The group had decided to rest in Chesedonia before heading to Daath and they were waiting for Noelle to meet them. Luke was exhausted, having had to forcibly carve commands on the passage ring, yet he dreaded the upcoming sleep. Any other day wouldn't have bothered him too much, but being back in the Qliphoth brought memories. Memories that he feared would make his nightmares stronger.

Luke hardly noticed when Noelle showed up, glancing around at all the empty shop stalls instead. He heard Jade explain the situation, them staying at the inn for the night, and Luke's stomach twisted awkwardly. Why couldn't we just continue on or something? He thought to himself as they stepped inside.

Natalia went to the counter, dodging vendors and the random citizen as Anise chattered animatedly, Jade replying with witty comebacks and Guy just shaking his head at their antics. Mieu amused himself and some others by spinning in wild circles on the floor while Tear took notice of Luke's silence and approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" she asked, voice low to avoid the others overhearing.

He looked at her, green eyes soft and nodded. "I'm fine," he reassured, "just tired." She smiled and nodded as well before going to help Natalia with a persistent vendor.

Luke watched his friends, trying to keep his mind off the nightmares he knew would be coming. Guy was now shaking on the floor, having suffered Anise try to glomp him on Jade's command. Luke chuckled and stepped forward, reaching for Guy's hand to help him off the floor.

"Thanks," Guy stepped behind Luke and away from Anise as he brushed himself off.

"No problem," Luke waved off the comment as Tear and Natalia came back.

"Alright, two rooms, one for the guys and one for the girls, like always," Natalia announced, handing a key over to the nearest male, which happened to be Jade. The soldier nodded, taking the key then pushing up his glasses.

"Let's go, boys," he smiled, the lenses of his glasses flashing as he turned for the stairs. Both Luke and Guy shivered, not really wanting to follow. Mieu just flew up to Luke's shoulder and sat there.

"I'm not sharing," crimson eyes full of mirth stared at them as they entered. Luke glanced at Guy who only sighed before removing his gloves and vest.

"Wall's mine," Luke claimed, removing his jacket and gloves as well, making the cheagle jump onto the bed and curl up on the side of Luke's pillow.

"Fine with me," Guy yawned as he sat on the bed and began removing his boots. Jade looked to already be asleep when Luke looked over, bent over to pull off his shoes.

Reluctantly, he crawled in under the covers, careful not to jostle Guy, he murmured his good night and his caretaker switched off the light.

Dark... cold... alone... hello?

"Heh, to think I wanted to marry him..." Anise? Was that you?

"You said you would change..." Tear? But I am. I'm trying!

"I thought I taught you better than this..." Guy! Taught me better than what?

"I can't believe you're my cousin!" Natalia! What did I do?

"It appears I can be wrong sometimes..." Jade. Tell me what I did wrong.

"Can't you do anything right?" Asch...

Faces. Anger, sorrow, regret, indifference. Why did it hurt so much?

"Help! Help me, please! Daddy! It hurts!" No...

"You killed us. The one who was to save us..." A woman, bloody and angry. No! I didn't-

"Don't try to make excuses." A man, dismembered and half-blind. I tried! Really, I did!

"Did you?" The woman again, behind! I'm sorry! I'm sorry I failed...

"Are you?" Behind the woman. A child, bloody chested and half his face gone, torn hat clutched in his hand. Yes! I'd do anything to make it up to you!

"Will you?" They held out their hands.

Guy stirred; awake for a reason unknown to him. Something felt seriously wrong. He turned to the wall, looking to see if Luke was awake as well. Seeing the empty space, he jolted up.

"He already left," startled, he whirled around and grabbed his pillow. Jade was standing there with Mieu clutching the back of his jacket, adjusting his glove before crossing his arms.

"Where did he go?" Guy questioned, getting up and reaching for his boots.

