(A/N: Like I said it is my goal to possibly finish RotS before my summer vacation starts [May 8th] so I'm just gonna keep pumping out chapters till I finish. This chapter is LONG and there is a special R-rated surprise at the end ^o^. Also I apologize in advance for the excessive length of this chapter)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of Symphonia
3rd Person pov
As the group approached Verius' altar the fox-like summon spirit appeared. "I see you have returned, my partner." He looked at Ichigo. Ichigo nodded.
"Verius, we're here because…"
"I know, I can read your hearts like open books," the vulpine summon spirit replied. The creature looked at Emil. "Ratatosk…no, Emil. I see your heart is a very sad color right now. You are conflicted."
Emil hung his head, "I…"
"To accept my help requires a heart that has no conflict within it. Once your heart has made its decision, Emil, I will give you my help. So please give careful thought to how it is you wish to live," Verius told him.
Ichigo scratched his head, "What do you mean?"
"I will protect Emil's heart in the manner it desires. However, he is still undecided as to what he wishes to do. He needs time," Verius stated.
"That is true," Rangiku agreed, "A decision like that would need time."
"I shall appear and lend you my power when you wish me to. Let us meet again when you have come to a decision," Verius said and vanished.
"I'm sorry to have dragged you all the way out here," Emil apologized to the group.
"Don't sweat it," Ichigo pat Emil on the shoulder, "You're the only one who can solve this issue. Besides Richter can't open the gate unless you die so we have time."
As if in response to the orange haired teen's words the ground started to shake. "Waah! It's an earthquake!" Genis shouted.
The tremors died down moments later. "What was that?" Zelos asked.
"I don't know," Yoruichi responded, "But something feels off."
"I know what you mean," Renji said, "It's like there's a guillotine of negative energy hanging over our heads."
Suddenly Emil dropped to the ground, screaming out in pain. "Emil!" Marta and Ichigo shouted at the same time crouching down next to the blonde summon spirit.
"This awareness is—The door to the Ginnungagap is about to open!" Tenebrae said with wide eyes.
"But the door should remained closed as long as Ratatosk is alive! What's going on?" Hitsugaya wanted to know.
Tenebrae had an epiphany, "The Vanguard! That's what Richter was using them for!"
Emil switched to his Ratatosk persona, "Stop it! Stay away from that door! Don't touch it without my permission!"
The strong energy being given off from the monster master was enough to make Ichigo and Marta back away from him. "Lord Ratatosk is holding back the demons trying to enter! If only he had all the Centurions under his will and regained his full power, this would never have happened."
"Emil, is there anything we can do?" Lloyd wanted to know.
"Actually there is," Ratatosk roared. He drew out his sword and attacked Kratos at the waist. The Auburn haired crusader dodged to the side.
"Wh-what are you doing Emil?" Lloyd shouted.
The Summon Spirit ignored Lloyd's query and attacked relentlessly, making wide, powerful swings. He then tackled Kratos with his right shoulder. Kratos backflipped, but the scant few moments he spent in Zero gravity caused a small, white, seed shaped object to clatter along the ground. Kratos' mouth hung open slightly as he realized what it was Ratatosk was after. Ratatosk picked up the seed-like object and hoisted it over his head, gripping it tightly. "Lumen! Obey me!" he shouted. The yellow seed-shaped core transformed into the orb like object, with Lumen's crest on it, which then dissolved into Ratatosk's being. Ratatosk then slumped forward and collapsed on the ground.
"Emil!" Ichigo ran over to the blonde and shook his back.
"It's okay, he's only fainted," Raine said, checking Emil's pulse.
"It seems like things have calmed down with the awakening of Lumen," Tenebrae said.
"But I thought the door to the Ginnungigap couldn't be opened as long as Ratatosk was alive," Presea said.
"Lord Ratatosk has lost some of his Centurions, so his power has dropped accordingly. In addition, the Vanguard has been spreading the type of negative energy the demons love." Tenebrae said.
"The violence around the world," Raine realized.
"Correct. The scent of blood has loosened the restraints on the door. This must have been Richter's intent from the beginning. For now, Lord Ratatosk is just barely managing to hold the door closed. But if the situation does not improve, the monsters will break their bonds with the Centurions and this world will become one with Niflheim!" Tenebrae explained.
"Tenebrae do you have any idea when Emil will wake up?" Ichigo asked the Centurion.
"Unsure, but no more than a few hours I would say," Tenebrae stated, "Awakening a Centurion in order to force back the demons from escaping Nifilheim was rather taxing for Lord Ratatosk to say the least."
Ichigo hoisted the summon spirit onto his back, Piggy back style. "Then I'm going to take Emil to Luin and let him rest."
"And why should you go alone?" Sheena asked.
Ichigo looked up at the ceiling, "I get the feeling that when he wakes up that Emil will have made his decision. I have the power of Verius with me so it'll make it easier to channel his help. Right now we should split up and prepare for tomorrow."
"That's not a bad plan," Urahara said, "I'm going to head for the Otherworldly gate and see if I can't get it to open."
"Couldn't we just use Ratatosk's power?" Lloyd asked.
"We could, but do you guys want to be stuck in there?" Urahara asked.
"Good point," Lloyd submitted.
