ToA: Novice

Chapter Eleven

Author's Note: Pointing out any grammar/spelling errors is much appreciated! Constructive criticism is welcomed too.
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Leeanna stepped off the Albion. Cracked stones shifted beneath her feet as a heavy atmosphere was draped across her shoulders. It was not a safe landing. With the defense system Van had installed, Eldrant was more of a military aircraft than a premature piece of land. Noelle was a skilled pilot. Only a few minor scratches became the machine's telltale signs of rough handling.

As planned, the group brought the unfinished Key of Lorelei with them. One half rested in Luke’s possession. Asch had the other. The group took a vote. Unanimously, they decided to find Asch first before fighting Van, so they plundered through Eldrant’s twists and turns to find him. Of course, Van was expecting them. They fought and defeated Legretta first. Monsters, more than likely replicated, indigenous species from Hod, patrolled the grounds left and right afterwards. They were relentless themselves, even more so than Legretta.

By faith or his own stupidity, Luke became separated from the group. He wasn't gone long, but it was enough time for a handful of people, like Tear and Guy, to worry. Jade kept his cool through the hardships and surprises. He thought tactfully, like a true Colonel would. He knew Luke would return.

A little while later, he did. Luke wandered back a little distracted, the completed Key of Lorelei rested in his left hand. The key was a long, beautiful sword with a thick black handle and white blade. It was what the group needed to defeat Van and free Lorelei.

At the sight, Leeanna instinctively knew something was wrong. Where was Asch? Didn't he have the other half? She kept her concerns to herself as Tear relaxed immensely at the sight of Luke “You're ok!” She said, smiling “Yeah... Asch helped me.” Luke replied, scratching the back of his head “Asch?!” Natalia practically shouted “What's he doing now?”

“Holding off the enemy.” Luke said “Then we should keep going so his efforts won't go to waste.” Jade replied curtly.

Leeanna nearly jumped out of her skin “We're not going to save him?” She said quickly, turning her head to see Jade. He returned her stare, his eyes softened a little “Asch hates Luke, but he let him go ahead. He must have his reasons.”

Leeanna dipped her head to look at her feet. She didn't want to start questioning Asch’s motives again, but it hurt not to have him with her. Jade’s explanation was reasonable enough for her to let the incident slide. Natalia spoke her mind about the manner “You're right, Jade, but… I have a bad feeling about it.”

“Natalia...” Luke said. Leeanna stared at her with admiration. She had completely forgotten that Natalia cared for Asch just as much, if not more, than Leeanna herself. Natalia then shook her head “I'm sure it's just my imagination. I'm sorry. Let's go.” Natalia replied, waving away her feelings, like Leeanna had.

-

A little while later, the group came across a building. Like most of Eldrant, the thing was in ruins. The majority of its framework was still intact, however, so until further inspections Leeanna couldn't identify what she was actually gawking at.

It was a bit daunting to approach. The place was huge. It seemed bigger than Luke’s manor in Baticul and reminded Leeanna of a castle. It had many details, from the white washed walls to the identical twin statues guarding a wide set of stairs. The place, even in shambles, was beautiful. One could easily tell that whoever used to own this place had power.

Leeanna continued to stare as the group advanced. What was this place? Leeanna had been walking beside Natalia and Jade when Guy stopped abruptly in front of her. She almost smacked into his backside “This is…” He trailed off. Guy stared at the building in awe.