A/N: I apologize for taking so long to update. I ended up being really busy over Christmas and didn't get much writing done. The wait for the next one won't be so bad, so thanks for being patient. Hopefully it's worth the wait.
Chapter 31
The footsteps echoed in the otherwise empty corridor down which Legretta found herself. Despite the fact she was navigating Daath's immeasurable heights, it was a path she could have followed in her sleep. After all, how many times over the past decade had she walked the path to the Commandant's office? More than she could count, but those visits had become much fewer as of late and it was beginning to bother her.
Under her arm, she carried a stack of reports; reports she knew full well would never be read, but it was important to maintain some semblance of order. The Commandant had much more important things to worry about now, and he did worry. So did she.
Legretta knew just how concerned he had become, especially since Akzeriuth's fall. The way he spent hours alone, mulling over everything, ever so carefully ensuring that every piece would fall into place. But with the location of the Fon Master still unknown and the status of the Sacred Flame still not certain, there was much to be concerned about.
However, things were different now. There had been a time when he would confide in her when things became too much to handle on his own. A time when he simply talked to her. When she could offer her advice she would, when she couldn't, she would just listen. Listen and admire his cunning, his flawless way of thinking, and the way he could solve any problem with seemingly no effort at all. His dedication, his passion, the list of traits she admired about him grew every time they met.
But that had changed in the past few years, and most drastically in the past few months. The Commandant never so much a spoke to her anymore unless she addressed him first, and when he wasn't off at one of the Passage Rings, he spent all his time locked away in his office. But she had convinced herself it was all due to stress. His plans were in motion now, and there was no stopping them. It was do or die, and the Commandant was feeling every bit of it. After all, he had taken it upon himself to save the world.
Legretta wasn't surprised to find the Commandant's door closed, a sure sign he didn't want to be disturbed. She hated to be the one to barge in, and she hated even more to be the one to bring him more to worry about, but she had more business with him than the reports she brought.
"Commandant," Legretta stated as she opened the door, "I brought-"
Legretta was cut short by the sight she came upon when she steeped into the Commandant's office. Seated in front of his desk, his hands folded in front of him sat Van. He was intently staring at the intruder, but it wasn't his piercing stare that bothered her. It was the violet-haired God-General that was casually sitting on his desk, leaning back as her hands scattered yesterday's stack of reports across the desk and floor.
"What are you doing here Cantabile?" Legretta demanded, instantly forgetting her original purpose. Cantabile glanced over her shoulder, not that she needed to in order to identify who the intruder had been.
"She's here because I asked her to be," Van stated venomously. "What do you want, Legretta?"
"I brought you these, sir," Legretta managed, indicating the reports she had brought. She was taken aback by the severity of the tone in the Commandant's response.
"Leave them by the door. Is that all you needed?"
"No, sir," Legretta replied, fighting back the meekness that was creeping into her voice as she sat under the Commandant's harsh gaze. "I have other matters to report."
"Then get on with it," Van stated, rubbing his temples and letting out a frustrated sigh.
"First off Tear is still-"
"I'm aware of that she is still being held; I will speak with her later. Is that the only reason you have for intruding in my office?" Van cut his subordinate off, his patience very quickly running thin.
"I-I apologize, sir. There is one other matter that has been brought to my attention," Legretta began, attempting to regain her composure. "A spy was captured the other day. We believe he was attempting to investigate Tear's location. We captured him and he was being held for questioning but he has escaped. His allegiances are unknown."
"I'll leave that matter to you then," Van dismissed the issue. "I trust you to deal with it as you see fit."
"Yeah," Cantabile spoke up, "Van's got more important things to worry about. You're more than able to handle a couple spies on your own, aren't you?"
"I don't need to be hearing that from you!" Legretta snapped back.
"Is that all?" The Commandant raised his voice, cutting off their argument before it began.
"Y-yes sir. If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way," Legretta finished as she quietly exited the room and closed the door behind her.
"Someone's awfully wound up," Legretta heard Cantabile's voice through the door.
"I don't have time to be worrying about her. If she can't pull her own weight, she's worse then useless."
"Oh don't be like that," Cantabile replied. "She's trying-"
"Trying is pointless unless the desired result is achieved," Van cut his companion off. "There's no halfway any more. We can't afford to fail."
"Try not to think about it that way," Cantabile replied softly. "You're worked up and stressed out as it is, and I'm worried about you. You keep this up you're going to run yourself ragged. You need to try and relax a bit. Here…"
Whatever Cantabile was going to say, Legretta would never know, she'd heard more than enough. Why? Why of all people did it have to be her?Why was Cantabile the one he chose to spend all those hours alone with? She was the one that had been by the Commandant's side all these years. But now Van dismissed her as coldly and with about as much consideration as he would treat some lowly foot soldier. She wasn't incompetent; and she most certainly was not useless.
So why did Van suddenly seem to think so? It was her, wasn't it? Legretta refused to allow it. She wouldn't let that witch, thatsnake, ruin the relationship she had spent all these years building. All those late nights, all those extra hours, all the hardships; everything she had done over the past decade to help the Commandant and his goals, she was not going to let one person steal everything she had worked for out from under her nose.
