Author's Note: For those of you wondering about pairings, I'm trying to stick to what the game has in terms of relationships. Thus, LukexTear and AschxNatalia. Also, in my own interpretation, Florian is obsessed with Anise, Anise has a not-very-secret crush on Jade, and Jade is not attracted to anyone (including Peony or Dist/Saphir). Meanwhile, Guy still has an unfortunate habit of charming the ladies by accident, but at least he's getting over his gynophobia.

Additional note: Annoyingly, this site only allows up to 4 characters to be tagged, so I wasn't able to tag Guy and Natalia. Also, the tag for Florian should have been first, not fourth. Technology, bah!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of the Abyss.

Chapter 2

Undineday, Gnome-Decan 27, ND2019 – 3:15pm local time (Baticul)

"Earthquakes in the Zao Desert, you say?" King Ingobert asked General Goldberg.

They were sitting at the table in the King's private chambers, looking at a map of the desert. Princess Natalia sat across from Goldberg, watching him intently.

"How long has this been occurring, General?" the King inquired mildly.

Goldberg, detecting the censure in the King's voice, sat up very straight. "Several weeks, apparently, Your Majesty."

"Why was I not informed of this sooner?" demanded Ingobert.

"This is the first I've heard of it, Your Majesty," said Goldberg defensively. "I came to report it immediately. Very few people travel through the desert; almost everyone going to or from Chesedonia goes by sea since that route is shorter and less dangerous. The Zao Desert is full of monsters, bandits, and very little else, Your Majesty. The Kimlascan Royal Forces only patrol the areas closest to Baticul and Chesedonia."

"I see," said the King. "Natalia, did you not travel through the Zao Desert last year?"

"Yes, Father," Natalia replied.

"Did you encounter any earthquakes there during your journey?"

Natalia paused, considering the question. "During the time that the Outer Lands were in danger of collapsing, yes, there were earthquakes – not only in the desert, but in other areas where we lowered the land. In some instances, the act of lowering the land itself caused the quakes."

"Hmmm," mused King Ingobert. "Could the land be in danger of collapsing even further?"

"I do not see how that could be the case, Father. By stopping the Planet Storm, the liquefaction of the Qliphoth should have been halted. The continents ought to be supported by solid rock now. They should be unable to fall any further." Or at least, Natalia added silently, I hope so.

"Theoretically, yes," the King agreed. "But we still do not know what unexpected side effects may occur from lowering the land and stopping the Planet Storm."

General Cecille, who had listened silently until now, spoke up. "If I may venture an opinion, Your Majesty?"

The King nodded. "Please do, General Cecille."

"Might it have something to do with the underground ruins in the middle of the desert?" she suggested.

"The Zao Ruins? Why do you say that, General?"

Cecille hesitated.

"Please explain, General Cecille," King Ingobert said sternly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The ruins are situated in a large area of caverns underground. If the caverns have become unstable, then depending on how extensive they are, they could be affecting the entire region." To illustrate, Cecille traced an irregular shape around the middle of the map with her finger.

The King rubbed his chin thoughtfully. At length, he asked, "And would you be willing to investigate the Zao Ruins yourself, General Cecille?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, if you command me to do so," Cecille replied immediately.

"Very well. General Cecille, you will take half your division to Chesedonia. Speak with Astor and gather whatever information he can give you. Once you and your troops are fully prepared for desert travel, go to the Zao Ruins and determine whether the cause of the earthquakes is located there. Report back to me within one month."

Cecille saluted. "Yes, Your Majesty."

An idea struck Natalia. "Father," she asked, "may I accompany General Cecille as far as Chesedonia?"

This time it was the King's turn to hesitate.

"Please, Father," said Natalia. "If you send me along with General Cecille to speak to Astor, I can report back to you sooner than the General can. Even though it will not be a conclusive report, it will be more information that we currently have."

Ingobert smiled at his foster daughter. "As diligent as always, I see. Very well. You may accompany General Cecille to Chesedonia. But Natalia... promise me one thing."

"Yes, Father?"

"Do not put yourself in danger by going into the desert with the soldiers. Once you've spoken with Astor, come straight home."

"I will, Father. I promise." Natalia looked her adoptive father in the eye. I promise.

The King accepted this with a nod. "General Goldberg, General Cecille, dismissed. Natalia, please stay."

"Your Majesty," Goldberg and Cecille replied in unison, saluting.

Once the door closed behind the two generals, King Ingobert turned to Natalia. "Please be careful, Natalia. I cannot bear the thought of losing you again."

Natalia smiled. "Yes, Father," she said softly. "Thank you so much for allowing me to go."

Ingobert pushed back his chair and stood, leaning on his walking stick. Natalia folded the map carefully and took it back to the drawer where it was normally stored. Approaching her father again, she held out her hands. "Please do not worry about me so much. I'm fine. Truly."

"You still miss Luke – and you still mourn Asch's death," Ingobert said gently, taking Natalia's delicate hands in his own square, strong ones.

Natalia swallowed hard. "Yes." I don't want to talk about it. Please don't make me talk about it.

"...And therefore you focus on doing whatever work you can find, to keep your mind off them."

"Yes."

Ingobert's eyes were full of concern. "You don't have to push yourself so hard, you know. You've earned some time to rest and recover from all of last year's traumas."

"I know," said Natalia. "But working to protect and rebuild Kimlasca is my way of honoring Luke and Asch's sacrifices. I am certain it is what they would want me to do."

"It will take a few days for General Cecille to prepare her troops for departure. At least use that time to relax a little," pleaded Ingobert.

"As you wish, Father," replied Natalia. Carefully, she wrapped her arms around him.

King Ingobert hugged her tightly. "Send me a letter by carrier pigeon when you reach Chesedonia, to tell me you've arrived there safely."

"Of course, Father," Natalia promised.