Alright, this chapter will include the Attack on Neet.

Quite the Time skip, but it's a part of this. There was nothing big between the end of last chapter, and then.

Chapter 3

It had been quite a few months, and Jared was doing well with his new Squad. They had hit it off instantly, and their teamwork didn't suffer that much. Jared had shown them he could handle himself against any monster that came their way. There are times that he was off, but still working. When one of them found out about it, they were surprised, and struck up a conversation. He had answered all of his questions, without deviating from his work.

Needless to say they had agreed to get armor from that shop, and weapon repairs as well.

However, 7 months ago, Jared had received disturbing news. One that had set him on edge.

Queen Theresa had gotten Pregnant. She was asking for suggestions, and who should guard her, as her normal guard, if he was right was not enough. He had suggested having a pair of ships ready for transport the about a week before the birth is supposed to happen. The first born was to be guarded by Squads 2, 4, 10 and 13, along with the Knight Commander, but saying that it might not be enough, so having Squads 5, 6, and 8 on standby in case second one comes, and they guide the second one away to the second ship, which would be more of a cargo ship than a royal vessel.

When asked why he simply said, "Because that way, if the Black Monster knows about a second one, it'll think the second one is on a different Royal Ship. Putting the second child on a Merchant Ship would throw it off guard, and it will eventually lose the trail, if it's aware of a second one. The first one would easily be common knowledge. The second one would not. Best to take advantage of the little things."

She had agreed, though only because he wasn't sure of the true strength of the threat.

However, it was this day that his Squad had gotten the request, and Barona, who was still a Captain, accepted it eagerly. Being on Standby for the Queen for a great honor, and it was a good thing. Only Jared knew the truth, and he had told them all about it. The real situation. They had one month to prepare. When he had told them of the truth, they had wondered how he knew, but that was fixed when he had told them of his origins, which they had found out quickly was a sore topic with him.

They had believed him when he had told them his origins and that he was from another world. Instead of drifting them apart, it had moved them closer, even more so since he had finally let them in on his past, which he had avoided a lot. Then he told them, that he had recommended them to the Queen himself, but for Standby, not the active duty. If the first wave failed, they were to be the back-up. And he told them, outright, that backup will be needed.

One of them was surprised that he had recommended them for backup, but after the explanation, they could see why. The first wave was bound to die. He knew it, and they realized it when he told them that. He had cared for them, and recommended them for the Back-up, which was to protect the Queen in case of a second birth, and then they were to escort the second one out, and to a Merchant Ship. If that were the case, only Squad 8 was to take the kid and get he or she out of the country.

Jared's skills had allowed him to keep a single Merchant Ship behind schedule with a few damages that were easily fixable, but only if one knew the way to do so. It was stuck in Furni for about a month.

Then the time came. They had been ready, and planning for this. They had taken actions that no normal knight would take, but they had to make sure that things went according to plan.

That night, Neet was Destroyed, Queen Theresa was kept safe, and while the Back-up was getting Queen Theresa out of Neet as it was destroyed, Jared had felt Zieg's scent change. He knew what had happened then. Melbu had taken over Zieg's body, and he fled the town. He told the rest of his squad to remain with the Queen, because she still had another one on the way. Louvia had already been born, and was being sent to Furni, to have her evacuated. His exact words were: "Don't worry about me! I'll be fine! If that bastard gets me, I'll send him on a wild goose chase! Remember the plan!" He then ran back towards Neet, to help out. Barona backed him by telling the squad to let him do what he needs to, and that they had a job of their own.

This brings me to the start.

Jared had just reached Neet, not winded in the slightest. He was focusing on a single energy. One that he had found rather quickly, and it was fading fast. 'If Zieg is gonna live, so are you Claire!'

Reaper was drawn, Cerberus ready to be drawn for use. He had continued in a set path, as he saw a Black flying object leaving the area. He knew instantly who it was, and since she was leaving, and Claire was still alive, it wasn't the black Monster that killed his Parents. 'Claire had died of other means. Her corpse burned away.'

He quickly found her, and got her out of the town, and to a cliff face. It had an Eagle's head, there, and he tapped it with Reaper, making a passage, which he went into quickly. He had put her in what seemed to a container far more advanced than the world had. 'I sure hope this thing works. They draw power from the Signet Sphere in the Crystal Palace. Managing to draw on that power wasn't easy. And the help I got from Bill did more than he thought.' He had closed a hatch, which clearly showed her unconscious, and typed in a few things on a nearby keyboard. 'Man am I glad I know computer circuitry. I thought I'd need more than just a single line the view things, a keyboard, and a connection to the pod. I'd have to upgrade things here, but it should do for now.'

He sighed in relief when he realized that Claire was stabilizing, and no longer fading. Being as the Cavern had closed, the secret of it was safe. 'I'm also glad about the auto alert. I had to test this thing over the last week, and the alert will let me know if the subject dies, or is ready to wake up.' He then looked around, and spotted the Light Transportation. It was only theorized to work, but he knew the Winglies had been able to do so. This transporter had a Central Hub, which was, once again, the Signet Sphere in the Crystal palace. He used it to go to his hideout near Furni, which took off quite a few hours from the travel time.

He left that hideout, which was more of an armory. It had several Schematics, and a few musical instruments that he could play. One of which was an Ocarina. He left it, using the front door, and came out of a rock face about 10 minutes from Furni. He saw the team come along with the other baby, and he ran to meet with them. He took it from them, who were surprised that he got there before them, and went into Furni Stealthily. He found the Merchant ship, which was ready to take off, seeing as it was getting dangerous in Millie Seseau. He managed to put the baby Shana in an enclosed spot with a small note in the basket.

Take this Baby to Seles in Serdio. Hand her to the Mayor of Seles, and have him take care of her in the village. Her name is Shana.

There was nothing to indicate who wrote the note, or who left it there, but he calmed her down, and left silently. He may have been in his Knight Armor, but he could still get around without being seen. His Moniker as the White Shadow was well founded.

As the Ship took off, he was watching from a Rooftop in Furni. 'We'll meet again one day, Shana. Of that, I can be sure of.' He thought.

