Okay, after the last chapter I decided to post it early. I also cut off the poll, since the result went in.

there is a picture to give a somewhat accurate version of Jennifer Blackmoore. Something I didn't mention before.

The URL is: blackblo odyclo m/us er/pho tos/ha lf-dem on-hal f-hum an/? id=50 64796

Just ignore the spaces. However, instead of a scythe, she has a sword. She will also have a different scythe later on, but Sadie will be sticking around.

Chapter 8

Jared had been traveling throughout Tiberoa for 2 years, and placed a total of 16 Teleporters ever since he got word from Yevon. He hadn't seen hide, nor tail of Jennifer, and was wondering where she was.

He had checked in on Sammy a few times, and was glad for what she's been doing. The Squad, as well. They always had one with the child, and all of them helped keep each other sane. He had smiled when he saw it. He also left a few gifts in the crib after a while.

Nizam had become a General, he saw, and had congratulated him. Miranda seemed to have forgotten him, as well. Luanna and Theresa were the only ones living in the Palace that remembered him. Theresa because he was the only one that could watch over her only living daughter, and Luanna because he had secretly trained her in her mind as they both slept, even across the bay.

Now, he was entering Serdio. He had several points to look for. For one, to see when the Civil war starts. He had intentions on staying in the area after a while.

Paku was going around, and had gone ahead, to make sure things happen right. He was walking, Reaper on his back, Cerberus in his holster, and having a 4-way conversation with them both, along with Shinku.

"I know, Shinku, but really? I don't like her like that!"

"You SO lie! You like her and you know it!" Shinku retorted.

"He's got a point Jared. You do like Jennifer." Cerberus added.

"I do NOT like Jenna that way! How many times do I have to say this?!" Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they are talking about Jen, the other dimensional Guardian.

"You do realize you just called her by a name she never told you, or that you have said before. Pet name?" Reaper questioned.

"Ooo, double teamed!" Cerberus commented.

"You like her. You know it. I know. Cerberus knows it. Reaper knows it. We've all accepted it. You haven't."

"I'm not in denial. I hold no feelings for her, good or bad. You have to realize that sometimes, things aren't exactly simple. We only have a binding through our jobs and some abilities. That's it."

"That's all you want to see."

Jared sighed. "Reaper. Shut it. I know my own feelings. In regards to the name, Jenna just popped up because my cousin had a friend by that name. And her mother was known. No relation."

"Yeah right. You saw a connection. You're acting on it."

Jared didn't retort. "Silent Treatment, eh?" Reaper questioned. "You do realize all 3 of us can go into your mind and find what we want, right?"

Jared stopped in his tracks. "You wouldn't dare..."

"Try us." Was the simultaneous response.

"Fine." Jared sighed. "I respect her. I don't see her as girlfriend or even wife material. She's been too broken, and I find no reason to contact her. For the time being, our relationship is strictly business. If it goes beyond that, I don't know, and I won't know until it does."

There was silence. "Damn. Not a single lie." Reaper commented.

"Reaper, if I had the means, I'd break you in half, repair you, and break you again if you say anything else." Jared warned. "Don't give me a reason to find one."

"Defensive much?"

"Shinku, why are you talking so much now anyways? Before I said I was going to Serdio you were dead silent."

"Penalty of being in multiple worlds at once. Some lag time going between worlds. You have the power and soul, but not my body. Same thing with Bahamut. He's summoned, he goes silent."

"Really? You weren't formed from your body?"

"No, only 50% of my soul, and 30% of my power. And you've felt that running through your veins."

"Wait. That's 30% of your power?! Just how powerful are you?"

"Take a guess."

"I pictured you to be powerful, but not stronger than Ragnarok." Jared admitted. "Even when he's sealed I've gotten a glimpse of his full power level. 30% almost matches his."

"think it has something to do with the Dragon Block Staff not being needed?" Reaper asked.

"No... it's something else. Even with 30% of Shinku's power and Lloyd weakening him, I don't think that, along with 7 Dragoons will be enough." Jared replied. "There's something else missing. Something I'm not counting into the equation. Something I don't know of... And that's starting to scare me."

"Why? Because you changed something enough to affect the outcome of events?" Cerberus questioned.

"Yes. But the thing is, the only one in game I've directly affected and still remembers me is Queen Theresa. She plays a major role, but not an actively major role past the point she's used, which is Disc 3."

"Are you counting the those not named, or even mentioned in game?" Reaper asked.

Jared snapped straight. 'Unimportant... not mentioned... not named... big impact... No... It couldn't be... could it?'

"Uh, Jared?" Reaper asked.

"What?"

"What couldn't it be?"

There was a stagnant pause. "Barona."

"You mean.."

"That you..."

"The child?"

"And then some. I made a much larger impact on Squad 8 than I did anyone relevant to the game... but they are no less important. And she has my child. I'm an anomaly. He may have been born here, but because of me, he's an anomaly. With that in mind, the course of history has changed by not one, not two, but three anomalies. Me, Jenna, and Mark, my son."

