Chapter 33

Cotton white clouds gently drifted across the azure sky when Noelle set the Albiore down in the empty field. The young blonde pilot suppressed a yawn as she stretched her arms. It felt good after such a long journey to be able to relax a bit. She had to admit, the training she and her brother had undergone had taught them many things, but the endurance to deal with longer journeys wasn't really one of them. It only took a few hours for her arms to start getting cramped up and blood circulation to her extremities to taper off. Since the autopilot feature was nowhere near ready to use, it left the otherwise perky pilot to deal with it for the next eight hours.

But Noelle wouldn't complain about it. All things considered, it was a lot less than her passengers had to deal with. They had probably gotten even less rest than she had, especially considering how cramped those cabins were. The six small rooms were hardly suited to sleep nine people. The group had insisted Noelle have her own cabin even though she had clearly expressed that she was fine sharing a room with one of the other girls. Another room was given to Guy, who seemed to be sick or something. Come to think of it, Noelle hadn't seen him around at all since they had departed from Ortion Cavern, and even then he was unconscious.

She couldn't help but wonder if Guy would be alright. He seemed to be quite a nice fellow, and had kept her company in the cockpit, asking all sorts of questions about the Albiore. She had missed his presence for the duration of the trip. Every now and then Luke… or was it Asch? She couldn't get over their resemblance; even the twins she knew didn't look that much alike. But one of them would come sit and keep her company for a time, which was awfully kind of him, especially since she knew they had more important things to discuss.

Noelle let out a sigh and stifled another yawn. She was looking forward to the opportunity for a nap while the others were in the city. While they set down the Albiore each night so she could sleep, Noelle knew the importance of their journey, so she had done her best to be back in the sky as early as possible.

The coastline here really was beautiful, and the water was so blue with the clear sky overhead. It made the open fields seems that much more green and full of life. Noelle chuckled, not unlike the group with whom she had found herself travelling.

"There you go," Noelle spoke up as she heard everyone behind her stir restlessly, "we're about an hour's walk from Grand Chokmah, just like you asked."

"Thank you," Jade replied. "The last thing we want is for the military to mistake us for an enemy ship. We should be back by tonight, or tomorrow at the latest."

"Okay, I'll be right here. If anything happens, I'll make sure to return here as soon as I can."

"Good."

"Say Noelle?" Luke spoke up, as he supported Guy over one of his shoulders.

"What is it?"

"Not that I mind your company or anything… but weren't you only taking us to Daath?"

"Oh that's right," Natalia realized. "Here we're dragging you halfway across the world with us."

"Don't worry about it, I don't mind," Noelle replied. "Besides, the other Albiore isn't fixed yet, so I'll take you guys wherever you need to go in the meantime."

"Really?" Anise inquired. "How do you know that?"

"The two Albiores have a set of transmitters so that we can contact each other. I can't get through on the transmitter, so the repairs must not be done yet," Noelle explained.

"Sorry about dragging you into all this," Luke stated apologetically.

"Seriously, don't worry so much," Noelle chuckled. "I owed Ginji a favour anyway. Besides, I wouldn't be a pilot if I didn't love to fly. Though if you don't mind my asking, why Grand Chokmah? Are you taking him to see a doctor?" the young pilot inquired indicating Guy who was still unconscious.

Natalia grumbled, clearly displeased at being in the world's other capital, but didn't say anything. Luke let out an exasperated sigh.

---

"Is he going to be okay?" Luke quietly inquired, his soft voice almost lost to the sound of water as it dripped from the rock ceiling. He almost jumped when he felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder.

"I don't know very much about curse slots, so I don't know." Tear's voice came from beside him. Luke looked at her worriedly, but his nerves calmed a bit when Tear gave him a gentle smile. As long as she doesn't know…

"He should be fine as long as Sync isn't around," Ion spoke up also coming to take a look at the unconscious blonde. "He's probably just worn out from fighting it."

"So he's a threat to us so long as Sync is around?" Asch inquired.

"Unfortunately, yes," Ion confirmed. "That is, unless the curse slot is removed."

"Is that possible?" Luke's eyes lit up for the first time since they had come across Tear.

"Yes it is," Ion smiled, "however, it requires the use of a rather strong Daathic Fonic arte-"

"Nuh uh. No way Ion!" Anise protested. "You're still recovering from reading the Score! You keep this up and you're going to get seriously sick!"

"But what will happen if Sync shows up again?" Tear pointed out.

"The chance of running into our God-General friend depends entirely on where we're going next," Jade pointed out.

"The Colonel's right, where are we heading next?" Anise inquired.

"We have to put a stop to this war before things get out of hand!" Natalia spoke up.

"So Baticul or Grand Chokmah," Jade courteously provided.

'Do you suppose Emperor Peony would know if there have been any signs of St. Binah falling?' Luke prodded his sibling.

