Tiamatt had been mostly silent since they had returned from Nikotu back home to Symphonia, worried about the safety of her children. Kratos was also worried about his chidren but with his relationship with Tiamatt still in its recovery stage, he was doing what he could to simply comfort her that their children would be ok till they could get them. Nick was just relieved that he received only a scolding for not being able to protect all of the kids but it still didn't stop him from feeling guilty for not being able to protect all nine kids like he had promised both them and their parents.
Kayla and Vincent were not happy to see that only one of their children came back, the other having disappeared with Eria and Terrance. Mica was hit hard when her brother disappeared. Alcana was always with his sister, helping her and protecting her as much as he could, concerned about Mica's safety since she is blind. Now, with Alcana gone, Mica felt alone, even when her friends tried to comfort her.
Of course, the event that occured on the other world effected everyone else as well. Everyone was concerned with what had happened on Nikotu and what the children had said about Dilex, Lukon, and Acerbus Ignis. Terran was shocked to hear the swords name but kept quiet.
"Dad," Terran looked over at Tiamatt, who was giving him a curious look. "Is something wrong?"
"Besides my grandchildren missing, no." Terran answered.
His daughter sighed but continued to look at him. "Dad, you've been thinking about something every since Arx mentioned that sword Lukon used. Is something bothering you?"
The spirit glanced around the room, noticing that everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to explain what he knew. "This isn't the first time of heard of Acerbus Ignis nor Surge for that matter."
"What do you mean?" Nick asked, confused by what Terran meant.
"I am or at least, used to be a Lifestream Guide, a higher spirit then those that were once alive but have now returned to the planet. My rank, while higher then that of living spirits and of the living themselves, is a low rank in the hierachy. Two other spirits hold the title of Lifestream Guide on Gaia. Hikin watches over flora, plant, spirits. Rethian over fauna, or animal spirits. My job was to watch over the humuniod spirits. Above us Guides is the spirit of the planet itself. For me, its Gaia. For you of Symphonia, it is Mana." Terran explained, pausing to make sure everyone understood. "Above the Planet are the Keepers, they are the enforcers, the police of the spirit hierarchy and of essentially, everything. It is because of the Keepers that anything is possible. There are many Keepers, most of which I don't know. Obviously, the Keepers of Balance, Truth, Prohecy, and Knowledge are known to you though Knowledge has only been mentioned. The only other ones I know of are the Keepers of Life, Death, and Choice. They all have 'true' names but only the Master knows of them. Above the Keepers are the Forgers.
They are the creators if you want to say, that craft the Master's ideas in reality, or the illusion that we call reality. The Forgers created the dimensions, the universes, the galaxies, stars, planets, animals, plants, and people. They are the reason we exist. The only thing the Forgers did not create was the Master and the Keepers though they are the ones that assigned the Keepers their roles.
They did create weapons called the FORGE swords. Not many are known but Surge and Acerbus Ignis are two. I also beleive that Ryukinogami may have been one even though a different dimension's Kayla claimed she created it. This may be true but only partially. I think the Forgers allowed Kayla to create Ryukinogami because from what I heard, the FORGE where the swords were created, was locked for unknown reasons."
"So...the key swords of the prophecy, you think they are really FORGE swords?" Lloyd asked, looking still slightly confused. Terran nodded. "Ok...so, couldn't the Eternal Sword be one of the swords?"
"Its possible but wasn't it created when Mithos made the pact with Origin?" Terran asked, looking at Kratos.
The Seraph nodded. "Yes it was. Origin created the Eternal Sword for Mithos so that he could seperate the two warring continents of Sylvarant and Theth'ella into the two worlds that were reunited only fifteen years ago. It is also the Eternal sword that allowed Mithos to create the regeneration system that controlled the worlds for so long."
Yuan nodded with a sigh. "The Eternal Sword is extremely powerful but like Lloyd, I am curious if it could be one of the FORGE swords you mentioned."
"Hmm..." Terran closed his eyes, trying to recall old knowledge before his opened his eyes again. "To be honest, I am not sure. It is certainly powerful enough to be one but all the FORGE swords, while having great power, also have a drawback.
