Disclaimer: I don't own rights to the game, the characters, anything—as much as I wish I did.

Thanks to all who gave me ideas for this fic. And, of course, to all who review.

A/N: Here's chapter 10. Nothing of any significance to say for this one.

I'll shut up now.

The ferry heaved itself into the Batican harbor at midday. Luke gazed over the rail at his home fondly. Even under the heavy clouds that had lingered since departing from Choral Castle, the city glistened extravagantly. There seemed to be light pouring from the very structure of Baticul, and it thrilled Luke that he could have the honor of living in such a beautiful city. However, his deep concentration was shattered by the others, who gently reminded him that it was time to depart.

As the group left the ferry, two soldiers approached them, both bearing the insignia of generals of the Kimlascan army. "Master Luke! Welcome back."

Luke grinned. After all they'd been through, it was a relief to finally be home, even if he didn't recognize the place anyway.

"And my greetings to the rest of you, as well. I am General Goldberg." The larger of the two soldiers nodded to Jade, Tear, Anise, and Ion.

"Brigadier General Cecille, at your service." The other saluted swiftly. The members of Luke's group introduced themselves as well.

"Fon Master Ion of the Order of Lorelei."

"Colonel Jade Curtiss, Commander of the Third Division, Malkuth Imperial Army. I represent His Majesty, Peony the IX, Emperor of Malkuth."

"Ionian Sergeant Anise Tatlin, Oracle Knights, Fon Master Guard."

"Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants, First Platoon, Oracle Knights Intelligence Division."

Goldberg saluted them smartly. "Glad to meet you. General Cecille will escort you to the Fabre manor. If you would, General?"

"Wait!" Luke stopped them. "I'll take them back to the manor. We want to look around the city a bit before reporting to Uncle."

"Thank you, Luke," Ion said softly. "We won't take long, I promise. I'm sure you're eager to get back home."

"No, Ion. It's fine."

Ion smiled at him, and Luke couldn't help but blush. He jerked back to look at General Goldberg, but then realized that he might notice his flushed features, instead staring toward the ground. And there went Ion again, making people blush at the worst possible time. Thankfully, Goldberg either hadn't noticed or had opted not to comment.

"As you were, General Cecille," said the Kimlascan general. "I shall honor that request, but I will send word of your arrival to the castle."

"That's fine."

"Thank you, Luke!" Ion beamed.

"It's nothing."

Goldberg dismissed Cecille, and then he took his leave, as well.

"Where should we go first?" Ion asked Luke.

"I don't know. I've never been outside the manor, so I really don't know any more about the city than you do."

"Oh, my poor Luke!" Anise wailed.

"There's the Coliseum, but I doubt it would be open with the way things are now. After all, I'd hardly expect the ruler of a country to allow visitors in with the intent to fight, especially from Malkuth." Jade added.

Tear cut in abruptly. "I disprove of fighting for sport. We're not going there."

"What? Fighting?" Luke looked half-interestedly at Jade.

"It's a lot of fun to watch," Ion informed him. "People come from all over the world to compete. They're highly trained, and some even take on huge monsters rather than human opponents."

Luke grinned childishly. "That sounds like fun!"

"It's far too expensive," Tear said quickly, momentarily forgetting Luke's lineage.

"I can just have Father pay for it."

"Luke, you'd never make it. You've never even fought a human before."

"H-Hey! I could do it!"

"Somehow I doubt that." Tear gave him a smug glance before continuing. "We'll pass this time."

"We can look around and just check out anything of interest. How's that sound, Luke?" Anise smiled. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him lovingly.

"Oh, get off..."

"Oh my, aren't you popular?" All five turned at the sound of the voice that came from the port's aircar. A woman in a skimpy red outfit leaned against a beam casually. She approached Luke and grabbed his shoulders provocatively. "I guess it's to be expected of such a handsome man."

"Oh, my..." Ion whispered to himself.

"Hey, what do you--"

"Give back what you stole," Tear interjected harshly.

"What?" Luke checked his pockets hastily. "Hey! You took my wallet!"

"Ugh, you're just jealous, aren't you, my pretty?" The woman winked to Tear.

Tear blushed avidly. "N-No I'm not. Just give it back, or I'll have to take it back."

