ToA: Novice

Chapter One

Author's Note: Pointing out any grammar/spelling errors is much appreciated! Constructive criticism is welcomed too.
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"Take good care of her, Replica."
"I will, Asch."

Here he was, Asch the Bloody, standing outside the Cathedral with his replica, choosing to be a traitor to Van. He glared at his copy with look of hard, venomous disgust. Asch's pride ran deep, and he felt humiliated at his lack of options. He couldn't believe he was turning to Luke of all people for help.

Yet here they both were. Luke had come like he said he would. Unlike his own, Asch's replica was willing to help him. Because of this, Asch swallowed his remarks. He stored away the turbulence that bubbled within him to a dark corner in his mind. He would deal with himself later. The girl he held in his arms right now was indeed worth more to him than any of the other God-Generals; more than Van's twisted plans for Auldrant. The girl he watched grow up - the girl he taught how to use a sword - was his only companion. She would not be harmed. He swore to this.

Now, Asch would keep an even closer watch on the Replica's group. Van couldn't know about any of this, but neither could she.

She couldn't be told the truth. The lies she was told were the only things sustaining her.

Asch looked down at the girl in his arms. She slept soundly, peacefully, unfazed by all this madness. She had a sword strapped around her hips, and a small bag that fit snuggly on her back. He had trained her himself. She would be fine. She was smart.

Even when Asch placed the girl in the Replica's arms, she kept her head against his chest. Light snores whistled through her nose. His Replica clutched her against him protectively, as if to prove to Asch he would be true to his words. He wanted to sneer.

The girl's head lulled to the side, in Asch's direction. If she were to awaken now, the first thing she'd see would be him. Even in her sleep, the eight-year-old still seemed to want him at her side.

"Don't let anything happen to her." Asch said as he turned around "She should sleep through the night, but get out of Daath by morning." His Replica nodded, surprised at the softness in Asch's voice.

After a few tense and silent moments, Luke took off towards the inn.

Whether or not they liked it, they both knew they'd be in touch. Luke knew the wicked headaches he used to get would soon resurface, the "voices" too.

-

The girl lay asleep in Tear's bed. She breathed easily, still deep in sleep. The rest of the group sat around, turning their attention to her, then the person standing beside them. No one seemed to know what to do.

"So..." Guy said, attempting to break the heavy silence. But nothing followed afterwards, his words hung in the air like frost. Guy rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, exchanging glances with Luke for help. Anise rolled her eyes "So why did we pick this girl up anyway?" She popped her knee out to the side and rested her hands on her stick figure hips "Why does Asch suddenly need our help? I thought he didn't want anything to do with us."

Luke glanced at Tear and Jade, the only two people who know the entire truth to this situation. Before meeting Asch, he had gone over the plan in detail with them both step by step. They listened, and together, they thought of all the possible outcomes of this turning south. But nevertheless, they knew they had to take the girl in. The negativity of having her under Van was far too risky.

Jade stepped forward, coming to Luke's aid "Supposively, she can predict future events." He said. Anise shot the Colonel a wary look "Supposively?" She repeated "But why does Asch care about a hunch?"