Tales of the Abyss - Tiphereth 6
Just a short reminder: This is NaNo (regardless of my mother harassing me to the point where I can't get anything done >_<), so there are going to be errors. Boatloads of errors. Feel free to point them out, but don't expect me to come back and fix them anytime soon unless there's something major (like OOC, or screwed up history, blahblahblah). ANYWAY.
The receptionist at the front desk was pleasantly helpful to Luke, pointing him in the direction "that young, blonde fellow" had taken earlier. Indeed, they were far more helpful than a certain other someone.
/I heard that./
/Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Natalia tell us to behave while we're separated?/ Luke smirked smugly at the ensuing silence as he bounded down the entry stairs leading up to the hotel. Score one for him. Finally. It was a pity he wouldn't have enough time to savor this tiny little victory, but it was still pretty cold outside, and getting colder by the minute. He needed to hurry up and find Guy, find out what was wrong, and then get back to the cozy warmth of the Keterburg Hotel. Oh, and avoid any possible contact with Jade like the plague. Guy wasn't the only one in danger of becoming a smear on the ground if he said the wrong thing. And considering that Luke tended to always say the wrong thing, his chances of not setting Jade off weren't very optimistic.
/.../
/Your silence is awfully loud./ Luke sent as he cautiously jogged along the path heading towards the town's park. He'd rather get this over with so he could get in out of the cold, but it just wasn't safe to approach those stupid kids without paying very close attention to the surrounding area. If he wasn't careful he'd end up buried in snow faster than he could blink. Of course, it still wasn't safe even when you were watching out for the brats, but the receptionist had been pretty vehement about Guy going this way. Odds were good that he hadn't gotten much further. People weren't allowed to go out past the gates, and even if Guy had tried, the kids would have pelted him to death once his back was turned. Murderous little demon spawn.
Luke was in the midst of pondering upon the actual parentage of Keterburg's psychotic children when an oppressive wave of bitter loneliness washed over him, nearly bowling him over from the onslaught. It took several long seconds to gather his senses back together and several more for reality to right itself again. /Asch?/ He asked worriedly as he looked back towards the hotel. /What happened? What's wrong?/ What the heck? He'd been fine just a little while ago, maybe a little tired, but fine for the most part. What could have possibly happened between then and now?
/It's... nothing./
/Don't give me that. We both know it's not./
/.../ There was a pause then, a lengthy one, and Luke began to wonder whether he'd have to go all the way back to the hotel and shake it out of the jerk or not. He hoped not. He'd already had more than his fair share of tromping through the snow. He'd much prefer not having to do even more of it. But if something was bothering Asch this much then Guy would just have to wait a little longer. And his feet would just have to get used to being blocks of ice. Ugh. /Stop that./
/Then tell me what's wrong, damnit./ Luke grumbled irritably, hugging his arms around him as he waited for an answer. Keterburg was a nice place, if you liked crazy people, but the weather here kinda sucked.
/It's just.../ There was a deep, weary sigh then. /I didn't have time to think about much after Akzeriuth fell. There was too much left to do, and on top of that, you were in there./
/Yeah?/ Luke prompted, wincing as he skirted around his own feelings about the lost mining town. He couldn't afford to wallow right now. Asch would probably clamp up if he did, or change the subject, which would have the same results, and thus he'd be right back where he started. No, he wanted to know what this was and what had caused it. That way he could hopefully keep it from happening again.
/It's not that easy./
/Just tell me what it is./
/I didn't allow myself to think about what being around her meant./
/Natalia?/
/Yes./
Luke scrunched his face up in confusion. What the heck? He thought Asch liked Natalia. In that way... or something or other. Whatever. He didn't hate her. Right?
/I don't./
/Then what's the problem?/
/Being around her makes me remember./
/...Oh./ Luke puffed out a hot breath of air, watching the little cloud dissipate completely before venturing further. /Well, maybe you should trying talking about it-/
/No. Even if I was of the mind to talk about my problems, giving voice to this one would cause more harm than good. I won't do that to her./
Luke narrowed his eyes at the sensation of something more buried in Asch's thoughts. It wasn't just Natalia he wanted to spare from his past. It was... /Or me?/ Oh please, let him not have screwed something else up.