"You intentionally set this up, didn't you?" Reaper asked.

'I wasn't expecting the second child, but it had just confirmed my suspicions. Shana really was Louvia's sister by blood.'

"Well, let's just hope that Rose doesn't go after Shana. Soa knows that our plan would be useless if she knew of the second child."

'I know. If that happened all of our planning would be lost, and I will have failed.'

He then noticed as the other Knights in Squad 8 were approaching the bank, only to find that the merchant Ship was hightailing it out of there. 'We'll talk later, Reaper.'

"Heh. You're family is here. I know."

Jared smiled slightly, and jumped down to land right next to them, as they looked at him. He gave them a thumbs up. They all nodded. "Let's move. We have to get back to Queen Theresa. She had passed out after the birth." they all nodded and went towards the exit, but when Jared was asked how he got there before they did, he just said it would be easier to show them, than explain it. So he did, and took them to the Armory nearby, which surprised them. Then they saw a weird circle on the ground.

"Just stand in the circle. Think Throne Room. When you feel a pull, let it take you. You may be a little disoriented, but we'll be meeting up with her at the Palace. Now that the Black Monster has left Millie Seseau, and both ships are heading to different docks, if the Black Monster knows of the second Child, and can sense them out, which is unlikely, then the Second Child will be safe, and only Princess Louvia will die by the Black Monster's hand, though everyone on the same ship as Louvia will likely be killed for trying to protect her."

"Who had protection detail there?" Barona questioned, being the last one there along with him.

"Squads 2 and 10, along with the Knight Commander." Jared replied with a smirk.

"You knew that they'd die, didn't you?"

"Hey, better them than us. They didn't deserve to be knights. They went out in the line of duty, so I had Queen Theresa give them a suicide mission. Make sure Louvia makes it to Donau safely."

Barona smirked as well. "You killed two birds with one stone, didn't you?"

"Pretty much, yeah. His social status was above us, and he let it get to his head. Our squad doesn't. We're better than he is because of that fact. I know that he's a Knight, but he definitely isn't that well liked. You know that as well as I do." Jared admitted. "For now, all people will know is that he died against the Black Monster if he doesn't make it elsewhere."

They went into the Throne Room through the portal, and did a head count. After the Head Count, Barona nodded, seeing that everyone made it. Jared turned to look at the glowing sphere in the room. "You see the glowing sphere right there?" they all looked. "That's something known as a Signet sphere. Rumor has it, it was created by the Winglies long ago. Of course, I know the truth of the matter. It's a power source, and a lock. There were once 5 locks. Now there are four. Those four locks hold back a power that would easily destroy everything on Endiness, and then some. Oh, and this room can't be used to go to any other one connected to the hub, which is right here."

Barona looked at him. "I gotta admit, I'm impressed. How did you manage to get this done without anyone knowing?"

"My reputation as the White Shadow is well earned, as you know."

"Yeah, but that's for infiltration missions. This is making something, harnessing a major power source, and connecting several points in the country, without anyone ever being the wiser. I'm sorry if I'm a bit skeptical."

"That's one of the reasons why I'm the White Shadow. You don't know what I'm doing until either it's done, or I reveal it. This is the latter case."

"How many points are there?"

"14, actually. I'm trying to keep it from another network, because mine isn't the only one in Millie Seseau. There are 2 others. Neither of which I had a hand in making, but one of them I can use only from one area. It's known as Flanvel Tower. Anyway, let's get going. We have to meet Queen Theresa on the road. Captain?" Jared looked at Barona who nodded.

"Sergeant, you're likely gonna get a promotion for this. This plan of yours was brilliant. We can only hope the Black Monster doesn't know of the Second child." Everyone nodded in agreement. "Alright. Move out!" she ordered.

"Right!"

They had left the Signet room, through the Throne room, surprising a servant as they passed, dressed for battle. They had left the Palace, surprising one of the few Knights in the city, to which, Jared apologized for the surprise, and kept going. They had met the convoy surrounded by knights, as they were being struck by a lot of bandits. 'Reaper?'

"Rip, roaring, and Ready to go!"

'Cerberus?'

"Let's kick some ass!" Jared had long since discovered that Cerberus could talk, but didn't say much. He also had much more battle lust than Reaper.

The compartment was open, and he drew Reaper. "42 Bandits, 17 Knights. 6 more Knights injured. Another 3 Knights dead. 28 other corpses. Presumably bandits, or survivors from Neet!" He shouted, ready to grab Cerberus. "Orders?"

"Charge in! And help them out! Save as many Knights as you can! Phoebe, John, evacuate the wounded Knights!"

"Roger that!" they replied.

"Shadow, charge in and thin them out!" Barona ordered.

"On it!" He sped up, and drew Cerberus, before unleashing a few rounds on the Bandits, who went down in one shot as if they were hit in the neck.

6 Bandits were dead before they hit the ground.

Jared had come out of a blur, Reaper drawn, in mid-air, before he cut another bandit in half, as said bandit was about to attack another knight. As he landed, he drew everyone's attention, as he turned, showing off glowing white eyes. No pupil, just a white glow.

The others reached the area, and struck while the surprise was still there, taking the bandits by storm. The other knights had gotten their second wind, and they had taken out the rest of the bandits quickly. Squad 8 was already working on the injured, while Barona walked up to Jared, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Shadowwind, I'm extremely impressed at your planning. For you to plan this far ahead, I'll be recommending you for a promotion."

Jared shook his head. "I've only been in Millie Seseau for 2 years. I don't think I should go any higher just yet."

"We'll talk about this later. It was your plan we followed. The other Squads on back up had also followed your plan. If nothing else you deserve promotion."

The other Knights nodded, seeing the point.

They had started transporting everyone back, after the wounded were patched up. They would still need rest, and made it known. It took them an hour to get everyone back, and everyone was at the main entrance. Bill had seen Jared pass by heading out, even though he was stationed in Neet just hours ago, so he was wondering two things: One, how did he get into the city with a full Squad, and two, what the hell was he rushing for?

Finding the Caravan with wounded Knights, he learned the answer to his second question quickly.

