I don't own Timecrest all right belong to Sneaky Crab
All right, we're at chapter 22. This is a funeral for the trials. Also, the talk that Luther has with Ashed as well. Like I said this is like the game now at this point the homecoming stuff will probably be at the end of this set, but we're not there yet, OK then let's get back to it.
And I'm not sure which one will start with I guess we'll start with Nikki.
Nikki
on ion
We got to ion Ash went to bed for the time being he was tired. My sister and I sat there with him with Luther their hands. I was sitting next to him, obviously, my hand and one of his hands you did good girls he said all three of us, three of us knotted even though we got ranked one level that's expected. He said you'll need to climb the ranks pretty quickly, but I am proud of you nonetheless.
Is it gonna be easy I said, leaning my head on his shoulder no it won't. He said he ran his fingers through my hair in front of my sisters and I know this isn't gonna be easy for you. Be easy to avoid Crane now that he saw you know, I said it won't be easy now he knows our existence, probably expecting to do something to me for it. It is partly my fault but not really if he's gonna blame anyone he should blame Ezra or Porsche, not me. I was just doing what they told me and said my sister is not alone as well. I want to know how Scarlet is, but she said she was forced into the trials. Noel said Joel not to expectedly. I was expecting that teleport off with Agnes that we don't know how to keep him from being on our trail and the teams trail right your adventures with ashes whatever missions he goes, you have to follow.
And that is what we will do good girls you're good at this when we protected Nikki said Noel Joelle knotted what's taking care of Ash that gonna be that hard for us no no it won't be ashes. We understood that very much.
My head was once on his shoulder now it was against his chest and laying against and listening to his heartbeat, strong and steady it was you know I love you, Nikki he said I know you do And I know that very much Good he said and one day the guild will be yours soon. I promise.
How can it be if we're only ranked bronze in the guild he said or I said and so did my sisters I'll figure out something should've been the right tire that's just crane for you. He's doing it to get it me no one I mean they do hire you you're getting higher ranks, but, no one big Ezra's children and gets away with it. We know that much but we're not telling Ezra about our pitiful promotion he would hurt Crane for that of course he would.
Is the head guild master so you need to obey him for a time we understand and we understand everything you're telling us good cause I'll be talking to Ash soon in a little bit you three can listen if you'd like of course will listen.
Good cause I don't want you to.
Where is Ash right now sleeping he'll soon wake up and I'll have him here in this room with us soon. I just wanted to be alone with three of you for the time and I know my sweet darling. Nikki said to me we won't be making love for a while I know that, I know hasn't been after me. That's good. I don't know if he can track you but he might. We are bound not bound yet but we will be. I promise that will happen. You'll be safe forever.
The contract that's on your head will disappear and dissipate forever. Slowly he kisses me. His warmth runs through me. I'm still dirty from the trials. I know what he says. I'll talk to Ash then you will get ready for the funeral. Get cleaned up too. OK, then we'll do that.
We went to get cleaned up while Ash was still sleeping once we came back. We sat beside him once again Lou and new fresh clothes too. I hated wearing black, but this was a funeral. My sister told me we had to wear black, but not the same type of black that we wore for the feast this was different. These were clothes.
It's different I nodded. You still look beautiful. Luther said, taking my hands you're still my angel even if you're dressed like this Nikki, he said I'd rather you be in bright clothing but this your sisters are right. You need to dress like this for the funeral. This isn't the same black that you wore to your stupid feast. I made sure it was a little stylish for you, thank you I said as I leaned against him eyes closed. Am I gonna sleep with you tonight? I asked no he said not tonight. I'd want you to though, and you can't sit in my lap in the room was in his lap right now cuddled up into his arms and I'm not gonna kiss you right now. I'll have lipstick all over me and your makeup. You smell like me, though that is fine he said, like us, though that's good at least especially since you'll be on teams together I moved out of Luther's lap and sat next to him right Ash was coming.
And we didn't want Ash to see us like this in a flirty motion he was asking why we were dressed like this normally and in cuter clothes. I'll tell you soon when the watch is ready to be reopened and reactivated. Luther said as he took ashes hand in mine too.
Then we sat quietly for a long, long time.
At least for several hours then the watch opened and started to glow blue.
The three of us had a sit quietly during this conversation.
We had to pretend that we weren't here that wasn't easy to do we had to not look suspicious. We looked too suspicious if we didn't and we had to look like we were ominous.
But we listen in on their conversation. Anyway.
