Wanderlust - Chapter 2 - Bitter News
A Tales of the Abyss Fan Fiction

Note from Author: As always, these characters do not belong to me, they belong to Namco Bandai. Of course as always if Namco Bandai is willing to give Asch, Jade and Guy to me, I would be happy to take them. But until then, all I can do is play around with them in my writings. This is a creation of my own overactive imagination and serious boredom, nothing more and nothing less.

Full game spoilers abound here.

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A few hours had passed since Luke had spoken with Guy over lunch and he was on his way home for the day. His heart filled with dread the closer he got to the house he had been sharing with Tear in Yulia City. She should be returning at any moment, and that was what filled him with dread. He liked being with her, but more and more their time together was being filled with unhappiness.

It seemed that whenever they weren't in each other's arms showing how much they cared about each other, they were arguing in some manner. It seemed to be very rare that a simple talk wouldn't end up turning to an argument between them. That was what made him get filled with dread, because he knew that he and Tear had to talk about their problems, and it would be more likely to become an argument than anything else.

Sometimes they could deal with a problem without an argument, but those times seemed to be becoming fewer in number. He knew Guy was right, if something wasn't done soon, one of them would end this. It was becoming too stressful on both of them to deal with the numerous arguments.

That was the problem, however. He didn't want to end things yet. He knew that somehow, they would work things out, it just would take time to do so. He just wished that leaving Yulia City was actually an option beyond the short term. Daath was actually a better idea than he had let on with Guy, besides the fact that Tear would find out about Asch, either by seeing him, or from Anise if the girl had already figured it out and was also sworn to secrecy.

Well, he had to deal with whatever happened. If he kept things to himself, nothing would change at all. One way or another, these problems had to be dealt with. He opened the door and walked inside. Tear hadn't made it home ahead of him. He decided to get a meal started, knowing that even if it wasn't as well cooked as what she made, she would appreciate not having to work again once she got home.

He was nearly finished when he heard the door open. He wasn't able to go see who it was right away, though he doubted it was anyone besides Tear. He then felt a set of arms wrap around his waist and his body being pulled towards someone.

"That sure is a nice greeting, Tear." he told her.

"Well, you are being so nice. I wanted to show my appreciation."

"Then you aren't still mad at me?"

"I wasn't even really mad. I just wish you wouldn't keep things from me. If you really don't like it here, you should have said something sooner."

"But it's not your fault that I feel that way."

"In a way, it is. You came here for my sake and gave up a lot to do so. If it's making you so unhappy, then I want to help. Just tell me what I can do to help, ok?"

"I will, but I can't think of anything."

"Would it help if I asked Grandfather if I could get some leave time? You could then ask his Majesty if you could be spared for a time as an ambassador here. I'm sure if Grandfather said he could do without you for a time it would be fine."

"It might help."

"Then think about where you would like to go. Some time to ourselves should help a lot."

"I hope so. It didn't work the last time."

"Don't think like that. Unless you truly think it won't work between us anymore?"

"No, never that! I love you, Tear. As long as we have that, we should be able to work anything out, right?"

She hesitated a bit before answering, "...Right."

He turned off the heat on their dinner, since it appeared to be finished, "Let's eat before this gets cold."

They sat down at the table and ate mostly in silence, and throughout the meal, Luke couldn’t help but wonder about the hesitation Tear had in agreeing with him.

And that left him with a bad feeling.

                                                              -----

It was nearly sunset when Natalia entered her father’s personal chamber. Just as they had left the audience chamber, he asked her to visit with him for a short time since for the first time in weeks they had a free moment.

Even after a year there was still much to do. It was made all that much harder with Luke’s reappearance and then sudden disappearance again to Yulia City.

She had a feeling she knew what was behind this. She had seen her father speaking with Duke Fabre about something and then when she came close enough to hear them, they stopped talking. She knew they had to be talking about her, and considering that she knew Duke Fabre still was upset with Luke’s sudden departure to Yulia City, he was also involved in some way.

She knew full well that since Asch was dead, the next in line for her to marry would be Luke. That had to be what they were speaking of. Why else would they become silent when she came close enough to hear them?

“You wished to see me, Father?”

Ingobert had been sitting down and looking over what must be some papers that required his signature. He looked up upon hearing Natalia’s voice, “Ah, Natalia. Please, sit down. I have a favor to ask of you.”

She sat down near him at the table, now that she was closer to him, she could see that he had been drafting a letter of some sort from the looks of it, not signing a decree. She couldn’t make out what it said, but she could tell it was entirely in his own handwriting, not that of one of the council or his advisors. She had to assume this favor had something to do with this letter, most likely its delivery to its intended recipient, “What sort of favor might that be?”

“Duke Fabre has made a request that I agree with. He wants Luke back in Baticul to do his duty as the remaining son to House Fabre. I have drafted an official request for his return and wish for you to deliver it and bring him back with you.”