"So, Mark, Squad 8 and Jenna are to be considered as well." Cerberus commented. "Ever considered cutting your losses?"

"Yes, and I'm not doing it. Mark and Sammy are my reasons for saving this world. Not because Charlie asked me to, or even because it's going to happen even if I don't. I'm doing this for them. It's because of Squad 8 and what we stood for. It's what I still stand for. I'm doing this for them."

"Alright. So if it has something to do with your son, he'd be 10 at the time. You really willing to put his life on the line to face off with Ragnarok?"

"No, I don't want him on the field of battle, especially with Ragnarok... but if he's anything like me, or his mother, than he'll find a way to be there anyway and help out."

"So, we can count on 9 Dragoons, and the son of a Dimensional Guardian... What else can go wrong?"

"Try the fact that I don't think that's the entire problem." Jared said. "Obviously there's something else, but I can't figure it out. Even those numbers aren't enough."

"You're right. There's something else. But stewing on that won't help matters much."

"You're right. Dart's life hasn't been affected by me, because he doesn't know his mother is alive. He also believes his father is dead. I'm not going into Seles until I explore and set a few portals in key places... Maybe go swimming in Villude. Still, Lohan is my first stop." Jared replied. "I only nudged Shana in the right direction, and checked on her every now and then. She's already starting feeling things for Dart. She definitely likes him but Dart is still dense."

"And the archery lessons?"

"He isn't exactly for them, but he agreed. He's liked the way she progressed. I kind of gave her a tip."

"Like?"

"An Archer is best alongside Mother Nature. Know your environment, you'll be even better. Find your target, aim, and fire, while being mindful of everything else." Jared then smirked. "She also put a trio of apples on his head, and let loose 3 arrows at once."

"How many did she miss?"

"All 3 hit, and were embedded into the tree 10 feet behind Dart. He turned, and nearly gaped."

"Because she hit them all in one go?"

"No, because she hit them all at the same angle, in the same point, at the same time." Jared replied. "Not even I'm that good with a bow. Cerberus is another story. Now, she helps him in dodging. She fires blunted arrows at him, and he dodges. I saw that happen last week. Dart got hit a lot."

"Did she laugh?"

"She giggled but that's about it." Jared shrugged.

"So, where to next?" Cerberus asked.

"Lohan. Scope it out. Find what I can. Maybe earn some coin at the forge. Soa knows I'll need it."

The rest of the trip had meaningless random chatter, and Paku came around just to say hi.

-4 days later-

Jared had gotten to the entrance of the Lohan, and looked around. 'Damn, this place is busy as hell.' He commented mentally. It was true, the place was busy as hell, and crowded too. He noticed a higher area, and several posts. He jumped onto one, and went over the crowds, not caring about much, until he found the weapon shop. He went in and saw the merchant. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for a part-time job." Jared replied. "I've done a bit in Metallurgy, a few people say my works are that of a master, even though I don't do so often."

The man nodded. "You're looking to be a bit of a smith?"

Jared shook his head. "Trying to earn some money with skills I learned away from home. I can make them, and more often than not I can use it, too."

"Show me what you got, and I'll see about it."

"So you know, I don't really do standard." Jared pointed out. "My best works are enchanted. My specialty in enchanted armor is called a Reflector property."

"What does it reflect, light?"

"Magic."

"Back in Millie Seseau, I ran into a magic user. Never saw them, but they used a spell. They were obviously new to it, because of the instability. Luckily I was wearing an armor with the Reflective Property. It landed as a direct hit, and I was unaffected, the damage, nonexistent."

"Humans don't use magic."

"True as that is, I've come across a few monsters that do. Especially here in Serdio. Doesn't matter who, or what uses the magic. It won't work. Potions still work, though, and that's a boon. I even made some for my friends in Millie Seseau. They're a part of the Royal Knights. Squad 8."

"Squad 8... Was any of them named Phoebe?"

"Yeah, but as far as I know she's still in."

"Hey! Fee! Get out here!"

"What dad?!" A female voice stated, clearly annoyed. Jared's eyes widened at this.

"What do you... Jared?!" She corrected herself the moment she saw him. His eyes were wide. "What are you doing here?!"

"Just got to Serdio. What about you?"

"General Barona had me take personal leave. Something came up, and I'm not sure if you'll like it?" She admitted.

"Like what?" He asked, hoping it wasn't anything to do with his son.

"Well first off, your son. He's made monsters disappear into thin air,."

"Figured that, go on."

"Then there's the General. She's gotten a bit... testy. She's also doing the same as your son."

"Now that is news." Jared admitted.

"Do you know how she managed to do that?"

"I know how Mark did." Jared admitted. "Not Sammy."

"You know him?"

"He's the one that made my Stardust bow."

"You made that thing?"

"Yeah, but I didn't see her use it much."

"Didn't need to use it much." Phoebe admitted. "Still, I've got a full year of leave. Just got here a week ago."

Jared nodded. "Anything else I probably won't like, but should probably know anyway?"

"Yeah... Cordala had a large litter."

Jared shook his head. "And how is this relevant?"

