It was a very curious situation he found himself in, Ion had to admit. He certainly hadn't expected to come across such an anomaly at any point in his life but considering the similarities between Luke's life and his own, he guessed another point could be added to put them closer together. He sighed thoughtfully, though really, if he had expected to hear something of this nature, he figured it would be in passing. Not nearly knocking him over. He looked over his shoulder at Loren as he opened the door to his rooms. Loren stared back in confusion and some apprehension. He smiled reassuringly though it didn't seem to ease him any.

"Don't worry so much," he told him as he stepped inside, "I'm not going to punish you or anything. It was an honest accident."

"Then, why," Loren slowly stepped in after him and closed the door, "did we come all the way up here?"

"I needed to come up here anyway," Ion gave a light shrug as he set the tome on his desk. "Now," he approached Loren who tensed as he drew closer, "I happened to know of two people that share your features." Loren tensed even further, "I must admit, meeting you is a bit of a surprise; never would I have expected to see someone like you running around, especially here."

Ion tilted his head, meeting nervous green eyes, "Should I be expecting another?" At that, Loren looked away, his hands clenched and jaw tight in a familiar stance of stubborn silence. Ion backed off a bit, moving to stand near his desk.

"I'm not mad," he clarified, "just curious. I was under the impression there was only one success."

"I wouldn't call myself a success," Loren blurted, his eyes darting to Ion for only a moment, "I was imperfect. I couldn't do what was required. I couldn't… " There was a lull as he hesitated and Ion thought.

"A hyperresonance," he offered softly. Loren nodded.

"I was cast off to die like the others before me," he continued, "and from what I can tell, there were no others after me. I was the last."

Ion nodded as he sat in one of the chairs before his desk, "How did you get to be here, then?" Loren didn't answer. He just bowed his head, his lips thinning as his hands curled into fists again. "It's alright if you don't want to tell me," Ion told him as he leaned back and pulled the tome from his desk, opening it to the index. He didn't look as Loren sighed.

"My apologies, Fon Master," Loren bowed slightly, "it's just… My reasons are my own."

"I believe I told you to call me Ion," he smiled as Loren blinked in surprise.

"S-sir?"

"None of that," Ion shook his head as he turned to a specific page of the book.

Loren took a step forward, "Sir, I don't-" he shook his head in confusion, "I don't understand. How did you know?"

Ion paused in his reading and looked at Loren with careful consideration. "Loren, can I trust you?" he asked and Loren nodded almost automatically.

"Yes, sir, I believe so," he replied. Ion nodded in return.

"Then, I'd like you to do something for me," he started as he grabbed a scrap piece of paper and slipped it between the pages. They might find that bit interesting. "There's a certain group of people that have been helping me with a rather important task and I need someone to deliver something to them." He stood and stepped closer, holding the book to his chest, "Loren, I want you to travel with them. Help them where they need it and let them help you."

Loren frowned, "Sir-"

"Ion."

"Ion," Loren corrected with a sigh, "I don't think I'm in need of any help, honestly."

"You're here for a reason," Ion stated, "one that I believe these people can help you with even if you don't think so." Loren looked at him skeptically. Ion offered him a soft smile, "Just give them a chance. They might surprise you."

Loren sighed again and nodded, "When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow?" Ion suggested, moving to sit behind his desk, "I'm sure you have some things you'd like to clear up."

"Tomorrow is fine," Loren agreed, "will that be all?"

"Just one more. An answer to your earlier question," Ion smiled at the wariness in his eyes, "I knew because I knew what to look for. I have some experience with your situation."

Loren swallowed, "I see."

"Go on," Ion waved to the door, "I'll see you in the morning."

"We'll find you."

They echoed.

Dim voices brushed against him.

"We're searching."

He trembled.

"We know you can hear us."

Echoes surrounded him. His breath shuddered.

"We'll find you."

