Chapter 71: A Path, a Future and Those left Behind
A choir of young voices carried their melody across the otherwise silent chapel, the music resonating to the vaulted ceiling. It was a song of mourning, one Luke had never heard before, but it was gentle, befitting his friend to whom it was dedicated. The young noble had never attended a funeral before, but even so, he knew that this was a ceremony the likes of which none here had seen in their lifetimes. White lilies painted every corner of the chapel, broken only by rosemary, the traditional symbol of remembrance. The afternoon sun had slowly begun its decent, sending rainbow light through the stained glass windows, the only colour on an otherwise plain casket that lay near the altar.
Ion wouldn't be found there though. While it was tradition in Daath that Fon Masters were buried and a small monument was put up in their honour, Ion had been cremated and already put to rest in a small graveyard where he would remain undisturbed. Tritheim had been worried with the radical changes Ion had introduced to the Order, that a public burial site may not be safe. Luke agreed and was glad Ion wouldn't have to worry about being bothered by some Score-driven idiots, but knowing the casket was empty made the ceremony seem less genuine.
The only sound in the chapel was that of muffled sobs, and the mourning weighed down an already heavy atmosphere as the choir slowly faded away and Tritheim began a sermon detailing Ion's accomplishments. Not all the accomplishments were Ion's, of course, some were probably his original's but it didn't matter. Luke wasn't even listening to the words, only the sound of a voice registered as it changed tone and pitch. Tritheim was a good speaker, had it not been the funeral of one of his dearest friends, Luke probably could have easily listened to him. But the Maestro's talent was lost on a crowd such as this one, his words only intensifying the sorrow that swept through the mourners.
The weight on Luke's heart wasn't unfamiliar, he'd felt its constant presence since the day his mother had been attacked in courtyard, since the moment her life teetered on the edge of a knife only waiting for the right moment to falter. The burden had gotten lighter over the past couple days, but its intensity had been completely renewed by the services he now sat through. Did the others in this chapel feel the same weight he did? Did the crowd, so large that it filled the chapel, the cathedral's entrance and spilled out onto Daath's streets' feel the same agony he did when they thought back on the person Ion had been? Did they know the gaping hole he had left behind? Luke doubted it. They mourned the figure, not his friend.
Luke instinctively reached down to his lap but was startled for a moment to find nothing there. It surprised him how much he missed Mieu's presence, how much he had valued the little cheagle's comfort without even realizing it. That was how life seemed to work though; you didn't realize what anything meant to you until it wasn't there anymore. Mieu had volunteered to stay in Baticul, knowing how hesitant and afraid Luke was to leave his mother there alone. Luke had been surprised, but he couldn't entirely blame him for his choice; he knew Mieu hated constantly being left on the Albiore even if it was for his own safety. The young cheagle couldn't stay safely on someone's shoulder during battle, and the defenceless little creature made for easy prey. Three times now, he had almost become some monster's lunch, with the third time being far too close for comfort. Luke may have found him annoying at times, but he wasn't going to let Mieu get hurt, so while he was sad to leave his smallest friend behind, he didn't issue any protests. No more of his friends would die... no matter what he had to do.
Still, if nothing was done, more than just his friends would die. The thousands of people here didn't even begin to approximate the death toll if the miasma was left to linger, but what could they do? Asch hadn't spoken a word about it since their father had pleaded he reconsider, but it didn't change the fact of the matter: there were no options left. They weren't any closer to finding the Jewel of Lorelei and even if they did and could somehow free said being in record time, there was no guaranties that Lorelei could even do anything to change the situation. He hadn't been able to eliminate the miasma in Yulia's time, what could possibly be different this time around?
What would Ion have said? Luke watched the proceedings before him, a second wave of grief hitting him as he yearned for his friend's advice. Ion had always known what to say. Even if he didn't have the answers, he knew how to help Luke feel better, or what to say so the redhead could think it through properly. What words would Ion offer him now? What would he say if he knew what Luke had been thinking, in those dark corners of his mind where even Asch couldn't reach?
I... wanted my life to have more meaning than simply the purpose for which I was created. I feel that being able to help you and to save Tear was the true reason for my existence... so please don't be sad...
Luke knew the answer though. Ion had wanted everyone to be happy, to live free of burden, be it the Score or illness or grief; he wanted to see their care-free smiles light up a world he found stifling. Through everything, Ion had fought to find his own reason for being; as a replica and, like Luke, he'd sought a future that was not his original's. In the end, he had succeeded. He had found a purpose to his existence, and his life continued on through the one he had saved.
Twei Rei Tsuae Croix Ryo Twei Tsuae...
Tear's hymn echoed through the chapel, its powerful melody entrancing the mourners and gathering their feelings, leading them as the song drew those emotions along the room's spiralling heights. It had been Anise's request that Tear sing her fonic hymns during the ceremony. She had been reluctant at first, especially given the massive audience; but she had finally conceded to Anise's pleading and Luke was glad she had. Ion had so loved her songs. It would be her final gift to their companion and to no one but Luke, it was a testimony to the life Ion had left behind; a life as beautiful and pure as the song she sang. Enraptured in her melody, the massive crowd faded away and nothing existed save for Tear and Ion; a final farewell, her final act of gratitude.
The end of the sixth hymn slipped away and Tear glided effortlessly into the seventh but the beauty and entrancement of her song vanished. Though her voice never faltered, and the melody rang true, there was no power behind the hymn anymore. Luke knew the reason... Tear still didn't understand the meaning of the final hymn. He'd watched her struggle, even though she'd managed to solve both the fifth and sixth hymns, the seventh and final piece remained elusive as ever; and it was obvious. Though her voice was as beautiful as it always was, she may as well have spoken the words.
She would solve it though, Luke knew she would. She would never give up, and she had an entire lifetime to find the answers she sought. Thanks to Ion... she had time, she still had her life, and Luke had learnt very quickly that there was nothing in this world more valuable. There was no greater gift that you could give someone. To open for them the door to tomorrow, to that next sunrise...
One life for another's... an unimaginable sacrifice for the world he had believed in...
With the Grand Fonic Hymn still hanging over them all, the ceremony ended.
With the unforeseen number of people that had turned up to Ion's funeral, it had taken until well past supper to get everyone out of the cathedral and when Anise finally crashed in the room they'd been allotted, she was more than happy to be out of there. She had lived here her entire life and she had never seen so many people in Daath. All the inns were packed full and even Daath's massive cathedral was almost at capacity; really it was a miracle they weren't sleeping on the street. But even with all seven of them sharing a room, Anise was incredibly relieved to be in some sort of sanctuary away from the flowers and mourners and constant reminders of the massive hole in her life. She was sure her eyes were still red, but if they were no one said anything. The former Fon Master Guardian wiped them one last time for good measure and sat up from the bed she had promptly collapsed upon.
Everyone looked pretty rough, except for the Colonel who wasn't fazed by anything. It was almost annoying, but Anise was far too emotionally worn to bother expending energy on such a futile pursuit. She'd just end up losing anyway and leave him all the more amused for her attempt. Luke looked as bad as she knew she must look and even Tear seemed more down than usual. Silence sat tenuously over all of them because they all knew exactly what they needed to talk about. It had been put off in light of Ion's funeral... but now there was no avoiding it. Well, someone had to start the conversation, or they'd sit like this all night, and that just might be worse.