But everything could easily be fixed. She would just have to remind the Commandant just how able she was, and she knew just how she could accomplish that. There was only one thing the Commandant would want, one person he desperately needed, and she would be the one to bring him in. Legretta would make sure of that.
It wouldn't all be for nothing.
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Everything was black; the same empty void that always haunted his dreams. Luke stood alone, in the same spot, lost in the same emptiness. He had to move. He had to go. If he didn't go, he would never get anywhere. He wouldn't be able to save Tear if he didn't step forward. But he couldn't. What if he fell? If he fell he would never save anyone!
It was the miasma! He was sinking! Cold flesh clutched his limbs as he flailed, dragging him down into the endless sea of poison. He was trapped, doomed to flow among the sea of corpses. No! He couldn't stay here! He needed to go! But the more he struggled, the tighter their grip became. He couldn't move! He couldn't breathe! He-
Luke suddenly awoke, sitting up with a start. Remembering where he was, Luke took a moment to calm himself down, quietly looking around until his breathing matched the steady sounds of everyone sleeping around him. Why did it still surprise him? The same nightmare had haunted his dreams every night since Akzeriuth, and yet each time it felt as terrible as the first. Luke' racing heart finally settled back into its normal rhythm, but he couldn't get back to sleep. So he continued to sit awake and stare into the darkness of the night.
After a moment Luke glanced over his shoulder and spotted Asch behind him. His sibling was still sound asleep, and Luke let out a soft chuckle. The Albiore could probably fall from the sky again and it wouldn't wake Asch up. He was out like a light, and would probably stay that way well past sunrise.
----
"Are you alright Asch, you don't look so hot," Ginji commented as they sat around the fire the young pilot had prepared for their return.
"I'm fine," Asch stubbornly replied.
"Yeah right," Luke mumbled sarcastically from beside his sibling. He was still bitter about what had happened earlier; Asch was such a blab. But when Asch didn't retort, Luke couldn't help but steal a glance in Asch's direction. As soon as he looked over, Asch fell unconscious, his head landing right in Luke's lap.
"Asch?" Despite his determination to stay angry with his brother, a wave of worry crashed over Luke. "Asch? Asch?!" Jade placed a hand on Luke's shoulder just as the young noble was about to give Asch a good shake.
"Let him sleep, Luke," Jade explained softly. "That passage ring took a lot of his strength, it's best to just let him rest." Luke looked down at his reflection that was lying in his lap. His chest was rising and falling rhythmically, and he seemed almost…peaceful. Luke sighed, why was it so damn hard to stay mad at him? Fine. So Luke let Asch sleep and they all returned to their previous conversation.
"I'm going to bring him up into the Albiore," Luke stated after an hour of dealing with Asch tossing and turning on his lap.
"But it would be such a pity to wake him," Natalia spoke up.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think of asking," Luke chuckled. "You probably want to let him borrow your lap." Natalia's face turned red but whatever she mumbled was lost amidst the laughter of the others.
"Don't worry," Luke continued once the laughter had died down. "He's not going to wake up anytime soon." A poke across their connection had told him that much. Jade was right and with the level of pure exhaustion Luke sensed, Asch was going to be out for the night if he didn't sleep well into the next day. Gently, Luke shifted Asch onto his back and with some help from Guy brought him up into Albiore where they laid him down on one of the seats.
"Got it?" Guy asked, tossing Luke a blanket.
"Yeah," Luke answered as he carefully placed the blanket over his older brother. "I'll be right there."
-----
Truth be told, Luke was glad his nightmares weren't rousing his sibling. Much to his relief, Asch didn't seem to have detected any trace of the distress that his recent string of nightmares had been causing him. Luke only wondered how much longer he could keep it that way.
"Can't sleep?" The blonde's voice broke the dead silence that had blanketed the Albiore. Even though Guy had whispered, the sudden sound made Luke's heart skip a beat. The redhead spun around to see Guy sitting across from him, staring him down from the chair in which the blonde had fallen asleep.
"Not really," Luke whispered back, doing his best to hide the tremor in his voice.
"Hey, are you alright?"
Luke's eyes met his best friend's for a brief moment before he returned his gaze to the floor. "Yeah," Luke finally said.
"Has anyone ever told you you're a terrible liar?"
"Yeah," Luke replied, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Did you have a nightmare?" Guy continued his inquiry, knowing full well he'd have to drag it out of his best friend. Across from him, Luke solemnly nodded. "What did you dream about?" Guy tried. Luke was silent, and that could only mean one thing.
"You're dreaming about Akzeriuth, aren't you?" Luke still didn't reply, but the tears that threatened to escape his now shining emerald eyes revealed far more of the truth than he would. Guy berated himself, he should have known better than to think Luke was really over everything that had happened. Luke had just seemed so… okay with it all. When had he learned to put up such a good front like that?
