Author's Note: Today makes it exactly one year since the beginning of Reflections. I just wanted to take this chance to thank everyone who has read, reviewed and supported this fic for the past year. You guys have made it a pleasure to write and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I absolutely adore reading your reviews and thoughts - you always make my day. So thank you!

And a special thanks to my betas Trystle and Ladynadiad for having put up with me for 365 days (okay so I know it's been more than that - but thank you) I wish you all the luck in surviving the next year.

Chapter 40: Princess

The fire before him crackled, sending dim embers into the darkening sky. Luke tossed the last branch onto the weakening flames and clutched his jacket. He regretted changing out of his warmer outfit back in Chesedonia, but all things considered, he probably wouldn't have survived their desert adventure if he hadn't. He did get some comfort in knowing that, since his sibling had done the exact same thing, he was probably just as cold.

Luke was tempted to head back to the Albiore and get something a bit warmer, but he didn't want to leave Tear and Natalia alone when he'd been asked to stay with them. It had been so close to nightfall when they reached the port north-east of Belkend that they decided to camp a couple hours outside the city and make the journey in the morning. Jade was being extra careful to try and stay under the radar. Not surprising given they were heading straight into one of Van's strongholds, which was probably the reason he'd been asked to stay with the two girls. So even though being in Natalia's company was awkward at best, he didn't want to leave; especially with Tear sound asleep just a few feet from the fire's glow.

Poor Tear… she really wasn't doing well. Though Luke seemed to have recovered easily enough thanks to a quick nap on the way here, the melodist didn't seem to be recovering as aptly as he had. It probably didn't help that she had been sick several times on the way back out of the ruins. Ion thought that maybe she had caught some kind of stomach bug, but none of them could see how or when. After all, she hadn't been sick at all before, and no one else was feeling bad. At least she had been able to keep her supper down, but she had fallen asleep right after that. They could only hope she'd be alright.

She had a lot dumped on her all of a sudden. They all had. Between Cantabile's revelations about Van and finding out about the Sephiroth, everyone had a lot on their mind. Just what did Van hope to accomplish by destroying the Score and eliminating the Outer Lands? On their journey through the Qliphoth, Jade had confirmed what they had learnt at the passage ring. Everyone had seen it, blinking lights that were fading in the distance. The Sephiroth were dying, and there wasn't anyone in the world who could escape it. He just wished he knew what to do to save everyone.

"Luke," Natalia spoke up, interrupting the steady crackle of the fire.

"What is it?" Luke replied, poking the fire with a branch. He refused to look her in the eye. Natalia let out a sigh; it was unlike him to hold such a grudge for so long. At the very least he'd pretend everything was normal.

"I…" Natalia hesitated as she eyed the sleeping melodist. Luke noticed this and it caught his interest. What was Natalia trying to say? Tear rolled over in her sleep and the Princess let out another sigh. "There's something I'd like to talk to you about… privately."

"Okay… well go ahead. I'm sure Tear isn't secretly listening," Luke answered.

"No, the others are due back any minute now." Natalia shook her head. "Do you remember the small clearing we saw on the way here?"

"You mean the one just a few minutes back?"

"Yes, would you meet me there later? There's something I really need to talk to you about."

"Sure…" Luke eyed the Princess suspiciously but before he could question her strange request, Asch and Guy returned with more firewood. Not far behind them were Jade, Anise and Ion who returned with water from a nearby spring, and once everyone was back, the chatter quickly erupted around the now blazing fire. Only Natalia remained silent, her gaze lost in the flames. Luke couldn't help but watch her and wonder what was on her mind, and exactly what she could possibly want to speak to him about.

--

At least it wasn't a prison cell. But that was about all Natalia could find to be cheerful about her current predicament. She was being held against her will, in Daath of all places. No doubt some scheme on Mohs behalf, trying to drive Kimlasca to war given the recent disaster in Akzeriuth. But her father wouldn't be so easily lured, and she would hurry back home as soon as she could. Then she'd put that wretched man in his place.

Natalia sat down on the couch and simply stared at the ceiling. It was dreadfully boring in here, and it frustrated her. There was so much she had to do, so many responsibilities that beckoned to her, and yet she was forced to do absolutely nothing, trapped in this room. The creaking of the door caught her attention.

