Chapter 29

The sun was just starting to peek up over the horizon when a thoroughly exhausted group steered the Tartarus out of the port near Daath. They had travelled straight through the night, only stopping for short intervals to allow Ion a chance to rest. Though Dist had been easily thwarted, the reinforcements he was bound to call wouldn't be so easy to deal with, and they wanted to put as much distance between them and the Order's headquarters as was humanly possible.

After sailing for a few hours, they had taken shelter in a cove along the northern edge of the continent just south of Daath, and gotten some much deserved rest. Now, the sun was clear overhead and Asch quietly leaned back against the railing on the Tartarus' deck, enjoying the sounds of the sea and the cool breeze that swept up off the water.

Beside him Luke also stood in silence, watching the birds as they flew to and from their nests in the nearby cliffs. Words weren't needed; they simply enjoyed each other's presence as they waited for everyone else to wake up.

"So what's next?" Asch finally asked as he watched the cotton clouds float by overhead.

"I don't know," Luke replied. "From the looks of things, St. Binah isn't in any danger."

"So says Teodoro," Asch shot back. "I don't know… something about this seems off. I wouldn't put it past him to have lied to you to keep the Score on track."

"You're right, I wouldn't mind checking it out for myself, but for now, stopping the war should come first," Luke answered.

"Are things really that bad?" Asch inquired.

"You didn't hear any rumours in Daath?"

'No, I was kind of unconscious,' Asch grumbled, making use of their connection as Anise walked out onto the deck.

"Morning Anise," Luke spoke up without even turning around. It was lunch time and the birds were diving into the water. How did they always manage to catch a fish like that?

"Good Morning Anise," Asch tried, glad Luke's sudden fascination in the birds distracted him from the fact the Fon Master Guardian was ignoring him.

"Good Morning Asch," She replied. "So is everyone else meeting up here or what?"

"I guess so," Asch shrugged. "We need to figure out what we're going to do next. What do you and Ion want to do? I mean you can't go back to Daath, but we can drop you off somewhere safer, if you'd like."

"I'd love that, but if I know Ion, he's going to want to help you guys stop the war," Anise replied.

'Luke?'

'From what Anise told me, the situation between Kimlasca and Malkuth is really bad.' Luke replied without even needing to hear the question. 'Uncle is blaming Malkuth for Natalia and your deaths and Malkuth thinks Kimlasca was behind Akzeriuth's destruction.'

'Damn it!'

"Colonel!" Anise piped up as Jade, Guy and Natalia walked out onto the deck. "Where have you been?"

"I was waiting for the three of you on the bridge," Jade answered as he surveyed the deck. It seemed safe, and they were in an area remote enough that they wouldn't likely be overheard.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming out on the deck?" Natalia inquired, her eyes on Asch. "I would have come and joined you."

"You were still sleeping," Asch provided, "I didn't want to wake you."

"Goodness, just how early were you up?" She asked, she thought she had been up early considering the circumstances.

Asch glanced over at Luke who finally turned around to face the rest of the group. "Pretty early I guess," Asch replied. "The rough seas woke me up."

"Yes, the waters were rather rough for a bit this morning weren't they?" Jade commented. "Strange though, the sky was clear, I wonder what would have caused it."

"Who knows," Asch shrugged. Truth be told, neither he nor Luke had been able to sleep very well. So instead they had spent the morning on the deck and Luke explained to him what had happened since he had woken up in Yulia City. Luke had spoken about Tear for quite awhile, and Asch could tell he missed the melodist. It was obvious that Luke was still unsure of his decision to leave her behind, even if it had been the right thing to do.

Once all this war fiasco was over and done with, there wouldn't be any reason for any of the others to get involved anymore. Truth be told, Asch wanted to leave Natalia out of it as well. He doubted Van was going to sit back as he and Luke unravelled his plans, and he wasn't going to let her get hurt.

"Good morning everyone," Ion said as he came up onto the deck, still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Despite the fact that Luke had carried the young Fon Master for the last leg of their journey to allow him the chance to sleep, it was obvious the trip had worn on him. "I hope I didn't miss much."

"Not at all Fon Master, we were just about to discuss our next course of action," Jade replied.

