Chapter 56: Without Rhyme or Reason

Luke stared up at Baticul's heights, the shadows of the upper city casting over the citizens who hurried throughout the lower levels. While he had every plan to eventually return home, Luke had never thought it would be quite this soon. All things considered he hadn't expected to be playing peacekeeper either and he was more than anxious to confront a certain someone about why such a serious problem had come out of the blue.

The young noble had tried contacting his wayward sibling more than a couple times during their trip from one capital to the other, but either his timing was absolutely horrible or Asch was unbelievably busy because he hadn't succeeded in getting a single reply. Then again, knowing his luck, it was probably both; but whatever the reason, it still didn't give Luke any answers.

"I must say, the lack of activity is somewhat encouraging," Jade commented as the trio rode the lift to Baticul's upper levels.

"Yeah," Guy agreed. "It definitely doesn't look like anyone's preparing for war, that's for sure. Now if only we can keep it that way."

"Why is it that everything seems to happen all at once?" Luke grumbled. "First the Planet Storm, now the mysterious attacks on Malkuth..."

"Well you know what they say, misfortune always comes in threes."

"Well that's encouraging. What else could go wrong?" Luke wondered, though his mind had already given him the obvious answer.

The one who would seize glory is trying... to capture... me.

"You know what... scratch that," the noble reconsidered. "I don't even want to know."

"Actually..." Guy began hesitantly. "I think I see it coming right now."

"Luke!" The furious princess was in the redhead's face before he even knew what had happened. "Where in all of Auldrant have the two of you been? How could you both just up and leave, dropping all your responsibilities like that! Do you have any idea what's been going on in your absence?"

"I see that you haven't changed, Princess," Guy commented.

"Guy!" Natalia suddenly noticed the two people accompanying her cousin. "My goodness, I almost didn't recognize you. You're looking very well these days," she eyed Guy head to toe. She had grown so used to the scant few outfits in his possession that the new, finer clothing really made him look quite different. Still, he looked completely in place standing behind Luke as he did, so much so that she couldn't resist a smile despite her anger at his former charges. "I apologize for my rude introduction, but I simply cannot excuse these two of such rash actions."

"What's going on?" Luke finally managed. "Mother and Father both knew I was leaving."

"I think she's presuming Asch is in our company as well," Jade pointed out.

"Wait..." Natalia's eyes flew through their group, suddenly filled with confusion. "You mean, Asch isn't with you?"

"What are you talking about?" the younger sibling asked. "Asch should be here in Baticul. He told me I should go visit everyone and that he was going to stay here and tend to his duties."

"I'm sorry. It's just the two of you vanished at the same time, so I assumed that you were together."

"Vanished? What do you mean, vanished?" Luke's voice had an edge of panic to it now. "Where's Asch?"

"I'm afraid I don't know; he's been missing ever since you left. I thought that perhaps the two of you had taken off together to get away from all the fuss that's been going on."

"Damn it!"

"But if you aren't with him, then it's best if you come to the castle and speak with Father. A lot has happened in the past couple weeks since you've departed."

"Yes, that's where we were heading ourselves," Jade agreed.

"Come to think of it, what brings the two of you to Baticul?" Natalia finally inquired.

"We've some business up at the castle," the Colonel explained. "We need to speak with his Majesty, but if Luke needs to see him, then we may simply intrude on his audience."

"I'm sure that would be of little concern," Natalia agreed. They all turned to Luke who had become completely distracted, which told them more about what was on his mind than anything else.

"Luke, we can figure out what's going on with Asch later," Guy reminded his best friend. "Right now we have work to do."

"Yeah... I know."

"Can you contact Asch through your connection?" Natalia asked as they all walked the endless stairs up to the throne room.

"No," Luke replied, defeated. "Wherever he is, he's blocking me out."

"You can do that?"

"Well, yeah, of course. I mean, we're connected but we still each have our own lives. I don't listen in on Asch's private stuff and I can block him out for mine if I ever wanted to. That's why I never realized that anything was wrong; Asch normally blocks me out when he's in those private meetings or when he's busy with work, so nothing seemed off. I just assumed he was busy..." Luke trailed off.