"Dorian General Van Grants!" Natalia stood up when she noticed who the intruder was. "What do you think you are doing? Where were you in Akzeriuth?! You were supposed to be assisting with the evacuation efforts and yet you were nowhere to be found!"

"Calm down Princess," the Commandant replied. "I came here to speak to you about that, among other more pressing issues."

"More pressing issues? Why don't you release me? And release Asch! You have no reason to be holding us here!"

"That, I'm afraid, I can't do anything about. You're being held under Mohs' orders. I don't have the authority to release you."

"Then why are you here?"

"I simply came to talk. I'd like to talk with you about Asch, about Luke, about Kimlasca, and maybe even a little bit about yourself."

"About me? What are you talking about?" Natalia sat back down on the couch and Van sat himself down across from her in a matching chair.

"There are several matters of concern both in regards to Kimlasca and in regards to you, but first you seem to have some concerns regarding recent events, shall we take care of those first?"

"What happened to you in Akzeriuth? We met the men that had accompanied you, but you were nowhere to be found."

"I was in the deeper tunnels searching for survivors."

"Then how did you escape when it fell?"

"That was a matter of pure chance. When I found out what Luke wanted to do, I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't be dissuaded. So instead I returned to the surface to try and get as many people out of there as I could. Unfortunately, the only person I managed to save was Asch. Though I'm grateful for that much, I only wish I could have saved more lives."

"Asch didn't seem very pleased about your actions."

"That is likely because we share different opinions on what transpired in Akzeriuth. Asch refuses to believe that Luke is behind everything, and I don't doubt Luke is encouraging that opinion in his own way."

"Luke's a fool," Natalia stated.

"Now don't be so harsh with him, he's still a child after all. Unfortunately that alone does not excuse him of his actions."

"No, certainly not," Natalia agreed. "But what urgent matters bring you here to discuss this with me?"

"I'm afraid that Kimlasca is in grave danger."

"In danger? What do you mean? What kind of danger?"

"A kind of danger that could cost the entire country and its people their lives."

"How do you know this?"

"It's written in the Score," Van replied.

"Impossible! The Score promises Kimlasca prosperity, not destruction! We would know if there was a problem!"

"Not all portions of the Score are shared Princess, I'm sure you're aware of the Closed Score. And of course there is still the fact that we don't know the entire Score. We don't know anything beyond the Sixth Fonstone, now do we?"

"You mean to say there's something on the Seventh Fonstone? About Kimlasca?"

"Yes, Princess, and it's in danger," Van confirmed.

"But how do you know this?"

"I'm afraid I don't have the time or the luxury of getting into the details of that with you at this time."

"What can we do? What's going to happen?" Natalia was bordering on panic.

"Don't worry about it. I am going to do my best to try and protect Kimlasca. But to do that, I need Asch's help."

"Asch? Well then why don't you just ask him? I'm sure he'll be willing to help you save his country!"

"But he won't. I have tried asking, several times, and he continues to refuse," Van explained.

"That's ridiculous, of course he would help! Asch would do anything to protect Kimlasca!"

"He won't; because there's something that's more important to him than Kimlasca."

"What? What could possibly be more important than protecting his country?"

"I think you already know the answer to that."

"Luke," Natalia easily guessed.

"That's right. I suppose it's no surprise he doesn't want to abandon his little brother, but he simply won't see reason."

"It's not possible. Luke may be important to him, but Asch would never endanger an entire country for the sake of his own brother!"

"I can understand how you don't believe me now," Van replied calmly. "After all, you haven't seen the things that I've seen. But just you watch, watch how things will play out from here on out. You'll start to see it. Asch would sacrifice anything, including your country, for that boy, that… replica."

"But," Natalia spoke up after a moment, "what do you want from me?"

"Right now, nothing. I just wanted you to be aware of this problem we face, perhaps you can think of a way to solve it. You know Asch better than anyone; after all you're both to rule Kimlasca together."