"We have to stop the war!" Mieu hopped off the Fon Master's shoulder and over to Luke who allowed the cheagle to sit on top of his head.

"Mieu's absolutely right," Natalia stated. "We should set sail for Baticul immediately. Once we've arrived-"

"Slow down a bit there Natalia," Luke cut her off, "aren't you forgetting something?"

"And just what might that be?" Natalia shot back coldly, "Are you suggesting there's something more important than stopping this war? Or would you rather see it happen?"

"No, averting the war is our first priority," Jade interjected, "but Luke has the right idea. Have you forgotten that we're riding on a Malkuth vessel? An armed one at that? At this point, regardless of who's on board, we'll be shot out of the water before we're even within sight of Baticul."

"Any chance we could get into Grand Chokmah?" Asch asked.

"Not likely," Jade answered. "I'm presumed dead, and the Tartarus was supposedly captured by the enemy. We'd be fired upon regardless of which capital we approach."

"Is there any way we could approach them by land?" Ion inquired.

"I don't know about Grand Chokmah, but going by land to Baticul would be next to impossible," Asch stated. "The nearest docks are in Belkend and Chesedonia. Going from Belkend takes us through Inista Marsh which is hard enough in the best of times, but this time of year the water rises making it completely impassable. Going from Chesedonia takes us through the desert. Not only would the walk take well over a week, but in the desert there's almost no water or shelter. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone making it across on foot."

"Wow, you sure know a lot for someone who hasn't left Baticul in years," Anise commented.

"It's part of the reason Baticul was built where it was, to help resist land based attacks." Asch replied. "Most of the coastline near there is too treacherous or shallow for ships to dock."

"Unfortunately in this case it works to our disadvantage," Natalia stated.

"Approaching Grand Chokmah would prove to be equally to our disadvantage," Jade commented. "Possible, but it would take at least a week, and that's if we're allowed past Theor forest, which is heavily guarded in times of peace. I don't fancy trying to get through there with war brooding."

"So where does all that leave us?" Anise asked.

"Nowhere," Asch stated. "We're right back at square one."

'What do you think?' Asch asked Luke.

'I say Jade's right, there's not much we can do with the Tartarus.'

'You want to see if there's a way we could at least check out St. Binah?'

'That might not be a bad idea. At least it's better than doing nothing.' Luke shrugged.

"Figure anything out over there, Guy?" Luke asked, breaking the tense silence that had fallen over them all. Guy was standing off to the side, the strange stone they had gotten from Dist in his hands.

"Ah yes, what did we manage to procure from that wonderful encounter with our God-General friend?" Jade inquired peaking over Guy's shoulder.

"I think I know what this is, but I just don't see how it's possible," Guy replied.

"Why? What do you think it is?" Anise took a closer look at the artefact Guy was hanging onto, causing the blonde to jump back.

"D-Don't do that!" Guy trembled.

"Oops, sorry Guy," Anise apologized.

"Well what is it?" Asch asked as he rolled his eyes. Honestly, what was so scary about a girl?

"I think it's a hover drive," Guy said hesitantly.

"A hover drive? Isn't that Dawn Age technology?" Ion inquired.

"Yeah. That's why I can't believe it," Guy held the stone up to the light, the sun revealing the sparkling glyphs all over the stone. "They're doing work with them in Sheridan. If you equip it to a machine, it allows the machine to fly through the sky. All the fon machine buffs are talking about it."

"Ah yes, I recall those," Ion confirmed. "They were excavated by the Order. I approved the project to share the technology with Kimlasca."

"Then what was someone like Dist doing with his grubby hands on it?" Anise asked.

"Well I know two were excavated, but to my knowledge both were entrusted to the researchers in Sheridan," Ion replied.

"He probably stole it," Jade pointed out. "He never was above stooping to such levels for his own ends."

"Then do you suppose we could use these flying machines to take us to Baticul?" Natalia inquired.

"Probably not," Guy said, "I doubt they've managed to build a machine yet, the whole project only started a little over a year ago, and even so, we can't just waltz in there and demand to use it."

"You're right, I'm sorry."

"That's alright, don't worry about it Natalia," Guy replied, "You were just thinking about your people. Either way, I think we should return the hover drive to Sheridan at the very least."

