Chapter 79: Going in Blind
The Albiore's radio crackled, the sound cutting through the otherwise quiet night air. The faint light of the dials provided the sole source of illumination in the airship's cockpit. All of its occupants were elsewhere this night, whether they were back at the palace or halfway across the world in Baticul, Jade was the only person to watch as the lights faded from red to green and the crackle ceased.
"Sorry, Jade," the apology came across the speaker. "Noelle has been doing some upgrades on this end and the radio is a bit jumpy."
"Noelle is upgrading, or you're playing mechanic?" Jade asked tauntingly, perfectly able to imagine Guy's reaction despite the distance between the two. His friends were nothing if not amusingly predictable.
"You say that like I'd have the time to play mechanic, even if she'd let me within a mile of the engine," the blond replied.
"Well seeing as the two of you have been getting along rather well lately, I suppose stranger things have happened."
The Colonel heard a whisper of a curse on the other end. Luke and Tear weren't quite as fun to taunt since they'd made the status of their relationship obvious, and he was quite certain the blond was wishing he wasn't the next most obvious target.
"I missed the last part of what you were saying," Guy spoke up quickly, trying to divert the subject. "It sounded like you've got a plan ironed out for attacking Eldrant."
"Yes," Jade continued, letting the Malkuth noble off the hook. Temporarily. "The countries' respective militaries will draw the island's firepower leaving us an opening to land there and disable the fon machines responsible for the consumption and replication of the land. We'll encounter Dorian General Grants in the process no doubt."
"And Sync too if we're lucky," Guy added sarcastically.
"On that subject, how did our latest opponent make out?"
"Legretta's still breathing, but the doctors don't have much hope for her. Then again, she's made it a week when they didn't give her 24 hours so I guess we'll see. There's not much more they can do for her."
"That might be for the best, we've enough concerns without her wreaking havoc. She may not be a physical threat, but it wouldn't take much to rouse the citizens. They are far too unstable at the moment."
"Yeah," Guy agreed. "Things are bad, but not nearly as bad as they could have been. We can thank Asch for circumventing that one. Proclaiming that the Planet Storm was the cause of the miasma and that it had to be shut down to prevent the miasma from escaping the core again... and to think it wasn't entirely a lie."
"Some quick thinking on his part," Jade concurred. "But there was still a good deal of restlessness on the subject; people are still uneasy following the disaster with the miasma. It will take quite some time for them to settle completely."
"Not much more we can do on that front though. Except see this through to the end, once and for all."
"You sound uncertain on the matter," Jade commented.
"It's not that I'm uncertain... it's more that I can't believe we've actually reached this point."
"Given the course of events, I think this outcome was rather inevitable."
"I know that, I just can't believe it's finally here. I mean, this is it. We've actually made it here. Who'd have thought?"
"Indeed. Don't forget, we'll meet up in Chesedonia in a week's time. Most of the forces have already been repositioned but it will still take a bit of time to get the last units organized."
"The perfect neutral ground, huh?" Guy commented. "Well if the girls don't insist on catching up with you sooner, we'll see you then."
"Restless?"
"More than a little. Anise has made a full recovery which has only made things worse."
"We'll be seeing you then."
"Yeah," Guy chuckled. "Sooner rather than later if this keeps up."
The voice cut out and the sound of static flooded the silent cockpit. Jade flicked a switch and the lights on the dashboard went dark. He remained in the darkness a moment longer and allowed his thoughts to stew. There was much to think about before their journey to Eldrant, many factors to consider, outcomes to be avoided where possible. The fate of the twins weighed especially heavy on his mind. He expected, as he knew they did, that this would be their final journey.
Luke's weakness after their last venture made that fact painfully obvious to all who were privy to the right information. The use of the Jewel to shut down the Planet Storm was nothing compared to what would be required of them to free Lorelei. Even accounting for the power Luke used in his little display of heroics, there was little doubt in Jade's mind they'd return from Eldrant a couple people shy.
The cool evening air did little to sort his thoughts and he continued to mull over the boys' fate. He didn't particularly care for the way the twins' journey was to conclude. After all, for all he'd never really admit it, he'd grown rather fond of the pair. They were so entertaining and never ceased to find new ways to torture themselves. Really, they were a fascinating study.
His mind continued to turn but still it refused to tell him anything he didn't know, or provide him with any idea he hadn't previously considered. For a subject he'd thought on for such an extent, he'd frustratingly little to show for it. There was no problem without solution, no puzzle that could not be completed with the right resources and the proper angle. Jade was determined to find a way around the inevitability that hung before them, and for the first time in a very long time, Jade began to regret giving up his study of fomicry.
"No way, Asch!" Luke's voice flowed into the hallway from behind a crack where his door wasn't quite closed. "I don't care what you say, it's not happening. I can't."
What was this? Jade stopped a few steps shy of the door. The dim illumination provided by the light that spilled from the twins' room did little to alert them to his presence. A faint grin came across Jade's face. What could they possibly be arguing about at this hour?