"Protective, are we? York! Catch!" She flipped the wallet to a man that was standing behind the group. He caught it deftly and ran as fast as his pirate costume would allow. "Urushi, we're out of here!"

A short man with an orange beard signaled to York from an alley near the residential quarters. Both he and the woman made for the alley, but Tear stopped the former with a toss of her knife. It stunned the man, sending him down, and she had a blade to his neck instantly.

"Return what you stole. Now."

York hesitantly held up the wallet, and Tear snatched it. As soon as she withdrew her blade, York was up and running to his partners.

"You've got guts making enemies of the Dark Wings!" Urushi called from where he'd climbed a fire escape. "You ain't seen the last of us!" With that, the trio disappeared.

"They're the Dark Wings!?" Luke shook his fists after them. "Those bastards! I'd have killed them if I'd known that!"

"Indeed. It seems Master Luke is an expert at dealing with thieves," Jade said pleasantly.

"Like you could have done any better!" Luke shot back.

"Oh dear, I suppose I should have said something. It just looked like it would be so amusing, though..."

"What the?! You jerk!"

"Cut it out, you two." Tear walked up from where she'd stopped York. "Let's just head to the castle if you're done looking around."

"No, we didn't get a chance to see anything!" Anise pouted. "Let's keep looking!"

"Fine, then."

They spent the next hour or so exploring the city. Luke remained silent the whole time in his anger towards Jade. The colonel had little interest in the city, claiming that he'd just as soon get it over with, but he never objected to Anise and Ion's desire to poke through shops and other attractions. After a good deal of just generally killing time (an activity that pleased the others after the pace at which Jade had forced them to make it back soon), they made their way to the upper levels where the nobles lived.

Anise gasped in awe at the stunning sight of the various manors up close. From the port, there was, admittedly, little to see of the mansions. Luke led them straight to the castle.

At the door, Luke identified himself, and their entry was permitted immediately. The castle was a grand sight to behold. The antique staircases that crossed above made the high ceiling seem that much more impressive, and the sentries that marched the halls were in perfect form. Luke and Ion led them up the stairs to the meeting hall.

"Wait." The guard stopped them. "His Majesty, King Ingobert, is currently seeing a guest. We have received word to let you through as soon as the meeting is over, however."

Luke grumbled sullenly, glancing back at his companions. "We don't have time to wait. Just who's in there that's more important than me?!"

"Beg pardon, Master Luke." The guard shifted uncomfortably. "But it is an important guest from the Order of Lorelei that has--"

"It could be Grand Maestro Mohs," Jade observed.

"Who's that?" Luke asked, turning to the colonel. "Is that who Van mentioned in Kaitzur?"

"Yes. He's my direct subordinate," Ion explained. "It's been rumored that he's trying to start a war, like Van told you. He's also been searching for the Seventh Fonstone, but he has yet to find it."

Tear nodded to the young noble, who still looked confused. "The Seventh Fonstone is the last part of the Score Yulia read over 2000 years ago--"

"I know, I know!"

"But Luke, you looked like you had forgotten all ready." Jade shrugged. "I suppose little can be said for one with such extraordinary memory as you."

Luke shot the colonel a wry glance. "Shut up."

"It looks like Tear knows a lot about the Seventh Fonstone," Ion said cheerily. "Maybe she can explain more about it later if you're still confused, Luke."

"Let's just get on with this!" He snorted, beginning to force the heavy brass-ornamented doors open.

"Wait, sir!" The guard held out a cautionary hand to the group. "His Majesty, King Ingobert is seeing--"

Luke let his hands fall from the door and promptly put them to his hips arrogantly. "So what? I'm Luke fon Fabre, son of Duke Fabre. If you don't let me through, I'll see to it that you're fired!"

The soldier shrugged nervously. Luke grunted again, then turned back to the door. The large doors banged open, and the first thing Luke noticed the entire party that had been deep in its meeting turn to assess the source of the disturbance. He picked out his uncle on the center throne immediately, as well as his advisor, Alpine, standing next to him stuffily. A woman stood before the two of them, garbed entirely in a dark Order of Lorelei uniform. Luke ran to the king, who was all ready gasping out the name of his nephew.

