Chapter Text
Long days full of meetings were the only events to look forward to within the palace walls of Grand Chokmah. The same rehashed topics and problems with the same vague solutions seemed to be the only discussions ever held, no matter how many more important discussions needed to be had. It was excruciatingly boring and frustrating.
Even after months of planning, when the Empire had finally struck a deal with Kimlasca that would cease the skirmishes and allow both nations to enter a state of peace, all the council seemingly cared about was what floral arrangements would best suit the various districts of Grand Chokmah this upcoming spring. The discussions surrounding the opportunity to enact the meticulously calculated proposals for trade and springboard their war-torn nation to prosperity were pushed to the side. The proposals will “need to be reviewed and verified,” which is to be expected, but it has been weeks with no follow-up.
Peony’s math was correct; he knew it was. He checked numerous times, documenting all sorts of possibilities, beneficial and not, every place he could think of where it would affect and how it would be an overall net gain for his nation. The one issue was who the deal was for. People hesitated when Kimlasca was mentioned. Rightfully so after the many years of war and casualties. But to quietly veto the proposals of the Emperor, no matter how foolproof it was, was insulting at best.
In the middle of the conversation about meaningless color coordination, Peony asked, “What is the state of our troops?”
All eyes were on him, some more annoyed than others.
One man answered, “I heard all have made it safely North of Kaitzur, Your Majesty. Kimlasca seems to be holding their end of the agreement as well.”
Before the man could grab his notes and change the subject back to the meeting, Peony pressed, “Those stated to be reporting back to the capital, how far out are they?”
The clenched jaw was unmistakable on the man, and the friendly smile was just for show. Typical of council members, but Peony didn’t care; he wanted answers. “A day out. Now, shall we get back to the topic at hand, Your Majesty? I’m sure once the troops arrive, you will personally receive detailed reports on the troops’ status.”
It wasn’t a question of who he was implying. One important member of Peony’s inner circle was deployed to the South Rugnican Plains to ensure the movement of the remaining soldiers went smoothly. Though Jade wasn’t the only person he had to worry about. All of the Malkuth soldiers were his citizens who deserved to be back on their soil. All the reports detailing were just as important as Jade’s to get the clearest picture of where the nation and territory stand. Peony sat back in his chair, fighting hard to not roll his eyes. Oh well. The faster this is over, the quicker he can leave to do more interesting and important tasks.
When the conversations about whatever new infrastructure to spruce up the nobles’ district came to an end, Peony couldn't help but long for an escape. That hope quickly vanished at the doorframe of the conference room when he was stopped by an inquiring advisor. Peony greeted the rather unwelcome interruption with a happy-go-lucky smile. He felt his mind wander as the same topics of budgeting for the city, production, and public satisfaction were the only conversation options available. Everyone else had left, and he only wished to do the same.
The dull conversation continued on with feigned interest from Peony. He gave rehearsed answers that seemed to satisfy the other, while he thought of anything else he could be doing. Maybe play with the rappigs? Take a walk in the courtyard? Clean the clothes off my floor? Yeah, no, definitely not that. Though I probably should, Jade’s coming home soon.
“...and with the current time of peace on the horizon for Malkuth, have you thought about an heir? ”
Peony’s smile wavered as his mind quickly snapped back into the conversation. He had to fight himself to keep a composed demeanor and not just walk away rolling his eyes. Peony should have guessed this would also be addressed. Far too many times, this particular topic was brought up by members of the council and whispered among staff. It didn’t make their prying any less annoying. Internally groaning, he answered, “I’ve already given my answer about this matter many times before. My personal life is a private matter, and I’d prefer to keep it that way.”
“Of course, Your Majesty, but–”
Peony cut the advisor off before any more of the statement was said, “I’m glad we’ve reached an agreement!” He knew there was more, there always was, but the first half sounded enough like an agreement and the end of a statement to bother caring about what came next. He would rather not hear it at all. With a wave of his hand as he started to walk away, he added, “Now, I shall be going. It was nice talking with you.”
He would have wanted it to be left just as it was, water under the bridge, but the thoughts of an heir plagued his mind. It still lingered even in the privacy of his room. Never before had it bothered him this much. Perhaps it was because he was so tired from the meetings that never seemed to get resolved and shouldn’t even be a concern.
It’s not like he could possibly have a child in his current situation. Neither he nor Jade could bear children. Without the help of another person, which was out of the question, it’s simply impossible. Jade didn’t want kids anyway. For Peony, he was unsure. The idea was fine, in theory; he loved taking care of his plants and pets. The council always pushed for the notion, but would truthfully never accept any child unless they were his own blood.