/Some things are better left buried, Luke./
/But-/
/Just go find Guy already. We're... talking./
/You mean she's talking and you're just sitting there./ Luke scowled in mounting frustration. He didn't like not knowing. How was he supposed to get better if no one felt like telling him when he'd done something wrong? Sure, he could figure out the big mistakes on his own. "Don't ever listen to Master Van ever again." being at the very top of the numerous lessons he'd learned from his recent screw ups. But the little ones? He could never figure those out. Not that this felt like it was little...
/Don't drive yourself crazy over my own idiocy. It's not your fault. I just... don't want to talk about it./
/Will you ever?/ Luke asked skeptically. The weight was lifting, but that didn't mean much in the long run. Asch was probably just burying it again, or hiding it from him. It sure as hell didn't feel like something he could exactly "get over", much less deal with significantly in such a short span of time.
/I don't know./ There was a very distinct quality of finality to that, and Luke doubted he'd be able to get anything more out of Asch for the time being. At least, not while they were in two different places. It was much easier when they were face to face, at least then he stood a small, miniscule chance of keeping the jerk from oh so conveniently pushing important things off to the side. It was so frustrating. You'd think after everything that'd happened things would be easier, but no. Asch's limits were still a mystery to him, but he'd figure them out eventually. One way or another. Failure at figuring out the biggest asshole in his life just wasn't an option anymore.
Oh well, he still had Guy to deal with. The enigma known as Asch wasn't going anywhere, and maybe a little time would ease things down enough for Luke to get somewhere with him. It was a faint hope, but he could manage with that. Nodding resolutely to himself, Luke resumed his trek to the park, keeping a watchful eye out for any possible attacks. He wasn't going to get pelted with snowballs, no way, no how. Those brats weren't getting him this time!
Of course, he wasn't counting on Jade being there. Luke came up short, silently thanking anything and everything that might possibly be listening when it looked as if Jade hadn't clued in to his appearance. That was good, Luke would have better luck at escaping if Jade didn't know he was there. Mentally gulping, and completely ignoring the sense of wary curiosity coming from his permanent house guest, Luke took a hesitant step backwards before finally taking note of the other person crouched at Jade's feet. Ah, crap. It figured he'd find the person he was looking for at the one place he'd rather not be.
Well, at least Guy didn't look like he was dying or anything. He was just crouched there in the snow, not really looking at anything. Why? Luke didn't think it was because of Jade. Despite his own reservations, and what he knew Jade was capable of, it didn't really look like anything bad had happened. Well okay, maybe he was exaggerating, maybe they all were. Jade wasn't really all that murderous, or at least he didn't seem that way. But Governor Osborne was right about one thing, you could never tell with him. Jade was just way too contrary for anyone to completely trust.
Still, Jade seemed kind of serious, and Guy didn't appear too keen on moving around much. Actually, now that Luke really looked at his friend, Guy was almost hunched in on himself. He had to be upset about something. That much was blatantly obvious, but what? He'd been perfectly fine earlier. In fact, he'd been completely normal up until the governor had shielded those crazy kids. Weird. Guy hadn't seemed all that interested in Jade's sister - and what person in their right mind would be considering who her sibling was -, but maybe he'd missed something.
"Luke." His heart practically skipped a beat at the abrupt utterance of his name. Damn, he hadn't escaped being noticed after all. Swallowing tightly, Luke plastered on an attentive, if slightly frightful, expression as he glanced up and met Jade's gaze. The Malkuth colonel looked almost bored. That was good. Sort of. Maybe. A bored Jade could still be dangerous, but in different, non-lethal ways. "Why don't you come join us? I think Guy has something he'd like to tell you."
Guy's head darted up, his eyes narrowing as he glared hotly up at Jade. The colonel remained utterly nonplussed, exuding an air of indifference that effectively thwarted any and all negativity directed his way. They could always trust in Jade to set things off to an awkward start.
Rolling his eyes at the entire situation, Luke trotted out into the open. A quick scan of the surrounding area failed to produce hide nor hair of native monsters. No surprise there. Jade was disturbing enough to adults, he probably came off as out and out terrifying to little kids. "So, uh," Luke said uncertainly as he glanced between Guy and Jade, "What's going on?" Guy didn't look all that happy about him being there. Had he done something wrong?
Guy opened his mouth to answer, but Jade cut him off before he could even get started. "Our mutual friend has had an epiphany."
"Damnit, can't you just mind your own business?" Guy hissed out, ducking his head down and very obviously doing his best to avoid looking in Luke's general direction.
"No, I'm afraid I can't this time," Jade replied crisply and frowned minutely in what Luke guessed was probably some annoyance. "The risk is too great. Sync has already discovered where to hit you where it counts, imagine how much worse it will be now if he discovers a way around Ion's block."