"Luke?! What is the meaning of--"

"Uncle! I have returned!"

The dark-haired woman faced the boy accusingly. "What are commoners doing here interrupting our meeting? Have them arrested at once, Your Majesty!"

"Admiral, please calm down," Ingobert told her. "I will take care of everything. First, Luke, explain why you are here and who these people are that you have brought."

The woman glared at Luke, and it took him until then to realize that she had only one eye. He shook his head, then pointed to each of his companions as he introduced them. "This is Fon Master Ion, from Daath, and Jade from the Malkuth military! We're here to deliver a letter to you from the Emperor of Malkuth. Don't believe Mohs! She's only--"

The woman laughed abruptly, cutting Luke off. "You think I am Mohs? Honestly. Could one such as myself be mistaken for that puffed-up old fool? You must be kidding me, boy."

Luke glared at her nastily. "How am I supposed to know--"

"He is quite the brilliant one," she told Ingobert. "Is this the lad that lost his memory?"

"Yes," the king replied with a sigh.

"Just who are you, then?! You're here to start a war, aren't you?!"

She continued to grin amusedly. "Not only a genius, but also very kind and well-mannered enough to keep out of others' business, are we? Very well. I am Vice Admiral Cantabile, Commander of the Sixth Platoon, Oracle Knights Navy."

"L-Listen, you--!"

"Cease!" Alpine cut in, holding up a tiny hand between them. Cantabile smirked in Luke's direction again, causing the noble to grit his teeth in anger. She returned her gaze to the king, awaiting his next word.

"Admiral, I will keep what you have said in mind. Now, I hear you bear a letter from Peony the IX, Colonel Curtiss?"

"Yes, sir." Jade revealed the letter and handed it to a nearby guard, who then gave it to Ingobert.

"Thank you, Colonel. May I ask that you stay for the night so that I may have the time to look over the letter and come to a definite decision? I will have rooms prepared for the four of you at once. Luke, it would be in your best interest to return home right away and let your mother hear of your safe arrival. She has fallen ill."

"Mother's sick?" Luke started, incredulous. "Since when?"

"It began soon after you left," he explained. "It was likely brought upon by your disappearance, so your showing her that you have returned would probably bring her back around by tonight."

"Yes, sir. I'll go back right away."

"Your Majesty, if you don't mind, I'd like to see Luke's manor before we settle in for the night," Ion requested politely.

"I have no problem with that. You are welcome to come and go as you please until nightfall, but by then, it would be for the best if you were back here."

"I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty."

The party bowed to Ingobert, then turned to take its leave, but Cantabile laid a hand on Tear's shoulder as she passed. The younger Oracle Knight halted suddenly, looking into Cantabile's eye closely.

"So you're Mystearica. Van told me all about you."

"You're with my brother?"

"And it's true that you're his sister..." She grinned, nodding to Jade, who had glanced back upon noticing the Tear's absence. He shrugged in response, then continued out the door of the audience hall.

"What do you want?" Tear said sharply.

"Grand Maestro Mohs was here yesterday, and he has all ready left on a ship back to Daath. You may make your mission report to me in the morning."

"You avoided my question. Are you siding with my brother?"

"I shall see you again soon, Mystearica." Cantabile let a sly smile cross her thin lips, then motioned to the Oracle Knight to leave. Tear stared into her cold eye for another second or so, then turned to leave.

Upon seeing the extent of Luke's vast manor, Anise nearly lost her mind. She darted from hall to hall excitedly, poring over every last detail of the exquisitely carved ornamentations from one end of the manor to the other. At the sight of every burnished doorknob sculpted into elegant shapes, every gaudy tapestry that hung from ceiling to floor and was wider than she was tall, every antique vase of rare white roses adorned with crimson ribbons on their stems, and every lavishly sewn drapery across every crown molded window made her squeal with greedy delight as she scrambled to imagine the worth of each fine item. Luke simply rolled his eyes at her behavior, shrugging and mumbling that it was nothing special. Even Jade and Tear seemed impressed greatly, but they kept a more mature posture than the Fon Master Guardian. Ion was enjoying himself as well, though his being dragged behind Anise forced him to each of the sights his voracious friend wished to see up close.

