Pale and Lusterless - A Tales of the Abyss Fanfic (Ch. 2)
HERE! Peony and Jade and all the happy people including the rappigs are property of Nam Cobanda island.
When I actually started writing this fic, the name Pale and Lusterless namely came to mind because I wanted to vaguely describe the look and luster of a jade.
Damn it, I haven’t used the word “jade” as an actual noun in 3492384320 years. From mysterious x-files related phenomena regarding Jade Puget, to my sexy old school iPod named Jade, to my “rumored” sex partner named Jade, to Mr. Snark, whose real name is Jade. The word “jade” has been popping up everywhere in my life this past 2008-2009 except to describe what it really is…^^;
Just some trivia there. Also, I had to go to frinkin’ Youtube and copy down every word in every sentence in every whatever that everyone said in the Everyone Loves Peony Meeting with everyone in St. Binah (elder McGovern, I‘m digging that beard, and I will save joo! <3), so be grateful >=(. And yeah, I was there, giving out free Peony plushies with elder McGovern beards.
Agh, I’m so delirious---probably because I have eaten nothing since this morning. Oh well. And why is delirious a synonym to “hot”, Microsoft Works? Must be Jade wanting to have sex again. XD lol.
By the way, here is the actually gameplay part of the plot I butchered without my butcher knife. Fear the Peony!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evzqhTHw-sA
Btw, action begins at 4:15. Watch anything before it and it will be emo Luke <3
--
Peony stormed out of his chamber and up the stairs to the throne room, without a moment‘s thought, without time to utter an “excuse me” to Frings as he shoved past him and dashed out the door.
I have to see this for myself.
The only thing he managed to stammer was to command the maids to help out Nephry. Peony could see the surprise on their faces as he dismissed his rappigs so quickly, but in all honesty, Jade took higher priority at the moment.
Forgive me, Nephry. His lip subconsciously let out a little pout as the thought this.
As he slammed the door of the throne room open and blatantly ignored the “good day, Your Majesty” ’s from the watches outside, Peony was nonetheless disappointed to find that only Sesemann and Nordheim were in the throne room at the time, and Jade was nowhere to be seen. Damn that Jade---couldn‘t he get here any quicker?
Nordheim took a step forward as Peony walked down the aisle and ascended the throne. “Emperor Peony, I believe you have heard of what has happened?”
“Jade is alive, I presume?” Peony sat up enthusiastically on his seat, despite his attempt to conceal his glee and disarray as he adjusted his voice into the suave tone he usually carried about.
“More importantly,” Sesemann broke in. “They have news on the events at Akzeriuth and the possible falling of St. Binah.”
Oh right, Peony thought to himself. It’s not just time for celebration. And with that, Peony sat back uninterestedly. Damn, how he hated being emperor.
In other news, Peony was at odds with himself. He was unusually excited---a bit too much---in fact, Peony feared he might just jump off the throne and give Jade a giant bear hug if he saw him.
That was not a good way to go, especially with the rumors going around. His tattoo was even beginning to itch. Peony had to act as stoical as possible---like a real emperor. But…Peony wasn’t a stoic---in fact, he was the complete opposite.
Baw, Jade’s gonna know something’s up…he moped silently. Oh well, it doesn’t matter what he thinks right now. He looked down at the two generals now. It matters what they all think.
He sighed weakly, hoping he could maintain self-control. When he was sure that Nordheim and Sesemann were looking the other direction, Peony pulled a small rappig plushie from underneath the throne cushion and sat with it quietly on his lap.
That always helped.
The storm had cleared up and now he could see the sun peeking through the giant, flowing cataracts surrounding the palace. The sun sparkled through the water and brought shadows of ripples upon the throne room, all of which he was used to and saw every day. Peony watched the water dance vacantly on the floor, trying to make out any shapes. On occasion, the ripples would transport his mind to another world entirely, one of memories of life in a snow-covered world with the woman he loved.
Then the door swung open.
On impulse, he smashed the rappig plushie under the seat and watched guests enter. Peony watched as a redhead walked in the room after some Malkuth troops, followed by a curvaceous and voluptuous female he found quite satisfying to the eyes, followed by a blonde female which sort of lacked on those aspects.
And then, finally, Jade. There was no describing Jade. Jade was Jade. Jade was alive. Jade had always been.