Guy sighed, his shoulders drooping in something akin to defeat. A pall of charged silence settled over the area, the seconds ticking by until finally he shook his head. "I can't."
"Why not?" Jade prodded.
Guy didn't supply any sort of verbal answer, but he did spare a glance back at his best friend. Luke was thoroughly disturbed by the look of guarded wariness Guy directed his way. Why would he-
/It's because of me./
/What?/ Luke stared back at Guy in a state of shocked confusion. What did Asch have to do with this? He hadn't done anything.
/He doesn't want to tell me what his damned problem is, and unfortunately, you don't know how to keep anything from me just yet./
/Oh./ Luke grimaced. He supposed that was going to be a bit of a problem. Luke didn't even really have to say anything anymore, Asch usually already knew what was going on with him. He was "projecting" too much, he guessed.
/Yes. but I think I can provide a temporary solution. It'll just hurt a whole hell of a lot./
/How so?/ Luke asked carefully, a sliver of unease working its way through his mind.
/I can cut you off./
/What?! No! Absolutely not./ Luke sent back frantically. He didn't want to go back to being all alone in his head. That was just... It was something he never wanted to contemplate ever again.
/Don't be so clingy. It won't be for long. I'm too tired to make it last for more than a few minutes./
/But.../ Luke trailed off in uncertainty. He really didn't want to be cut off from Asch, not for anything. But this was Guy, and it was pretty obvious that something was seriously bothering him. They were friends, right? Best friends. And friends always did their level best to be there for each other when they needed it most. Guy had been there for him when he'd gotten back from the Qliphoth for the first time. He could deal with being blocked off from Asch for a little while if just for Guy's sake. At least, he hoped so. It would just be temporary anyway. He could handle that.
/Brace yourself, this will hurt./
/All right./ Luke grit his teeth and scrunched his eyes shut as a sharp pain blossomed in the back of his mind. It felt like he was going to be cut in half for a second there, but it swiftly dimmed into an almost manageable throb. Luke felt strangely empty though, as if an important part of him were missing. He was alone again, if just for a little while, and he didn't like it. They weren't ever going to do this again, Luke decided then and there. It hurt too much otherwise.
"Luke? Are you all right?"
Mindful of his aching head, Luke carefully opened his eyes. Sometime during the interim, Guy had straightened up from his crouch and was now standing a bit too close to Luke for comfort. Any other time he wouldn't have minded - all that much -, but Guy had a tendency to loom when he was worried, which he most definitely was now, and Luke hurt. His "no touchie" instinct had awakened to full effect thanks to Asch's little solution and he was hard pressed to not step away. Why did everything have to be so difficult? Why couldn't they just hurry up and learn to get along? Stubborn bastards.
"Asch closed our connection," Luke explained irritably as he reached up and rubbed uselessly at his temples. He knew the pain wouldn't go away or even lessen until it was open again, but it still hurt. "He figured you didn't want to talk to me because he was here." He punctuated his statement by pointing sharply at his head.
"Ah," Guy muttered in surprise, then frowned guiltily. "I'm sorry about that. I know I'm being stupid. It's not his fault. I just..."
Luke lowered his left hand in the universal stop gesture. "I know, Guy. He knows too." Luke very deliberately did not say he forgave the idiot - either of them. He did. Really, he did, but a small, spiteful part of him didn't want his friend to know that yet. A little guilt wouldn't hurt him all that much. Besides, they'd be fine tomorrow. Just not today. "Anyway, just tell me already. He won't be able to keep it closed for very long. It hurts." Okay, maybe some more guilt was in order. Gotta share the pain and all.
"Right, of course." Guy closed his eyes and pursed his lips for a moment, as if trying to figure out where to start, then began, "I told that I couldn't recall what happened when my family died. The memory just wasn't there. I guess I just buried it too far. But when Miss Nephry ran out in front of those kids to protect them, I just..."
"You remembered?" Luke prompted gently.
"Yeah, you could say that." Guy shook his head, apparently annoyed with himself over his own hesitation. "I'm not too happy with myself about it, but it's definitely the source of my problem with women."
"Really?"
"Yes. My family was from Hod, so it's no surprise that we got caught up in the war. It got pretty ugly, pretty fast. They tried to shield me from it, shield all of us really, but eventually the fighting reached our home." Guy hung his head, his eyes growing distant and pained as he plowed on. "My sister tried to protect me, and succeeded in a way, but it cost her her life along with all the others. I can't believe I forgot, but I remember it all now: every sound, every sensation, everything."