But it didn't answer the first question.

"Hey, how did you get into the city with an entire squad, and not have any of them noticed, until you're all running out of the palace, and out the gates?" Bill asked, earning looks from everyone.

"I'll explain it later, Bill. Right now, we have wounded Knights to treat, and dead Knights to honor. It'll have to wait until later." Jared replied.

The next day, Theresa had woken up to Barona, 2 other Captains, Jared, a blind Luanna, and Miranda.

"Ow... what happened?"

"You passed out after giving birth, your Majesty."

"Is she safe?" she looked at Jared when she asked the question.

Jared shook his head. "Louvia is dead. I felt her life force fade, and the ship went down. After that, the presence of the Black Monster vanished." He stopped there, but the unsaid message was clear. 'The second child was safe.' Barona was aware that the second child was to be kept a secret from the other captains. She didn't like it, but she knew it had to be done.

"I see. Looks like you were right 2 years ago, Jared." This had everyone turn to him. "How did you know about this?"

"It was a gut feeling, to be honest. Didn't know what it was, just that something was coming. I'm glad I followed it. I just wish I knew what was coming beforehand. The squads that were on the SS Louvia are likely dead as well. The only one I didn't feel go out quickly was Captain Segall. I had lost him, so, if he is alive, then I can't sense him."

"We need to mount a search for him."

"No." Theresa said, earning everyone's attention. "The Black Monster had taken a lot of lives. He'll have to survive on his own, unfortunately. We simply don't have the manpower to set up a search party. I'm sorry, but we must assume he's dead, and make a memorial for those who lost their lives."

"We'll have it made immediately. Where should we put it?"

"Town Square." This was said by Jared. "In the ruins of Neet. I don't think we should rebuild it. We should leave Neet as is. At least for now."

"We'll need a new Knight commander." One of the Captains said. "We need someone that can take on nearly anything."

"Someone that know what he's doing." Another one said.

"Someone that can pinpoint a problem without knowing much on the subject." Barona glanced at Jared.

"Someone like Jared." Theresa said.

Jared shook his head. "I'm afraid I'd have to decline the position, Your Majesty." The way it rolled off of his tongue so smoothly meant he actually needed to be serious. "I have my own reasons for being here, and I don't think becoming the Knight commander is a good idea. I may have to leave to investigate a lead on how to get back home. If one comes up, I can't guarantee that I'll be back. Basically, I have my own agenda. As such, I am not the right one for the position. I'm not going to delude myself and say that it will help. There is no guarantee that the answer lies in Millie Seseau. I'd have to leave one day, and it's better that someone that's had the position and earned the respect of all Knights has it."

"Then who would you suggest?" Theresa questioned. "Squad 13's Captain. Sifka. There are a few among all knights that didn't like him, and most of them had died last night. The way I see it, he may not have the mind I do, but he definitely has the skills, and has earned the respect he has. Besides, it's my fault Commander Qiao is dead. It was my plan. Even if I did manage to get everything down and minimized the casualties, I do not believe I am fit for the position. Sifka should be able to handle it."

"The White Shadow is no good as a leader, I take it?" Miranda questioned.

"I'm a front line fighter with a side of infiltration. It's one of the reasons why I'm known as the White Shadow. I can't do what I need to to get home. Being a Knight is merely a means to an end for me at the moment."

Barona and Theresa knew it was a lie. They didn't speak on this, though, knowing what he's trying to do. He didn't want the position, and he knew what was going to happen. The ones that died, were also the ones that even Theresa didn't believe were fit to be Knights, aside from the Commander. He was the only true loss for her, but she had to make it seem like she was grieving for all of them. Her now dead daughter helped. "Bring Captain Sifka in here. I would like to speak with him." The Captains and Jared saluted and were about to leave. "Jared, Barona, stay here. You too Miranda, Luanna."

Everyone not named left. "Jared, you knew what was coming. Were you planning on getting Sifka to the Commander Position?"

He shook his head. "No, I wasn't. I was actually hoping that the Knight Commander didn't get on the SS Louvia. It was not following what I had in mind. That right there is the truth. When I found out that Commander Qiao was on the SS Louvia, I knew something had not gone according to plan. He was supposed to stay at your side. That was apart of the plan. Him dying was not. I was about ready to panic due to someone else's actions not being a part of the plan."

"That would explain why you were a little shaky this morning." Barona pointed out. "You never wake up like that."

Theresa raised an eyebrow. "Are you sleeping with your captain?"

They both had blushes at the implications. "No..."

'They are.' Theresa had an unseen smirk. "Are you sure about that?"

Jared just sighed and looked at Theresa. "Permission to speak freely?"

Theresa nodded, wondering what he was gonna say. He walked over to the wall and starting banging his head on it. Repeatedly. After about 5 minutes of this, he stopped and rubbed his forehead. "Alright. The first thing I should say is, I don't like her like that. She's like a sister. Not a girlfriend. Second: Even if I did find incest hot, I wouldn't go after her. Even if she did ask."

Theresa was a little stiffened by the admission, but then remembered. Another question she had. "What about Zieg?"

"He was gone before the Black Monster left Neet. I had just hit the city limits and he was gone. The way I see it, he's effectively dead, due to the power spike."

"Did you get his path?"

"North Northwest. 20 degrees. However, his Spirit Stone is no longer with him." Jared turned his head. "It's heading south... it's in Furni... the docks, most likely."

"Dart?"

"Most likely."

"What about Claire?" Theresa questioned. "Is she...?"

"She's alive." The news had Theresa release a sigh. "but she was severely injured. She still is."

"Where?"

Jared looked at Barona. "It's in one of the 14 points. I'll be notified when she wakes up, or if she dies." He looked back at Theresa. "At the moment, she's in a coma, healing. Mainly, so she can actually heal and not strain her wounds. The pod was not complete, however. I'd have to go there and open it up manually when she does wake up. I can't update it while she's in there. Who knows what could happen? I know I don't, and I'm not willing to risk it."

"What about my second daughter?"

"She's still alive. I placed a small imprint. If she sees me again, she'll know who I am. She'll know I have a connection to her for sure, but is likely to not know what it is, or how she knows."