'You know what, he just might,' Asch replied, the gears in his head turning fast at this new idea. Of course! Any problems in the city would have been reported to the capital. It was perfect, they could kill two birds with one stone. But that would involve finding an excuse to hit Grand Chokmah over Baticul. Natalia wasn't going to like this; then again, she wasn't very happy with him to begin with. Oh well. 'Gotta say, I'm impressed.'

'Why?' Luke curiously inquired.

'You remembered Peony was the Emperor of Malkuth,' Asch replied with a smirk.

'Shut up!' Luke protested before opening his mouth and speaking to the group. "I think we should go to Grand Chokmah."

"What?!" Natalia almost shrieked, her high pitched voice sending several of the cavern's small inhabitants scurrying for cover. "Why should we go to Grand Chokmah? We have far more influence and capacity to stop the war from Baticul!"

"But Asch already sent a message to Baticul," Luke protested. Asch was impressed with how serious and calm Luke was while handling the fiery princess. "No word whatsoever has gone to Grand Chokmah." Luke looked over at Jade who nodded in confirmation. "So I think it's a much more logical place to start."

Natalia fumed. Any traces of the tenuous reconciliation that may have occurred between her and Luke clearly vanished with his latest protest.

"I agree with Luke," Asch pitched in, backing his sibling up. With any luck Jade would figure out what they were planning and would help out too.

"What about Guy?" Ion asked, as Tear was checking the blonde for injuries. It was a good thing he was unconscious, and Luke was almost expecting the woman's touch to pierce right through his slumber and send him screaming halfway across Ortion Cavern. But the blonde remained motionless.

"Colonel, how far is Grand Chokmah?" Anise asked.

"On the Albiore, probably about 3 days, maybe more, maybe less."

"Good," Anise nodded as if confirming something for herself. "That should give Ion plenty of time to rest up. What do you think Ion? Could you wait to remove the curse slot until we get to Grand Chokmah?"

"I can, I don't foresee any risks between now and then."

"All right!" Anise replied perkily "Then let's get going!"

"Why I never…" Natalia mumbled in her fury, but followed everyone just the same.

------

"Something like that," Luke smiled nervously.

"Well you guys get going," Noelle said ushering the group out the door. "Take care! Make sure you're all in one piece when you come back this time okay?" She called after them with a wave, watching them walk towards the city until they were out of sight.

Noelle stretched and let out the yawn she had been suppressing all morning. A nap would feel nice, and then she'd be ready to go whenever they got back. She may not have known them long, but this particular group had already demonstrated an alarming tendency to need to leave places in a hurry. Not that she was surprised, they were caught up in something bigger then all of them. All she could do to help out was be ready for when they needed her.

--------

Natalia proceeded down the road, trailing behind the redheads, making absolutely no attempts to hide her displeasure at their destination. She was so mad! They knew she was desperate to get back to Baticul, and that she'd been overly worried for quite some time now. Why were they so bent on avoiding it? If she didn't know better, she'd swear they were doing it to spite her! What would happen if war broke out? Why was Asch so desperately avoiding his responsibilities? But she knew the answer to that question. After all, Grand Chokmah hadn't been his idea, now had it?

Growing bored of sending daggers through the back of Luke's head, Natalia's gaze shifted to the blonde that said redhead and his original were carrying. She certainly hoped that Guy would be alright. Maybe once he woke up she could enlist him to help her knock some sense back into those two.

"Don't worry," a voice caught the princess off guard. "I'm sure he'll be fine."

"My goodness, Tear" Natalia replied bringing her hand to her chest, "I didn't see you there, you startled me."

"I'm sorry," the melodist apologized. "You just looked worried so I thought I'd see how you were doing."

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern. I should be the asking you that. How have you been holding up?"

"Oh, you mean what happened back in the cavern?" Tear asked hesitantly.

"Yes, I must say I've never seen you quite so passionate about anything before. It's a whole new side to you," the princess teased.

"I've calmed down since then," Tear answered with a bit of a chuckle, but it didn't hide the pale pinkish hue that flushed her cheeks. None the less Natalia's innocent jab lightened her mood. "But it still doesn't change my feelings on the subject."

"I think I can sort of understand; I would hate anything that took my family away from me," Natalia agreed. Though she couldn't help but quietly wonder what this new development would mean for her and Luke. After all, her cousin seemed to be rather fond of Tear, and she certainly didn't seem to dislike the attention Luke had been giving her. Not that she really cared much for her future brother-in-law at the moment, but it would be a shame to see Tear so drastically let down.

"So how have you been doing?" Tear inquired. They really hadn't had much of a chance to talk during the trip, at least not just the two of them like this.

"I'm fine, why do you ask?"

"You seems upset about something, and you and Asch haven't spoken at all, at least not while I've been around. Did something happen?"

Natalia smiled at her friend's perceptiveness. "Well I'm concerned about Guy of course," Natalia stated in an attempt to avoid the issue. "He's been out for over three days now."

"He's probably worn out from fighting off the curse slot," Tear explained, not buying Natalia's excuse for a second.

