Chapter 16: A Score of Destruction

"Honestly! Would it have been that difficult to just stop by and let me know where you were going?" Natalia stood, her hands on her hips, her piercing olive eyes sending daggers through her fiancé's green. "I searched half the castle looking for you the other night!"

"Look, I said I was sorry, I had something important to do," Asch repeated for the sixth time.

Natalia let out a sigh, there was no getting through to him when he was like this. The night he had finally returned home, he just up and vanished for a good hour. When he did finally turn up, grinning from ear to ear, he had been in the best mood she'd seen him in for quite awhile. It obviously had something to do with Luke. The way he showed no signs of remorse whatsoever as she lectured him meant that it had to have involved his younger brother in some way. She just couldn't comprehend any of it, Luke was nothing but trouble.

"You almost ready?" Asch asked as he made his way to the door. "We don't want to be late."

"No, we certainly don't." She smiled back. "Especially after all the work you and Father have done with this peace treaty."

"Alright, then I'll meet you in the throne room," Asch gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before excusing himself and heading downstairs. Natalia quickly made the last of her preparations, it was an important day after all, and she had to look presentable. Everyone, Luke included, had been summoned to the throne room for the announcement of her father's decision regarding Malkuth's plea for peace.

Why Luke had to be present was beyond her, but Asch had insisted, as had the Fon Master, so far be it from her to deny their wishes. Natalia quickly began to pull back her hair. She didn't know why Luke's presence irritated her so. Perhaps she felt like he was stepping into their world, and that wasn't where he belonged. This was her and Asch's place, not his. A knock came on the door.

"Princess, are you prepared? Most of the guests have arrived and are awaiting your presence to begin."

Now was not the time for such petty feelings, he would be there, and then hopefully he would leave, and it would be over with. Then perhaps she could finally get more than a few stolen moments with her fiancé. Luke had already monopolized enough of his time.

"Yes, I'm ready. I'll be right down."

The sun was shining when Luke slipped out of the manor's gates followed by one of his family's guard. In spite of everything that had happened, he still needed an escort if he left the manor. Luke felt surprisingly awake all things considered. He hadn't slept well for the past few days. Not since he had overheard that conversation in the drawing room.

It hadn't helped that Asch had been stuck up at the castle the entire time, so he couldn't even talk to him about it. He had tried Asch's trick of talking through their fon slots, but he hadn't managed to figure it out, and so, he kept his worries to himself. He had tried talking to Guy a few times, but for whatever reason, he just didn't feel comfortable discussing it with him.

He looked up at the castle; he hoped he would get a chance to talk to Asch about the entire ordeal before whatever mission their father had been talking about would take place. For now, he was headed to the throne room, they were making the official announcement on the decision regarding Malkuth's letter and Luke had been thrilled to find out that they wanted him to be there. He hadn't actually received the summons yet, but Asch had given him a quick heads up earlier, so he figured he'd head over, it wouldn't hurt to be a little early.

No sooner had the thought gone through his mind than a castle messenger passed by. The boy stopped in his tracks and gave Luke a second look, surprised to see him answering the summons he had yet to deliver. "Sir," the boy began, "Your presence is requested at the castle immediately, however it looks like you are already on your way there?"

"I am," Luke said with a chuckle, "but thanks for the message, I'll be there right away."

"Alright, I'll report back that you will be attending."

"Please do, thank you for your hard work." The boy blushed a bit, unused to receiving a compliment from one of Luke's station, but he immediately turned and ran back to the castle to deliver his reply.

Luke didn't rush, he knew he was still early, and knowing Natalia who would likely have been in charge of issuing the summons, the boy was sent much earlier than necessary as it was. In her mind all he did ever was sleep and crawl out of bed when he was needed for something, and take half the morning to do it too. Oh and distract Asch. He had never heard her yell at him about that one before.

The large doors of the castle opened and in the entrance hall Luke spotted Jade patiently waiting near the bottom of the stairs, while Anise and Ion stood off to the side. Ion spotted him almost immediately and waved hello, which drew Anise's attention to the latest arrival.

"Oh hey Luke, how are things going?" The young Fon Master Guardian inquired, with all the perk and cheerfulness Luke had come to expect of her.

"Pretty good, have you been enjoying Baticul?"

"You bet! Asch gave us a huge room with the biggest bed I'd ever seen in my life! It was so comfy! And the room was nicer than the suites at a luxury hotel!" Leave it to Asch. Anise babbled on about the size and lavishness of the room that she had been allowed to use. He certainly knew how to make Anise happy. He hadn't seen her that excited…ever. Ion was laughing as Anise continued her chattering.