"Luke, you know you have to do this," Asch retorted.
"We don't have enough time!"
"Now you're just making excuses," Asch stated. "We've got at least a week before the forces move to Chesedonia. There is more than enough time."
Jade's grin widened as he quickly ascertained the topic of their discussion.
"But just think of what Jade will do!" Luke argued desperately.
"Oh come on." Jade could practically see Asch rolling his eyes. "You don't think Jade would actually hurt you, do you?"
"Think long and hard about that one, Asch." Luke stated sarcastically.
"It won't be that bad!"
"Hey, you may be willing to stick your neck out and risk it, but I'm not! And I'm the one that has to do it!"
"You heard what Jade said at the Radiation Gate-"
"I know!" Luke cut his brother off. "But that doesn't make me any more inclined to do it."
"You know you're not going to have a choice..."
"I hate you," Luke conceded.
Jade chuckled to himself, continuing on when the boys' conversation returned to less interesting topics. Those two... always planning something or another. Something didn't quite sit right, however; it was far too simple to have them play right into his hands like that, especially given that Asch was involved.
That was fine by him. He had nothing else on his schedule for the following day. This warranted a bit more investigation...
Anise stretched her arms as she disembarked the Albiore right onto Grand Chokmah's pier. She remembered the days when they had to park an hour's walk from the city to keep themselves from being shot down, and she was more than happy to say those days were officially behind them. Okay, so maybe she wasn't so naive as to believe that the peace between countries would last forever, but it would last for as long as she had some kind of say in the matter.
Well... maybe not. As much as she'd like to believe her incredible charm could have any king eating out of her hands, she'd watched the political games that had gone on even just over the past couple weeks in Baticul and it was enough to make her head spin. She definitely had a long way to go when it came to understanding the intricacies of inter and intra-palace politics. She'd give Asch and Natalia credit for that one, it wasn't easy.
In spite of her best attempts to pay attention and learn things from the work they'd been doing in Baticul, Anise was bored out of her mind. Things were so organized and well planned out that they'd nothing to do. It wasn't like the military was out of practice given they'd been at war less than half a year ago, everyone knew what needed to be done and how to go about doing it.
So she had decided to make it her mission to convince everyone to come to Grand Chokmah. She missed Asch, Luke and Jade that were in Malkuth's capital getting that side of things straightened out, and even if their help wasn't needed, at least with Luke and Asch around things never got boring. They always had something or another up their sleeve. For some reason though, no one thought it was worth the trip! Oh well, she always had more persistence than they did anyway. Guy, Tear, Natalia and Noelle had no choice but to follow her lead.
"I suppose we ought to go greet Peony," Natalia mulled. Anise grinned; she pretended to be all displeased but she was secretly glad for the chance to see Asch again.
"Yes," Tear agreed. "And leave a message for the others that we've come to meet them rather than wait to meet up in Chesedonia." Anise chuckled; lovebird number two was just as eager to see Luke. At least she didn't pretend to be as disgruntled as Natalia was. Besides, getting her away from Legretta would do her some good. She'd been in to see her former instructor every day, not that she knew Anise had been spying on her, of course.
Anise couldn't say she blamed the melodist though. She could appreciate that Tear still respected her former instructor, even though Legretta had made some bad choices it wasn't like she was a bad person. None of them were, Anise could see that now. The Commandant, the God-Generals, they were just fighting for what they believed to be right. They were no different than her or any of her friends. Not everyone thought that the course of action she'd taken was right, so she could appreciate that their decisions didn't automatically make them bad people. They were just desperate, each with their own reason; trying to reclaim something they'd lost. If she could have Ion back... really have him back... she couldn't honestly say she'd be any different.
"Well what do you know?" Guy's voice drew Anise from her train of thought. "Look who we have here." The blond noble waved his hand eagerly, flagging down the two redheads across the street.
"Hi there guys," Asch greeted them. "What are you doing here? I thought we were going to meet up in Chesedonia."
"Yeah well Anise over here had other plans," Guy stated with mock annoyance. "There really wasn't anything left for us to accomplish in Baticul so we decided it wouldn't hurt to meet up. I'll hand it to you guys; the castle is pretty organized when it comes to this stuff."
"Yes, they've done very well given the unprecedented cooperation and coordination of their militaries. Nothing of this nature has ever been done before," Natalia pointed out. "It is quite the feat."
"And one to be proud of," Tear added.
"Indeed," Natalia agreed.
"So what are the two of you up to?" Guy asked.
"Nothing," Luke muttered. The younger sibling seemed disgruntled about something, and if he could manage a more sour look on his face, Guy would be surprised.
"What's up with you, Luke?"
"Don't ask."
Asch laughed and rolled his eyes. "He wasn't feeling very good after stopping the Planet Storm so Jade's going to give him a quick check up."
"Really?" Tear asked worriedly. "How are you feeling now? Have you been sick at all?"