"Don't worry, we'll figure out what he's up to," Natalia reassured her cousin. She felt bad for him, and wondered what was going on beneath the surface that had him so upset. The look on his face alone told her that there more going on between the two of them than Asch's disappearance.

Yet, at the same time Natalia couldn't help but be impressed by the way the two of them had managed their unique link and at the boundaries and the respect for each other's privacy that they had so clearly established. The trust something like that must take... Natalia shook her head. Just what could her fiancé possibly be thinking?

"Father," Natalia spoke up; her authoritative voice echoed throughout the vast room announcing the presence of the newest guests.

"Luke!" Ingobert's surprise was obvious in his face, almost as obvious as the person his wandering eyes were looking for. "Where's Asch?"

"It seems as if they weren't together, Father."

"I see." The king mulled it over, but whatever conclusion he came to he kept it to himself and just as quickly dismissed it. "So Luke, I see you have Colonel Curtiss and Guy- I'm sorry, Count Gardios, with you."

"Just Guy is fine, Your Highness," the Malkuth noble said with a bow.

"What brings two of Malkuth's more prominent figures to Baticul? I presume that this has to do with the reported attacks on Malkuth troops?"

"Ah, so you're aware that such attacks have taken place?" Jade's curiosity was spiked.

"Aware yes," Ingobert provided. "But I assure you that such acts were not organized by our court. We received a message from some of our own people who were in the area and did some investigations of our own."

"His Imperial Majesty Peony the Ninth requests a meeting with your Highness to discuss the nature of these attacks and what course of action to be taken with regards to them," the Colonel said, kneeling and presenting a letter Peony had written that was quickly passed to Ingobert.

"Yes," Ingobert replied, accepting the letter. "Such a meeting is necessary, and I assure you I will do all in my power to assure that it takes place. For now we've too little information to go on."

"If I may ask," Guy interrupted. "What has your Highness discovered through the investigations you've conducted?"

"Unfortunately," one of the courtiers spoke up. "At the moment our prime suspect is missing: Asch fon Fabre, son of Duke Fabre and heir to the throne. His disappearance occurred just prior to the first reported attacks and he is the only one with the authority to have organized something of this nature."

"What?" Luke cried in outrage. "There is no way Asch would ever do something like that! Natalia!" The Princess looked away. "I refuse to believe that! It's-"

"Luke fon Fabre! That is enough!" The young noble was silenced by the court, but the anger in his eyes didn't abate. Maybe Asch was a jerk, but he wasn't a traitor and there was no way Luke was going to let these people stand here and slander his name while he was gone.

"Luke, please bring your friends to speak with me later. We will discuss this matter in greater detail," Ingobert finally broke the silence before dismissing them.

"Don't worry..." Luke almost seethed. "I will."

The hours that they waited for King Ingobert may as well have been days, and for all that Guy cared about his best friend, he was just about ready to strangle him. Luke spent the entire time pacing, each lap with more anxious energy than the last, occasionally angrily muttering something about how impossible this was. Guy for one was curious as to how Asch got himself into this mess, and just where he had taken off to.

The older redhead had proven to be somewhat of an enigma ever since they had separated after the Absorption Gate. He hadn't heard word or whisper from him, and while Guy had figured that Asch really wasn't the letter type, he thought he'd at least get some kind of response for his efforts. Then there was the fact he'd kept Luke out of the know, undoubtedly on purpose, since there was no way Asch didn't know about some of these things, not when he was two years or so away from the throne. The reason, Score knows... or scratch that, not even the Score could tell them anymore.

Luke made another sweep, distracting the blond from his thoughts. Before Guy could continue to entertain the thought of throwing a book at his best friend, the library's door opened and they could hear his Highness forbidding entrance to any others. Luke took a seat with everyone else around the table, doing very little to hide his opinion of how things had played out earlier.

"I must ask for your forgiveness regarding the issues that arose in court earlier today," Ingobert began, installing himself at the head of the table.

"So why is Asch truly being blamed for these attacks?" Jade inquired, adjusting his glasses.

"Wait," Luke looked confusedly at his uncle. "You don't think Asch really did it?"