Surge, while if can take itself and its weilder to different dimension, can't control the flow or direction that it is going. Ryukinogami sealed away the soul of the enemy but also that of the weilder. Acerbus Ignis can only activate its duplicating abilities if there is a source of fire nearby. It is also nearly powerless unless there is an open flame nearby to fuel the sword's own fire. I beleive there is also another of the swords that I've heard of that while it can be extremely destructive, simply dropping the blade can destroy it."
"Fascinating!" Raine shouted, turning her attention to Nick who was cleaning Surge while Terran had been explaining the FORGE swords. "I simply must study these swords! To have been created by the higher spirits, just imagine their histroy!"
Nick eyed the half elven woman nervously as she began to make her way towards him, her eyes bright as she looked at Surge signalling that Raine was clearly in Ruin Mode. "Oh no, not Surge." Nick said but Raine ignored him and before too long, Nick was running from Raine as she tried to get Surge from him. "Go find your own FORGE sword Raine!"
"I only want to examine it for a moment!" Raine yelled back, making a grab for the sword but missing by just an inch, causing the Professor to crash to the floor. In a matter of seconds, she was back on her feet but now Yuan was holding on to her, stopping Raine from continuing her chase for Surge.
"Raine, please, not now. There are other things we must worry about." Yuan reminded her. Raine looked at her husband and sighed in defeat but not before glancing at Surge once more. Lisea looked like she wanted to go hide after witnessing her mother's Ruin Mode while Genis just shook his head.
Hiro sighed before standing up and stretching. "It getting late and it been a long day. I think we should all head home." The others seemed to agree, especially the kids who were tired and worn out from the fight with Lukon. "Nick, I think you should stay with us tonight."
"Thanks but I'll just get a room in the inn. I've caused enough trouble anyways." Nick answered, glancing over at Tiamatt and Kratos. The two parents didn't say anything though they were clearly worried and a feeling of tension could still be felt between them. "Well, good night."
After Nick left, the others began to make their way back home or at least to the inn for the night. Terran, Tiamatt, and Kratos left Lloyd's together, walking quietly towards the front of town and the inn where Terran was also staying.
"Dad, who is Cilla?" Tiamatt asked suddenly. Terran froze, causing both Tiamatt and Kratos to stop and look at the spirit.
"How do you know that name?" Terran asked in shock and confusion.
"Well, back in Esthar, you said something about Cilla. Were you talking about-"
"Your mother? Yes, I was." Terran cut in before sighing sadly and looking back at his daughter. "I imagine that you want to know more about your mother." Tiamatt nodded. "Alright, but tomorrow. It too late tonight and you both need your rest."
Tiamatt sighed but nodded. "Alright. Night Dad."
Terran smiled at her as he turned towards the inn. Kratos didn't miss the warning glare Terran shot his way before he disappeared into the inn, causing the Seraph to sigh.
"Come on Tia, let's go home." Tiamatt turned towards and nodded, walking beside him quietly. "What's wrong?"
"...nothing..." Tiamatt muttered, not looking at her husband.
"Tiamatt, you're lying. Tell me whats wrong?" Kratos asked again, looking concerned while still holding the sterness in his voice.
"I'm just worried about the kids, thats all." the Cetra said.
Kratos sighed and grabbed her hand, forcing her to stop and look at him. "Tiamatt, I'm worried about them too but there is something else bothering you. Please, tell me what is it?"
Tiamatt looked up at him, her eyes once more filled with shame and guilt. "I still can't believe what I did, Kratos. I was stupid and let my emotions for Sephiroth cover up my logic and sense of right and wrong. And yet you welcomed me back like nothing had happened. You're a better man then what I deserve..."
"Tiamatt, do you want to know why I took you back?" Kratos asked. Tiamatt nodded. "Because you knew you had done something wrong, something that I hope you will never do again. Not only that but Sephiroth explained not only how he had seen you react but how ashamed he was of the deed. The guilt and shame you both admitted to, showed that while you two care for each other, you also know your place." Kratos explained as Tiamatt's eyes welled up with tears. Pulling the Cetra to him in a tight embrace, he continued. "No body is perfect. We all make mistake but its up to us if we want to try and correct those mistakes. I love you Tiamatt and I'm sorry for what I did. Please, stay be my side, Tiamatt, and forgive your self like I have forgiven you."