"So..." Anise said hesitantly. "What now?"
Silence.
"We can't put off dealing with the miasma any longer," Asch finally stated. Anise wasn't the only one to note that it was the first time he hadn't said it like he'd a stick up his butt. His usual high and mighty attitude had disappeared the day their mom had gotten hurt, and now he just seemed down all the time. Apparently this topic was no exception. "I was talking to Uncle and things are really starting to get bad," he continued. "More and more people are getting sick by the day; healthy people are starting to sick. If we wait much longer, it's not going to make a difference. Van will have won."
"But... what are we going to do about it?" Tear asked.
"I'll head to the Tower of Rem," Asch began solemnly. "I'll talk to the replicas and see what they-"
"No," Luke cut in.
"Luke..." Asch said, exasperation in his voice, but Luke met his eyes and shook his head.
"That's not what I'm getting at. Back when we got split up at Mushroom Road, Jade said that there was only one alternative to Asch destroying himself to eliminate the miasma... well I'm taking that alternative."
"Luke..." Jade said warningly.
"You mean there's another option?" Natalia almost pounced onto the Malkuth Colonel who suddenly found himself under attack by his overeager colleagues.
"I remember you saying that!" Guy exclaimed "I didn't think to ask since I figured you'd bring it up once we were together again. Then everything happened and I'd forgotten."
"You figured out another way to get rid of the miasma? Way to go Colonel!" Anise cheered.
"What is it? What's this alternative?" Tear inquired.
Jade sighed but said nothing, his stern gaze falling disapprovingly on Luke. Everyone's excitement slowly dampened as silence filled the room, the bustling energy fleeing as quickly as it had come. Only Asch had a dark look on his face.
"Jade..." Natalia finally spoke up. "What is it?"
The Colonel let out another sigh. "The only way to eliminate the miasma and have Asch come out alive... is if Luke dies instead."
"What?" A unanimous cry filled the room.
"Colonel!" Tear was the first to voice her outrage. "How could you even suggest such a thing?"
"Absolutely not!" Natalia wasn't far behind the melodist. "I refuse to accept this! There has to be some other way!"
"You bastard!" Guy yelled. "How could you tell Luke to go die like that?"
"Stop it you guys," Luke cut in. "Don't take it out on Jade like that. I knew that was the other option long before he said anything. You heard Asch, we've reached the end, there's no time left anymore. We keep waiting and everyone dies. I've thought about it a lot over the past few days, and I've decided. This is what I want to do."
"You idiot!" Guy's voice filled the room. "That's what's been on your mind all this time?"
"Hah!" Asch erupted from across the room, "Who the hell do you think you are? What makes you think a pitiful replica like you is even capable of-"
"Shut it Asch," Luke cut his brother off sharply. "I know what game you're playing and it isn't going to work this time. I don't care what you think of me; I don't care if you never forgive me for doing this. You can yell at me, we can fight, hell, you can hate me for the rest of your life if you have to... but you will have a life!"
"No." Asch stared Luke down with the most absolute glare anyone had ever seen. His response was simple, he absolutely wouldn't allow it.
"This is really simple Asch," Luke replied calmly. The strength of his resolve and the steadiness with which he met his sibling's protests belied how mentally prepared he was to accept this fate. Guy didn't want to believe it, but his resolve was completely unwavering. How long had he been seriously considering this?
"No matter what we decide now, I'm coming to the Tower of Rem too," Luke continued. "So either you let me do this, or I vanish with all the other replicas."
"That's right!" Natalia exclaimed. She couldn't believe she'd overlooked such an obvious fact. Luke was a replica just like the others. If he was present when Asch used his hyperresonance, he would get caught up in the reaction as well.
"You can't!" Asch protested, the desperation starting to show in his voice despite his best attempts to reel it in. He could just feel every ounce of terror he'd ever felt surge and it was all he could do not to lash out and make things worse. No way. Absolutely not. Luke was not going a step further with this. "It won't work Luke! We can't both vanish! Someone still has to free Lorelei and stop Van!"
"Then you don't have much choice, do you?"
Asch stood there defeated, his mouth hanging open for a moment as the reality of the situation was starting to sink in. No... no no no. If there was ever a fight he was going to win it had to be this one. Someone... anyone... side with him.
"I'm afraid I have to side with Luke in this matter," Jade said calmly, adjusting his glasses so the glare hid his eyes. "We can't afford to lose both Luke and Asch. If it's Luke or both of them, then there isn't a decision at all."
The door to the room slammed shut, Guy vanishing from their presence. Asch bit the inside of his cheek, the pain grounding him, but doing nothing to help him with his predicament. He couldn't think, he couldn't process anything through the rage and sheer frustration that seared through his veins. He knew he wouldn't be able to win now... not with Jade backing Luke. Why? Why would Jade side with Luke like that? Why was this happening? No. This absolutely was not how things were going to happen! This was not over.
Asch followed behind Guy, equally furious as the door slammed shut a second time. Luke stared at the floor, hoping to find some kind of answers hidden in the carpet's decorative swirls, but finding nothing. Just a spiral that led his eyes on a journey worthy of the sudden bout of nausea he felt. He'd known this would happen, he'd known there would be nothing but rejection... that every support he'd always counted on would be kicked out from under him. But knowing didn't stop the plummet. Everyone was looking at him; he could feel their gaze burning holes through his head, only adding to the weight on his shoulders. He just couldn't...
"I- I'm sorry," Luke said with a shallow bow to avoid looking anyone in the eye. "I just... need some time to think."
And with that Luke slipped out of the room, leaving behind hurt friends and unanswered questions.
The sun had set several hours ago leaving nothing but moonlight to fill the chapel. The entire place was empty; of people, of decorations, of flowers, of life... if Anise hadn't been there herself she wouldn't have believed everything that had happened just that afternoon. Part of her was glad to see it all gone. She hated the living reminders that she'd lost the only person she'd ever really loved, but part of her was also sad to see it go. How quickly the world just moved on. Would it be the same with Luke? Would everything just fall back into place, as if he'd never existed at all? Was that all that this stupid, good for nothing world had to offer these replicas... the people that she cared about?
"Why do you keep taking people away from me?" Anise yelled into the emptiness.
The moonlight offered no reply.
Damn it all! Anise cursed, unsure exactly who it was she was cursing. Fate, Yulia, Lorelei... whoever set off this chain of events then sat back to watch and laugh at their misery. First it was the person she'd loved and now... now what? Anise's thoughts came to a halt. What was Luke to her? It wasn't like she'd ever really loved him; despite all the times she'd joked around about marrying him or Asch for their money, it wasn't like she'd ever really meant it... entirely. Of course she'd gone and picked the one who was already getting hitched, just her luck, but it was probably for the better. She never really thought of either of them that way. Then... how did she think of them? Like friends? What was Luke to her?
He was less stuck up than Asch was, and even though he used to be really stupid all the time, Anise couldn't deny she'd always loved talking with him. He was so easy to talk to, she'd opened up to him so quickly... he could make her smile or laugh... he was like, like a brother. Anise never had any siblings, she didn't know what it was like, but if she tried to imagine having a brother, someone like Luke is all she could think of. Is that why it hurt so bad to think of him going away? To think of either of them going away? With her parents gone... her friends were like the only family she had left. Now... she was losing them too... why?
