Hikaru: Feel free to shoot me . . . but a better choice would be to ask the staff to add a ToA section.

She used to care about me. Even when I was nothing more than an immature jerk, she wanted to pull through with faith that I would regain my “memory” and become once again the Luke she knew and loved. I . . . didn’t want to admit to it, she was so headstrong, but I hoped to recover my memory, if only for her.

I remember when Guy rescued me and brought me home. I don’t recall ever being at Choral Castle, but I do know that Guy was the one who carried me out of there. I didn’t know how to speak, walk, or anything . . . but Guy was the one who taught me.

I remember how she always visited me every day, since I was forbidden to leave the manor. She would show me photos, talk about our times together as children, and make me my favorite foods . . . even though they tasted like burnt rubber. I appreciated the gestures, but she made me uncomfortable, because I simply couldn’t remember.

My mother, too. She tried vainly to trigger an absolute recall of my childhood. My favorite fairy tales, toys, flowers, even . . .

I began to close out all of them.

Father never helped anything. He always shunned me, pushed me away, like I was something repulsive. I was afraid even to call him “father”.

. . . I used to always wonder, why is everyone treating me like this? I don’t know them, I don’t remember anything before I was “kidnapped”. That questioning turned into full-blown defiance. I did what I wanted, when I wanted to. That included trying to leave the mansion. Master Van caught me, and I will never forget just how madly angry my father was.

I started to hate everything.

Natalia was always awkward around me, even when she tried to make me remember.

When she was angry with me after the incident at Akzeriuth—well, everyone—she told me, “Ever since you lost your memory, you’re like a different person!”

I’m not like a different person, Natalia. I am a different person than your Luke.

You said it yourself.

“Guy, you are Luke’s attendant and friend! The real Luke is right here!”

Yes, Guy. The real Luke was right there. But you came back for me.

Thank you.

Natalia . . . ever since I found out that I was Luke’s replica, you’ve . . . distanced yourself. You didn’t offer anything to me, not even harsh words. You trotted back to Asch, overjoyed that at least he remembered something. He knew everything. He cares for you, and you for him.

What am I to you?

Not just you, but Asch, too!

I may be a replica, but I’m alive, too! I have experiences and feelings that are mine alone! I changed for you, Natalia! Asch still sees me as a hindrance, something to be eliminated. He felt wronged by the fact that I exist. He claims that I took everything from him; his home, his family, Guy, and Natalia.

If Asch really wanted it back so badly, all he had to do was kill me, and go back to Baticul. To say to Mother and Father you remembered everything, and resume your happy life.

Heh, what am I saying? Mother and Father—my family no longer.

I’m just a pawn for Van’s use. He played me—Father and Uncle as well.

Natalia . . . you care nothing for me. A selfish, undeserving replica of Luke . . . a murderer, a criminal who killed thousands of people without a second thought. Isn’t that what you think of me?

Isn’t that right?

Your affection might not have been meant for me—but I still care for you, Natalia!

. . . It’s no use.

Asch, Asch, Asch.

What about my feelings?

Oh, that’s right.

I’m just a replica—I have none.