"How do you plan to see her again? She'll never come here knowingly." Theresa pointed out.

He raised a finger. "Because I'm probably going to have to leave to travel one day. Staying in Millie Seseau is not going to do much for my skills. I'll need to know how the entire continent is. Explore. I don't intend on leaving yet, though. Give me a few years. I'll let you know that I'd be resigning when I feel like I should be leaving."

Theresa nodded, though a little sad. "Any way to get you to stick around?"

Jared simply shook his head. "sorry. But when I have to leave, I'll have to leave. There's no getting around it. However, there are key thing's you'll need to listen for: In Tiberoa, an Horseback accident for a Princess, 6 months before her 20th birthday. In Serdio, a Civil War. In the Illisia bay, a sea monster, or Sea Dragon hanging around Fueno. All three are indicators of you know what." Theresa nodded.

"What is he talking about?" Barona asked.

"It's about his past." Theresa said. "I don't expect him to have told you much about it, though."

"She knows about it." Jared said.

"And here I thought you wouldn't have told anyone." Theresa pointed out.

"I didn't explain the specifics, but she knows of my past. All of Squad 8 knows of it. Just not the details. We have 18 years until it all starts."

Just then they heard a knock. They all nodded, and ceased conversation. "Come in, Sifka."

A burly man in full plate armor, helmet under his left arm, his sword sheathed. "You called, Your Majesty?"

"How would you feel about the becoming the Knight Commander?"

This threw him for a loop. "What about Commander Qiao? Isn't he here?"

The silence was broken by Jared, who slammed a fist against the wall. "It was my fault. It was my plan. He didn't make it out. He was killed. The Black Monster took him out alongside Squads 2 and 10. The only known child of Queen Theresa dying then and there. The only one I couldn't account for is Captain Segall of Squad 2. He's the only one I felt after the black Monster left. He's also probably the only survivor, but was likely seriously wounded, and at sea. Hanging on to driftwood."

He sighed. "If he lives, he's definitely gonna hate me more than he does for me choosing Captain Barona and her band of misfits over him. It's where I fit in most. He didn't realize what I was like behind my skills, and why I was so good. But if he dies, he'll be safe from the knowledge that I hold hate, not for him, but for his views."

Sifka looked at Jared. "You're not at fault for his death. Your not at fault for any death on that. You made the plan, but you didn't arrange who went where, did you?"

"I did. Because of me, 2 Squads and the commander is is now dead, along with 10 other deaths, and several wounded. The Commander wasn't where he should have been, and he died because of it. If he had just stuck to the plan, and stayed by Queen Theresa's side he would be alive right now!"

"Then it's not your fault. He made his choice. His choice had consequences, and he knew that. I can see him looking down on us with a smile." Sifka pointed out. "He likely knows you meant well, but had called in his own choice. I know he won't regret his choice. He never regrets the choices he makes. Never has, never will."

"Jared was originally offered the position of Commander but he turned it down because of the major failure of the plan being the loss of the Commander. Some lives being lost he had seen coming. But Not the commander. He suggested you, instead." Barona explained.

"I.. I see. For someone that was considered for Commander to turn it down, and say I'm more suited than him, I hope I live up to the expectations." Sifka stated. "However, I'd have to give the position of Captain to someone else in the squad."

"Give me the name. I'll let them know." Barona said.

"Lieutenant Jeff Walker. He was my second in command." Sifka stated. "He can choose his own second. I'm not longer Captain Sifka."

They all nodded, though Miranda and Luanna were slightly confused. Barona then got up, and looked at Jared, nodding to the door. He looked at Theresa. "You're still weakened from birth. You shouldn't be moving so much, Your Majesty. I'd wait about 2 days before you do anything strenuous. I may not deserve the rank of Commander, but that doesn't mean I'm not concerned about your condition as well."

Jared followed Barona out. "Jared. Barona. Wait."

"Jared, your plan may not have born a lot of good news, but you still earned a promotion. Lieutenant Shadowwind." Theresa told them. "Unless the new Commander has any objections?"

"I have none." Sifka added. "He played his pieces right. If it were anything but the Black Monster, as I've been hearing, then we would've gotten out of it without any significant losses. Congratulations, Lieutenant Shadowwind."

He nodded, and they both walked out.

-minutes later, with Sifka's unit-

The Knights were a little nervous, as Captain Barona, and Jared walked in.

"Where's Captain Sifka?" One of them asked.

"Which one of you is Lieutenant Jeff Walker?" Barona asked.

"That would be me. Why is something wrong with the Captain?" the same man asked.

"Unless you see something wrong with yourself, no." Jared told him.

"What are you talking about? Captain Sifka is... Wait, is he...?"

"Sifka is fine, but he's not a Captain anymore, Captain Walker." Barona said.

"Wait, I'm just a Lieutenant. I'm not a captain." Walker stated.

"As of a few minutes ago, Sifka had been promoted to Knight Commander. He had chosen you as his replacement for Captain in his old Unit. Now, it's your unit. Lead well." Barona finished.

"Wherever this unit goes is up to you, Captain." Jared commented. "Only advice I can give you is make sure you don't regret any decision you make."

Walker nodded. "Good advice. Thank you for the news. I'm also sorry for the loss of the previous Commander."

It took a month for the monument to be built, and placed. The names of everyone, including Zieg Feld was placed on it. Dart Feld, since his body was not found, was assumed dead and put on it. Every civilian and Knight that had died, or no trace was found, had their name on the stone.

Jared had checked Claire's condition once a week. Reaper had taught him how to use the Shadows as a door. It was hard to do at first, but he got it down, and he used it to check on Claire, but hung on to an Ocarina at all times.

He played a few tunes on it to convey his feelings every now and then. At the memorial, he always had it on him and he sat near the stone, and played a sad and slow tune. Knowing that most of the names on that stone were there because of him. The music was his way of apologizing. 300 lives. All because of him. He knew the death count would have been high. It was Rose. He knew her skill and experience was far beyond anyone of the time. 'I'm sorry everyone. It's my fault at least 40% of you all died. It's my fault. I'm sorry. Zieg, Claire, Dart. I know you three are still alive, but only a select few are allowed to know. It's for your own safety that this thing holds your names. If I run into anyone looking for you, I'll find a way to let them know without anyone else knowing. Zieg, I know you've been possessed. That's something known only to me, Theresa, and Miranda. I'm pretty sure that Miranda won't remember that conversation, as long as it isn't brought up.'