Loren woke up the next day earlier than he wanted to. The sun was making its way over the rooftops by the time he reached a floor with windows and he briefly questioned himself on why he hadn't just gone back to sleep for another hour. The Fon Master probably wouldn't have minded. He hitched his pack higher on his shoulder. Maybe he was actually excited to be getting out of the city for once. Though, he mused with a wry frown, it certainly didn't feel like it. His head hurt. He made a note to get a coffee from a cafe on his way out. Yes, that was exactly what he needed.

He paused at the glyph room, standing at the edge and staring up between the crossing walkways to where the Fon Master's glyph would land. Had he already come down? He didn't know his sleeping habits; would he have gotten up around the time he did or was he just waking now? Loren looked at the door to the main hall for a moment then looked back towards the ceiling. He really didn't want to walk up anymore stairs.

Decision made, he went for the door, resolving to wait by the main doors and possibly check that he had everything he needed.

So he waited. It only took 15 minutes for the Fon Master to come down from his tower which he spent not rooting through his bag and double checking but staring into a dark corner trying to get his headache to subside. He jumped when the Fon Master appeared at his elbow, frowning at the ever present smile on the young leader's face.

"Fon Master," he greeted with a nod and he received a huff as the smile turned into a disapproving frown.

"Ion, Loren," the Fon Master corrected then sighed when Loren did nothing more than blink. "Here's what I want you bring them," he relented as he held out the tome and pulled an envelope from his pocket, "You're to give it to Jade Curtiss along with this letter."

Loren took both of them, giving a cursory glance over the envelope before taking a good look at the book. He raised a brow at the title, "Fon Ma- Ion?" he looked up into a glare and quickly corrected himself.

"Jade will explain everything better than I can," Ion told him, "trust me."

"Alright," Loren sighed and pulled his bag around to slip the book and letter inside. "How many people are there, anyway? I need to know what to look for."

"Six - no, five," Loren frowned in confusion as Ion sighed. "Sorry, one of their group went missing yesterday and I'm trying to work out where they went," he explained though Loren still felt slightly confused. "Anyway, never mind that. You don't need to concern yourself with it."

"If you're sure," Loren nodded as he straightened his pack.

"I'm sure," Ion waved the topic away, "They should be reaching Baticul sometime soon so you'd better go if you want to get there by tonight. I can't promise, however, that they'll still be there by then. I have the feeling that something may happen."

"Alright," Loren nodded and bowed, "I'll await your message if that's the case."

"Thank you," Ion nodded.

"It's no problem, Fon Master," Loren smiled as he turned away, chuckling at the sigh.

"Ion!" the Fon Master called after him as he stepped out the door.

He shook his head and started down the steps, heading straight for the nearest cafe. Soon, he had his coffee in hand as he made for the carriages, one of which would be taking him to the port.

He didn't reach Baticul until nightfall and, true to Ion's prediction, he learned that Jade Curtiss and his group were no longer in Baticul. Which was unfortunate. So he resigned himself to a night at the Inn and waiting an unknown amount of time for the Fon Master to report on a location. He hoped it wouldn't take too long. He didn't fancy an extended stay in the capital. There was always the chance that he could be recognized.

So he ordered a room at the Inn and settled in for a long night. And perhaps a look at the book Ion had tasked him with. It wasn't like he wouldn't find out, he reasoned, the Fon Master wanted him to stay with Jade.

He dropped his hat on the nightstand and sat on the bed, pulling the tome out before setting the bag on the floor. He eyed the slips of paper that stuck out between the pages, figuring they were what Ion wanted Jade to look at. He frowned. Why would the Fon Master be sending such a text out into the world? He was pretty sure this particular one was forbidden. He turned it over and read the title again, trying to remember where he'd seen it before. His frown deepened as he dug through his pockets, searching for his last missive from the Commandant.

The paper was a bit crumpled but the message was clear as he laid it out against the cover. He jaw tightened and his eyes closed as he tilted his head towards the ceiling. Of course. Against the Commandant's orders, he would've burned it. Anything to hinder the man that had spurned him. And in turn, the Fon Master had handed it to him in full confidence that it would safely get to where he wanted it. It left him conflicted. His brow twitched. His headache was back.