"Last time he was only out for a day."

"Maybe this time he had more of a reason to fight it."

"I suppose," Natalia trailed off.

"Natalia, what's really the matter? If you don't want to talk to me about it, that's fine. After all, we've only known each other for a short time, and have been separated for awhile now, but don't think you're fooling anyone with that excuse of yours."

"You're right," Natalia conceded. "It doesn't have anything to do with you; it's just difficult to talk about. I don't even want to believe it myself."

"Would talking about it help? If so, I'd be willing to listen," Tear offered.

"It's just that… well; you know everything that your brother's been up to, right?"

"Well, he didn't exactly tell me everything, but I do know some of what he's done and that he's planning."

"We just found out ourselves, about a day before we found you," Natalia explained. "That in itself wouldn't be all that bad… but Asch and Luke have known for quite some time now and…"

"And they never told you," Tear finished. Natalia nodded in confirmation. "Do you think maybe it was because they didn't want to get you caught up in everything?"

"That's what Asch said, but… how could he think I'd want to be anywhere but at his side?" Natalia asked. Tear didn't have an answer. "Luke I can understand, ever since he was little, we've never gotten along, but Asch, I would have thought… I would have though at least he would tell me. He was comfortable telling Luke about it, what makes me so untrustworthy? Why doesn't he want my help?"

"Natalia…" Tear trailed off. She understood the problem now. Natalia was jealous of Luke… or perhaps jealous wasn't the right word. She wascompeting. Natalia felt like she was competing with Luke for Asch's attention and that was why she was so easily upset. Tear couldn't help but wonder for how many years this had gone on. It certainly explained why Natalia and Luke never seemed to be on very good terms.

"I don't think it's that," the melodist eventually replied. "Asch just didn't want to see you getting all caught up in this mess where you might end up getting hurt. I'm sure of it. He cares about you."

"If he cared about me, would he be having an affair?" Natalia mumbled.

"What are you talking about?" Tear asked incredulously. She couldn't possibly have said what she thought… Asch wasn't that kind of person.

"Lately…he's been getting all sorts of convenient information." Natalia explained. "He found out that you'd been captured, where you were being held, all kinds of things. He disappears for hours at a time, sometimes late into the night."

"But why would that make you suspect he's having an affair?"

"Whenever we ask, he talks about a 'she'. This mysterious woman who's helping him for no apparent reason, and who keeps sending messages saying she wants to meet with him. Tell me then, what am I supposed to believe?" Natalia was getting close to hysterics by this point. Thankfully they had fallen far enough behind that no one took notice.

"Natalia," Tear placed a hand comfortingly on the girl's shoulders. "I'm sure you're making this out to be much more than it really is. Just because he has an ally that's female, doesn't mean he's cheating on you. Try having a bit more faith in him. Don't you trust him?"

"I do…but-"

"Then why don't you try talking to him? You'll see, you're getting all worked up for nothing."

Silence fell over the girls and they continued to walk, silently enjoying their re-forged friendship through the mutual sharing of their personal dilemmas. At the pace they were travelling, it wasn't long before they could see Grand Chokmah in the distance.

"Now," Tear spoke up, handing Natalia a handkerchief. "Dry those tears, you won't be making a very good impression on Peony looking like that."

Natalia smiled. "Thank you, Tear."

Tear smiled. "What are friends for?"

--------

The floating imperial city of Grand Chokmah was aptly named. There wasn't a single place in the entire city where the sound of running water couldn't be heard. The marble buildings and cobblestone streets almost glowed as the sun shone down over the capitals' residents. The light danced off the water giving the city a magical air that was unparalleled in all of Auldrant.

These days, however, things weren't as calm and peaceful as the city itself seemed to suggest. Soldiers quickly hurried to and fro, and were thankfully far too busy to pay any sort of attention to the newest arrivals, even with one of them clearly unconscious.

"It looks like we've arrived in time," Jade commented taking a quick look around, glad no one was questioning his return from the land of the dead.

"But only just," Asch tossed in.

"I'd say you're likely right in that regard," Jade commented once another squad of soldiers hurried by them and made their way out of town. "I'd better go see about getting an audience with his Majesty."

"Where do you want us?" Asch inquired.

"Well it would probably be best if I go alone at first. I am assumed dead after all, it will be difficult enough to convince them of my identity without a triage of Kimlascan nobility accompanying me."

"Then you go," Asch replied, "we'll deal with Guy and meet you…"

"There's a park in a central area on your way to the castle," Jade provided. "Meet me there in an hour; hopefully it won't take much longer than that. Oh, and do watch out for soldiers. Please don't do anything rash."

"Who do you think you're talking to?" Asch protested.

"Oh I know," Jade shot back. "That's why I'm concerned." But before Asch could come up with a retort, Jade had slipped away.

"So what are we going to do about Guy?" Luke inquired, sitting the blonde up against a nearby railing and stretching his arms.

"Well we'll need somewhere he and Ion can rest afterward," Tear pointed out, "so the inn is probably the best place to go."