“His duty? Then you mean that he is going to take Asch’s place as my intended husband then?”

“He is the best suited for you. Both of you have known each other for many years now, he’s the son of my sister and carries royal blood even if he is a replica.”

“But what of his own wishes? Didn’t his departure show that he doesn’t wish to replace Asch anymore? And do you think the people would truly accept a replica no matter how capable he is?”

“Luke is also a hero for having saved the lands from destruction. He may be a replica, but I’m not the only one who feels he would be suitable as your husband and the future king.”

“Father, it may seem that way, but even with all the work we have done in the past years to see that replicas have equal status, there are still many who find some way to persecute them without breaking the law. It may not be open violence against them, but many have trouble finding work. As much as we wish it otherwise, I don’t know how accepting they would be.”

“That may well change over the years between now and when you both take the throne. I still have many years left to me, but I want to know that everything is ready for when the time does come.”

“Still, with the issues with replicas and the fact that Luke himself expressed his wish to no longer be here, I think we should look elsewhere. I want Luke to be happy with what he chooses for his own life, not what we choose for him.”

“Natalia, do not worry, he does have a choice. He can choose not to return. You have a good grasp of the situation indeed. I want you to explain what you have said here, and give him the choice. We both know that he is not inferior due to being a replica and that both of you would make good and just rulers for Kimlasca. Perhaps this could be the chance to raise replicas to the equal status that we have been fighting for these past years because of Luke.”

“And if he chooses not to return?”

“It may sound harsh, but it gives him the chance to do what you wish for him, to live his own life and make his own choices. He will be disinherited by his father, Duke Fabre was most insistent on that. However, I will allow him to keep his current position as ambassador to the Order of Lorelei.”

“Father, but that’s too cruel to him!”

“Is it? He is being granted a position within the kingdom and the right to marry the woman he has shown to care about. Duke Fabre would not allow such a marriage as long as Luke remains his heir.”

“But he and Tear haven’t said anything about getting married in the future, at least that I am aware of. Where does that leave him if he changes his mind?”

“He will be given time to make his decision if he needs it. I would prefer that you bring him back right away, or word of his decision. He can have up to three months to decide if he needs more time. I grant him this because his decision is final. He can’t leave again if he comes back here, and if he stays in Yulia City, then he can’t return except as a normal citizen to Kimlasca.”

“Am I to assume then that if he decides to return here that a wedding will be announced?”

“Yes. It will take place one year after he makes his decision. That should be enough time to plan something suitable for you. Now, will you take this message to Luke?”

“I will. It would be better coming from me than from anyone else. But why did it have to come to this?”

“It’s for the best. You have waited long enough to marry as it is. If he won’t come home, then we need to know for sure so I can find someone else for you.”

“When shall I leave then?”

“I have made arrangements for you to take the morning ferry. It will take a few days to reach Yulia City. I’ve arranged for you to stay for a week so you can also have some time with your friends.” He took the letter he had been writing when she entered, and folded it up. It was then placed in an envelope and sealed with his own seal before handing it to her, “All you need to do is deliver this and answer any questions he may have. You may go and prepare for your trip.”

“I will deliver this to him, but I can say nothing more. Even I don’t know how he will decide.”

“All I ask is that he receive the letter and be given a chance to make his decision. The rest is up to him. Have a safe trip, Natalia. I’m sorry that you have to be the bearer of this news.”

“No, Father. I should have known this was coming. Thank you for letting me be the one to tell him.”

“I thought it was for the best. Anyone else would try to sway his decision. Now go get some rest, it will be a long trip.”

“Of course, Father.”

                                                              <-----

Days had passed since that talk he had with Tear. Amazingly, things remained mostly calm with them. He felt slightly better thanks to the discussion they had, but it hadn't lifted his dark mood completely. There was still so much that had to be dealt with, but that discussion had been a start indeed.

He was finding himself rather bored since there was nothing he needed to do as far as his position went. Tear was off on her own duties. It was no wonder that he was very surprised to hear a knock on the door. It was rare for visitors to come, most knew Tear wouldn't be around at this time of day, and he would get very few visitors who were not in some way here to see her.

Well, no better way to find out who it was than to go answer the door. He stood up and did just that. His surprise was great when he saw Natalia standing at the door. She had been here to visit in the past, but she always made sure he knew well in advance that she would be coming.

"Natalia! W-what are you doing here?"

"I've come to see you personally. Our fathers have a message for you. May I come in?"

He didn't like the sound of that at all. He knew his own father was not pleased with him for what he did in coming here. Natalia's father was more understanding, but the way this was sounding, he may have had a change of heart, "Of course, please come inside and tell me this message that brought you here."

She came inside and sat down. Luke sat down near her. She handed him a sealed envelope that she pulled out of her bag. Looking at it, he could recognize the royal seal of Kimlasca. Whatever this was, it was an official decree. His hands were shaking so much at there mere thought of what this could be about that he couldn't open it.

