Chapter 18

"You feeling okay Luke?" Guy stood against the railing next to his best friend. "You don't look so well."

"I'm fine." Luke replied.

"You know you're not fooling anyone right?" Guy gave him a rather skeptic look. "But if you don't want to talk about it, that's okay."

"Thanks Guy. But I should be the one asking you that after what happened the other day."

"I'm fine Luke." Guy chuckled having been asked that several times over the past couple days. "You worry too much."

"You don't worry enough." Luke shot back.

"There'll be plenty of time to worry once we reach Akzeriuth. We'll be arriving in Kaitzur later today, so try and relax a bit until we get there."

Akzeriuth.

"Guy, can I ask you something?"

"What is it Luke?"

"What was it like when your family died?"

"What the- Where did that come from all of a sudden?"

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to." Luke said after a moment of silence.

"Well it's not that." Guy grew serious, what had gotten into Luke all of a sudden? "To be honest, I don't remember when they died."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I remember everything up until that moment, and I remember what happened afterwards, but I don't have any idea of what really went on in between. I think somewhere along the way, I blocked it out. Some things are just too painful to carry with you, you know?"

"I can understand that." Luke admitted.

"Now are you going to tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong."

"You're worried about Akzeriuth aren't you?"

Luke was silent. Their impending arrival was exactly what he was worrying about. Luke desperately wished he had more information. How was Asch supposedly going to die? What exactly was going to go wrong? Even if he knew, would there be any way to even stop it? It was written in the Score.

"Well, I don't blame you for being nervous; a lot of people are riding on your shoulders. But don't forget you have the rest of us, including Asch, here with you. Try not to get too worked up about it." Guy said as he unsuccessfully attempted to console his friend. Luke felt his stomach lurch again at the thought of losing his brother. He just- He couldn't think about it. It wasn't going to happen, he wouldn't let it.

'What's the matter? You're not getting seasick on me up there are you?' Luke clearly heard the voice resonate in his mind.

'No I'm not!'

'There you go. You're getting the hang of it now.'

'Oh? You heard me that time?'

'I did. You're doing really well. It took me a lot more than two days to get it figured out.'

'Yeah well, I had the advantage of having you teach me. You had to figure it out on your own.'

'True, but it still says something for your abilities.'

'Are you implying I'm getting better than you are?'

'I told you before, don't aim for the impossible.'

"What's so funny Luke?" Guy inquired as he noticed the grin slowly spreading across Luke's face.

"Nothing really." Asch heard Luke reply as he closed off their connection and let them be. Luke had been absolutely fraught with worry the whole time Guy was out, which ended up being about half the morning. Everyone had been so annoyed with his constant pacing and badgering, that they were all just about ready to knock him out too. But Guy had woken up, and just like they had all assured Luke countless times, he had been just fine.

"Are you coming, Asch?" Natalia asked for the second time. Honestly, what was with him lately? He was constantly daydreaming, and it was getting annoying to have to go fetch him out of his own little world every time she wanted his attention.

"Sorry Natalia, what was that?"

"I asked you if you wanted to come up on the deck with me." Natalia let out a huge sigh. "We'll be arriving soon so I thought we could wait above deck with the others."

"What's the matter?" Asch inquired, noticing her distress.

"Lately you seem so distracted all the time. If you're not speaking with Luke or one of the others, you're off in your own little world. I mean, this is the first trip we've taken outside of Baticul since your kidnapping. I had hoped to enjoy some more time with you, that's all."

"I'm sorry Natalia. I know this is important to you, but remember that this isn't just a vacation. There are a lot of lives depending on us, and the peace treaty between our country and Malkuth is riding on our success."

"You're right, I'm sorry. That was selfish of me; of course you have a lot on your mind right now." Natalia had to suppress the small amount of glee that arose in her every time she heard Asch call it 'their country'. She couldn't wait for the day the two of them would rule over it together, it would be the most beautiful and prosperous years Kimlasca had ever known, of that she was certain.