"I'm fine," Luke insisted. "Asch just won't believe me."
"With your track record, who can blame me?"
'I hate you so much.' Luke shot.
"It probably is nothing," Asch admitted with a shrug. "But with all the action we're about to be seeing I thought it would be a good idea, just in case."
"Asch is right," Tear agreed. "Even if it's precautionary, it'll put us all at ease to know you're at your best."
Luke muttered something inaudible but he obviously couldn't bring himself to argue with Tear.
"This seems off," Guy stated plainly, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. "You two are planning something, aren't you?"
"Maybe," Asch shrugged, but the blond didn't miss the grin that tugged at his lips. All he could do was shake his head. What were they planning this time?
Well whatever it was, it probably involved Jade and he wanted no part in it.
After supper, Luke found him alone in the palace's medical wing. It was curiously similar to the one in Baticul's castle, with many of the same supplies peaking through each of the empty examining rooms. He couldn't believe he was actually doing this. Damn Asch, Luke had already agreed to the check-up, why did he have to drag Tear into it too? Asch knew damn well there was no way he could back out with her watching him all day. This was the last bloody time he was ever going to play Asch's scapegoat!
Luke's destination was clearly marked; it was the only room in the entire wing with the lights still on. Come to think of it, why wasn't there anyone else around? The entire corridor was deserted. Even if it was getting dark, there should at least be someone around... right? Luke shook his head; he was being stupid and letting his nerves get the better of him. Things probably worked different than in Baticul, and maybe the doctor on duty had gone for supper. No one being around was a good thing. Less people around, the fewer people might accidentally overhear anything about his secret. Not that he really cared whether or not people found he was a replica... at least he didn't care nearly as much as he used to. All the important people knew, and accepted him for who he was; in light of that, everyone else's opinion didn't really seem to matter.
Luke sat down on a chair in the examining room and waited. It didn't look like Jade had been here yet, and Luke secretly hoped it would stay that way all night. He knew better than to think Jade of all people would even be late, much less forget about an appointment, but he could still hope. Luke felt his nerves getting the better of him again. Why was he doing this? Okay, so he knew why but why did it have to be him? Next time Asch was switching places with him. He didn't care if Jade could tell!
No sooner had the thought crossed Luke's mind, Jade walked in with a silver platter full of strange, and very painful looking equipment that Luke had never seen before. The door closed behind him and locked with a definitive click.
"H-Hi Jade," Luke managed. The colonel remained with his back turned, carefully adorning a pair of plastic gloves. He snapped the elastic bands as he put them on, sending chills running down Luke's spine.
"Well then Luke," Jade began, turning around with a particularly uncomfortable looking instrument in hand. The glare hid his eyes behind his glasses and Luke bolted from his chair until he found himself trapped in a corner of the room.
"I-I t-thought you said it would be quick and easy," Luke managed to spit out. "N-nothing to worry about."
"Yes well, since your brother has so graciously provided you as a guinea pig to distract me from his activities tonight, I intend to take full advantage of the opportunity."
Oh dear sweet Lorelei he knows. Luke cowered in his corner.
"Oh and don't worry about your sibling," Jade offered. "I've already made all the necessary arrangements to deal with him."
Luke gulped what he feared would be his last breath of air.
"Now," Jade said with a sinister grin. "Shall we begin?"
Asch threw his jacket over his shoulders and took a quick glance at the time. Perfect. Jade should be busy dealing with Luke by now so the road was clear. He wouldn't be busy long, but all Asch needed was a head start. After well over a week's worth of effort, Asch was finally ready to set his plan into motion. Admittedly Asch wasn't sure why he'd put so much effort into arranging tonight, it was part distraction from what was waiting on Eldrant, part getting back at Jade and part boredom. Regardless of why it had come to be, Asch was looking forward to watching it play out.
Just as the young monarch was about to step through the front gate, the two soldiers on duty extended their spears and blocked his path.
"Apologies, sir," The first guard spoke up. "But you cannot pass."
"I'm just heading out to get some food," Asch lied.
"If you're hungry, the kitchens will gladly prepare anything you may wish to eat," the second guard provided. Both moved forward and pushed Asch back into the entryway.
"That's kind of you," Asch replied hesitantly. "But I want to go out; the fresh air will do me some good."
"I apologize, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to remain in the palace tonight."
"Why?" Asch demanded.
"Orders are that you are forbidden from leaving the palace tonight," the guard replied simply.
"Whose orders?"
"That is not your concern."
"It was Jade, wasn't it?"
"I'm under no obligation to provide you with that information."
Damn it! He should have known the old man would be onto him! Well if Jade knew him well enough to have anticipated this, than he should know better than to think that a couple of measly guards were enough to stop him!
Asch fainted to the left and made dash for the door but the guard had surprisingly quick reflexes and snatched the redhead by the arm. Damn it all, these were not the usual guard. Asch cursed his inability to draw his sword on the palace guard for fear of sparking much bigger issues.