Tiamatt hugged him tight, crying a little before she gave a small laugh and pushed herself away fro him so she could look her husband in the eye. "You know, you sounded alot like Lloyd right then."
"..." Kratos glared at her, causing Tiamatt to laugh again.
"That's better!"
Kratos chuckled and pulled the Cetra in for a kiss, continuing to hold her close even when they broke apart. "I love you Tiamatt. I love our family. I promise we'll find the children."
"I know." Tiamatt grinned. "Now lets go home." The Seraph raised an eyebrow as he caught a mischievice glint in his wife's eye, causing her grin to widen. "Whats that look for Kratos?"
"Nothing, lets just get home." Kratos answered, releasing her from his arms and started to walk back to their house. Tiamatt gave a short laugh at his reaction before catching up to him.
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The next day seemed like a huge improvement compared to the day before but to Tiamatt, it really was. While she was still ashamed of herself, waking up in her husband's arms instead of Sephiroth's reminded her that she had been, for the most part, forgiven.
Things, while chaotic, were coming together. Now they could concentrate on finding the misssing teenagers and trying to fix the problems that had arisen when the Keeper told them of the new prophecy. But until the kids could be located, all any of them could do was wait.
Tiamatt sighed, scanning through the information that flashed up onto the portal's main computer before turning and seeing Terran standing nearby, looking worried.
"Any luck?" The spirit asked. Tiamatt shook her head sadly. "I see...Do you still want to learn more about your mother?"
"Of course!" Tiamatt said, eyes bright in interest. "What did she look like? What was she like?"
Terran chuckled and signalled for his daughter to follow him out of the house. Only once they had taken the north western exit out of Iselia did he finally speak up again. "Your mother, Cilla, was a beautiful woman, much of which you inherited. All you really got from me were your eyes. Cilla had strange yet beautiful aqua colored eyes. She was also intelligent and kind hearted, always willing to stick up for those she cared for. But she was one of those women you wanted to avoid when she was mad. Cilla also had no sense of organization. How that woman got through life like that simply amazes me."
Tiamatt laughed. "I wished I could have met her. You must miss Mom alot?"
"Yes I do." Terran agreed. "But...I haven't seen or spoken to your mother since her death..."
"Why not?"
"Well...although you may have forgiven me, I'm afriad that Cilla won't." Terran said quietly.
"Dad...if Mom is anything like you said she is then I'm sure she would forgive you." Tiamatt said, trying to reassure her father. "And your a Lifestream Guide so you could talk to her any time, right?"
"...I suppose..." the spirit muttered.
Tiamatt sighed and hugged her father. "Come on Dad, it won't be that bad. I promise. Besides, I want to meet her too."
"Alright, but not right now." Terran laughed, returning the hug. "So where are all the others?"
"Kratos and Lloyd are currently practicing over on the other side of Iselia. I think Arx asked Hiro for help on his Seraph abilities while Aya is with Colette and Kit. Zelos, Sheena, and Seth all went back to Mizuho for a while and Raine, Yuan, and Lisea I think went to the old Sylvarant base for supplies. Kayla and Vince also went home for a while. The others are wandering around Iselia somewhere." Tiamatt explained.
"What about Nick?"
Tiamatt shurgged. "Don't know. I haven't seen him all day. He probably out training somewhere though."
Terran nodded and was silent for a moment before he remembered something and pulled out a carefully padded bag. "I almost forgot to give you this. You thought you would want what remained."
Tiamatt took the bag and gasped when she saw the broken shards of the Oblivion Blade. "My sword...I still can't believe it was destroyed..."
"Prehaps Kayla could reforge it." Terran suggested.
"...maybe..." Tiamatt muttered, looking at the shards before sighing and returning them to the bag. "I think I'm gonna go find Kratos. Oh and thanks Dad."
"Anytime Tia." Terran smiled, watching his daughter walk away before he sighed and looked up at the sky. "Will she really forgive me?"