He couldn’t take his eyes off him, and his gaze began to trail from Jade’s angular features to his pac-man belt nestled snugly on his waist. Peony could feel his breath get quick and uneasy, and his heart throbbed painfully in relief and a mysterious suspense as they all faced him. For a moment, he could say nothing. He could only smile gingerly at them while trying to hide a plushie that was not hidden all the way, as well as trying to look as stoic and imperial as possible in front of those guys and Jade, Jade, who could pick up his heartbeat within earshot.
Peony could feel himself failing to conceal his emotions. He felt so compelled to hold the plushie, namely to soothe his nerves, but…
For a moment, Peony was beginning to sympathize for Saphir---in fact, Peony was sure his expression didn’t differ much from his at the moment. And his feelings probably weren’t so off either. The thought of he, the emperor, possibly being gay for the same Jade, Jade, JADE! made him want to gag a little inside.
Why did Jade have to look so much like Nephry?! If it wasn't for that, surely his mind wouldn't be in such disarray.
When Peony finally managed to speak, Sesemann and Nordheim were exchanging confused glances. Peony lifted his head up now, and took a wavering breath as he greeted his guests.
Stay calm.
“Ah, you must be the ones dragging my Jade all over the place and keeping him away from ********.
It was silent. He could see everyone’s expressions twist---even Nordheim and Sesemann were shaking; surely trying to stifle their laughter. The only one that was unfazed was, of course, Jade, who was looking up at the emperor with a bright and innocent smile and a matching glance from beneath his glasses.
How he wanted to stab himself.
“What?” the redhead, whose name had gone around as Luke, seemed taken aback by the comment.
Comeback, Peony, comeback…
“A-and then he goes and gets hit with a fon slot seal. This clod can be a real pain, huh?” Peony managed to stammer this in between laughs now.
Luke was even more shocked than before. “N-not at all, your majesty.”
Finally, Jade broke in. “Your majesty, must you confuse our guests?”
Agh, he was always so good at subtly showing his displeasure. Peony was about to retort with a “shut up Jade, I have it down”, but now was not the time for such niceties.
“Hah hah, sorry. Yeah, I guess we should get down to business,” Peony began. “Jade's basically explained everything to me.”
No he didn’t---I haven‘t seen him since…wait, why is he here again? Why are they here again?
“As things stand now, there is a danger that St. Binah could fall into the Qliphoth,” Luke began, a bit more gravely.
Oh, riiiight.
“So it seems,” Peony added, relying solely on improvisation. “In fact, I've already been informed that the land around St. Binah has begun sagging.”
“Then we must evacuate the residents!” the blonde girl screeched at him.
Peony shook his head. “I'd love to,” he began with a dashing smile. “But a lot of the council members are…reluctant.”
He stomped his foot on the floor, cue for Sesemann and Nordheim, and hopefully Jade, to go along with the story. There was no such thing as a Malkuth council---why, for Lorelei‘s sake (I almost put Christ here D=---wrong world), he had only just learned that St. Binah was falling. Peony just needed some time.
“Why? Their countrymen are in danger…!” the girl yelled this out nearly on impulse.
“Because of the military threat from Kimlasca.” Jade turned to the girl. Sweet, he got the message. Suddenly, he felt his stomach churn, remembering indeed that that was…Jade. His Jade?
Nordheim then continued. “The kingdom of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear has ordered a proclamation.”
“We hereby denounce Malkuth's destruction of Akzeriuth in order to bring about the deaths of Princess Natalia and the tertiary heir to the throne, Luke fon Fabre. In the name of Lorelei and Yulia, we shall initiate immediate sanctions.” Sesemann stretched out and tried to look taller as he said this.
As the group got into a more political stance regarding the war, Peony returned to his distracted state, back at looking at Jade’s pacman belt, and what could possibly be under it.
This was very unusual, especially with such a big-breasted female right next to him. So, so very strange…on occasions, he would perk up to Jade’s sour voice, but…
These thoughts were beginning to trouble him.
“Luke, we all know what happened,” Jade’s voice was present once more. “Natalia, please calm down. It doesn't matter now whether Kimlasca destroyed Akzeriuth to cause a war or not.”
“Yes, yes,” Peony jabbed in the conversation to prove he was listening. “the problem is that the council believes that the sinking of St. Binah is Kimlasca's work.”
Peony leaned into his throne now, once again usng the fake council as an excuse to prove he was listening.
“So…” the more beautiful and less annoying of the two females began shyly. “they think that any forces sent to rescue the citizens will be wiped out along with the city.”
“Exactly,” Peony leaned forward now, hoping to converse with the young lady some more. “Until we heard Jade's story, we'd thought Kimlasca had developed a fontech weapon capable of creating a hyperresonance.”
