A/N: Now I'm warning you people again. If you don't like any fluffly, mushy-gushy stuff, better skip the bulk of the chapter and read the last paragraph. This advances the plot, sure, but majority of the words are, well, mushy-gushy stuff.

Chapter Twenty Five

-Threat Approaching -

The wind was gentle. The sun was up high. Ridley sighed and enjoyed the breeze. It had been a long time ago. The last time she sat under the Ressan Tree, the stars were shining bright, everyone was almost asleep, and Jack was here. She also had something important to say. Something important to do. Something she could only trust Jack with. That time, the war was still going on.

"I suppose the war still is going on. But the Blood Orcs are the enemies." she sighed to herself. Below the ledge that the tree overlooked was a thin vein of rivers and streams and grazing patches, with sheep and cows and all manner of farm animals ate their daily fill. Gil had just recently reported the plotting of the Blood Orcs, and they planned it this afternoon. Fort Helencia's forces were strengthening. Pitt was even called to summon the finest of the Radiata Knights. Light elves, dark elves, and the remaining dwarves as well as the goblins from Shangri La and Goblin Haven have been summoned and are on the course of training. Ridley, however, preferred the quiet, peaceful place and away from the war-reminding situation. She preferred the Ressan Tree. It used to be her favorite place, until Jack introduced to her the beautiful place in Tria Village. But the Ressan Tree had been kept close to her heart.

"Hey, Ridley. What're you doing out here?"

Ridley turned around to see Jack, his Alefstrain flowing grandly, moved by the wind.

"Nothing. I just don't like staying in the fort for so long."

"Oh." he sat down quietly beside her, immediately enjoying the breezy winds. He managed a small smile. The birds chirped on and on, singing a melody. Ridley sighed.

"I hate war, Jack. I hate it so much."

"..."

"But I have no choice. It's inevitable. I dragged myself into this mess, everyone expects me to get out on my own. The others are managing their own problems, fixing their own dilemmas, while I'm supposed to be left alone, fulfill my duties as the vessel, and in the end, be someone insignificant. I understand why we have to fight war, Jack. But at what cost? What's the joy of winning when after the dust and smoke clears, you see nothing but the fallen bodies of your comrades?"

"..."

"War. It seems appealing to the angry. But it doesn't really give you the feeling of satisfaction."

"Yeah..." Jack murmured under his breath. He was uncertain of what to say, primarily because he wasn't the type to be talking about things like this. Usually, he just listened.

"Jack, I've still wanted to tell you something. I already said thanks to you, but it didn't feel right. Jack, I'm so grateful that you've been following me all along. I would've died then and there when you weren't by my side. I feel happy that you feel fulfilled just protecting me and seeing me safe and sound. You were the only one who understood me, who bothered to listen to me, who even risked his life just for me. You were the one Cross was supposed to be - my protector, my friend, my constant companion. Someone who respected me and someone I felt comfortable just to be with. I just want to tell you how I really feel. But I guess you know already."

"What is it, Ridley?"

"Well, after all the time you've been protecting me, even though we weren't great friends in the beginning, you saved me. All this... protecting, this helping, everything, I kinda feel a deeper attachment to you than before." she said, blushing lightly. They already shared a kiss. It wasn't passionate, but strong enough to confirm their feelings. Still...

"What do you mean?"

"I mean to say that I... I love you, Jack." she finished, turning away from the boy so he couldn't see how red-faced she was right now. When Jack didn't reply, she felt confused and decided to apologize. "I-I'm sorry if... if that shocked you, Jack... I just can't get it out of me... I needed to tell someone."

Jack smiled warmly, amused at Ridley's fear. "Ha, don't be sorry. You shouldn't be sorry. There's nothing wrong about loving someone, and especially nothing wrong if you admit it." He chuckled, and Ridley smiled. She nodded slowly and looked at his eyes. "The truth is, Ridley..." he continued. "I should've told you the same thing before."

They looked at each other's eyes, as if sinking deep in thoughts. Slowly, Jack started to lean in. To Ridley's surprise, she did so, too. Soon, their lips met in an innocent kiss. It felt good, as if their true feelings were confirmed, their words sealed with this promise that forever, they will stand side by side, face whatever problems and dangers thrown their way. It felt reassuring, knowing that even if the world will end, they still have each other.

Loud, ear-splitting, screeching noises broke through the air, destroying the sweet and serene moment Ridley and Jack had together. In alarm, the two pulled away from each other and looked at the place where the sounds originated. Up in the sky were large, pterodactyl-like flying dinosaurs, wings seemingly made of strong, indestructible leather tore through the sky, screeching and roaring. On the many birds were Blood Orcs of all shapes and sizes, angry and swaying their rusty, metal clubs in the air. In the front of the aerial pack was Galvados, the furious leader of the Blood Orcs. Ridley gasped, wide eyed. She felt Jack tug at her hand strongly.

"Come on, Ridley! We've got to warn the others!"