"Ten children survived... and nine of them chose members of Squad 8 as partners."

Jared sighed. "There's the unknown I was worried about."

"What unknown?"

"I'll explain it later on, with Sammy present."

"Well, if you think those nine are bad, wait till you hear who the Tenth chose."

Jared raised an eyebrow. "Your son." Jared's head went down.

"I knew I wasn't going to like this."

"His is growing slower than the rest, but even I have to admit he's a pain sometimes. Personally, I think he took your brain. You left Barona to the wolves."

"I didn't leave her to the wolves, Phoebe. I gave her the information she needs to make sure her Sanity survives Mark. I know it's going to be rough, and I'm not going to say it won't. I've been sending messages every month, sometimes twice a month, for the past 2 years. I've gotten the replies as well."

"How come they never got there? No mail came in at all since you left."

"Hello? Shadow Travel?" Jared pointed out. "I can simply send my letters out and she can do the same."

"She never said anything. But what about that Jennifer girl. What is she to you?"

"So, she delivered the package?"

"Yeah, but I don't understand what it was, and why you trusted her with it."

"Because she's like me." Jared said. "she's not from Endiness, and she has the same status as me. Any relationship between me and her, as I've had to tell Cerberus, Reaper and Shinku, it's strictly business. They were hounding me from Donau to two days into Serdio about it. Can't necessarily lie to beings that can get into your mind against your will."

"Oh? And what did they say?"

"That I would prefer Jennifer over Sammy, which is NOT true... I'm not sure about later though, and I will admit that. If things happen, they will, if not they won't. At the moment, and for the foreseeable future, Sammy is the one I want. If she has any doubts, or even if you do, that right the is the honest truth. I haven't seen Jennifer since we parted 2 years ago."

"She's definitely good in combat."

"Yeah, I can definitely attest to that." Jared admitted, rubbing his left leg. "She actually scarred me once."

"Still got it?" Jared pulled out a photograph and handed it to her. "found a lot of abilities of those like me thanks to her and Charlie. She knows of Charlie... and the Psychotic bitch she has as a servant."

"Okay, that one I heard about. The entire Squad heard about that."

Jared sighed. "Who laughed?"

"No one. They all winced. If Barona was worried she didn't show it." Phoebe admitted.

"Fee, take him to your room. Soa knows you need a man in your life."

"I ALREADY HAVE ONE YOU IDIOT!"

Jared shook his head. "Let's go. Better to talk on the roof."

She went to the front door. "You coming?"

"Can you just that high?"

"Care to find out?" She challenged.

He then smirked and followed, only to see her jump to the other side on the roof. His smirk deepened. He then followed suit, and landed next to her, and they sat down.

"So, what is really going on, Phoebe?"

"It was Nizam."

"What about him?"

"He... I... I like him, okay? But he doesn't like me."

Jared looked at her. "Is that why Sammy told you to take time off?"

She nodded. "It was interfering with my work. I wasn't doing as well as I should. She said it would help."

Jared shook his head. "What makes you think he doesn't like you?"

"Well, try the fact that, if it wasn't a mission he didn't care. He helped when he was there, but he did that with the rest of the Squad. He never made time for me."

Jared shook his head again. "Phoebe... Nizam does care about you."

"He doesn't show it." she retorted.

"Trust me, he does. He just doesn't know how to even approach the subject. Never learned. Ever since his mother died... well, crazy shit happened. He became a recluse. I know he's been helping with Mark. He is the godfather."

"He is?"

"Miranda is the godmother as well, and it was agreed on."

"Miranda doesn't even come along that much. Usually practices her archery and gets too temperamental." she pointed out. "And a year off?"

"Well, look on the bright side. I'll be in Serdio for a while. I originally came to Lohan to make some money. I've finally run low."

"3 years and you're finally running low?"

"I lived off the land mainly. Made a sword and was thanked by the one who let me use their forge to even see it. I had made said sword as thanks. And I'm pretty damn sure you've seen it already."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, it was probably on Jennifer's back."

"You mean it was that sword that you made?"

"Kind of. The sword was like your Stardust Bow. I made it to the Initial State, but you got it to the Final Release. The result was the Stardust Bow. The same with that sword. The final product was her own making, not mine."

Phoebe nodded. "Why didn't you come back yet? At least tell me that."

"Because... I can't yet. Things are going to happen soon. Things I don't want to happen. That's why I haven't gone back yet. I... I have to stay out here. To protect them."

"Then why not protect them from right beside them? That doesn't make any sense?"

"Because of who is going to try to kill him, along with the how." Jared sighed. "You're aware of the Moon Child, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Because she's the Catalyst. She holds the soul. The body is elsewhere. If the two unite, the world will be destroyed. And there is nothing that can be done to stop it."

"Then why send her off?"

"Because I have a plan to make sure that no one has to suffer through that... by eradicating the body. I know where it is, but I can't get to it, and not due to a lack of trying. I've been updating Sammy and Nizam. If they haven't told anyone in the Squad about them, then that's on them, not me."

She sighed. "You're doing this for them, aren't you?"