"Okay, well, we can't have that now can we?" Guy quietly stated as he stood up and walked over to Luke.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Luke protested as Guy forced him to lay back down on the bench. Guy picked up the blanket that had been thrown to the floor amidst Luke's tossing and turning, and tucked it tightly around the young noble. "I'm not two anymore Guy."
"Oh? You remember that?" The blonde guardian inquired and he stood over his charge.
"Yeah," Luke replied, a soft smile gracing his face. "I remember wandering around the manor because I'd be too scared to go back to sleep. Then you would find me, and you bring me back to my room. You'd read me a story and then tuck me in really tight so nothing would get me."
"That was when Asch stopped letting you invade his room at night," Guy chuckled. "Can't say I blame him though, you used to have a lot of nightmares back then didn't you?" Guy sat down on the floor next to Luke's head.
"I guess so," Luke replied as he pulled the blanket up to his chin.
"Well, if you remember that, then you know I'll be right here to wake you up if that nightmare comes back."
"Guy?"
"Hm? What is it Luke?"
"Thank you."
"Good night Luke," Guy said softly as he closed his eyes.
"Good night," the redhead replied as he rolled over and did the same.
Behind them both, Asch smiled, rolled over, and went back to sleep.
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With a few final touch ups, Ginji very quickly had them back in the air the next morning. Though the flight was shaky and had Anise clinging to Ion's robes for dear life, things seemed to be running rather well. They had an hour before they were due to arrive in Sheridan, and Jade wasn't one to let that kind of time go to waste.
"So what's the plan for when we land?" Asch inquired, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Despite how tired he was, he was determined to get up with the rest of them.
"That depends on a great deal of things," Jade replied. "Not the least of which being what our dear friend Dorian General Grants is up to."
"Your friend, not mine," Asch mumbled.
"Hold up for a second," Anise butted in, one of her hands still tightly clinging to Ion's sleeve. "Everything happened kind of fast yesterday, and listening to these two argue isn't exactly the best way to get information. Could we recap what exactly is going on? How exactly does any of this trace back to the Commandant?"
"It starts with Akzeriuth," Jade began.
"Wait," Asch interrupted.
"Now what?" Anise demanded exasperated. "You two aren't planning on trying to keep all this secret, are you?"
"No," Asch stated. "But Luke's going to be the one to explain it," he finished with a pointed look in Luke's direction.
"What? Why me?!" Luke demanded.
"Because you're the one who lied to them. You owe them the truth."
Luke shot a dirty look back at his sibling, but couldn't come up with any argument to what Asch had said. As peaceful as he had looked while sleeping, he was equally annoying and skilled at being a jerk when he was awake. But with no defence and everyone's attention on him, it looked like Asch had won this one, so Luke took a deep breath and began to tell the story.
It was less detailed than the account he had given to his sibling, or even to Jade for that matter; and Asch was noticing the decreasing level of detail that occurred each time Luke was forced to recount Akzeriuth's demise. He subconsciously wondered how much had already been lost before he had heard the tale the first time. But despite that, Luke was doing well, far better than the mess he had been the first time he'd told it. He simply sat there talking, absent-mindedly petting Mieu who had come and taken a seat in his lap; and everyone listened.
Everyone but Asch. He already knew the words that would come from Luke's mouth, and of everyone on the Albiore, he was the only one whose attention wasn't on Luke, including Ginji who was intently listening as well as he could while ensuring they didn't repeat yesterday's misadventure. No, Asch's focus was directed elsewhere, at a particular blonde member of their group.
But whatever Asch was looking for, he didn't find and he silently cursed Guy for being so difficult to read. The solemn look with which he was regarding Asch's younger brother was impossible to decipher and didn't help Asch out one bit. Asch had hoped to use Guy's reaction to Luke's tale to gauge his loyalties. After all, if he really was working with Van, then none of this should be new to him, in fact, if that were the case, this should please him.
Guy, however, remained as unreadable and impossible as ever, which made Asch very uneasy. It was fine before when everyone didn't really know what they were trying to do, but now, now they would have to divulge the details of their intentions concerning Van. Asch was running out of time, either he found a way to get rid of Guy, which he knew would be impossible to do without devastating Luke, or Asch would have to find it in him to trust the blonde, which was infinitely more difficult. Irregardless of just how hard either option may be, he didn't have long to decide. But for now, he just allowed himself to relax a bit, and listened to Luke talking. It was amazing how much worse the tale became when one already knew the ending.
Anise listened quietly to Luke's story. It seemed so surreal. She had clung to the lies for so long, that the truth just didn't seem right somehow, and yet, she knew it was the truth. Luke's tone, the way his voice was so solemn and quiet, it couldn't be anything else. But that made things a lot more difficult, as her conscience grew more and more restless with every word from the noble's mouth. Beside her, Ion was smiling. How could he be smiling, especially at such a terrible story? But he had always known hadn't he? Ion had known there was something beneath the surface, something the rest of them didn't know or understand; so had Guy for that matter. Must be nice to be able to have that kind of faith in someone.