Barona and the rest of Squad 8 had come up to the area. "We've got a mission, Jared."

He sighed, and looked at Barona. "Objective?"

"There are few problems in the Mountain of Mortal Dragon. We're supposed to head there and take care of it. Another point is that we have to make sure the Divine Dragon is still sealed."

"In short, find the cause, eliminate it, and take care of any stragglers?" Jared clarified, earning a nod. 'I can't claim I don't hold some fault for what happened. But I can't let it get me down. The process of getting rid of the Black Monster for good has begun.' He jumped down to the ground, and walked up to her, Reaper and Cerberus ready. "Let's get to it then. Sulking isn't my thing, and I've been doing a lot of that lately."

Barona nodded. "We're ready to go when you are, Lieutenant."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Jared asked, a grin on his face. "Let's go kick some Dragon ass!"

"How do you know the target's a dragon?"

"'A Name holds nothing more than reputation.' I believe you once said that."

"Point taken." Everyone smiled at the exchange, glad he had lightened up.

It took them a few days to make it to the Mountain, but Jared had a different reason for being anxious as the rest. "It's your first time here, isn't it Lieutenant?" Barona asked.

"It's... different than I expected." Jared admitted. "There's something else wrong, though. Something in the atmosphere."

"I'm not feeling anything different from last time I was here." Barona pointed out.

"Must be me." Jared mused. 'then why do I feel like this is when something big is going to happen?'

Oh, he had no idea how right he was. As they traversed up the mountain, Jared's feeling of foreboding had returned full force, only twice as bad. "Anyone else feel like they're going to their deaths?" One of the others, Nizam, questioned. He was a Sergeant.

A lot of the others nod, including Jared. "Even you?" Phoebe asked.

"Yeah... Still... it's as if it wants me specifically. Whatever it is." Jared admitted. "Just don't ask how I know. Not even I know how I know."

Barona caught this, and spoke up. "Do you think you can talk to whatever it is?"

"Probably have to see it's face, but I think so. Why?"

"Because I think this is something that has to deal with why you're here." Barona stated.

They had reached a much higher plateau, which Jared had recognized as part of the in game area. "We're near the top. I think it's better you lead us from here, Lieutenant Shadowwind."

"Why me?"

"It's an out of the way place. You might something you're connected to here. You might feel drawn to it."

Jared could not refute that, as he was feeling something pulling him. He drew Reaper, just in case, as he walked down the path. He had spotted several Wyverns and Baby Dragons, but they steered clear of him. He found another cave, which he felt the pull get stronger. "Captain, do you have any idea where he's leading us?"

"I don't know where, exactly, but the direction we're heading in would lead to the Divine Dragon himself."

"Wouldn't that be suicide?" Phoebe asked.

"Under normal circumstances, definitely. Does he know that, probably."

Everyone looked at Jared, as he stopped near a ledge. He looked down. "Who are you? Why are you calling me here?"

There was a loud roar. Only Jared understood it, however.

Greetings guardian.

"What do you mean by that? I'm no guardian."

You are, but you do not know it. There are forces at work even you do not know of. Me being here is the result of one of them.

Just then a giant Red, Orange and Yellow dragon appeared in the area, causing everyone else to raise their guards in an unsuccessful attempt at scaring it off.

Jared's eyes widened. "Everyone, stand down!" He ordered.

"Why? It'll obviously kill you!" Barona retorted.

He looked over his shoulder. "Because he has answers to some of my questions." he looked back at the long dragon in front of him. "Besides, I couldn't call myself a Duelist if I didn't recognize him. The Crimson Dragon. What happened to your chosen in New Domino City, assuming the place is real?"

It is real. My presence is not needed there at the moment. I have been asked to you my spirit. Give you access to my power the way this world would do so. However your companions are not supposed to be involved in this. I would have to terminate them.

"You will do no such thing. At the moment, they're the only driving force I have in this world. If taking your power means their deaths, then I don't want it." Jared responded with a scowl.

Good. Even after your recent failure in your mind you have not fallen to revenge. Good. My power is yours. But I must still wipe their mind. They are not allowed to know of this.

"Even if you do wipe their mind, they'll find out sooner or later. I'd tell them anyway."

Even so, rules are rules.

"'Those who break the rules are trash, but those that abandon their comrades are worse than trash.' Live with it. Now why am I a guardian? And what am I supposed to be guarding?"

Dimensional Guardian, I shall allow one of them to remember, the rest must be told by you. Choose.

"Dimensional Guardian?"

Ragnarok is currently sealed nearby. He has the answers you seek.

Jared sighed. He then looked at the others. Out of all of them, the one with the most influence, would be best. "Captain... I think it's best if you remember."

"Why me?"

"Think about it. In the entire Squad, not only are you the highest rank, you also hold the most hold with other Squads."

No one could refute that. "What about our mission? Does he know what's causing it?"

Of course I know. It's my very presence. After all, I've got 6 Dragons within me, and the powers of each form of them all. Once I'm done here, you will be my Avatar. I consider this a great honor. You also have the option of taking one Dragon from here as your own vassal. Until you do, things will not return to normal. Now, who remembers and who forgets?

He motioned Barona to come forward. "She remembers. The rest forget."

A glow appeared, and floated in front of Jared, who grabbed it, revealing a small Blood red sphere. 'Crimson.' Jared corrected himself. "With this, I will have the power of the Signer Dragons that were said to follow you?"

Correct. Now... time to forget. His eyes glowed, and everyone, aside from Barona and Jared were dazed. The massive dragon then disappeared in a flash. Leaving his stone in Jared's hand. "If you must know, my name is Shinku. I know, it mean Crimson is some language, but that doesn't mean anything."