"It's not just you," Asch said softly as he gave her a gentle hug, "I have been busy lately. How about after all this is over, we do something special? Just the two of us."

"That sounds wonderful." Natalia smiled as Asch let go and took her hand. "I'll hold you to that."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. Now let's go."

"Yes. For Akzeriuth, and for Kimlasca."

---------

The ferry pulled into the Kaitzur docks just before midday. Scattered clouds cast their shadows on the open fields that still lay between the group and their destination. It didn't take long for everyone to disembark and gather in the port.

"So first things first," Luke spoke up once everyone had gathered, "where are Master Van and the soldiers?"

"Yes," Jade agreed, "We should locate the remainder of our forces. Their ship should have arrived first thing this morning."

"Well I don't see anyone around." Guy mentioned taking a second look just in case.

"How about we check in with headquarters here and see if he checked in with them when he arrived." Jade suggested.

"Excuse me," a nearby soldier tapped on Luke's shoulder. "Are you searching for Dorian General Grants?"

"We are, why?"

"You are Master Luke I presume?"

"Yeah that's me, why did anything happen?"

"No. Dorian General Grants left a message saying he was taking the troops on ahead to Akzeriuth and that he would await your arrival there."

"Thank you." Luke dismissed the guard.

"So I guess we're heading straight for Akzeriuth, huh?" Anise pitched in.

"Are we going to try and make the trip in one day again?" Tear inquired curiously.

"No. We wouldn't make it before nightfall, and besides, we'll need our strength for once we reach the city."

"Jade's right." Asch agreed. "How about we camp at the base of Deo Pass tonight? We should be able to make it to Akzeriuth from there in about half a day." Everyone nodded in agreement. "That sound good to you Luke?"

"Oh! Uh, yeah... sure."

"Really now," Natalia pitched in, "you're worse than Asch is with all that daydreaming you do!"

"Please Your Majesty, Luke has a lot on his mind." Guy interjected in Luke's defence.

"Guy! I told you yesterday not to refer to me like that while we're away. We don't want anyone finding out I'm the princess."

"Yeah, the poor things, they'd be so devastated, they'd probably move to Malkuth." Anise mumbled under her breath. Luke bit his lip to keep from laughing, but couldn't hide the grin.

"What was that?" Natalia demanded.

"Oh nothing!" Anise said with her best innocent smile on.

"Well now that we're done having fun, let's move along, shall we?" Jade said with a grin.

"Yes let's," an indignant Natalia agreed. "Don't fall behind now." She shot back at Anise.

"Oh don't worry; we'll keep an eye on her." Jade said in the creepiest possible way.

Luke rolled his eyes. At least Jade had the right idea, or at least, Luke hoped he did. He had every intention of keeping his eye on Asch. While he may not be able to stop Asch from coming, it certainly wouldn't stop him from looking out for his sibling.

He only hoped it would be enough.

-------

As planned, the trip took the rest of the day and night had fallen by the time they reached the base of Deo Pass. Taking a valuable lesson from previous experience, Luke was not allowed to lead the group, a job that Jade willingly accepted. While Luke often wondered if he purposely took the scenic route just to piss them off, they had still made relatively good time. He certainly wouldn't put it past Jade.

Setting up camp was relatively easy, the surrounding rock formations giving them a natural shelter, and soon they all found themselves sitting around a roaring fire that Mieu had gratefully started.

"Hey Jade?" Guy's question silenced the chatting and shared mirth that had been taking place around the campfire.

"Yes Guy, what is it?"

"I've been meaning to ask you about that fon disk. I gave you the papers since I couldn't make heads or tails of any of it, and you never did tell me if you got anything figured out."

"Ah yes, my apologies, I meant to share but we got a bit distracted somewhere along the way." Jade pushed his glasses back up his nose and waited a moment to be sure he had everyone's attention.

Asch in particular was drawn by the question that Guy had posed, but for very different reasons. He had… personal interests to look out for. Asch stole a glance at Luke. He couldn't quite make out how Luke was feeling, which was an oddity all in itself, but as soon as he caught sight of his little brother, he knew why.