"Don't know," Jade shrugged, "he didn't answer me." Guy cursed, grabbing his gloves and vest as he ran out the door. Jade hurried after him, knocking on the ladies' door that Guy flew past. He knocked louder when there was no answer before opening the door. Tear was half out of the bed she shared with Natalia when he entered. She shrieked and attempted to cover herself with the blanket.

"What is-" she started before Jade cut her off.

"Luke's missing," he stated, leaving the girls to go after Guy. Natalia and Anise jumped out of bed at that, having woken up when Tear screamed.

"I knew something was up," she muttered, zipping up her dress and slipping on her boots. She rushed out the door as she grabbed her pack, nearly colliding with Anise who went to do the same.

"I'll catch up," Natalia called as various people looked out of their rooms. She pulled on her dress, cursed her complicated clothing, and then ran out of the room. A man tried to ask about the commotion but she pushed him aside, calling out an apology on her way down the stairs.

Jade was outside, looking more concerned than she had ever seen him. Something was definitely wrong.

"He went to the port," he answered the unspoken question, starting to run for the Kimlascan docks in the dark, Mieu letting go and flying off in the direction of the north exit.

"I'll go get Noelle!" he cried out as Natalia followed Jade.

Tear and Anise were there, the melodist crying and the guardian shaking as they watched Guy and Luke in the middle of the path. Guy was holding the younger male down, yelling at him, and trying to get some sense into his head. Luke continued to struggle and scream, reaching forward whenever he got an arm free.

"Please! Let me follow them!" Natalia gasped, coving her mouth. "I don't deserve this! They want me, please! Let me do it for them!" She shuddered, slowly kneeling to the ground with tears dripping unnoticed.

"No!" Guy denied Luke's request, "I won't allow you to kill yourself!" Luke screamed, the sound heart wrenching and blood curling. An unexpected thrash and Guy was tossed to the side, cursing and trying to right himself.

Luke scrambled up, bolting for the docks. Jade cursed as well, summoning up his spear and chasing after the distressed teen as Guy stood and ran behind him. Anise sobbed when she caught sight of Luke's face; a wistful smile - joy. She ran forward to stop him as well. Natalia stood and followed with Tear around the bend, crying out when Luke leapt for the endless sea of mud. The effects of Akzeriuth finally made itself clear to the both of them.

Jade's spear streaked through the air, catching Luke's pant leg and pinning him to the ground. Velocity attempted to make him continue, but failed, leaving him to fall forward with a crack, half his body hanging over the edge. Apprehension started to build as Guy gripped the back of Luke's shirt, hauling him on to the cobblestone as Jade took back his spear. Evidently, the noble had brushed the surface of the muck, the violet substance coating his fingers as blood started to drip down from his forehead.

Tear jogged forward, keeping her head bent as she knelt beside the unconscious teen. The green glow of healing magic surrounded his head as Anise and Natalia approached them. Anise pulled out a rag from her pack then picked up his hand, carefully wiping at the mud. She grimaced at the sight underneath, clearly it was more dangerous than she expected.

"Don't touch the mud, guys," she warned, taking out her canteen and twisting it open, already feeling the sting the goop left on her hands. She tipped the cold water over her fingers, wiping them dry on the ground, using the dirt to make sure it all came off.

"It appears this stuff is highly corrosive to flesh," Jade analyzed, lifting the limp appendage and watching as the mud ate away at Luke's skin. "Well, let's get this off you, shall we," he stated after a moment, taking his own rag and canteen out as well as a roll of bandages. Natalia reached forward, healing as Jade washed. Tear and Anise did the same while Guy stood and watched helplessly.

"Wrap his head," the fonist ordered, noticing Guy's need to do something and tossed him the roll of white material. Guy fumbled with it, nearly dropping it before going over and setting himself next to Luke's head.

They stayed there in silence, cleaning and healing as Luke lay motionless. Only the rise and fall of his chest showed he was alive. Natalia looked up when she heard quick, light steps approach them. Noelle rounded the bend, worried expression as clear as day, with a distressed cheagle attached to her arm.