"That's right! We are to rule it together some day. It's our job to protect it! Alright, leave Asch to me then, I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, princess," Van said with a grin. "In exchange let me tell you a secret that's been kept from you. Something about your past that you may not know…"

--

The small clearing was dark, but it was still possible to see given the last remaining traces of sunlight that were drawn across the sky. Natalia waited patiently in the fading light. She hadn't specified a time, nor had she intended to. She would wait as long as she had to… that was, if he would even show up. Luke had seen her get up and leave, he knew she was waiting; now all that remained was to see whether or not he would follow.

The more Natalia thought on it, the more she realized how ridiculous she must have sounded, and just how unlikely it was that Luke would actually come and meet her. Especially given everything that had happened and that she had said today. Just what was she thinking, asking him to come out all of a sudden like that? But she didn't have much choice; there was no saying when, or even if such an opportunity would arise again. Everything was already decided; there would be no turning back now.

"What's the matter, getting cold feet over there?" A taunting voice came from the shadows.

"That has yet to be seen," the second voice replied, much deeper than the last.

"Do you honestly think that little of me?" Natalia protested.

"Are you sure you want an answer to that?" The first voice shot back.

"Come on now, Sync, stop harassing her," the second voice spoke up.

"What's this Largo? You have a soft spot for her?" Sync taunted.

"Hardly, but seeing as she's going out of her way to help us, the least you could do is show her some courtesy."

"Yeah, whatever," Sync dismissed his comrade.

"Though, I'm curious as to your answer to Sync's question," Largo spoke up. "Are you sure of what you're doing?"

"Of course I'm sure! You think I haven't seen the same things Van has? I know full well the trouble that our foolish little interventions have caused, and I know what will become of this world if I allow them to continue. I will not see my country covered in poison, my people living in that hellish place! No matter what the cost… Asch… Asch feels the same way, I know he does."

"I'd expect no less," Largo replied, clearly pleased with her answer. "Your determination is admirable. I knew someone like that once."

"Who was that?" Natalia inquired.

"It doesn't matter, she's dead," Largo answered. "She threw herself into the bay and drowned because she lost everything she had ever worked towards. That devotion of yours is a double edged blade, remember that."

"I highly doubt devotion is that much of a flaw," Natalia argued.

"This world isn't quite as kind as you believe it to be," Largo replied.

"It will be. I'll make it that way."

"It's good to see you're so determined," Sync commented, cutting the debate short. "We'd hate for everyone to find out you aren't really the Princess." Sync grinned in the darkness, there was a certain charm to blackmail that he enjoyed. Though the so-called Princess was making it a lot less fun by cooperating of her own will, it was a nice little guarantee that she wouldn't be backing out. After all, it would be such an easy rumor to spread, such an easy life to shatter.

Silence once again fell over the clearing.

--

Natalia silently stared up at her home. No… she silently stared up at the castle; it may not truly be her home. The young princess swallowed her nervousness and made her way in through one of the servant's entrances around the side. It wouldn't do to draw unnecessary attention, not now. She felt bad coming here after Asch had asked her not to, but she hadn't technically lied to him. She had promised not to go see her father, and she had no intention of attempting to do so. But there was someone else here she simply had to see. She had to know…

Had what Van told her really been the truth? Was it true that she had been ripped from her mother's arms and been given to the queen in consolation after the real princess had died? It just couldn't be… her entire life couldn't be lie. She was more than some mere replacement! She just had to be.

"Princess Natalia!"

"Shush, Nanny," Natalia silenced the woman who now had her locked in a firm embrace. "I'm not supposed to be here."

"But you're alive! I… Everyone… we all thought you'd died! I'm so happy; your father has been in despair since we received the news about Akzeriuth, he'll be ecstatic to see you're well!"

"I'm so sorry to worry you. I can't go see father right now, but I'll be returning with Asch and the others later. I'm only here now because there's something I need to ask you."

"Of course, I'll be happy to help you in any way I can, Princess."

"You've known me since I was little, correct?" Natalia asked once she'd detached herself from her nanny.

"Ever since you were a little baby."

"I heard something during my travels, I was wondering if you knew anything of it," Natalia hesitantly continued.

"My goodness child, what's the matter? What did you hear?"

"Is it true… that- that I'm not really the princess?"

"Who told you that?!" The nanny stepped back in surprise, her reaction betraying the answer.

"It's true… isn't it?"