"Luke, don't be nervous about it. It's not as bad as it could have been."

He took a deep breath to attempt to calm himself enough to just read it. He knew Natalia wouldn't lie to him, and wouldn't come herself if it was something truly distasteful. No, his father would have come personally, not Natalia. He slid his finger under the flap of the envelope to break the seal and then read over the letter.

Natalia remained silent as he did so and merely watched him. She doubted he would be pleased with the news, but she wanted to make sure he understood what her father was doing with this. Once she had thought about it, she realized he was indeed being generous. Most young nobles weren't given the choice Luke was being given right now.

"What the hell? This isn't bad? Me getting a choice between marrying you and being disinherited isn’t bad?"

"Is marrying me still such a bad thing?"

"It's not that. You're a good friend Natalia, but it would be just too weird to marry you. Don't you feel the same?"

"My wishes don't matter, Luke. What matters is what is best for Kimlasca. Father still thinks you would be best suited, since Asch obviously can't do it."

He really hated it when she brought up Asch. He couldn't say a word either way about his original since he continued to be stubborn on the very matter of marrying Natalia. Hmm, that gave him an interesting thought on how to deal with this though, "Can I at least think about this? Talk it over with Tear and all that?"

"Of course. Father said you can have up to three months to decide if you need it."

"And let me guess, whatever I decide is final? There's no going back, right?"

She nodded her response, "Really, I'm sorry about this Luke. It sounds harsh, but you should think about it. Father is giving you a chance to be with the woman you seem to love if that is your wish. Talk it over with Tear, see what you two want with your relationship. I'm also here for a week to answer any questions you may have."

"Natalia, what do you think? If you were in my shoes, what would you do?"

"I'm different from you, Luke. I'm perfectly happy doing what is best for Kimlasca. If I can't be with the man I care about, then that is enough to make me happy. But it may not be enough for you. Do what will make you happy, all right?"

“I’ll keep your words in mind as I consider this, ok?”

“That’s all I ask. Father said if you decide to stay here you can keep your position. Don’t worry about being unable to support yourself and Tear if that is your decision.”

“Just give me some time to think about this. You said three months, right?”

“Yes.”

“And what happens to you if I decide to stay here? You will be okay, right?”

“I’ll be fine. Father will find someone else suitable for me.”

“And if I leave here, what happens then?”

“Our marriage will be announced to take place within a year of your return.”

“And you’re sure you don’t care either way how I decide? I don’t want to hurt you either.”

“I want what is best for Kimlasca. I also want the best for you as a dear friend of mine. It isn’t just about marrying me; it is also about becoming the king in the future.”

“Yeah, I know. I just wouldn’t be as good of a king as Asch would be. Honestly, I’m not sure if I could do it. I just wish…” he stopped talking all of a sudden when he realized he was almost about to tell her.

“You wish what?”

He fidgeted a bit, “Um, just that Asch was here, that’s all. Then you could be happy rather than having to settle for second best.”

“Is that what you think I am doing?”

“I know it’s Asch that you really want. I am just a good replacement for him. Look, let’s just drop this topic for now, ok?”

“Good idea. You seem to be venting your anger at your father at me. I had no part in this. You have more of a choice than I do. I probably should give you some time to yourself to get over your anger at your father. Really, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, all right?”

Before he could even say anything, she stormed out of the house. He tried to follow, but she was out of sight before he even was out the door.

Could you stop taking your anger at Tear out on me? Asch said to him within his mind.

Asch? You heard that?

No, I just could feel your anger, and it was giving me a headache. If your pissed at Tear, I don’t want to know.

It wasn’t Tear. Natalia came to visit.

What the hell made you get mad at her?

Well, because you are too much of a coward to face her, Father is trying to force me to marry her.

What?!! And what the hell did you say to that?

I said I’d think about it.

You wouldn’t dare!

You know, it’s not such a bad idea. Things really aren’t working out too well between me and Tear. Maybe I should just end it now before we both hate each other.

Find yourself another woman then!

Why don’t you go claim her then? She thinks you are dead because you won’t let anyone tell her otherwise! You don’t even realize that she will be upset that you kept this from her for so long!

And it’s going to stay that way until I tell you otherwise, got it? It’s better that she think me dead than for her to be rejected by me.

Then I guess you will lose her to someone. If not me, then someone else will be found for her. Did you really think she would remain unwed forever because of you?

Of course not! Has any announcement been made yet?

No. I’m being given three months to decide. If you don’t want her, then maybe it’s best if I marry her instead of her marrying some unknown stranger.

Damn you, Luke. Stall for time on this. I’ll decide within that time.

Good to see you finally coming to your senses.

Shut the hell up!

Luke couldn’t help but smile, at least his father’s dirty tactics to get him to cooperate worked well for something. Finally Asch would be forced to decide one way or another if he really could bear to give Natalia up forever.