There was a knock on the door and he glared at the ceiling. He put the book face down as he got up, turning it so the spine faced the wall then answered the door. He wasn't prepared for the woman that waited on the other side, particularly when she seemed to purr at the sight of him.

"Isn't this a sight to behold," she said with a predatory smile, "I wonder if Master Asch knows about you."

Loren stiffened as the woman pushed into the room, taking his hand from the door as she closed it then led him away. "How-"

"Don't take me for a fool, I know what to look for." She left him in the middle of the room and went to the nightstand, "A couple reports of a man wearing Master Asch's face helped, especially since he mysteriously disappeared yesterday." She picked up the tome and the missive under it, ignoring Loren's protests as he rushed over.

"What are you doing? Who are you?" he demanded as he took the tome from her hands and held it out of her reach. Her smile turned sultry as she looked at him.

"Have you heard of the Dark Wings?"

He couldn't help the breath of air that forced its way into his lungs.

The smile widened as he fought the urge to back away. "So you have," she breathed and leaned closer, "then I'll have you know," her voice dropped to a whisper, "my hands are everywhere." Then she was twisting around him and the book taken from him grasp. He gaped at her as she stood tauntingly in the middle of the room. "Noir," she introduced, "Leader of the Dark Wings. We lend our services to those willing to pay."

"And what counts as pay?" Loren bit out.

"Oh, a little of this, a little of that. Why?" Her head tilted coyly as her eyes scanned over him, "Are you willing to pay?" His expression turned sour and she laughed. "It's nothing like that," she waved, "though, I wouldn't deny if you were to offer." Loren sputtered and she smirked before thumbing through the book.

"Hey!"

"Interesting piece of work you've got here," she apprised, stepping away as he tried to take it back, "it would be a shame if it fell into the wrong hands. Something tells me this is very important."

"The Fon Master tasked me with delivering it."

"Did he now?" She held up the note as she dodged another attempt, "Was it to this man, perhaps? It seems like he wants it very bad."

A flash of anger crossed his face, "No."

"Then maybe is was to a certain group that seems to be missing a member," Noir mused, eyes glittering in satisfaction when he faltered. "You're very much like your brother," she told him, "very telling."

He glared, "I don't have a brother."

Noir hummed and closed the book with a snap, "Perhaps. What's your name, boy?"

Loren's brow furrowed at the sudden question, "What?"

"Your name," Noir repeated, "you know mine yet I don't know yours. Very rude, I must say."

He flushed in embarrassment, "Loren."

"No last name?" He didn't get to shake his head before she was talking again, "No, I don't suppose you would. No matter," she pressed the book into his chest and he grabbed it before it could fall, "You'll be wanting to go to Sheridan, Loren and if you're quick you might catch the last ferry out for the night."

There was a moment to comprehend before his eyes grew wide and he rushed to grab his bag and run out the door. Noir stared after him in amusement, crossing her arms as her eyes drifted to the nightstand. She had a feeling he wouldn't be returning for his hat. She fiddled with the note in her hand, smirking as an idea came to mind. Belkend, huh?

They reached Sheridan just as the sun was setting and Anise ran off murmuring about telling Ion. The others paid her no mind, setting a straight course for the Inn so they could sleep off the events of the day. Noelle broke off just inside the city gates, aiming to sleep in her own bed.

"Come by the Meeting Hall first thing," she told them, "my grandparents might be able to help you think of what to do next."

"Sure thing," Guy smiled wearily, "anything might help at this point."

Noelle smiled back then to the group as a whole, "I'll see you in the morning, then. And I hope you'll feel better when you wake, Natalia, a good night's rest usually helps."

"Thank you," was the soft reply and Noelle nodded.

"Good night," she waved and started towards home, a chorus of 'good night's following her.