"I'm doing it for the squad, yes. More so for Nizam and Sammy. I haven't been able to tag Mark, because I was never truly in the area. I've given Sammy all the information I knew about Dimensional Guardians and the abilities Mark could gain. It was a part of the package I had Jenna deliver." she was about to comment. "And no that's not a pet name. It's actually the name of my cousin's friend. It just stuck after a while."

"Good. But.. it seemed like she wasn't even fazed when she appeared. Why is that?"

Jared smirked. "Because they knew about each other from the beginning, and I let Sammy know the night Jennifer left. She can't travel at mach 3, so there's no way in heaven or hell that she would've made it before Sammy knew."

"They knew about each other?"

"Sadly, yes... was there a fight?"

"No, oddly enough."

"Huh, and here I was expecting a cat fight of some sort. Damn... Looks like Paku won that bet."

"What bet?"

"Reaper, Paku and I bet on the damages of that meeting. Reaper said 2 things would be destroyed, Paku said there would be no fight, I said there would be a fight but nothing inside would be destroyed, door not included."

"Well... there was a fight that night, but it wasn't them... It was Nizam and John. No damage. So, you actually won that one."

"It didn't have anything to do with them, did it?"

"Actually, John was wondering who would throw the first punch. Nizam heard that and called him out. Turns out neither Barona nor Jennifer were going to... Nizam did."

A pause. "Damages?"

"None."

"Then I guess I won the bet. It brought a fight, but we never specified who would fight. No damages?"

"Nope. Not even the door, or a wall. 3 seconds, and John was hog tied." Phoebe admitted.

"Fight broke out, nothing was damaged. Since we didn't specify who would fight I still win. Thanks for clearing that up. I never got a confirmation for that."

She nodded. "Hey, you wanna see Karis?"

"Karis?"

"My Dragon Partner." She clarified.

"She in the area?"

"How'd you know she was a female?"

"Vassal Dragons always copy the gender of their partner. It's a little known fact. Did you know that the Red eye Dragon was always a lustful dragon, before she became a Dragoon Spirit?"

"No, I didn't."

"Heard it from Charlie." Jared admitted. "It was as I was evading Charon. It's why the Red Eye Dragon had always chosen passionate warriors as her wielders. She was a lustful bitch, in a nutshell... if she had pants she never put them on, forget staying in them."

"Damn... And do you know if she talked to any of her hosts?"

"Not really. Never asked. Actually, I couldn't. Charon was almost there, so I said thanks and went back into hiding. I was restricted to Ulara." Jared admitted. "Anyway, I don't see why I don't go see Karis. Although, here's a question: She a wind element?"

"that's her secondary, why?"

"Primary is Lightning?"

"How do you know this?"

"Damn... I still don't know who made that union in Weyard, but hell if they don't have the same elements." he sighed. "I know of another Karis, but I don't she's born yet. She had, or will have, Wind and Lightning Manipulation at her fingertips. Anyway, let's go see her."

They jumped down and went towards the entrance, before running out, Jared in his armor still. It took them a few minutes and they found Paku sleeping next to a Light Blue Slimline dragon. "Karis?"

The Light Blue dragon looked and growled at Jared, before Paku silenced her. He's my partner. He's good.

"Is this why you didn't come back after the second day in?" Jared asked.

Yeah. You got a problem with it?

"Not really. Just thought you'd stick with her mother." Jared put emphasis on "Mother".

Really, you know who her mother is?

"Cordala." Paku's eyes widened.

You're lying. You have to be.

You know my mother? Karis questioned.

"Yeah, and I think you're sleeping with your father, too."

"What makes you think Paku is the one that impregnated Cordala?"

"All things considered, he's the most likely choice." Jared admitted.

It can't be...

"Go ask her. If the litter she gave off..." He trailed off looking at Phoebe.

"2 weeks after you left."

Wait... you mean that... that was... No... I SLEPT WITH MY OWN HATCHLING?!

Jared and Phoebe felt the force of the wind, but didn't budge. "That was loud." She commented.

"Just wait until Cordala gets a word of this." Jared smirked, but lost it when Paku had him on the ground under his paw.

YOU WILL NOT TELL HER THAT!

"Okay, I won't tell Cordala that you slept with your hatchling."

SWEAR IT!

"I swear on my life I won't tell Cordala." Jared said.

"You're gonna tell Sammy, aren't you?" Reaper asked.

'You know it. If Cordala finds out, Sammy told her, not me.'

Paku got off, and walked back to Karis. Sorry, Karis. I shouldn't have done anything.

Not your fault. You didn't know.

I should have.

"Don't apologize. It's not right." Jared and Phoebe stated, before looking at each other because of the simultaneous statement.

"I'll be sticking to Lohan for a while. I'll try getting a job as a smith. You know how good I can get."

"Karis, he'll be working for my father. I'll make sure of that."

Alright. Maybe I'll get to see my father more.

"Yeah, kind of my fault he left." Jared admitted.

Jared and Phoebe left them alone for the time being, and went back into Lohan, and Phoebe, true to her word, got Jared a job as a smith.

