Chapter 45: Loyal Friend
Duke Fabre took a swift glance in the mirror before he slipped out the door and made his way down the hall. He had no time to lose, that much was certain. Curse the snake-tongued man that called himself a Grand Maestro. The time of the audience had been changed at the last minute, no doubt in attempts to exclude the noble from those present… Duke Fabre should have expected as much. With no one else there willing to argue against him, Mohs must think he'd have an easy time getting His Majesty to conform to his twisted ideals. But if Mohs thought that Duke Fabre would just stand idly by, he was in for a rather rude awakening.
From Mohs, such dirty tricks were to be expected. The filthy man was nothing but trouble, and he for one wasn't going to buy it for a second. The man was not to be trusted. What baffled him was how readily Ingobert seemed to be going to war. Surely with half the world sitting in the Qliphoth there was reason enough to take a moment to sort things out. The majority of their forces had been caught in the collapse, and Score knows if they were safe or not. Further hostilities should hardly be a priority.
Unfortunately, that alone didn't seem to be enough to detour His Majesty, and if Mohs had his way, there would be more blood shed by nightfall. The Duke let out a frustrated sigh as he stepped out into the blinding sunshine. One thing was for certain, if Asch or Natalia were here, none of this would be happening. Another black mark against the holy man who held Ingobert's ear; Mohs was the one that chased his sons out of the city and dragged this nonsense out far beyond what it should have been.
His temples were throbbing and it wasn't even midday. A quick nod to the castle guard who opened the door for him and Duke Fabre hurried up the stairs to the throne room. Headache or not, Mohs or not, he wouldn't let this war happen. He'd already failed to stop it once, and look at the lives that were lost. There would be no such mistakes this time, and if he had to wring Mohs neck himself, he would do it. War wasn't an option; there would not be anymore pointless deaths, least of all for someone as conniving as the Grand Maestro.
This country was to be under Asch's protection someday, and until he returned, Asch had asked his father to take care of it. For his son who would one day claim the throne, the princess he was to marry, and even for his youngest child who still wished for a bright future; he wouldn't not fail again.
Not this time.
--
Natalia sat alone on the Albiore, the handkerchief in her hands wrung tight as she continued to fidget. Never once did she think she would find silence to be so bothersome, but it was grating on her nerves. As if returning to Baticul, being forced to face the man who believed he was her father and not having Asch by her side wasn't enough, the lack of the usual activity that came with travelling among her friends was just unbearable!
The Albiore seemed so empty. Anise was gone, Ion went to Daath and Jade remained in Sheridan; suddenly there seemed so few of them. With Asch and Tear in their respective cabins, and Guy up front with Ginji, only Luke was left seated across from her. Conversation with him was out of the question; even she had enough sense to know he wouldn't want to speak with her. So she sat there in silence, with nothing but her fears to haunt her, knowing that Baticul was a scant few hours away and there was no avoiding it.
It was ironic, she had done so much out of spite because she had wanted to return to Baticul, and now that she was finally going, she'd give anything to be elsewhere. Perhaps she should have volunteered herself as the Fon Master's body guard in Daath. But that wouldn't do, she knew she had to be here. No amount of excuses or diversions could stall her return home forever. Even if Asch put a stop to things now, someday she would have to return to the castle she had called home, and she would have to look her fear straight in the eye.
"What has you so worked up?" Luke's voice nearly stopped Natalia's heart. She eyed her cousin as if she'd just woken from a strange dream. How did he know she was upset? Only then did she notice the wound handkerchief that she held tightly within her clasp. Goodness, if she twisted it any tighter, she'd probably rip it clean in two. No wonder he picked up on her jitters.
"N-Nothing, it's nothing," Natalia managed, her voice somewhat meek in front of the one she'd hurt.
"Are you sure? You don't seem very happy, isn't Baticul where you wanted to go all this time?"
"Well yes, it's just… well things are a great deal more complicated now." Natalia brushed her hand over the wrinkled handkerchief in her lap, the repetitive motion keeping her emotions at bay. Had it been just a few days ago, had she known that she had Asch's support, then she might have been able to do this. But now…there was no one, no one behind her to help her along when things grew difficult, and she just couldn't. Not all by herself.
"Things are always complicated," Luke shrugged. "It's not like you have a choice, you're the Princess. Everyone looks to you, so you have to be the one to set the example."
"They look to you as well; you have more respect than you give yourself credit for."
"Me? Not really," Luke said nonchalantly. "I wasn't the one who built the hospital, or undertook any of those other projects of yours; I just threw in my two cents worth when you forced me to. You're the one they really respect, because you did all those things. That's why you don't have a choice; you owe it to them because they respect you."
Whatever retort Natalia was formulating fell off her tongue at Luke's last statement and the Princess found herself without anything to say. He was absolutely right. Perhaps she wasn't the only one who could truly stop the war her father was waging. Even if Asch could do it alone, she had a responsibility to be there. It was her duty to her country and her people, to all the wives whose husbands would never return, and to the mothers who had lost their children in such a senseless battle.
That didn't make it any easier, but as Luke said, she didn't have a choice. It was her responsibility to her country, to her people and to all those who believed in her. Not just because she was their Princess, but because of all the experiences she'd shared with them over the years. Asch or not, Princess or not, she still had that duty to them, and she would have to face her fears. Natalia would face her father, not as a child of the Lanvaldear family, but as the 18 year old girl who grew up at the castle, and who loved Kimlasca with all her heart.
"Luke?"
"Hm? What is it?"
"Thank you."
"What for?"
Natalia smiled, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.
For just being you.
--
"This war is nonsense!" Duke Fabre's commanding voice echoed in the vastness of the throne room. Across from him stood the Grand Maestro, still with a conniving, spiteful gleam in his eye. Around them several other court members stood silently and at their head, alone on the center throne, was King Ingobert. The months that had passed since Akzeriuth hung off him like years, as he sat slumped over. No manner of battle or debate before him could return the life that once shone in his eyes, and he looked ever weary. This was quickly taking its toll, but a decision had to be made, and there was no room for error. "Your Majesty, there is no justification for such hostilities."