"That sounds like Asch for you. He seems antisocial sometimes, but he tends to pick up on those kinds of things." Luke provided even though Anise was still wrapped up in her ramble.

"It sounds like the two of you are doing better," Ion commented.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that. How about you? Have you been enjoying Baticul?"

"I have. Thank you very much for the tour yesterday."

"It was my pleasure, I had fun too."

"Oh you just enjoyed talking to that girl down at the port," Anise teased.

"Really? After you spent the last few weeks clinging to my brother, who's engaged by the way, you're going to lecture me about hitting on people?" Luke shot back.

"I wouldn't recommend it Anise, that's one I think even Luke could win." Jade stepped into their conversation.

"Hey, now what is that supposed to mean?" Luke retorted trying to suppress the latest heart attack the unexpected comment from Jade had caused him. That was one thing he wasn't going to miss, that was for sure.

"Nothing, I assure you."

"Gee, I wonder why I don't believe you."

Before Jade could retort, the castle doors opened again, and Tear walked in, with none other than Grand Maestro Mohs accompanying her. Luke groaned, he had forgotten that Mohs would have been invited too.

"So you think the Seventh Fonstone is in Akzerieuth?" Tear asked.

"Yes, and with a group heading up there shortly-"

"Hey Tear," Luke interrupted, sending a grumbling Mohs off to wait for the audience to begin. "Where have you been the past couple days?"

"Oh I'm sorry," Tear answered, "I was busy with my report and briefings with Grand Maestro Mohs. I did try and stop by yesterday but I was told you were out."

"I bet she came by while you were giving me and Ion that tour of the city," Anise offered. "It's a real shame you didn't come Tear, you could have watched Luke hitting on someone."

"First of all, I was not hitting on her; she asked me how to find the coliseum."

"Sure Luke," Anise teased.

"You're just trying to get back at me because I didn't tell you Asch was engaged." Luke shot back sticking his tongue out.

"Fine we'll just have to ask Tear who she believes."

"I think I'm going to have to go with Luke on this one. It would be pretty rude not to give someone directions if they were lost," Tear replied.

"Booo," Anise stuck her tongue out at Luke and everyone laughed.

"What's so funny over here?" Guy asked, making Luke jump a foot in the air.

"Have you been taking lessons from Jade or something?" Luke gave Guy a suspicious glare.

"Not anymore than you have. I couldn't believe it when I woke up and they told me you were already gone to the castle."

"Uh oh," Anise giggled. "Someone's being a bad influence."

"I have no idea what you mean," Jade replied innocently.

"Who said I meant you Colonel?" Anise asked slyly. Jade had no reply.

"I think Anise won that one." Guy chuckled.

"Better write it down, it'll never happen again." Luke added.

"Hey!" Anise's protest was interrupted but the doors at the top of the stairs creaking open and a loud voice that called all guests to the throne room.

The entire group climbed the stairs, just like they had a few days previous and walked into the throne room. Everything was the same as it had been then. The sun shone in though the same windows, and the advisors all stood in their respective places, with King Ingobert and his lovely daughter on the throne. The only difference was that the third throne was now occupied by Luke's twin brother, the seat giving him an authoritative air that they'd never noted in him before.

"I thank you all for coming," King Ingobert began, "as you all know, we have received a letter from Malkuth. This letter outlines a request for peace between our warring countries. We have decided to formalize a peace treaty with them. However, the letter, while detailing the proposal for peace, also contained a plea to help save Akzerieuth."

"Akzerieuth? What's the matter with Akzerieuth?" Luke questioned worriedly.

"The mining town of Akzerieuth has been consumed by miasma, a deadly poison that seeps up from Gnome's domain." Ingobert replied.

"But there wasn't anything wrong with Akzerieuth when we passed through there a couple weeks ago!"

"On the contrary," Jade interrupted, "the problem was present, however, at the time it was isolated in the lower mines. I confirmed it myself. They had it somewhat contained, however, I doubt that containment would have lasted more than a few days. It is likely that the entire city is engulfed in the miasma by now." Luke simply stood in shock. He had no idea that such a problem existed and right under his nose too!

"Malkuth has proposed a joint operation to evacuate the citizens of the city," the king continued, "however, a messenger pigeon arrived yesterday with a message from the Malkuth troops. A recent landslide has completely blocked the road to Akzerieuth, and so it has fallen to us to rescue them."

"So we shall send a team of soldiers," one of the advisors spoke up. "Along with an ambassador from Kimlasca."