He had been working and got 40% of the profits, and considering this was a Merchant City, that was still a lot. The Reflector Armor, or Mirror Platemail as it was called, sold like hotcakes, and Jared just couldn't keep up once word got out about them. He had also made a few Initial Ultimas as he called them. (the metal ball he made in Fletz for Jennifer) Their Construction never went public. This continued for 5 months, in which Phoebe had helped out quite a bit. The Initial Ultimas were made, and kept hidden, even from his boss, Phoebe's father. He had made them in a dormant state. He had knew the Heroes Tournament was coming up soon, and he was planning to give an Initial Ultima as the First Place Prize.

Just 3 weeks ago, he had gotten news that the Heroes Tournament wanted to smith of the Mirror Platemail to make the prize for the First Place winner in the next Heroes Tournament. Jared had stepped up, and said he was thinking of presenting it. It's a masterpiece that only he could make, and only those that he trusted would have it usually. Phoebe almost knew what he was talking about and brought out her Stardust Bow, thinking he meant what had made it, he nodded, saying it was the pinnacle of all weaponry, minus Cursed Weapons and the fabled Dragon Buster.

It was agreed on, without even looking at it.

When asked how long it would take to make, Jared simply replied, "Already made." It was only a week until it started and he was thinking on participating as well, Phoebe had asked him to as well, going under a codename, and wearing a different armor, if possible.

He said he had the perfect disguise, but he wouldn't say anything on it.

-the day of the tournament-

the contestants were lined up and no one knew where Jared was. Not even Phoebe knew.

The first match was a random archer vs a man named Atlow. Atlow won easily. Atlow had steamrolled all of his opponents until the finals.

The weird thing was the mystery contestant. He was wearing a Green Spandex skin-tight jumpsuit, a belt over the waist, along with a Black Bowl cut and a green vest with a lot of pockets. He held no weapons. No armor aside from the vest. The leg warmers were a strange sight, being orange. He went by the Green Beast. Phoebe wasn't sure at first, but thought it was him. The eyes were wrong, and the suit was wrong, but she had never seen a suit like that.

Also, considering the fact that he took down each opponent with one hit, through armor, was a bit of a clue.

The final match, Atlow VS the Green Beast.

"You may have taken out the others but a great archer knows to never be hit!" Atlow boasted.

"An Archer knows not to be hit, that is true." Green Beast stated. "But a Youthful fighter, such as myself, also knows how to fight at a Distance when needed."

"Like you could hit me from that distance!" Atlow taunted. Green Beast simply through a fist out, which had slight ripples around it, that were barely noticeable. In fact, only Phoebe noticed it.

What's more is, the only reason she did notice it, is because she had seen General Barona do just that. 'Yep. That's Jared.' she thought.

Atlow went flying forward as if he had been struck from behind, and then was hit by a left Straight, breaking bones and knocking him out.

Green Beast had taken a pose. A thumbs up, a grin, and shining white teeth. Then he shouted out loud. "YOUTH!"

"Congratulations Green Beast!" The announcer shouted to the crowd. "And now for the prize!" a 3 foot long box was brought out. "This is a surprise from a local Smith. It's a brand new weapon called Initial Ultima! Not much is known about it, but it is said to be on par with Cursed weapons and only truly outdone by the Legendary Dragon Buster used in the myths of the Dragon Campaign! And now, it is yours." He had taken the box, and smiled, gleaming his teeth.

"Would you do us a favor, and show the crowd the promotional weapon."

"Oh, it's not a Promotional stunt." He said, before his form shimmered. "After all, I forged the damn thing. Swords aren't the only thing I can use, after all. I've punched Dragons clear over 82 feet in one hit. I think I can handle this tournament with any weapon I have."

"You... You're the one that made this?"

"Yup. Besides, you won't find them anywhere but from me, since I'm the only one that knows how to make them." Jared smirked taking out the ball. "I mainly did this out of boredom. But might as well take the prize. They'll be sold in the Weapons Shop for 25,000 Gold pieces starting next week. They're rare, and also dormant. This is the Dormant form." He held up the silver ball. "When activated, it'll take it's true form, called the Final Release. This one was made for the winner of this tournament, whether it was me or not, and I would activate it personally for the winner. What's more is, no Initial Ultima is like any other. I have made 24 of them. And only 4, maybe 5 of them are not in Millie Seseau. One is right here, another two is ready to be sold but I will not sell it until later, and one is already in the Final Release state." He spotted Phoebe. "The owner is in the stands now."

"The possible fifth one is in the hands of a wanderer. She is also extremely powerful and fast. I made that one a few years back to repay a debt. To buy one, you will need to answer a few questions. If you answer right, the cost will be 10,000 instead of the 25,000. Answer wrong, and you pay the full price. If you lie about your answer then I won't sell. They are not going to be a part of the usual stock, either. As such, if they are sold, proceeds go to me and not the owner of the shop. When I leave Lohan one day to travel once more, they will no longer be sold here, unless I return to sell them. Until I leave I will be making 2 per week, and selling them the next week. I hope to see some honorable warriors hold them in their hands."

