Okay, peeps, I'm back for a while, I guess. And now begins the journey of Eve and Frost!

These two would have to be some of my favourite Bios I received. If you haven't read Dominance FFX, then ya should, cause they are in that as well.

Chapter 25: Lost.

Frost's PoV

I must have been sleepwalking... Everything after my last encounter with Xavier seemed like a blur, a dream. Yeah, one of those, when you know you're sleeping and want to wake up, but... you just don't feel like doing so.

"Okay, Frost, this is as far as I'm dragging your sorry arse," a cold, clearly feminine voice intruded on my thoughts.

Ah. That's right. Eve. She was the one to lead me away from the fort and Xavier. Simply because I had turned into a semi-conscious blob... Damn it. I'll have to restrain myself a bit next time. Who would have thought that getting up could be so damn complicated, really?

"Ha, look at you. The Third Demon Captain, Jack Frost, mortally wounded by a deranged emo kid.

Somebody needs to teach that girl that laughing at one's misfortune is highly impolite. I'd gladly do that myself. When I can stand without swaying, that is. Letting the insult slide, I mustered a reply:

"The mighty Frost prevailed in the end, hee," I tried striking a pose, staggering a bit.

"Oh please. He didn't even use any of his powers. He was toying with you. Plain and simple," Eve turned her back to me, staring at something in the distance. "But he paid the price in the end. You were lucky..." But he won't go easy next time, I mentally finished the phrase.

Only then did I notice the change in the scenery. The hazy images of grasslands were replaced by a beach and a calm ocean. I was sitting on the sand, running my hand through the sand unconsciously. This is the first time I actually noticed the sand. And I have to admit, the cool grains felt so... pleasant.

I must have looked like rather childish, because Eve snapped at me again:

"Hey, Frost, enough games. You're... how old now?" the blonde's face was perfectly expressionless. Aside that little 'wait, how did I not notice this before' glint in her eyes.

"I was sixteen a when we met in my castle," to random passer-by, the rest of the phrase would make little to no sense. But hey, my very existence makes logic implode. "But since I'm loosing my Sins faster than expected... I'd say... twenty physically, but I've been bound to Tera's castle for seventy years," scooping another handful of sand, I watched the golden grains pour through my fingers.

I guess this is the first time Eve noticed my rapid ageing... Just how inattentive can she get? I mean, we've been travelling together for quite some time.

"Yeah, think you told me before. No need to get depressed, geez..." I was correct. "Anyway. We're going to that island over there," Eve pointed at a splotch of land barely visible in the distance. As far as I could see, there was some kind of stone structure situated on it.

"And who decided that, hee-ho?" I asked, finally regaining enough strength to stand up, brushing the sand off my clothes.

"I did," Eve deadpanned.

"Ah well. Lead us to glory, madam!" I shouted, throwing a fist in the air.

"Yeah. Whatever, Frost. Just get us to that island," Eve said, crossing her arms. Although a hint of a smile did tug at the corners of her lips.

"Aw, crawling back to me, huh?" I imitated her posture. "Admit it. You like me."

"Do not."

"Right. Who's being childish now? Admit it. I am the best," I boasted.

I'm beginning to like these back-and-forth conversations. A battle of wits and one-liners...

"I only dragged you away from Xavier so that I could use you against him later," Eve replied coldly. "I'm regretting it now though."

"Really? Well... I don't mind being used... or any other forms of role-reversal duri-" Eve back handed me in the face before I could finish. Note to self – work on bypassing your metaphorical speech-filter in order to prevent further injuries. Although I wouldn't say the hit hurt, but no need to voice that.

"Get. Us. To. That. Island," the girl turned her back on me yet again.

Stubborn. Bossy. Hard to get. Ah well...

"Too easy!" I pulled out a piece of paper from my pocket, quickly recalling a pattern. Bend here... Fold this... Turn over... Within seconds I folded a miniature row boat the size of my palm; complete with oars and benches. Carefully I tossed the boat into the water, letting the bit of energy I implanted expand. And voilà – as soon as the paper touched the surface, it began to change into a full-sized wooden boat.

"Just... how did you do that?" Eve asked, staring at my creation wide-eyed.

"Well, since paper is made of wood..." I never questioned how I was able to manipulate multiple elements, but at this moment I felt like attempting an explanation. To both of us. "I just reversed the process, forced the wood to grow and-"

"Yeah, I don't care at all now," Eve said, jumping into the boat and sitting down.

Stubborn. Bossy. Hard to get. Impatient. Likes to interrupt. Can this list get any longer?

"Hoe," I whispered before pushing the boat off. This proved to be quite a challenge, since the water was shallow. After about ten meters of pushing I jumped in as well, satisfied with the depth, and began rowing...

Eve's PoV.

"So, Eve... what's making you... want to help... Xavier," Frost huffed between rows, breaking the silence. He had thrown away the second pair of oars, getting the hint that I wasn't going to help.

"He's a friend," I replied.

"Right. One of those friends. Last time I saw, he kind of wanted to, I dunno, kill you? Unless you're into that. Does that fetish have a name or is it just you, hee?" Frost said with a smug expression on his face. Seriously... he's getting more adept at insults with each conversation.

