Ranting Author (I-hate-Abigail-Williams-from-The-Crucible Report): I hate Abigail Williams. She should've been a witch in The Crucible. Darnnit. Burn her at the cross!

Anyways, this story is supposed to take place around the point of the Asch vs. Luke dilemma. It was epic, was it not?

Um...I'm just gonna say that this one is going to be somewhat of a different type of story for me. I'm trying to decide who to pick off--but my only thoughts are Luke. I wanna get rid of Guy, but then who will clear up everything when Jade says 'Guy...Explain'?

I know. Such a hard choice.

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Chapter V
Prelude to 'Heroic Sacrifice'

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All Luke had proposed was that Asch take his place and join with the others, but somehow, his words turned into a declaration of war. He told the truth, claiming that his hyperresonance was not as strong as his original's, but that only earned him an annoyed glare and enraged words. Trying to give Asch the Jewel of Lorelei was a mistake and the attempt had failed miserably and began the whole feud.

"If our skill with the sword is equal, then the one who is better in another area should go," proposed Luke, gripping the precious stone before putting it away.

Asch closed his eyes, turning his back and taking a few steps in another direction. He stopped suddenly. "Now that you're not just putting yourself down, you're even more irritating!"

"Asch…" The other lowered his stare.

"Better in another area? You don't know anything! How can you possibly say that?" He stressed his words, making his point. For a long time, he had constantly thought that he was the rightful heir to the Kimlascan thrown—along with his Queen. His life was now empty without a certain something. "You couldn't possibly know which of us is better!"

"Either way, I'm—"

"Shut up!" With lightning speed, Asch had drawn the Key of Lorelei and pointed it at the other, watching as it grazed his replica's neck lightly.

On reflex, Luke soared backwards with grace, landing feet away. Now, Luke understood the thought behind Asch putting distance between them. He wanted a fight. "Asch! What are you—"

"Only one of us can leave this room." The eyes of the initial male never left his imitation's. There was nothing in the world he wanted more right now then to finally prove his worth. "The stronger one will destroy Van." He gripped the hilt of his outstretched sword tighter. "This isn't about hyperresonance or who is or isn't a replica…As two of Van's students, we're going to find out who is stronger." A wicked grin found its way to Asch's face; a sudden cynical feeling in the air. "Who the real Luke is. This is a fight to settle who we are!"

"We're both real!" Luke pleaded, taking a step towards the tormented other, "You and I are two different people!"

"Shut up! This isn't about logic!" The stressed male protested, "You can't possibly understand how I feel! You stole my past and my future from me! Everything! No one will remember me if I die. No one at all! And now that Natalia is gone…who…" His voice faltered, cracking, and his expression softened for a brief moment before turning vicious. "Not is all the time I have!"

Luke sighed upon hearing the broken voice of his original, and no longer seeing any more ways out of this predicament. He reached behind and put a hand on the hilt of his sword. "Now is all the time I have too…" Slowly unsheathing his weapon, he took a defensive stance. "I don't even have a past to lose, but I've still decided that I'm me. It doesn't matter what you think! Here I am!" He gripped his blade firmly, switching to an offensive posture with new resolve in his eyes. If hostility was what had to take place, then so be it. "If that's the source of the strength you're talking about, then I won't lose!"

"Well said," Asch commented with an impious grin. His expression then changed, reflecting ferocity. "I will make those words your last…Replica"

The battle between initiator and duplication raged on for merely minutes, but it seemed hours for the two combatants. Each had his own views; own ideals; different thoughts—yet same path. Asch had his honor to defend. Luke had his very existence.

Blades clashed, along with their separate user's decisions.

Finally, one determined man was overpowered by the other after what seemed like forever. His blade was knocked airborne and clattered to the ground some feet away; broken and no longer usable—broken into two. He staggered backwards, breathing violently and falling to one knee. The mock-up Luke had lost to his superior original.