Ash
Ash and Luther's conversation
I told the watch Kronos has kept me a long time when he was the one who wanted to talk that's why he brought me into this room. He said to my friend on the watch I didn't hear his conversation, but it was a small one for a moment.
Luther
He took the watch from Ash for a moment and looked at it. He said don't worry you are safe here. Have you found the answers you've been looking for?
The human answered and asked, who are you?
Luther responded. It was my choice to contact you. I guess it was my biggest mistake.
Three-way conversation
ash
Luther
The watch
ash
Huh? I just woke up.
The watch
So it wasn't you who sent me the message earlier
The one about your greatest mistake
Ash
No wait you got another message. What did it say and was it from the same person?
The watch
No, this one was different something about the greatest mistake and being safe or something like that.
ash
That is different but you could try to ask again soon you know what grown is here sitting in this room with me.
Luther
Ash, I trust you slept well
ash
OK, Kronos said Ash, I trust that you slept well
The watch
It's OK I heard him you don't need to repeat yourself.
ash
Wow, Kronos spoke to you. How are you able to hear him? Will you be able to hear him?
The watch
Yes, I was able to hear him.
ash
How are you able to hear what he said without me, repeating it, repeating it to you how was that possible?
Luther
It's OK, Ash I used to spell that allow me to speak with your friend directly.
ash
Why?
Luther
You're human and you have come quite close. You have become closer friends now. It felt like the perfect time to do that now.
The watch
So were you the one who sent me that message earlier the one about your greatest mistake?
Luther
Well, asking questions already but I have no idea what you're talking about.
ash
Wow, you sure took me a long time in this room you were the one who wanted to talk for a long time you left me waiting for a while.
You were the one who wanted to talk to me Kronas so why did you leave me waiting for so long?
Because you're the one who said you wanted to talk to me, you're the one who wanted to tell me something important or something like that.
You're the one who wanted to talk.
The copper trials
Luther
What about them?
Ash
Majors died.
What are you gonna do about it?
Luther
It's a Timecrest guild matter.
And they'll get it all sorted out they're sorting it out right now. Also I heard there is a I heard there is a funeral procession later today.
The glitch on ion is ready to teleport you if you're ready or if you prefer, I will teleport you myself.
I will make sure you will not miss this or miss the missed the prerenal procession later on today.
ash
So that's it sorted it out.
Luther
What would you want me to do?
Ash
More than just sorting it out I figured you'd have a plan or something.
Luther
Would you want me to hunt down Ignace in the name of Justice?
Ash
No, that man was not Ignace. He was an imposter, and I will prove it.
Luther
No Ash, that man was the ex-master of fire so Agness he is gravely dangerous, extremely dangerous.
ash
I will talk to this imposter and get to the bottom of this and figure out why he defaming Ignace.
Luther
That's your plan to talk to him anus is extremely dangerous. If you take your friends to see him, he will gravely hurt all of you.
ash
What are you holding Kronas? It's funny and shaped like a ton but one I've never seen. It's green it has no pages in the middle. Looks like a Tom but not one I've ever seen. I'm not one I've likely seen before.
The watch
Kronos, are you using a laptop?
Ash
A laptop
Luther
Yes, this is a laptop. Your friend might have one more advanced than this. You can hold it if you like.
Tuan takes it. I know you've always wanted to touch a human relic. I'm offering you this. Opportunity.
ash
no
Luther
What do you mean now? I'm offering to you something you've always wanted.
ash
I don't wanna touch any of your things any of your stuff at all.
Luther
Then what do you want, Ash?
What do you want from me?
You don't wanna be close or anything like that.
As you know, it was surprising to find you alive after all these years I was surprised to find you alive after all of this time.
ash
Surprised but not happy huh?
Luther
Happiness is complicated. Let's just say I'm glad to see you standing here healthy before me alive.
ash
What you thought I was dead you thought I was not here anymore, but I have died what did Riley tell you?
Riley, what does she have to do with this? If it wasn't for Riley maybe we could've been closer.
But instead, she left me and Lyle with she left me in Lyle alone without knowing you.
Luther
Yes, it was Riley who left you and Lyle with your birth with your adopted parents separated us, she thought it would be safer if you were far away from me, but with all the danger she conjured in her head she didn't expect this.
She pushed you off of ion, didn't she?
The watch
Kronos you know a lot about the princess?
Luther
We grew up together if things had turned out differently, we might've remained close.
ash
What do you mean by that?