Jared nodded. "Alright, time for the last point. Finding a Vassal Dragon for me. Uh... how do I know which is mine?"

"Surely you noticed the Dragons and Wyverns haven't tried attacking you, have you not?"

"Of course. Why would I not?" Jared asked.

"Speak to him in your mind, idiot."

'Cerberus?'

"Yes, you dolt?"

'Yeah, that's Cerberus.' Jared commented. 'I'm guessing my Vassal Dragon will try to kill me on sight?'

"In a nutshell, yes. You must defeat it, and kill it. Your companions may help, but you must deal the final blow. It will also not be affected by Instant Death."

'That means that Mortal Danger is out of the Question.'

"Exactly."

'Reaper, you heard that right?'

"Sure did. Looks like we'll have to work on using the others. Cerberus has Shadowstrike, but now... I'm ready for a Shadow Cannon."

'You know, you may have been forged based on the Sol and Gaia Blades, but your abilities definitely don't show it.'

"Come on. I know what to look for. Or rather, what's the last point causing it."

The others regained their bearings, and looked around. "What happened?" Nizam asked.

"We'll explain later. Now, we have to find a Dragon that's going to try and kill me. Most likely on sight." Jared explained.

"And you think we'd let you go after it?"

"I have to fight it." He sighed, before meeting the Squad's faces. "If I don't, it's pointless. I have to finish it off, and kill it. It doesn't mean I have to do this alone. You're all welcome to help out, as long as I get the final blow. That's how we end this, or so I'm told. It's the condition I don't like, as it's far to specific for my tastes, but it's the only known way to do this."

they all looked at each other and nodded at Jared. "Like hell we're letting you do this alone." went unspoken, but they didn't need to say it. It was all over each face.

"Thanks guys. I don't think I'd be able to take it out alone." Jared said. They all nodded, even Barona.

"We've got your back. Remember that. Still, he won't be able to stay in Deningrad, you know that, right?" she ended off with a whisper, so only he heard.

"I know. It's gonna be hard caring for him. I might have to leave ahead of schedule. Either that, or put him in one of the hideouts. I can trust you guys, even if he does try to kill me." Jared replied, so only she heard.

She nodded. They continued walking, Everyone on guard, Jared most of all. Then he felt something behind them all, he turned around and saw one growling in his direction. That was when he realized it. 'There he is.' Jared thought. "Here He comes!"

This sent everyone on guard, and they looked at him and then the one he was having a glaring match with. "It's you, isn't it?"

Like you could understand me, filthy human. The others heard the growls and what seemed like a snort of annoyance.

Jared shook his head. "I can understand what you say. Just like Shinku." he pulled out Cerberus, and pointed it at the dragon.

-PAUSE BREAK-

Note: When I pause the story like this, I am effectively destroying the Fourth Wall, only to rebuilt it afterwards.

This dragon had Dark blue scales over the majority of its body. There is a single fin on the underside, of an even darker shade than the majority of the body.

There was a total of 4 wings on the top of the main body, which was in a shape similar to a B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber, though the wings there were flapping, with 2 hind legs on the rocks just below the lower fin, which was pointing backwards after a steep curve, and was thick width wise, about 1 foot wide. The main wingspan was about 24 feet 8 inches.

The neck was scaled similar to scale mail, one scale over the next, much like that of the Divine Dragon in game. The neck reaches 6 feet fully outstretched.

The head extended another 19 inches neck to snout, sporting 6 horns, 7 inches each, on the back of the head, going over the neck, fanned out like a Peacock. There was another, differently shaped horn, on the tip of the snout, measuring about 9 inches long, looking similar to a Lightning bolt. Picture Raidramon from Digimon, except the horn is not Gold, but a Blood Red, bordering on crimson. Each of the other horns are the same color as the scales, only a slightly lighter shade.

There was a larger air of arms just below the base of the neck, measuring at 6 feet 11 inches each.

Aside from the two larger wings spanning 24 feet 8 inches, the four smaller wings a positioned in a square formation, each one as if they were large webbed hands, going out 10 feet from the point of contact, or a Dark Purple.

The eyes were actually a Sea Green, with a snake-like slit, spanning 5 inches. From front to back. The teeth were grating, and obviously sharp.

What isn't seen, but is still there, is a small cannon on the underside, right at the base of the tail, which is flowing from side to side between the hind legs, that appears after moving the flesh away from it. It can be revealed and fired within a 3 second timeframe. Hitting inside the cannon barrel twice will result in an instant kill. Of course, this has never been proven being as no one has been able to get a clear shot, as the flesh moves back into place after 7.2 seconds, and as such, this weakness has never been found.

Element: Lightning, Dark Hybrid

Color scheme:

Scales:

Primary: Dark Blue.

Secondary: Deep Purple.

Underbelly: burnt orange

Other random accessories: Blood Red with a Black undertone

Challenge: See if you can draw this!

-PAUSE BREAK-

After a mighty war cry, the large dragon charged, and Jared jumped up fast, while the others scattered to dodge the low swipe, Jared was over it, due to an excessive jump, somewhat surprising him at the height, never jumping that high before, (A good 28 feet in the air) but shook off his surprise quickly, Aiming Cerberus. "Triple Shadowstrike!" 3 small black blasts hit the back of the dragon, having little effect, as he landed on a higher ledge.

Jared watched the dragon as it swooped around. "Cut the legs as it passes! Go for debilitating attacks, not lethal strikes! We want to weaken him first! It'll make this easier!"

"Right!" was the resounding reply. As the dragon came back in, the others dodged narrowly, while swinging their weapon, either a broadsword, or a Light Blade. Jared jumped straight forward, and landed a strike on one of the upper wings, causing it to fall off, about a quarter of the way up said wing, as he turned around, and fired a few more shots. However, these shots were more Lightning than Shadow.

'Triple Sparkstrike?'

"That would be it." Was Cerberus's reply.

'Good to know!'

After a resounding screech, clearly not expecting the lightning, it landed on a nearby rock face, and saw it's wing cut. Badly.

You... you SHALL PAY!

"Bring it on!"