"What's in here?" Anise panted, having come upon the drawing room. The first time she had come to it, it had been locked, leaving her to dote on the tidy yet secure latches instead of examining the room to her heart's content.

"Nothing much. It's just the drawing room. It's where guests hang out, really," Luke said offhandedly.

"Then why don't we 'hang out' with the young master?" Jade suggested affably. Luke shot him a scowl, but the colonel was unmoved.

"I wish to apologize to the lady of the house for all that's happened," Tear told the redhead. "After all, it's my fault she's fallen ill. It's the least I can do."

"That should be fine."

Anise flung the doors open and stepped inside, eyes immediately flying to all corners of the room. The last thing she saw, and perhaps never would have seen had the rest not stopped, was Princess Natalia.

"Ugh, Natalia!" Luke grumbled. "What are you doing here?"

"That's some way to treat a friend, Luke!" she huffed importantly. "Anyway, I see you have returned safely. Congratulations."

"Whatever, just what the hell are you doing in my house?"

"I happen to be comforting your mother in Father's absence."

"Oh, whatever." Luke shook his head dismissively.

"Hmph. I suppose the only thing the would hold your attention that long is Dorian General Grants. I am sadly mistaken to assume that you would care for your own mother."

"Hey! I don't neglect her! What does Master Van have to do with anything?!"

Natalia grinned triumphantly. "I knew that would catch your interest. Actually, Dorian General Grants was arrested shortly after you arrived."

"Wait, you mean after we came ashore?! Damn! He did say the he had something else to take care of just before we got off, and that must have set him back long enough so that we didn't see him. And why the hell was he arrested, anyway?!"

"There seems to be a rumor that he was conspiring with his sister, Mystearica, to kidnap you."

"What?" Tear interjected. "That's nonsense."

"Oh?" Natalia turned to the Oracle Knight. "Are you this 'Tear' he spoke of?"

"Yes. I can swear upon Yulia's Score that it was not an act of aggression towards House Fabre. I am at fault entirely. I recklessly attacked my brother without giving thought to anyone else. I had no idea Luke was a Seventh Fonist."

Luke threw his hands in the air agitatedly. "Look! Natalia, just tell Uncle to free Master Van! It's all a big misunderstanding!"

"Yeah, we can't let them imprison the commandant!" Anise added. "Could you do anything to help, Ion?"

"I could issue a protest from Daath. That should smooth things along if His Majesty is unwilling to let him go."

"Thanks, Ion." Luke nodded to the boy.

"You may want to hurry. Such an accusation would only be countered with execution," Jade informed the group.

"Yeah! Ion, let's go right away!" Anise grabbed the hapless boy's forearm and dragged him to the door abruptly.

"Come on, Natalia!" Luke's voice raised in volume. "You have to talk to Uncle. Go, now!"

"Only if you remember your promise to me, Luke!"

"What promise?" Anise stopped short, and Ion stumbled forward slightly.

"Look, Natalia, I don't--"

"But Luke! You know you proposed to me when we were little! How romantic would it be if that was the first thing to return after your memory loss?"

Tear and Anise started at the news. They gave him curious looks, but the noble failed to notice.
Luke gritted his teeth stubbornly. "Just go talk to Uncle about Master Van."

"Fine. But promise me you'll remember soon!"

"Yeah, yeah."

Natalia huffed again, then reluctantly headed for the door. She allowed Anise and Ion through before her, then let herself in while closing the heavy wooden doors softly.

"Jeez... She's so obnoxious!" Luke declared.

"Well, that was quite the thrilling tour." Jade nodded to himself, changing the subject. "I'll be heading back to the castle now. I do thank you, Luke."

"Yeah, sure."

The Malkuthian colonel left punctually, still grinning. He had seemed in a decent enough mood, which gave Luke the strangest hint that he was probably up to something. His last remark hadn't even sounded sarcastic. Maybe the guy wasn't that bad, after all. But no, this was Jade. He was as sly as the devil.

After he departed, there was a moment of silence between Tear and Luke. Eventually, the former turned to the noble. "Would it be all right if you took me to the lady so that I may beg her forgiveness?"