"Of course not," the monarch smiled apologetically. "I refuse to believe that Asch would ever do such a thing. The decision to pin the blame on him was unanimously decided upon by the members of the court."

"Even Father?"

"No," Guy put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "I imagine Duke Fabre was excluded from the process since the issue involves his son."

"That's correct, his opinion would be considered biased and so was not given any weight. Unfortunately it's a decision I am powerless to overturn."

"The decision was unanimous," Natalia explained. "We don't have any support in labouring against these accusations. That's why we have been hoping Asch could return and clear up these misunderstandings. Your involvement was also considered," the Princess admitted with a look at the distraught young noble before her, "but unlike Asch you have an alibi, and with your return it is unlikely they'll pursue it."

"But what is there to gain by pinning this on Asch?" Guy wondered aloud.

"I suspect the court is jumping on the chance to convict Asch of treason and remove him from succession," Jade suggested. "If that were to occur, Natalia could no longer marry Asch and would have to choose someone else, with all of their sons as potential suitors, I'm sure."

"That is very likely the case," Ingobert agreed. "But the reason I called you here is that I'd like to discuss who the true culprits may be. All of Kimlasca's forces are accounted for and deny any aggressive acts against any Malkuth forces."

"If that's the case, then who is attacking?" Guy pondered.

"The reports from the survivors stated that the attacking forces consisted of approximately one company. They flew the Kimlascan banner but were poorly equipped and used tactics not consistent with those of a national military," the Colonel explained.

"They had empty eyes... as if they were already dead..." Guy mused. "A lot of the dying soldiers went on about that before they passed on. They might have been delirious but, that may be our key."

"That sounds just dreadful," Natalia commented. "What group could fit such a description?"

"Replicas..." Luke said quietly.

"What, Luke?"

"They had empty eyes, blank eyes... replicas are born blank slates, right? Could they be replicas of fallen soldiers?" Luke asked.

"There's a very strong possibility that may be the case," Jade agreed. "There have been such cases reported in connection with fomicry."

"So someone is using replicas to impersonate Kimlascan forces? This is an outrage!" Ingobert declared. "What do they hope to gain?"

"Likely to start a war no doubt." Jade adjusted his glasses. "Perhaps our theories concerning Mohs may not be so far off after all. I'll send a message to Emperor Peony detailing what we've discussed, since I don't imagine you can officially postulate outside the court's ruling concerning Asch."

"Thank you," Ingobert nodded. "I'll send a more official message as well requesting a meeting about these events. Rest assured, we will not allow war to break out. In the meantime, I beg of you, please get to the bottom of this and clear up these misunderstandings."

"We will, Your Highness," Guy said with a bow.

"Father! Please allow me to go with them, I have a duty to discover the culprits responsible and..."

"And to defend Asch?" Ingobert guessed. "Of course, I'll permit your departure. I wish you all the best of luck."

"Thank you, Uncle," Luke said, his demeanour still clearly troubled.

"Don't you worry; we'll find him, beat some sense into him and drag him home." Guy grinned placing one arm around his best friend.

"Indeed," Natalia agreed, also trying to comfort Luke by placing her hand on his other shoulder.

"Gyah!" Guy leapt off his best friend as if the redhead were on fire and dove shaking behind Jade.

Natalia laughed. "I see you haven't changed either."

Life was slowly returning to the Albiore; it now held six of its former ten passengers. Though it had been awhile since they'd been on the Albiore II, its design was identical to Ginji's machine so no one really felt out of place. Rather, it felt far too natural; the Albiores had practically become a second home of sorts. Flying through the sky had become as normal for the Kimlascan Princess as walking through the castle. While it was wonderful to get the chance to chat with Noelle, and to catch up with her friends, Natalia only wished it hadn't been under such dire circumstances.

"So where to?" Guy asked once they'd all settled in.

"Well, if the perpetrators are indeed replicas, then someone has to be making them," Natalia pointed out. "I somehow doubt Mohs knows enough about fomicry to produce that many replicas."

"No he wouldn't, there's a good chance Dist is involved as well," Jade agreed. "Perhaps we should check in on what our God-General friends have been up to."