He then called out. "Maia!" The ball glowed and then... a Knuckle Guard appeared. It held no blade, confusing everyone in the crowd except for one person, whose eyes widened. "Strange... I was expecting a..." He was cut off by a long blade that extended from the guard, with an apparent single edge. "Nevermind. Each one will come with a name, but only the wielder will know the true name, not even I will. And they will only find out when the weapon itself tells them. Know that only a truly Honorable warrior will be able to bring out their full potential." The glowing blade then retracted, and he put in on his back.

'Hey, new guy. What's your name?' Jared asked.

"I don't have one. All I know is, I'm a copy of a certain weapon, just more generalized." The voice seemed old and wise.

'Dragon Horn?'

"Sounds good." He replied.

"Name's Reaper. I'm over the right shoulder."

"Cerberus, left thigh."

"Shinku, I'm in a stone on his chest."

'Know that Shinku doesn't always answer questions, since he, like myself, and from a different world.' Jared added.

"Good to know."

Jared then noticed someone else, who was staring at him. 'Dragon Horn... I think you've got an admirer.'

"Really? Already?"

'Probably knows what you were based off of.' He jumped up and landed on the railing in front of the one staring at him. "Been a while, Rose."

"That it has. Why did yo fight with your fists and not your sword?"

"Because that would be overkill, and Reaper could very easily drain their very souls from their bodies. Besides, I wasn't kidding about punching a Dragon out 82 feet. I did that to Paku a year ago for his stupidity."

"I'm surprised I haven't heard anything on him."

"He had a litter with another Vassal Dragon. Her name was Cordala." Rose's eyes widened. "Yeah, surprised me when I found out it was the Vassal of an age old Dragoon."

"How large was the litter?"

"10 hatchlings. My son was chosen by one. It's a wonder how their partners kept them a secret... if I didn't work with them for almost 10 years, that is. There's one of them nearby."

"Mind if I see the one nearby?"

"You'd have to ask her partner, especially since Paku is the father." Jared pointed out as Phoebe came up to them, Jared still perched.

"You know, that was truly intense. I haven't seen anyone fight like that since I ran into that Haschel guy on the way down here. Your strength has gone up."

"It helps when you spar with Paku once every 2 weeks, for 2 years. I still blame Cordala for his insane stamina. Those training sessions of theirs definitely did something. And not just increase his stamina." Jared admitted.

"So, this is the legendary Rose, eh?" Phoebe asked.

"Yeah, this is her." He introduced them properly. "Rose, this is the partner of the nearby Vassal, not including Paku, who is also nearby. Traveling for 3 years, and word hasn't gotten to anyone I don't want it getting to. I hadn't heard anything about the litter until I got here and saw Phoebe, who is currently on leave for another 6 months."

"I would like to meet your Vassal, seeing as its mother was partners with an old friend of mine. I wasn't even aware Cordala was alive. She preferred Dark element Dragons, despite being a Light Element herself." Rose explained.

"That explains why she liked Paku so much. He's Wind, Lightning and Dark, Dark being the Main element, Wind secondary, and Lightning lower than wind. Lightning was decidedly easier for him than it was for me." Jared admitted.

She had glanced at him, but then looked at her. "May I?"

Phoebe had thought about it, and nodded. "Alright. We'll go. Jared, don't you think that you'll need to make the next set?"

"First set is already forged. They're both on me, as well. I'll work on the next set at the end of the week." He looked around and found a shadow, before running into it and vanishing. She sighed.

"The White Shadow leaves without a trace... yet again."

"He is an interesting one."

"Cool it, he's taken."

"By you?"

"By my superior." Phoebe corrected. "They already have a 2 year old child."

"I see." Rose replied. She then whispered so Phoebe couldn't hear. "I wonder if he would care for one night?"

Neither of them knew it, but he had even heard her whisper, and was willing to wait until he got a response from Sammy.

The next afternoon, he was standing at the gates of Lohan, as rose approached. "Leaving so soon?"

"I have... other matters to take care of. I appreciate the fact that your vassal has grown well. He reminds me of my old friend and Vassal."

"Micheal, right?"

"Heard from Cordala?"

"Knew before I met you." Jared admitted. "I know the truth Rose. The full truth. Who you are, who you were, and what you've been doing all this time." She was immediately on guard. "I'm not from Endiness. That much is known to the public. What isn't known is where I'm from. In fact, only a select few know of it, and only 3 know anything specific about my old home."

"If you know of my origins, then you know I cannot let you live, Dragoon or not."

"The secret will be out soon anyway, as I'm not the only one. Besides, you came up with temporary solution to a temporary problem. I have a Permanent Solution to the same problem you've been working on all this time."

"And how do you plan to do that?" her eyes were narrow.

"Before I answer that, I have one of my own. Your answer will determine whether I answer you or not. Your question back at the arena 2 days ago. That still valid?"

"Depends. Which one?"

"The one you thought no one was listening to." Jared pointed out.