"But what about the war?" Natalia protested. "If things continue, innocent Kimlascans may end up getting caught in the cross fire."

"It's not just the Kimlascans that will get hurt," Luke pointed out. "Lots of innocent lives would be lost if a war started, but I don't see what else we can do right now."

"Luke's right," Asch agreed, "As things stand we can't make it to either capital. At least from Sheridan we could send a message to Mother and Father, they might be able to speak with Uncle about it."

"Why not send a letter to his Majesty?" Guy inquired.

"Because it would be more likely to be intercepted, and not even make it to the King at all," Jade provided. "It would be assumed as a ploy by Malkuth to make Kimlasca lower their defences. Am I right?"

"Yeah, they probably wouldn't believe it was from us. At least with Mother and Father, it would be easier to say something that could prove our identities. But even that's not guaranteed to work."

"It's better than nothing," Luke agreed.

'Besides,' Asch added, 'with all the fontech and work on Dawn Age technology in Sheridan, we might be able to find something on the passage rings there.'

'Yeah.'

'I don't want to dismiss St. Binah just yet.'

'Not until we're sure it's safe,' Luke agreed.

"Sheridan isn't too far from here right?" Asch inquired.

"It's on the eastern edge of this continent." Jade replied, "If we set off now, we should be able to make it by sundown."

------------

Jade's time projection had proven to be a bit off. They had sailed further east over the night then he had thought, so the sun was just barely beginning to set as they walked into Sheridan. The town had been built on a cliff overlooking the sea, just east of the mountains and winding valleys known as the Meggiora Highlands that made up the majority of the continent.

The surrounding lands were too dry and barren to grow crops and the mineral content of the earth was dismal in the face of Auldrant's mining communities like Akzeriuth, so Sheridan had become an industrial town. There wasn't a ship they couldn't build, and despite the town's Kimlascan location, their products could be found all over Auldrant.

"Excuse me?" Asch caught the attention of the first person they came by.

"Hm?" The man turned around, he looked to be no more than Guy's age. He was wearing a blue jacket and white ascot, his confused brown eyes contrasting against his silver hair that shone in the evening light. "Oh hello there," He spoke up after a moment, "I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new in town?"

"You could say something like that," Asch replied. "We're looking for the people in charge of the hover drive project."

"Oh, you mean the Albiore?"

"Is that what they're calling the flying machine?"

"That's right," the man replied, "Are you guys fon machine buffs?"

Asch stole a glance at Guy who was almost bouncing he was so happy. "Some of us more so than others," He finally provided with a grin.

"I'm Ginji," the man smiled and extended his hand.

"I'm Asch," Asch shook Ginji's hand. "The kid in a candy store over there is Guy," Asch replied pointing to the blonde who was still positively beaming. "This is Jade, Anise, Natalia, Ion-"

"Wait, Fon Master Ion?" Ginji interrupted.

"That's correct. It's a pleasure to meet you," Ion replied.

"Not at all the pleasure's all mine!" Ginji eagerly shook Ion's hand. "Oh I'm sorry!" He said, realizing he had cut Asch off.

"That's okay-"

"I'm Mieu!" The little cheagle bounced in front of their newest acquaintance.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mieu," He smiled. Asch rolled his eyes and sighed in frustration at having been interrupted yet again. "You were saying?" Ginji returned his attention to the red head.

Asch nodded to his left, "and this is my twin brother, Luke."

Ginji smiled at Luke, but then froze when he actually noticed the other red head, a look of confusion and shock sweeping over his face. He looked at Asch, then back at Luke, then back at Asch again. "Wow" he chuckled, "You two really are identical."

Asch and Luke snickered, it never got old. "So do you think you could help us?" Asch inquired.

"Sure thing. Grandpa and the others are working over in the Meeting Hall. I was headed over there anyways, so I can show you if you'd like."

"Thanks, we'd really appreciate it."

"No problem."

--------

"Grandpa, there are some people here who'd like to see you," Ginji spoke up as they entered the building. At the center of the open room stood a large table and several chairs in which were seated two older men, and an older woman.

"What do you want? Can't you see we're busy?" The woman replied.