Luther
Well, her mother died of the von Dorian disease. Our mother thought of Riley as her own.
She did as well thought of us as her own family.
All I know is Riley has a sense of duty. She carried that duty with a smile always.
ash
I want to know what happened to our birth parents why aren't they not here and why are they dead?
Luther
I don't wanna talk about that. Ashli moves on to another conversation.
ash
Why are you rubbing my scar? I don't even know what he's doing. What are you doing anyway?
Luther
Nothing we were talking about Riley
There are things I shouldn't couldn't shouldn't erase.
ash
What did you say?
Luther
Forget about it we're talking about Riley here not what I just said, but I just mumbled under my breath.
Something you shouldn't have to know about right now.
ash
I wanna know about the three girls
Luther
What about them?
Ash
I want to know why they're here how they're here and why.
Luther
That's a comment that is a conversation for another time you shouldn't know about those things right now. Those are things in my life that are private and since you don't trust me, you don't get to know those things.
All you need to know is the three of them were here to keep you safe and that's all I'm going to tell you they have to follow you everywhere you go even if you break away from your team and friends they have to follow you everywhere things I have to do to keep you safe, Ash.
ash
OK
I won't ask more about that.
Luther
Good cause I don't wanna talk about that anymore. Maybe when you learn to trust me, I will tell you everything. Even about the girls and my relationship with Nikki.
You just need to know they need to follow you everywhere you go from now on.
The watch
Say something, Ash
ash
Thank you, I guess.
Luther
You're welcome
Is there anything else on your mind?
Ash
Merrick Stewart
Luther
The human descendent who got expelled
ash
expelled because of your law
Luther
I don't make the laws I just obey them. It is a it's a lens in law. I did not make this one. It's for everyone's safety for this.
Do you understand?
Ash
Yes, I think so
Luther
Good because I don't know what I do if you ever got discovered as a human descendent or if I got discovered as a human descendent here in Valencia it would be dangerous for all of us things I have to do to keep us and Alisha safe. It would be awful if we were ever discovered.
It's what's best for all of Valencia all of Valencia has to obey this not just us but all guilds.
applause in conversation
Ashli is in the room for about a minute
ash
I'm stepping out for a moment
Luther
Why?
ash
I need to clear my head
I need to process everything you just said and everything we just said.
Luther
very well
ash
I don't wanna know you're not gonna listen in with magic
Luther
You'll just have to trash trust me, won't you Ash?
But Nikki's point of view
Wow, and that's not even half the conversation. I sat there next to my love while Ash left the room for a moment to clear his head to think about what he wanted to say next we know what's coming next, even though the conversation didn't go the way it was in the game. It was fine. There was still a little more. The conversation left to go, there was something else. Ashli wants to ask, but we will talk about that soon as I held his hand in my leaned against him he said running his fingers in my hair, flirting in front of my sisters, kissing me too he needed he needed to get that out, I know that was intense. I said it was he said.
But I feel better now that I have you next to me my sweet Nikki I know as I lean closer and you did a good job staying quiet this whole conversation he said you're gonna reward me. I said winking that I might later tonight he said are you coming down to the funeral? I might come down for a minute, yes darling, I need to speak too. I want to see you down there. OK then precious it'll make me feel better too especially when I have to meet Crane for the first time was that nerve-racking? I said I didn't want to meet him that way. Don't worry, precious. I will make sure he doesn't hurt you OK you or your sister will always be safe under my protection remember that, you're my love and I love you very much I know that you love me loser. I know that very much.
In the hallway outside the door of the room
ash
OK, I need to whisper so Kronos can hear me. Are you listening?
I am the watch says back
OK, so I'm debating on if I wanna tell her about the weird creepy dreams I'm having and the weird messages you've been getting I was almost not gonna say anything because I don't know if I can trust him enough for it. That was a weird conversation earlier, and I needed to have your opinion on the next part of this conversation.
Should I mention it?
I think you should it'll be best for you. It'll not clear your head on some things.
Phew, I didn't know what you were gonna say. I just don't want him to go down the wrong path you know but if that's what you think is best I will say it I will mention it.
All right, we're going back in.
Back in the room
Nikki
I washed his ash and came back into the room Luther and I just sat there holding hands for a moment. We are also discussing my and my sister's welcome home party which won't be for a while. Probably in another few more months, but that was exciting too.
Then a hush fell into the room Ash asked what was going on and what was being said was none of your business. My sister said looking at him now you and Luther still have a conversation to finish, don't you?