"Do you want to stay in the boat?" I asked, letting my glare finish the thought.

"Yeah. I do, actually," Frost said, his expression not faltering the slightest bit.

He's so easy... And here I was hoping for a few more comebacks.

"Shut up and keep rowing," I leaned my head backwards and looked up at the sky.

Strange... We're in a completely different world, but the sky... It looks the same. Same colour, same clouds... I let my thoughts drift away to a different route...

Why has this 'new' Xavier (or 'old' one, to be more accurate) come out? Is he the same Xavier I grew up with? Or is it just another soul using his body, making up a fake story? And this world... why here? So many questions.

I brought you here.

"What did you just say?" I snapped out of my sleepy state and looked directly at Frost.

"I didn't say anything," the man raised an eyebrow. "Finally loosing it? In that case – welcome to my world."

I said nothing, seeing the grin on his face. Instead, I looked around, just to make sure we're indeed alone, in the middle of the ocean. Maybe I am loosing it...

I want you to fuel Xavier's wrath.

Something in my gut was telling me that this voice... Asura? The 'god' Xavier had been rambling about. And since Frost was completely oblivious to the voice. It was in my head... and reading my mind, no doubt...

I can help you save young Xavier; weak beings are of no interest to me.

Seeing as he put 'weak' and 'Xavier' in the same sentence, he probably meant the one I knew. 'What do you want me to do?' I asked mentally and waited for a reply.

Just keep fighting him, don't listen to what he says. He has been corrupted.

'And why should I trust you?' Despite this conversation being inside my mind, I could have sworn I heard a chuckle...

If a god isn't worth your trust, then who is?

'Somebody is full of himself...'

"Hey, Eve? Hello? We're here."

I must have fallen asleep during that 'conversation'. Strange... I wonder why I didn't wake up when the boat hit the sand?

The scenery had undergone quite a drastic change. Just beyond the small beach, a thick wall of trees. The tropical variety, no less. It's amazing how the climate changes so quickly here.

"Looks like somebody beat us here," Frost was off examining another boat, which had a small motor on it. "We're borrowing this on the way back."

At least we agreed on one thing today. Shrugging, I climbed out of our little vessel. Never thought the stability of the ground could be so welcoming. Without a word, I motioned my companion to follow. And so, we stepped into the jungle...

Never again. Jungles, rainforests – hate them all. Air that's unbearably moist, bugs, thorny plant life, miniature streams and rivers, bugs... And did I mention bugs? When we had finally reached the clearing with a ancient pyramid in the centre, separated from us by a large moat and a flimsy bridge... I could barely hold back squeal of joy.

Frost whistled, sizing up the structure, noting the insanely long staircase. I winced at the prospect of having to climb all the way to the top...

"So, why did you bring us here?"

"When I was by myself, I did some research," the ex-demon captain snorted at the last word. "This temple is said to hold some secret power."

"Ah. Since you're unable to be physically stronger than vampire-boy, you're resorting to cheap tactics... I approve of this plan!" Frost stuck two thumbs up.

"Maybe I'll find a way to get rid of you too," I put on a thoughtful expression. "You did prove yourself useful. Just keep hoping you'll stay that way."

"Well, you could always use me to keep you warm at-" SMACK!

"Stop babbling and start climbing those stairs," I sighed, rubbing my now sore hand...

"Three thousand and fifty five..."

"Three thousand and fifty six!"

"Finally..."

Did I say that I hated jungles? Well, that was a big fat lie. I'd choose those vines over stairs any day...

The inside of the pyramid greeted us with a cool gust of air. For a an ancient building it seemed rather... fresh, for some reason. As far as I care, it can be built a week ago. The quicker we're done with this place, the sooner we can get back to civilization...

Through the floor and down a vertical shaft... Why am I no longer impressed by these things, especially since we levitated the whole way? Must be the fact that there was a fucking maze stretching as far as the eye could see. Any more walking and... That's when it hit me...

"Frost, two words: paper birds."

"Gladly," the demon replied, his voice dripping with irony. "Give me a piece of paper and we'll soar under extremely low ceiling, risking... Wait... Why didn't you hit me this time?"

As much as I hate to admit it, for once, he was right. This didn't make our situation any better...

"But hey, I love mazes and labyrinths!"

"Why am I not surprised?" I said, recalling the twists and turns of the corridors in Frost's castle. Too drained to argue, I followed my accomplice, who strode into the first lane of the mazy a bit too casually...

Left. Right. Up another damned flight of stairs. Left. Left. Back and right instead... Luminescent walls devoid of any markings. No ornaments, no writings... Just what the hell is wrong with this pyramid? On second thought... Whoever built it was no fool.

An hour later, we encountered an unexpected surprise. A person had rounded a corner and into the corridor we were currently trekking. Although I still wasn't sure whether it counted as a 'person' to begin with.

"We meet again, mannequin," I addressed the thing.

Yes, the same humanoid shape wearing a tuxedo and top-hat. In the bright glow emitting from the walls, I was able to see his form clearly now. As the mannequin turned around, I could tell that his limbs and jaw were held by apparent joints; its eyes made of glass and lifeless like anyone would expect from a puppet.