Next to the young Fon Master Guardian, Natalia sat intently listening to Luke's account, thousands of things racing through her mind. Why had Luke so openly accepted fault for it all? Admittedly, he still partially was at fault, but why hadn't he said anything before now? Or better yet, why hadn't Asch said anything to her? Surely he trusted her…didn't he? That really was the question. His somewhat distant and uncomfortable demeanour with her lately made it obvious that her attitude towards his sibling was upsetting him. But didn't he understand? Couldn't he see it? He couldn't, not the way she could. He was too closely involved to be able to see the problem, and even if he did, she knew he wouldn't want to do what needed to be done. So that left things up to her. If only she could get through it all without hurting him. Without hurting either of them.
True there may have been times when Luke needed a good scolding, and true, there were times Natalia felt it was best that he be left behind. But that didn't mean that she wanted to see him hurt. He was still a child after all. While Luke may possess the body of a seventeen-year old boy, when all was said and done, he was still only seven. Why should he have to go through these hardships, things that wouldn't even be expected of an adult?
"So let me get this straight," Anise piped in once Luke had concluded his story. "Setting the Commandant aside for a second, you two can make a hyperressonance by yourself?"
"That's right," Asch confirmed, relieving Luke of the attention that had been so intently focused on him. "It was something we were born with. We never told anyone because… well I'm sure you can figure it out. It's dangerous, and it isn't the kind of thing we want kicking around."
"That sort of power would be invaluable in war," Jade provided. "I'm sure if word of that got out, you'd have more than just Dorian General Grants after you for your abilities."
"But not only did Van know, he used that ability to bring down Akzeriuth," Guy concluded mumbling something under his breath that no one managed to catch.
"My concern is what does Dorian General Grants plan to do now?" Jade pointed out. "Though something tells me you two have something or another in mind in that regard, am I right?"
"Yeah," Asch answered. "If Van went through all the trouble of orchestrating Akzeriuth's fall to destroy the Albertesque seal, I think it's reasonably safe to say he's probably the one messing with the Sephiroth and the passage rings."
"Well he is a Seventh Fonist, and being a descendant of Yulia, it's not unreasonable to think that he would have known how to open the Yulian Seal." Jade contemplated.
"But why?" Natalia inquired. "What result is he trying to achieve by putting the Outer Lands in danger like that?"
"I don't know, I really wish I did." Asch stated. "For all we know, he's just trying to fulfill the Score."
"Fulfill the Score?" Ion inquired. "What do you mean by that?"
"Akzeriuth's fall was foretold in Yulia's Score," Asch provided.
"What?!" Anise shrieked. "That's impossible! If that were true than that would mean the king and you guys' father sent Luke to-" Anise cut herself off as the harsh reality of that fact settled over them all.
"I've never heard of such a thing," Ion spoke up, breaking the tense silence. "Unfortunately, I must admit that I'm not very familiar with the contents of the Closed Score. Our current destination is Daath, correct?"
"Well after a short stop in Sheridan, yes," Jade answered.
"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to verify the Score myself and see if this is true or not. If Van's intentions are indeed related to the Score, it may give us some idea as to what he plans to do next."
"Actually Fon Master," Asch spoke up. "If you're checking the Score, then maybe there's something else you could verify for us as well."
"What is that?"
"We believe that St. Binah might also be in danger of falling, and we'd like you tp verify if that's written in the Score or not."
"Why would you think that?" Anise asked.
"I may have overheard the God-Generals talking about it the first time we were in Daath," Asch shrugged.
"I thought I said no night time exploring," Jade commented with a particularly evil look in Asch's direction. He let out a sigh and shrugged. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"
"Why would I want to?"
"Okay you two that's enough for now," Guy intervened. "Right now I'm worried about what Van has in mind. The last thing we need is a repeat of Akzeriuth."
"We still need to go to Baticul," Natalia protested. "If a war breaks out even more people will end up dying!"
"There isn't really much we can do about either case for the time being," Jade calmly stated. "For now let's head for Daath to rescue Tear and check the Score. If we don't get any new leads and there aren't any more pressing concerns, we'll find a way to get to Baticul. Does that sound fair?" Natalia didn't reply but backed down.
"We should be landing in Sheridan in a few minutes," Ginji called back to them.
"Finally," Anise mumbled under her breath, her words hidden by her sigh of relief.
"Good," Jade replied. "Until we know better, every second counts."
-----------
"You're safe!" Tamara excitedly approached the group, not even waiting for them to disembark from the Albiore where Ginji had managed to land it in the hangar. "We saw the Albiore go down and we've been worried sick! We'd have sent a search party if all the soldiers weren't so caught up in fortifying defences."
"Yes, and it's thanks to them that we don't have the parts to repair the Albiore!" Iemon shouted from where he had already installed himself under the airship.
"What do you mean by that Grandpa?" Ginji inquired.
"Well, some of the parts that were damaged in the crash are completely fried now, thanks to your trip back from the Meggiora Highlands. The replacements we need were all used in the construction of landships in preparation for the war."