"The Princess and the heir are dead! Is that not justification enough?" Mohs quickly slid into the conversation.
"They are not! We received word that they were fine shortly after Akzeriuth had fallen!"
"Lies!" Mohs cut off the Duke only adding fuel to his borderline fury. "A ploy by Malkuth to make Kimlasca lower their defences before an attack!"
"I saw them with my own eyes! Your Majesty would have as well had this man not attempted to arrest them and driven them from the city!"
"They were impostors! They brought with them a Malkuth spy. Tell me, Your Majesty," Mohs snake like voice slithered its way up to the throne. "Would your true daughter bring an enemy spy right into the castle?"
"Don't insult me!" Duke Fabre's booming voice overtook the Grand Maestro. If looks alone could kill, the man would have dropped where he stood. "You think I don't know my own son?!"
"It wouldn't be the first time, I hear."
"Don't you dare think you can speak of that you sorry excuse of a con man! Speak of my son like that again and so help me Lorelei I'll-"
"Enough!" One of the court advisors put himself between the two men, giving a stern disapproving look to both of them. "His Majesty is exhausted, we will deal with your debate at a later time. There will be no more audiences until further notice." An evil grin curled up from the Grand Maestro's lips and Duke Fabre shot him a deadly look. Delaying the issue was the same as a victory for him. Planned on his part, no doubt; for as long as they delayed, the war would continue.
"Will His Majesty see one more guest?" A voice filled the now silent throne room and turned every head in the grand hall towards the door. It just couldn't be… Mohs cursed under his breath. Impossible! What did that Anise think she was doing?
"Is that…" Ingobert sat up in his chair, his face gaining a life it had been lacking for months now.
"Your Majesty," Asch gave a small bow, and was followed in by Natalia, Luke, Guy and Tear. "I apologize for the delay, but we've returned."
"Natalia!" Ingobert would have flown from his throne had he not still been in the middle of an official audience. "Is it really you? How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Natalia replied, also with a small bow. "We have many urgent matters to discuss with you regarding world affairs." The young girl did her utmost not to look the man before them in the eye. The thought of shattering the hope their return had brought him alone made her want to run, but she wouldn't back down now.
"I imagine you do," the rejuvenated King answered. "Can it wait until we've had a chance to catch up a bit?"
"I'm sorry," Natalia bowed her head, "but it would be in the best interest of everyone if we tend to them now. Delaying hasn't gone well for us in the past."
"I understand, thank you for sharing your concern," Ingobert sat himself up properly, and with a nod all the advisors took their respectful places again. "Of what matters do you wish to discuss today?"
"We wish to discuss the war you have waged against Malkuth and it's emperor over our supposed deaths."
"Yes, that has arisen from an unfortunate misunderstanding," Ingobert agreed.
"There is no reason for such hostilities," Natalia continued. "If at all possible, I'd like to propose a peace treaty with the Malkuth Empire to prevent any such instances from ever occurring again. A great many lives were needlessly sacrificed and-"
"Don't listen to her," Mohs cut the young Princess off. "Don't believe a thing this woman says! She's not even the real princess!"
"How dare you!" Guy spoke up in outrage. "You can't just go around saying that kind of stuff without any kind of proof!"
"Ah but I do have proof," Mohs said, an evil gleam in his eye. "Your Majesty, I've a wet nurse who will prove that my story is true. This woman is not your daughter, the real princess died at birth! This one is nothing but a fraud, a fake princess. Why if you'd like, I can have her show you the remains of your real-"
"I've had just about enough of your babbling!" Ingobert cut the Grand Maestro off. "Get out of my court room, and don't you dare return!"
"But your Majesty-"
"Do you honestly think I will sit idly by as you insinuate such lies about my daughter? Get out! If I ever see you in here again you will be spending a good deal of time in the dungeon!"
"You would take such bold action against Daath?" Mohs' sly grin returned. "You juggle with the fate of your country."
"Though I can't officially speak on his behalf," Asch spoke up. "I can assure you the Fon Master will have no problems with Your Majesty's actions."
"Why you insolent little-"
"Do I have to have you removed or not?!" Ingobert's booming voice made the Grand Maestro shrink down like a disobedient child before their parents.
"No, but rest assured, you will regret your actions." Mohs replied before backing out of the throne room.
"Natalia? Natalia, child, are you all right?" Official audience or not, Ingobert wasn't going to sit there as his daughter cried. Getting up off the throne, he walked up to her and held her in his arms. "What's the matter?"
"It's… It's true," Natalia managed through her sobbing.
"What's true?" the king asked gently taking Natalia's hand.
"I- I'm not really your daughter," she answered, doing her utmost to maintain some form of composure. "I asked nanny, even she admitted it. I was taken to replace your daughter when she died at birth! I'm not really the princess."
Silence fell over the court room. Guy and Tear found themselves taken aback by Natalia's confession. Tear in particular was stunned, stunned… and somewhat upset. Why hadn't Natalia ever said anything about the matter? It was obviously something that bothered her, wasn't that what friends were for? Tear gently fingered her mother's pendant that sat around her neck. She supposed she couldn't really hold it against Natalia, she had a great deal of issues she hadn't shared either.
Luke watched Natalia, and couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for her. In spite of everything she'd done to him and Asch, she'd really had it come back at her in spades. Her entire life had been a lie, and she believed that she was alone. But whether she knew it or not, she still had Asch's support. No matter how much he tried to hide it behind indifference and malcontent, Luke could see the worry in Asch's eyes. He wasn't ready to forgive her, but it didn't mean he didn't give a damn. If worse came to worse, he'd defend her, even if he didn't realize that himself.