"Y-You don't have to say it like that!" Luke blushed slightly, then turned away from her. "Yeah, her chamber is over this way."

Tear followed him down the hallway quietly. The White Knights that faithfully kept a close watch on the corridor gave her interested looks; apparently, they were inclined to think any new face around the house could be a potential threat. After what had happened last time she had come to the manor, Tear couldn't blame them. A few lighthearted greetings were given to Luke, to which the boy nodded in his acknowledgment. She shook her head. It was better than not even responding, possibly, but still indescribably rude in her eyes.

Luke tapped on the door when they reached the end of the hallway. A strained voice came from inside. "Yes? Who is it?"

Luke didn't wait for permission to enter. His mother's eyes lit up as she saw him enter, and a happy sigh escaped her lips. "Mother... I'm home."

"Luke!"

Tear hung back respectfully, allowing them a moment together. Luke sat next to her on her bed while she dragged him closer to her chest in a generous hug, tears coming to her eyes. "My poor Luke! I was afraid you'd been kidnapped again!"

Luke pulled away, wincing. "No, Mother. I'm home for good now."

"I'm so happy!"

Tear judged it to be a more suitable time to act. She approached the duchess nervously, then dropped to her knees, bowing to the woman far more than was necessary. The action startled Luke, as he had never expected to see such a stone-hearted soldier kneel before anyone. "Your Grace, I beg your forgiveness. I apologize deeply for what I have brought upon your son."

"My, but I thought this was the work of villains! No such person would apologize for her actions."

"By Lorelei and Yulia, I swear I had no intentions to harm your son." Tear's rigid voice was not muffled in the slightest by her position. "I was after my brother."

"So, you did try to strike down Van... Tear, I accept your apologies, but on one condition. Never again try to kill your own family. It's just all too sad for me to bear."

"I promise." Tear rose, then bowed again.

"Luke... Please, go tell everyone that you have returned. I'm sure they will be glad to hear the news."

"I will, Mother. But where is Father? I haven't seen him yet."

"Your father went off to the castle shortly before you arrived. I'm surprised you didn't run into him on the way."

Luke shrugged. "I'll meet up with him sooner or later. I'm exhausted, though. I need some rest."

"That's perfectly fine, dear!" Susanne smiled up at him. "I'll be sure to tell him of your arrival. You may get some sleep if you want. And Tear, I bid you a good night as well."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"I'll be going then, Mother." Luke turned to leave, and Tear followed suit. Susanne sighed calmly after them, and she noticed that she herself was growing tired from the visit. My, but her weak body prevented her from doing much. No matter; Luke, her precious son, had returned, and now she was sure to recover quickly.

Luke woke the next morning with a squirm of excitement at not being where he had expected, in a hotel bed or worse yet, on the ground, but in his own small room in the familiar Fabre manor. After a few seconds of happy speculation, he frowned with a groan, realizing that now he was the prisoner again, and the rest of the world served as the prison guards that would prevent his any of his engaging in anything out of ordinary, or, in other words, entertaining.

He hauled himself out of the bed, noting that the sun was fairly high. It was still later than Jade's normal hour, but not as comfortable as his own average late noon awakening. He sighed, stumbling over to the dresser and throwing on a shirt hastily before heading out the door without bothering to make his bed. He was up now, and if the noble had any distinguishing virtues in the way of waking, it was that once he was awake, he never went back to sleep until nightfall.

The activity of the manor was perfectly on schedule. There was a general hush about the courtyard, as the servants were still performing their chores for the day, and not even Pere, the gardener, was out; he was on his lunch break, which was later than most's, because he had to work outdoors all day and Duke Fabre never forced him in the blazing noon hours that would do him in quickly. The duke was thought of a strict man (jokingly referred to as 'a side effect from the old war days'), but he was fair. None of the maids that served his family and him could deny that he was as down-to-earth as his wife.

Luke poked his head around the corner into the drawing room. There was the normal detail of White Knights, but they were alert and stiff, the reason lying in the presence of a guest. Luke cocked his head in surprise, somewhat startled that Natalia was back.

"Good morning, Luke," she greeted him.

"Oh, hey, Natalia." Luke nodded to her briefly. "What are you doing here?"

"Father wishes to speak to you. He said he has quite a few issues to address."