It was no secret: the true nature of Jade and his relationship. There have always been hushed conversations about how a lowly Colonel was the confidant of the Emperor. It doesn’t take a scientist to realize they were more than just ‘good friends.’ It only infuriated the council even more as they continued to not-so-subtly push suitors his way and only hired the prettiest of female staff, hoping he’d slip up eventually.
Rubbing his hands on his face, Peony grumbled. Through his fingers, Peony noticed one of his rappigs waddling over. It was, of course, the cuter Jade as she was always the one who was there for him.
“Oh, my sweet, adorable Jade, if only you were suitable to be an heir.” Peony played with the rappig’s ears as his mind wandered. An image of a small child happily running around filled his mind. The nonexistent child ran, played, and interacted with everything with wide-eyed curiosity, and without fear. Maybe this place would finally feel more like a home… The child’s laughter echoed in his head, but Peony quickly shook the fantasy away. But it’s not reality. It’s impossible. I might as well forget about it entirely.
Jade the rappig squealed as it reveled in the attention. Peony smiled at the delighted creature. Laughing, Peony said, “You may be cute, but nothing can beat my Jade in a uniform. But don’t tell him that, ok?” He paused before speaking again, “But I do wonder how my Jade is doing on his mission . ”
The rappig snorted as if to respond.
“I’m sure he is fine,” Peony justified to himself. “He’s Jade after all. But going to scout out that huge surge of fonic activity… I can’t help but worry, you know?”
The rappig soon wandered off, finding more interesting things to do than listen to a one-sided conversation.
Night fell as Peony kept himself busy with the rappigs by rounding them up and preparing them to travel to their own room. Ever since Jade decided to move in, the rappigs had to move out. As soon as the maids took them away, Peony retired to bed himself. He dreaded the next day, certain the council had found another way to make meetings seem more endless and duller than the last.
Peony didn't know what time he fell asleep, but he was nudged awake in the dead of night. Sitting upright, Peony recognized the silhouette of– “Jade?”
“Your Majesty, if you would please come with me for a moment.” His voice was eerily professional as if he were before the throne rather than their bed.
The hair on the back of Peony’s neck rose. He spoke, “It’s the middle of the night, Jade. What’s wrong?” Peony reached out to gently take Jade’s wrist to guide him to bed, but the man stood unmoving.
He responded, continuing the professionalism, “I do believe this matter warrants your immediate attention.”
"Are you hurt?" Peony got out of bed to stand by Jade, preparing to drag him to the bathroom to check him over. While he wasn’t a seventh fonist or a doctor of any sort, he could manage some injuries.
Jade shook his head. "No, it's about the mission. Please, come with me."
“Alright, then…” He slipped on some shoes before following Jade.
Jade led Peony out of their room and out into the corridors of the palace. The night was silent aside from their footsteps. The silence did not help the racing thoughts of Peony. What is he not telling me? Something must have happened on the mission. What on auldrant would possibly not be able to be explained or wait till morning?
As they traveled toward their unspoken location, the options of where they were going slimmed down with each step they took. They had passed all the sleeping quarters and headed toward the stairs located at the end of the Northern wing of the Palace. The only locations remaining were the medical bay above and storage below. He had enough of a guess that Jade wasn’t concerned with the old paintings and scattered furniture of the storage rooms.
Is someone hurt and needs medical attention from the palace? What does this have to do with me? Though if someone is dying and has information important to the nation and Kimlasca, perhaps it would be logical to go. But then again, it would be a waste of time if there were a situation like that, needing to wait for me to arrive.
Peony looked at Jade, who had an infuriatingly vague and serious expression. He didn’t act like anyone was actively dying, but Jade had an air about him that whatever this situation was, it was urgent enough to keep a quick pace and drop his typical, know-it-all smile. Each movement of his was stiff and calculated.
Peony finally broke the silence, demanding, “Jade, you're kind of freaking me out. Can you at least explain what’s going on? I’d rather not go in blind here.”
Jade stared forward, replying bluntly, “We found a living replica at Choral Castle.”
Peony’s stomach dropped at the words, choking out some kind of sound that barely covered how hard that statement hit. Jade turned to face him, and Peony realized that he had stopped walking altogether. A replica. Peony clenched his fists. So that’s what all that fonic activity was? Dammit!
“Your Majesty?” Jade asked.
Shaking his head and collecting himself, Peony continued onwards. Only when they reached the door of one of the unused labs did Peony truly hope that this was all some elaborate prank. But not even Jade would go as far as to do something like that.
When Jade opened the door, Peony froze. The replica inside stared back at them from their hiding place under the examination table. A child stared back at him. Whoever did this was sick enough to replicate a human child. Peony rubbed the back of his neck. If this were a dream, he really wanted it to end. Fomicry in itself was a risky process that could lead to multiple deaths of both original and replica alike. To think someone would do this to such a young kid was unthinkable. Peony’s stomach churned from the mere idea, but the living proof of the execution was unmistakably right there.
