of them.
"I can't believe me…Luke gave that much respect…To a guy that looks exactly like me!" Guy hissed the last part, bewildered still.
"Hm…It appears from what Luke said that young man appearing like Gailardia is a Commandant." Anise concluded the obvious. "Then he's on the same rank as Commandant Grants."
"Well, for now let's approach them since its considered safe." Jade suggested as he began walking up to Luke.
The redhead Captain noticed his friends heading toward them and turned his attention when they were close enough. Yuri poked Luke arm with his elbow and whispered something quietly.
"So…mind telling me who these guys are?" The vigilant spoke in a slightly demanding tone, looking away more when he felt Flynn glaring at him.
Before Luke had a chance to answer, Flynn walked up behind them both and a loud, clean smack echo in the air. Both the redhead replica and raven haired vigilant clenched their heads where Flynn had hit them a few seconds ago and the frown on Flynn face showed obvious displeasure.
"Yuri, I expect you to be on your best behavior after this fiasco." The blond Commandant scolded.
"What the hell was that for, Flynn?!" Yuri outbursted in disbelief and his onyx eyes glared at Flynn. "You say something to me, but not to Luke?!"
"You were at fault for causing a riot and dragging Luke into it in the first place." Flynn stated bluntly and turned to Luke. "And you are also at fault for going along with it, Captain Luke."
"…My apologies, sir." Luke gritted his teeth and bowed politely. "I couldn't help it since I was worried about Yuri at Capua Nor."
"Added to that, we will have a talk later of what happened at Capua Nor." The blond Commandant smirked slightly at the paling face of the redhead replica and Yuri next to him was chuckling to himself. Flynn tilted his head to focus on the strange group before looking at Luke again. "Captain Luke, these people are…?"
"Ah…I should introduce them…" Luke mumbled, about to start a long introduction when the dark grey haired man interrupted.
"Mystearica and Master Gailardia?" Shock was evident in his tone before becoming normal again, narrowing his eyes. "Why are you two here? Along with Jade Curtiss and Princess Natalia, even Fon Master Ion is with you two."
Unaware, Luke was fuming for being interrupted constantly, unable to escape the feeling of deja vu when he was his spoiled self five years ago. Being very mature, he crossed his arms and looked somewhere else for now with a pout.
"I'm sorry, Van." Ion apologized, walking up to Van. "Some things happened along the way and we needed to speak to you."
"Its fine, Fon Master." There was a tired sigh from Van, obviously used to such actions. "I appreciate it if you told me beforehand and also…"
Van turned his gaze to Luke, who returned it with narrowed apple green eyes.
"Even the replica is here with you along with some foreign guest I encountered earlier. Here I thought you were dead."
"Sorry if I have a persistence of a roach. " The redhead Captain drawled sarcastically, earning a grin from Yuri, who patted his back roughly. This made Luke winced at the contact.
"Good one, Luke." Yuri praised, but it was short-lived when Flynn pulled the vigilant next to Luke by his collar and replacing the spot with himself.
Flynn gave a warning glance to Luke, who flinched and shake his head deciding best to shut his mouth up for now. The blond Commandant bowed apologetically to Van.
"I apologize for my subordinate rudeness just now." Flynn apologizes, knowing that the conversation between Luke and Van will not work out at all.
"No need too, Flynn…After all; it's natural for there to be hostility between us due to a certain history." Van reassured the blond Commandant. "Now then, Fon Master, you said you had something to speak to me?"
"That's correct, Van." The Fon Master nodded, glancing at the crowd whispering. "Through I prefer we were at my room to talk this subject privately."
Ion chambers was separated into three rooms, the last being his simple and plain bedroom and the first was nothing more than a guest room. The room the group were in was between those two rooms, Ion office to be exact. Of course, there some chairs brought for everyone to sit as Ion began to explain with Jade help of course. When the explanations were done, the only sound audible was Van tapping his index finger against the arm of the chair he was sitting on. Van eyes were unreadable due to his hand covering it and his elbow using the arm of the chair as support.
"Luke returns…God-Generals acting on their own...Recent increase of these reanimated dead monsters…Most of all, these foreigners from another land…" The Commandant of the Oracle Knights muttered loudly, taking in this information and debating how to react at this.
"I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth." Jade stated rather bluntly.