"If you will not stay here of your own volition then-"
"Ha!" The sound of crunching armour echoed in the entryway and a massive yellow arm broke the hold the soldier had on Asch. Tokunaga swung around and caught the second guard in the stomach.
"Anise!" Asch shouted in surprise.
"I don't know what you're up to, but it involves getting at the Colonel right?" Anise asked mischievously. "I want in!"
A huge grin spread across Asch's face and the unlikely duo took off into Grand Chokmah's night.
"Closed?" Anise shrieked in disappointment. "Why, in all of Yulia's creation, would a restaurant be closed on a Remday night?"
There was no doubt of the fact that the establishment was shut down. If the lack of light and activity in the high-class building wasn't enough of a hint, then the several large red signs and rope that cordoned off the area made it painfully obvious. On any other night, the air would be filled with the scents of exotic delicacies, glasses overflowing with mirth and wine as nobility frolicked about. Tonight, however, the entire place seemed dead, though the faint scent of food still hung in the air, it was cold and stale. Several of the restaurant's waiters stood helplessly outside the building, unsure exactly what to make of the situation.
"Damn it all," Asch cursed. "Of all nights, why tonight?"
"Hey!" Anise chased down the head waiter. "What happened here?"
"Nothing, miss. We are unfortunately unable to serve you tonight, but I hope you'll return in the future."
"Oh come on," Anise insisted angrily. "You can still smell the food; you obviously haven't been closed long, what happened here? I want to know why you're closed on the busiest night of the week!"
"It was the military," a younger waiter piped up. "They detained our chefs for questioning."
"Why? What did they do?"
"Nothing!" The head waiter cut the boy off with a stern glare. "Even the soldiers said they were unsure of the reason for detaining all of them, but until the matter could be properly cleared up, they have to remain at the military headquarters."
"He's onto us," Asch concluded.
"Wow, what were you doing that has the Colonel this fired up?" Anise asked.
"Hey, you," Asch flagged down the young waiter that had helped them before. "There would have been a couple here not long ago. They'd probably just arrived when the restaurant was shut down; I need to know where they went."
"I apologize sir, but there was no such couple here," the head waiter stepped in again.
"We were guests of that couple, and we just need to meet up with them," Asch stated, his displeasure obvious in his voice.
"They were not expecting any guests."
"So there was a couple!" Anise jumped on the man's slip up.
"N-No there was not!"
"Look," Anise shook her head. "I don't know who said what to you to make you hate us and give us all this hassle, but whatever it was, I can guarantee it isn't half the trash you're going to have to deal with if you don't start helping us. See my friend here," Anise leaned up and whispered into the man's ear, nodding her head towards Asch. "He's got connections, lots of 'em, and he's got a nasty temper." Asch made a show of fidgeting, tapping his fingers impatiently. "He's pretty quiet now, but keep this up and you'll be so screwed over, you'll be eating off the streets for the next 10 years."
"N-nonsense," the head waiter replied.
"Hey I know them!" One of the waiters whispered eagerly to a co-worker behind his boss' back. "Aren't they the ones staying at the palace? I saw them when I was up there serving the other night."
"Really?"
"Yeah, my sister works in the kitchens so I help out there every now and then. They're special guests to the emperor himself."
Impossible, the head waiter looked down at the girl standing before him, then to her irritated companion. These kids? Guests to Emperor Peony? The girl's grin widened maliciously; she could see the connection he had made.
"Alright then," Anise shrugged. "But don't say I didn't warn you. I hope it was worth it just to keep us from meeting up with our friends."
"Come on!" Asch growled, emitting a dangerous air. "What's the hold up over there? Are you going to tell us where they went or not?"
Anise almost danced as she jogged innocently back to Asch, her voice a sweet singsong as it escaped her lips. "I don't think he's going to tell us-"
"They left heading west!" The waiter sputtered. "T-They said they were going to head to the park instead."
"Thank you so much!" Anise smiled with enough false sweetness to rot the man's teeth. The waiter waved hesitantly, glad simply to have the odd pair out of his hair, and if he was lucky, out of his life for good.
"That was some pretty good acting back there," Asch commented once they were out of an earshot.
"Of course," Anise flipped one of her pigtails. "I'm a professional. Not bad on your part either, you had him scared out of his wits."
"You say that like I was acting."
"Of course you were," Anise answered without missing a beat. "You may be a jerk from time to time but you're not mean-spirited like that. Now why don't you tell me what exactly we're doing? Who's this couple we're trying to catch up with?"
"What the-" Asch stopped in his tracks.
"Hey, Guy! Natalia!" Anise called waving her hand in the air. The blond couple looked surprised, startled from whatever conversation they'd been having before fidgeting guiltily as if they'd been caught doing something they shouldn't have been. Both worriedly eyed the other but when Anise didn't show any sign of backing down, they reluctantly joined her. "What has the two of you out and about? Or better yet, how'd you two break out of the palace?"