"I disprove of your late waking," came Duke Fabre's low growl of a voice from behind the princess.

Luke jerked in shock. "Father! When did you get here?"

"I've been here longer than you've been awake, son! You need to act more like a member of House Fabre!"

"Jeez, I'm sorry; are you happy now? I won't do it again," lied Luke, positive that the exchange would go forgotten by the next day.

"I hope you mean that."

"I do, I do." Luke bristled, annoyed. "So, Natalia, Uncle needs to see me? What, is it about Master Van?"

"Partially. As I said, there are quite a few issues at hand that need discussion. We may talk on the way there, if you wish. Father has been waiting for you long enough. You're lucky your mother was kind enough to let you sleep in; otherwise, I may have just seen fit to take matters into my own hands."

"Whatever. I'll see you then, Father." Luke waved halfheartedly to the duke, who returned the gesture accompanied with a hard scowl.

Luke walked beside Natalia in silence. He was interested in whatever it was that Ingobert wanted to tell him, but he decided that it could wait until he got there; he would find out soon enough, and it wasn't worth asking the moody princess. She obviously knew, but she was often bitter toward him. He felt it was because of the memory loss. Frankly, Luke assumed his childhood memories to have been as bland as his current life, so he was not unduly worried. He was manging fine now, anyway. Though, he had to reluctantly admit that no matter what happened, he had to get by some way or another. Just like when--

"Guy!" Luke blurted the name of his servant so abruptly and so loudly that Natalia stopped instantly, giving him a puzzled look. Luke mentally beat himself in the head. How in the hell could he forget?! There was so much going on, and then he was so tired, there was nothing there to think in the knotted mass of everything and nothing in his mind that blurred into itself and made him momentarily draw a complete blank when it came to the whereabouts of his best friend.

"'Guy'? Luke, what's wrong?"

"Guy! He--"

"Come to think of it," Natalia mused. "He got caught in that...hyperresonance, was it? Yes, that's what Dorian General Grants called it. Where is Guy?"

"He... Did he really join the Oracle Knights?..."

"My! What ever could have caused him to--"

"I don't know, but we have to figure out where he's going and what the hell he's thinking. Maybe Master Van knows something about it. He's in the Oracle Knights."

"Yes." Natalia hesitantly picked up their walk again. "That does indeed sound suspicious. Though, I can't imagine Guy making such a sudden and harsh decision as to leave you without good reason."

"I can take care of myself!" Luke countered.

"Yes, I'm sure, Luke, but for now, let's just hear what Father has to say. We can mention Guy to him afterwards."

"That's fine."

They paused as the two guards in front of the castle ran to open the doors for Natalia. They bowed, allowing her entry, and she gave them a swift curtsy. The two nobles entered the enormous room, heading straight for the audience hall. On the way, they noticed Tear and Admiral Cantabile off to the side of the main path.

"Hey, Tear." Luke raised a hand to get her attention. She turned, breaking off the whispered conversation she was having with the other Oracle Knight.

Luke and Natalia approached them, and the former just caught the end of Cantabile's "...tell you more later." as he went to greet her.

"Hello, Luke. You sure took your time," Tear scolded. "Were you sleeping that whole time? Honestly..."

Luke ignored her comment. "Hey, have you seen Master Van? Where did they take him?"

Tear sighed gustily. "He's still in prison. His Majesty has yet to officially relieve him, but he plans to do so soon. First, we have to have our meeting, then we will discuss other matters about my brother."

"Well, then, let's go see Uncle." Luke turned to the grand staircase that led to the throne room. Cantabile took the lead, giving him a hint of a smirk as she passed. Luke shrugged, then followed Tear and Natalia.

"Ah, Luke, there you are!" Ingobert sighed happily, leaning back in his throne.

"Yeah. What did you want to talk to me about?" Luke stood in place before the king. "And—hey, what are you doing here?"

Jade, Anise, and Ion looked over to him. They had apparently been there before the redhead, having not only been in the habit of waking at a decent time but also being right there in the castle lead them to have little to do other than wait.

"Waiting for you," Jade replied. "But it seems we can get on with the explanation. Your Majesty?..."