---
The receptionist at the front desk was pleasantly helpful to Luke, pointing him in the direction "that young, blonde fellow" had taken earlier. Indeed, they were far more helpful than a certain other someone.
/I heard that./
/Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Natalia tell us to behave while we're separated?/ Luke smirked smugly at the ensuing silence as he bounded down the entry stairs leading up to the hotel. Score one for him. Finally. It was a pity he wouldn't have enough time to savor this tiny little victory, but it was still pretty cold outside, and getting colder by the minute. He needed to hurry up and find Guy, find out what was wrong, and then get back to the cozy warmth of the Keterburg Hotel. Oh, and avoid any possible contact with Jade like the plague. Guy wasn't the only one in danger of becoming a smear on the ground if he said the wrong thing. And considering that Luke tended to always say the wrong thing, his chances of not setting Jade off weren't very optimistic.
/.../
/Your silence is awfully loud./ Luke sent as he cautiously jogged along the path heading towards the town's park. He'd rather get this over with so he could get in out of the cold, but it just wasn't safe to approach those stupid kids without paying very close attention to the surrounding area. If he wasn't careful he'd end up buried in snow faster than he could blink. Of course, it still wasn't safe even when you were watching out for the brats, but the receptionist had been pretty vehement about Guy going this way. Odds were good that he hadn't gotten much further. People weren't allowed to go out past the gates, and even if Guy had tried, the kids would have pelted him to death once his back was turned. Murderous little demon spawn.
Luke was in the midst of pondering upon the actual parentage of Keterburg's psychotic children when an oppressive wave of bitter loneliness washed over him, nearly bowling him over from the onslaught. It took several long seconds to gather his senses back together and several more for reality to right itself again. /Asch?/ He asked worriedly as he looked back towards the hotel. /What happened? What's wrong?/ What the heck? He'd been fine just a little while ago, maybe a little tired, but fine for the most part. What could have possibly happened between then and now?
/It's... nothing./
/Don't give me that. We both know it's not./
/.../ There was a pause then, a lengthy one, and Luke began to wonder whether he'd have to go all the way back to the hotel and shake it out of the jerk or not. He hoped not. He'd already had more than his fair share of tromping through the snow. He'd much prefer not having to do even more of it. But if something was bothering Asch this much then Guy would just have to wait a little longer. And his feet would just have to get used to being blocks of ice. Ugh. /Stop that./
/Then tell me what's wrong, damnit./ Luke grumbled irritably, hugging his arms around him as he waited for an answer. Keterburg was a nice place, if you liked crazy people, but the weather here kinda sucked.
/It's just.../ There was a deep, weary sigh then. /I didn't have time to think about much after Akzeriuth fell. There was too much left to do, and on top of that, you were in there./
/Yeah?/ Luke prompted, wincing as he skirted around his own feelings about the lost mining town. He couldn't afford to wallow right now. Asch would probably clamp up if he did, or change the subject, which would have the same results, and thus he'd be right back where he started. No, he wanted to know what this was and what had caused it. That way he could hopefully keep it from happening again.
/It's not that easy./
/Just tell me what it is./
/I didn't allow myself to think about what being around her meant./
/Natalia?/
/Yes./
Luke scrunched his face up in confusion. What the heck? He thought Asch liked Natalia. In that way... or something or other. Whatever. He didn't hate her. Right?
/I don't./
/Then what's the problem?/
/Being around her makes me remember./
/...Oh./ Luke puffed out a hot breath of air, watching the little cloud dissipate completely before venturing further. /Well, maybe you should trying talking about it-/
/No. Even if I was of the mind to talk about my problems, giving voice to this one would cause more harm than good. I won't do that to her./
Luke narrowed his eyes at the sensation of something more buried in Asch's thoughts. It wasn't just Natalia he wanted to spare from his past. It was... /Or me?/ Oh please, let him not have screwed something else up.
/Some things are better left buried, Luke./
/But-/
/Just go find Guy already. We're... talking./
/You mean she's talking and you're just sitting there./ Luke scowled in mounting frustration. He didn't like not knowing. How was he supposed to get better if no one felt like telling him when he'd done something wrong? Sure, he could figure out the big mistakes on his own. "Don't ever listen to Master Van ever again." being at the very top of the numerous lessons he'd learned from his recent screw ups. But the little ones? He could never figure those out. Not that this felt like it was little...