"Your Majesty?" Ion spoke up.

"Yes Fon Master?"

"If you will allow me, I would like to assist as well. It was Emperor Peony's request that I assist in creating peace between the two countries, and as such I would like to see this through to the end."

"But Fon Master-"

"Please allow me to do this." Ion reiterated, with a determination in his voice Luke had never heard before.

"As you wish Fon Master, though I urge against it, it is not my place to deny your wishes."

"I will go as well," Jade offered, "as a representative and ambassador for Malkuth."

"Your Majesty," Mohs jumped in, "I would also like to send Tear on behalf of the Order of Lorelei."

"Then both of you may participate as well."

"If you don't mind my asking, Your Majesty," Jade spoke up, "who will be the ambassador for Kimlasca?"

"Ah yes, that task will fall upon Luke." As soon as Luke heard his own name spoken, this mission and all its implications hit him. This was what his father had been talking about that night! A dangerous journey... one where they would only send one of them... one from which they would not return. So, in the end they really had chosen him to go die. Wait... how did they know someone would die?

"But!" Asch stood up out of his throne in protest. They had talked about an ambassador, and he had been shocked that sending Luke had even been on the table. Not that he didn't trust his little brother could be a great representative for Kimlasca, he did; something just seemed wrong about the whole affair. Luke hardly had the experience something like this would take, and he had never been involved in Palace affairs before. Why now all of a sudden? Asch had spent the larger part of the past few days arguing the point, and by then end he thought they'd finally agreed to let him go instead. Luke couldn't go to Akzeriuth alone like that... who knew what could happen there.

"Tear," the king ignored Asch's interruption, "You can read the Score, can you not?"

"Yes your Majesty."

"Would you please read the Score on this fonstone?" He requested passing a small stone to her. Tear closed her eyes and focused, the stone shone a dull green, responding to the fonons that passed through it.

"ND2000." Tear's voice came out flat, speaking monotonously words that weren't hers. "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. ND2018. The young scion of Lorelei's power shall bring his people to the miner's city. There..." Tear trailed off, her voice regaining its melodic tones. "The rest is missing."

"But Uncle!" Asch still protested.

"Asch, your father and I have already discussed this and we decided that Luke will be the one to go."

"Well it is Luke that means 'light of the sacred flame'," Ion offered in attempt to console him.

"Fon Master Ion is right," Tear agreed. "The Score clearly refers to Luke." Their attempts were to no avail; Asch still sat uncomfortably in his seat listening to the further discussions. Luke on the other hand hadn't said a word. Whatever cheer he had was instantly gone. He stood solemnly, seemingly zoned out as everyone discussed the details about the journey, and the necessary preparations.

Natalia watched Luke from her seat next to her father. Why was he so upset? After being chosen to represent Kimlasca on such a noble mission, he was sulking! And after having taken the spot from Asch who had so hoped to get it! Was he not proud to represent his country, the country that one day she and his brother would rule over together? Of course not. That meant work for him, regardless of how many others it would help. How could he be so selfish?

"Luke, what's the matter? You seem upset." Ion questioned, noticing Luke's sudden distress.

"No I'm not upset, it's just-" everyone turned to look at Luke, "No, it's nothing. If you don't mind my asking, did Master Van ever show up? He was supposed to have met us here in Baticul."

Luke decided, he couldn't talk to Asch about it now, not with so much hanging on his new role as an ambassador. He didn't want to sound like he was just trying to get out of it, and he knew that's what it would sound like. He didn't have enough information. At the very least maybe Master Van would know something since he had been in Akzerieuth at the time too.

"He did arrive, but he was immediately arrested and placed in the dungeons," one of Ingobert's advisors replied.

"What? Why?" Luke burst out.

"He is suspected of having played a role in your recent disappearance. Until he is cleared, he will remain in our custody."

"Master Van didn't have anything to do with me disappearing!"

"Perhaps, but to go on word alone…"

"Then how about we make a deal? Put him under my command for this endeavour. Let him prove himself by having him accompany us to Akzeriuth. If he can successfully assist with the evacuation, then you will release him."

Asch sat up, he was impressed by Luke's negotiating skills, though he had to suppress a small chuckle at Luke's misconception of his role as an ambassador. He wasn't actually commanding anyone, but the thought was there. He too had been against throwing Van in the dungeon; despite the fact that it was kind of nice to know the man wasn't causing any trouble anywhere. Yet with Mohs as the more likely suspect and Malkuth's letter safely in Baticul, Van didn't seem nearly the threat he had once been. None-the-less, he was still someone who conveniently had too much information.