"Daath then?" Natalia concluded.

"Yes, that would probably be best."

"But what could they be after? Van's dead; you don't think they'd still be trying to see his plans through, do you?" Guy wondered.

"Luke, do you have any thoughts on the matter?" Natalia tried asking, but she didn't get an answer.

The young noble in question was sitting alone in one of the seats, completely oblivious to the world. Outside his window he watched as raindrops slowly started to fall from the now cloud-covered sky, crashing into the window, their steady rhythm giving his mind a much needed distraction. Why... why had Asch abandoned him?

"Still can't contact Asch?" Guy easily guessed.

"Two months apart... I guess I'm still an easy read, huh?" Luke turned to face his friend. All the attempts at light-hearted jokes in the world couldn't have hidden the inner torment he was putting himself through.

"Don't be so hard on yourself Luke," Natalia tried. "Asch's actions have nothing to do with you."

"Of course they do!" Luke snapped. He took a breath, his eyes showing the regret at being sharp with his friends. "I'm sorry... it's just... I just..." Luke's voice was almost pleading, desperate even. He was grasping at straws but each was snapping in his hands. Natalia watched him, feeling as if someone had tied a rope around her throat.

"He left after sending me away... why would he do that? If he was going to leave, why didn't he want me to know? He didn't want me to come with him. It's my fault! I failed before and now he doesn't want me holding him back." Luke's voice continued to break, until it came out no louder than whisper. "Otherwise, why would he leave me behind like that? Why... why did he throw me away?"

"Luke..." Guy placed a comforting arm around Luke's shoulders.

"Don't fret Luke, when we find him, he's going to have a great deal of explaining to do," Natalia said, her own voice brimming with rage. She no longer cared what his motives might have been; it wasn't just Luke, Asch's utter dismissal of everyone who cared for him was unforgivable! There was no way he could say he didn't know what kind of effect his actions would have on all of them, and he had chosen this path anyway.

"We have to find him first," Guy pointed out.

"Noelle," Jade inquired curiously. "What is Ginji doing right now?"

"I don't know. He took off somewhere the night before we left, so I'm not entirely sure what he's up to."

"There." An evil glimmer sparkled in Jade's eyes. "Given Asch would have departed at the same time Luke did, I'd wager our missing future monarch has abducted himself an airship."

"Abducted may not be the right word," Noelle pointed out. "For Asch, I'm sure Ginji would take him anywhere he needed to go without even giving it a second thought."

"Noelle, those transmitters still function, correct?" Natalia demanded.

"Definitely," Noelle nodded and without needing to be asked, turned the dial to the proper frequency.

"Hey Noelle," the familiar voice came across the transmitter.

"Ginji!" Natalia spoke into the microphone.

"P-Princess Natalia! Umm... it's nice to hear from you again..." The sudden hesitation that came after Ginji's initial surprise pretty much confirmed everyone's suspicions.

"Ginji, is Asch there with you?" Natalia demanded.

"...no," he finally said.

"Ginji, where are you right now?"

"Well... you see, I thought I'd just go for a bit of ride- and-"

"You're not even fooling me," Noelle answered sceptically. "Asch told you not to say anything didn't he? And don't you dare lie to me!"

"Yes," Ginji confessed.

"Where are you right now?" Natalia repeated the question, but the tone in her voice clearly communicated that it was no longer a question.

"Just outside Daath."

"And is Asch with you?"

"No," the other pilot denied.

"Fine then Ginji," Natalia said curtly. "You tell Asch, because I know he's there, that he is going to have more than just Luke to answer to if he doesn't contact us very soon. And he knows what I mean by contacting us."

"S-Sure thing."

Noelle shut off the transmitter.

"To Daath please, Noelle," Natalia requested.

"No problem," the blonde pilot replied with an equal amount of fervour.

The Princess sat down, watching Guy in his attempts to comfort Luke, hoping for nothing more than a change of expression, a twitch of his lips, anything that might indicate Asch had heeded her request. But he remained still, Mieu curled up in his lap, growing more and more solemn as each second passed.