"What happened?" she asked, coming to stop behind Tear. The melodist looked up at the pilot, anguish and confusion fighting for dominance on her features.

"I don't know," she croaked, shaking her head, "he was fine earlier," she looked back down, "I should have seen this. He looked too exhausted and worried, but I only thought it was from in the ruins. He said he was alright," she moaned, leaning over and pressing her face in his stomach.

"He tried to kill himself," Jade stated, tossing his rag into the sea and brushing his gloves on the sandy stones. Noelle gasped, her gaze darting to Luke's form. She examined his face, the peaceful expression and locks of red hair splayed around his head like a halo, the bandages standing out against the crimson strands. Sweat glistened on his neck and stomach, the black shirt covering his chest and Noelle noticed his individually wrapped fingers.

"His hands," she inquired, kneeling and brushing her fingertips on the back of his hand.

"That stuff is corrosive," Anise said dully, looking out at the contaminated mud and holding up her own hands, palms forward. Angry red marks dotted her skin and Noelle gulped, continuing her look over of her friend. His pants were basically undamaged, belt less, a bit scuffed up here and there and a tear at the ankle, but all together good and he was bare foot. Pity filled Noelle and she struggled to hide it, knowing Luke wouldn't want it.

Mieu released his hold and leaped for Luke, landing on his chest and laying down there. "Master," he gave a small whine, gripping onto the black cloth.

Noelle's eyes stung as she stood and took a deep breath. Guy followed her actions, not halting his own of combing his fingers through Luke's hair. "Bring him to the Albiore," she requested, bringing everyone else's attention to her, "I'll fly you up now since you're all awake." Natalia, Anise and Jade nodded in confirmation and Noelle raced off.

Everyone stood, packing away various items as Guy lifted Luke into a sitting position. Tear and Natalia took an arm each as Guy moved in front of Luke, preparing to carry him on his back. The girls bent down, placed their arm over their own shoulders, and grasped Luke around his waist, lifting him enough to drape him over Guy, forcing the young monster to move to Luke's neck. Guy grunted and brought his arms around Luke's thighs, jumping slightly to bring him up higher as the girls put Luke's arms around Guy's neck.

"I'll get his stuff," Anise volunteered, rushing off before anyone could say anything.

Guy adjusted his grip and looked at the others. "Let's go," his voice was stiff and the others exchanged a look with each other. Guy started at a brisk pace with Jade following shortly behind, leaving the girls to catch up. They marched through the empty streets, contemplating silence pervading the air as they crossed though the bar. Nary a soul was in sight, only the crunch of sifting sand beneath their feet filling up the silence.

Anise returned silently just as they were to leave the desert town. She fell into place next to Tear, clutching Luke's jacket to her chest and his shoes, socks and gloves in one hand, belt and pack in the other. Tear regarded her with a glance and a minute nod, Anise only clutching the white material tighter.

The Albiore was humming with power up ahead, Noelle waiting anxiously at the base of the ramp. She jumped up the moment she caught sight of the group, paced the bottom of the ramp then raced inside. Anise and Tear went ahead to set up a room for Luke. Guy scaled the ramp with Jade and Natalia coming up behind. The ramp retracted once Natalia was inside and they headed to one of the storage rooms on the airship.

"In here," Tear called out, head poking out of the second door on the left. A few crates were pushed together and Luke's clothes were placed in a corner, Anise missing from the room. Guy went over and eased Luke on to the makeshift bed, making sure not to knock his head off the wood. Mieu moved back to his previous position as Noelle and Anise entered, each carrying a couple cushions and a blanket.

"Where did you get those?" Natalia questioned, approaching to relieve them of some of their load.

"Closet. They're in case the ones on the bridge get ruined," Noelle supplied, handing over a blanket and a pillow. Guy and Jade lifted Luke by his arms and legs so the girls could get the cushions under him. "How did this happen, anyway?" She draped the blanket over him, tucking it around his feet and legs, leaving Mieu partially buried.