The advisors discussed it among themselves for a moment. Even they couldn't hold him indefinitely, and this wasn't a bad idea, they certainly could use all the help they could get. "Fine, we shall grant your request," they finally answered. "You will have the assistance of Dorian General Grants if he agrees to the terms. We will send someone to release and brief him. If you would like to speak with him personally, you may do so after we've concluded our audience here."

"Thank you," Luke replied.

"Then we will send one platoon of soldiers, along with Dorian General Grants, and all present who will be participating. Luke you may bring any others of your choosing."

"Hey Luke," Guy spoke up. "Do you think you'd mind dragging me along with you?"

"You'd come with me?"

"Of course I would come with you. Come on now, why wouldn't I?"

Luke managed a small smile, "Thanks."

"Father," Natalia spoke up, "I wish to participate as well."

"No Natalia, we've already been through this, you and Asch have duties to attend to here. You will not be going to Akzerieuth," Ingobert replied sternly. "You will depart tomorrow morning." The king returned his attention to the group before him. "Until then, you are all dismissed. Thank you for your time." Ingobert stood up, followed by Asch and Natalia, and they exited the room. The first to leave was Mohs. The rest of the group lingered for awhile, but eventually moved out of the throne room.

"Congratulations Luke," Ion said once they had made it down the stairs.

"Hm? What for?"

"For being chosen as an ambassador of course," Ion replied with a smile.

"Yeah, thanks."

"You don't sound very excited about it," Anise commented.

"Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind." Luke said half-heartedly. "I think I'm going to go talk with Master Van. I want to explain things to him myself."

"That's probably a good idea," Ion agreed. "We should go prepare for tomorrow as well."

"Good point Ion." Anise answered, "So I guess we'll see you here first thing in the morning then."

"Alright, see you." Luke waved to them as they left.

"I think I'll go make a few preparations myself." Jade spoke up.

"Yes, it's best to be well prepared; we don't know what we'll face." Tear commented.

"There's no saying what we'll encounter," Guy agreed. "So, we meet up here first thing in the morning then?"

"Yeah." Luke confirmed.

"Alright then, we're off on another adventure!" Guy patted Luke on the back. "Cheer up Luke, it'll be fun, besides, Asch is a big boy, he can take care of himself just fine." Luke smiled, Guy had completely missed the point, but he appreciated the gesture. If things were really as they seemed, Asch wasn't the one he was worried about...

"See you all tomorrow." Luke said as his three friends left to tend to their affairs. He had his own matters to see to as well, turning around and making his way down to the dungeon.

Luke knew the way surprisingly well. He had loved hiding down here when they used to play hide and seek at the castle. Natalia had always been too scared to come down on her own, so she'd never find him. Luke chuckled at the memory, walking down the steep stone steps. He hoped Master Van would be able to help him out, or at the very least provide a bit more information on just what his father and, who he now knew had been his uncle, had been talking about.

"Master Van!" Luke picked up the pace when he saw his instructor at the other end of the room. He was accompanied by one of the guards.

"I've informed him of the conditions on his release and briefed him about the situation with Akzerieuth," the soldier provided.

"Thank you," Luke acknowledged, dismissing the guard, who took his leave.

"Luke," Van began.

"Master Van, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Luke. I heard about what you did for me earlier. Thank you."

"It was the least I could do, since it was my fault you got thrown in here in the first place. But I don't get it; it's not like Uncle to jump to conclusions like that."

"I have a feeling I may know why they were so quick to judge the matter."

"Really? Why is that? You've never done anything to them, have you?"

"Not that they can prove, but I expect they've their suspicions all the same."

"What are you talking about?" Luke asked curiously.

"Luke, has anyone ever told you the truth about the kidnapping?"

"Kidnapping? What kidnapping?" Luke asked with a nervous laugh. Not just anyone was privy to that. Master Van couldn't possibly know about-

"You know what I mean," Van insisted. "Seven years ago. Asch's kidnapping, or rather I should say Luke's kidnapping."

Luke froze on the spot. How did he know about that? While the actual kidnapping itself couldn't be completely covered up, the details about it was one of their family's most closely guarded secrets. Even most of the servants were clueless. The only ones who knew were those who had been there that day. The day when one Fabre boy had become two. Wait! If he knew about the kidnapping, that meant he also knew that Luke was-!

"Relax Luke." Van noticed Luke's sudden panic. "Now, I'll ask again, has anyone ever told you what really happened back then?"