“Are you sure he’s a replica?” Peony asked, in one last attempt to have some semblance of plausible deniability.
“Yes.” Jade continued forward calmly, walking into the room, gathering some books and papers sitting on a nearby counter. Peony stared transfixed at the young boy as his mind flooded with numerous questions with no answers to why and who would do this.
The boy looked nearly ten years old, but he stuck his hand in his mouth like an infant. His bright red hair stuck out in all directions, and his green eyes only focused on Jade and Peony.
A book crashed to the ground after Jade accidentally bumped it from the counter. Both Peony and the boy flinched as it landed.
Not as calm as I thought you were, huh, Jade? Peony thought, but he quickly found his attention back to the boy as he started to whimper.
“Oh, you poor thing, did that scare you?” Peony said as tears started welling up in the boy’s eyes. He crouched down in front of the replica, who continued to cower under the table. Peony knew what it was like: feeling alone and afraid in a new place with new people. When the boy began to sob, it sent waves of panic, but an even stronger desire to protect through Peony.
Then an even heavier weight settled on his mind. Dread and confusion threatened to churn his stomach. He realized that all he felt was protective toward a child he had never met before. There was no urge to scold, punish, or anything but to help. Memories of his youth clawed to the surface, all of which he desperately wanted to get rid of.
Peony said softly, “Hey, it’s alright. Come here, buddy.” Peony reached out with gentle, yet shaking hands. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.” The boy had only just started to reach out when a hand suddenly pulled Peony back up and out of the child’s reach. Peony staggered as he tried to regain his balance.
“Peony!” Jade’s expression was near angry. He quickly composed himself and glanced at the boy, who went back to cowering under the table, only peeking out to see where the two adults stood.
Peony snapped back, his heart racing, "Jade, what the hell was that for?!"
“You know how unstable replicas are.” He pointed down at the replica, not looking at the child. “If its body shuts down and the fonons dissipate that close to you, it could lead to a contamination effect that can affect your physical and mental state. I’d rather not take the risk.”
Peony gestured at Jade. “You’re the one who brought me here. You’ve had hundreds of replicas die in front of you, and yet here you stand with no harm done. I will be fine. I will not allow another kid to feel scared in this damned palace. He’s clearly terrified, Jade. Look at him.”
Jade sighed, “Most replicas rarely last a week, Your Majesty. It has already been several days since the reported fonic activity and our arrival. The seized replication technology was hardly improved upon from what I used years ago. It is most likely not stable.”
“So what? The least we could do is give him some quality of life. Give him some food, a place to sleep, and attention.”
Jade thought for a moment. Then Peony realized just how tired he looked. He must have been up nonstop since he got this kid.
Jade responded, “There is a break room with a couch. While not the most ideal, considering how late it is, and how it shouldn't leave the lab, it will do for a place to sleep.” He motioned towards a door near the back of the lab.
Peony nodded, kneeling back down and outstretching his arms, ignoring the dissatisfied grumble that came from Jade, beckoning the replica over. Peony waited until the young boy made the first move by awkwardly crawling over. Once close enough, Peony picked him up, excitedly whispering, “Up we go! Good job, buddy!”
As the replica wrapped his arms around his neck for stability, Peony couldn't help but think about the conversations from earlier in the day. Funny. I spend most of the day fretting over children, and here I am holding one destined to die. This must be some cosmic joke. His mind cursed the situation, but he couldn't help but smile as the replica rested his head on him, still looking around warily.
Peony shushed him, gently rocking him, “It's okay. I know this place can be big and scary, but it's safe now.”
Jade led him through the door into the sparsely furnished room, only carrying a clipboard. Like Jade said, there was a couch. It was old, but it will have to do.
Peony sat down with the replica child still clinging to him. His heart ached when he tried to move him to be more comfortable, only for the boy to grip harder. So, Peony waited. He had to fall asleep at some point, right? He looked just as exhausted as Jade.
To pass the time, Peony asked, “So, what have you learned so far about this kid?”
He stared at his notes like it was a puzzle, slowly pacing around as if some revelation would soon hit him. “Other than the fact that this replica was created a few days ago and acts like an infant, nothing has happened as of yet.” Jade pushed up his glasses before adding, “I will have to run some tests to determine more about its overall health aside from its appearance.”
“And the people that did this?” Despite his attempts at masking his disdain, there was a slight edge in Peony’s voice.
Jade looked up to meet Peony’s eyes. “We are currently on a manhunt for those connected and responsible. They were careful about their actions, but there is bound to be something they missed.”