But something seemed odd. How did Natalia come by this particular piece of information? She couldn't have known before they left for Akzeriuth, her attitude alone told him that much. But she said she had asked her nanny about it, meaning she knew by the time they were last in Baticul. Where could she possibly have heard such a story during their travels? Especially when the king himself didn't know.
Did she meet one of her real parents? Asch's train of thought followed the same tracks his sibling's did. There wasn't any logical way for Natalia to have accidentally stumbled across that information but still…her birth parents? That just didn't work; they would have known if that were the case. According to Luke, all her mysterious absences had been accounted for when she met with Van. Wait… could Van have been the one to tell her? That seemed like something the bastard would do, and he wouldn't even put it past the man to have used it as leverage.
"I never wanted to hurt Luke, or hurt you! I didn't even want to go through with it, I hesitated… but I- I-"
But if that was the case, how did Van know? Perhaps he was the one that knew one of her birth parents. Something told him that a story like this was along the same lines as Luke being a replica: it was a preciously guarded secret. So the only person who would know outside the ring of secrecy would be her real parents. Who knew what the story behind that was. He didn't like the implications though, Natalia's birth family being tied to Van somehow? That wasn't going to make this any easier, for Natalia in particular. Unlike the rest of them, she didn't really have any reason to be part of the fight, especially if she didn't have a country to fight for.
"That's an unfortunate piece of information," Ingobert finally broke the silence. "To think that all these years such a secret was kept from even me."
"What will Your Majesty do about this situation?" Guy asked defensively.
The king looked at Guy with a gentle smile. "You needn't be so concerned. I don't see any reason to do anything about it."
"What?" Natalia looked up, her sobs stopping dead in their tracks.
"But Your Majesty-" One of the advisors stepped forward.
"Natalia," Ingobert looked her in the eye and cut off any protests. "Royal blood or not, you are this country's princess and you are still my daughter. Eighteen years of working to build this country does not mean nothing, eighteen years of memories are not lies; regardless of whether you are a 'real' princess or not. Right, Luke?"
Luke smiled, "That's right."
"Nor do I see any reason for this to impede peace efforts with Malkuth," the king continued, returning to his seat on the throne. "You were right in your statement before, such senseless bloodshed should be prevented in the future. Natalia, will you help bring this about, for the country and the people who will one day look to you?"
Tears streamed uncontrollably down Natalia's cheeks. "I will, Father."
"Then we shall end things here for today," Ingobert announced. "Asch, Luke, I'm sure Suzanne is eager to see you both, you should return home."
"If that's all you need us for Uncle, then we will," Luke answered.
"Thank you Luke, that is all. Everyone is dismissed for the day, my daughter and I have much to discuss. Will you be staying for awhile this time?"
"We have a few days, but we will have to be off relatively soon," Asch explained.
"That's fine, I'll be sure to have everything you need by that time."
"Thank you your Majesty," the eldest redhead said with a bow before making his way from the throne room.
"You should hurry home," Duke Fabre said in passing to Luke. "You know your mother; she's very concerned about you."
Luke nodded eagerly and followed him from the throne room, followed by the court's advisors.
"Well Tear, think you'll be okay staying at the manor?" Guy asked. "I'm sure Natalia and his Majesty can arrange a room at the castle if you'd prefer."
"No, I'll be fine. The two of them have enough to worry about," the melodist answered with a nod towards Natalia and her father. "I don't mind staying at the manor, if you'll have me."
"You've got to be kidding," Guy laughed. "Of course we'll have you, even with all the servants, it's not like they're short on rooms."
"No, I suppose not," Tear said weakly. She put on a smile to appease the blond and followed him out of the castle. The truth of the matter was, she didn't know if she was alright with it or not …but she wanted to be. She wanted to be like King Ingobert, who so easily put aside such problems for the person he loved.
Tear's face flushed. But it wasn't the same situation; she didn't love Luke... at least not in a romantic kind of way… did she? No that was just ridiculous. He was a friend, a very treasured friend. But he was also a replica, a product of the very thing that had led her life astray. And yet, as she clutched her pendant, she just couldn't bring herself to hate it. Don't be mistaken, she still loathed what had been done to her family. Her stomach turned itself into knots at the thought of dealing with her brother for good, and she wasn't alright with that. But she wanted to be.
She would have to be.
--
The weather was lovely, spring was starting to show its head, and the air wasn't nearly as cool as during their previous visit. Leaves were blooming on the trees and the midday sun warmed the cobblestone beneath their feet. Servants hastened to and fro, using the courtyard as a short cut now that it wasn't so frigid, and they had reason to hasten, Lady Suzanne had them all busy.
Just as everyone had expected, the Lady of the Fabre house was overjoyed to see her sons, and even though she was still recovering from a week's worth of bed rest, she was easily the most energetic of the lot. So much so that she had the entire house aflutter. Tear couldn't help but smile at her antics. It must be nice to have such a loving, doting mother. A small pang of jealousy struck the melodist, but it was swept away as Suzanne happily embraced Tear, thanking her for keeping the boys safe.
Envy was quickly replaced by a warm and comforting feeling, and Tear returned the hug. It was brief, but it was as if she too was a part of the family. She wanted to be, more than anything she would have loved to believe it to be true. No parents murdered by fomicry, no brother trying to destroy the world… just one family, who loved her unconditionally, and that she could love in return.
Suzanne attempted to approach Guy as well before quickly realizing it wasn't a good idea. Admittedly the small show the blond servant put on when his retreat sent him crashing into one of the maids was entertaining to say the least. The shared mirth only added to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere and despite her previous reservations, Tear found she felt more at home here than she ever had in Yulia City.
A smile graced Tear's face and several layers of worry fell off Luke's shoulders. He was so scared that this would be awkward, but he should have known Tear would have more tact than that. She always did, ever since he'd known her. It was only recently that he began noticing how skilfully she hid her emotions. Looking at her, you'd never think anything was wrong, that anything was bothering her. How many years of practice had she gotten to be able to do it so well? Luke still remembered when they first met; he had thought her to be cold and uncaring, a typical soldier with no regard for life. He couldn't have been more wrong.