Oh, I’m such a good liar it hurts.
“At the very least, Kimlasca was not responsible for Akzeriuth,” Luke looked up at him. “And even if it were, St. Binah is still going to fall. How can NOT rescuing possibly be better...?”
Peony raised an eyebrow.
“I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude, Your Majesty,” Luke quickly responded to his reaction. “If it's impossible to send troops, then please let us go.”
Peony blinked in thought while canceling out the voice of the screechy girl.
“I’m surprised,” he said after a moment. “Why are royalty like yourselves so intent on helping an enemy country?”
“We're not enemies! Our citizens travel between our countries as if it were perfectly normal. And it's my duty as one born into the royal family to aid those in need!”
That girl’s voice was seriously getting on his nerves, and her charisma was more than he could stand. Judging by her form of speaking, she must have been this Princess Natalia figure. “And you, Master Luke?” Peony asked after a moment.
How tedious.
“I am a criminal to Malkuth. I am to blame for what's happening. I want to do anything I can. I want to save everyone!”
Agh, his naivete was more than he could bear. Almost like those words that the hero Lloyd Irving would say in that Tales of Two Worlds book that Professor Nebilim trudged them through during their reading class. In a class discussion, Peony could only relate to Zelos. The rest didn't appear quite human.
“Well, you heard them,” Peony dismissed their words with a wave of his hand. “What do you think, Sesemann? Your dear apprentice, Jade, also says we can trust these guys regading St. Binah.”
Peony twinged when the name of the colonel passed his lips.
“Your Majesty,” Sesemann began. “ it’s not polite to refer to them as ‘these guys.’”
Peony noticed that this was Sesemann’s way of agreement. Good man.
“If I may make a suggestion, perhaps Luke and my unit could evacuate St. Binah, while General Nordheim contains the northward moving Kimlascan army.” Jade looked up with inquisitive crimson eyes.
Peony was about to melt.
“Are you giving a general orders?” Sesemann grinned. “Well, I suppose it will work. We'll try to gain the council's approval.” and with this, he looked up at the emperor.
“Thanks, man. I owe you one,” Peony grinned, and all three of the Malkuth underlings knew that his words had a double-meaning. Jade in particular let out a small chuckle.
Jade…
“Then you won’t abandon St. Binah?” Luke inquired.
Peony felt like stabbing him. Luke had totally ruined the moment. “Of course not. Though you are all the ones who're going to save it. They're my dearest people. Please help us save them.”
And with that, he smashed the rappig under the seat once more and got up from his throne.
“I’ll do everything in my power.” Luke looked at Peony determinedly.
“As will I,” Natalia followed in similar fashion.
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” the other female added.
Whatever, Peony grumbled inwardly. It only matters if it comes out of Jade.
“I have to summon the council now. I'll let you handle the rest, Jade.” Peony bore his eyes into Jade’s own, before he finally left.
As Peony closed the door, he wasn’t exactly sure what he felt towards the Colonel. Right now, it felt like a sense of bewilderment and disappointment---namely because Jade always had this tendency to dismiss people so coldly, even if his gesture wasn’t straight out. No one really noticed Jade’s perfectly quiet behavior, and the fact that Peony was the only one who noticed his subconscious gestures made him feel somewhat insulted.
Jade was mocking today. He forgot that man was twisted beyond repair.
And…his bewilderment…it was simply due to Peony’s erratic flustered nature as of late, which he had no explanation for. Jade was alive, wasn’t he? Wasn’t this feeling supposed to go away now? Or at least…shouldn’t some of this fuzzy feeling have dissipated by now?
Forget the council, Peony thought to himself. I am the council. There’s nothing to talk about. I said yes---it’s over.
Why did that feel so condemning?
With a heavy sigh, he descended the stars and opened the door to his room.
He saw that all the rappigs were huddled next to Nephry, which was knocked out on the floor with an ice pak strapped on her head abundant with the fourth fonon to dull away her pain.
Oh, Nephry…
He knelt down next to the rappig as the remaning five made room for him. Carefully, he carried the creature and placed her gently on his bed. The other rappigs wobbled excitedly after him.
“Your Majesty, may I come in?” he heard a female’s muffled voice coming from the door. It must have been a maid.
“Come in,” Peony called.
The door opened, however, the maid didn’t walk in or do her usual routine of asking Peony what he wanted or needed. Instead, it was deathly silent. Somewhat surprised, Peony turned around, only to see that it wasn’t a maid at all.
It was Jade.
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Expect a lot of lemony goodness next chapter. =)