"Have things really gotten that bad?" Natalia inquired worriedly.
"Well there haven't been any official declarations from either side that we're aware of," Tamara provided. "But both sides are getting ready. Things are pretty tense."
"And without the Albiore we won't be getting anywhere near Baticul," Anise pointed out.
"That's because your ship is a Malkuth landship right?" Ginji asked.
"That's correct," Jade confirmed.
"Wait, you guys have a Malkuth landship?" Aston inquired.
"It may very well have the parts you need," Jade provided, guessing what the man had in mind. It wasn't difficult; the three seniors were ready to pounce on him. "However, we will be needing the Tartarus for our travels, so I can't have you disassembling it on us."
"That's nonsense!" Aston spoke up. "If you'll give us what we need to fix the Albiore here, then you can use her for your journey instead."
"You mean it?!" Ginji inquired excitedly.
"Of course we do," Iemon replied. "Without those parts she's useless anyways, she might as well be fixed and out in the skies. It's not like she'll do us any good just sitting around here."
"Did you hear that Asch?" Ginji turned to the redhead. "You guys can use the Albiore once it's fixed. I'll take you wherever you need to go!"
"That's great and all Ginji," Asch replied hesitantly. "But…"
"But what?"
"But are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into? I mean, we have a long journey ahead of us and there's no saying how long this could take. Are you really sure you want to do this?"
"Ever since I was a kid, it's been my dream to fly around the world," Ginji replied. "I wanted to set off on an adventure that would take me into that endless blue sky and to everything beyond it. This is what I've always wanted, and I get to help out my new friends. What more could I ask for? It'll be much faster than going by land or by sea. Besides, you need a neutral ship to get you to Baticul and Grand Chokmah right?"
"Ginji raises a good point," Ion spoke up. "The Albiore wouldn't be recognized as an enemy vessel by either nation."
"It would definitely be much quicker than the Tartarus," Jade pointed out.
"Excellent!" Iemon jumped in, taking Jade's statement for an affirmative. "We'll just need to retrieve the necessary parts from your ship."
"Alright, I'll take you to the ship," Jade conceded. "Luke, Guy, would you mind lending a hand in carrying some things?"
"Sure thing Jade," Guy replied. "Coming Luke?"
"Yeah, but…" Luke spoke up for the first time since his story on the Albiore.
"What's the matter Luke?" Guy inquired worriedly.
"But if we don't have the Tartarus, how are we going to rescue Tear? I mean, how much longer is repairing the Albiore going to take?"
"Don't you worry about that," Ginji provided. "I'll make the arrangements, by the time you get back with those parts, I'll have you guys ready to leave."
"Okay," Luke nodded.
"How long will you be?" Asch asked as the trio prepared to leave with Iemon and Aston.
"Probably no more than an hour or two," Jade replied. "Feel free to do whatever you want around town in the meantime."
"We'll be sure to be prepared for when you return!" Natalia called after them.
"Wait! I'm coming with you too Master!" Mieu bounced after Luke.
"Alright, alright come on," Luke stopped allowing the cheagle up on his shoulder before turning and following Guy and Jade.
No one noticed, that neither of the boys had said goodbye.
---------
"So what is it you brought me out here for, Natalia?" Asch asked. Not that he really minded. He and Natalia were seated on a bench near the water, looking out over the horizon. The water was a pristine blue against the clear azure sky, and Asch couldn't help but be entranced by the sparkling waves as they crashed against the cliffs.
"There's something I needed to talk to you about," the young princess replied.
"What is it?" Asch's face became swept with worry when he caught the hint of distress in her voice. Really, he was so sweet that way, always worried about her feelings. She didn't want to hurt him, but she had to know.
"Why is it you never told me about your abilities?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your hyperresonance or whatever it's called, how come you never spoke of it with me?"
"Natalia… you know why. Honestly, I wish no one had ever found out about it. It's dangerous. I mean, you saw what happened in Akzeriuth, and that was with Luke doing everything he could to hold back. Could you imagine what that kind of power could do in war? People would die by the tens of thousands," Asch explained.
"But what does any of that have to do with me?" Natalia demanded, her voice rising. "That's why you haven't told anyone else, why didn't you ever tell me? Don't you trust me?"
"That's not it," Asch replied defensively, doing his best to try and calm her down.
"Then what is it? You told Luke."
"Luke has the same ability, I had to tell him. Besides he's my brother."
"No, he's your replica! And I'm your fiancée! Why does he get to share in all the secrets?"
"Natalia stop it."
"Then answer me Asch! Why don't you trust me?"
"I do trust you, it's just…"
"Just what?" Natalia demanded.
"The last thing I want to see is something like this used in war, in politics. I didn't want Uncle or anyone at the castle knowing, so I decided I wouldn't tell anyone-"
"You think I would have told them? Is that it?!"
"No, Natalia would you listen, I was just trying to- Look, I just don't want to become some weapon in a war-"
"You think I would use you in a war? Do you honestly think that little of me? That I would stoop so low as to sacrifice your secret to some political game?!"