"Thank you, Colonel." Ingobert straightened, looking down at Luke as regally as he could. "Luke... You do know of the peace efforts that have been made, do you not?"

"Of course I do."

"Right. Colonel Curtiss has brought not only a letter containing an offer of peace from Malkuth, but a plea for help."

"Okay... what does that have to do with me?"

"It seems the mining town of Akzeriuth has been plagued with the miasma."

Luke looked confused for a moment until Ingobert nodded to his aide, Alpine, to explain further. "Miasma is the poison blight that seeps up from Gnome's domain. It's deadly poison."

"Oh, that stuff that was in the Fubras River, right?" Luke turned to Jade for confirmation. The colonel agreed, then Ingobert continued.

"Akzeriuth used to be part of our territory. It sits right on the border, and it is much sought after for its rich mines. Naturally, there is a road connecting it from the Kimlasca side, and Malkuth wishes us to aid their citizens, which cannot leave because of the thickness of the miasma that sits on their path. Our side is far too rocky and dangerous for commoners to travel, so they need all the help they can get to escort them out of there via the Kimlascan road."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "And this has to do with me...?"

"Yes. It would be best if you hear it yourself." Ingobert gestured to a nearby guard on his left, which was holding a fragment of a fonstone. "Fon Master, if you would read the Score inscribed there..."

"Allow me, sir," Tear offered. "Fon Maser Ion will only get ill if he attempts to read the Score."

"Very well."

Tear approached the fonstone, then rested her hand over it lightly. She inhaled, closing her eyes to concentrate and read the Seventh Fonon-based text carved into it. "'ND 2000. In Kimlasca shall be born the scion of Lorelei's power. He will be of royal blood with hair of red. He shall be called 'the light of the sacred flame', and he will lead Kimlasca-Lanvaldear to new prosperity. ND 2018. The young scion of Lorelei's power shall bring his people to the miner's city. There...' That's strange. The rest is missing."

"It's no matter. That is sufficient. Thank you, Tear."

"Yes, thank you. I'm sorry to be such a burden," Ion said sadly.

"It's nothing. It's not your fault, Fon Master."

"Luke." Ingobert looked his nephew in the eye sternly. "You are the chosen hero that must travel to Akzeriuth and save the people. You must go because it is written in the Score!"

"Oh...!" Luke gazed over to Ion fondly. The boy smiled back to him. "A hero..."

"If you agree to go, Dorian General Grants will be released and allowed to accompany you."

"I'll do it!"

Jade smirked. "You seem to be very cooperative when Commandant Grants is involved."

"Shut up!"

"Wait!" shouted Cantabile suddenly. She had been silent the entire time until the mention of Van's name. All eyes fell to the admiral as she lurched forward to the king. "Van's here?! When did he get here, and why did you arrest him?!"

"Please, address the commandant by his proper title, Admiral," Ingobert said edgily. "As for your other questions, he arrived on the ship with Luke and the others. He was arrested under suspicion that he was conspiring with Tear to kidnap Luke, but that is not the case."

Cantabile flinched, then a look crossed her features as though she'd just caught herself doing something she had sworn to never show. She glanced back over her shoulder and busied herself with fixing her eye patch while she murmured her apologies to the king. Ingobert nodded slowly, then turned back to Luke.

"Luke, there is another issue I wish to discuss. What ever happened to your servant, Guy Cecil, who went searching for you?"

"He..." Luke found himself unable to finish the sentence.

Jade's expression dimmed, and he glanced sideways at Luke. After a moment of deciding that the boy wasn't going to answer, he told the king what he had explained to the others as a viable excuse for Guy's actions. "It seems that he was placed under a Curse Slot. Curse Slots use their victims' memories to force them to another's will. They basically neutralize all rational thought, causing the target to unexpectedly attack. We—well, Anise, Ion, and I—met up with Guy, Luke, and Tear in the Cheagle Woods. The God-Generals attacked and took over the Tartarus, and we were taken aboard as prisoners. We managed to get out with the help of a mysterious ally, spent the day in St. Binah, then were promptly recaptured. Guy seemed shaken when we got away again, and then later he deserted us at Choral Castle. That's all that we have to go on."