"Anise could you help me bring him to the inn?" Ion requested, motioning to place one of Guy's arms over his shoulder. He wobbled on his feet a bit before Tear quickly relieved him of his burden.

"Sure thing, Ion," the Fon Master Guardian replied taking the other arm. It was a really good thing Guy was unconscious.

"I'll help too!" Mieu bounced over and perched on Guy's head. He really wasn't doing anything useful, in fact he was only adding weight to the blonde, but no one had the heart to tell him otherwise.

"What about us?" Luke asked. "I can help."

"So can I," Asch agreed. "We have to wait for the old man anyways."

"No, it would be best if the two of you aren't there," Ion replied solemnly.

"Why not?" Luke protested.

"Because you two are the ones he attacked."

"What difference does that make?" Asch inquired.

"I suppose you would have found out eventually…" Ion let out a sigh. "A curse slot can't actually control someone."

"What do you mean?" Asch's expression grew dark.

"A curse slot stirs up old memories and paralyzes rational thought. It couldn't make Guy try to kill you if he didn't already have a reason to want to do so."

Kill him? Asch froze to the spot, feeling as if someone had dropped the whole of Auldrant into the pit of his stomach. Guy wanted to… to kill him? But how? Why? Asch had always known that Guy disliked him as a kid…but he had actually wanted to kill him? He thought they had settled their differences… that they had both put that pointless hatred behind them. But Guy's actions in Ortion Cavern spoke more of the truth than his words did. Even after everything… Guy still wanted him dead. But Luke…

Luke didn't look like he was faring much better at the news. Luke shouldn't have to be concerned, he was the one Guy hated so avidly. His little brother meant almost everything to Guy, there's no way he could possibly want to kill Luke. Sure maybe the two of them hadn't completely gotten over their issues, but Guy would never hurt Luke… Asch could still trust him that far.

'Don't worry, I'm the one he was after,' Asch said in attempts to ease Luke's concern. 'He doesn't want to kill you.'

'Then why did he come after me at the port in Baticul?' Luke replied meekly, making more of a statement than a question. He was devastated.

Asch's heart sank. Any thread of hope, of dying faith in the blonde that Asch had been trying to cling to snapped in that moment.

"I'm sure he must have some sort of reason," Tear replied noticing the anger and despair that so swiftly consumed the twins. She would have gone to their side if she wasn't holding onto the object of their sudden foul mood.

"I can take him from here," Ion offered.

"That's alright Fon Master," Tear replied shooting one last glance at the siblings who hadn't budged an inch. "I'll help you carry him in, then I'll leave you be. We'll all meet where Jade said in an hour, okay?"

"Alright," Natalia replied.

The response Tear was looking for from Luke and Asch never came.

---------

Luke leaned against the edge of the bridge, watching the water pass by below him. His reflection was his only company, but the solitude was nice. The constant chatter and sound of soldiers running from one place to the next seemed to be drowned out by the moving water. Something he loved about this place, it was so easy to let your thoughts get swept away, just like the water that ran through the city.

Luke took a moment to look around; to his left was the park Jade had mentioned. In it, several people were walking around, enjoying the beautiful weather, chatting of blooming flowers and impending war. To his right on the other side of the bridge sat a string of shops, where eager merchants peddled their goods. Beyond them stood the inn where Guy… Luke returned his gaze to the water. His reflection comforted him, it always had. Maybe because it reminded him of his brother, and the days when he had been little and often mistaken his reflection for his sibling. It was a story his mother never got tired of telling.

"So where's Asch?" Tear appeared behind Luke and leaned on the railing beside him.

"Natalia said she needed to talk to him," Luke replied. Tear couldn't resist a smile. "What?"

"Nothing," Tear gently replied and let out a soft sigh. "I was actually hoping I'd find you alone."

"Were you," Luke replied in a matter of fact tone. He knew he should make an effort for Tear, but everything seemed so pointless. But, in spite of his apathy and generalized depression, Luke felt a sense of nervousness arise at the thought of talking with Tear alone. Was it because he was afraid she might find out the truth? That he was a replica… a subject she deemed worthy of her hatred. No, as long as she didn't know…

"Try not to feel so down about Guy," Tear painfully hit the nail on the head. "I'm sure he has his reasons."

"Everyone keeps saying that, but what possible reasons could there be?" Luke's gaze remained fixed on the water.

"Guy's only human. Maybe you made him mad once, mad enough he wanted to kill you," Tear suggested. "It doesn't mean that he would, or that he actually wants to see you hurt."

Silence fell over them both.

"I have something really important I needed to talk to you about," Tear stated, this time succeeding in drawing the young noble's attention.

"What is it?" Luke asked, seeming more concerned. Taking out his problems on Tear wasn't going to help any. Besides, he really was glad to have her back. He wanted to be happy for her; he wanted to smile for her, if only so she would smile back. He owed her that much.

