Well, the votes are in and just about everyone says I should continue this story. Yet I believe you will all be waiting quite a little while before you get the next chapter of it. Unfortunately IB exams are fast approaching, I'm supposed to be working on my World Lit papers now and I have three other stories to work on…one that hasn't been updated since November. –Cringes- So, as you may well guess, I won't be starting it until after IB exams are over (I write my last one May 15). And after THAT I have Animé North to go to. So I decided for both symbolic reasons and practicality that the next chapter be posted June Fourth. Why June 4th? That will be revealed in due time, yet I feel compelled to warn you that this story may be a little sad. There will be one part within the story (the reason for the date) that holds significance within my life. It is for this reason that I hereby dedicate this story to my brother, Joel, for reasons that will also be made clear in due time.
I sincerely hope you are all willing to stick out the wait with me, and I promise to have a good hunk written by post-day, 'kay? If anyone wishes to PM me with questions or ideas about anything, feel free to do so.
And for a better summary…
Luke is back, yet with him comes great news for the group—and especially Natalia. Asch, whose very existence was thought to be lost on that horrific day in Eldrant, still exists, if not in human form. There may yet exist a way to retrieve his lost soul and return him to a physical form—and the answer lies within Fomicry. Yet with the loss of Fonic powers, is it even possible us Fomicry anymore? And what of Lorelei?
While Natalia struggles for the one she loves, Guy finds himself being forced to face a painful truth—just what is Natalia to him? Does the stubborn princess mean more to him than even he knows? Can he overcome his own fears in time to act? And what of the Fontech? With the fonon dissipation he also finds the need to try to prevent it—for his Fontech.
While Natalia and Guy struggle to come to terms with their own emotions Luke and Tear finally find the strength to act upon theirs. Can the two finally settle down and find the peace they so desperately deserve? Can they find it in one another? Find happiness?
Anise swore to reform the Order of Lorelei, and that's exactly what she plans to do—especially now that her 'patron' had returned.—she would form a new Order, change the running of both countries so that people might find peace without the Score. Yet is becoming Fon Master impossible for a young lady? A female? Women never held such positions in the old Order…that's why they needed a new one!
Jade had felt compelled to take up his long-standing duties as the Father of Fomicry. Yet how could one study Fomicry when the fonon dissipation was so eminent? Working alongside Guy he researches for a way out of the horrible truth that lies in their immediate future.—that of life without the fonons they had grown so dependant upon.
Sooooooooooooooo? What do you think? Does it sound good?! At all? It is going to take some serious writing to get it all down. . .it should be fun to write. XP
And as was aforementioned, don't be afraid to PM me on anything you're curious about.
Well, after a long wait, here's chapter two!
"Thank you, Tear."
"Don't thank me. Just tell me…"
"Tell you what?" he asked as the melodist trailed off.
"…nothing, it's nothing. Forget I said anything."
Gazing at the brunette songstress Luke moved his hands to her shoulders before speaking, "Tear don't be like this. Tell me what's bothering you," he murmured in a low voice, "don't hide things from me."
Tear shook her head at this, brown locks fluttering about as she did so.
"What do you mean 'be like that'? Shouldn't it be 'be like me'? Face it, Luke, secrets and ambiguity are your specialty. Just…consider it payback for all those times before," she joked, smiling broadly.
Despite her smile, Luke knew that there was definitely something bothering Tear. He believed her when she said his condition did not bother her. Yet what was bothering her then?
Ignoring the confusion in Luke's eyes, Tear took him by the hand and gently led him off in the direction the other four had gone in.
"Come on, I'm sure that there are others who want to see you too."
Resisting Tear's pulling; Luke planted his feet, tightening his grip on her hand as he did so.
"Wait, just a little longer," he muttered. In truth he did not want to join with the others yet. Right now he was happy with Tear, just Tear.
Looking back into Luke's gorgeous, emerald gaze, Tear felt herself melt just a little. Finally nodding her consent the fonist gave up and walked back over to Luke, blushing faintly when he did not release her hand.
Throwing back his head, Luke gazed up at the sky, admiring the stars that profusely dotted the blanket of navy so far above them. Off to one side the glow of the moon spilled down upon them, encouraging the selenias—Tear's favourite flowers—to expose their petals to the world.
"It really is beautiful, isn't it?" he asked in a low voice, so as not to disturb the peace that had befallen them.
"Yes, it is. It truly is."
"I think that it's only after facing true peril and your own death that one can truly come to appreciate the world and those around them."
Despite her own gaze being on the sky, Tear did not miss the smile Luke sent her way to accompany his last words. Returning the smile, Tear could scarce believe the change that had washed over Luke in the past year. He seemed like a different person now.
Catching the slight bafflement entering Tear's eyes, Luke gave her another, encouraging smile. Taking her free hand in his own free one he began to speak.