Jared barely noticed movement on the underside, and his instincts were screaming move. Good thing he listened. He jumped straight left, and barely missed the Black and Purple beam fired from a cannon on the underside. "Whoa!"

The Dragon was now nervous. No one had ever avoided the beam cannon.

It's too bad that Jared had picked up on its nervousness. 'Why could it be nervous?' He then saw that the cannon was still exposed. 'Wait a minute... in the game, the only way to beat Rose's Vassal Dragon Micheal in the Moon is to wait for the beam and attack the core before it can attack again... beam... Cannon... Nervous... THAT'S IT!'

He pointed Cerberus and shouted out. "Triple Shadowstrike!" 3 Dark blue balls left the barrels, but they didn't make it before the hole closed. 'Shit! There's a time limit to hit it.'

"Everyone keep attacking! We probably have to get him to fire that cannon again. After that, I can probably deal a killing blow!"

The anger and growling means that Jared had been right on the money.

As if I would let you!

It charged again, though this time along the ground. "Dodge and counter!" they did just that, and Jared landed a strike. "Absolute Power Force!" Reaper shouted as he was covered in Bright orange flames before striking, causing a loud cry of pain, followed closely by another strike, that barely missed.

It was another strike on a right side wing. This had continued with them making weak blows compared to the Dragon's scales, leaving scratches, but nothing too serious.

"This isn't working!"

"It's the cannon we're after! The other hits are to weaken him, and get him to use it!" Jared told them, though the Dragon didn't hear it this time, having a spear stabbed through an ear socket. He then saw Phoebe with a bow in hand, an arrow notched. "Phoebe, take out an eye!"

"That was the idea!" She replied, letting loose the arrow. Jared saw it move in slow motion, and hit its mark, eliciting a screech. The screech was followed by the sound of flesh moving, prompting Jared to jump to the side, dodging the beam while aiming Cerberus. The moment the beam stopped, the sights were already lined up, and he pulled the trigger, launching 3 different colored balls: one yellow, one Light Blue, one Solid Red. "Tri Blast!" Cerberus shouted.

There was a loud screech, followed by the Dragon hitting the ground.

I.. have lost. Finish it.

Jared just looked the dragon in it's good eye. "Are you willing to be my vassal?"

You must kill me. I have nothing left.

"I can give you a reason to continue."

The dragon scoff. As if a mere human could. Even if you did manage to find my weakness after it was revealed only once. Kill me. I shall be reborn, and the reborn me shall be your vassal. Name the new form as you wish.

Jared showed sorrow. "Are you sure that will happen?"

No, I'm not. However, that is how a Vassal Dragon is born. As long as you live your Vassal shall live. Should you lose yourself to insanity, your vassal shall lose their own mind as well. That is all I know for sure.

Jared nodded solemnly. "You were a great fighter. My mind was just faster than your body. Rest in peace." He stabbed Reaper inbetween 2 scales on the neck, causing the Dragon to glow brightly, before a much smaller version, barely 2 feet tall, appeared in its place. The wings were also much smaller.

Huh? It cocked its head to the side. Barona looked at it. "That's it? I thought it would be larger."

Jared saw the point in it. "His age and mind was reversed. It will allow him to grow up again. This time as my vassal."

The others were on guard, wary of the new dragon. "We have to take it out. It'll try to kill you again." Nizam stated. "Put it down, and step away."

"Nizam, stand down." Barona said. "I'm already aware of what happened, somewhat. That dragon was meant to be his partner. What the fight was for was to prove himself worthy of the Dragon. Something that he needed to do." She looked around. "Feels like the ominous feeling of the place has lifted somewhat."

Jared was thinking more on a name. "Paku... that'll be your name."

Pa...ku?

"Pa-ku." Jared reiterated.

Paku...?

At Jared's nod, the dragon was suddenly happy. Paku!

"Yeah." Jared was chuckling. "You are Paku. I am Jared."

Huh?

"Ja-re-d. Say it with me."

Ja-re-d.

"Put it together."

Ja-red...

"Close. Try again."

Jared...? At the nod, another wave of happiness came.

Jared!

Once again, Jared was chuckling. "Definitely worth it." Jared had a small smile.

Everyone knew that the small dragon was making Jared a lot better in his moods, though Nizam was still hesitant to trust it.

"We should rest up. Captain, I think you should explain to them what happened with Shinku... the Crimson Dragon." he corrected, seeing her questioning gaze.

"what about you?"

"I'm pretty sure that Paku is going to be hungry. So, I'll have to find him some minerals to eat." Jared explained, seeing a few rocks that were different from the usual. He tried to feed them to him, seeing that he like the first one. He appreciated the special rocks, and wanted more. As Barona explained the situation as best as she could, that Paku was meant to be Jared's partner, how he was now a Dragoon, and that the reason things were going crazy here was because he needed a Dragoon Spirit, and a Vassal Dragon. He now has both, and since they were both needed, they shouldn't separate the two. "I mean, look at him. Does he look like something that would harm anyone for no reason?" she questioned.

"No, but..." Nizam was cut off, by the childish way Jared was acting, a far cry from what he usually was like. "Quick question: Am I imagining Jared, the White Shadow, acting like a kid?"

Everyone looked at the two, completely oblivious to the world around them and they were playing around as if it were a kid and his pet dog.

"If you are, so am I." Phoebe said, as everyone else nodded in agreement. "So, either we're all going crazy, or he really is acting like a kid with a new pet... Honestly, I hope its the former."

Barona saw the difference. 'It seems like Paku is bringing out his more gentle side. He needs it. More than any of us know. We may be like a family to him, but Paku will be better for his psyche. Paku will be with him for a long time. Even after he has to leave us to go home. Paku will go with him.' She sighed.. "Phoebe, it's the latter. He didn't have the best of childhoods. He told all of us that. This is something he's wanted, but knew he couldn't. Until now, that is."

Paku then yawned, prompting Jared to speak. "Tired, buddy?" Paku then curled up, causing Jared to pick him up, and cradle him gently. He then looked at the others, finally realizing they were there. "Sorry if I freaked you out with that. I just... I haven't done anything like that ever since I was 5. Anything after that... well, thins got a little too hectic, and I simply didn't have time for emotions. Since then... I felt hollow. Then I came here. I met you guys. And now I have Paku, too." He gazed compassionately at the hatchling in his arms. "I think me being here has something to do with this. More so than the events of the game I know are based on this world. And Besides, Paku can't be seen by the general public."