"Is it that hard to believe? If it were to save Kimlasca from war? After all, for all we know, they're planning to execute Tear for treachery in Daath, and you'd rather go to Baticul. You're already willing to sacrifice her to try and prevent war, so is it that hard to believe you'd sacrifice a secret to do the same?"
"Either way, that's not the point!" Natalia shot back.
"Then what is? Because I'm not following you anymore!" Asch shouted, his own temper getting the better of him."
"Don't you see? It's about trust! You don't have any! In me, or in anyone, other than Luke for some reason. How can I trust you, how can I believe in you, when you won't do the same?! I mean, all that stuff about Van and the passage rings. You weren't ever going to tell us, were you? You and Luke were going to run off and play your little games and just leave the rest of us in the dirt!" Natalia continued to yell, tears already streaming down her cheeks. "You can't treat people that way! We're not tools to use and be discarded when you choose."
"I just didn't want to see you get hurt," Asch quietly stated.
"Well then you're too late."
Natalia turned around, and vanished back into the busyness of town leaving Asch alone to stare at the water. Somehow, it just wasn't as beautiful anymore.
-----------
"Where have you been?" Luke inquired as Asch walked into the hangar. Whatever energy he had earlier, had been completely drained. He was dragging his feet and Luke didn't need their connection to know Asch wasn't in a good mood.
"Shut up," Asch shot curtly.
"Fine," Luke rolled his eyes and instead turned to greet Anise and Ion. If Asch wanted to be that way, then let him. He wasn't going to bend over backwards if Asch was set on being a jerk.
"Thanks to the Tartarus, we'll have the Albiore up and running in no time at all!" Tamara proudly declared now that everyone had reassembled.
"Of course, the Tartarus is no longer functioning, as a result," Jade pointed out.
"It's a worthy sacrifice," Iemon stated.
"Yeah, but in the meantime, what are we supposed to do about getting to Daath?" Luke inquired.
"That's where I come in," a young blonde woman spoke up.
"And who are you?" Anise asked somewhat sceptically.
"Guys, this is Noelle," Ginji introduced the girl next to him. "She's my younger sister and the pilot of the Albiore II."
"You mean there are two of these machines?" Natalia inquired.
"Yeah, remember? They were using the flight stone we returned to finish it," Luke provided.
"I knew that," Natalia mumbled, embarrassed she had forgotten such an important fact.
"Noelle here is going to take you to Daath in the Albiore II while we finish the repairs on the first Albiore," Ginji explained.
"It's a pleasure to be working with all of you," Noelle said with a bow.
"You're the one doing us a favour," Guy spoke up, interrupting her mid-bow. "We should be thanking you."
"It's no trouble at all, really," Noelle replied with a smile. "We moved the Albiore II into this hangar so we could take off. If you guys are ready, let's get on board and get going as soon as possible."
"Oh man, not again!" Anise moaned as they walked up the gangplank.
"What is it Anise?" Ion inquired.
"Oh, nothing!" Anise perked right back up.
"Anise?" Natalia began hesitantly, "Are you afraid of flying?"
"N-No! W-Why would you think something like that?"
"Probably because you're shaking," Asch pointed out.
"I am not!" Anise tensed up to hide her trembling as best she could.
"You areso afraid of flying," Asch said with a laugh.
"You guys suck," Anise stated sticking her tongue out at the redhead. "Come on Ion!" Anise's indignant statement had everyone in laughter except Ion who was being forcefully hauled up the gangplank. "Let's go!"
-----------
So for the third time in the past month, everyone found themselves standing before Daath's great heights. Though nothing had physically changed about the city, it seemed to become more intimidating each time they returned. The trip in the Albiore had taken them through night and the populace was already well into their daily hustle and bustle.
"Is it just me or does this place get nastier every time we visit?" Anise wondered
"Maybe it's just because our mission keeps getting harder?" Asch suggested, the full night's sleep still not relieving all the traces of his foul mood from the previous day.
"Excuse me," a woman walked up to their group, singling Asch out from the rest of them. "Might you be Master Asch?"
"That's me, what do you need?" Asch replied. He didn't seem the least bit surprised that a complete stranger was picking him out of a crowd in Daath. If anything he seemed exasperated. Just what was Asch up to behind their backs?
"I was asked to deliver this to you from the boss," the lady replied, handing Asch a letter that he immediately opened and read over.
"Did she need anything else?" Asch inquired.
"No. She mentioned she would have liked to see you herself. If not that, then at least meet with you again in the near future."
"Tell her I'm sorry but I'm busy right now. It'll have to wait for another time."
"I will," the lady replied.
"Here," Asch tossed her a gold coin. "Something for your trouble. Thank you for this," he stated holding up the letter.
"It was my pleasure Master Asch," she replied with a bow. "I hope to be of service to you again." And before anyone could utter another word, she vanished into the morning crowds.
"What was that all about?" Luke inquired.