Under everything she was a kind person, warm and gentle, who cared for all her friends. It began to shine through the more they had gotten to know each other, and the more he saw of her, the more she became a treasured companion, the more he found he cared for her. Now all that was gone.
But what could he do? He couldn't make out what she was thinking, how she was feeling, nothing. Not that he was very good at those things to begin with, but the way she kept up her formal politeness and avoided his presence left him with a sinking feeling. He wanted to apologize, but for what? He hadn't done anything, the problem was solely with who, or rather what, he was… and that wasn't something he could change.
The fact that she'd returned to being that cold shell she was in the beginning was only proof of how much he'd hurt her.
Luke sighed and looked around, desperate for something else to think about before Mother asked him what the matter was. As wonderful as their mother could be, if she got it in her head that something was bothering either of them, they'd never hear the end of it. Across from him, Ginji and Asch were engrossed in a conversation with Mother to which Tear was intently listening. Guy had gone off somewhere with their father, presumably to give a report, and Mieu was energetically hopping from Tear's lap to his mother's then back again.
"Um ma'am," one of the younger maids carefully approached the Lady of the house. "I hope I'm not interrupting." The conversation silenced, and the maid nervously fidgeted with her apron as she suddenly became the center of attention.
"What is it?" Suzanne asked with a gentle smile.
"I- I realize this may not be the best time, but p-perhaps you could get Master Asch to come assist us with…umm… that issue," the girl stuttered. "It's causing trouble for the stable boys again."
"What issue?" Asch inquired worriedly.
"Don't worry, its nothing serious, just a bit troublesome," their mother replied. "Perhaps it would be best to go see for ourselves. Where is it now?" Suzanne turned towards the maid.
"Umm well,"
"Would you like to lead us there?" Suzanne offered. The maid nodded, her cheeks still somewhat flushed.
The young maid continued to fidget with her apron as she led them around the house. She had never been allowed to tend to the Lady or the Lord directly before. And it wasn't just the Lady, but both the young Masters as well! She was still just learning, such an honour was normally reserved for the more skilled girls who had been there much longer. She just happened to be the one walking by when the stable master told her to fetch them. She couldn't say no... but how was one supposed to act in this situation? Especially when she was introducing more problems for them to deal with…
"Don't look so worried." A hand rested on the maid's shoulder, and a soft pair of green eyes met her own. "How bad could it be?"
"I- I- It's not that bad, s-sir!" The girl felt her cheeks flush and her ears turned as red as his hair. He certainly was handsome, it was no wonder everyone had such a high opinion of him. Oh what was she thinking?! This wasn't the time for such daydreaming!
'Having fun charming the maids?' Asch commented slyly once his sibling had finished reassuring the girl, not that he'd saved her apron from needing a good ironing. 'You're as bad as Guy!'
'I am not!' Luke protested, his own cheeks flushing a little in embarrassment. 'I was just trying to stop her from fidgeting. Honestly, you're worse than Jade!'
Whatever reply Asch had been formulating was lost when they turned the corner into the yard. The so-called 'issue' was backed up against the house, just below the window to Asch's bedroom. Surrounded by three of the stable boys and the stable master, a giant crimson bird was hissing at his captors. Its feathers were ruffled and on edge, making the monster out to be much larger than it really was, and scaring the youngest of the three boys trying to surround it. On its belly were large oozing burn marks and patches of skin where feathers had been either burned or ripped off. Cuts and scrapes drew lines all over the poor creature, and in spite of its attempts to appear fierce, it was slowly growing weary.
"Is that..." Luke began to mumble.
"It's that monster from Akzeriuth!" Everyone spun around.
"Natalia, what are you doing here?" Luke asked incredulously.
"Father and I came to visit," the Princess replied. "We were told you were in the yard, but we hardly expected to find this. It is right? The bird Asch used to get to Yulia City?" But her questions went unacknowledged.
"The poor thing has been here for a day now," Suzanne explained. "I thought this might have been the same creature you told us about the last time you were here, so I didn't want anyone to hurt him. We've tried tending to his wounds but he won't allow anyone near him."
"Thank you mother," Asch said and calmly approached the hissing mass of red.
"Careful Asch, it might not be the same one!" Luke called after his sibling, but was rewarded only by an annoyed wave.
Asch walked right past the trembling stable boy who was tightly clutching a rope. "You can put that away," the redhead said with confidence. The boy wasted no time removing himself from the scene. The remaining audience could only watch in amazement as the young noble successfully calmed the beast before them, and before anyone knew it, Asch was gently stroking the bird's neck.
"How in Auldrant to you suppose it got here?" Natalia wondered aloud as everyone approached now that the creature was calm again. That was of course, except for Mieu. The little cheagle was more than happy to keep as much distance between the two of them as he could.
"I'm going to guess he flew," Luke answered earning him a pinned look from Natalia. That was not what she meant.
"But how did he know to come here?" The Princess continued.
"Many creatures are able to find their way home without any manner of direction," the stable master spoke up. "Even if it's a place they've never laid eyes on before." A smile crept onto Asch's face. He never would have thought an animal could remember anything so well, especially when he had done all that talking simply to appease his own nerves as he had hurried to Yulia City. But the proud creature seemed to remember it all, right down to the view from Asch's window.
"Perhaps," Natalia considered it. There were several creatures she'd read about in her studies that returned to the land of their birth to give birth themselves, even though they'd never known the place. "But still," she argued, "it's been months since we last saw it." The bird squawked in protest. "Sorry, since we saw him. Why would he suddenly show up now?"
"You got caught in the fire in Arietta's stables, didn't you?" Asch said softly as he kneeled down to get a better look at the creature's injuries. The crimson bird lowered his head alongside Asch. "I know you don't want to, but will you let these guys take care of you?" Everyone watching couldn't help but chuckle as the previously fierce monster put on what they all could have sworn was a thoughtful look. Mieu, who was now under the protective cover of Tear's hair, emitted a bunch of squeaks. The bird looked towards Tear in confusion for a moment, but then let out a series of clicks and chirps.