Barona nodded in agreement. "You're right. The public would go berserk if it was found that a knight had a Dragon following him."

They all nodded when they heard a voice. "You are impressive." The voice was obviously female, and they all turned to her.

She had long raven black hair, most of her armor in Purple with gold trim.

Jared didn't look at anything else. He didn't need to. He knew who this was by that alone. "Why are you here?"

She looked at him, and jumped over to him, standing in front of him. "The question here is not "Why?" but rather, "Who?" And by that I mean, who are you?"

Jared looked her in the eye. "I may know who you are, but the others don't. Introduce yourself to them, and I'll tell you."

She looked over her shoulder. "They are not relevant to the situation."

Jared sent her a hard glare. "They are as much apart of his defeat as I am."

"And yet they wouldn't have been able to kill a Dragon. Only a Dragoon has that kind of ability. Something all of you lack."

Jared inwardly smirked. "Considering the fact he had the same glaring weakness your Vassal had, can you really be surprised?"

This had her narrow her eyes, before there was a shining purple light over her chest. A Crimson light appeared over Jared's chest, as well. She pulled her sword out, and pointed it at him. "Wake up!" The light around Jared grew, surprising all of them. He quickly put Paku down, hoping he didn't wake up from this.

Jared was then in a Deep Crimson Plate armor. (Think Red Eye Dragoon) He had what seemed to be a triple barrel Gatling on his left wrist. There were two wings behind him, but they weren't all in one piece. Looking at them, the wings were exactly like that of the Crimson Dragon himself. 'The hell?'

"So, your Dragoon form has an exact replica of my wings... Why am I not surprised?"

'After facing down devils and Earthbound Immortals, you're asking yourself if you're supposed to be surprised?'

He landed on the ground, and saw Paku awake, staring at him. Jared? He nodded, and got down on one knee. JARED! Paku just jumped into his arms, causing a chuckle to escape from his lips. Then, Jared had felt tired, and passed out, reverting back. Paku was safely cradled in his arms.

The others were ready to attack, but the woman spoke. "What did you do to him?!" Barona questioned.

"I merely awakened what he needed. It'll help more than hurt." She then turned to them. "You are his commanding officer, are you not?"

"What does it matter to you?" Barona snapped.

"Because if you are, he will one day have to leave your unit, and everything else he holds dear." She looked up. "Like I had to." She glowed, and turned into her normal Dragoon form. "I am one as well, but I have years of experience. Dragoons thrive on insanity. It comes with using the Dragoon form."

Barona then realized the entire ramifications, since Jared had already told her about the Dragoons in game. "It's not just the Dragoon Form." She said, earning everyone's attention. "It's the fusing of the Dragon's Soul, and the body. The power comes at a price. The price being the wielder's sanity." She looked at Jared. "But what happens when the wielder is already insane, yet accepts the insanity?"

This sent confusion to the woman's face. "I... I do not know. I have not heard of any situation like that." the woman then changed back, and pulled out a stack of parchment. "Have him go through those. I had them written down for some time. It's everything he'll need to know about having a Vassal Dragon, and what I've found out about Dragoons in general. All of it is from experience." She started to walk off. "And for the record, my name is Rose. Wielder of the Black Burst Dragoon Spirit. I'm sure the two of us will meet again."

"No surname?" Barona questioned.

"I have not used that name in a long time."

"You had a fiance, didn't you?" This stopped Rose in her tracks, as she turned her head. "How do you know that?"

Barona inwardly smirked. "His name was Zieg, too wasn't it?"

Rose started growling. "What's it to you?"

"I'll take your anger as a yes." Barona said. "Zieg Feld had died about a month ago. Wielder of the Red eye Dragoon Spirit. His body wasn't found, but it was assumed he had been killed by the Black Monster. He was in Neet at the time of the attack." That statement had stilled Rose's movements.

"Did you just say... Zieg Feld?"

Barona nodded. "He has been assumed dead, though Jared, the unconscious one, believe him to be alive. His wife, as well. His son, too."

Rose turned to Jared. "If he knows where Zieg is now, then I will ask him when we next meet. I don't forget things that easily... even if I wish I did."

"Captain..." she looked at the others, who were slightly scared of the aura being put off. Barona was unaffected, however. "I believe it best if you leave Rose. I'll let him know what happened."

Rose looked at Barona. "I had believed Zieg was dead. I saw his body myself. It was on a cliff. He was turning to stone. I saw it happen. I couldn't grab him in time. The fall should have killed him, by shattering his body. For him to be alive... If you see him, let him know I am still around. And if you see his son, then let him know that he has someone to rely on."

"Will do." Barona admitted.

Rose turned back around. "He'll be out of it for a while. Tell him to train using the Dragoon form. Only through training in its usage, will allow him to use it better. Take it from an experienced Dragoon."

After Rose had left earshot, and eyesight, Barona sighed. "Come on guys. Let's set up camp. We'll need to wait for him to wake up. And no attacking Paku!"

Everyone nodded, and begun setting up camp.

Meanwhile, Rose was disturbed. 'Zieg had survived? And he had a family? If I killed his wife, he'll never forgive me. And if I killed his son... I may as well have killed my own mother!'

And as for Jared, he was completely out of it, due to exhaustion.

The remaining dragons, Wyverns, and even the spiders in the area, were making sure nothing else comes in.

The rest of Squad 8 was resting, and making sure the Jared was fine.

Paku was snuggling in Jared arms.

Elsewhere, Dart was walking around aimlessly in Serdio.

Shana was just reaching Seles, with Dart about a weeks travel for an experienced traveler.

00000x00000

alright, Chapter 3 is done!

Unlike my other stories, which I would post after the third chapter is complete, this one will wait until the actual game starts.

As such, it will not be posted until a few chapters after this are complete.

ALL HAIL INSANITY! ALL HAIL THE LOG!