There was a moment where they continued to stand in the middle of the street before Jade broke the silence. "As lovely as the night is, I'd prefer to be in a bed right now," he stated as he turned away. There was a low sigh from Guy as the rest of the group fell in behind him. Jade eyed him over his shoulder. "I'm sure he's fine. He survived tougher situations before."

"Did he really? Jade, if we hadn't stopped him-"

"Guy." His mouth clicked shut, eyes darting to Tear who was staring at the ground. "Not now," she shook her head, "please."

He grit his teeth as he bowed his head. Jade's lips thinned as he stared ahead.

"Sorry."

Heat.

He reached for it. Warmth...

Surrounding, caressing, embracing.

He breathed it and sighed.

Soothing, calming, comforting.

It filled him. Consumed him.

He ached and it grew. Choking and burning.

He cried.

Morning came quickly though Guy was somewhat embarrassed to find that he was the last to wake, even if it was still early. The Innkeeper had told him as he left his room. So he made his way to the Meeting Hall, trying not to think about the past few days. Unfortunately, it was a plight doomed to fail; trying not to think of it made the topic that much harder to get rid of.

"Excuse me."

Maybe talking to someone would help. He sighed and looked to the person calling for his attention then froze.

"Hey," they continued talking as if they hadn't noticed Guy's surprise, "I'm looking for someone named Jade Curtiss. You wouldn't happen to know of him, would you?"

Red hair even shorter than Luke's and green eyes that watched him with tired annoyance. Guy released a shaky breath, "You, who are you?"

His annoyance became more pronounced, "Loren. Look if you can't help then I'll be just be going."

"No!" Guy grabbed his wrist before he could even take a step away, "No, I know where Jade is. It's just- You-" He stopped at Loren's unimpressed expression. "Never mind, come with me."

Loren sighed as he was practically dragged away, staying silent as he was led back around the corner and into the large warehouse-like building.

"Guy, how nice of you to join us. Who's that you've got there?"

"Someone who nearly gave me a heart attack," Guy pulled him forward and nudged him towards the steps. Loren glared as those around the table cried out and stood up.

"My, this is rather unexpected," Loren looked at the man that watched him as he climbed the steps.

"Are you Jade?" he asked, pulling his bag off to set it on the table. The blond passed by his left in order to sit as he took out the book and the letter when he received a nod, "Ion told me to bring this to you."

"I see. I don't suppose there's a reason he asked you in particular to come," Jade stated as he took them out of his hands. Loren shrugged.

"Might be for the same reason everyone's looking at me like I'm a miracle," he offered dryly then looked to the women as they flushed and sat back down, "I'm guessing Luke is your missing companion."

"How ever did you guess?" Jade's voice screamed sarcasm as he opened the letter to read first.

"Yeah!" The small brunette burst out of her seat, "And how did you get here so quickly, too? I only sent a message to Ion last night!"

Loren raised a brow at her, "I followed you to Baticul yesterday though I arrived long after you all had already left. A certain member of the Dark Wings tipped me off to where you'd gone." He shook his head and pulled a chair out for himself, "Before we go into anything else, can I know who everyone is? I'm Loren."

"Lauren? Isn't that a girl's name?" Loren scowled at the girl.

"L-O-R-E-N," he spelled, "Loren, get it right."

"Geez, touchy," she grumbled and dropped into her seat, "Anise."

"I'm Tear," the woman to her left introduced, "and this is Natalia, Guy, and Jade." Loren looked at each one as they nodded, committing their faces to memory.

"Fantastic," he muttered, "does anyone has any coffee? The cafe at the port wasn't open when I left."

"I'm sure someone can find some for you somewhere," Jade spoke as he folded the letter and handed it over to Guy, "in the meantime, Guy can explain what it is we've been up to since Ion seems to want to include you."

Guy groaned as he looked over the letter, "Why is it always me?" Then he straightened as he read a certain line, "Hey, no, it say for you to explain!"