"Oh, hello Aunt Tamara. I'm sorry for bothering you, but these people wanted to speak with you," Ginji replied.

"With the Albiore almost completed, we're as busy as ever, can't it wait?" One of the older men spoke up.

"Is it really almost done?" Guy eagerly jumped in.

"Yes, we've just finished the final adjustments," the third man at the head of the table replied. "We'll be able to conduct the first test flights soon."

"Well if you're done the final adjustments, then surely you can spare a minute or two to talk to my friends, right?" Ginji retorted with a grin.

"He's got a point there Iemon," Tamara taunted the first man.

"Fine, but make it quick."

"Thanks Grandpa."

"Don't push your luck," Iemon mumbled.

"So what is it you needed to speak with us about?" Tamara asked.

"If you want the plans to the Albiore you can just-"

"Aston!" Iemon cut the other man off. "Sorry, ever since the thefts..."

"I'm telling you it was Class I!" Aston protested. "They're never up to any good in Belkend!"

"You've had something stolen?" Ginji inquired. "Why didn't anyone tell me about it?"

"Sorry, it happened quite some time ago. We've been trying to keep it quiet because of what was taken," Iemon replied.

"Why? What did they steal?"

"One of the hover drives, and the plans to the Albiore," Tamara provided. "We managed to get the plans back, but they got away with the hover drive."

"If I ever get my hands on-"

"Actually," Asch started, cutting Aston off. "That's what we're here about."

"We came upon this in our journeys," Guy said placing the hover drive on the table. "We thought it might belong to you."

"It's the hover drive!" All three of them stood up out of their chairs, practically falling over each other to get a closer look.

"This is definitely a hover drive," Ginji, who had been standing closest to Guy, picked up the artefact, beating all three of his seniors to it.

"Where did you get that?" Iemon demanded.

"It doesn't really matter now does it? They returned it and we'll be able to finish off the Albiore II!" Tamara exclaimed. "How could we ever thank you?"

"Hey, do you guys want to see the Albiore?" Ginji offered.

"Would we ever!" Guy jumped at the opportunity.

"It's locked up for the night, but I'll take you by first thing in the morning," Ginji replied with a smile.

"Tomorrow?" Asch mulled it over. He had hoped to get a message sent out, check for information and be gone before then.

'It is getting late.' Luke pointed out. 'Admit it; you want to see it too.'

'Shut up. Besides, even if I do, if we're looking at over a week to get to either capital, we really don't have the time to waste.'

"Please come," Ginji said, sensing Asch's uncertainty. "I'm sure you have lots of important things to do, but it's getting late. Please stay the night here; I'd really like the chance to show you the Albiore."

"Alright," Asch agreed after a moment. "As long as that's alright with everyone else?"

"I have no objections," Ion spoke up, "I admit, I'm rather curious as well."

"I think we could all use a good night's rest," Jade shrugged.

"Alright, then it's decided," Ginji stated with a grin. "I'll meet you all in front of the meeting hall here in the morning, and we can head over to the docking bay together."

"Until then, you're free to do as you will," Jade added, "It wouldn't be a bad opportunity to stock up on some supplies."

'You should see if you can find yourself a jacket or something to tide you over until we get back to Baticul,' Asch mentioned as everyone parted ways once they got outside.

'What are you going to be doing?'

'I've a couple things I want to take care of. I'll get the letter sent to Mother and Father as well.'

'Want me to see if I can find any information on the passage rings?' Luke offered.

'Sure, just make sure you aren't out too late.'

'I won't,' Luke laughed. It had been awhile since Asch's big brother nagging had kicked in. 'I'll see you back at the inn tonight?'

'Yeah, see you then.'

----------

Luke mulled over the few jackets the last merchant had for sale, but there wasn't anything that caught his interest. He let out a huge sigh, not only had he been unable to find any information on the passage rings, but he hadn't even managed to find a half-decent coat.

"Luke." The redhead jumped at the voice that came from behind him.

"Natalia," Luke answered, still catching his breath. "Don't sneak up me like that!" The Kimlascan princess remained silent, and quite serious. "What's the matter?" Luke finally inquired.

"I don't know why Asch hasn't spoken to you about this yet," she began, "but it's obvious he has no intention of doing so, so I will in his stead."