Natalia couldn't even imagine what he must be feeling. Even after everything that had occurred between her and Asch during their last journey, she couldn't fathom the impact this was having on her cousin. In her case, for all that it hurt, she knew why Asch had ignored her and acted the way he had: she had known she'd done something to deserve it. Luke had done nothing, he was completely innocent; and not just innocent, but Luke had spent his every waking moment for the past two months trying to find ways to help his older brother! Yet Asch had cast him aside without any regard, without even giving him a reason!

There was absolutely nothing any of them could offer Luke, whose expression was quickly darkening and they didn't know what to do to help him. Natalia didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony of the next thought that crossed her mind.

At times like these, the only one who knew exactly what to say to Luke... was Asch.

Natalia hesitated a moment after knocking on the door to Luke's cabin. He had retired here several hours ago, but she knew that her cousin was nowhere near a state that would allow him to sleep. Guy had tried to intervene and tell her to leave Luke alone to think things through, but that was absolutely ridiculous. They both knew full well what kind of ideas time alone in his condition would breed and Yulia knew what kind of foolish notions he was concocting while in a mood such as that.

When there was no reply and Natalia tried knocking one last time. It had been almost two days now since they'd left Baticul and Luke's temperament hadn't improved at all in that time. If anything it had worsened to the point of almost being unbearable. As much as she hated to admit it right now, when it came to the difference between Guy and Asch's philosophies in regards to handling Luke, Asch was entirely right; it wasn't wise to just let Luke have his way. It was understandable for him to be upset, but this was just ridiculous.

With a sigh of defeat, Natalia opened the door to her cousin's room and slipped inside, quickly closing the door behind her. Luke turned his head when she entered but didn't say a word, returning instead to staring at the opposite wall.

"You're not still sitting in here and sulking are you?" Natalia demanded her hands on her hips and giving her cousin a disproving stare. The young noble didn't answer, but he bit his lip and before the Princess' very eyes, his eyes began to water. Natalia's expression softened and her displeasure melted away.

"Really now Luke," Natalia crawled up onto the bed next to him, leaning back against the wall, and gently stroking his back comfortingly. "I realize you're only seven, but unfortunately you really don't have the luxury of being able to indulge in such childish behaviour. It may not be fair, but it's the truth."

"It's all my fault," Luke muttered.

"Luke... I don't know what you think you did, and you certainly don't have to tell me, but Asch's actions have nothing to do with you. They are not any indication of your worth, and his irrational behaviour is most definitely not your fault."

"But I was the one who let him down. There was something really important I was supposed to do, that I was supposed to make sure I didn't screw up, but I did! I messed it up and that's why he doesn't trust me anymore."

"I'm sure Asch didn't give up on you just because you made one little mistake."

"Then what?" Luke snapped. "If that's not why then... then that means he always felt that way! That he was just waiting for the chance to get rid of me! I can't... I can't handle that..."

"Luke, enough is enough!" Natalia stood up, her tone very put on. "What, are you nothing without Asch?" That got her cousin's attention.

"Of course not!"

"Then stop acting like it's the end of the world that he's not here! Yes what he did was awful, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't angry with him for running off without us like that, but your attitude is only making things worse. You can't keep doing this, going over the questions and 'what if' again and again. Have you even seen what you've done to yourself?"

"I..."

"You are not Asch's shadow, nor are you incapable of doing things without him. All the things you've done this past year, all the effort you've been making at the castle, those are all your accomplishments, and yours alone. Stop acting like Asch is the sole purpose of your existence and be the bigger person here!" Natalia sighed, her expression softening into a gentle smile. "We need your help here and now, to help stop a war and to investigate the Planet Storm. It's your turn to stand on your own."

"I know," Luke offered a weak smile. "Thanks. Do you mind leaving me some time to think?"

"That depends, will it be the same kind of 'thinking' you've been doing for the past two days?" Natalia cocked an eyebrow. Luke chuckled.

"No, I'm just tired, that's all."

"If you say so." The Princess rolled her eyes once her back was turned. She knew when her presence was unwanted. She left, pulling the door behind her until only a small crack was still open, hesitating to completely close it. She didn't want to leave him if he was just going to sulk again.