Luke had completely frozen up. His eyes were open wide and he was tenser than Asch had ever seen him. If someone were to walk up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder, Luke would probably jump a couple feet in the air. Asch just didn't get it. Was he that afraid?

Asch had always known Luke was a bit apprehensive about being a replica. Maybe it was because Luke was so open with him about it, that he had never noticed just how carefully Luke hid it from the rest of the world. And this wasn't just anyone, these were his friends. People he knew and respected and looked up to. He wasn't just scared; he was downright terrified of them finding out. He didn't want to be abandoned, he didn't want to be alone.

Now that was a feeling Asch could understand.

"To be honest," Jade continued, "there wasn't much else that I was able to figure out either. Most of the information was too scattered to make heads or tails of. Exactly what Dist and Sync were working on, I cannot say. The only thing I do know is that it involves fomicry."

"Isn't fomicry that technology they use to replicate things?" Anise inquired.

"Yes, that's correct." Jade confirmed.

"So like isofons?" Guy inquired.

"No, replicas look the same; but they have their own fonon frequencies. Fomicry can't create isofons."

"If you don't mind my asking, what is an isofon?" Natalia asked.

"Well, you know that all matter emits a fonon frequency that is unique to itself, right?" Tear spoke up.

"Yes, a fonon frequency is like a fingerprint, no two are the same." Natalia recited, recalling a lesson she had on the topic, some time ago.

"Right. Isofons have identical fonon frequencies; of course, they don't exist unless they are artificially created."

"Thank you Tear." Natalia smiled at the other girl.

"You're welcome." Tear returned the gesture.

Asch watched Luke. This conversation was most definitely not helping his nerves.

"The other interesting thing that came up was Lorelei's fonon frequency." Jade continued on as he flipped through the stack of papers.

"You mean as in the aggregate sentience of the Seventh Fonon?" Asch finally spoke up. Why on earth had Lorelei's fonon frequency shown up on the disc? Shouldn't it have been his and Luke's?

"Yes, that's correct." Jade confirmed.

"Why would Lorelei's fonon frequency show up? Last I heard, its existence hadn't been confirmed." Guy spoke up.

"Lorelei hasn't been observed," Asch confirmed, "but do you think the God-General's plan could have something to do with it?"

"It's possible, but unlikely. My best guess would be that it showed up because of the fomicry. Fomicry consumes a large amount of Seventh Fonons; Lorelei's fonon frequency may just have been detected and recorded due to an excess amount of fonons during the replication process."

Asch wondered if that was really the case. It was certainly something to keep in the back of his mind. He could look into it later; there were more pressing concerns at hand.

"Well, I think that's more than enough for one night." Jade placed the papers back in his bag. "It's getting late, and we have a lot to get done tomorrow."

"I wonder what they were trying to make!" Anise excitedly pondered as she helped put out the fire.

Asch couldn't help but smile as he watched Luke sitting across form the fire, relaxed, but now staring aimlessly into the night. He knew exactly what they had made, and he was eternally grateful that they did.

-------

"Is it just me, or has Luke seemed awfully down lately?" Anise asked as they worked their way up the steep mountain trail.

"It's not just you," Tear commented as she watched the redhead who was out of an earshot at the front of the group. "He has been upset about something recently."

"Why don't you go and cheer him up Tear?" Anise suggested.

"Me? Why me?"

"He seems to enjoy talking to you. Besides, I think he has a thing for you." Anise said with a devilish wink. Tear's face turned several shades of red.

"Wh-What? Are you sure?"

"Yep. Positive."

"Now, now Anise, let's not forget your last venture in to the realm of seduction." Jade taunted, having slowed his pace to match theirs.

"Shut up Colonel!" Anise pouted.

"Oh my, what adventure was this?" Natalia inquired.

"You know what, maybe I will go try and cheer Luke up." Tear interrupted. She wasn't going to be the one to have to tear the rather possessive princess off of Anise for hitting on her fiancée.