"Speak to me? About what?" Luke asked worriedly. Was something wrong that he didn't know about?

"Your actions in Akzeriuth were completely unacceptable!" Oh…Luke inadvertently tensed up. That's what she meant. But Luke knew there would be no escaping Natalia's lecture, and all things considered, he did deserve it. So he was simply silent and listened to her tirade.

She went on for what seemed like hours, each line hurting that much more than the last. Luke bit his lip, fighting back all the emotions she was digging up, but he was failing. His stomach lurched when she started on about priorities. About how his priorities should have been to help Asch, and to help save lives, not play hero. About how all those lives had been lost because he had been selfish, thoughtless, reckless, the list went on and on. Did she think he didn't know that already?!

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she stopped. Luke didn't dare look her in the eye; he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing she had broken him. They stood in silence for awhile, as the last light of day faded over the horizon.

Natalia waited. Waited for some sort of acknowledgement, or, knowing Luke, some kind of denial. Anything that might have shown he had been paying the least bit of attention to anything she had said; but it never came. Well, if he would be that way, then fine! But there was one message that he would hear, and that she would make sure he understood.

"Don't get in Asch's way," She stated coldly, turning and leaving without another word. Luke stood in the empty street, long after he was sure the princess was gone.

'Luke, what's the matter?'

'Not…not now Asch,' Luke replied, hiding his emotions from his worried sibling. He wasn't going to drag Asch into this. Because… because Asch loved Natalia, and Luke wanted Asch to be happy. He finally understood why Asch had kept his problems with Guy to himself all these years.

'Okay,' Asch replied simply, sensing his presence was unwanted. Luke wanted to be left alone, and he would respect that.

So Asch left Luke alone.

Alone with his thoughts… and with his tears.

---------

"Sorry," Asch returned his attention to the figure in the shadows.

"That's alright," The female voice replied.

"Please continue," Asch requested solemnly, Luke's sudden upset still at the back of his mind.

"From what I heard it was quite the scuffle. They've got her in Daath now, but I wasn't able to find out anything more than that. I've got a few friends still hanging around, but there's only so much they can find out."

"You're sure about this?" Asch inquired.

"I am," The voice replied, "Sweetheart, you know this is probably a trap right?"

"I do, but we can't just leave her."

"That's what he's counting on."

"I know," Asch stated.

"Well, do be careful."

"I will, thanks Noir."

"It's my pleasure, Honey." Noir gave him one last seductive smile before fading into the night.

--------

"Good Morning," Jade nodded towards the blonde and the princess who had just joined them in front of the meeting hall.

"Morning, Jade," Guy was grinning from ear to ear in anticipation of the so-called "tour" they had been promised.

Just as he had said he would, Ginji had been there when Jade had made his way to the meeting hall, much to his disappointment. Jade had hoped to get in a private word with the redheads who had also been in front of the meeting hall, but it seemed that it would have to wait. He would be as patient as he had to be, but he would eventually find out just what had happened in Akzeriuth.

"Good Morning Colonel," Natalia also replied. "Are we almost ready to go?"

"We're just waiting for Ion and Anise!" Mieu piped up.

"Ion's probably still pretty tired and I don't think Anise would go anywhere without him, so we're just waiting on the two of them," Asch offered, his gaze never leaving Luke who was happily chatting with Ginji.

Whatever the problem had been with Luke the night before, it couldn't still be bothering him. Asch wasn't able to detect any trace of the distress that he had sensed the previous night, so either Luke had dealt with whatever the problem was, or he was hiding it from him. Asch didn't like the implications of the second option. But he didn't have the time to dwell on it; they had a new and much more serious problem.

Two figures in the distance distracted Asch from his thoughts.

"I'm sorry, are we late?" Ion asked as he caught his breath, they had obviously run most of the way.

"Not at all, we were waiting for you," Natalia offered.

"We would have been here sooner," Ion said with an apologetic bow, "but I had trouble getting Anise out of bed."

Everyone turned to look at the young Fon Master Guardian, who grumbled something inaudible as she secured one of her pigtails, and everyone laughed.

"So is everyone ready to go?" Ginji asked.