"It's about Akzeriuth," Tear replied solemnly. Luke nodded for her to continue.

"I thought about it for a long time before I came back to the Outer Lands. I thought about what happened, about everything you said to me, and about why you might have done such a thing…"

Wait. The gears in Luke's head began to turn at Tear's last line. Didn't she know about Akzeriuth? Like, what had really happened in Akzeriuth? It hadn't been brought up, but he thought for sure she must know. But the way she was talking… Luke opened his mouth to make a statement, but before he could utter a sound, Tear continued.

"But I had no idea that Akzeriuth's fall was in the Score; that your own family had sent you to die… I didn't know any of it. And because of that, I yelled at you, I abandoned you for having done something that was inevitable."

"Tear," Luke began when the melodist paused.

"But I still couldn't look past the fact that you killed all those people," she continued. Either she hadn't heard Luke, or she had chosen to ignore him. "What you did to those people was horrible, it was evil, and it was wrong. It was so much easier to hate you at the time, and I did. But then after everything you told me in Yulia City, I didn't know what to think anymore. Those weren't the tears of a murderer."

"Tear," Luke tried again. He had to tell her the truth. "There's something I have to tell-"

"Please," Tear cut the redhead off. "Let me finish this." She paused and Luke nodded for her to continue. "That was when I realized that I had spent so much time judging and scolding you that I had never really gotten to know you. So I decided I had to talk to you, I wanted to see for myself the kind of person you are. Then I would decide what I believe."

"So what did you end up deciding?" Luke asked.

"I haven't yet. I still want to see the real you," Tear replied. "I've decided to put Akzeriuth, put the past behind me for now. I want to learn more about you, and I want to see where you will go and what you will do. We both want to stop my brother, so let's go together."

Luke smiled, but couldn't find the words to reply.

"So what was it you wanted to tell me?" Tear inquired with a gentle smile to match the one on Luke's face.

"You know what," Luke replied. "It doesn't matter."

Let's go together.

"Watch yourself!" A soldier called out but didn't wait for either of the teens to get out of his way. The man crashed into to Tear, staggering a moment before hurrying along without offering a single word of apology.

Luke instinctively caught the melodist as she fell forward. Their eyes met and both of them felt their cheeks flush. Tear scrambled to get back her feet again. A soft clinging noise drew both their attention.

"Oh, Luke!" Tear pointed towards a small golden object that was rolling off to the right side of the bridge. Luke chased after it and caught it just as the small trinket had gotten to the other side. The young noble let out a sigh of relief as he replaced his treasured locket back in his pocket.

"You're going to lose it for good one of these days," Tear commented as she joined Luke on the other side of the bridge. "How come you don't put it around your neck? It wouldn't get lost that way."

"No way!"

"Why not?"

"It'sjewellery. I'm not wearing any jewellery!" Luke protested. The way he was talking, it sounded like he'd sooner listen to Mieu talk for five hours straight than wear anything that could in any way be considered girly.

"Well then why bother carrying it around if you aren't going to wear it?"

"Because it's important," Luke mumbled.

"Oh, give it here," Tear said snatching the locket by the chain that was still hanging out of Luke's pocket.

"Hey!" Luke protested. "What are you doing?" But before Luke could do a thing about it, Tear had strung the golden chain around his neck and fastened the clasp. The locket dangled in front of Luke's chest and caught the sunlight, making it shine in spite of its age.

"There," Tear stated with a grin at Luke who was fumbling with the clasp. "It looks good on you."

"How do you work this stupid thing?" Luke continued to fight with the small golden latch, but to no avail. He hadn't the first clue how to get the darn thing open. "Could you give me a little help here?" Luke asked Tear who was almost in stitches.

"You don't know how to open it?" Tear teased.

"How would I know? I've never worn anything like this before!"

"Then I guess you're stuck wearing it," Tear snickered. Luke grumbled in defeat as he placed the locket under his shirt.

After a moment, Tear noticed Luke's attention suddenly seemed to be drawn to the shops behind her. "Luke, what's the matter?" Instead of answering, Luke brushed past her and jogged over to a nearby store window.

"Hey Tear," Luke looked up with a grin. "Come take a look at this!" Tear slowly walked over, what could possibly have caught his attention from all the way over here?

But as soon as Tear walked over, she saw exactly what it was. Because sitting the shop's window, its sparkling blue sapphire gleaming for the world to see, was her mother's pendant. Tear couldn't believe her eyes; she never thought she'd ever see it again.

"Is that yours?" Luke asked, not that he really needed an answer with the way Tear's face was pressed against the window.

"Yes it is. That's my mother's pendant," Tear confirmed. "But I gave it to that coachman, how did it end up here?"

"He probably sold it. He was heading to the capital," Luke pointed out as he made his way towards the door of the small shop.

"Where are you going?" Tear inquired.

"I promised you, didn't I? That I would get it back for you someday." Luke responded with a smile before slipping in the shop.