"Anise." The startled voice came from behind her. She turned around to see Luke standing not far from the chapel doors. "I'm sorry; I didn't realize you were here. I'll-"
"Get over here," Anise said sharply. Luke complied without a word. The two stood silently before the massive stained glass window. The sight of Ion's coffin still emblazoned in both their minds, Luke and Anise stood respectfully before the now empty altar, a couple feet from where it had once lain. Neither knew what to say but there was no awkwardness between them. Uncertainty perhaps, or maybe Luke was just anticipating the inescapable tirade, but there was a level of comfort whatever bond they shared allowed them. Luke knew he deserved what she'd say, and owed it to her to listen.
"Why are all of you the same?" Anise finally asked.
"What do you mean?" Luke asked curiously.
"All you replicas. You're all the same! You don't give a damn about your lives!" Anise turned to face Luke, her livid brown eyes meeting his sorrowful green. "You're not really planning to do this right? I mean you've got to have something else up your sleeve. You're just getting back at Asch, right? Right?"
"I'm sorry... I wish I could tell you I was."
"Are you really serious? Are you really planning to die like Asch was? This is your grand plan to save the world?"
Luke looked away. "I'm sorry."
"Don't give me that! You think 'I'm sorry' is good enough?"
"No, I don't; but it's all I can say. We're out of options and wishing it away isn't going to do anything. We can't fail after coming this far. Too many people have already sacrificed themselves for our cause, died because they believed in our idea of the future..." Luke looked longingly to where the casket had lain earlier. "I won't let that be for nothing. I won't let that dream die."
"Ion was the same," Anise conceded. "He was always so reckless. I couldn't believe it. I mean he was always so quiet and reserved in Daath, I hadn't ever really thought about it. But looking back now, even then he had no respect for his own life."
"I don't think it's that he didn't respect his own life," Luke replied. "I think he just valued others more."
"That's a load of crap! Don't try and justify yourself by saying you're doing this for others. If you valued others, you'd stop and think about what this is going to do to all of us!"
"I know what I'm putting you through..."
"Do you?"
"I'm... I'm sorry."
"Well... at least you're handling better than Asch did," she conceded. "I'm still not going to accept it."
"That's okay, I can live with that," Luke replied with a faint smile.
"You're not the one who has to live with it," Anise shot back. Luke fell silent.
"Can you do me one last favour?" Anise asked.
"What's that?"
"Tell me why he did it," she barely whispered.
"Why who did what?"
"Tell me why Ion died. I know you really know what happened. I know you're the only one who knows what really happened. Please! I have to- Please... tell me."
"Why would you think I know that?" Luke asked, trying to avoid looking her in the eyes.
"I know you do. The more I think back on it, think about how you acted while I fought with Arietta, how you kept trying to stop me. You knew it was wrong, that there was no possible way she was guilty... because you know the truth!"
Luke froze. She'd pinned him. "I... can't," he finally replied. "I gave Ion my word that I wouldn't say anything. He did... ask me to tell you something though... two things, actually."
"Then why haven't you?" Anise demanded.
"I was waiting for the next time that we were in Grand Chokmah together... but now..." Luke trailed off and Anise couldn't for the life of her figure out what Luke was trying to get at. What could he possibly have to say that needed them to be in Grand Chokmah of all places? The redhead stared at the ground, pondering something so Anise refrained from asking him to explain.
"Ask Peony...he'll be able to tell you," Luke finally said. "Ask Peony about a message f-from Ion, he'll know." Anise noticed how shaky her friend's voice had become. Was the reality that he wouldn't be with them next time they were in Grand Chokmah starting to hit him?
"I didn't mean to bother you," he managed, as he ducked away, looking for the nearest escape. "I'll leave you be."
"Luke, wait!" Anise yelled after him, stopping the redhead at the chapel's doors.
"What was the other one? The second message Ion asked you to give me?"
Luke took a deep breath, and Anise had never feared anything her friend had to say until this moment. The grief on his face hit her just as hard and when she saw him smile, despite being terrified to his very core, she knew she had tears in her eyes again.
"He said to tell you he was sorry... and..."
"And?"
"And that he loved you."
Luke quietly closed the chapel doors behind him, taking a deep breath to try and calm himself down. He had just been looking for a place where he could quietly think, but in retrospect he should have known he'd find Anise there. He shook his head in attempts to clear his head again. He had known this would be the hardest part of his resolve, but he hadn't even begun to fathom just how difficult facing everyone would be. Just speaking with Anise had been a quick reminder of how deeply he'd cut everyone, and at a time they'd been emotionally vulnerable to begin with.
"Luke!" The redhead looked up to see Natalia approaching him. He quickly took another deep breath but the anxiety still clung to him. He couldn't let them see how bothered he was, it would just give them more reason to try and talk him out of it. He wouldn't- no he couldn't! He couldn't let them convince him otherwise. He knew this was what he had to do, he just... it was so much harder when he had to face up to everything he was sacrificing. "Luke," Natalia repeated. "May I have a moment?"
"Sure." Luke failed at sounding nonchalant. "What's up Natalia?"
"Don't you 'what's up' me, you know exactly what I want to speak with you about." Oh great. Luke felt a horrible sense of dread crash over him. He didn't exactly expect her to be rejoicing, but she was angry. She was really angry. Fighting his childhood instinct to run and hide when she got in these moods, he did the next best thing: he played dumb.
"And what's that?"
"You... You are just as terrible as your brother is!" Luke couldn't resist a smile, but this only further fuelled the unusually livid princess. Luke took a step back under her intensified glare. Why was she so upset? This seemed like more than resenting his choice to take Asch's place... What else was there that had her so mad and almost defensive? Wait...
"What, in any of this, do you find funny?" Natalia demanded.
"Sorry, I was just thinking of how many times you've said that to me; it's the first time I actually agree with you." Natalia let out a frustrated sigh.
"I haven't spoken to Asch in over a week now," Natalia stated. "I was so furious with him, about this ridiculous plan of his. I told him I wouldn't say a word to him until he renounced it, and even with everything that's happened I've held to that. But you! Never, in all my lifetime did I expect you to follow this same path! To go along with his insanity! Luke how could you? How can you value your life so little that you can throw it away so easily?" Natalia's voice echoed in the empty entrance hall.
"You're relieved," Luke said with a sad smile.
"What?"
"At least a part of you is. You're glad Asch isn't the one that's going die."
"Absolutely not!" Natalia violently protested. "Both you and Asch are irreplaceable to me! Don't even suggest that because I'm in a romantic relationship with Asch that I care for you any less! Or even fathom that means it's alright for you do go die as long as Asch lives!"
"I know," Luke replied, his voice quiet and meek. "But it's okay. No matter how you slice it up, a cousin hardly compares to a soul mate."
"Luke..." Natalia stood there a moment unsure how to respond. She couldn't... she couldn't look him in the eye and honestly deny him, and that was a fact that made her loathe herself. She hated how what Luke said was true, how a small part of her felt such intense relief at the thought that Asch would live. "You're still my family... I still, I still care for you. I don't want to see you die!"