"No." Luke finally admitted. It was a shady topic at best with everyone, including Asch. He had only ever asked him once, and the pain it had invoked from his sibling detoured him from ever asking again. He had never seen Asch that upset over anything. So he made due with what he did know. He knew that Asch had been kidnapped, and they had found him while searching for his older brother. He would have liked to know more, but it was a sacrifice he was more than willing to make, if only to keep Asch from feeling that way ever again.

"Seven years ago," Van began. "I came into the Fabre household, and took the family's only heir."

"What?" Luke covered his mouth, it had come out much louder than he expected. He lowered his voice again. "What? You were the one who took Asch? Why?"

"You heard the Score read upstairs, did you not?"

"Yeah, but it was cut off, we didn't hear it all."

"That's because it goes like this: ND2018. The young scion of Lorelei's power shall bring his people to the miner's city. There, the youth will turn power to calamity and be as a weapon of Kimlasca, destroying himself and the city."

It suddenly hit Luke: that was how his father and uncle had known that one of them would die. It was written in the Score.

Luke could feel his heart crawl up into his throat. He was far from being well versed on the topic, but ff there was one thing Luke knew about the Score it was this: the Score foretold the future, that future was absolute, and it was never wrong. For that very reason any Score that foretold one's death could not be revealed. No wonder they had censored the reading upstairs... but why? Why was all this happening?

No... Luke couldn't follow that train of thought; he just didn't have the strength to deal with it right now. Besides... he had more important thing to worry about. "Still... Luke finally spoke up. "What does that have to do with kidnapping Asch?"

"I found out the Score said that Asch would die... and I didn't want to see that happen. Asch had already been my student for some time, I couldn't accept that such a fate was in store for him and I knew something had to be done. So I decided to kidnap him, and then, I made you." Luke's eyes opened wide, shock wiping his mind clean. That particular implication hadn't even occurred to him. The one behind Asch' kidnapping was also the one behind his creation. All this time... it had been Master Van?

"M-me? But why?"

"You're not the one the Score mentions. You aren't bound to the fate it has laid out for Asch. Don't you see? You are the only one capable of saving Akzerieuth. If you can save the city where the Score says Asch would fail, then you can finally prove yourself and surpass Asch."

"But, can I really do it? I mean, the Score says Asch is supposed to go doesn't it?"

"Luke, don't worry about it so much. You are more than capable of filling Asch's place."

"Thanks," Luke's smile was transparent. In the end, even Master Van saw him as a replacement.

"Luke, it's very important that you don't tell anyone about this."

"Why not?"

"Because this information is not something that I should know, and certainly not something I should have told you. Revealing a Score of death is forbidden. I could get into a lot of trouble."

"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Luke assured him.

"Thank you Luke. If you don't mind, I do have one question for you though."

"What's that?"

"Have you given any thought as to what you plan to do in the future?"

"No..." Luke provided hesitantly. The question hit home a bit too painfully. "Why do you ask?"

"It's just that I feel it's my responsibility to see to your well being. It's a cruel fate I gave you. The future of this place belongs to Asch, and it leaves you with nothing doesn't it?" Luke solemnly nodded his head.

"Luke," Van said after a moment of tense silence. "Did you know that there are seven God-Generals?"

"Seven? I thought there were only six."

"You're technically right. We haven't had seven since the last one left our services many years ago. Right now, Cantabile of the 6th Division is filling in as Commander of Special Operations, but that can't last forever, she has her own duties to attend to as well. Would you consider filling in that position?"

"You mean me? As a God-General?" This piqued Luke's interest. Was Van seriously offering him what he thought he was?

"You don't have to if you don't want to. I thought it's something you might enjoy. You wouldn't be confined to the city anymore, and you could still come and see everyone when you want to. It would give you something to work towards."

Luke thought about it for a moment. "I think I'd like that," he finally said.

"Well don't be making any hasty decisions," Van chuckled. "Normally, God-Generals undergo extensive training and multiple trials before they are granted their title. How about we count Akzerieuth as your training? I realize that's very hurried, but if you can successfully pull off your job as ambassador, than I'll consider you ready, and that opportunity will be open to you. You can have as much time as you need to think about it and decide afterwards. Then if you so choose, you can join myself, Anise and the Fon Master in Daath."

Luke's eyes lit up. "Alright."

"There, that's more like the Luke I know." Van smiled, a gesture Luke returned genuinely this time. "Now, let's be off to finish up preparations for tomorrow, I'm sure you remember, it won't be an easy journey."

"Yeah, let's go!"

Luke stepped out of the castle into the light of the setting sun and smiled. He finally had a future to look forward to.