"Ugh," Natalia heard Luke wearily flop down on the bed. "Big sisters are such a pain." A warm smile rose up from within the Princess and she closed the door all the way.

"Still..." Luke mumbled as he drifted off to sleep. "It's kind of nice too..."

Many different thoughts ran through Luke's mind as the soft drizzle came down on the travelling quartet. The road to Daath was quiet, as were the four travellers walking upon it. No one was in a rush, rather the rain was somewhat refreshing, but it left the young noble with entirely too much time to think; and with Ginji's Albiore nowhere in sight, the chances he was going to be getting answers anytime soon didn't look very good.

On the other hand, those thoughts didn't weigh down on him nearly as heavily as they once had. He had a certain overeager princess to thank for that. Still, Natalia had been right and his sulking was just childish and stupid. He had decided that he was going to stand on his own, to prove that he had a place in this world other than just being Asch's replica. Living in the shadows of others had only ever led him to Akzeriuth, and he had sworn to those who'd died that he would never go down that road again. He had just forgotten... and it had taken Natalia's scolding for him to see it. The first real test and he'd fallen right back into his old ways... he was so utterly hopeless.

"I don't imagine Asch is here," Natalia commented eyeing the crowded streets.

"No, we didn't see any sign of the Albiore either near Daath or docked in Daath bay," Jade pointed out. "If they ever were here, it's likely they've moved on by this point."

"Which means Asch got your message and is ignoring us," Luke said with more conviction than he realized he had.

"Yes well, we'll deal with that in due time," Natalia stated. "First we need to figure out how to get an audience with Ion without Anise's assistance."

"You called?"

"Anise!" Guy jumped about two feet backwards. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Geez, I don't see you in two months and that's the welcome I get? Talk about lame! You're supposed to say, 'Oh my dear sweet Anise! I've come for you at last, to sweep you away into the life of luxury and riches the likes of which you've only ever dreamed!'"

"I'll keep that in mind for the next time we reunite after defeating an evil Commandant and lowering the world into the Qliphoth," Jade replied, adjusting his glasses.

"Boooo," Anise stuck her tongue out.

"How did you know we were coming?" Luke asked.

"Because I'm absolutely amazing!" Luke gave the girl a pointed look. "Oh please, your hair sticks out like a sore thumb pretty much anywhere other than Baticul. I saw you and thought I'd come see what's up. Speaking of catching up, where's Asch? You know, it wouldn't kill him to pick up a piece of paper and write back!"

"Sorry," Luke said. "He's never been much of one for that sort of thing."

"I can tell," Anise replied sarcastically before drastically changing her tone. "So what has you in Daath?" she piped up with cheer enough to compensate for Luke's lack and her fervour made the young noble smile.

"We could ask the same of you," Natalia replied. "Did you regain your position in the Oracle Knights?"

"Me? No, Maestro Tritheim helped me out a lot and found me a place to stay. I still chat with Ion now and then, but I don't have any formal position."

"So you've been in the Cathedral quite a bit then?" Jade asked.

"I guess you could say that, why?"

"Have you seen the God-Generals about?"

"Well Largo and Legretta have both been by a couple times, but Gloomietta is the only one who seems to be around on a regular basis. After the lands lowered and Score readings stopped, a whole bunch of Oracle Knights up and left, including quite a few of the upper ranks. The Order is a real mess right now; it's got Ion super busy! Religious overhauls are a pain in the butt."

"Hmmm," Jade pondered. "I suspect Arietta's presence is to keep an eye on the Fon Master's actions."

"Maybe she's just trying to get her old position back?" Luke suggested. "She did always seem more interested in having Ion near her than in Master Van's plans."

"She better not be!" Anise got defensive faster than you could say 'jealous'. "Besides, her feelings are all for the original Ion! She just doesn't know that they're different people!"

"I feel kind of bad that no one's told her anything," Luke commented.

"Indeed, but something of that nature is not for us to say," Natalia reminded him. Luke smiled in understanding and nodded in agreement.

"Anise, have you seen Asch around lately?" Luke asked, surprising his companions by being the one to bring up that topic. Still it was encouraging to see him coming back from his dispirited demeanour.