"He says he'll let the strange men bandage him up if they don't try to tie him up again," Mieu translated.
"Then don't tie him up and be done with it," Duke Fabre's voice almost echoed across the yard. "Asch you have guests, and it is rude to keep them waiting, least of all your Uncle." Asch scowled but didn't protest.
"It's all right," Ingobert's voice came from behind them. "Court has already been dismissed for the day. I do have some business to discuss, but I mostly just came to visit. It's been far too long."
"It has," Suzanne agreed. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"I'd love one," Ingobert replied. "Perhaps we should all go, there are a few things I'd like to talk about, especially with you, Asch."
"That's fine," Asch said and began his way towards them when he nearly fell over backwards. He glanced behind him to find the end of his jacket firmly locked in the crimson bird's beak. Asch took a few steps back, detached his jacket, and fixed the couple stray feathers on its head. "I can't stay with you while they bandage you up," he explained. The bird cooed softly and nudged the young noble's shoulder. "Don't worry, I can't stay, but Luke will."
"Hey!" Luke protested, but was completely ignored.
"I think that's a splendid idea," Natalia agreed.
"Way to step up to the plate Luke," Guy pat his best friend on the shoulder.
"Come on Guy, not you too!"
"Hey, you know I'd stay with you, but I've got lots of work to do while I'm back," the blonde explained with a shrug. Everyone had already disappeared from the yard.
"Why is it I'm the one to get left out?" Luke whined. Guy chuckled; it had been awhile since Luke had slipped into one of his bouts of immaturity.
"Don't feel so bad, they're probably talking about all that dry political stuff you hate."
"Still…"
"Well I'd better get going," Guy said with one last comforting smile. "Don't worry; I'm sure you'll find a way to make the most of it."
"What does he know," Luke grumbled once the blonde was out of an ear shot. Well, there was no point in standing around like an idiot the whole time, that would just give Asch all the more reason to tease him after the fact, and he wasn't going to let that happen.
Luke cautiously approached his brother's pet. The crimson bird eyed him wearily. It certainly didn't have any problems with him last time, but last time he'd been in Asch's body, so needless to say he was a bit nervous about whether or not the creature was going to give him the same reception it had given Anise. The young noble held his hand out, motioning as if he was going to pet it, but stopped halfway and let the bird curiously examine his hand. He could sense the creature's gaze. Oh this was so stupid! It was just a bird, and yet, he knew he was being judged, carefully examined to determine whether or not he was worthy of its trust. No wonder Asch liked him so much. They were exactly alike.
After a moment of consideration, the rather majestic bird lifted his head to met Luke's hand, and Luke carefully stroked its feathers. The crimson feathers were so soft and Luke found him stroking the bird's strong neck like he often saw Asch doing. The repetitive motion was soothing and put his worries to rest, he could see why Asch had done this so frequently on the trip back to the Outer Lands.
Luke sat up against the house, and his avian companion followed, laying its head in his lap while the stable master and stable boys continued to work on bandaging the burn and multitude of other injuries on its side.
"I don't know if you can understand me without Mieu translating or not," Luke began gently, still gently stroking the soft crimson feathers. "But you have very good timing. I mean, I know you're a bird, and time doesn't really mean anything to you," Luke continued to ramble, "but you really did pick a good time to show up." The bird cooed softly. The warm evening sun was so nice, and the air was so peaceful. All Luke's worries, burdens, they seemed so far away. In this time, in this place, they couldn't reach him and for just a small moment everything was alright with the world.
"Because right now…" Luke said with a saddened sigh, "Asch could really use a friend."
--
Clouds covered the silver moon, robbing the manor of the gentle light it would have otherwise received. Only the soft sound of a widow sliding open and feet softly grazing the grass below betrayed the existence of any life in the lightless night. Asch carefully closed his bedroom window, careful not to make a sound. It was times like this he was glad his room was on the bottom floor.
The young noble turned around, letting the cool breeze sweep his crimson hair out behind him. His gaze shifted towards the sky but was disappointed when he didn't find a single star, and just when he wanted to look at them the most. There was something comforting about watching the glitter in the heavens, and that kind of peace was the sort of thing he needed to get everything sorted out. Perhaps the city's lights hid most stars from view, but whether or not they were as spectacular as the nights out in the wilderness, they still put his heart at ease.
A soft nudge in the side, and then Asch found a head of crimson feathers under his arm. He couldn't help but smile, and stroked the creature's head affectionately. So much had happened in the past couple days he'd spent at home, and he was finding that despite his intentions, most of his time was spent up at the castle working out the particulars involving the peace treaty.
In spite of that, he and Natalia still weren't talking and Asch had no doubt that everyone in the castle was aware the two of them weren't getting along. Guy and Tear had both caught on already. He saw the looks they would give him and Natalia when they thought neither was looking, and he just wished they'd stop. Between them, the servants, and the fight itself, time spent at the castle seemed longer and more wearying than he remembered it being. Guilt was starting to set in, about the things he'd said to her, and the way he'd shot down her attempts to apologize. What did he want out of her? He knew full well she'd paid for what she'd done ten times over already, but a small twisted part of him still clung to that pain, that feeling of loss and betrayal and just wouldn't let go.
It was just like seven years ago. How long had it taken him before he could face her again and not just see her putting those flowers on Luke's head? Now was no different. Every time he looked at her, every moment his gaze met hers… all he could see were her green eyes narrowed in fury and full of hate. The suffocation as she pressed the cloth over his mouth, the warmth that fled from his body as the drug took its toll… the warmth that fled from his heart as the reality of her hatred tore it asunder… that pain was still all too real, and he couldn't, he didn't know how to make it go away.