Peony’s shoulders slightly relaxed. Even if Jade’s words were only meant to make Peony feel better, he’d rather have something to have hope for than nothing at all. Some form of justice will need to be served, if not just for the original child, but for both children.
Peony gently rubbed small circles into the boy’s back until he felt the boy's grip loosen, signifying that he was finally drifting off. Though the soft red hair brushing against him only further raised more thoughts and dread of the answer to who the replica was made after. What a horrible joke if he was correct.
Peony bluntly said, “I doubt that just anyone could, let alone would, replicate a random kid. He had to have been important in some way.” He really wished it was not who he was thinking, but there was no other option.
“So, you're catching on to our other predicament.”
Peony gritted his teeth. So, Jade also had his suspicion. “He is the replica of the missing Kimlascan Prince.”
Jade tightly nodded. “I have reason to believe so, yes.”
Peony paused. “Why did you bring him here?” Malkuth, in the possession of someone who bears the resemblance to Luke, of all people on Auldrant, was just the perfectly complicated cherry on top. What would they do if anyone caught wind of this? They could not afford to go to war right when things were about to turn for the better. Not after all the work he has put in.
“There was no time, with my previous orders from you. I don't believe Kimlasca would have known it was a replica, or have any means to trust Malkuthian soldiers in the midst of our current national climate. The true prince would be left unfound. I would also prefer to handle matters regarding replicas and fomicry machines in our own territory with ample resources. Regardless, with the nature of the situation and who the original may be, this would require delicate handling of the empire.”
Peony let out a long sigh. Delicate handling was correct, but was an understatement to the greatest degree. Dealing with Kimlasca was always challenging before; now, who even knows what the future will be?
Peony shifted focus to slowly lay the boy down next to him. He held his breath in fear of waking him up. The task was made even more difficult, considering he was as heavy as a typical ten-year-old. Finally, Peony managed to get the boy down without waking him. Peony whispered, “Good boy.” He got up to stand near Jade. “He must have been tired,” Peony murmured.
Jade jotted down a quick note before saying, “That would be understandable. We traveled all day.” Jade soon returned to the main lab and gathered more of his books and papers, already filled with tabs.
Following right on his heels, Peony pointedly said, “You’re not seriously going to stay up all night, are you?”
“There aren’t many chances to study replicas since it was banned. Might as well utilize this time while it lasts." There was a small twitch at the corner of his mouth. Most wouldn’t even catch it, but Peony knew better. It wasn’t a secret that Jade came to despise fomicry. Any interest he would have had in the past was impeded by his regrets and past actions. Peony knew he would rather have nothing to do with this replica. Being the Father of Fomicry, it would make sense that he would desire to take responsibility for its outcome despite the desired detachment from the subject. But he doesn't have to face it all alone.
Peony laced his fingers with Jade’s, grabbing the man’s full attention. Looking directly into his eyes, Peony said, “I will need to grab a few things before I also pull this all-nighter. Because if you’re thinking you’re taking this responsibility on by yourself, you are mistaken.” With a gentle squeeze, he said, “I’ll be right back.” He let go and walked out the door before Jade could begin to form some long-winded response of why it was not necessary.
A short while later, Peony returned to the lab with a pillow and spare blankets. Peony quickly got to work and gently moved the pillow under the child’s head, covered him in a blanket, and brushed some loose strands of hair out of his face. His fingertips lingered there for a second as his throat tightened. This could have been all yours: a child of your own. Too bad his life will be cut too short before it truly begins. Too bad the blood in his veins will cause more complications. Quickly banishing the thoughts, he stood and walked to where Jade sat at a small table, silently staring at him. Handing a spare blanket over, Peony took his place in the chair next to him.
Peony slowly reached out for Jade’s hand that was resting on the table. Jade silently reciprocated by intertwining their fingers. It will be fine.
Both stayed up, planning meetings and various ways to break the news about this particular replica to other notable figures of the palace. They will need people on their side willing to help handle this situation while keeping it confidential. Jade was already in the process of drafting a report about the replication machinery as well as the replica, all while Peony deliberated about schedules and who would need the most convincing.
Peony internally groaned at the thought of another meeting, but this time it wouldn’t be so predictable. There was no predicting how the council would react if they learned that fomicry was performed on a living child, let alone within the same continent they were in. Besides, if his and Jade’s suspicions about who this child may be a replica of, they were going to be in quite a political scandal. For someone to create a replica, the original had to be important. Not many children conveniently show up, matching the descriptions of the Kimlascan Prince rumored to have gone missing within the last month.
Peony then stared at the replica child as his mind raced with all the possible scenarios that could occur between Kimlasca and Malkuth. The boy lies there, sleeping comfortably, blissfully unaware of the impact he would make on both nations.
Peony shook his head and mumbled, "This will definitely be interesting. Can't wait to see how this one plays out."