"Luke, wait!" Tear called after the redhead but if he heard her, he had chosen to ignore her call. Did he know what he was doing? The pendant was very valuable, and Tear certainly didn't doubt the shop keeper planned to take full advantage of it. There was no way they could afford it!

"What are you thinking?" Tear demanded as soon as Luke came back out of the shop. "There's no way-"

"Here," Luke cut her off handing Tear her precious memento. Tear stared at it, once again finding herself at a complete loss for words.

"Luke… why did you… how did you?"

"I have some of my own money too," Luke stated simply, "other than our travel funds. Since I wasn't swept away from Baticul last time, I made sure to bring my savings along," he teased. "Mother had given me some before I left for Akzeriuth too, so don't worry about it. It's not really like I needed it for anything else."

"Th-Thank you," Tear managed as she held it closer. She would never let go if it again.

"I promised didn't I? Besides, it was my fault you had to give it up, it's the least I could do."

"Having fun you two?" Jade's voice caught both Luke and Tear off guard. Tear let out a frustrated sigh; she had forgotten the Colonel could be like that.

"Sure looks like it," a second familiar voice came from the opposite direction.

"Ah, Asch, Natalia," the Colonel greeted the newest arrivals, "your timing is rather convenient, I was just about to go look for you.

"Welcome back," Luke greeted his sibling. The sombre mood that had hung over Asch earlier seemed to have lifted quite a bit. "So what did you two need to talk about?" Natalia shot him a dirty look. It was the same look she always gave him when he was being nosy. Somehow it was comforting. Natalia was happily attached to Asch's arm, and she hated his guts again. Everything was back to normal.

"You know what," Luke spoke up before Asch had a chance to answer. "Never mind." Asch smiled gratefully.

"Were you looking for us old man?" Asch inquired.

"Not especially," Jade shrugged. "But your presence would be useful in an audience with his Majesty." Asch just rolled his eyes.

"So we're just waiting for Anise, Ion and Guy?" Tear inquired, biting her tongue at the last name. She hadn't been thinking again. Both twins lost a shade of the cheer they seemed to have found over the past hour.

"Well there are still a few minutes before our hour is up," Natalia pointed out. "Why don't we wait over there?" The princess pointed to several benches that sat in the shade of several large oaks who made their home in the park.

"May I join you?" Luke inquired hesitantly, unsure if he would be intruding.

"I don't see a problem," Natalia replied. "We're just waiting after all."

"Thanks," Luke smiled, though Natalia simply looked away. They still had a ways to go, but it was a start.

"Tear," Jade stopped the melodist as she made a move to join the other three. "If I may have a word?"

"What is it Colonel?"

"Oh nothing of importance, I was just curious about your opinions on fomicry that you expressed back in Ortion Cavern."

"What about them?" Tear's face darkened a bit.

"Don't you think such a blind hatred is a bit unfair?" Jade inquired curiously.

"Unfair? Is it really all that unfair? Fomicry destroys lives, it ruins families!" Tear began to get worked up. "If you think it's unfair, find me one person fomicry has ever made happy!"

Jade pondered it for a moment watching the three young nobles happily chatting on the park bench. He turned back to the young Oracle Knight.

"Do you love Luke?"

At the Colonel's sudden question, Tear felt her cheeks flush and she could only imagine how many shades of red she had just turned. "S-Stop trying to embarrass me and change the subject!" Tear protested. "Luke has nothing to do with fomicry, nor does the presence or lack of a relationship between us! You just don't have an answer do you?"

"No," Jade replied, the glimmer never fading from his eyes. "I'm afraid I don't."

"Hi guys!" Anise called as she ran towards them. "Sorry I'm late!"

"It's no big deal," Asch replied. He, his brother and his fiancée rejoined the group upon noticing Anise's arrival. "Where's Ion?"

"He was exhausted from helping Guy," the Fon Master Guardian replied. "The two of them are sleeping at the inn. They said we can go ahead without them. Unless you need him as a mediator, Ion said it was okay to wake him up if we needed his help. I'd like to let him sleep if we can."

"I think it should be fine," Jade replied. "His Majesty has already heard our circumstances and has agreed to speak with us. Ion's intervention shouldn't be necessary at this point."

"Nice to finally hear some good news," Asch remarked.

"Yes, well if you want it to remain good, you'd better not be late. The hearing was scheduled to begin two minutes ago."

"Damn you old man, we're already late!" Asch shot back as he and everyone else hurried off towards the castle.

"My, my, it was just a joke…"

--------

Much like the glorious city in which it dwelled, the palace was overflowing with the sound of water. It was smaller than the castle in Baticul, but seemed much less frivolous, and just as grand. Jade led them up a short staircase and through two large doors that could only lead to one place.

Luke could tell from the moment they stepped into the throne room that Asch and Peony would probably never get along. In fact, he could tell that it was taking everything Asch had not to knock some sense into the man. He had his responsibility to Kimlasca to consider, after all. But honestly what was the emperor, stupid? The way he was checking out Natalia, he might as well have tacked a death wish on his forehead.