"I did not say I believed you, considering how Asch has been acting a bit…livid lately." Van tried to find a better word to describe Asch behavior and glanced at Luke, who tensed.
"Oh yes, I heard that Asch had been getting frequent headaches since around a year ago." Natalia remembered quite clearly that Asch had been in rather pain, clutching his head when he visited Baticul. "When I asked, he said nothing and left quickly."
"Wait, wait…" Yuri stopped them for a minute, gathering everyone attention and pointed at Luke. "This guy also began having headaches and I know since his Lieutenant brought him in unconscious."
"Yes, Yuri has a point…" Flynn mused softly and rubbed his chin with his thumb. "Luke, can you explain what happened at that time?"
"I fainted due to a painful headache while out on a mission, you know that Commandant." Luke answered quite bluntly, narrowing his eyes.
"Well now, it looks like Asch and Luke can communicate with each other again if they wanted to." Jade commented, earning twin confused looks from the vigilant and blond Commandant. "Luke is Asch, the original Luke replica. Their appearance, fonon frequency, and skills with the sword are almost exactly the same."
"I get the part that Luke is a replica and all…" The Vigilant broke smoothly.
"This…fonon is quite confusing actually." Flynn muttered softly, shortly realizing that the subject is being changed and coughed lightly. "We should get back to the actual matters in hand. Fon Master Ion and Commandant Grants, I asked you both what are your subordinates doing exactly?"
"If I remember, they're on a mission for the Grand Maestro currently." Van answered, earning doubting stare from the others.
"Van, if you are planning something that involves dominating the world again…" Ion stared sternly at the Commandant of the Oracle Knights. "…I'm afraid I will put you on suspicions and kept watched, worse is that you can be considered a traitor and be executed."
"That's quite correct, Dorian General Grants." The Colonel nodded in agreement, smiling very politely which became eerie in most eyes.
Van appeared to consider the words a moment before sighing, to most confusion.
"Do not worry; I am not the fool like I was five years ago." Van reassured them, through not helping much. "It would be best to ask Grand Maestro Mohs about the God-Generals actions these past months since I might as well interrogate them."
"Which I will come along with Commandant Grants to see that the interrogation goes through smoothly." The blond Commandant informed.
"And I'll tag along with them." Yuri volunteered, raising a hand and showing his trademark smirk.
"Then everything is settled then." Ion concluded, standing up from his seat. "I will remain here in Daath since it's been a while and I have much work to do."
"Which means I have to stay here too to look after Ion…" There was a small groan from the Fon Master Guardian.
"Very well then…You may all rest here or at the Inn in town since this meeting is over." Van stood up from his chair and stared at the redhead Captain. "…Replica, I want to ask you something. Would you see me alone when you have the time?"
"On one condition, Van." Guy spoke before Luke did, frowning. "Stop calling my best friend Replica and call him Luke from now on since Asch isn't going to take back his original name."
Van scowled at that, gritting his teeth and could not help but wonder why Gailardia would ask such a thing. Especially if it's Asch replica of all things that Gailardia had to ask.
"I agree, Van. Asch has been Asch for a while now and it might be rude if you just called Luke a Replica." The Colonel smiled became a small frown.
To everyone else that nodded in agreement against Van, who would rather disagree only sighed irritably and reluctantly agreed.
"Fine…Luke if you would since I have something to ask of you?" Van had trouble saying the redhead replica name given almost as if he was never used to this.
Luke pondered about the request a moment before shrugging and giving a slight nod. Van, satisfied with this left the room quickly, which left the others lots of time in Daath.
Skit 15: Horrible, Double Trouble Cooks Disaster
Guy grins very much as everyone was gathered.
Guy: Haha, after all that journeying around. All of us must be hungry, yeah?
Tear: Now that you mentioned it, I'm a bit hungry.
Anise: Hehe, so am I!
Jade: I have to agree for once.
Yuri: So, who is doing the cooking?
Natalia: I might as well volunteer; I need to brush up on my cooking skills.
Almost everyone pales at this volunteer of Natalia. Flynn only frowned.
Flynn: I don't think it's proper for you to cook since you are a princess, your highness. I will cook.
Yuri: No way in hell you will step into the kitchen, Flynn!