"I believe it to be a result of his nightmares," Jade announced, bringing the attention to him. Seeing the need for clarification from the others, he looked to the red head on the bed. "Ever since Akzeriuth, he's been kept awake at night, guilt plaguing him for the deaths of thousands," he closed his eyes and crossed his arms, "and we didn't help any."

Natalia went around to Luke's left side, taking his hand and lowering herself to the ground. She kept murmuring apologies, clutching the limp appendage and rubbing his arm. Tears were starting to form again. Tear joined her by Luke's head, smoothing back his hair and saying nothing.

"Essentially, he is only seven years old," Jade, continued. Noelle looked at him in surprise. "He's a replica," he clarified, "a replica of Asch, to be precise, and I blame myself for the situation he's in."

"But Colonel," Anise started but stopped when Jade shook his head.

"I brought this upon myself, creating fomicry and my title as the Necromancer," he bowed his head, silently apologizing to Luke before he turned to Noelle. "Let's be off," he suggested, and left the room, heading to the bridge. Noelle followed after with Guy on her heels while Anise stayed behind. She approached the crate bed, watching the two girls as she placed herself on Luke's right side.

"I'm sorry, Luke," she murmured, her voice cracking as her eyes pooled, "I didn't know."

"No one did," Natalia added, bringing his hand to her chest, "then and now, no one knew." Tear stayed silent as the Albiore jerked, signalling their lift off.

"We should head to Daath. We can keep Luke safe in Ion's room," Anise suggested.

"Are you sure that will be okay?" Natalia didn't move as she spoke, barely catching Anise's nod.

"He likes him. One might even say he adores Luke, though no one knows why," she explained, smoothing down the faint hairs on Luke's arm. "And bringing up a cot will be no problem though carrying it up the stairs will be a hassle," she sighed and leaned her head on the crate.

Natalia hummed her agreement as Guy stepped into the room. He came to stand quietly at Luke's feet, watching his light breathing before he spoke. "Something's happening to the Sephiroth," he started, "according to Jade, the passage ring said that they were going out of control and the rings themselves had reached maximum tolerance." All three girls looked at him with surprised eyes.

"Wait, if the Trees stop working, the Outer Lands will..." Tear trailed off as she realized what would happen.

Anise stared at her, "You mean the Outer Lands are going to fall?"

Guy nodded, "There's not much time before the rings break and the trees vanish."

Natalia tightened her grip on Luke's wrist, "But what about the people in Yulia City. Do they know what's happening?"

Tear shook her head, "No, Grandfather said that no more of the Outer Lands will collapse." Anise practically deflated as she thought about it.

"But what about Chesedonia?" Natalia remembered, "The passage ring is the only thing keeping it floating."

"That's what I said," Guy crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes, "he told me that it would be swallowed by the mud unless it were to solidify." The princess bit her lip, looking to Luke's face. Their talking had yet to bother him as he lay there with mouth slightly open and his face free of the waking problems.

"Does the score say anything about this?" she asked. Guy shrugged.

"Even if it did," Tear spoke quietly, "it may be privileged information that even Grandfather couldn't see."

There was a lull in the speaking as everyone tried to thing of something to solve their problem. Anise gasped as she realized the answer.

"Ion," her voice was soft, "I think Ion can access the highest level secrets in Yulia City." Everyone stared aimlessly as they realized the same thing. "And we were thinking of going to him anyway so this works," she continued. Guy looked around at them, confused.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Luke would be much safer if we could keep him with Ion for the time being," Natalia supplied, "he wouldn't be in any danger." Guy nodded and went to the door.

"I'll tell that to Jade," he said and stepped into the hall, closing the door with a small click.

The rest of the ride was silent, the only other interruptions being Guy checking in on them now and then. By the time they landed, Tear had fallen asleep, head resting next to Luke's, and Natalia and Anise were just barely staying awake. Guy, Jade and Noelle entered the room and walked over, silently telling the girls it was time to get off the ship. Noelle placed a hand on Tear's shoulder, shaking her slightly to rouse her from her sleep.