"Break out?" Natalia asked. "We walked out the front door. Is there any reason we shouldn't have?"
"What?" Anise whined. "Why were we the only two under house arrest?"
"This doesn't have anything to do with Luke's appointment with Jade, does it?" Guy asked.
"How about first you tell me what you and Natalia are doing out all by yourselves?" Asch shot back.
"What?" Guy seemed startled before getting flustered, neither state helping his sudden lack of vocabulary. "Well we- I mean, Natalia and I were just going to, that is-"
"We were going to the restaurant up ahead for a bite to eat but found out it had been closed for the evening," Natalia cut in. "We were in the process of finding another place to eat when you spotted us."
"Oooo," Anise cooed. "Romantic dinner for two? I know affairs are the hot new thing and all, but you really shouldn't be talking about it in front of your fiancé; they aren't switched you know."
"What? Why I never- Asch knows I would do no such thing!"
"Well then what were you doing?" Asch asked. "If you're not on a date, then you can tell me what you're up to."
"There is no reason I have to report my every move to you," Natalia protested.
"Why can't you tell me?" Asch prodded, more playfully than anything.
"It's none of your concern what I chose to do with Guy!"
"If you're going on dates with him, then yes it is my concern," Asch pointed out.
"Okay, enough you two," Guy cut in. "Why don't you tell us what you and Anise are up to, since you're so intent on demanding answers?" Though their debate had all the makings of an argument, it was clear that both sides were simply clashing their wills. Neither distrusted the other, rather they trusted each other beyond a shadow of a doubt; it was a game: who would cave first? Who would win the information they sought?
"I don't have to answer you," Asch answered simply, wandering off.
"I don't know for sure either," Anise admitted. "But whatever it is, it has the Colonel written all over it. We were just at that restaurant looking for a couple, but the military had shut it down for no apparent reason. The staff was being all hush-hush about the couple too, like someone had threatened them."
"You don't suppose Jade is out on a date, do you?" Natalia asked.
"I don't..." Guy began but trailed off when he saw the glimmer in Anise's eyes. He didn't like that look she had... trouble always followed that kind of mischievous excitement.
"Of course!" Anise squealed in delight. "This is the Colonel's home town! Someone like him must have a sweetheart or two on the side! After being dragged away from her arms for so long he just has to steal a moment away with her, no matter how fleeting!"
"Anise, I don't think..." Guy began.
"I certainly wouldn't put it past Asch to try and uncover the identity of this companion of his," Natalia agreed.
"The blackmail would be useful," Anise agreed. "Then again he might be taking the direct approach and just crash the date here and now. Of course he might..." The dark-haired girl continued to ramble as she skipped off after the redhead.
"Those two..." Guy sighed. "Seriously, you'd think they'd grow up a little."
"I think we should follow them," Natalia declared.
"What?"
"I-I mean there's no saying what kind of trouble they might get themselves into and as their friends it is our duty to watch out for them."
"But what about our-"
"Asch has already caught us once," Natalia pointed out. "It would be best to save it for another time."
"You just want to spy along with them, don't you?" Guy asked sceptically.
"Of course not! I'm genuinely concerned for their wellbeing."
"You heard them right? Jade locked them in the palace, and shut down an entire high class restaurant just to stop them."
"All the more reason to be concerned! Come Guy, if we don't catch up, we'll lose them."
"Wait, when did I get involved in this?" The blond protested.
"Hurry up!"
Guy sighed in defeat. "Coming..."
"Remind me what you're doing here again?" Asch asked Guy tauntingly. The streets between the restaurant and the park were well lit and well travelled by the citizens this time of night, allowing the four friends to easily blend into the crowd. "I thought you said something about us needing to grow up."
"You heard that, huh?" Guy noted, keeping stride beside the redhead.
"Among other things," Asch replied with a shrug as he continued to walk down the sidewalk. The park was only a few blocks away. "Sorry to catch you and interrupt your date, better luck next time."
"Oh for the last time, it was not a date!"
"Sure. Didn't sound like one to me either," Asch shot back.
"Asch, when are you going to drop it?" Guy asked.
"When rappigs fly."
"That can be arranged," the blond muttered. They'd fly right into Asch's face if he had any say in the matter.
"They seem to be having fun," Natalia commented to Anise while watching the guys bicker from a few feet back.
"If you call that fun," Anise remarked. "I think it's too one-sided. Asch is clearly winning."
"I think Guy is doing a very good job of holding his own," Natalia argued.
"Defending your new boyfriend, huh? I guess he does need it more."
"Anise!" Natalia protested and the young girl began laughing.
"Too bad Tear wasn't here, she could settle the score. You know... come to think of it, I haven't seen Tear all night."
"Neither have I," Guy agreed. "She disappeared just after supper."
Anise cackled. "Maybe you two aren't the only ones with a secret affair."
"Would you both stop that!" Natalia shouted louder than she intended.