"I guess I just learned to value moments like this more. They say that it is when one is closest to death that they feel most alive. Well, that's not quite true. I say surviving that near death experience makes you feel even more alive than ever before."
Looking down at the ground in order to hide the blush she knew was creeping its way even more prominently onto her features, Tear shifted her feet slightly, nervous to touch upon an uncomfortable topic.
"But—"
"—the Tower of Rem?" he cut in, already knowing what was on her mind. "Believe me Tear, that was mild compared to this."
Seeing the shock enter her eyes at his statement, Luke immediately found himself flustered in a manner he was all too familiar with.
"W-well it really wasn't all that bad! A-and I'm fine now! Really!"
"You idiot," she whispered out. No matter how much Luke might value life now, he would always be Luke. "Come on, Natalia will get mad at me if I keep you to myself any longer."
Giving in, Luke allowed himself to be lead away, back towards the others.
"Well, well, look who's back," Jade commented as the two wound their way amongst the selenias to rejoin the other four.
"It's about time!" shrilled Anise as she hopped away from where she had been harassing Guy to stand by Luke.
"Nice to see you guys weren't spying on us…" Luke muttered under his breath.
"Who? Us? Why we'd never dream of such a thing," Jade stated casually, ever quick to catch the comment.
"Natalia and Guy wouldn't let us," complained Anise, who immediately figured out what Luke had said.
Shooting his cousin and best friend a grateful look, Luke sighed.
"It's good to be back."
Weaving his way amongst the women, Guy approached Luke and gave him a quick, welcoming hug.
"So, you gonna tell us what happened, or do we have to guess?"
"Well, I'd make you guess, but since Jade's here he'd probably figure it out so fast it wouldn't be worth the trouble."
"Oh no, really, I'm as interested as the next person. Besides, you don't expect me to explain it on my own, do you? It's so bad for my lungs. I'm not as young as you, you know."
"…you're talking now," Luke pointed out.
"Who? Me? You must be mistaken; I've been as quiet as a mouse."
Knowing better than to argue with Jade, Luke simply shook his head and focused his attention elsewhere.
"So, how did you guys all get here?"
"Noelle's here with the Albiore, if that's what you're asking," Anise pointed out, "the Colonel, Natalia and I came with Noelle. I'm not sure how Guy and Tear got here though."
"Noelle dropped us off earlier," Guy replied.
"Shall we be going?"
Luke hesitated slightly at this before nodding, "yeah, I do want to see my parents."
At this, Natalia, who had remained silent before, stepped forward.
"Yes, I believe that would be a splendid idea. I'm sure Father would love to see you too, Luke."
Luke grinned evilly, as Natalia was speaking, before sprinting off in the general direction they were heading.
"Race ya to the Albiore!"
"Honestly, Luke! That's no way for nobility to behave!"
Shrugging, Guy took off running after the redhead.
"Not to mention he doesn't even know where the Albiore is."
"Oh, and you know any better?" Jade asked to Guy's retreating back.
Shaking her head slightly, Tear attempted to hide a smile as she spoke, "boys."
Several minutes later, the six were comfortably situated inside the Albiore's cozy confines and listening to Noelle fawn over Luke.
"Luke? Is that really you? Where in Auldrant have you been?"
Luke was about to reply when Jade smoothly cut in.
"Yes, I am certain we would all like to know where Luke has been. Guy, explain."
"…I'm not even going to give that the dignity of a reply."
Staring at his best friend, Luke blinked, "but you just did…"
"I'm pretty sure that's not the point here, Luke," Anise supplied from the back of the room. "And can we get going? I'd like to get home before next month."
Settling herself into the pilot's seat, Noelle smiled as she began preparations for departure.
"Sure thing Anise, but I still do want to hear this tale."
"As do we all, I'm sure."
Shrugging off Jade's comment Luke looked around at the faces confronting him. Finally his settled his eyes on Tear, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Okay, but before I begin there's one thing I need to tell you all."
"You have obtained our undivided attention."
Choosing to ignore the comment once again, Luke took a deep breath before continuing, "it's about Asch."
At this, Natalia flinched noticeably.
"As I've already told Tear, this body…it's not mine…it's Asch's."
A collective silence fell about the room that was broken only by the humming of the Albiore's propellers. Walking up to Luke, Tear gently slipped her hand into his and gave it a light, encouraging squeeze.
Finding it in himself to speak, Guy quickly threw away any doubts he had possibly been having.
"So? Welcome back, Luke."
Much to everyone's surprise, Natalia stepped forward directly in Guy's footsteps.
"Yes, Luke. No matter the...conditions of your return, it is wonderful to have you back amongst us once again."