"Yes, do share," Natalia stated coldly. She couldn't believe it! She had given him the benefit of the doubt last time, but the words out of this woman's mouth seemed pretty clear to her. How could he? After everything he had ever said, all the things he had ever told her, he was seeing some woman in secret! How long had this affair of his been going on?!
"Tear's not in Daath anymore," Asch simply stated, ignoring the harshness in Natalia's response.
"And how is it that you know this?" Jade asked. "Your 'reputable' source again?"
"That's right," Asch replied with a sneer at the taunting tone in Jade's voice. "Tear was held here until yesterday when Van took her away."
"What would the Commandant want with Tear?" Anise inquired.
"Well, she is his sister. Is it possible that he might be trying to gain her assistance?" Ion suggested.
"No way! Tear would never join Master Van! She would never agree to something like that!" Luke protested.
"Easy there Luke," Guy calmed his best friend. "We all know she isn't like that, but for now we have to focus on finding her. Asch, do you know where they took her?"
"No, they're looking into that for me right now."
"Then let's go check the Closed Score," Jade suggested. "Hopefully that should give Asch's 'sources' enough time to find out where we need to head next."
"Where do we have to go to read the Score?" Luke asked.
"The cathedral, in the chapel there's a fonstone enshrined that should be suitable," Ion replied.
"Then lets get going," Guy stated. "The sooner we find Tear, the better."
-------------
Despite the fact that this was the third time Luke had been here, he had never actually been in the chapel before. The windows on the far wall towered above them in a myriad of colours. The morning sun filtered through them splashing the entire hall in colour.
"So where is this fonstone supposed to be?" Luke asked curiously, still in awe at the majesty of the Chapel.
"It's enshrined in the altar," Ion replied. "It's actually a special fonstone that was formed by combining fragments of the first six. Fon Masters can read the entirety of the Score from here."
"Ion!" Anise protested. "Are you sure about this? You know you aren't supposed to read the Score; it's bad for your health!"
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Luke also inquired worriedly. "You're not going to pass out again are you? Because if you don't think you're up for it, you don't have to…"
"No," Asch argued, "it has to be done."
"Asch!" Luke and Anise's voices simultaneously echoed in the empty chapel. Luke couldn't believe it, just what was Asch's problem?! Sure Asch was always determined to get things done, but since when did he stop caring about the sacrifices along the way? Something was up, and it was more then their little argument.
"It'll be alright Anise, Luke" Ion nodded to each of them as he placed himself in front of the altar. "Thank you, but I'm only going to read the passage concerning Akzeriuth and search for anything about other lands falling. I'll be fine."
Before anyone else could protest, Ion reached out and placed his hands on the altar. The soft familiar flow of Seventh Fonons entered the room and Ion almost seemed to glow.
"ND2000. 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."
It was soft at first, just a dull throb at the back of his mind, but as soon as Ion muttered the first word, the splitting pain crashed over them both. Asch and Luke could both see each other tense up, doing their best not to show it. Ion was putting his health at risk to read them the Score, the least they could do was deal with a stupid headache.
Luke was the first one to show any signs of distress. He leaned down over the altar, his elbows supporting his weight, his hands cradling his head. His face was pale, as were the knuckles of his fist as he fought against some unknown pain. Jade watched the boy almost concernedly. What was the matter? After Luke's fall, Asch's front didn't take much longer to break. He placed his hand down on the altar before him to support himself, his free hand clutching his head. Both of them? Just what was going on here?
"ND2002. The one who would seize glory shall destroy the island of his birth, a land named Hod. War shall persist between Kimlasca and Malkuth for a full cycle of the seasons."
'Are you alright?'
Asch looked up and caught Luke's eye. He was fighting to keep a comforting smile on despite the pain that had engulfed him. Here Luke was, struggling against the pain they were in, and he was trying to make him feel better. What had he done? He was upset about his fight with Natalia and had spent the last day taking it out on Luke and everyone else around them.
But why now? Of all times for these stupid headaches to come back, why this moment? What was it about what they were doing that was setting it off?
'Yeah, thanks,' Asch finally answered. 'Just focus on trying to catch what Ion is saying.'
But neither of them had to focus on what the young Fon Master was saying. His voice almost seemed to resonate in their minds. They couldn't hear the worried murmurs of the others around them, but Ion's voice was crystal clear.
"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. Thereafter, the land of Rugnica will be enveloped in war, and Malkuth shall lose territory. Kimlasca-Lanvaldear shall thrive, and this shall lead to unprecedented prosperity."
Jade noticed both boys relax as Ion's reading ceased, both struggling to catch their breath, then simultaneously trying to hide it. Just what was it they were reacting to? It bothered him. He knew better than anyone that those headaches of theirs were far from normal. But exactly what was triggering them? Jade suspected it had something to do with the Seventh Fonon. It would explain why they had reacted when Ion read the Score, and it certainly seemed logical, considering their abilities, that they would be sensitive to the Seventh Fonon. But if that was the case, why didn't the Passage Rings seem to pose any problem?