"Ah, but see," Jade smiled, "I'm going to be reading this very interesting text he sent. If I'm not mistaken, it's one that was forbidden by the Order." Guy sighed as Anise perked up.

"Forbidden? Those are the ones the Order designated as harmful and gathered up, right?"

Jade nodded, "And this one is very old at that. Apologize to Iemon and the others for me," he said as he stood, "I think I'm going to spend the day reading this instead."

"Sure thing," Anise nodded as Jade left the building to return to the Inn.

"Right then, first thing's first," Guy started, having resigned to his fate of the group storyteller once again, "the truth about the fall of Akzeriuth."

Loren internally groaned. It looked as if he wasn't going to get his coffee.

It was about half way through the explanation and shortly after Iemon and the rest came in when Anise noticed something odd and strangely familiar about Loren. It was in the slight drooping of his shoulders and the faint sheen of sweat on his brow. It was in the slightly heavier breaths that he took and the minute tremble in his fingers as he gripped the coffee mug Tear had given him when she remembered. She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she pinpointed other symptoms that no one else seemed to be seeing.

"Loren, are you sick?" She asked, not really caring that she had interrupted Guy.

"What?" was the prominent word in the various sounds of confusion around the table but she didn't let it distract her. Even when Loren shook his head at her.

"Don't lie to me," she demanded as she stood, "you're sick, I can see it! You look just like Ion does when he over-exerts himself." Though she couldn't quite figure out how Loren managed to do that just by sitting.

"Anise, really," Loren assured, "I'm not sick. I feel no different than I usually do." Generally after he'd been outside for an extended period of time but he didn't really want to tell them that.

"Well, before you didn't look like you would fall over if you stood up too fast," she countered and she could see everyone around her start to take a closer look at him.

"Do you have to be so dramatic?" he complained as he leaned back and held the mug to his chest.

"She's right," Tear added, "Now that I'm actually looking, it seems obvious." Loren sighed and rolled his eyes.

"I'm fine," he insisted, "can we let Guy finish?"

"I don't know," Natalia spoke up for the first since he got there, "you look like you could use a rest."

"Everyone could use a rest," he retorted under his breath to raised eyebrows. "Listen," he pinned Anise with a stare, "whatever you think is wrong will likely go away within the hour, alright?" At least he hoped it would. He cursed his body's inability to regulate itself.

Anise reluctantly agreed and returned to her seat. "I'll be watching," she promised.

"You do that," Loren nodded and gestured for Guy to continue.

It didn't go away within the hour and since he refused to have someone point it out to him, Loren retreated to the bathroom right after Guy finished talking. Anise's eyes followed his back until the door closed and locked behind him.

"It got worse," she told the others around her and Tear nodded.

"He got really pale there, right at the end. Obviously, he's used to whatever this is but I don't think he expected it to be this bad," she pointed out, "I wish he'd let us help."

"He's not Luke," Guy mentioned, "I highly doubt that he'll appreciate it if we fussed over him like he was."

"Replicas," Iemon muttered, "nasty business."

Tamara clicked her tongue, "It's not the boy's fault."

"Doesn't change the fact that it's a nasty business. I'll bet my right arm that it has something to do with his illness," he offered, waving his arm for emphasis.

"I don't think we need to go that far."

"If Jade were here, he could probably tell us," Anise huffed.

"Ask him when he gets back," Guy said, "that book shouldn't take him all day."

She hummed and turned to Natalia who was watching the bathroom door. She stood up to lean over her shoulder. "Keep staring and you'll eventually be able to see through it," she spoke into her ear then dodged the hand the flew up in reflex with a giggle.

"It's nothing like that!" the princess snapped with a glare, "it's just- There's something wrong."

"Yeah, the guy's sick and too stubborn to let us help."

"No," Natalia shook her head, "not that. I expected to hear water running but it's been silent since he went in." As if on cue, there was a heavy thud against the door.

Let your voice ring clear...