Yuri shouts suddenly, surprising almost everyone with that outburst. Jade only smiled with closed eyes.
Jade: I would presume Commandant Flynn is a bad cook?
Yuri: You don't even know the half of it…
Natalia: Really? Guy is a good cook, and Flynn must be quite skilled as well.
Flynn: Thank you for the words, Princess Natalia through Yuri…Is there something wrong with my cooking? I find no faults in it.
Luke: I suggest to not letting either Commandant Flynn or Natalia to cook…Double disasters will leave no trace even the kitchen left.
Aaralyn: I would have to agree this one time.
Natalia then glares at Luke while Flynn stares sternly, which makes everyone sweatdrop. Guy nervously laughs and smiles.
Guy: Since Luke spoke like that, he won't have a problem tasting Natalia and Flynn cooking?
Luke face melts to shock when he heard that while Yuri smirks at that unwillingness.
Luke: Excuse me, Guy?
Yuri: Hah…He's going to be dead with two worst cooks combined.
Flynn then smiles too cheerfully which made Yuri cautious of him.
Flynn: That's quite an excellent idea and Yuri… you are joining Luke to taste our food as well.
Yuri:...What?
Natalia: I hope you have prepared your taste buds, Luke.
Luke: I'm going to die…
Luke sighs depressingly and looked somewhere else. Yuri expression appeared to be plain bewilderment while the others smile nervously and sweatdrop except for Flynn and Natalia, who appeared pleased at the volunteers.
Skit Ends
After the eventful lunch time to almost everyone dismay, Flynn and Natalia did choose to cook which resulted stomach aches and fainting on the spot. It was worse for both Yuri and Luke as they had to taste nearly every dish the two worst cooks had cooked. Jade and few other cunning people had been able to get away from the hazardous foods while the rest faked it.
"Ugh…I think my stomach became the Qilphoth…" The redhead Captain put a hand over his mouth as he tried hard not to vomit suddenly.
At least until he can head to the nearest bathroom after the tasting is over.
"God… . . .Them. ." Yuri put much emphasis on each word, his pale face turned into a sickly shade of green.
"I somewhat respect them yet feel bad for them…" Guy muttered, putting the cleared plates in the sink.
"Better than us." Anise reminded, having no hint of guilt at all.
"Now, did everyone enjoy their meal?" The Colonel asked calmly, his smile appearing mocking now.
There was a groan from both Anise and Guy while Tear shook her head. Only the Colonel would have the guts to ask that question after this meal from the worst cooks ever. Both Luke and Yuri pair of eyes glared at Jade head, attempting to drill a hole through Jade head and kill him there on the spot.
"Luke, shouldn't you go visit Dorian General Grants?" Jade reminded the redhead replica.
"After I puke this…thing squirming inside my stomach…" Luke groaned and clutched his stomach now.
Guy face became pale at that description, Jade was neutral as ever, both Tear and Natalia suddenly felt uncomfortable, Flynn seemed oblivious as usual, Yuri didn't give a damn as his stomach was in pain too and Anise face gave a clear expression of disgust.
"No need for details of what's going inside your stomach, you idiot!" Anise screamed, shutting her ears.
"Ugh…I think I'll go to the other bathroom…" Yuri trotted over quickly to the nearest bathroom, clutching his stomach as he tried not to vomit in the hallway.
The older Grant sibling tilted his head up to see Luke walking into his office, through…something was off about the redhead replica. For instance, Luke face was pale appearing drowsy and there was his hair tousled up a bit. Van frowned and stood up from his chair.
"I thank you for coming…Luke." Van still had trouble calling Asch replica Luke. "Through what happened to you? You appear ill."
"Nice to know that you are Captain Obvious here, Van." Luke commented sarcastically which made the older Grant frown more.
When the replica attitude did became sarcastic and there were missing of Asch replica referring to him usually as "Master Van"?
"To answer your question, Princess Natalia cooking and the now newly discovered of Commandant Flynn Scifo horrible cooking now known." The redhead replica answered truthfully with some bitterness.
Ah, the Kimlasca Princess cooking…it makes sense.
"Well, then that answers everything and I am glad to see that you are still alive." Van nodded a bit.
"As if you cared..." Luke whispered very softly, through still audible enough for the Commandant to hear. The redhead Captain shakes his head and stared directly at Van dark eyes. "What did you want to talk about?"