"Are you two alright?" Guy rushed to Luke's side.
"We're fine, how's Ion?" Luke accepted Guy's help up and made his way to the Fon Master's side.
"I'll be alright," Ion replied faintly, his voice wavering a bit as he wobbled on his feet. "I'll be fine after a little rest. That's all there is on the Sixth Fonstone, there wasn't any mention of other lands falling."
"Thank you Fon Master," Asch said with a smile.
'What do you think?' Luke inquired.
'I think something is seriously wrong here,' Asch replied.
'What? What do you mean by that? How could the Score be wrong?' Luke asked as he picked Ion up and carried him over to the side where he could sit and rest for a bit.
"Well it looks like the Score doesn't say anything about St. Binah," Anise pointed out, interrupting the twin's conversation.
"That doesn't mean nothing will happen," Asch argued.
"Oh, something will happen," Natalia put her hands on her hips. "A war will happen if you don't stop neglecting your obligations. Stop worrying so much about St. Binah and start worrying about Kimlasca."
"Natalia I'm not doing this with you now," Asch stated firmly, keeping his temper in check. "Besides, lives are lives. What country they're from doesn't matter." Asch's last comment quieted the fiery young Princess.
"Regardless, as it stands we've nothing to show that St. Binah is in any form of danger," Jade confirmed. "Though we did ascertain that the Score said Luke was supposed to die in Akzeriuth."
'That's not right though,' Asch commented.
'What do you mean?'
'The Score can't mean you, you weren't born in ND 2000, you were born in ND 2010,' he pointed out.
'Then it must mean you.'
'But I'm not called "the light of the sacred flame" anymore, so that isn't right either.'
'So you're saying the Score is wrong?'
'I think so. The Score hasn't taken your existence into account, which means we can't depend on what it says.'
'But the others didn't…' Luke trailed off
'The others won't know because they don't know that you're a replica.'
'Yeah but…'
'Luke…you're going to have to tell them.'
'No! No I don't!'
'I know you don't want to, but you have to tell them the truth eventually. We can't do anything about the Score being off until you say something.'
'Oh so you're going to lecture me about telling the truth?' Luke snapped. Asch decided to back off; the topic was obviously a minefield. The last thing he needed was a fight to reveal their connection, which was quickly becoming their last trump card. Besides, with Luke this defensive already, there would be no reasoning with him for the time being. It would have to wait until later.
"Are you sure you're okay to get up?" Mieu asked curiously as he watched the Fon Master stand up from his chair.
"Yes, I'm feeling better now," Ion smiled at the little cheagle. "We should hurry; Tear might be needing our help."
"Yeah, let's get going," Luke agreed.
Asch opted to take the lead and was directly followed by Guy, next to whom was walking Luke and Ion, with Anise in tow and Jade and Natalia taking up the rear. They quickly made their way across the glittering chapel. But as Asch opened the two large doors that led out into the Cathedral, he froze, finding himself face to face with a blonde God-General, her pistols drawn and one was pointed directly at his head.
"Asch!" Luke cried but before he had made it two steps, Legretta's second pistol was out and on the other redhead.
"Don't move," Legretta's voice was stern and Luke didn't dare even breathe, for fear of what she may do with her other gun that remained not an inch from Asch's skull.
"What is it that you want?" Jade asked calmly.
"What do I want? That's funny Necromancer. This has nothing to do with what I want. It never does. It's about what he wants, or to be more precise who he wants."
"Let Asch go!" Anise yelled.
"I can't do that. You see this is my chance. If I bring you to him, the Commandant will finally stop believing her lies and he'll see who is truly loyal to him. He'll remember my skill and value, and he'll forget all about her."
"Her?" Guy mumbled.
"I would do anything for him!" Legretta's voice was steadily climbing, starting to waver as she spoke. "I would die for him! But every time I see him, he's with her!! So this is the only way, the only way he'll ever look at me again."
Asch's breathing had gotten heavier, though he didn't dare speak. Legretta's arms were trembling in anger now, all it would take is a single upset and she would fire. Asch knew he should try and grab the gun, but fear glued him to the spot. He didn't want to die! And even if he got out of the way, what if she fired at Luke?
"I could shoot you," Legretta continued her ranting, her voice beginning to border on downright insanity. She seemed to revel at the thought, playing with the idea. "Then he'd know how it feels. To have someone you need ripped away."
"Then why haven't you?" Jade spoke up. "From what I hear, it isn't like you to hesitate. If you really wanted to kill him, you would have done so the moment he opened that door."
"Colonel!" Anise hissed. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Don't mock me Necromancer! The only reason you're alive," Legretta turned to Asch, "is that he needs you. But you know that already, don't you? He needs you to save this world, a world plagued by an illness known as the Score, doomed to die. But Van will save it, he is the medicine we so desperately need. But to do that, he needs you. Not me, you. Why? Tell me why. Why doesn't he ever need me?!"
"Watch out!"
In the sudden flurry of movement, the only sound that was heard was that of the shot fired, and of blood splattering on the ground.