Yes, he said we do have a conversation to finish then Ash can go to the funeral soon unless you don't have anything else on your mind, Ash said yes I do have something else but it'll be short.
Finishing up conversation
ash
So I'm having this creepy dream it's just popped up lately. There's a creepy red eye looking out the whole door that hears in front of me and then this is a creepy face every time I see every time I fall I fall backward. I see this face every time.
Luther
Then you might be stressed about something why don't you stay here with Eann on ion with me?
ash
How why?
Luther
You're stressed
ash
That's not every bit of it that's not all of it. My friend on the watch is getting creepy messages with the poem. The one that starts with there's once was a good man.
Luther
Ash, now you need to come and live on ion with me. You seem stressed out now and frightened. Why don't you come with me to my room not my room but yours here on ion where it's safe.
It'll be better for you this way too it'll be safer and not creepy. Thoughts can get in your head.
You and your friend need to hang out here for a while. It's safer too for both of you.
ash
Do you wanna trap me here? I don't wanna be trapped up here on the ion. Just sit around all day when there are things that need to be done. I can't sit up here twiddling my thumbs.
Luther
You need to understand Ash you need to understand me trust me.
ash
No, I will not. You killed the Volans you killed Riley's family why would I trust you? You're a murderer.
Luther
Ash, don't say those things, please.
Please come back
No, I won't come back.
And don't expect me to I don't know if I can trust you at least not for a while or with you or with my friend on the watch either.
And once again, Ash leaves the room but this time slamming the door behind.
Luther
I just want you to trust me, but how can I when you act like that? How can you if you act like that too?
In the hallway
The watch
What happened?
Ash
I just had to get out of there
The watch
Are you OK?
Ash
No, I don't feel like talking
The watch
Will you talk to me then?
Ash
No, I need some time alone to think
The watch closes the conversation.
Back in the room
back at Nikki's point of view
Well, I thought as I wrapped my arms around my love's shoulders holding him close to me that was a hard conversation my sister agreed, and not alone ag that was tough. That was the toughest conversation we ever had to sit through. I hope we don't have to sit through anymore like that, I just sat there rocking him back and forth in my arms, letting him cry made him cry. That is not good. He needs to calm down a bit. That was a little harsh. Agreed Noel and Joelle said we'll have to talk to him later. I nodded. I'm not afraid of Ash. I know that much. I'm more afraid of Nathan than I am. I can deal with a teenager.
Why don't you take him to rest for a bit before the funeral? My sister suggested I know it as I took Luther's hand come on I said why don't we go wash your face I said if you cleaned up a bit, he did not solemnly he let me lead him out of the room and his bedroom, our bedroom I'm staying here but I'm not staying here right now no, I said let me wash your face. He told me it was acting like a child. At the moment I didn't mind he's taking care of me plenty of times. It was my turn. I need to wash your beautiful face. I said I know Ash made you cry, but you just now showing it without showing it in front of him showing it in front of my sister and me, the only time I show my emotions he said again. I know that I kissed him, relaxed all the tension from his body melted. I haven't told you yet that I loved you today but now you just did well you know that I know that and I know you love Ash too, I want what's best for Ash I know you do but it's hard when he doesn't listen like a teenager. Teenagers can be stubborn. We were teenagers precious I bet you were a handful too. He kinda laughs a bit yeah I guess you're right. Let us get ready for this funeral thing, I want to flirt instead I know you do but we can flirt afterwards precious darling now let us be my sister and I don't wanna go to this thing alone you're right I shouldn't let you go to this alone. You already faced Crane once I don't want you to face him again, precious.
Now let us rest. We have a few more hours until we need to be there. OK, then I lay there and held him close. I see fell asleep. I felt him, my love. He's taken care of me and saved me from Nathan several times now it is my turn I want to make him feel better and this is the only way.
And that's what we did we rested for the next few hours
Ending chapter here, I think this is perfect. I know I changed it to be in the full long conversation chapter. I think putting a full conversation in this chapter is better. We'll get the parts about the funeral next chapter and maybe we'll even add some things from other adventures for Ash we need to get stuff in about their homecoming and all that as well. I might throw that in next right after the funeral before ashes next missionor after the mission mission to nightshade Forest I think that'll work then they'll have their little homecoming party and then we'll get more of Ash's adventures too then I'll see you.
i'll see you in the next chapter
next chapter chapter 24