The princess took a step forward and wrapped her arms around her cousin, and cried. Luke gently returned the gesture, swaying on his feet, trying to calm her with the rhythmic motion.
"Please reconsider," Natalia pleaded. "You know you don't have to do this. There must be some other way; Jade will come up with something."
"We don't have time," Luke answered gently.
"No! There's still time. I know you find it difficult to find your place in the world, but this isn't it. If you reconsider, we can work on it together. We can help you figure out your future... you and me and Asch, we'll all put our heads together and... and..."
"Natalia... you know that's not an option anymore. It's too late. It's me or Asch, and you of all people can understand why we can't afford for it to be Asch."
"Don't... I don't want to lose you. Seven years ago I almost lost Asch; I didn't think I could ever feel any worse than I did then but... I don't want to lose you either."
Luke smiled and continued to rock her. This was why he had made the choice he had, to protect these people that he treasured more than anything. True that he was protecting the entire world, but if it were only these seven lives that would be spared he still wouldn't hesitate for a moment. His friends were everything to him.
"Thank you Natalia," Luke whispered when she'd calmed down.
"I wish there was another way."
"So do I," Luke confessed, no louder than a whisper as he held her closer. "So do I."
Natalia stepped away from Luke, her arm wiping tears from her eyes and she managed a smile for him. "Tear is in the library," she said. "She says she doesn't want to speak with you, but I think you really ought to go talk to her."
"In the library, the last place I'd hang out, huh?" Luke tried to grin but it only made him look sadder for the attempt.
"Yes, in the library," she confirmed before turning her back to him.
"Thanks, Natalia."
But whether Natalia heard him or not, Luke didn't know. She simply continued to walk at a steady pace, her shoulder trembling, until she had vanished around a corner.
The library was dark, no one else was up so late, and if Tear was still here, she hadn't bothered to light a lamp. Luke navigated his way between the bookcases thinking how perfectly content he would be should the darkness simply swallow him right here. He thought he'd felt dread when he'd seen Natalia coming, but that had been nothing compared to the chest crushing sensation that left him focusing in order to properly breathe. Luke began to wonder if this whole thing hadn't all been orchestrated; a master plan of Jade's to wear him down until he changed his mind. If this chain of encounters was solely the work of fate, it had a sense of humour to rival the Colonel's; a morbid thought indeed.
Luke slowed his pace a bit, beginning to enjoy the solitude the darkness offered, soaking in the night's calmness and though Daath's atmosphere was still one of sorrow and mourning, Luke found it comforting. He began to walk slower still, running his fingers along the many books that sat harmlessly on the shelves, letting the tactile sensation link him to reality. Slowly, he let his panic slip away to the steady patter of his hand against the books. He loved moments like this. Moments of serenity and calm, when the world seemed to hold its breath... moments that soon he'd no longer have to enjoy...
Luke grabbed his wrist to steady his trembling hand and silently cursed himself. Why was he so terrified? Was it the vast unknown that was death that made his heart race? Or was it the thought of losing absolutely everything? The things he held close to his heart, the things he didn't even realize he treasured... he would lose it all. Or maybe it was simply the knowledge of what he was doing to those who would be left behind.
Luke hadn't found the answer by the time he came across Tear. She sat on the window sill, the moon carving her face and casting an elegant shadow on the ground. It was times like these where her beauty really struck Luke. Tear wasn't an exceptionally pretty woman. She was modest, not the kind of girl who had every male with eyes pining for her attention, but not unattractive either. Still, she had moments, here and there, just like this one when she caught Luke's eye and she could take his breath away.
From the corner of her eyes, Tear caught a glimpse of motion. Of all times, she had told Natalia to leave her be. Luke's sudden declaration had hit her like a blow to the stomach and the melodist was still reeling from it all. How had it all come to this? How could this world take Luke from her? She just, she just couldn't wrap her mind around it. A world without his smile, without his laugh, without his silly but heartfelt attempts to make everyone happy... that kind of place didn't exist. Why couldn't he see that? Die to save the world? There was no world without him. For others maybe, but not for her.
Another shuffle drew her attention. Tear turned to tell the Princess off but was stopped short as the dark figure stepped from the shadows.
"Luke!" Tear uttered before reeling in her surprise. She exchanged the small spurt of joy that always accompanied his presence for a more bitter feeling. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to you." The redhead swallowed hard, and his hands firmly clasped his jacket to disguise his shaking.
"I don't have anything to say to you right now," Tear replied coldly.
"But I have something I want to tell you," Luke said. Tear returned her watchful gaze to the window without acknowledging his words.
"Remember back after Akzeriuth," Luke continued, swallowing hard. "I had decided that if there was anything I could do to protect you, to protect all of you, that I would do it without hesitating. I thought if I could die to protect you I would do it happily. I wondered if I'd died back then, if maybe I would have been able to save Akzeriuth. It seems kind of silly now, and I realize how stupid thinking like that was. I didn't understand anything; my death wouldn't have made a difference. My life wouldn't have meant anything if I had disappeared back then, and it would have been an insult to their sacrifice."
"How can you say such a thing? How can you hold your life in such disregard? By acting like your life is worthless, you're insulting everyone who cares about you!"
"I don't think my life is worthless!" Luke protested. "I... I think the exact opposite. I don't want to die, to be honest, I'm absolutely terrified. I'm standing here talking to you, but I can barely stop shaking long enough to say something. I value all the time I've spent with everyone."
All the time I've spent with you.
"But then I keep thinking: I'm only one person. All these feelings, all these hopes, dreams, apprehensions, all of it; everyone else has them too. With my one life, I can protect that infinite number of feelings. For someone like me who doesn't have a future... it's more than I could ask for."
"Don't say those things!" Tear protested turning around and surprised by Luke's proximity to her face. "You thinking like that is exactly-"
Luke put a finger to her lips and shook his head. "No, it's the truth. I've tried, Score knows I've tried. I spent two months trying to fit into Asch and Natalia's world, trying to find my place in the mess of it all... but I'm not blind. I know I don't belong there. I wasn't meant to exist; I'm not saying I regret living or that I shouldn't have been born, just that there was never a place for me to begin with."
"I don't care, you can use explanations to justify what you're doing all you want, it doesn't make a difference."
"You wanted to get to know me," Luke stated in defeat. "Well here you go, this is who I am. Whether you accept it or not, is up to you."
"I'll never accept what you're doing..."
"Aren't you being a little unfair?"
"Just how am I being unfair to say I won't accept you running off and dying?"
"Because you made the exact same choice."
"I nev-" But before she'd even finished her protest it hit her.
"You were ready to die to safely lower the Outer Lands. You accepted the fact that you would become tainted with the miasma despite the consequences because saving the world was more important."
"It's not the same," she replied, but her voice had lost its edge.
"Because this time you're the one left behind to suffer?"
Tear had no reply.
"I know what I'm putting you through; I went through the same thing back then. But I also understand now how you felt. I can see why it was so important. I can't back down; we can't let Master Van win! So even though you'll probably hate me, I can't turn back. I can only hope that maybe, someday, you'll forgive me. Even if-" and Luke's voice broke. "Even if I won't be around to see it."