Noelle smiled from were she sat and quickly flipped Luke a thumbs up as Anise leapt up and gave Luke a quick hug.
In the background, Jade smiled.
"See? You are you, no matter what," Tear whispered into Luke's ear.
"Thanks guys, really."
"Sorry to interrupt, but where is everyone going today?"
"I should imagine we will all be heading for Baticul."
"Baticul it is then."
By the time they had arrived safely in Baticul, the sun was well past its zenith and beginning once again to sink into the horizon, heralding the close of yet another day. Gazing up at it, Luke felt the urge to laugh aloud.
"Isn't it beautiful?"
Giving his hand a light squeeze, Tear smiled. He was so cute when he acted like this. Yet despite his good cheer she knew that there was something more he was hiding from them. In all of their talking the night before he had failed to clarify as to just why he had been gone for nearly a year.
"Come on you two! We cannot very well show up without Luke."
Shocked out of her thoughts by Natalia's calls, Tear began dragging Luke on.
"Yes, but let's go."
Allowing Tear to drag him along, Luke could not stop his thoughts from drifting to her. 'Beautiful, but nothing compared to her.'
Finally emerging at the top of Baticul's spire, Luke released Tear's hand and made a beeline for his manor. Dashing past the astounded guards he ran straight through, hoping to find his mother along the way.
Sprinting through the courtyard his eyes made a welcoming discovery. There sat his mother, clearly out for a bit of fresh air. Slowing down the redhead approached her cautiously, not wanting to startle her.
"M-mother?"
Glancing up in shock at the voice that had addressed her, Susanne felt her eyes go wide as they settled upon the figure of her thought to be long-lost son.
"Luke? Is…is that really you?"
Not bothering to answer he threw himself straight into her arms, embracing her warmly.
"I've missed you."
Unaware of the tears streaming down her face, Susanne returned the sentiment with all of the love a mother can muster for her son.
"I can't believe it…Luke…"
"I'm back Mother, I'm back."
Spotting the other five newcomers, Susanne quickly stepped back and wiped her eyes. Ever one to remember her manners, the duke's wife quickly motioned them to follow her inside.
"Well now, I suppose I cannot see my son's friends standing around outside! Come in, all of you and get settled. I'll see about getting you something to eat, also."
That being said, the group of six obediently followed the older woman inside to the Drawing Room. Once they were seated, Susanne hailed a servant and sent them to get some food for the group. Summoning another servant she ordered a message to be sent to Duke Fabre who was over meeting with the king.
Seating herself next to her son, Susanne gave his shoulder an affectionate squeeze.
"I guess you want to know where I've been all this time…"
"Yes, but let's not get on that immediately. It would be best to wait until your father returns form his meeting with my brother."
Luke quickly nodded his agreement, not really wanting to have to tell his story anymore than was absolutely necessary.
By the time Duke Fabre returned, darkness had fallen, along with more than a few eyelids.
Breezing calmly into the Drawing Room, he smiled minutely at the scene before him. Luke and Anise each sat in their respective seats, heads tucked into their chests, breathing lightly in sleep. Tear sat alongside Luke, head resting lightly on his shoulder as she, too, dozed. Jade and Susanne remained fully awake, speaking in soft tones. Only Natalia was absent, having long since departed for home.
Gliding silently over to his wife, Duke Fabre addressed her quietly, "I received your message. Unfortunately I was unable to get away any earlier than now."
Susanne nodded her silent understanding before speaking, "yes, I understand you and Ingobert must have had a lot to discuss."
"Yes," making his way over to Luke, the Duke shook his head in bewilderment. "To be honest with you, I didn't know what to think at first. Yet here he is, safe and sound."
"Yes, I do wish you could have gotten here before he fell asleep, I don't have the heart to wake him."
"Yes, I suppose his story will have to wait for another day."
Susanne nodded her agreement as she gently stroked Luke's cheek.
"I presume you've had rooms prepared for all of our guests."
Once again Susanne nodded, as Jade rose from his seat.
Giving the Duke and his wife each a quick bow, the Malkuthian Colonel bade his leave.
"If you will excuse me then, I would retire for the night."
"Oh yes, Colonel Curtiss, have one of the servants show you to your room and if you'd be so kind to send the servant back here when you are done."
Bowing again, Jade smiled, "it would be my pleasure."
Once the servant had returned and been sent away to escort the other four to their rooms, the Duke and his wife made their way slowly back to their own room, deep in conversation.
"I think it would be a good idea to throw a party. Invite Teodoro and Peony, Luke can tell his story to them then. I think something about it is bothering him."
Duke Fabre nodded his consent to his wife's words.
"Yes, it would prove a wonderful opportunity to have a summit of powers also."
"…are things really that bad?"
Choosing his words carefully, Duke Fabre replied, "we'll have to see."