"I really am just a replica…" He remarked to himself quietly, dejection within his being. Though he was miserable from the outcome, it was for the best. From the beginning, he had been hoping that Asch would overpower him in some way. Ever since the encounter at the Tower of Rem, he had been prepared to give his life for everything that he cared for. Now was that time, and his fear was hardly present. In that way, he was proud, yet terrified still of dying. Nonetheless, he had a responsibility to see that the Original Luke fulfilled his duty no matter what, but alas…it meant the Replica's downfall—the exact copy's demise.

Asch stood triumphantly, a low, wild cackle come from the champion of the clash. "I…I won. I'm the true Luke fon Fabre. Are you watching Na—"

The sound of something solid and lightweight hitting the floor caught his attention. "Take it," Luke requested as the Jewel of Lorelei rolled to Asch's feet. "I'm…glad you are the one that won Asch. It's better if you go. You're meant to go—not me. I'm just an imitation." His watch remained low, a heartbreaking smile on his face as his hand found its way to his right pocket. He stroked the content within once before pulling out.

"Replica…" For the first time since they had encountered each other, Asch was beginning to feel somewhat in the wrong for his demeanor towards the other, yet preferred to not show it more than he already had. He took the Jewel into his hand, and then shoved it into safekeeping. "Listen up, replica. This isn't over yet. We've still got to—"

Doors from across the enormous chamber began to open, revealing countless enemy soldiers at the bottom of the stairs. Their armor clattered with every step; weapon in hand as they approached from the opposite side of the room. Luke glanced back at the closed exit that sat behind them both, then to the insignia beneath his feet. Just as Asch had done before to reveal the entrance, he would have to perform as well. A hyperresonance would open the door, but one would have to stay behind. It was already decided. He just hoped his hyperresonance was strong enough to keep the doors open when it was his turn.

"Stop! Hand over the Key of Lorelei!" Called one of the copied soldiers from the foot of the flight of stairs.

Taking charge, Luke pushed his way past Asch and began his hyperresonance; hand shimmering in light as he raised it into the air. With indignation, he pounded the middle of the emblem and listened with unspoken pleasure as the doors behind him opened. He chuckled sadly to himself. "I wasn't sure mine would work. Who knew?" Sighing, he got to his feet, not moving from that spot. Accidentally locking Asch inside was the last thing he wanted. "Go. I'll hold them off."

Asch nodded once and started for the door with a dash, only to slow to a halt at the foot of the stairs that led to the glorious exit. "I'll fight with you. There's no way that you could defeat so many of them."

"Hold that thought! One thing though…before you go!" It was a fast moment as Luke dug into his right pocket for something and when he found it, he turned for the briefest moment, hurling it at the other with precision and all his might before turning his back one again.

Asch took a step back and reached, catching it with a free hand and bringing it into his view. "Jewelry?! What am I going to do with this?!"

"It's not for you!" Luke retorted, swallowing hard before he answered, "It's for Tear! It's the pendant that she…well, a long time ago she sold it to help the two of us out at Tataroo Valley, okay?! I just got it back for her..." He sighed. "Give it to her for me, Asch! It's her mother's."

"What the hell are you saying, you dreck?! You can give it to her yourself—"

"Just do it, Asch…! Please…!" His voice was faltering. He was anxious. "Let me have my way, just this once."

"Why should I give it to the woman?!"

"Because I can't!"

"Of course you can!"

"Please Asch!" The red-haired replica did not turn to face the other. "You go and finish the fight."

"If I go, you're not going to have a weapon, stupid!"

"I'll make due with what I have," Luke answered with false coolness, coming to terms in the midst of the situation. "Enemies have weapons right? I'll just take one." He waved off Asch without looking. "Now go! Hurry up! I gotta close this door before they start coming."

The original grunted as he turned, ascending the steps with rapidity. Before crossing the threshold and exiting, he turned to his replica one last time. "You'd better not die, replica! Survive!" He paused, glaring directly at Luke's back. "If you don't…then that woman's never going to let me hear the end of it." He looked away briefly, "And I won't be able to face her in the end…" Asch took a step back, preparing to continue on without the other. "You'd better be alive when I come back, you dreck!"

"I promise, okay? Just go!" Luke yelled, listening as the footsteps of his companion disappearing in the distance. He had done it. Sacrificed himself for the well-being of others—maybe even the world.