"Princess-"

"Don't call me that," Natalia cut her off. "Do you know anything of my true parents?"

"Your father would be heartbroken if he heard you say that," the nanny replied.

"Does he know?"

"No, or at least, not to my knowledge. You were given to Her Majesty when her daughter was stillborn. It is a secret few of us know. As for your birth parents, all I know is that your mother, my daughter Sylvia, died many years ago. I don't know what became of your birth father."

"Thank you," Natalia replied and turned to leave.

"Wait, Princess. Will you not see your father? Even for a moment? He would be overjoyed to see you, I know he would."

"No, I can't… I have things I must think about. Thank you… nanny."

--

"You won't have to resort to such means," Natalia finally answered. "I know what I have to do."

Natalia could sense the two God-Generals shuffling impatiently somewhere in the shadows; intuition if you will. She certainly didn't hear a sound, or see anything that could give away their exact position. Just how did a man of Largo the Black Lion's… stature conceal himself so well? It was certainly a testament to their skills. Now if only Luke would come before she had to find some other means of luring him away from the others.

"Hey Natalia."

"Luke!"

"Why do you sound so surprised? You were the one who asked me to come out here."

"Yes, I suppose. I just didn't think you would actually come. You came alone too," Natalia said, somewhat shocked that he had heeded her request so easily. She had honestly expected to see Asch or even Guy in tow, and had planned for just such a thing.

"You're the one that wanted to talk, so just get on with it. The less time we're out here alone, the better."

"Luke…I…" Natalia hesitated for a moment. What was she thinking? It was far too late to back out on her decision now. She had decided; known without a doubt that this is what she wanted. This was for her and Asch… for Kimlasca, for their people! Surely even Luke would understand that. So why? Why were her hands trembling so badly?

"Did you want to talk about something?" Luke eyed her impatiently. "Cause if not, I'm going back."

The next thing Luke knew, he was on the ground, a frantic, yet surprisingly strong princess pinning him down. He struggled but her hold was firm. When he tried to get out from under her, she grabbed onto his hair, pulling him back.

"Na-Natalia... Why-?" He managed to choke out before his mouth was smothered by a wet handkerchief.

"Don't you understand?" She sobbed, her eyes gleaming with tears. "If you would just go- if you would just leave- Asch wouldn't hesitate anymore! He'd come with me and together we could save Kimlasca!" Her tears flowed freely now. She could feel him weakening beneath her as the tonic slowly drained his strength. She released her hold ever so gently; she didn't want to suffocate him. She realized now, she didn't even want to hurt him… but he just wouldn't listen! She had tried. Time and time again. There was no longer any other options open to her. She had to do this! "Van isn't as bad as you say he is, he just wants to help. It was our interfering that let things get this bad. He just wants to help protect Kimlasca! If it wasn't for you," she finally managed, "Asch and I... we could help him save Kimlasca! We could protect our country together!"

"Natalia..." Luke's last whispers were lost to the breeze as the drug sapped the last of his strength. Natalia couldn't look into his eyes as they closed… couldn't bring herself to watch as he was taken into a world of dreams, dreams laced in sorrow.

"Not bad for a princess," Largo stated as he and Sync moved out into the clearing.

"Impressive," Sync agreed. "How long will he be out?"

"Several hours, at least," Natalia provided as she did her best to compose herself. Her knees still refused to support her weight and she remained on the ground with a pit the size of Baticul in her stomach. "Be careful!"

"Relax," Sync said, his tone of voice bordering on mocking. What was she worried about all of a sudden? Largo had just picked him up. How else did she expect them to move him? "We won't do any more damage then you just did."

Natalia lowered her outstretched hand, and returned to staring at the ground. Why couldn't she shake this feeling? Everything would be just fine. He had promised it would be…

--

"Bring him home?" Natalia inquired. She glanced over her shoulder; none of the others were anywhere to be found on the streets of Sheridan, which was fine. The last thing she needed was for Luke to show up. She just had to get away from them for awhile, she certainly hadn't expected to run into Van, but in the end it was just as well. Natalia had had enough of her cousin and his childish flailing, and she was more than ready to do something about it.