"I'm just saying," Anise insisted. "Maybe Jade is meeting Tear on the sly. I mean they're both soldiers and all, I bet they have tons they can bond over!"
"Impossible," the princess argued. "Tear would never do such a thing, she loves Luke! Besides, Jade is almost twice her age!"
"So?" Anise queried. "Tear is twice Luke's age."
"That..."
"She does have a point," Guy conceded.
"It is so possible!" Anise continued with that same spark in her eye. Nothing quite got the former Fon Master guardian excited like a scandal. "Nothing against Luke or anything, but younger men are so hard to handle. Their immaturity is a lot to deal with. Now and then a woman needs an older man, someone reliable, who knows how to satisfy her needs."
"Okay, now you're weirding me out," Asch spoke up. "I don't even want to think about the implications of what you just said."
"You wouldn't know; you're the younger one. I mean, why do you think Natalia is dating Guy?"
"Oh for the love of Lorelei!" Guy snapped.
"You can't deny it," Anise almost sang. "Tear could totally be dating Jade! I'm going to beat you all to the park and prove it! I'm going to blow this scandal wide open!"
"You've created a monster," Guy managed, watching Anise bolt down the street towards the park.
"I didn't create anything." Asch shrugged. "If anyone spurred this on it was you and Natalia with your-"
"Finish that sentence and I swear I will knock you onto Eldrant from here."
"I would love to see you try," the redhead retorted.
"Asch, do tell; we're not really searching for Jade and Tear, are we?" Natalia asked.
"Who knows," Asch replied slyly, his grin revealing that he did, in fact, know exactly who they were following. He would sooner admit defeat to the Colonel than divulge anything though, so they followed Anise to the park and Guy prayed only that he would escape tonight with his sanity and his limbs all in one piece.
"Peony and Nephry?" Anise almost spat, her voice drowning in disappointment. "That's it? Peony and Nephry is who we've been chasing this whole time? No secret affairs, no shocking romantic twists? Everyone knows they're practically a couple; that's no fun at all!"
"Anise, pipe down or they're going to hear us," Guy commented, hauling the dark-haired girl back into the bush they'd been hiding in. The park was completely deserted, probably due the fact that the entrances had all been sealed off. They had managed to sneak around the guard and get in through a hole in the gates, but it was obvious that no one was supposed to be here. The real question was whose doing was it? Jade or Peony's?
"Definitely Peony's" Asch said aloud, answering for himself the same question that had gone through Guy's mind. His eyes followed the couple as they walked casually about, too far away for their conversation to be overheard; Peony cracked a goofy grin and Nephry laughed, easing Asch's worries. So far, so good. The restaurant didn't seem to have messed things up so far.
"Asch, I think an explanation would be in order at this point," Natalia pointed out. "Why are you so intent on following Peony around? I can understand the fun in spying, but it is not our business; these are Peony's personal affairs."
"Not a chance. Jade's already gone to huge lengths to try and stop this date from happening and I'll be damned if I lose to the old man now. I spent way to long between getting Nephry to agree to come here and convincing Peony to go out on a blind date. I am not letting him ruin it now."
"That would explain why he shut down the restaurant," Natalia stated.
"Is that where they were supposed to go?" Anise asked.
"Yeah," Asch confirmed. "He must have found out and got there first. That's why I'm going to make sure he doesn't interfere any further, even if I have to follow them all night."
"Alright!" Anise said, her voice full of determination. Her eyes were fired up. "We're going to show the Colonel what we're made of. This is going to be the greatest date ever!"
"Sorry to be the rain on your parade, but why would Jade be trying to interfere?" Guy asked. "It seems to me he's got better things to do with his time."
"He's Nephry's older brother," Asch stated like it was all the reason anyone would need.
"So?" Guy argued. "You haven't sabotaged Luke and Tear."
"Have they gone on a date yet?" Asch's head spun around, his piercing glare almost knocking Guy over.
"Uh... no."
"Not officially," Anise stipulated, deciding not to point out all the alone time they'd obviously had since they'd gone official and such.
"Exactly," Asch replied simply. "Of course if Jade needs something better to do, he can always sabotage Natalia and Guy's dates."
"Alright, enough is enough," Natalia snapped. "You want to know what we were doing? I asked for Guy's assistance in finding a small gift for you as a thank you for everything you've done for me lately."
"Natalia..." Guy began.
"No it's alright Guy," Natalia interrupted. "I was the one who asked you to accompany me this evening and you've swallowed more than enough on my account."
"I'm sorry," Asch said genuinely.
"It's alright," Guy answered with a smirk. "I'd be worried if you didn't give us a hard time."
"Still-"
"Let's just leave it at that," Natalia stood in. "It was all in good fun, there is no need for any hard feelings, understood?"
"Understood," Asch replied with a chuckle.