"No," the young girl replied. "Why has he stopped by recently?"

"We think so," Guy provided.

"Well I haven't seen him, but if he came here he probably would have stopped to see Ion."

"Even if he didn't, he is the heir to the Kimlascan throne," the Colonel pointed out. "Word of his presence may have reached Ion regardless."

"He's the heir for now," Luke mumbled.

"Yes, assuming we get this mess cleaned up," Natalia agreed.

"True, but I for one have every intention of using that fact against him until otherwise noted," Guy stated rather boldly and managed to get a chuckle out of Luke.

"Oh oh! Spill it!" Anise demanded eagerly. "It's been forever since I've heard any good gossip! What's the deal with Asch? Why wouldn't he be the heir anymore?"

"It's a bit of a long story," Guy answered. "We'll explain later."

"Oh, I hope it means he's single again!"

"Why are you always after Asch? You know, Luke is single," Natalia pointed out, her voice bearing a sharp edge to it.

"Hello! Me, Tear, no comparison! She's in a cup size all her own; you on the other hand I can compete with!"

"Excuse me!" Natalia's face turning red and Anise giggled with all the mischief they had come to know her for.

"So Anise," Guy picked up on their original intent. "You said you've been visiting Ion, I don't suppose you could help us to see him?"

"Who do you think you're talking to? It may not be all official and such, but I know who to talk to. Actually... it's Remday, isn't it? It'll be even easier than that."

"Then you lead the way," Guy said with a sweeping motion towards the cathedral.

"It's a good thing I'm here," Anise rolled her eyes, taking delight in the confused looks she got. "This way."

The former Fon Master Guardian brought her four companions through a maze of buildings that eventually led them north of Daath, to a district they'd never been to before. Luke looked up at the majesty of the cathedral that still towered high above their heads. They'd never seen it from behind before. The houses here were slightly more run down than their well-kept cousins near the main entrance and the ground was uneven as it began to slope up towards the mouth of Mt. Zaleho. The young noble eyed the volcano warily, deciding he'd rather not fathom the consequences should it someday decide to erupt. Daath wouldn't have been built here if the Score said it would erupt but... the Score didn't mean much anymore now did it?

Anise hushed them as they slipped in one of the rear entrances, presumably one that the lower staff utilized and after several more winding corridors, they came out into a courtyard. The yard looked like the sort of place that would be just lovely in the sunshine, but even though its colours were dampened by the overcast and steady drizzle, it was well kept and quite impressive. It was also, not surprisingly, empty, save for a single figure that sat beneath a giant oak tree.

"Ion!" Anise ran up to the young Fon Master. "How many times have I told you to wait inside if it's raining? You're going to end up catching the flu!"

"Don't worry Anise, it's fine. The air is still warm and the tree shelters me from most of the rain. Luke! Everyone!" Ion's face lit up when he noticed the figures standing behind his friend. "It's such a pleasure to see you again!"

"It's great to see you too Ion," Luke greeted his companion heartily.

"What brings you all the way to Daath?"

"There are a few matters we'd like to discuss with you," Jade replied. "But perhaps it would be best if we went someplace more private?"

"Certainly," the Fon Master answered, pulling himself up from the ground. "Come, we can speak in my office."

Moving through the cathedral with Ion proved to be much easier than doing so with Anise, and rather than avoid others, most people they came across smiled and greeted the Fon Master and his companions. Everyone here seemed surprisingly cheerful given all that was going on, but from what Anise said, everyone who didn't support Ion had left, so their perception was pretty skewed. Guy was still impressed by how well things seemed to be functioning.

Passing through the main entrance started to give them a better idea of the trials that the Order was putting up with on a daily basis. There were more than a few furious people there, demanding the Score, which they claimed to be their right. People just couldn't let go... Guy shook his head but couldn't completely condemn them, he had been there, been willing to do whatever it took to fulfill his own selfish perception of justice. People believed the fall of the Outer Lands was in the Closed Score, and still believed it was on track. He doubted any number of explanations would qualm their fury or convince them to concede their demands. Guy really felt for Ion who dealt with this stuff on a daily basis.