But setting aside his relationship with Natalia or lack thereof, a lot of progress had been made. His Majesty had drafted up a letter with an official proposal, laying out Kimlasca's terms, and other issues to be discussed, Van being one of them. All they needed now was to get the proposal to Peony, and while that should be far easier than the journey Peony's letter took, they would still need Jade's help. The war had not officially ceased and until it did, there was no way a Kimlascan noble was setting foot in that throne room without Jade there to vouch for them. Even then, things could still go awry. Mohs may not have Peony's ear anymore, but Asch would be willing to bet he had a few of the court members around his greasy little finger.
"I don't know what to do anymore," Asch said with a tired sigh. He slumped back against the wall, letting himself sink down until he could feel the cool grass beneath him, the beginnings of the morning dew soaking through his pants and numbing his legs. This was all wearing on him far more than he cared to admit. There were days he woke up and wished for nothing but to not have to care at all, days he had to remind himself of everything he was fighting for. But as all those things slowly and steadily kept stabbing him in the back, he didn't know where to find that purpose anymore.
The crimson bird cooed comfortingly from where its head rested in Asch's lap. Asch smiled gently and patted its neck. "What are you still doing around here?" The redhead examined the bandages carefully tied around his feathered companion. There were fewer of them every day and he certainly seemed more energetic. "I think it's almost time for you to head home."
The bird nuzzled closer, chirping in protest.
"I'm sorry, you can't stay here," Asch explained.
"Why can't he?" A soft voice asked.
"Mother?" Asch asked incredulously, keeping his voice as hushed as possible.
"I don't see why he can't stay, he's settled in quite nicely with everyone, and I'm sure he won't mind earning his keep by helping out here and there," Suzanne said with a smile. "You can help deliver letters, can't you? It might be a bit of a misuse of your abilities, but at least we know they'll get there safely, what do you think?"
The bird chirped and clicked an affirmative, batting his wings in pleasure.
"What are you doing out here at this time?" Asch ignored his mother's small talk.
"I thought I heard something on my way back to bed so I thought I'd come see for myself what it was." Suzanne sat down next to her son.
"What if it was some kind of thief or assassin? You shouldn't be wandering around at night without one of the guards!"
"I had a feeling it might be you," she replied gently. "You have a lot on your mind don't you?"
"Yeah," Asch confessed. "Is it that obvious?"
"You might not remember, but you used to sneak out your window a lot when you first returned home after Luke arrived. I always worried that you were going to leave us again… but you never went anywhere but out to look at the stars."
"I wish they were out tonight," Asch said sadly, gazing up at the clouded heavens.
"Even if the sky is dark tonight, those stars are still there," Suzanne replied softly. "No matter how long it seems to take for those clouds to pass over, if you're willing to keep watching them, they'll wait for you."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because my stars have always returned to me," she said, pulling Asch closer. "I know yours will too. Just give them time."
"I don't know…" Asch finally managed. "It's not the same thing. Things... are different."
"That's something only you can decide." Silence fell over them both and they simply watched the heavens together, searching aimlessly for a break in the clouds. They never found one.
"Well," Suzanne broke the peace that had found its way between them. "I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get some sleep. The sun will be rising soon."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Good night Asch, and … my goodness, you need a name don't you?" Suzanne suddenly realized, her attention focused on the bird sitting happily next to her son.
"He does…" Asch pondered, the bird indulgently allowing Asch to stroke its wing.
Suzanne smiled, "Why don't you name him Fleric?"
Asch couldn't resist the smile that jumped to his lips as his mother vanished around the corner. Maybe she understood better than he thought.
After all, Fleric in Ancient Ispanian… meant 'loyal friend.'
--
Time had passed so quickly. Suzanne sighed sadly as she adjusted the stray red hairs that hung in her face. Then again, it always did when her boys were at home. It was already time for them to be leaving, and she couldn't bear to see them go again. She had just gotten so accustomed to the chaos that accompanied a pair of teenage boys, that the house seemed so empty in their absence.
In all rights, she should be happy. Happy that her boys were so grown up, that they were doing something so important not only for their country but for all of Auldrant. She was so proud of what they'd done and of what they were trying to do; but she still wished it didn't steal them away from her side. They'd both grown up so much, and she had missed it. Still, she prayed to Yulia each and every day that she return her sons safely home once again, and perhaps for longer than a week next time?
A soft knock at the door drew the lady's attention.
"Come in." The door opened a crack, and paused for a moment. Then it opened a bit further and a head of long tan hair slid in.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you," Tear said with a small bow.
"Tear, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be preparing to leave with the others?"
"I was done early, and there was something I wanted to talk to you about…" the melodist trailed off.
"Of course, dear. Here, have a seat." Suzanne sat down, waving a hand to invite her guest into the chair across from her. "What has you so troubled?"
"Well, it's not trouble, exactly." Tear claimed the seat Luke's mother had offered her, nervously fidgeting with her pendant. What had she been thinking? Bothering the lady of the house with her trivial little problems like this… but at the same time, a part pf her really needed to talk to someone, and something inside of her brought her to these chambers this morning. Lady Suzanne certainly seemed the type to understand the feelings of another and who wouldn't judge them.
Feelings were always something Tear had kept to herself. It wasn't proper for a soldier to show emotion on the battlefield. There it only led to death. But away from the battle, that kind of attitude only brought sadness. But opening up, when she had never done so before, wasn't easy, especially when she didn't know who to open up to. But could she really talk with Lady Suzanne? About… this?
"That's a lovely pendant," Suzanne commented. Tear smiled and thanked Yulia that she seemed to understand Tear's inexperience with these affairs.
"It belonged to my mother," Tear explained, glad to engage in some small talk. "She died when I was still a baby, so it's all I have to remember her with."
"Don't you have any other family?"
"Just my brother, and he…"
"I'm sorry," the Lady apologized. "I didn't mean to bring up such a painful topic."
"It's alright; I am going to have to come to terms with things eventually."
"Don't force yourself," Suzanne said sadly. "No one should ever be okay with confronting a family member that way."