"Sorry Ginji," Asch cut in, "But we're going to have to skip out."

"What?! Why?!" Guy demanded.

"Because we're going back to Daath," Asch stated

"Daath?" Jade inquired. Even he couldn't imagine what would possess the young noble to want to return there.

"Are you crazy?" Anise yelled, "Did you forget what happened the last time we were there, or are you just stupid?"

"Tear's been captured by the Oracle Knights," Asch continued, ignoring the Fon Master guardian.

"What?!" Luke cried. "When? How?"

"She must have come back to the Outer Lands looking for you," Asch turned his attention to Luke. He knew this was going to be harder on him than the rest of them. "According to the information I got, she had been asking around, and when the Oracle Knights found out who she was looking for, they arrested her."

"We have to save her!" Luke pleaded. This was his fault; she had gotten caught because she had been looking for him. He didn't want to get her involved in all this, now she was in trouble because of him. Damn it!

"What's the problem?" Ginji inquired worriedly.

"Some people in Daath are holding a friend of ours, prisoner." Asch provided.

"But why? Why would they capture your friend?"

"I'm afraid it's us they're likely after," Jade pointed out.

"It's due to some unsettled affairs within the Order," Ion stated apologetically. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with Asch, we should be off as soon as possible. We're sorry for having you come meet us like this."

"But there has to be more to it then that," Ginji protested.

"There's a lot, and it's complicated," Asch provided apologetically. "We don't want you to get all caught up in this mess."

"But there has to be something I can do to help!" Ginji stated, exasperated.

"Why don't you take them in the Albiore?" Every spun around to see Iemon and Aston approaching them.

"It's ready to go?" Ginji inquired.

"She is, though she's never flown before. I wish we could have done more test flights…" Aston trailed off.

"You take them, I think it's a magnificent mission for her maiden voyage. Besides we'll never be able to test her properly if we don't take her on a real flight," Iemon argued.

"You're heartless you know that…" Aston mumbled.

"Take us?" Asch inquired, "What's he talking about?"

"What didn't Ginji here tell you?" Aston spoke up, "he's the Albiore's pilot."

"Really?!" Guy exclaimed his eyes lighting up.

"That's right," Ginji admitted sheepishly.

"That's pretty impressive, why didn't you tell us?" Asch asked curiously.

"I could say the same for you," Ginji replied with a grin. Asch looked at him curiously. "I finally remembered where I'd heard your name before; you're engaged to Princess Natalia and the heir to the Kimlascan throne, aren't you?"

"That's right," Asch replied.

"And you're the lucky lady aren't you?" Ginji added with a look towards Natalia, making her blush and confirming his suspicions.

"But in the end does it matter?" Asch inquired a grin on his face.

"Exactly," Ginji pointed out. "But in all due seriousness," he continued, growing more solemn, "I'd like to help you rescue your friend. It's the least we can do after you returned the hover drive."

"It would certainly be faster than taking the Tartarus," Jade pointed out.

"We can have the Albiore ready to go in an hour," Iemon said, taking Jade's statement as an affirmative.

"Then I'd better go get supplies together. I'll meet you back here in an hour," Ginji offered before taking off. "I want to hear the full story on the way though!" He called back before vanishing from sight.

"He's almost as stubborn as you are," Anise commented once the pilot was out of sight.

"I guess we're all going on the Albiore," Luke said, far less enthusiastically then he normally would have. He was really worried about Tear.

"No," Natalia interrupted. "You can wait here, the rest of us will go rescue to Tear and we'll come get you when-"

"Natalia!" Asch cut his fiancée off. He couldn't believe what he had just heard her say. "What's gotten into you lately? Luke has just as much right to come rescue Tear as the rest of us."

"You're right, I'm sorry," Natalia backed down. Asch felt bad for snapping at her, but seriously, what was her problem all of a sudden? Sure she and Luke had never gotten along, but she had never been so openly or avidly against him.

"Okay," Asch dismissed the topic for now. He would have to talk to Luke later though. There was something going on behind his back, and he didn't like it. "If we're going to Daath, I'm going to go get some extra supplies."

"I'll help," Luke offered.

"Okay, I guess we'll see you guys later then?" Asch inquired.