If the existence of all was going to be saved by someone, let it be the person who knew what he was doing.

"Admirable choice…" It was the first time Asch had acknowledged his other half, yet the replication was too far away to hear it. He placed Tear's Pendant in the same pocket as the Jewel of Lorelei, many thoughts going through his mind on the subject. No time could be lost. It was time to face Van.

Luke dropped to one knee, hand glowing once more from self-accessed hyperresonance. Once again, he struck the ground with intensity, causing the stone doors to shut violently, shaking the chamber he was in.

Standing once more, but with his eyes closed for comfort, he listened to the clattering armor that ascended the steps towards him. Thoughts flew to those who would live on without him in a matter of moments. Though he reflected on his ally's there was only one in particular that came to mind at this very instant, and he was eternally indebted to his feelings.

He could no longer feel Tear's memento in his pocket, and that slightly dropped his morale. It was his support, since she was not present.

I'm sorry, Luke avowed mentally, Looks like, I couldn't see this through myself—but I couldn't just let Asch die in my place for something that happened because of me, right? It was best that he defeated Master Van no matter what, even if I did purposefully lose to make it happen. As long as the original wins, that's all that matters. Though pretending to be that weak was something else…right? He chuckled to himself. I'm glad I lost to him…still it wasn't a loss at all. I'm still myself—even after all of this. He might have reclaimed the name we shared, but…I'm me. That's the only thing that should make sense. Though…what name do I call myself now? How about…his name? No. I'll make up my own. If only I knew ancient Ispanian.

His eyes opened, reflecting determination. Turning his full attention to his opponents, Luke crossed his arms; no expression on his face—yet fire burned within his eyes. Something within him seemed strange, and he knew what it was. "No time left…huh? I'm going to really disappear soon."

"Out of the way!" Yelled one of the soldiers as the mass stopped, only feet from Luke.

"No! Your fight is with me!" The martyr echoed with righteous passion as the soldiers began to spread out as told, preparing an attack, "Call me what you like—but I am your opponent! You're not getting through here!"

The soldiers extended around Luke, all holding onto their weapons with an iron grip. "Then you will die!"

If one started for the door, Luke would have to take that one out first. He carefully surveyed the growing crowd of nearly twenty fighters. "I won't run away! Not when everyone is counting on me…" He steadied himself; giving a small pep talk. "I am the arbitrator—no! The advent scion of Lorelei." With transformed audacity, the lone conquistador charged head on towards the thickest assemblage of soldiers. "We fight till the last!"

Asch immediately stopped to face the sound of footsteps coming in his direction. He was frustrated. All the rooms looked the same.

Was he supposed to go through the room with the white door, or the other room with the white door?

Akin in size and shape upon appearance. Only someone from Hod could possibly know the difference.

Even though he was infuriated by the geography of the confusing Eldrant map, it did not stop him from traveling. Judging by the fact that he was now outside, this was most likely the peak of Eldrant; where Van resided at its summit. He only hoped that he defeated Van and made it back to Luke in time—along with joining with the other fighters in the team.

Asch squinted and tried to look out ahead, but the sun was glaring in his eyes. He hopped down from the beam onto the dirt trail atop of Eldrant, seeing the concrete path further on, along with familiar looking humans.

It was then that he caught sight of the people he was just thinking of—traveling through the footpath that led to a larger building in the distance. That was most likely where Van was. He was eager.

"Hey! Lu…Asch! Is that you?" Anise called from far away, being the first one to see him. She scurried towards the frozen man whose gaze was fixated on the blond haired male of her party, only to stop when she felt tension between the two. In return, Guy turned his stare away from the nostalgic manor he knew from long ago, resting his vision on the redhead in the distance.

The apprehension was suffocating to Guy, but nonetheless, he nodded curtly. On the other hand, Asch's expression was impossible to read, compared to Guy's forced smile. The crimson haired swordsman gave off a feeling of agony, though he was far away. It was his obligation to be present and he was fervent, yet at the same time, it was tearing him apart to be there.

To work with the man that killed his adored childhood friend. It did not give him the greatest of feelings.