/Don't drive yourself crazy over my own idiocy. It's not your fault. I just... don't want to talk about it./
/Will you ever?/ Luke asked skeptically. The weight was lifting, but that didn't mean much in the long run. Asch was probably just burying it again, or hiding it from him. It sure as hell didn't feel like something he could exactly "get over", much less deal with significantly in such a short span of time.
/I don't know./ There was a very distinct quality of finality to that, and Luke doubted he'd be able to get anything more out of Asch for the time being. At least, not while they were in two different places. It was much easier when they were face to face, at least then he stood a small, miniscule chance of keeping the jerk from oh so conveniently pushing important things off to the side. It was so frustrating. You'd think after everything that'd happened things would be easier, but no. Asch's limits were still a mystery to him, but he'd figure them out eventually. One way or another. Failure at figuring out the biggest asshole in his life just wasn't an option anymore.
Oh well, he still had Guy to deal with. The enigma known as Asch wasn't going anywhere, and maybe a little time would ease things down enough for Luke to get somewhere with him. It was a faint hope, but he could manage with that. Nodding resolutely to himself, Luke resumed his trek to the park, keeping a watchful eye out for any possible attacks. He wasn't going to get pelted with snowballs, no way, no how. Those brats weren't getting him this time!
Of course, he wasn't counting on Jade being there. Luke came up short, silently thanking anything and everything that might possibly be listening when it looked as if Jade hadn't clued in to his appearance. That was good, Luke would have better luck at escaping if Jade didn't know he was there. Mentally gulping, and completely ignoring the sense of wary curiosity coming from his permanent house guest, Luke took a hesitant step backwards before finally taking note of the other person crouched at Jade's feet. Ah, crap. It figured he'd find the person he was looking for at the one place he'd rather not be.
Well, at least Guy didn't look like he was dying or anything. He was just crouched there in the snow, not really looking at anything. Why? Luke didn't think it was because of Jade. Despite his own reservations, and what he knew Jade was capable of, it didn't really look like anything bad had happened. Well okay, maybe he was exaggerating, maybe they all were. Jade wasn't really all that murderous, or at least he didn't seem that way. But Governor Osborne was right about one thing, you could never tell with him. Jade was just way too contrary for anyone to completely trust.
Still, Jade seemed kind of serious, and Guy didn't appear too keen on moving around much. Actually, now that Luke really looked at his friend, Guy was almost hunched in on himself. He had to be upset about something. That much was blatantly obvious, but what? He'd been perfectly fine earlier. In fact, he'd been completely normal up until the governor had shielded those crazy kids. Weird. Guy hadn't seemed all that interested in Jade's sister - and what person in their right mind would be considering who her sibling was -, but maybe he'd missed something.
"Luke." His heart practically skipped a beat at the abrupt utterance of his name. Damn, he hadn't escaped being noticed after all. Swallowing tightly, Luke plastered on an attentive, if slightly frightful, expression as he glanced up and met Jade's gaze. The Malkuth colonel looked almost bored. That was good. Sort of. Maybe. A bored Jade could still be dangerous, but in different, non-lethal ways. "Why don't you come join us? I think Guy has something he'd like to tell you."
Guy's head darted up, his eyes narrowing as he glared hotly up at Jade. The colonel remained utterly nonplussed, exuding an air of indifference that effectively thwarted any and all negativity directed his way. They could always trust in Jade to set things off to an awkward start.
Rolling his eyes at the entire situation, Luke trotted out into the open. A quick scan of the surrounding area failed to produce hide nor hair of native monsters. No surprise there. Jade was disturbing enough to adults, he probably came off as out and out terrifying to little kids. "So, uh," Luke said uncertainly as he glanced between Guy and Jade, "What's going on?" Guy didn't look all that happy about him being there. Had he done something wrong?
Guy opened his mouth to answer, but Jade cut him off before he could even get started. "Our mutual friend has had an epiphany."
"Damnit, can't you just mind your own business?" Guy hissed out, ducking his head down and very obviously doing his best to avoid looking in Luke's general direction.
"No, I'm afraid I can't this time," Jade replied crisply and frowned minutely in what Luke guessed was probably some annoyance. "The risk is too great. Sync has already discovered where to hit you where it counts, imagine how much worse it will be now if he discovers a way around Ion's block."