"Again, it depends. This time, on your plan."

"Destroy the source, get rid of the threat."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"That is to be determined later. These plans have been 11,000 years in the making, Rose. Someone else is tugging at the strings, unaware of him falling into my plan. I plan to turn the tables the moment he thinks he has all the cards, seemingly playing into his hand. My plan will result in the destruction of the source of their power, thus preventing another from coming and the treat eliminated."

"If the Moon Child lives, they must be destroyed."

"Not when the Moon Child is bait."

This had sent a small amount of shock but her sense of duty reigned still. "Why use that much danger as bait?"

"Because if the one doing this, you know his initials as MF and he's not a human, nor is he a dragon, finds the Moon child, he'll go after them. And do what he can to bring to the Moon. He does that, we destroy the body. The body is what keeps the moon intact. Destroy the body, the moon will follow. The Moon is destroyed, another Moon Child cannot be born thus ending the cycle. Thus putting the world back into balance, as is my job. My job is the balance of the worlds. With this plan, I take out someone that has cheated death, restore balance, and even make a few friends along the way... and try not to lose myself to the insanity. It's hard enough doing that with 2 sentient weapons and a Dragon talking in my head. Now I have another Sentient weapon, which is only a replica, just more generalized."

This had Rose's eyes widen. "He's alive?!"

"Yes, and he's probably got your fiance's body too." Jared pointed out. "Haven't seen him in years, but he fled his home while his wife and son were left to die. While the Black Monster attacked. All three of them are alive. One is around, one is in a coma with no sign of waking up, and Zieg hasn't been seen since that day. I may have only known him for 2 years, but I know him well enough to know he would never leave his family to rot, for anything. Him leaving while he is still in the area is bad enough. He left, and his wife was still alive. I have been keeping tabs on his son. The son is alive and well. Probably consumed with revenge, but alive. His wife is also alive, but in a coma. The injuries would have killed her if not treated in 2 days. She would've died by the fires, not because of him. I may understand why the Black Monster attacks, but I don't agree with his methods. As such, I created a plan to take out the danger at the source."

"And how do you know it will work?"

"He'll only reveal himself when he thinks he has all the cards in his hands. I have a card he'll never have, and that is a pair of beings that are ranked above the Gods and Deities, on a scale of Authority."

"And who are they?"

"If you ask Charlie about the Dimensional Guardians, there are 2 in this world at the moment. I myself, am one of them. Charlie called me. I'm not sure if she knows of the other one, which I met after I left Ulara. That reminds me... Have you ever seen Charon go insane searching for someone?"

"Once. And I never got away."

Jared smirked at that. "I was never caught when she went after me. 2 days, I was never found. After that, I bolted for the main portal, and got out before she could reach me. On the other side, I jumped up, called Paku, and bolted out of there through the air. A few minutes later, I was on the other side of the Valley of Corrupted Gravity, dropping off of Paku's back, after flying at the speed of sound. My excuse as to how I did that: When you're trying to escape from an Insane bitch,"

Rose cut him off. "You'll ignore everything else in favor of getting away. I know that feeling, highly well."

"So, the offer still open?"

"I doubt you could've cleared it with your wife."

"We're not married, and she's fine with it, knowing how old you really are. She probably thinks like I do, and you can't get pregnant. Besides, you probably need it. So long and never getting laid... Her words not mine." He added quickly. "So..."

"You. Me. Inn. Now." Rose grabbed his wrist, and they both went towards the Inn.

Needless to say, not many people in the Inn could sleep that night.

The next day, Phoebe was a little surprised he didn't come back that night, so she checked with Karis, who was next to Paku. His report, he hadn't left. He confronted Rose at the gate, but they didn't leave.

So, she went towards the Inn, and had found the two checked in late yesterday afternoon. It got loud the night before, but the silence was muted after a few minutes, she it was assumed they had passed out, but she knew better.

You don't have 2 hours of sex in a 2 story home filled with Knights without being heard at all, without having a way to block out all sound, so she knew, he could do so. His sessions with Sammy were never heard after the first month.

She walked in and saw them both asleep, under the covers, presumably nude, and judging by the way they were laying, he was still inside of her. 'And most likely hard, too.' she mentally commented.

Jared stirred first, earning a few moans from Rose, and he realized he was still in. 'Damn! What the hell was she ON last night?! I knew she had a lot of experience in battle, and the stamina is a given, but still... HOT FUCKING DAMN!'

"Have fun?" He heard a voice, turning his head slightly, seeing Phoebe.

"I had permission. It's why I had waited 2 days before answering." Jared explained. "I didn't do anything, and when you go back, you can ask her yourself. She knows who asked, and there was a reason why. Just ask her, because you probably wouldn't believe me in my current position."

Rose opened her eyes slowly, and he turned his attention towards her. "Please tell me it was worth it."

"It's been so long since I've done that... I'm actually surprised at how long I lasted." she commented.

"How long?"

"3,000." she answered.

"Well, all things considered, I really shouldn't be surprised. Your stamina is effective both in battle and in bed, I suppose. The same is true with me, Paku, and even Cordala."