"Before you go," Jade cut in as the boys turned to leave, "are you sure this 'information source' of yours is reliable?"

Asch thought on it a moment. "Yeah," he said after a brief contemplation, "she's pretty reliable. Anything else you'd like to ask, old man?"

"Not for the time being." Jade replied, pushing his glasses back up his nose.

"See you in an hour, then." Luke waved as he followed Asch down the street.

"I think it would be best if we do the same and regroup in an hour. This is not going to be an easy endeavour." Jade suggested.

"Sh- sh-she?!" Natalia finally managed to form words. It couldn't be- no. Asch would never stoop to that level. He would never…

"I wouldn't be all that surprised if other women were attracted to him," Jade said slyly. He was the only one left still standing in the vicinity when Natalia had managed to choke out her indignation. "He isn't terribly bad looking."

"Colonel!"

"Luke either for that matter, but that's rather redundant now isn't it? What I don't understand is how you can love one so dearly, and yet despise the other so much."

"There's more to one's character than appearance," Natalia shot.

"True, but likewise there is more to one's character than position."

"What are you implying by that?!"

"Nothing at all Princess, nothing at all."

-------

An hour later, everyone once again met Ginji in front of the meeting hall, only this time it was the redheads that were late. Nevertheless, they quickly made their way through Sheridan towards the hangar where the Albiore was being developed. On the outside, the docking bay looked just like any other warehouse, but when they walked in the door, it obviously wasn't. Guy's eyes lit up at the sight of the Albiore, a huge fon machine sitting in the center of the building. Several panels were open and had a handful of people doing one last check, but other than that, it looked ready to go.

"Wow," Anise looked up at the machine. "Will that thing really fly?"

"Of course it will fly!" Tamara snapped. "The Albiore carries all our hopes and dreams, it will never fall."

"Is everything ready, Aunt Tamara?" Ginji asked.

"Yes," Tamara replied. "It's just waiting for you."

"Then let's go save that friend of yours!" Ginji stated enthusiastically as he led everyone up the gangplank.

"I must say, of all the places I expected to go, the sky isn't one of them," Jade stated.

"Why, scared old man?" Asch shot.

"Hardly," Jade shot back, "I was merely stating that this is a first."

"It's a first for us all," Ginji pointed out as he settled in the cockpit. "No one has flown the skies since the Dawn Age."

"Then let's make this a trip worthy of that first step," Luke stated.

"Yes, let's go."

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"Can you pass me that-" Ginji stopped short when the redhead handed him the apple that had been sitting on the seat next to him.

"Haven't had breakfast yet?"

"Yeah," Ginji admitted sheepishly. "Thanks, Asch."

"I'm Luke," The young noble said with a chuckle.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Ginji blurted out, making Luke laugh outright.

"Don't worry about it, it happens all the time."

"But I'm really sorry," The pilot repeated.

"I said it's okay," Luke smiled, "you're not the first and won't be the last."

Luke glanced behind him. Ion and Anise were both looking out one window in awe. Asch was glaring at Guy who was practically hanging over him as he tried to get a better look at how the inside of the Albiore was put together, and Natalia sat next to his bitter sibling, holding Asch's hand as she looked out her window. Jade sat across from them and was simply enjoying the entire thing.

Grinning ear to ear, Guy poked his head in the cockpit. "Hey Ginji." The pilot was suddenly intently focused on the air in front of them, and didn't reply. "What's the matter?" Guy asked after a few minutes, noticing just how much their newest companion was struggling.

Ginji still didn't reply, the apple Luke had passed him hitting the floor as he put both hands on the wheel.

"What's the matter?" Luke inquired worriedly, drawing the attention of the others.

"The headwinds are a lot stronger than I thought they'd be," the pilot managed as he fought with the controls. "I don't know how much longer… I can keep us in the air…"

"Wait! If he can't keep us in the air…" Anise began, "doesn't that mean that we're going to-"

"Crash," Jade finished for her, still somehow perfectly calm.

"It's no good! Strap yourselves in!" Ginji yelled and everyone wasted no time in doing so.

No longer able to fight against the fierce air currents, the Albiore and all its passengers were sent plummeting towards the earth.