Tear would never forget those last words, those nine simple words that shattered every illusion of happiness she'd ever entertained. Luke was...Luke was going to die. She was really going to lose him. Part of her hadn't accepted it, dismissed the possibility as one of Luke's moments of stupidity, a lapse in his far from infallible judgement. Hearing him say it, to voice that reality, brought with it a pain and grief that Tear had never known. Her light... her sun was gone and it would take what was worth living for with it.
"I- I'm sorry," Luke managed, unable to stand watching the light vanish from her eyes, her face struck with grief. He... Luke barely managed a bow and vanished back in the direction from which he'd come.
Tear barely noticed him leave.
Outside clouds covered the moon, leaving the melodist trembling and broken as she sunk into darkness.
Luke stood outside the library for a long time trying to pull himself back together. Part of him was afraid of what would ensue if Tear decided to leave the library's confines while he was still there leaning up against the wall. But by Yulia's graces she didn't cross his path and Luke was hurrying back towards their room. He wanted to be in bed where he could at least pretend he was sleeping and not have to face anyone until the morning when Noelle could take them to the Tower of Rem. Then... Then he wouldn't have to worry about anyone anymore.
Luke was grateful Ginji had to return to Sheridan to give the Albiore some maintenance. He didn't want one more person to face, and something about Noelle made her seem more understanding. Even if she didn't approve, she still seemed easier to deal with than her older brother. Dealing with people was something at which Luke was quickly finding out he wasn't as good at as he'd thought. He just wanted to go to bed and not have to think. But their room was a long ways away, and he'd a lot more room to run into someone else.
It was at the top of the steps that Luke found Guy, leaning against the wall and clearly waiting. He'd positioned himself in a spot where Luke couldn't get back to the room without passing by him. Once he'd crossed the bridge spanning the entry hall he could take an alternate route, but not before then.
Guy spotted him and wasted no time making his way towards the redhead. Luke knew that look in his eyes, he knew exactly what was coming his way; the only thing Luke had to decide, was whether to dodge it, or to let Guy's hit land.
Luke underestimated the impact of the blow and the sharp pain in his face was only added to by the pain that flew up his right flank as it absorbed the force of the fall. Pulling himself back to his feet, Luke almost expected a second hit, but it never came and Luke finally worked up the courage to look his best friend in the eye.
"What the hell?" Was the only thing Guy said.
"Normally I'd be the one asking you that, but I kind of deserved it."
"Kind of deserved it? That doesn't even begin to cover the sheer stupidity of what you've been thinking! You're just a child! The concept of death shouldn't even occur to you!"
"I wish the world was that kind of place..."
"Then make it that kind of place! Live and make a difference in this world, don't just throw everything away! You can't amount to a bloody thing if you're dead!"
"If I don't do anything, there won't be a world left! The miasma will destroy everything."
"God damn it, forget about the miasma! This is about you living or dying!"
"So what are you saying then?" Luke demanded. "That it's fine for me to live and Asch to go die?"
"No! It's not okay for either of you to die! I hate this self-sacrificial attitude you both have, acting like your lives are only yours to keep or throw away as you will. There's nothing to be gained from thinking that way, no one will end up happy if you walk down that path! I refuse to believe that this is the only option, there has to be some other way! A way for both of you to live!"
"But there isn't," Luke replied. "At least, not one that we'll find in time. People are dying Guy... Ion died, how many other people have lost friends or family to the miasma already? Wishing it away isn't going to eliminate the miasma. How many have to die before we realize there's no other choice?"
"Why you? Why does it have to be you?" Guy demanded.
"Because we're the only ones who can create a hyperresonance."
"I know that but why? Why does it have to be you...?" Guy's hands came to rest on Luke's shoulders as his whole frame sank in defeat. "You of all people deserve to live. After everything... after everything you've given up for this world, you should be the ones who get to live in it, who get to see the future you've worked so hard to build, damn it!"
"We've all sacrificed a lot; that's why we can't let everything fall apart now," Luke said. "I wish it didn't have to be me, I wish it didn't have to be anyone. Not me, not Mary, not any of the replicas... but it's not that simple."
"You've really decided, haven't you? No matter what any of us say, it's not going to make a difference, is it?"
Luke shook his head solemnly.
"I figured as much. You were never one to give in when there was something you wanted. Between you and Asch, you are the most stubborn people I have ever known. Even when you're doing something stupid, you'd never let anyone talk you out of it."
Luke opened his mouth to reply but Guy cut him off.
"You've really grown over this past year," the blond commented. "You used to be so different from Asch, always needing help with everything... but now, you're standing completely on your own. You grew up completely in front of my eyes."
"Guy..."
"I know you're right," he admitted. "I know that you have to do something; that we can't just let the miasma linger. The fact that you've realized it, and can think about it as calmly as you are, is just proof of how much you've grown up. Jade was right in what he said, it's not fair of me to criticize you when I don't have any alternatives to offer, but I don't want to see you die. You're my best friend... I don't want to lose you."
Luke took a deep breath, but even so he had to wait a moment, steadying his voice until he knew he could say something without having it fail him. "I don't want to lose you either... but... there's no other way. I can't let Asch do this... so this is the only choice I have."
"I know you can't. But don't act like your choice was taken. There is always a choice."
"No, there really isn't. Not for me."
"No, I guess there wouldn't be," Guy conceded. He knew that would be Luke's answer. The alternative of doing nothing wasn't even an option.
"Thank you Guy. Thank you for always being my friend."
"You don't have to thank me for that," Guy added. Luke only smiled weakly and waved, continuing on his way back to the room.
Guy punched the wall, unable to numb the feelings that seared through his system.
"Idiot."
Jade leaned against the rail that lined the pass over the cathedral's main entrance hall. From up here he could watch any proceedings down below, and it had become a favourite spot of his, especially back when Daath had served as a home to many of their opponents. There was no saying when someone might slip with a bit of important information. Now, there was no one but the usual guard down below and little information that might serve his purpose, but still he stood, watching the emptiness and pondering.
The Malkuth Colonel hated dead ends, for they never truly were dead ends; there was always another path, another choice if one looked at the issue with enough scrutiny. This issue, however, had brought even him to a startling halt. The lack of progress in the research on both countries front was the largest problem. Though they'd done well in analyzing the miasma's composition, there weren't even any theories on methods to neutralize the toxin. No documented compounds from any database would serve and even the most advanced medications did little to treat the poison's toxicity. Asch had been right in saying they had precious little time remaining; far too little time to develop a feasible alternative. But still he thought.
Jade sat in bed, scrutinizing the IV tube in his arm, but unable to find a logical reason to remove it. No irritation, no infection, a suitable vein... the nurse had placed it well. The sun trickled in the window from Baticul's skies but did little to alleviate the sense of confinement. There was little Jade despised more than being held against his will, save perhaps those who held him. Treatment was not unwarranted, but the state of quarantine the future monarch had him under was. Jade rubbed his temple, sitting back against his pillow. Only three hours until they would change his bandages, he had plenty of time to orchestrate a suitable escape.
To his surprise, not ten minutes later, the door opened, and a redhead stepped in, closing it behind him. Jade smirked.
"And just how did you get in here, Luke?" The Colonel inquired.
Luke returned the smirk. "You may be able to tell Asch and I apart, but the guards sure can't."