"Yes," Van replied. "I figured that would be the most appropriate course of action. In that way, Luke will no longer be around to influence Asch, and at the same time will be away from any possible danger."

"But this is Luke; you don't honestly believe he'll simply remain in Baticul?"

"That's why I'll dispatch a few of my men to keep an eye on him and make sure he stays there."

"You think he won't notice? He'll just find a way around them," Natalia argued. While she liked the idea of sending Luke home, she just couldn't see how it would work.

"Come now, Princess, you don't think that Oracle Knights are the only people we employ in our services, do you?"

Natalia was somewhat taken aback by Van's statement. What was he implying with that? Regardless… if it was possible then perhaps there was still hope.

"Rest assured," Van continued. "He will stay where he is told. Besides, I'm sure Lady Susanne won't oppose having Luke somewhere safe and sound, now will she?"

"No, she'd be relieved to know he's safe," Natalia agreed. "But how do you plan on getting him there in the first place?"

"That, Princess, is where I will need your help."

--

A sound off in the distance brought Natalia back to reality. Both God-Generals were on full alert, and Natalia also turned to look over her shoulder in the direction the voice had come from.

"That's the direction of our camp," Natalia provided. "They're probably just getting loud."

"No," Sync argued. "Someone's coming in this direction."

"Shall we think of taking our leave?" Largo asked.

"I think that would be a wise decision," Natalia agreed. "We don't want anyone stumbling upon us now."

"Nothing we couldn't handle," Sync replied.

"No, none of the others are to be hurt," Natalia argued.

"Awfully loyal to the people you just betrayed," Sync commented, turning in the direction of the camp. Whoever it was was getting closer.

"I did not betray them! I'm doing this for them, so that we can finally start moving down the right path to save this world! That's what everyone-"

Whatever Natalia had intended to say, no one would ever know; because it was in that moment Natalia heard something that made her heart stop.

The voice had finally come close enough for them to hear what it was saying.

"Asch!"

"Asch!!"

Luke called into the darkness again. He could feel the presence of his counterpart somewhere nearby, but he couldn't quite place it. He should have known Asch only wanted to switch because Luke's coat was warmer. He was probably off messing around with Natalia, but whatever they were doing, they could do it with out his coat; he was cold dammit.

He still couldn't shake the sense of danger that seemed to have clung to him. Asch's persistent absence had eventually worried him enough to come looking. Asch was more than able to take care of himself, but with Master Van out there doing Score knows what, it didn't hurt to be a little more careful.

Natalia frantically eyed her hostage, still sound asleep over Largo's shoulder. No! This was all wrong! It was Luke! It was supposed to be Luke! It couldn't be Asch... It just couldn't be! But even as she denied it, she could do nothing but stare at crimson of the hairs still laced between her trembling fingers. It just couldn't….

"Well," Sync chuckled with an evil grin. "It looks like this worked out to our advantage."

"No!" Natalia scrambled to her feet but was easily kept at bay by the green-haired God-General.

"Largo, go," Sync ordered. "Take the Sacred Flame with you. I'll deal with the rest."

"What's going on here?" Luke burst into the clearing. He had heard scuffling, and followed the sound, but couldn't quite believe what he had found. What were the God-Generals doing all the way out here?! And Natalia? What were they trying to do?! Where was…

"Asch!" The redhead spotted his sibling. What had those bastards done to him?! Luke drew his sword and in a heartbeat was charging the Black Lion. He didn't care if didn't stand a chance in hell. They weren't going to take Asch! Not while he was still breathing!

"Not so fast!" Sync caught Luke in the chest and pinned him up against a tree. Luke could feel the edges of the bark as the dug into his back, the blood as it slowly trickled along the path down which gravity beckoned it. The small God-General had an amazingly powerful grip that only grew tighter, and he further ground Luke into the tree.

"No!" Natalia ran toward her fiancée. "Give him back to me!! Give him back!" Natalia sobbed as she struggled against Largo. Having had enough, and with other matters to take care of, Largo's powerful arm caught Natalia in the stomach and she was sent sprawling across the ground.

"It seems as if your so-called devotion has gone astray," the towering God-General looked down on Natalia who was gasping for air. "Nothing in this world is without flaw."