Natalia smiled, trying to bury her own feelings of guilt. She didn't want Asch feeling bad; she felt bad enough having lied to his face as she just had. She simply couldn't tell him the truth though; she couldn't tell him that she had asked Guy out so they could talk about Luke and Asch's strange behaviour lately... so they could talk about the fears of what it might mean, about the whispers that haunted her thoughts late at night. She couldn't say that to his face, but lying to it was almost as difficult.
She caught Guy's eyes and he flashed an apologetic look, thanking her for taking the hit. What she'd said hadn't been a complete lie. It had been her that asked him to discuss the matter, and he had taken more than his share of Asch's verbal assault. They would just have to save the conversation for another time. It wasn't an issue she could afford to drop all together, and she knew if anyone suspected, much less had figured something out about their overly stubborn companions, it would be Guy.
"As much as I hate to break this up and all," Anise interrupted. "But your happy couple is gone."
"Damn it!" Asch jumped up from their cover, and sure enough, the park was completely deserted. "Which way did they go?"
"We'd have seen them if they came towards the west exit," Anise deduced. "They must have gone towards the eastern one!"
"Do we really need to keep following them?" Guy asked reluctantly. "I mean Jade couldn't have known what they planned to do when the restaurant was closed; they should be fine for the rest of the night."
Asch turned and looked at Guy as if he were the stupidest person in the city. "This is Jade we're talking about. Now come on before we lose them!"
"He does raise a valid point," Natalia insisted.
"Look, I really don't think-"
"Move it!" Asch barked; he and Anise were already halfway across the clearing.
Guy sighed in defeat; he may have left the service of the Fabre house, but it seemed that he would be taking orders from Asch for the rest of his life.
The first few streets beyond the park were deserted; citizens had seen the park was closed and gone to do other things, but as Asch and his friends got further back into the city, the crowds began to return. If he didn't spot the couple before they got to the entertainment district, there wasn't much chance they would be finding them again. His eyes darted from side to side as he ran, looking for any flash of blonde hair, the deep blue of the cloaks the two had been wearing, anything. The number of people on the streets was slowly increasing; he was running out of time. He had to make sure everything went well; he wasn't losing to Jade.
"Over there!" Anise tugged at Asch's sleeve. Sure enough, two hooded figures were walking up the opposite side of the road. It had worked out well that it was winter and the cloaks didn't seem at all out of place; it wasn't as if Peony could openly walk down the streets of his capital without drawing at least some attention.
"Okay," Asch locked onto his target that had just turned north up a main street. "Which way are they heading?"
"If my memory serves me correctly, the entertainment district is south of here," Natalia stated.
"The theatre is north though," Guy pointed out before silently berating himself for encouraging this kind of behaviour.
"A play!" Anise chirped. "Perfect! The lights go down low; it's the perfect opportunity for some romance!"
"Anise!" Natalia protested.
"What can we do to improve the mood? No date is complete without a romantic kiss!"
"Don't bother," Guy said to Natalia, shaking his head. "We lost her at the park."
"Wait!" Asch stuck his arm out, halting his companions. The pair ahead of them had stopped, and the four stalkers ducked behind a nearby stall in case they decided to turn around. "Why did they stop?"
"Maybe this is where they first met! Maybe he's gonna propose!" Anise squealed as loud as she dared.
"No, something's wrong," Asch insisted. Besides, Peony and Nephry had met in Keterburg.
In a sudden burst of movement, the figure on the left, who must have been Nephry, was hauled forcefully into the alley. Outraged, the second figure gave chase, bolting after her in a flurry of blue cloak.
"Damn it!" Asch shouted, taking off from his hiding spot. "Hurry up; we've got to help them!"
Guy was the first one after Asch; this was bad. The secret date was all in good fun, but if something happened to Peony then everything they were working towards would go down the drain. They couldn't let some thief or scumbag ruin all that for a couple purses full of gald!
Hearing his friends behind him, Asch ducked into the alley, stopping dead in his tracks, the other three nearly colliding into his sudden gesture. It was completely empty. "Damn! They couldn't have gotten far!" Asch cursed out loud. But which way?
Suddenly, a shadow obscured the light from the street. Three armed men blocked their exit from the narrow alleyway. In front of them another two emerged, along with the pair in blue cloaks: a man and woman Asch had never seen before.
Shit, he'd walked right into it.
"Hey!" Guy called out to the couple. "I know you! You're from Jade's-"
"I believe you were informed that you were not to leave the palace grounds this evening," the woman cut him off sternly, drawing her spear; the men surrounding her followed suit with their own weapons.
Asch quickly tried to assess his opponents and cursed. He could see the outlines of the additional men hiding just outside the alleyway should they try to resist. It was too narrow; they were never going to win. He'd be damned if he let that stop him though.
Asch drew his sword, shifted his weight but before he'd taken the first step he was knocked back. The arte wasn't powerful, but its precision hit Asch directly on the hand; sending the Key of Lorelei skittering to the ground. In the duration of a heart beat three of the soldiers had him pinned, restraining his arms as he flailed against their strength.