"Come to plead for your brother's life?"
"Nope, if you want to put him in his place, have at it. Heck, I'll help."
"So what brings you here?" Jade asked.
"I just wanted to see how you were making out," he replied. "You were hurt pretty bad back there, and before you try to deny it, I saw how hard Nebilim hit you. You're lucky you didn't die." Luke paused for a moment. "It must have really hurt..."
"Yes well, brushes with death aside, my wounds are healing without any major complications. The pain was mostly superficial; I didn't particularly take note of it at the time."
"I didn't mean physically," Luke stipulated. "Facing Nebilim again like that... having to watch her die, even if it was just a replica. It must have really hurt."
"Not particularly."
"Just try not to give up on it, okay?"
"And what exactly are you referring to?"
"Hope."
"That hardly applies to our current discussion," Jade replied calmly.
"It's why you got hurt isn't it?" Luke continued, and he didn't miss the way Jade's lips twitched, indicating he wasn't as far from the mark as Jade would have him believe. "You hesitated, because you hoped that she wouldn't go berserk, that she might be different from the replica in your past."
"Hope is a fruitless gesture. Nothing has ever come of it."
"I don't know what may have happened to you in the past, but... try not to give up on hope. No matter how small it seems."
"You are certainly still a child," Jade said with a chuckle.
"Maybe," Luke shot back with a smirk. "But this child is going to go take a shot at Asch for you," he winked. "Seriously though, make sure you get better."
"I'm certain I'll manage, your brother doesn't allow for many other options with these circumstances." Luke chuckled and waved one last time before leaving again.
No matter how small... was it? Jade couldn't resist a smile as he adjusted his glasses. These children were so demanding...
Sentiments of that nature were such flickering notions, for they'd truly reached a dead end. No amount of thinking, of fate, or of hope would spare his charges, because while the Colonel hated to admit it, Asch didn't know how right he was. There was no time left, the time they'd been allowed for wishful thinking and delusions was past. No alternative could be implemented on such a large scale at this point without needing the time that it would take for half the world's population to die. It had become inevitable; one of them had to make the ultimate sacrifice. Jade sighed.
Perhaps it was fitting that hope die with Luke. Looking up from the level below, his ruby eyes met a set of green.
"Luke."
"Jade."
Without the moon to light it, the courtyard was dark as Luke wandered through it. He was worn, tired of fleeing his racing mind and shouldering the guilt that all his friend's emotions had laid upon him. He just wanted to go to bed. He'd chosen the long way, walking outdoors letting the night's crisp air help clear his mind. At least that's what he told himself; he knew the truth. He was just avoiding Asch. With everyone so restless, he didn't doubt Asch was somewhere in the cathedral and Luke didn't want to have to face him.
Luke was starting to realize why Asch had so readily pushed everyone away, why he had found it easier to be cruel than to deal with the barrage of emotions he would have had to face. How simple a thing it would have been to have them angry, not wanting to speak with him... he would be spared their sorrow, their disappointment. All those crushing emotions that took the resolve right out from under him, they would stay buried beneath petty anger at irrelevant things. But Luke knew that wasn't right. He just hated how easily his resolve was shaken when he looked them all in the eyes. When he was forced to acknowledge everything he was losing, it was almost more than he could bear.
The truth of the matter was, even though it was Asch he was protecting, he was the one Luke feared losing the most... and he had almost eight years of cherished memories to tell him why. Eight years of laughter, of tears, of pointless fights and treasured moments that drew out everything Luke loved about the world. But it was because of those memories, those moments that he had to do this. Because while it scared him to think of giving all that up, trying to fill in the hole that Asch would leave behind, was infinitely more terrifying. Asch couldn't be sacrificed; that one fact remained constant.
And thus, so did Luke in his decision.
The redhead stopped on the path he walked, a figure stood up ahead blocking the road, just barely visible in the darkness. Peaking from behind the clouds, the moon lit his face but Luke didn't need it to know that it was Asch standing there. Deep down Luke had known he couldn't avoid his brother if Asch really wanted to find him. Yet something about seeing his sibling standing there, surrounded by an air of sheer defiance, helped boost his resolve. Luke met his stare with one of equal fervency.
Luke remembered why he'd chosen this path.
"I'm not letting you go through with this," Asch stated simply, his voice cold. "You will not be the one to die."
"I'm sorry, but I am. No matter what you say, it's not going to change anything," Luke answered.
"You're really serious."
"Yes."
"Fine," Asch spat. Luke stood in shock, he hadn't expected Asch to give in at all, much less so quickly. His sibling never went down without kicking and screaming the entire way and Luke had fully expected to have to deal with that. What was Asch thinking?
It only took one look in Asch's eyes for Luke to retract every word. That fire meant this was far from over, and Asch had in no way just conceded defeat.
"Fine!" Asch repeated, his intensity increasing. He could feel even muscle in him trembling, whether it was in anger or in fear, Asch didn't know any more, nor did he care. To say he wasn't shaken by Luke's unwavering resolve, even knowing he had spoken to his friends, was a lie, but this insanity was ending regardless. Here and now. Asch drew his sword and pointed it at Luke.
"Draw. Show me your resolve! Show me that you will see this through no matter what stands in your way!"
A look of surprise flew through Luke's features but he reined it in just as quickly his voice escaping with an exasperated tone. "Asch, I'm not going to fight you."
"Pathetic! The only way you're continuing down this road, is if you go through me!"
"I have no reason to fight you Asch! You're not proving anything!"
"If you are so insistent on doing this, even if it means destroying me in the process, then do it!"
"Alright then," Luke drew his sword, moonlight reflecting off a tip far steadier than his sibling's. He didn't want to fight, he didn't want to hurt Asch more than he already had... but for Asch, there was no other option. Asch had to do this; so it would be Luke's final act to indulge him.
It only took the first hit for Asch to realize how little attention he'd paid to Luke. Whether it was because of their fighting, or because he was afraid of all he might lose, it no longer mattered. All that mattered was where there had once been a helpless child, Asch now found an able and independent warrior, and he had no idea where he'd come from. Strike for strike they danced fluidly across the courtyard to the sound of clashing metal. He hadn't seen Luke... not at all.
Asch had expected to find Luke hesitant, to find his strike uncertain and his resolve wavering, but he saw none of these things. Instead he felt the same feeling that often shadowed him when he had sparred with Van; the feeling of facing someone stronger, whose skills surpassed your own. The feeling of inevitable defeat... No! Absolutely not! There was no way he would allow this to happen, to let this chain of events unravel, not while he could still fight! He wouldn't... no he couldn't lose!
Asch wasn't fighting for himself this time. He wasn't fighting as a game or as a way to teach Luke something, it wasn't because they were angry or even for that twisted sense of satisfaction that came with knowing he was better, that Luke still needed him for something. He was fighting to protect! To protect the one thing that made his life worth living these past eight years! To know that the light that had always given him reason to persevere, even when things seemed like they couldn't get worse, would carry on in this world! He was fighting so he wouldn't have to watch his only baby brother die in front of his eyes for a world that couldn't accept him in the first place.