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Kratos and Lloyd were blocking each others blows at an amazing pace, neither swordsman landing a blow on the other. Nearby, Colette, Kit, Aya, Hiro, and Arx could be seen watching the fight. It was easy to see that Arx was exhausted, the blonde haired boy looking like he could fall asleep any second. Aya seemed to notice this and took her son home as Tiamatt finally reached the area and sat next to her brother.
"How's Arx holding up?" Tiamatt asked as she watched her husband and step-son continue to spar.
"He's having a little trouble but he's getting the hang of it." Hiro answered, a proud smirk spread across his face.
"Kinda like you when you first started using your powers." the Cetra laughed. "You don't use your Seraph powers much anymore."
"There hasn't been any need to. Its not like Void is around anymore." Hiro admitted before he sighed. "Its probably for the best anyways. I mean, Cruxis Angels were thought to be holy beings till fifteen years ago right? If the people here found out I was a Seraph, they'd probably try to kill me."
"True." Tiamatt sighed, watching as Kratos and Lloyd both stopped moving, swords at each others throats.
Lloyd smirked and put his swords away. "That was a good one Dad."
"Indeed." Kratos said simply as he returned his sword to its scabbard even though the glint of pride could be seen in his eyes when he looked at his son.
"Daaad! Can we go home now?!" Kit yelled from beside her mother. Colette giggled but seemed to agree.
Lloyd grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, sure. See you later Dad! Bye Tia, Hiro!"
Tiamatt smiled at her stepson and his family as they went back home and Kratos sat down beside her. He noticed the bag in her hands and gave her a questioning look. "The Oblivion Blade."
"I'm sorry." Kratos said quietly, know that the sword had meant a lot to the Cetra. Even Hiro gave his sister a sympathetic look.
"Its not your fault Kratos." Tiamatt laughed before falling silent.
"Do you think it could be reforged?" Hiro asked, picking up a rather large shard that still held a piece of the sharp edge of the Oblivion Blade.
"I don't know. Dad thinks it could but I don't know." Tiamatt admitted, looking at the piece Hiro had. "Nothing could replace the Oblivion Blade, not after how long I've had it and whats its gone through with me." Kratos and Hiro looked at her in understanding. "I was shocked at how well Seph took it. He's the one who gave me the sword after all."
"I don't think he expected it to last as long as it did." Hiro pointed out. "You've had that sword as long as I've known you, haven't you?"
"Yeah, I got it about four years before I was taken for the experiments, just before Seph left for the war with Wutai." the Cetra admitted.
"There is a way it could be reforged." Tiamatt, Kratos, and Hiro all looked up at a strange human/ raven mixed creature that had appeared suddenly in front of them. His head looked like that of a raven but the black feathers continued to cover his entire body, even under his silver cloak, his hands and feet where talons, and large black feathered wings sprouted from his shoulders yet he held himself the way any human would. "There is a man in another dimension who could reforge your sword, Cetra."
"Who are you?" Hiro asked, standing up and putting a hand on the hilt of his sword as Tiamatt and Kratos did the same.
The raven man laughed. "Forgive me. I am the Keeper of Knowledge. I know about everything that was, is, or ever will be. I know everything there is to know about you three. But I am here to help you."
Tiamatt eyed the Keeper with uncertainty before speaking. "You said you know of someone who could reforge the Oblivion Blade?"
"Yes. But like I mentioned before, he is in a different dimension. Do you wish to ask for his assistance?" The Keeper asked.
Tiamatt thought for a minute before glancing at Kratos. "Its your decision Tia." Hiro nodded in agreement before Tiamatt looked at the Keeper again.
"Take me there." Tiamatt said confidently, tightly gripping the bag that held the shards.
Knowledge grinned and spread his wings. "Very well, but be careful."
The three gave him a confused look before he flapped his wings sending feathers scattering around them, blinding them. The next thing they knew, there was a screeching of brakes. Tiamatt's eyes went when she caught sight of the teenage girl in the driver's seat of the white car only a foot from her, looking at the Cetra with the same look of shock.
"What the hell?!"
Hehe! Another twist! Yeah! Believe me, there are PLENTY more to come! Hehe! And Happy Halloween!