"Wait Tear! I'll come join you!" Anise ran after her.

"What? What is it?" A confused Natalia stared at the girls running ahead. Jade just couldn't resist, an evil grim spreading across his face.

"Well you see…"

"Aww that's too bad Tear, it looks like you lost your chance." Anise said as they noticed Ion who was now walking beside Luke and the two were talking.

"That's alright. The Fon Master could probably do a better job that I would anyways."

"I don't see why they have to spend so much time together." Anise mumbled.

"You're sounding an awful lot like a certain someone." Tear couldn't resist the taunt.

"Who, Princess Moody back there? No way!"

"She did what?!" The shrill could be heard from up front.

"I think that's my cue to run." Anise nervously looked behind her as she laughed and ran ahead, flying past Luke and Ion. She stopped at the very top of the hill, and didn't move until everyone came and joined her.

From where they were, they could see Akzeriuth, or rather; they should have been able to see Akzeriuth. All they could see was a dark purple mist that had settled into the valley where Akzeriuth would be.

"I think we'd best pick up the pace," Jade commented, "it seems we've come later than we thought."

-------

The rest of the journey was downhill, so they proceeded as fast as they could without getting hurt, or wearing themselves out. Just how urgent the situation was hadn't really registered until they saw it. They couldn't afford to delay. But as always, things never go quite as planned.

The dirt in front of Luke exploded as the shot missed its mark, landing not an inch away from his foot.

"What the-" Luke instinctively stepped back, everyone's gaze immediately drawn to the God-General from which it had come.

"Major Legretta!" Tear exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to get you. You've spent enough time with these fools. You have no business here!"

"I'm under orders from Grand Maestro Mohs, why are you here?"

"Harassing our student again Legretta?" A second woman stepped up beside her colleague.

"Cantabile! What are you doing here?" Legretta viciously eyed the new arrival.

"Cantabile?" Guy curiously watched the second God-General.

"You know her Guy?" Luke inquired.

"No. But I've heard of her, she's the sixth God-General."

"Oh I thought I'd come along and keep you in check." Cantabile shrugged, answering Legretta's demand.

"I beg your pardon, but since when do I need babysitting, and from you no less." Legretta got defensive as she unconsciously lowered the gun she had aimed at the group.

"Oh I never said I was here to baby-sit you. But orders are orders and I figured you might want some back up."

"Since when am I believed to be that incompetent?" Legretta's tone was getting vicious; Cantabile's growing grin showing just how much she was enjoying every moment of it.

"I don't know." She taunted.

"You should, you two spend enough time together." Legretta spat.

"Oh I see what this is about," Cantabile said with a devilish grin. "You're jealous!"

"I harbour no such petty feelings, towards you least of all!"

"Are they always like this, Tear?" Jade asked as Tear only watched on in shock.

"Tear, you know them?" Luke inquired.

"Yeah. They both trained me when I was still young and trying to become a soldier. But I've never seen them fight like this before. But you know, now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever actually seen them together before."

"You think I don't know that the stupid Score has this entire world under its thumb?!" Cantabile yelled back at Legretta. "That why we do this! For the freedom of humanity!"

"Of course! People check the Score to see what to eat for supper! It needs to stop! I know that! Don't insult me."

"As much as I'd like to stay and listen to their plans…" Guy whispered.

"I agree," Jade said quietly as the two God-Generals continued to bicker. "Let's move onto Akzeriuth, before they notice we're gone."

Once they were out of sight, everyone began soft discussions of the scene they had just encountered, despite still being able to hear the yelling echoing in the distance. Even Anise, who had spent a significant amount of time with most of the God-Generals, had never seen any of them fight like those two had; although she could recall rumours of quite the rivalry between their respective squads. Only Guy was silent, occasionally peeking over his shoulder back in the direction of the two women they had just left behind.

It just couldn't be…

But Guy didn't get much of a chance to think about it.

They had finally made it to Akzeriuth.