"Come back here!" Natalia could barely get out a whisper, and the attempt brought on a fit of coughing. But she didn't stop, Natalia called out again and again as she struggled for air. But it did nothing. It did nothing to make Largo stop, nor did it do anything to return Asch to her. Her efforts were completely futile, and the one thing she cared about most, had just disappeared into the shadows.

"L-Let go," Luke managed to choke out. "A- A- Asch!" Sync added to the pressure. Luke could barely breathe properly; he heard his sword as it fell from his grip.

"You know, it's a shame I have orders to kill you, you make for such a pathetic show; it's almost entertaining," Sync taunted.

"Wh-What?" Natalia struggled to get up, still dependant on a nearby tree to remain standing.

"Even on your dying breaths you grovel for your original. Do you have any idea how pathetic you are?" Sync's hands moved up to Luke's neck. Luke frantically grabbed at Sync's wrists but couldn't make them budge; the lack of air was weakening him. He couldn't… "Maybe it is for the best that you die here, before you spend the rest of your life kissing up to some sorry excuse of a-"

"Liars!" Natalia charged at Sync. The God-General let go of his captive but was easily able to avoid the livid young princess' blows. Luke sank to the ground. "You said you'd take him home! That you would watch over him!!"

"You didn't honestly believe all that crap did you?" Sync taunted. "You're just as pathetic as the replica over there." Behind them, Luke suddenly starting hacking and gasping for air. "Damn," Sync cursed. "Looks like I didn't quite finish the job."

"How- How dare you!" Natalia continued her frantic assault. Luke grabbed his sword from the ground but only made it a couple steps before falling to his knees. Damn it! If everything would just stop spinning! Now wasn't the time to be feeling weak! He had to save Natalia, and get Asch back! Before they got too far…

"Honestly," Sync shook his head as he knocked Natalia to the ground again. "Come on now, why the struggle Princess? Especially after going through so much trouble to hand him over to us."

Luke froze. What… What did he mean?

"Guys! Are you alright over there?" Another voice in the distance; drawn by the noise no doubt.

"Damn, looks like we're out of time for today," Sync cursed. He wasn't stupid enough to take on the lot of them single-handedly. They had the Sacred Flame; that was good enough for now. There would be plenty of time to arrange the replica's death later. "Have fun saving the world," Sync added before taking of in the same direction Largo had gone. Luke took another couple steps before sinking to the ground. It was impossible; there was no one that could catch up to Sync on foot… and now Asch was… Asch was…

"Asch! Natalia!" Anise called out, being the first to spot their missing comrades.

"Asch? What the- Are you guys alright?" Guy hurried to the redhead's side, more than surprised when he actually accepted the blonde's help.

"Natalia," Tear helped the young princess sit up. "Are you alright? What happened?" The melodist watched the princess in confusion as she collapsed sobbing into her arms.

"What's going on here?" Anise asked, completely dumbfounded.

"Natalia," Luke's voice came out stone cold, "what did Sync mean?"

"Sync? The God-Generals were here? Where's Luke?!" Guy asked frantically as he helped the redhead to his feet. "You're bleeding! What's going on?"

"Luke, what happened?" Jade demanded in the sternest tone any of them had ever heard him use.

"Luke? Whoa, wait, you two switched again?" Anise was taken aback. "Wait… if you're Luke then where's Asch? Wasn't he was with you guys?"

"Natalia," Luke repeated, ignoring the demands of the others.

"Luke… I'm…" Natalia managed between sobs.

"What did he mean?" Luke enunciated every word, punctuating every syllable with his fury.

"I just… I…"

"Natalia!" Luke exploded. Natalia's sobbing begun anew. "How could you be so stupid?! I've never-"

"Luke, stop it!" Tear cut him off before he could attack Natalia any further. "It's not Natalia's fault, there's no way she could have taken on a God-"

"Shut up, Tear!" Luke in turn cut the melodist off and glared at Natalia. She was not getting out of this one. She was going to answer him if it was the last thing she did.

"Luke… I.. I'm sorry!" Tears streamed down the Princess' face. Her eyes were red and her voice was broken. She was just barely holding herself together. "I… I thought-"

"You thought it was me."

And that was the last thing Luke said before spinning around and storming off into the night.