Natalia picked up the Key of Lorelei, but gestured to the soldiers that she had no intention of resisting, nor did Anise or Guy and they quietly accepted their escort back to the palace. Asch had other ideas, but the soldiers had him and he wasn't getting far.
"Damn it!" Asch screamed into the night. "Why does Jade always win?"
Across Grand Chokmah, a quaint little restaurant serenaded its only two patrons with a melody on the harp. The music shifted through the air, dancing on the candlelight that served as the only illumination this quiet evening. From the shadows several soldiers quietly watched their emperor and his date, remaining invisible in the night and awaiting their orders.
"The pursuants have been seized," a soldier reported, quietly interrupting the guard already in place. "Your orders, Captain? Shall we escort the remaining two here as well?"
The captain shook his head. "No, you heard Colonel Curtiss' orders. As long as no one is in pursuit or bothering them, we are to leave them alone."
"Understood."
Nephry set her fork down on the empty plate before her, the candle light dancing along the china's rims. The scent of fresh flowers wafted through the air as the food sat pleasantly in her stomach. The cuisine was exquisite, fulfilling, but not so heavy it made one regret their indulgence. Across from her sat her escort for the evening, carefully wiping his mouth with a white napkin. He shot her one of his goofy grins and she felt the same inevitable smile tug at her lips.
"What did you think?" Peony asked.
"I think the food was wonderful. My compliments to the chef."
"I thought you might like it. You never cared for the fancy stuff anyway."
"You still remember that," Nephry commented.
"Thought I'd forgotten the details, didn't you?" Peony retorted. "I haven't forgotten anything... those Keterburg years were the best of my life. How could they not be, having spent them with you?"
"You're still the smooth talker, I see," Nephry commented adjusting her glasses.
"You've changed though. Two years ago you'd never have come with me tonight."
"Admittedly, I was quite surprised to receive Asch's invitation. It was rather sudden; it left me uncertain as to how I should react. I was certain you had a hand in the matter."
"I'm glad you decided to accept," Peony added. "I was pretty surprised when the kid told me he'd set me up on a blind date."
"A blind date?"
"Yes?" Peony replied with a bit of hesitation.
"So you would have gone on a date with another woman?" Nephry prodded, an eyebrow raised.
"Of course not! I-I totally knew it was you! I mean who else would he invite?"
Nephry gave the ruler a sceptical look but a grin spread across her face. "Maybe I should have refused."
"Why didn't you?" Peony asked more seriously. "I've lost count of the times I've asked you to come visit, what made you say yes this time?"
"I didn't intend to," Nephry admitted. "But Asch proved rather persuasive; I didn't quite have it in me to turn him down."
Peony burst out laughing, the hearty sound filling the small restaurant. "I think that brother of yours is rubbing off on him. Then again, I suppose he could have worse influences in his life. Jade's come out of it quite the softie."
"Is that so?" Nephry inquired. She hadn't seen her brother since his previous visit to Keterburg what seemed like ages ago, and yet she knew the truth in Peony's words. She'd received a letter from her sibling, the first he'd ever sent her, only a few short months ago.
"Yeah, you should see the way he dotes on those friends of his. It's enough to make some of us a little jealous," Peony said with a wink.
"I'm glad he's been able to find people like that. Everyone should have someone they care for in their lives... especially my brother."
"Well for better or worse, he's got their backs in no matter what crazy adventure they embark upon."
"They've accomplished a great deal, haven't they?" Nephry commented.
"And I suspect we don't even know the half of it," Peony agreed. "You know, sometimes I wonder how things would have turned out had it been us in their place."
"An interesting question; at the very least, we know how it would have ended."
Peony chucked sadly. "Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, we had our battle and we gave up on it. We let the Score win."
"There was no other choice."
"No," Peony argued. "There was, I was just too weak to take it. Asch and the rest of them, they weren't. They didn't just chalk their misfortune up to fate, to the Score... they made a stand and they fought tooth and nail for what they wanted. I admire them for that. It's that kind of mindset that will make Asch a great king. Of course, I do envy him for one other thing..."
"And what might that be?" Nephry asked.
"He has a strong queen at his side."
"Peony..."
"I know I've asked you this before... and I mean it as much as the first time I asked. Please consider joining me here in Grand Chokmah. I know what it means for you, and I won't make light of the sacrifices it would take on your part... but I do promise I will work every day to make sure you never regret it. You told me once that we couldn't be together, because I couldn't choose you over my country, and you were right. So here I am, selfishly asking if I can have both."
"I don't know if I can..." Nephry looked away; Peony's sincere gaze seemed to look right into her heart.
"You and I both know that you're the best governor Keterburg's ever seen. I know you would be a wonderful Empress for Malkuth."
"I just... I don't think I'm ready for that yet."
"That's okay," Peony replied gently, placing his hand over hers and stealing her hazel gaze. "Think on it as long as you have to. Even if you take five, ten, fifty years... I'll be waiting."
Now... and forever.