Yet no matter how many of these feelings Asch put forth, he was always met by Luke. Every strike, every parry, it was effortless to his sibling and Luke flowed from each move to the next with a skill Asch had never noted. Luke was unwavering, and each time their eyes met, the confidence Asch saw there shook him to his very core. How long had he turned his eyes away, ignored this person he was willing to die to protect?
For so long Asch had feared replacement, that Luke would someday overshadow him, replace him as Van had once intended he do. Asch always had to be the better one, no matter what the task had been, he had to be stronger, faster, smarter... so that people would notice him. He couldn't light up a room like Luke did; he couldn't paint their faces with smiles or make them laugh when they were sad. He couldn't just talk to someone, or make a friend... so he had to be better, so people wouldn't forget about him too. Yet this, to have Luke replace him on his deathbed... Asch could never have dreamed, not even in his darkest nightmares.
Luke was undeniably strong, but Asch wasn't without any tricks either, and for each time Luke pushed him back, Asch returned the favour leaving them at a standstill. The endurance Asch had once counted upon no longer surpassed his brother's and while fatigue began to drain away at his extremities, he would never give up. He wouldn't stop until he saw Luke surrender, until he saw the path before them made right again. Luke could not die; and for that Asch would do whatever he had to, no matter the consequence.
Matched blow for blow, flashes of moonlight danced of their blades as the moon darted between clouds. Luke could feel Asch's desperation, his coursing feeling relayed through his attacks as well as the connection that remained open between them. No thoughts or words passed, just raw unfiltered emotions, a storm upon a calm sea that fought to keep its surface steady. Luke couldn't afford to falter, because he knew what had to happen. He knew he couldn't let Asch win.
Nervous at first, Luke was pacified within the first few minutes of their battle, realizing he could match Asch; the gap that had once seemed impossibly large was nothing anymore. Perhaps it was his resolve, fate lending him the skill to see his future through, but he knew he wouldn't lose. So he let Asch continue, let all his pent up emotions drain through his attacks until all that remained was desperation, emptiness, and the fear that Luke himself had once felt so intensely when he'd thought Asch would die. He'd hidden it with anger at the inevitable decision about the replicas, Asch hid it behind this battle, but it was time to stop the lies.
Asch didn't even see what had happened, Luke vanished from sight and before he could comprehend what was going on, his sword flew from his hand, landing with a clatter on the stone path. Asch sunk to his knees, shock, defeat and despair all blending into a single existence that swallowed him as drops of rain began to stain the ground below.
"How..." Asch barely managed a whisper.
"I told you I'd get better than you if you didn't start showing up to practice," Luke said with a gentle smile, sheathing his blade and offering Asch a hand. Asch didn't notice the gesture, staring absent-mindedly into the dark and rainy night.
"Why are you doing this?" A pleading and unfamiliar voice escaped his sibling. Luke sank down to the ground to meet Asch's empty eyes.
"I won't let you die," Luke answered simply. "No matter what that means... for either of us."
"I'm just..." Asch's shoulders sank even further. Luke leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his brother, and he smiled when he felt Asch's chin rest on his shoulder. "I'm just so tired Luke..."
"It's just late," Luke answered, though they both knew that wasn't what was meant.
"No... I can't do this anymore Luke. Freeing Lorelei, stopping Van, Kimlasca, Mother... everything... I can't do it. No matter how much I accomplish, there's ten times more that I haven't done. I feel like I'm running in circles... I can't..."
Luke held Asch closer, hearing all the things that went unsaid. The constant weight on his shoulders, the burden of his endless responsibilities that crushed him, drained him, and stole what little happiness he could find in this dying world. No one should have to face the things he had, much less alone.
"I know you're tired," Luke whispered. "But I also know what a strong and wonderful person you are. I've always respected you, and always looked up to you. You're my big brother... you can do anything. I look at you, and I can see the amazing person that you will become. That's why... you absolutely cannot die. No matter what happens now, no matter what happens in the future; you can not die. The future can't afford to lose someone whose life will be as incredible as yours will be."
The sound of rain filled the courtyard, the cold drops soaking both boys to the bone. Their long red hair clung to their faces streaming more water down into them as they stayed there on the ground. The cold only added to the numbness in his limbs, and in his heart so pierced by the words Luke had spoken. Why? What was the point of anything, of all the strength he'd acquired, if he couldn't protect this one person? This one soul that meant the world to him? He sworn... he'd sworn he'd protect Luke no matter what! Luke was his little brother! What good was he if he couldn't protect him?
"You're not alone, you know," Luke said, his voice dampened by the rain. "Not now, not ever. All those burdens, all those responsibilities... you don't have to carry them by yourself. You're never alone, and no matter what happens, I'll always be supporting you."
"Why?" Asch managed, his voice broken.
"Because I don't want you to die."
Asch felt his entire body freeze at those simple words. How? How had Luke known... all this time, through everything, that's all he'd ever really wanted to hear. From someone... from anyone, he just wanted to know that they wanted him to live, that they wanted him around. But no, they'd just gotten angry, blamed him for an impossible decision, for being thoughtless and careless and for making the only reasonable choice he could. Never once had they said...
Asch's arms came up and he held Luke back, in this, their last shared moment together.
No matter what happens, you cannot die.
The rain continued to fall onto the courtyard, long after only the crimson haired boy remained.
Luke closed the door to the room, relieved to find it empty. A trail of water followed behind him, his hair and coat still wet from the rain but Luke had little desire to dry himself off. He'd little desire to do anything. While he'd put up a strong front for Asch, there weren't words to describe how seeing his brother like that had destroyed him. He didn't want to do this! He didn't want to hurt everyone... he didn't... he didn't want to die. But what other choice was there? Why... why did things have to be this way?
A pillow was sent crashing into the wall before Luke sank to the floor, a small puddle of water pooling around him as tears of frustration spilled down his face. What... what was he supposed to do?
Turning his head, a small flash of light caught his eye. The fonstone that Ion had given him was sitting on the table next to his bed. Luke walked over and picked up the small green stone, watching it glisten as light reflected from within its depths. There was no mistaking it; Luke would know the small rock in his sleep. But what was it doing there? He was sure he'd put it away earlier.
Holding the small stone in his palm, the familiar warmth it offered gave Luke little comfort. What would Ion have done? What would he have wanted in all this? Luke didn't want to die! He couldn't bear the thought of never being with his friends, with Tear or Guy or Asch ever again. He would never watch Peony make fun of Jade, or be there when Mother woke up, or listen to Ginji, Noelle and Aston argue about the Albiores... none of it. But... he didn't see any other options! There wasn't any other choice... unless... Luke stared at the fonstone.
Maybe Ion had given him the answer all along.
Luke closed his eyes, feeling the flow of Seventh Fonons in the room. They were agitated, probably in response to him, maybe even to his and Asch's fight. Luke took another deep breath and tried to settle his feelings. He wasn't going to get anywhere all worked up like he was. Instead of the overbearing guilt, Luke instead focused on the last time he'd tried reading the Score. It was so long ago, back before they'd even dealt with Mohs. Wait Mohs...
Mohs had read the Score that day... and the flow of fonons had been so obvious and so unusually clear; a pattern hidden when someone experienced did the same. But Luke's memories of that time were foggy, marred by blankets of darkness, fading in and out of consciousness. He remembered the wind, the cold... it was raining, just as it was now, as it had been when he faced Asch. Asch had been next to him then too, then there was pain, a mind splitting pain as the fonons flowed through the stone and then...