Luke watched the emperor's gaze shift from Natalia to Tear. Oh hell no. Luke stepped to the side and placed himself between Peony's wandering eyes and the melodist. Noticing what he had done, Peony laughed outright.

"Welcome guests!" Peony announced heartily as he welcomed them. "I certainly hope my Jade here hasn't been too much trouble to you."

"Not at all, your Majesty," Asch choked out, still suspiciously eyeing the man whose gaze still hadn't left Natalia's general direction.

'You draw in any more Seventh Fonons, and you're going to cause a hyperressonance over there,' Luke teased as Asch's temper was slowly luring in more and more of said particles.

'Shut up,' Asch shot back, but Luke could sense Asch trying to calm himself down. That or he was just shooing the fonons away.

"Nonsense," Peony replied, oblivious to the twin's private conversation. "I know what a pain he is, especially with that fon slot seal. I'll bet he's dragged you all over the place. Stubborn cod never wants to come home these days."

"Then it looks like we already agree on our opinions of the old man," Asch said with a grin. Next to Peony he caught a glimmer in Jade's eye. Let the bastard try it. He had it coming after making them rush all the way here when they weren't even late to begin with. Peony laughed.

"Well Jade? Are you going to do introductions or what?" Peony asked eliciting a defeated sigh from the Colonel.

"Yeah old man, what are you waiting for?" Asch joined in earning what the others could have sworn was an approving grin from Peony. Well what do you know, Luke chuckled. The two of them managed to find some common ground after all: the mutual harassment of Jade.

"Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants," Jade began on the left, "First Platoon, Oracle Knights Intelligence Division. Protecting her from your Majesty's wandering eyes is Luke fon Fabre, son and secondary heir to the Fabre household." Jade smirked as Peony suppressed a chuckle. "Next we have Anise Tatlin, Fon Master Guardian. Here we have Natalia Luzu Kimlasca Lanvaldear, daughter to his Majesty King Ingobert and princess of Kimlasca, and finally we have Asch fon Fabre, son of Duke Fabre and heir to the Kimlascan throne."

"Asch and Natalia," Peony began, "So you are alive and well. Did you escape from Kimlasca?"

"Escape?" Natalia inquired. "What to you mean by that, your Majesty?"

"We've been to Sheridan, but otherwise we haven't returned to our country since the disaster in Akzeriuth," Asch provided, equally confused by Peony's statement.

"Is that so?" Peony thought on it a moment. "That certainly changes things a bit."

"How so?" Natalia asked. Peony nodded to one of the men that stood around the throne. The man removed a letter from his jacket, opened it, and began to read.

"We hereby denounce Malkuth's destruction of Akzeriuth in order to bring about the deaths of Princess Natalia, and the heir to the throne, Asch fon Fabre. In the name of Lorelei and Yulia, we shall initiate immediate sanctions."

"It's a letter from Baticul. Now, for all intents and purposes, that's a declaration of war," Peony explained. "Then several days ago, a man from Daath was here… Mohs, I think his name was. He told us that you two had in fact survived Akzeriuth's fall, but were being hidden in Kimlasca as an excuse to justify war."

"Impossible!" Natalia protested. "Our country would never do such a thing!"

"Natalia," Asch placed his hand on her arm, trying to get her to calm down. "I agree with Natalia though," Asch returned his attention to Peony. "Kimlasca doesn't want war any more than you do. I'm afraid much of this has come because we have yet to return to Baticul. I don't know what Mohs told you, but if they are issuing a proclamation like the one they have, then it's because they truly believe that we were killed. It's a mistake on their part."

"Is it?" One of the other men at Peony's side demanded. "We believe that Kimlasca destroyed Akzeriuth as an excuse to start war!"

"No," Luke jumped in. "We know who's responsible for what happened to Akzeriuth, and we're trying to stop them from doing it again. It's why we haven't gone back to Baticul yet!"

"Ahh, that's right," Peony interjected. "Jade's told me you two are worried about St. Binah?"

"What?" Natalia, Tear and Anise spoke in unison their gaze shifting towards the two boys.

"That's right," Asch confirmed. "We have reason to believe St. Binah may be targeted next."

"By Kimlasca?!" the second advisor took the offensive.

"Calm down, Nordheim," Peony cut in. "If it was really going to be an act of aggression on Kimlasca's part they wouldn't be telling us about it."

"It could be a ploy to make us lower our defences," the first man suggested.

"Now, now Sesemann," Peony argued. "Your dear apprentice Jade deems them trustworthy, and you've heard the story same as me. I don't think this is all smoke and mirrors. We'll keep a closer watch on St. Binah and let you know of anything unusual. So far all the news that's made it this far is of some minor earthquakes around that region."

"Do you think that could have come from operating the passage ring in that area?" Luke asked.

"It's a possibility," Jade replied.

"But we didn't feel an earthquake after the Meggiora Highlands," Anise pointed out.