"Was there any change?" Jade asked quietly, getting a shake of the head from Natalia. The fonist nodded and motioned for Guy to carry him once more. Luke was transferred to the blonde's back with the aid of Anise and Natalia as Noelle helped Tear to her feet. Mieu gave up trying to stay with his master and went to Tear, falling asleep in her arms.

Anise returned to holding Luke's belongings as the group started for the door, Natalia guiding Tear who was still a bit groggy.

"I'll wait here," Noelle stated as she walked with everyone down the corridor to the door of the ramp. Jade nodded in agreement, pressing the switch to lower the slope.

"Someone will come by later with an update," he arranged and lowered himself to the ground. The others followed into the dim light of dawn, trekking the short distance to Daath.

Inside the city walls, shop vendors were just setting up and people and their dogs were going out for a morning jog. The streets were mostly bare, most of Daath's inhabitants only just waking up and few wanted to head outside this early in the morning. The circle of friends, if Jade dare call them that, made their way down the main stretch of Daath, up the four flights of stairs and came to a stop in front of Trithiem. The man stood in front of the doors to the cathedral, as if to guard it from something.

"What's going on?" Natalia gazed at the Maestro in interest, noticing the fact that he kept looking behind the group worriedly.

"Carrier pigeon from the port," he revealed, "it said a large group of people was going to appear sometime this morning about the ships not sailing." It was then that he caught sight of Luke draped over Guy's back. "Oh my! What happened to Luke?" he exclaimed, stepping forward and examining the boy's profile, taking note of the bandages.

"That's part of the reason why we're here," Guy explained, shifting Luke's weight to a better position, "we want to see Ion."

Trithiem hummed in understanding then gestured toward the door. "He's currently in the library," the violet haired maestro disclosed as a stricken look came upon his features. Tear looked behind to see a group steadily making its way down the cobblestone street.

"Let's go," she ushered everyone to the door, wanting to get inside before the crowd of people got there. Inside, Anise pawned off Luke's stuff to Tear (covering Mieu in the process) then dashed to the library. The rest loitered in the hall, waiting semi-patiently for her to return.

Ion was standing next to the window when she entered, a book practically forgotten in hands. "Ion!" she called out, bringing his thoughts back to land as he turned.

"Anise! What is it?" The girl rushed to his side, tugging on his sleeve.

"We need to let Luke use your room. Something happened in Chesedonia and now I'm scared for him," she stared up at him. Ion briefly glanced at the book in his hands before placing it on the table as he let Anise guide him to the main hall. Natalia had started pacing in the short time and Tear was watching her. Mieu was awake but still looking tired as he clung to Luke's head.

"What happened to him?" Ion asked, coming to a stop in front of Guy as he looked at the face of his friend over the blonde's shoulder.

Guy looked at his charge as well, "He... he tried to..." he swallowed and closed his eyes, turning to face the floor.

Jade pushed up his glasses as he finished the sentence, "He attempted suicide." The blunt revelation shocked Ion, birthing questions of why Luke would ever do so. The answer was less shock inducing. Akzeriuth.

"Of course," he almost whispered and breathed in deeply. "Come," he ordered, his voice subdued. Everyone followed the Fon Master as he led them to the warp pad and through the long hallway to his room. The multiple flights of stairs were trying on Guy, having to carry more weight than usual up the steps. By the time they were in Ion's office, he was ready to sit down and not move for a while. But he persevered, crossing to the next room to deposit his load onto the bed instead of the hard floor. Mieu stayed pressed up against Luke, letting out a low, depressed whine. Natalia came up to cover him, tucking the edges around his feet and shoulders.

Six looks of varying levels of worry gazed at the immobile form before they exited the room one by one. Tear stayed behind, putting Luke's stuff next to the bed and sitting on the floor. She put her hand over Luke's covered wrist, her other coming up brush through his hair.

"Wake up soon," she murmured, tears escaping her azure eyes once more.