"You changed…very much." Van coughed a bit, earning a raised eyebrow from Luke as he continued. "What I wanted to ask is wheatear Princess Natalia words about you and Asch were true or not."
Luke immediately stiffens at that and only narrowed his eyes, not saying anything.
"The silence answers everything, Luke." Van commented, shaking his head. "Now, I only want to ask if you could keep close tabs on Asch, you don't have to do it because I ask you to. I'm only worried about my disciple."
"What's wrong with Asch?" The redhead replica frowned, immediately concerned about his original.
"I'm sure you heard from Princess Natalia that Asch became more...distance than usual and that he was more livid when the headaches began, especially after you had disappeared." There was a fragment of concern and guilt flickering across Luke face of that information Van just spoke.
"…And you of all people that care about his disciple is asking this disciple replica to check on Asch, because why?" Luke asked suspiciously, wary and unsure of what his former swordmaster plots.
"Because I believe that Asch will only open up-much to my displeasure- to the person close to him and that is you…Luke." Van grumbled, annoyed at the lack of discipline his disciple has shown lately and had no choice but to ask the replica for help.
Luke Diary Entry 2-1: Some things…Never Change.
In all honestly, meeting Anise again did have some ups and downs. She didn't quite trust me at all and didn't even wanna listen to me. But the good thing is that just like Jade said, the Tartarus came and we were headed to Grand Chokmah.
It was nostalgic riding in the Tartarus, we had all went to do whatever we wanted to do while on the road. I didn't have anything to do much other than staying in my room or walking around the deck. Speaking of the decks, Tear walked up to me and we both spoke for a while.
We both caught up on our lives after five years. Tear was interested in Terca Lumireis from the way I spoke about it, but I didn't tell her in details of my life exactly. When it was her turn to speak…let's say some things change in the major while the minor wasn't much.
In Malkuth, Jade was still Colonel (through I think he will be promoted very, very soon.) and Guy was working hard to revive the Gardios house with help from several people.
In Daath, Ion was getting sicker so it worried nearly everyone and Anise aimed to become the Fon Master in Ion place one day to help the world. Miraculously, the God-Generals (Largo, Arietta, Legretta, Dist, and Sync) were alive and my former master, Van was stopped. Currently, they are mending their ways and helping around the world.
Kimlasca…Natalia was working hard to keep the peace between the countries stable and when I thought that she and Asch(who was suppose to have taken everything back I stolen from him when I was out of the picture) were married…Their engagement was cancelled about a year or two after I disappeared which quite shocked me.
After that, Asch had been out of Baticul most of the time and only visited on business related which he was still working as a God-General.
Getting out of my stupor, Tear seemed like she wanted to say something, but shrugged it off and Guy appeared shortly to inform us that we were almost to Grand Chokmah soon.
Apparently, Jade had to consult to the Emperor to get us an audience with him and we waited for a couple of hours till General Frings informed us and leaded us to the palace. Expecting for cold treatment, I was treated with the usual Emperor Peony twenty-four hour and seven days enthusiasm for my "return", Emperor Peony liked to term it. Jade must have explained everything to Peony of what happened recently since the Emperor offered me a position of Captain in his military ranks. No matter how flattered and tempting I wanted to stay home, I have a home and place in Terca Lumireis.
So…I said I would think about it and he seemed content with it.
Then Emperor Peony announced that there was a guest waiting for Jade, Guy, Tear, Ion and Anise. It was obvious who it was when we went to the rappig filled rooms known as the Emperor Chambers: it was Natalia.
Since she wasn't informed that I had returned she thought I was Asch for a moment when she saw me…When realizing it was me, the replica of the original Luke, she began to become anxious around me and thus, after a while of tension which Emperor Peony broke and had Jade explain to her about what happened.
Later that same night, unable to sleep at the Inn and choosing to take a walk to self-reflect Natalia approached me.
Natalia began to apologize of what happened five years ago and how she couldn't forgive herself for nearly trying to kill me. She started crying which was my cue to calm her down and reassure her, it be crazy to say, but I forgave her since her feelings are understandable and it wasn't actually Natalia that time.
Just like with Tear on the Tartarus, Natalia and I catch up a bit on our lives and how things changed a bit.