The young girl turned and raced back towards her party, slowing to a halt by the Colonel.

It was some time before Asch finally crossed the distance between him and the others, passing by the Colonel and his assistant, along with the man he was trying to avoid; then stopped in front of Tear. He reached into his pocket, pulling out an all too familiar piece of jewelry; dangling it before her face.

She took it from it with haste, observing it. Sure of her assumption, Tear looked to him with confusion. "My mother's Pendant! Where did you get it?"

"The replica told me to give it to you," was all he answered.

"My, my. Where's Luke?" Asked the eldest member, adjusting his glasses.

Opening his mouth to say something, the oracle knight paused, not knowing how to answer it without alerting the others and forcing them to backtrack just to find their comrade. "He's…" Asch turned his gaze elsewhere. "He's buying us some time."

"I see," countered the officer once more, tone slightly faltering as if he knew what the other was thinking, "Then we can't let his efforts go to waste. Let's keep moving." He turned to lead.

"But—we can't just leave him! What if he's in trouble," Anise argued, stepping into her superior's path. "He might seriously get hurt out there."

"That's a risk we have to take. We can't neglect this opportunity to defeat Van," Tear suddenly spoke up coolly, truly wishing that everyone would disagree with her proclamation. She said it simply because she was a soldier, but her instincts were telling her to go back for Luke. Nonetheless, she went with her duties.

Jade sighed heavily. "Tear's right. We'll go for now. If things get too hectic with our small party, finding Luke can be an option. For now, continue as is. It'll only be a nuisance to backtrack—wasting time at that."

Anise groaned, knowing the logical choice was correct, "Fine."

"No. I'm going back," Guy interrupted, stepping forward with a determined look in his eyes. "It was hard enough getting here with just us, so Luke's going to have a tough time by himself." He turned to the lower section of Eldrant off into the distance where he supposed the missing party member was located. "If I hurry, there may still be time."

"Wishful thinking. We move on without him." The order from the God-General caught everyone's attention. His tone was unsympathetic; his expressions indecipherable, as he turned and began leading down the stone path. For a moment, they simply stared after him before Jade began to follow, signaling Anise and eventually, the hesitant Tear.

She stopped briefly and turned to Guy with a grave expression. "Don't listen to them. Go find Luke." The crestfallen healer smiled briefly before facing the backs of the others once more, "Please…go help him. He probably needs someone to watch after him at this moment. You know how Luke gets…never makes intelligent decisions." Her movements were quick as she put on her mother's pendant, and reached into a hidden pocket; pulling out a flower that looked all too familiar. She turned to face him, holding the small memento to her chest.

"Is that one of the flowers from Tataroo Valley?"

"Yes. It was last night that he and I went there together—just for some alone time. Noelle had agreed to drop us off at the entrance and come back around sunrise when the Operation to infiltrate Eldrant would begin. He'll know what it means. It was a promise between the both of us," Her voice trailed off as she tried to recall the exact words the replica had said that night, "Reminiscing on our first time there, we both traveled to the place that it all began: the field of flowers. He seemed uncertain about the stillness between us when we first arrived, then began complaining noisily about how I was too much of a soldier. He went on and on—complaining about the little things that I did that angered him." Tear smiled taking the few steps to her remaining friend and holding the souvenir to him. Guy took it wordlessly and listened as she continued, "I grew annoyed with him and started to leave, but he begged me not to go; apologizing for his words." She chuckled to herself over the memory. "I was amazed when be began talking so seriously after that; discussing the future of the Kimlascans and all of the people who remain in this world. Then he shifted to the topic of Asch wanting to take the thrown with this was all over, and that he would most likely not marry until his thirties at this rate. But then…he caught me off guard. He said: Since Asch will probably receive the thrown of Kimlasca then I'll be unneeded. He'll most likely marry a rich Duke's daughter, or something around those lines. I'm just the copy so…I'll be free to choose whomever I want." She suddenly cut her story short, looking away as tears well up in her eyes—but then she quickly willed them away.

"What is it? Did he do something to you?"