"We do meet again, miss," just like the rest of the being, its voice devoid of human emotions.

From behind it's tall form, a little blonde head peeked out.

"You're that lady from Junon?" the little girl took a hesitant step from the cover of her guardian.

"Yeah," I replied, studying the mismatched pair. "You came at the last moment and saved Woody's life."

The girl seemed just as calm as her companion.

"His name is William. I'm learning to become a master puppeteer. I can not control living people," the way she nonchalantly spoke that sent a shiver down my spine. One word – creepy. And why was... Miriam (if I recall correctly) telling us this? "But I had been told that it is harder to bring life to a doll than it is to control a human... Guess I learn things backwards."

Next to me, Frost crouched, putting his hands on his knees. The long walk had finally gotten to him.

"So, what's a little girl like you doing in a place like this alone?" he asked, trying to sound friendly.

The puppeteer huffed indignantly:

"I am not a little girl – I am already twelve. And William is here with me."

"I will guarantee her safety, even at the cost of my life," the mannequin took this as his cue and decided to add his two gil. This, however, made its master chuckle a little.

"I think I am the one who does most of the protecting," the girl crossed her arms, looking at her guardian, who in turned bowed, apologizing for some reason. Miriam then addressed me: "So, why are you here, lady?"

The way this girl acted seemed to be oddly familiar...

"The name's Eve. And I'm here on a treasure hunt," for the last part, I plastered an overly-sweet smile on my face. "Would you like to help me?"

The girl seemed thoughtful for a moment. She then spoke, carefully choosing her words:

"If you are looking for the Black Materia, then it is no longer here. But there is a summon materia... I will help you find it, if you help me in return."

"Sounds like a deal to me," perfect, just perfect. Having a extra person in our prty could be beneficial. Especially if one is expendable puppet. "What do you want in return? Candy?"

"That doesn't sound legal, but continue, Eve," I ignored Frost's comment. I waited for a reply from Miriam, maintaining a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Well..." Miriam began in a calm tone. "I am looking for my father. He is probably in Midgar, from what information I could get a hold of. But getting there costs a lot, so me and William decided to raid this temple. Now, I am sure if I sold the summon materia I would have enough, but you seem to need it more..."

For a girl her age, speaking so much an so seriously... Just what kind of life did she live up to this point? Another frightening quality about her – apathy. At times, her face and voice would become just as emotionless and blank, rivalling her servant's. In any way, her terms seem acceptable.

"Fine. I'll take you to Midgar."

"Ah, as soon as you said 'candy', I knew this would end bad..." Frost's voice once again threatened to trigger my temper. Not this time, brat.

Miriam livened up a bit when I voiced my offer and after a quick whisper with William the girl

spoke:

"I was going to to ask for money, but that's even better!"

"See, Eve, should have left out the candy and asked directly what the kid wants."

A victory tune played at the back of my mind. Negotiation successful. Even Frost's latest attempt at irony couldn't snap me out of my good mood.

"It doesn't matter. Besides, I'm sure that Woody is more capable that you are, Frost."

"My name is William, madam."

"Yeah, and mine's Eve," I shot back, looking at him... it? Makes you wonder what the thing has down there. Seeing as it's a mannequin, probably just smooth, right...

"Eve, eye's up. You're being rude. You can look at mine later if-"

Fist, face, 'smack', thud. This is becoming a routine...

After the minor celebration on both sides settled down, Miriam approached me. In her outstretched hand was a round red stone that she extracted from the folds of her dress of the same colour. I looked at the stone and then back at the girl.

"What's this?" I asked taking the item and examining it. The stone seemed to glow from the inside and... Dare I say it? It appeared to be of semi-organic origin.

"It's the summon materia from this temple," the puppeteer explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "If told you I had it before we made I deal, what are the chances that you wouldn't simply rob me?"

"Tricky little brat. Gotta give you credit though," I laughed a bit at the girl's precautions. "Let's get out of this shit hole."

"Please, watch you language around Madam Miriam," William piped in once again making his master roll her eyes. This was a common exchange between them, from what I could tell. But when I asked if the duo knew the way out of the temple... I got two blank... blanker stares.

"I thought you knew. We've been wandering here for two almost days ourselves."

A pregnant paused ensued. What. Just, what. That was no longer a question, but a statement.

"Ah, shit..." I cursed, holding my head. This wasn't happening... No fucking way.

"Language, please!'

"Not now, Woody..."

And that is another chapter completed by me. Don't forget to review, I'm getting a a shit load of hits and only a steady supply of reviews. Its only a few seconds of your life, your reading this so I am sure you got plenty to waste.

Don't forget to send in your own one-shots for my Dominance Based One-shot series. All of the stories in it will be written by you guys.

Now just to let everyone know. There will be a Dominance 3, and I am also planning on doing a PreDominance story about the Angel, Demon and Vampire wars. Xavier and Camazotz will be in it, but seeing as everyone else's characters pretty much wouldn't be born yet, you guys can submit Bios to that one. BUT DO NOT SUBMIT THEM TO THIS STORY, you can either PM me or wait until I have the story up.