Guy sighed, his shoulders drooping in something akin to defeat. A pall of charged silence settled over the area, the seconds ticking by until finally he shook his head. "I can't."
"Why not?" Jade prodded.
Guy didn't supply any sort of verbal answer, but he did spare a glance back at his best friend. Luke was thoroughly disturbed by the look of guarded wariness Guy directed his way. Why would he-
/It's because of me./
/What?/ Luke stared back at Guy in a state of shocked confusion. What did Asch have to do with this? He hadn't done anything.
/He doesn't want to tell me what his damned problem is, and unfortunately, you don't know how to keep anything from me just yet./
/Oh./ Luke grimaced. He supposed that was going to be a bit of a problem. Luke didn't even really have to say anything anymore, Asch usually already knew what was going on with him. He was "projecting" too much, he guessed.
/Yes. but I think I can provide a temporary solution. It'll just hurt a whole hell of a lot./
/How so?/ Luke asked carefully, a sliver of unease working its way through his mind.
/I can cut you off./
/What?! No! Absolutely not./ Luke sent back frantically. He didn't want to go back to being all alone in his head. That was just... It was something he never wanted to contemplate ever again.
/Don't be so clingy. It won't be for long. I'm too tired to make it last for more than a few minutes./
/But.../ Luke trailed off in uncertainty. He really didn't want to be cut off from Asch, not for anything. But this was Guy, and it was pretty obvious that something was seriously bothering him. They were friends, right? Best friends. And friends always did their level best to be there for each other when they needed it most. Guy had been there for him when he'd gotten back from the Qliphoth for the first time. He could deal with being blocked off from Asch for a little while if just for Guy's sake. At least, he hoped so. It would just be temporary anyway. He could handle that.
/Brace yourself, this will hurt./
/All right./ Luke grit his teeth and scrunched his eyes shut as a sharp pain blossomed in the back of his mind. It felt like he was going to be cut in half for a second there, but it swiftly dimmed into an almost manageable throb. Luke felt strangely empty though, as if an important part of him were missing. He was alone again, if just for a little while, and he didn't like it. They weren't ever going to do this again, Luke decided then and there. It hurt too much otherwise.
"Luke? Are you all right?"
Mindful of his aching head, Luke carefully opened his eyes. Sometime during the interim, Guy had straightened up from his crouch and was now standing a bit too close to Luke for comfort. Any other time he wouldn't have minded - all that much -, but Guy had a tendency to loom when he was worried, which he most definitely was now, and Luke hurt. His "no touchie" instinct had awakened to full effect thanks to Asch's little solution and he was hard pressed to not step away. Why did everything have to be so difficult? Why couldn't they just hurry up and learn to get along? Stubborn bastards.
"Asch closed our connection," Luke explained irritably as he reached up and rubbed uselessly at his temples. He knew the pain wouldn't go away or even lessen until it was open again, but it still hurt. "He figured you didn't want to talk to me because he was here." He punctuated his statement by pointing sharply at his head.
"Ah," Guy muttered in surprise, then frowned guiltily. "I'm sorry about that. I know I'm being stupid. It's not his fault. I just..."
Luke lowered his left hand in the universal stop gesture. "I know, Guy. He knows too." Luke very deliberately did not say he forgave the idiot - either of them. He did. Really, he did, but a small, spiteful part of him didn't want his friend to know that yet. A little guilt wouldn't hurt him all that much. Besides, they'd be fine tomorrow. Just not today. "Anyway, just tell me already. He won't be able to keep it closed for very long. It hurts." Okay, maybe some more guilt was in order. Gotta share the pain and all.
"Right, of course." Guy closed his eyes and pursed his lips for a moment, as if trying to figure out where to start, then began, "I told that I couldn't recall what happened when my family died. The memory just wasn't there. I guess I just buried it too far. But when Miss Nephry ran out in front of those kids to protect them, I just..."
"You remembered?" Luke prompted gently.
"Yeah, you could say that." Guy shook his head, apparently annoyed with himself over his own hesitation. "I'm not too happy with myself about it, but it's definitely the source of my problem with women."
"Really?"
"Yes. My family was from Hod, so it's no surprise that we got caught up in the war. It got pretty ugly, pretty fast. They tried to shield me from it, shield all of us really, but eventually the fighting reached our home." Guy hung his head, his eyes growing distant and pained as he plowed on. "My sister tried to protect me, and succeeded in a way, but it cost her her life along with all the others. I can't believe I forgot, but I remember it all now: every sound, every sensation, everything."
---