"I'll try," Tear offered a weak smile.
"I remember you wearing it the last time you were here, but I didn't have the chance to offer my compliments," she said, referring once again to the pendant. "But I don't recall it from the first time you came to visit. Is it an inheritance you've recently come across?"
"No, I've had it since I was little. I had bartered it off when Luke and I needed passage on a coach. In the end, we didn't even get where we were going. But Luke was the one who got it back for me when we found it in Grand Chokmah."
"That sounds like Luke. He has such a good heart, even if his intentions don't always come across as they should."
Tear took a deep breath. It was now or never. "C-Can I ask you something? Something personal… about Luke?"
"What is it?" Suzanne smiled, a warm and inviting expression. Some of the butterflies in Tear's stomach settled, but the words were still stuck in her throat.
"What do you think... about Luke being a replica?"
"Well, in what regards?"
"Doesn't it ever bother you?"
"No," she answered simply. "He's my son; the manner of his birth makes no difference. Just because he didn't come from my womb, or doesn't share my blood, doesn't mean he isn't family."
--
"Your Majesty?" Guy asked softly. Tear tried turn away as best she could, but the words still reached her ears. "Did you really mean the things you said in the throne room?" Tear could see the blonde nodding toward Natalia from the corner of her eye.
"Of course I did," the monarch replied. "Just because she isn't my daughter by blood, doesn't mean she isn't my daughter by love. Besides, if I were to turn her away for such a petty reason as that, I could never look Suzanne or Luke in the eye again."
--
Tear was starting to understand. All of them… they all thought the same way. But still something bothered her.
"But, what about all the pain that Asch went through? The kidnapping, the experiments, then believing he had been abandoned… he never would have had to go through that if it weren't for fomicry. Doesn't that bother you at all?"
Suzanne leaned in and gently placed a hand on Tear's shoulder, looking the melodist square in the eyes. "Knowing what he went through, what he must have been feeling… still brings me a great deal of sorrow. No matter how many years go by, those feeling won't likely change at all. But why is Luke to blame for that? Would you blame Luke for Asch's pain? Blame the technology someone used to do it to him? Blaming someone or something for sorrow is pointless. It only leads to more pain and more sorrow. I understand that your family went through a great deal of pain because of fomicry, but will your hatred really bring you any more happiness? I think that your parents would have wanted you to be happy, not cling to a blind hatred of a technology someone misused."
"But how do you know that?" Tear asked.
"Perhaps your own happiness isn't the only one being sacrificed for that hatred of yours."
"But still… are we to just forget the victims? What about their feelings? Their pain and suffering? Are we just to ignore it?!"
Suzanne smiled gently. "Asch isn't bothered by it, so why should we be?"
Tear sat back, pondering what had just been said.
"Luke is a sweet boy, he may struggle and get lost sometimes, but he always tries his hardest, and he finds his own way. To me, that's the most important thing to know about him. Not that he's Asch's replica, or that he was born from fomicry, but that he's honest and loyal."
"Thank you," Tear finally managed. "Thank you for speaking with me."
"It was my pleasure," Suzanne smiled. "Now come along, let's go join the others, we don't want you to be late getting off." The lady offered the melodist a hand. Tear was shocked gladly accepted it and was surprised when she was pulled all the way into Suzanne's embrace. The woman's soft whisper drifted onto the melodist's ears.
I know you'll find your way too.
--
"There you are!" Guy said doing his utmost to hide the exasperation in his voice when Tear and Suzanne finally arrived in the entrance hall. "I thought you said you were ready to go earlier."
"I had some other matters to attend to," Tear answered. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's alright," Asch answered. "We're not running late yet. Surprising since someone can't make up their mind about what snacks they want to bring."
"Hey!" Luke protested. "At least I didn't spend all morning deciding on a sword!"
"It's more important than your snack is," Asch shot back.
"Is not! You're going to be eating out of my bag the whole way there!"
Everyone in the room burst out laughing. Both boys looked away, an embarrassed red hue sweeping across their cheeks. Tear found herself laughing as well. It was so surprising. For all they seemed to get along quite well during most of their travels, they argued endlessly while at home. She was only now starting to realize the truth behind it. The two of them only teased each other when they were at home, because it was the only time they were relaxed enough. She didn't doubt that once they were back on the road, all of Asch's stressing would return, as would Luke's worries and fitful sleep. If only this could last forever…
"So Your Majesty, will Natalia be joining us again?" Guy asked. Silence fell over the group. It was something no one had really thought about until now. But Natalia really didn't have any reason to continue journeying with them. She wasn't tied to Van or his twisted goals in any way, and given she and Asch were on bad terms, spending some time apart might not be such a bad idea.
"Sorry I'm late!" Natalia burst in the door, nearly tripping over herself in the process. Her quiver was half dangling off her left shoulder, threatening to spill her arrows all over the floor. Her blonde hair that was always so tidily kept hung messily from a poorly tied ribbon and the top she wore had many wrinkles hidden under the pack she carried.
Ingobert chuckled, "I was beginning to wonder about that myself."
Natalia took a moment to catch her breath; she must have run all the way from her bedroom.
"Natalia leaving her room without her hair being straightened up? That has to be a first," Luke slyly commented. Natalia shot her cousin a dirty look before proceeding to fix her ribbon.
"I think it's time we were off," Asch finally said, tossing the last couple things into his bag, including a couple snacks to spite his little brother.
"Wait sir, not yet," a guard at the door spoke up.
"What now?" Asch rolled his eyes.
"There's a girl here requesting an audience with you," the guard replied.
'Oh? Busy seducing the local girls are we?' Luke shot.
'Don't even try,' Asch stopped Luke dead in his tracks.
'And since when do you get to have all the fun?' Luke scowled and Asch mentally shooed him away.
"Let her in," Asch replied. "This had better be quick," the redhead mumbled under his breath, still trying to deduce who their mysterious visitor might be.