"Cordala and Micheal had gotten together and had so many litters for 2,000 years. Then Cordala disappeared. No one knows where she went, or even if she lived. At least now I know otherwise. How long until you execute your plan?"

"I haven't heard of any of the signs happening yet. With my knowledge, I know where things will happen, and a few details as to what. Serdio will go into civil war, Doel on one side, Albert on the other. Doel will likely have a couple of Dragoons, too. Red Eye Dragoon is currently in the hands of a teenager that doesn't know how to use it, or even what it is. Shirley has her old one. You have yours."

"That leaves the Golden Dragoon, Jade, Blue Sea, and Violet."

Jared reached into his own shadow. "Golden Dragoon is safe."

"And the others?"

"Diaz didn't know. He's a ghost in Fort Magrad at the moment. The other 3 aren't in places where I could find easily. It's possible he already has them."

"Where was the Golden Dragoon Spirit, and if the other 3 are not here, why do you have one?"

"It's not common knowledge, but there are actually nine Dragoon Spirits out there. 7 original Spirits, you know of. Mine is the Crimson Dragoon Spirit. I only have 30% of his power in my own, and I still fall just short of Ragnarok, otherwise known as the Divine Dragon. A one on one fight between Shinku and Ragnarok would destroy a country, but ultimately Shinku would win."

"And the other?"

"The Dragon's name was Bahamut. Couldn't tell you his elements. He's in the hands of another Dimensional Guardian. I don't have a great deal of information on his strength level, because she's hesitant to use him at best. Either way, she earned my respect without it. Her skills in battle are on par with mine. Have been from the start of my training with her. Physically, she's as good as am I. As a Dimensional Guardian, she has far more experience than I do."

"She has a Dragoon Spirit, but doesn't use it?" Phoebe asked.

"Don't know why, but it's obviously something Traumatic regarding it, and she hasn't trust herself with it since. I think... I think she lost control and killed a partner of her's but I have no proof."

Rose sighed. "Wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. It's not the one I met, seeing as this one's a female, and the one I met was male. Called himself Issac Shadowbreath. His family was killed, and he became a Guardian. His only known relatives are... Their surname is Shadowwind. His relatives. He hasn't found any, but..."

"You mean he has a relation to that guy?" Phoebe questioned.

"I just took it up because people had started calling me that. It just stuck. Even if I never knew my father, I doubt I'm a true Shadowwind." Jared pointed out.

"What about the one you told us about?"

"He's not my real father. He was there, but he was never blood, nor did I trust him much. He has a lot of shit in his ledger, and I don't trust him because of that." Jared admitted, before waving his hand, causing a stall to appear in the room. "Rose, if you want to wash up, use that. Turn the knob just past halfway for lukewarm. From the top, turn the knob right for cold, and left for heat. The water comes from Nowhere, and going into the ground underneath this building. I use it once a month these days. Gotta keep clean somehow."

She went in, and turned it on, and sighed as she washed herself. Phoebe looked at him. "Why didn't you use it in Millie Seseau? It would've helped out."

"Because I hadn't been able to until after I left. You can thank Jen for that. I'll make my way to the forge after I clean up myself. I'll be in, but I may be late. Fair warning."

After a few minutes, Rose came out, somehow clad in a towel, as she dried off. "Thanks. I haven't had one of these in a long time. I can't even remember the last time I bathed properly."

Jared walked in, and turned on the Shower. He took a lot longer than Rose, as he had a lot to get off. After he came out, Rose was looking at him in surprise. "You were really dirty, if this is what you should look like."

"It was closing in on the month, anyway. After a while, I managed to limit my perspiration levels. I don't sweat as much." He clarified when she showed a confused look.

"Listen, I'll be going with your plan. If it doesn't work, though, I will not remain idle."

Jared nodded, and they both left, clad in their clothing, or in Rose's case, her armor.

He took Rose to the gate and told her to be in Serdio until the plan starts officially. "Are few others are aware of the plan as well. They're in Millie Seseau, aside from Psycho, since I don't know where she is, and I know I don't have to check on her. I like you Rose, but if you give me reason to, I will take you out if I have to, whether I want to or not. Remember that because if you Jeopardize the plan, this world will go to hell faster than you can say 'Oops.' and you will be first to go."

She unconsciously shivered, knowing he'd be able to make good on his threat.

He went back to man the forges, and he wasn't late like he thought he would be.

00000x00000

Chapter complete.

Rose has come back.

Seeing Phoebe in Lohan was not planned. The 10 new Vassals, however, were.

ALL HAIL INSANITY! ALL HAIL THE LOG!

XinsanityXChaosXKitsuneX: ALL HAIL KONAN-SAMA!

Airgod: Shut up you idiot!

AG000: BOTH OF YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP! Insanity rules the world, and the Log saves all believers! Konan has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, and Airgod YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE BATTLEFRONT RIGHT NOW!

*Silence*

Jain, Lightsworn Paladin: Thank you.

AG000: You're welcome. Besides, they were annoying me too.