"True, but we've also spent a lot of time in the air," Asch pointed out.

"Ugh, don't remind me," Anise grumbled.

"It wouldn't be hard for something like that to escape our notice," Jade agreed.

"But I thought the Score said that nothing would happen?" Anise protested. "The Score can't be wrong….can it?"

"The Score?" Peony inquired.

"Please, your Majesty," Asch replied, "we have reason to doubt the validity of the Score that was read. Besides, St. Binah wasn't specifically addressed in the Score when we checked. We would be going strictly on the basis that it wasn't mentioned. I'm not willing to risk that many lives on such a technicality, especially when we don't know the contents of the Seventh Fonstone."

"You have a way with words for someone your age," Peony commented. "I'll have General Frings and his men keep an eye on the city for you. I don't want to see any more of my people meet the fate those of Akzeriuth did either."

That's right, Luke suddenly realized. Akzeriuth was Malkuth territory; all those people that died were his citizens. Under his seemingly carefree demeanour, Peony bore a huge burden. All those lives were partially his responsibility, and it was his job to protect his people. Luke looked over at Asch and couldn't help but wonder if he bore the same burden for Kimlasca.

"Thank you, your Majesty," Luke and Asch simultaneously answered with a bow.

"In exchange, we'll head for Baticul and see what we can do about putting a stop to this war nonsense," Natalia offered. "Mohs must be dealt with."

"Yeah," Asch agreed. "It seems that he has his own reasons for wanting to see a war, there's a pretty good chance that he has Uncle's ear."

"Jade," Peony spoke up. "Go with them and help them out."

"As you wish your Majesty," Jade replied and rejoined the group.

"Let's go get Ion," Anise suggested. "If we're dealing with Mohs, then we're going to need his help."

"I agree," Natalia nodded. "We won't let him take advantage of father."

"Thank you for your help your Majesty," Asch reiterated with a quick bow. "We'll do our best to put a stop this war."

"Thanks guys, I really owe you one," Peony replied. "I don't want to see any war either; but remember, if it comes, I won't hesitate to protect my people." Natalia smiled and nodded. Maybe he wasn't such a terrible ruler after all.

"Then we had best be going," Jade suggested. "Baticul is no short trip, even in the Albiore."

"Good luck you guys!" Peony called after them. As the giant doors to the throne room slammed shut the group heard one last whisper.

"Your Majesty," Sesemann hissed, "it's impolite to address them as 'you guys'." No one could resist a chuckle as they found their way out of the palace. Apparently even emperors needed a scolding every once in awhile.

---------

Ion rolled over in bed and slowly opened his eyes. Guy was still sleeping silently in the bed next to his. He seemed to be doing much better. The weariness still seemed to weigh down on Ion and he felt horribly tired, but at least Guy wouldn't have to worry about the curse slot when he woke up. Ion sighed as his weakness tried to lure him back into slumber, but he simply lay there, trying his best to fight it off. The others would probably be back soon, and if he let Anise see how worn out he was, he would never hear the end of it.

She was always so worried, so overbearing about ensuring his wellbeing. It was probably a good thing; otherwise he would have likely gone past his limits a long time ago without even noticing. He did have a bad habit of not paying attention to his body's needs, namely for rest, so it really was a good thing that at least one person was looking out for his own best interest. He certainly never seemed to. But it wasn't like her constant mothering really bothered him. He kind of… liked it. It was nice to have someone who cared.

Ion had many people who cared now, so many friends, and it made him happy. He may be the Fon Master, but if anything, that had only further isolated him. He'd never really had anyone other than Anise. Now he had everyone, Asch, Luke, Tear, Jade, Natalia, Guy, and he still had Anise of course. He would do anything for them.

Ion rolled over again, though his body begged him to go back to sleep, he had to get up. There would be time to sleep on the Albiore, he would be needed soon. Ion blinked a couple times, the shadow that loomed over him finally piercing through his sleep fogged mind. Who?

But before Ion could make heads or tails of the figure standing next to his bed, darkness overcame him, and in spite of his resolve, he was forcefully returned to a world of slumber.

--------

"A green-haired boy and a blonde, you say?" the Inn keeper asked.

"That's right," Anise replied, "I was here with them earlier. They're our friends; we have to leave earlier than we had planned so we came to pick them up. But we left the key with them, and they're probably both asleep. We just need to borrow the spare key."

"Are you guys friends with that lady too?"

"Lady? What lady?" Asch inquired, an edge of panic in his voice.

"The violet-haired one, with the eye patch," the inn keeper replied. "She went up to visit them not five minutes ago. I gave her the spare."

No sooner had the inn keeper finished; a huge thump seemed to shake the ceiling, followed by the sound of a slamming door.

"You idiot!" Anise yelled at the inn keeper as everyone rushed up the stairs. How could they have been so stupid?! They hadn't expected the idiot to let a God-General just walk right in!

Everyone rushed up the stairs as fast as they could, but by the time they got to the room, both its occupants were already gone.