Perhaps it's unfair to say Asch couldn't think of who it was, after all, he'd only had a second and a half to think about it as the giant doors swung open. But the figure that stood in the doorway dwarfed by the guards on each of her sides hadn't even crossed Asch's mind.
"Anise? What the hell are you doing here?" Guy spouted in sheer surprise. And yet, the girl who stood before them was nothing like the girl they remembered. There was no pout, no puffed cheeks demanding to know what that was supposed to mean… nothing. She stood there meekly; her shoulders were sagged and her knees pointed slightly inwards as she stared at the ground. Even her normally flounced black curls seemed to sag, only adding to the hurt expression on her face.
"What has you in Baticul, much less here?" Asch asked, his stern voice seemed only to pound the broken girl further into the ground.
"I- I came to say I'm sorry."
"I doubt you came all the way here, just for that," the eldest redhead said sceptically. "Are you here reporting to Mohs?"
"Mohs? To Mohs?" Some of Anise's life seemed to come back as anger flushed her face. "Why would I still bother reporting to that good for nothing pig! Do you have any idea what I lost because of him?!" As quickly as it came, all the energy dissipated when she looked away to hide her tears.
"My daddy's a fool," she explained. "He got conned out of all our money, so we had to go work for the Order to be able to pay it all back. They've worked there for years and never earned a dime for themselves, and still they act all happy, saying stupid stuff like 'as long as we have the Score we'll be fine'."
"No wonder she's so interested in rich guys," Guy commented.
"When I became Ion's Fon Master Guardian, Mohs wanted a way to get inside information. He said if I didn't report to him, he'd kill my parents! Kill them! I couldn't let him do that. So I worked for him… I betrayed Ion. At first it was so easy, he's so naïve, he'd trust anyone. But the more he trusted me, the more I felt terrible for what I was doing. But I didn't have a choice; I couldn't let my parents die!"
"Forgive me if I'm wrong," Natalia interrupted. "But won't you continue to report to Mohs with the same intentions of protecting your family as before?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. Ion.. he…"
"You were declared a traitor, so they were removed from the Order and banished from Daath," Guy concluded.
"They don't have anywhere to go! We don't have any other family they could stay with or anything. The Order of Lorelei was their only home, their only source of food or work or anything! There's no way for them to survive on their own."
"But Ion wouldn't…" Luke began.
"Ion's hands are tied," Asch cut in. "Rules are rules, even for the Fon Master. He can't help them." Tears streamed down Anise's face, she knew those rules better than anyone. "But you still haven't explained what you're doing here," he continued.
"Please let me come with you again. I really do want to stop the Commandant, and put that good for nothing Mohs in his place. I know you don't have any reason to trust me or anything, but I really can help. Please… I don't have anywhere else to go."
"I think we should let her come with us," Natalia said. "She seems sincere enough, and I'm certain she won't protest if we keep a close watch on her activities from now on."
"That still doesn't mean she won't try anything," Asch argued.
"Well if she does, then that will be the end of it," Natalia shot back. "It's no reason not to give her a second chance."
"I'm on Natalia's side," Guy said. "Just think Asch, right now Mohs doesn't know Anise isn't working for him anymore. She could help us trip him up a bit at the very least."
"Yeah," Anise's eyes lit up with a trace of the mischievous light that once shone in them. "I could give him false information so long as he still thinks I'm working for him."
"That's risky. What's to say she's not seeding him information?"
"You're just never happy, are you Asch?" Guy commented, earning himself a dangerous look. Asch thought about it for a moment. Guy had a valid point about feeding Mohs false information. Anything that could turn his attention from Grand Chokmah for awhile could prove invaluable. At his request, Noir had investigated the Fon Master Guardian's past and so far everything Anise had said matched point for point with the information he had gotten.
"What about you, Luke?" Guy asked the other red head.
"Well I don't mind, I just don't know about Ion. He's the one she really betrayed, I think it should be up to him."
"Point taken," Guy agreed. "It's hard to picture Ion not comfortable around someone, but it could very well get awkward."
"How about you come with us to Sheridan to get Jade and Ion?" Luke suggested. "If it's okay with Ion then you can stay, but if it isn't…"
"I'll go," Anise agreed. "That's only fair. Thank you so much," she said with a deep bow.
"Are we all set to go then?" Ginji inquired. "I've got the Albiore all ready, she's just waiting for us."
"Yeah, let's go grab us an old man and head for Grand Chokmah," Asch agreed.
"Have a safe trip!" Suzanne called after them.
"We will Mother," Luke smiled and waved back to her. Then her youngest son, along with his brother and all his friends, disappeared behind the giant twin doors.
They were gone again and she could only pray that their paths would lead them home again.
--
Sheridan hadn't changed much in their week long absence. If anything they were glad to have spent the time in Baticul. A sweltering heat wave had encompassed the entire city and simply refused to let up. Many of the normally bustling streets were bare with a few daring merchants doing their utmost to keep themselves and their merchandise cool.
Heat, however, was an unworthy obstacle for the members of Class M and they were found hard at work in the Albiore's hangar doing adjustments to the Tartarus. The battered warship was looking quite impressive considering it had essentially been disassembled and put back together with spare parts.
Aston was the first one to spot them and come over. Either the other two hadn't noticed the newest visitors, or they were too busy to care. Asch suspected the latter.
"How are things coming along?" The redhead asked.
"Pretty good, I'm afraid we aren't near done yet though."
"That's okay, we're just here to pick up the old man, we have an errand to run in Grand Chokmah and we need his help."
"Well there are plenty of old men around here!" Aston laughed. "Don't know how many we have to spare though. Can't say I'd mind going there myself."
Asch eyed the man sceptically. "You know what I mean. We're looking for Jade."
"Uh.. yeah, about that..." Aston whispered into the redhead's ear.
"What?!" Asch exclaimed, sending Aston stumbling backwards a few steps.
"What do you mean Jade's gone?!"