"You could say that." Smiling sorrowfully at him, she lifted her left hand and waved it briefly in indication of what she meant. Guy stared at her for a moment, not understanding what Tear was referring to. "Luke gave me a ring—and said that in a few years, if he did not disappear before that time… once the world had settled down again…we'd…"

"You mean…Luke proposed to you?!" There was a pleased feeling that surged through Guy; a bright smile lit his face as he laughed heartily. "Well that's great! But don't you think you're a little too young to even be thinking about that…?" He trailed off, the weight of the situation sinking down into his thoughts. Luke was not here. Things were not going according to plan.

"Don't tell anyone yet! No one is supposed to know until we all go back to Grand Chokmah together," she added frantically.

"I'm happy for you both, Tear. Don't worry—I'll bring him back. No matter what." He grinned slyly and shoved the flower into one of his pockets with hidden gentleness. "Be back soon," Gailardia shouted before turning briskly and racing down the pathway that led to either the loss of his best friend, or his noble rescue.

Tear watched him go, then sighed turning her gaze to the stretched road behind her, observing its untouched beauty. The turn of unfortunate events led her to wonder if it was the will of the score that kept giving such unfavorable outcomes. The death of the princess of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear; the war commencing—what was actually written on the seventh fonstone?

It was not long before the young Gardios swordsman reached the area Luke had disappeared, tracing the corridors one by one and noting every detail that could help him. He only had moments before the others faced Sync and then Van later. Guy was sure that Luke wanted to be present.

Eldrant was the new Hod and he was sure of that, yet some of the design seemed far off from what it used to be. Nothing seemed as familiar as he wished it would. Everything looked unusual.

The nearly mute clash of two swords caught his attention as he dashed close to an indubitably locked door. Nearing the closed entrance, he pressed his ear to the boulder solid door, listening intently to the sounds that came to his senses.

There was a battle behind the threshold of the door, but who was involved?

A cry of frustration rang out, the voice belonging to the one he had been searching for.

"Luke?!" Guy called, banging his fist, but to no avail. The other could not hear. "Luke! C'mon! Luke!"

Sounds of grunts and blades crashing became familiar. The battle behind the door was most likely a tough one. Where there many enemies? Was he in trouble? The noises were all Guy had to go on. If he heard equipment, then he knew that Luke was alive and still fighting to survive.

Then Gailardia had no thoughts running through his head. Distress and pain etched onto his face as the current expression. Everything was too quiet. Nothing was happening on the other side.

'Dammit,' the voice of the imitation echoed in the original's head, 'Can you hear me? There's—' Then all was silent. Something was not right.

'Replica?' He thought mentally, trying to connect with the other, but there was no reply, 'Replica! Answer me, you dreck!'

Asch stumbled to a halt; swiftly rotating around when he felt something inside himself weaken and his strength seemed to fade away. He dropped to one knee, putting a hand on the wall beside him for support. His eyes widened at a thought that crossed through his mind and for once, regret reflected throughout his appearance.

He could not see what has happening through the other's eyes, and that made him nervous. Once it was confirmed, brokenhearted eyes wandered up to meet Tear's terrified ones.

Ranting Author (Quoting-myself Version): "If the existence of all was going to be saved by someone, let it be the person who knew what he was doing." Gotta say…that was my favorite line. I thought it was funny. Though…it's not a very humorous story. I made up the quote by the way. If you've seen it though…let me know. I don't wanna sound stupid because it's actually been said by someone else.

Yeah. Asch beat Luke. Not on purpose though. Luke had to pretend to be beaten or at least weak, to get Asch to go. Though I don't think he'll tell his original this. I just wondered what would happen had Luke stayed behind and not Asch. Though in the game, we all beat Asch with either ease or trouble. Still…we beat him. It just didn't go that way for Luke, okie dokie? Got kinda like a Braveheart ending though.

I don't like the fact that Natalia is dead though.

I'mma have to rewrite this with her alive as a separate one-shot or something.

Next chapter should explain a certain few events—including why Guy sliced and diced Natalia. If I don't, then it's because I forgot to add it in there, or I just might get rid o' Guy.

-Indignant Vincentre