Thankfully once they got to the upper levels, things became quieter and the blond was glad that Ion at least had this silent reprieve.

"So what is it you need to discuss?" Ion asked once he'd shut the door of his office behind them.

"Let's start simple," Guy suggested. "Has Asch been to see you recently?"

"He has. It was just a few days ago, he asked me to show him to the entrance to the Sephiroth here, but he left without saying a word."

"The passage ring? Why would Asch be looking for the passage ring?" Guy wondered.

Luke froze.

He's looking for the Jewel...

If Asch was after the Jewel, then all the more reason he should have talked to Luke about it! That was all the more reason he should be helping too! Asch knew! He knew Luke felt awful about screwing up and wanted to help make things right! The endless days in the library researching... the way he had gone to Sheridan to find out more instead of just running off to visit friends... it all came to mind and Luke found himself frustrated beyond belief at his sibling's antics. He felt genuinely betrayed, by the one person he thought he could always trust.

"The passage rings themselves are no longer active," Jade said, his red eyes meeting Luke's every few seconds. Luke's ability to keep a secret had shown itself to be impressive, but judging by the range of emotions he was observing, it wouldn't be long before the redhead would crack and share whatever it was he was hiding. Luke knew what was going on, but Jade would play along for now. Prying would be far easier once his emotions properly ripened. "I doubt there's much of use he could obtain down there."

"Is something the matter with Asch?" Ion asked worriedly.

"I wouldn't worry." Jade adjusted his glasses, the light catching the lens giving them an eerie glare. "It's nothing a good beating and a time out won't fix."

"Alright then," Ion dropped the subject, sensing the tension the discussion had brought over the group. "But while you're here, Jade, I'd been hoping for the chance to speak with you. Do you have any thoughts on the recent increase in the Planet Storm's strength?"

"Ah yes, Luke raised some similar concerns as well," the Colonel commented. "At this current time, I don't believe it poses any sort of threat; that is, provided it doesn't continue to increase in strength. Spinoza had drawn up a few theories, but at the current velocity, there shouldn't be any problems."

"That's very good to hear," Ion said with a sigh of relief. "I've asked Teodoro to put together as much information as he can on the topic and to investigate the cause. Yulia City is much better equipped in their knowledge of Dawn Age technology than we are to look into these matters. I'm due to go see him at my earliest convenience. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Certainly," Natalia agreed. "If there's anything we can do to help settle the Planet Storm, then both Kimlasca and Malkuth should be made aware of it as soon as possible."

"Good thinking," Guy agreed.

"Yeah, it's not like we know where Asch is going, and I doubt Ginji's going to answer on the transmitter if we try again," Luke stated. "Let's get to the bottom of this and then work on figuring out what the God-Generals are up to."

"Are the God-Generals causing problems again?" Anise inquired.

"We don't know for sure, but we think Dist at the very least is up to something with Mohs," Guy provided. "We can explain everything on the way to Yulia City."

"Oh!" A sudden realization struck Ion. "Speaking of Yulia City, how is Tear doing? I'm afraid I haven't had the chance to write to her."

Luke smiled but there was a hint of sorrow and regret hiding just behind it. "Honestly, I don't know, but I don't think she's doing that well. She's written me a couple times but never talks about herself."

"That definitely sounds like Tear," Anise agreed.

"Cheer up Luke," Ion smiled softly. "I've been doing some research into her condition and I think I know of a way to cure it. It's an old Daathic Fonic arte, but it should eliminate the tainted fonons from her body."

"That's wonderful!" Natalia almost cheered.

"Yes," Ion agreed. "So let's be off to Yulia City, shall we?"

Luke shook off whatever train of thought had captured him, and with one last look out at the rain that still fell over the Holy City he followed his friends.

Asch was Score knows where, and hadn't offered any sort of rhyme or reason for abandoning Luke where he stood, but the young noble refused to let that stop him anymore. If that's how Asch wanted things to be, then so be it. He was going to put a stop to this with or without his sibling's help, and he would learn to stand on his own two feet.

Then maybe someday, Asch would see Luke wasn't a failure, and maybe, just maybe, he'd regret his choice.