Emptiness. That was the only real feeling that Tear Grants could feel right now. The victory at Eldrant was an empty one to her. While they managed to save the planet, Tear lost both her brother, and the man she had fallen in love with. She still knew that Luke promised to come back, but the uncertainty as to when he would, or if he would at all ate her up on the inside. It had been a few days since those events, but the hollow feeling she first felt then was still there, causing greater pain with each passing moment. She sat in the back of the Albiore, a flying Fon Machine that served as their transport for much of their journey. The other members of the group were on board, along with Noelle, their pilot. The others began to hush their conversation as they took notice of how silent Tear was.
"Tear, are you feeling alright?" Guy asked as he turned in his seat to face her.
Tear raised her head after a moment. "I-I'm fine..."
The others had seen the way Tear tried to hide her pain and stay strong. It had nearly cost her her life when they used the Passage Rings. Each use brought more miasma into her body, slowly killing her on the inside.
"Are you sure? We'll be arriving in Grand Chokmah soon."
Anise groaned at the mention. "I still don't see why we have to go to this diplomatic meeting..."
Jade chose this time to pipe in. "We still need to straighten out a few reports to help clarify what happened at Eldrant. It also provides an opportunity for Kimlasca and Malkuth to negotiate further unification."
"But it just seems so boring..."
Jade spread his trademark grin as he replied. "I suppose we could get you a boat ride back to Daath. Still, it will be a shame to tell all the aristocrats that the new Fon Master won't be there to collect their donations..."
Anise immediately brightened up at the thought of all the potential patrons. "Your right Colonel. It's our civic duty to see this through. And it's my duty as Fon Master to collect all those donations!♥"
Natalia cheerfully added in to the conversation. "It will be great to arrive there. I hope to see that the people of Grand Chokmah are rejoicing just as the citizens back in Baticul were."
"Unfortunately there's one man in Grand Chokmah who won't be so happy, Natalia." Jade sadistically added.
"That's right. What happened with Dist?" Guy asked.
"He's still pending trial, though I did pay him a visit..." Jade answered with a hint of sadistic satisfaction at the end.
"I don't think I want to know..." Guy said in disgust.
"Oh I assure you, he's still alive."
"That's what worries me..."
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The inside of Grand Chokmah Palace was more magnificent than the rest of the city. The lush throne room was open to several arches in the rear, allowing a view of the waterfall situated in the back. Seated at the throne, was a man with long blonde hair and a casual demeanor, Emperor Peony XI. Jade approached the throne first, bowing before the Emperor.
"My Emperor." He said as he bowed in respect.
"Aw, c'mon Jade. What have I told you about treating me like that?" Peony laughed.
"My apologies." Jade said as he rose.
"Well, if anything I should be bowing to all of you. You did a great job stopping Van and the God-Generals. Everyone here owes you a great debt."
Guy rubbed his neck in embarrassment. "We did what anyone else would have. Just don't make me have to hear your thanks every time the House of Lords convenes."
"Speaking of convening, let's move to the conference room. King Ingobert and the other delegates are waiting." Peony said.
With that, the group followed Peony to the conference chambers within the palace. Sitting at one end of the table was a man with dark red hair, along with several other delegates from across Auldrant.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm glad to hear that each of you could make it, and agreed that we convene her while the Order of Lorelei discusses the recent events with Teodoro in Yulia City." Peony thanked.
"I believe now that we have lowered our arms against each other, such actions should not be surprising." Ingobert heartily said. "Ah, there you are Natalia. How has the recovery been in Chesedonia?"
"Very well, father. Thanks to the aid from Malkuth and Kimlasca, their food supplies have been replenished, and the refugees from Engeve have all returned home." Natalia answered.
"That's good to hear. Shall we proceed, Peony?" Ingobert asked.
"Of course. On behalf of the empire of Malkuth, I would like to thank each of you for your daring actions, and undying conviction. Without you, we all surely would have perished." Peony spoke.
"The same goes for the Kingdom of Kimlasca. You each came from different origins and creeds, but you stood united against the true threat we were all so blind too. While we were out fighting a fool's war, you fought to bring us together against our true foe. You have made me a proud King, and an even prouder father." Ingobert proclaimed.
"Thank you both. We couldn't have done it without your aid at Eldrant." Guy thanked.
"Regarding that... What news is there of Luke?" Ingobert asked, with a hint of sadness in his voice.
"W-well... I..." Anise began.
Jade stepped in and spoke clearly for all of them. "Luke stayed behind to free Lorelei, while we made our escape. I do not know of his current condition, but I hope that he is alive, and that he will return home."
"Jade... You know our teams found no sign of him at the ruins. I think it's time all of us accepted it, so we can mourn him properly." Peony sadly said.
"Indeed. Suzanne will be heart broken to hear this..." Ingobert began.
*Slam!*
Tear angrily pounded her hand against the conference table. "How can you all say that?!" She yelled.
"Tear, we are simply trying to move on. We need to focus on-"
"Move on?!" Tear yelled with tears in her eyes. "Move on from what?! He isn't dead! I know he's out there! He'll come home... he promised."
Natalia cautiously placed a hand on Tear's shoulder. "Tear, you must calm down. We have all lost something because of Van. We understand."
Tear sadly shook her head. "You might, Natalia..." She pointed her finger to the Delegates. "But none of you ever will!"
Tear then ran out of the conference room in sorrow, leaving everyone shocked.
"Tear, wait!" Guy called as he began after her, only to be stopped by Jade.
"Jade!" He yelled in anger.
"This is something she needs to deal with on her own. She's kept her emotions to herself for so long, she must be the one to sort them out now." He said solemnly.
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Tear finally stopped running once she reached the port. She leaned over a railing and let her tears flow out, not caring who saw at the moment.
"*Sob* Why can't they understand? He's going to come back... He wouldn't leave me alone after that, would he?"
Her thoughts drifted back to her final exchange of words with him at Eldrant.
"Come home!" She cried.
"Tear..." Luke simply said.
"You have to come home! You have to! I'll be waiting... always."
Luke nodded his head to her. "I will. I promise... I'll come home.
With that they turned from each other. Tear's emotions were boiling inside her. She couldn't contain her true feelings any longer, and she had to tell Luke this while she could.
"Luke... I love you."
"He will come home. He wouldn't lie to me... He promised he would change."
Tear wiped away some of the water in her eyes. She looked to the sky and smiled as she said. "I'll never stop waiting for you... and I'll welcome you back with open arms."
With her head level once more, She began walking back to the palace, though she did not wish to hear any more lies about Luke being dead.