"So, tell me..." Cantabile began, examining Jade closely. "Who was this 'mysterious ally' you mentioned?"

"My personal speculation is irrelevant." Jade adjusted the bridge of his glasses deftly, matching the admiral's searching glance perfectly. "There is a chance I'm wrong. I wish not to reveal my theory just yet."

"Ah! I understand," Cantabile agreed. "It's not a problem, then. Your Majesty, your thoughts on the situation?"

"Thank you, Admiral. I know no better than you, Colonel Curtiss. I am willing to heed your advice. There is but one thing, however... Was Guy, under this 'Curse Slot', as you say, trying to attack anyone in particular?"

"No." Luke shot Jade a perplexed glance, but the colonel stood fast with his answer, giving no indication that he had noticed the redhead. "He simply refused to speak. Any action he had taken had to have been forced upon him by the user."

"I see. Then I suppose you should be wary of him nonetheless. Is that everything?"

"I believe so," Ion concluded. "But shall we decide who is to accompany Luke to Akzeriuth besides Van? Surely they won't go alone."

"If I may beg permission--" Cantabile dropped to one knee gracefully. She bowed deeply before the king, letting her scabbard loose from her belt in a traditional Malkuthian show of submission. "I would be honored to accompany Master Luke and aid in any way possible, Your Majesty."

"Permission granted, Admiral."

Cantabile rose, clicking the latch for the scabbard back to the belt. She nodded to him again, then stepped back in place.

"I will go as well," Jade added. "I'd hate to make our party any larger than it must be, but it seems my assistance would be valuable."

"I'll go, too," I on said. "You'll need an ambassador. I'd like to volunteer."

"Hm, an ambassador..." Ingobert thought over the idea for a moment, then responded. "It wouldn't be a bad idea. We do need someone to bear official news of our compliance to Malkuth. I suppose it would be best if we sent someone from Daath."

"Your Majesty, sir, forgive me for interrupting again," Cantabile spoke up boldly. "I would be willing to offer my services as an ambassador as well. I was born in Malkuth, but I serve the Order. No disrespect toward the Fon Master, but perhaps I would be a more fitting figure to bear the formal agreement to the treaty."

Ion looked over to her, fuming inside, but still able to control his placid behavior. He was ready to get back to somewhere he didn't have to play the part of the clumsy little kid anymore. Honestly, the Order revolved around him, and his power was now lying in a false front of pure and utter innocence. "I don't mind, Admiral. Nothing taken. You may be the official ambassador if you see fit."

"Much gratitude, Fon Master." Cantabile bowed lavishly. "I will wear the title with pride."

"Well if Ion's going, then I am, too!" Anise cut in. "I'm his guardian!"

Jade sighed. "Just one more on our number, then..."

"Father, I implore you to allow me to accompany them as well," Natalia pleaded.

"I'm sorry, Natalia. I cannot let you be put in such danger. We discussed this last night; I stand by my word."

Natalia bowed her head slightly, consenting quietly.

"Your number shouldn't be a problem. However, we're highly suspicious of the landship that was sighted not far off the coast." Ingobert gave Jade a sly glance. "It appeared to be Malkuthian. We can't afford to let you go by sea, Fon Master. I'm afraid you'll have to go by land, but we'll set out a decoy ship to remove suspicion."

"That's an excellent plan," said Ion. "Now then, if everything is taken care of..."

Ingobert raised a cautioning hand. "The decoy will shove off in exactly thirty minutes. I expect all to be ready to leave before or at that time. You may arrange your own meeting place, but make sure you stay within the time limit. If you're off at the wrong time, then there is the possibility that you'll be spotted by the God-Generals."

"Got it!" Luke nodded vigorously. "I'm ready when everyone else is."

"I'd like to take a moment to rest, actually." Ion shrugged sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Luke. Long discussions tire me. I'll be ready in time, though. Don't worry."

"I bid you good luck, then." King Ingobert smiled warmly at each of them.

As Luke turned to leave, Ingobert shook his head sadly. Alpine saw him out of the corner of his eye, but he remained alert at his post. It was not fitting for a mere aide to press an all ready challenging issue of his master.

But in the name of the Score, it had to be done.

Thanks to Medomai (Apakoha) for betaing!

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