The relaxed air shattered soon when Jade appeared with grim news that Aaralyn and Ion were kidnapped by the God-Generals; Sync, Asch and Largo. The three of us went outside of Grand Chokmah to Theor Forest to regroup with the others that were holding them back.
Guy and Natalia provided me enough time to charge up to Asch that was in front of the hostages. We were close to clashing swords till Sync stopped him, something about "not worth it" if we were fighting against them. They left shortly and released both Ion and Aaralyn to our relief, but as Asch left he stopped to stare me and asked me a…let's say odd question for lack of vocabulary.
Due to that encounter and Asch puzzling words…Aaralyn and Tear interrogate me about it and Guy just had to bump in and ask about my personal love life which is NONE OF HIS BUSINESS!
We headed to Daath shortly since Largo said to question Van, to my displeasure...
The redhead Captain surely and surely can feel a headache coming right this moment. Too much stress had happened lately from one thing to another.
A walk through the town before heading back to the Inn could help ease his mind, but no matter the stupid headache wouldn't go away. All so, unaware of a shadow following behind him by a few feet away as the redhead replica walked down the streets. Luke rubbed his temples to sooth the aches, closing his eyes while doing so and glad that the streets were cleared for once so he wouldn't have to be his clumsy self.
"Yulia…This reminds me of five years ago…" Luke muttered loudly, stopping in the middle of the streets. He stopped rubbing his head, finding these painful aches very familiar. "Those headaches from Lorelei talking to me and stupid Asch communication..."
It happened in a moment where no one watched or was even around to watch when Luke yelped loudly when his shoulder grabbed viciously and pushed into an alleyway. The redhead replica couldn't actually fight back considering his state and his back hit the wall. Luke faintly heard both hands of his attacker hitting the wall and caging between his head. Processing what came about; the redhead focused his vision and stared to find…himself?
Except with darker hair and a familiar smirk full of cockiness he hated yet loved so much back then.
"Heh, are you sure you can protect yourself properly, dreck?" There was that insult.
The redhead replica apple green eyes widen at the insult and stuttered only one word.
"A-Asch?!"
TBC
Skit 16: Alternative Roads
Guy: So if Luke was able to return to Auldrant because Aaralyn was his guide…How did you both come to Auldrant without anyone with you?
Guy question brings forth curiosity within the group, causing Yuri to look away and Flynn sweat dropping.
Aaralyn: Now that Guy mentioned it…Lowell, how did you and Commandant get here?
Yuri: Through luck and guts actually. Into the harsh quest without a Guide, we finally found the gate that leads into Auldrant!
Yuri became dramatic suddenly to everyone displeasure and Flynn only looks down in shame. Anise only stared boredly.
Anise: Oh please, stop with the drama.
Natalia: So how did you actually come to Auldrant?
Aaralyn: I'm quite interested in hearing it too since Lowell can't even answer properly.
Tear: Yes, it is curious enough.
Jade: Indeed, it might be a start of a bond between Terca Lumireis and Auldrant.
Ion: And learning more about the world beyond our own.
Flynn gave up finally and sighed.
Flynn: There was a border founded quite a long time ago, but no one ever used it much. Thus, Yuri and I used the said border and appeared here.
Everyone excluding Yuri:…
Aaralyn: So you basically had Luke return the hard way did you when there was already a bridge to cross!
Aaralyn becomes angry and shouts.
Jade: Haha, fascinating discovery this is. Commandant Flynn, do show me after your mission here is over.
Tear: Colonel, this isn't a laughing matter…
Flynn: I apologize, Aaralyn…There was a reason to it and yes, I will Colonel Curtiss.
Yuri: No need to apologize to the bi-OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!
Aaralyn: WANNA SAY THAT LOWELL?!
Yuri screams in pain as Aaralyn tugs his hair quite harshly, they both leave as they argue. Everyone sighs at the childishness.
Ion: I guess "this" was your reason to send Luke here. He was unwilling, wasn't he?
Flynn: If I were blunt to him, then yes he would reject the mission. I had to encourage him on behalf of Yuri suggestion.
Tear: Either way, we met Luke again that's what matters.
Anise: Humph, who would want to see him?
Anise glares while the others expressions became amused.
Guy: Says the one that dragged Luke around.
Skit Ends