Luke nearly doubled over as fire flew through his head, the most intense pain he'd ever experienced. He instinctively moved to clasp his head but found his arms impossible to move. His spiralling world went black and Luke fell into darkness.
How long he fell, Luke didn't know, but when he opened his eyes, he was floating in a sea of black like the nightmares he'd once feared, but this was different. Around him scenes flashed by, like fleeting memories of events to come. First he saw the war, Kimalscan and Malkuth troops exploded in waves of blue and red, blood spilling as man after man fell. The Kimlascan troops advanced, Malkuth was forced back. Blood was everywhere; Engeve was slaughtered, St. Binah fell behind it. None were left alive.
What is this? But he knew. Deep within him the words resonated from hidden memories.
ND2019, The forces of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear shall march northward, through the Rugnica Plains. After inflicting atrocities upon the villages in their wake, the army shall surround the fortress capital.
Then he saw Akzeriuth, or what he thought was Akzeriuth by the bodies lining the miasma infested streets. There were no children screaming, women crying over their lost husbands... only death; a sea of corpses. Then Luke saw the palace, and he realized it wasn't Akzeriuth at all, it was Grand Chokmah. Blood painted the throne. Peony lay motionless at its feet.
No... no this wasn't possible, it wasn't happening!
The Kimlascan army will stain the Malkuth throne with the blood of its last emperor. Their howls of victory shall resound throughout the land. ND2020, A mountain of corpses shall bury the fortress capital.
Was this supposed to be the future? Impossible, Asch would never let this happen! Kimlasca would never be allowed to do such a thing as long as he was alive! Was that it? Was this supposed to be what would happen if he died?
Grand Chokmah faded, but reappeared as Engeve, the same portrait as mountains of bodies lined the streets. Luke tried to look away but only saw St. Binah, then Kaitzur, and Chessedonia. It was the same everywhere... they were all dead. Luke wanted to be sick, he couldn't stand this anymore... No more... please no more!
The final scene was of Baticul. It wasn't the city he had known, in fact, had he not been staring at his home, he wouldn't have believed it. The once proud structures had rusted, buildings fell apart, wood rotted in this ghost town. There were no bodies, only dust that blew in an empty wind.
Thus shall Auldrant be destroyed by the miasma and turned to dust. This is the end of Auldrant.
Luke knew what he was seeing... it was the Score. The future as the Score had seen it.
At that realization, the scenes before him all vanished, and Luke returned to a world of nothing but darkness.
"The light of the sacred flame shall approach the Kimlascan city of fon machines, seeking a way to purify the taint."
The familiar voice made Luke's heart ache and he turned to see Ion standing behind him. He was exactly as Luke remembered, save for his once gentle eyes that were now ablaze in a burning gold.
"There, salvation shall be found through the use of a forbidden power." Ion finished.
Though he wore the face of his old friend, every fibre in Luke's body flared and he began to shake. "Who the hell are you?" He demanded, his voice trembling in rage.
Ion tilted his head curiously, an act that was quite unlike the Fon Master that Luke had known, but smiled apologetically. Luke's throat tightened and he fought back the storm of emotions brewing below the surface.
"I'm sorry," Ion apologized. "I thought this was a form you'd find familiar, I meant no offense."
In the blink of an eye, Ion had vanished and in his place stood a boy Luke's height. He had identical red hair that fell the same length down his back. Had this person existed beyond the confines of Luke's mind, he knew that he'd be mistaken for Asch and Luke's triplet, but to Luke, he looked as different from himself or Asch as his sibling was from his own reflection. Luke just knew. It wasn't Asch, nor was it a mirror image of himself. It was someone else entirely.
"Lorelei."
Lorelei smiled.
"Is this what happens when people read the Score?" Luke asked, deciding against questioning the being's presence in his mind. It was like questioning why he and Asch had a connection. There was probably some long and complicated answer, but it really didn't matter. It was just something he'd accepted as a fact. "They see what's going to happen?"
"No, you can see the planet's memory as I can because you are special. You are a part of me."
"Because I'm your isofon?"
"That's right. This was the future I gave to Yulia, the eventual outcome of her plan to raise the Outer Lands and create the Sephiroth. This was the future that she chose."
"Can it really be changed? I mean, is there another way to get rid of the miasma? A way where no one has to die?"
Lorelei sighed sadly. "I was asked that same question many years ago; but the answer I gave Yulia remains. I do not know. I only have the power to see one future, one outcome as it exists in the Planet's Memory. But if it's you, I believe you can change it. I do believe you can carve your own future."
Luke pondered what Lorelei had said for a moment. "Where have you been all this time? I thought you said you'd contact us."
"You try fighting your way out of confinement and try asking me again," Lorelei snidely remarked.
"You're trapped?" Lorelei gave him a pointed look. "Master Van!" Luke suddenly realized, berating himself for having forgotten such an obvious fact. "But if Master Van is trapping you, how are you here?"
"Just because he's trapped me, doesn't mean I have to go down without a fight," he said with a smirk.
Luke burst out laughing. "You sound just like Asch."
Lorelei's smirk faded to a genuine smile. "Is that so?"
Luke's laughter abated and he was surprised to find himself able to laugh. In fact, all the weight that had pressed down on him earlier had all but vanished in place of a peaceful warmth that seeped through his mind; undoubtedly thanks to Lorelei. He smiled at the thought of the sentient essence of the Seventh Fonon worried about making him feel better. Thinking of it that way... was very comforting; a support when he thought he'd had none.
Yet, for all that Lorelei smirked and joked with him, there was no mistaking the difference from how he'd seemed before. He seemed weary, as if tired from fighting a long battle that he knew he couldn't win. But much like Asch, or maybe even himself, that wouldn't stop Lorelei from trying. What would happen if he lost before they managed to free him though?
"Lorelei..."
Lorelei smiled again, this time looking ancient and sad, and placed a hand on Luke's shoulder. "You're running out of time, I know you know that, but have faith in yourself and in your decisions. And try not to worry too much about me. I can still hold my own." He said it with conviction, but a wave of weariness belied his statement.
"I don't know..." Luke said. "I don't know if I can do this. It's all so much..."
"To do nothing is also a choice," Lorelei said. "I've done all I can for you. I don't have the strength left to fight the One who would seize glory. This is the last time I can help you."
"But there has to be something I can do!"
"Please free me. I just... want to be free. To know no boundaries, no confinements... true freedom..." Lorelei started off into the darkness, as if watching a distant dream only he was privy to. Luke would never forget how he looked in that moment, sad, longing and betrayed, and Luke began to wonder why Lorelei was the only of the fonons trapped in the core.
Lorelei's image flickered, vanishing for a moment but reappearing translucent like a ghost. "Wait! Lorelei!" Luke called. "What about the Jewel! We can't find the Jewel! Where is it?"
"I sent it to you, beyond that I do not know."
"Please wait! What does that mean? I don't have it, so it must be somewhere!"
But Lorelei only smiled one last time, an aching reflection of Asch as he said, "Don't doubt yourself so fiercely. You're stronger than you know."
"Come back!"
But Lorelei was gone, leaving Luke to tumble endlessly into the darkness.