"Then it's settled we'll all split up and take care of loose ends we need to tie up," Renji stated.
Suddenly Cotton began to glow and Zephyr and Raziel appeared near Tenebrae, also glowing.
"It appears Raziel and Zephyr are entering their final stages of evolution," Tenebrae said.
"What about Cotton?" Rukia wanted to know.
"Penultimate," Tenebrae answered.
When Raziel transformed his body was now a violet red. He had glowing talons and claws and blade like protrusions along his arms. The claws on his wings also glowed. He was now as tall as Sajin Komamura. Cotton's body became Chocolate brown and she grew and extra tail, which then extended to cat length. The tufts on her tails and ears were strawberry pink and a light pink collar of fur formed around her. She was also now a few inches taller than Ichigo. Zephyr became so large his head almost touched the ceiling. He shed his red feathered exterior for an all green one. He became encased in golden armor along the front of his face, the back and mid portions of his wings, his ankles, and halfway down his back.
"Whoa!" Ichigo exclaimed at Zephyr in particular.
"Rukia, we need to talk about that…thing you plan on keeping," Byakuya told her.
"Behold!" Tenebrae announced, "Raziel is now a Level nine class demon called a Vroom. Zephyr is a level nine class bird monster known as an Izimbra and Cotton is now a level six class beast monster known as a Peallaidh."
"I must admit when we first got these guys I never imagined they could look so incredible," Ichigo exclaimed.
"Indeed," Tenebrae said and then hummed, "I recall when you first believed that the monsters we gathered weren't the type that looked like they were going to save the world."
"Well they were back then," Ichigo stated, "but now," Ichigo whistled his approval, "This is awesome!"
"At any rate, we need to head out and prepare like you suggested Ichigo," Kratos reminded the group.
Everyone agreed, Tenebrae resealed Zephyr and Raziel, and the group began to head for the temple exit when Marta and Sheena approached Ichigo. "What's up?" the teen Soul Reaper wanted to know.
"When Emil wakes up, could you tell him to meet me at the Altamira bridge by the theater after nightfall?" Marta asked.
"Sure, no problem," Ichigo said.
"And when you're done looking after him, meet me at Mizuho," Sheena told Ichigo.
"Sure thing," Ichigo agreed.
As the group began to head out of the temple they heard Dirk shouting, "Oh hell no! You ain't entering the church!"
"That's my dad's voice!" Lloyd shouted. The group proceeded to the base of the temple to see Dirk contending with a group of hollows and other creatures without masks or hollow holes, but had piercing yellow eyes and rows of sharp teeth.
"Demons!" Tenebrae realized.
"Hollows too!" Rukia noted.
"Dad! Hold on! I'm coming!" Lloyd leapt into battle and began attacking.
"Howl! Zabimaru!" Renji attacked a group of hollows.
Without unsealing his Zanpakuto, Byakuya entered the fray and began attacking hollows as well.
Kratos also entered the fray, attacking some of the demons. The battle became so furious that suddenly the hollows and demons began to retreat into gargantas and portals only for another garganta to open high up in the sky. A penguin like head peered out from it as bony white hands pulled open the garganta so that it opened all the way to the ground as a gigantic hollow stepped through the garganta.
"A menos," Ichigo gasped.
"I'll take care out it," Hitsugaya drew out his Zanpakuto, "Sit upon the frozen heavens, Hyorinmaru!" The blast of ice went striking furiously towards the Menos and obliterated it. After its destruction, it seemed like the battle was over.
"Where did all those demons and hollows come from?" Rangiku wondered.
"The earthquake must have been caused by the negative energy emanating from Niflheim through the opening in the door of the Ginnungagap," Tenebrae explained.
"The hollows must've been drawn here by the demonic energies," Urahara stated. "If it wasn't for our delicious looking friend here they might have destroyed each other."
"Are you talking about Dirk?" Genis asked.
"That does make sense," Nel said, "Hollows are drawn to strong spiritual pressures, but they favor humans and humanoids most of all. If Dirk hadn't been here it's likely we would've witnessed the obliteration of one side at the hands of the other."
"Even with that said I wouldn't have wanted to deal with Demons that had absorbed hollow powers," Zelos commented.
"You didn't even fight to begin with," Sheena chastised, "But I get what you're saying."
"Me too," Rukia agreed, "And I can say for certain that I wouldn't have wanted to see what would happen if Hollows devoured the souls of demons."
"I bet Captain Kurotsuchi would've loved it though," Renji smirked.
"Mmm, perhaps we should've let at least one hollow or one demon kill the other so that we could bring it back as a gift," Urahara joked.
"In any case, I'm going to take Emil back to Luin. Tenebrae mind coming with and summoning Zephyr?" Ichigo asked.
"Not a problem," Tenebrae said. He summoned Zephyr's seal sphere and unleashed the gigantic golden bird. Ichigo loaded himself and Emil onto the large winged creature. "Please take us to Luin." Tenebrae instructed.
Zephyr responded with a cry and beat his powerful wings to propel himself into the air. He then headed for Luin.
Emil's pov
Location Unknown
"Hey!" a voice called to me. "Wake up dammit!"
Ichigo? I thought groggily, but when I opened my eyes I was nowhere I recognized. My surroundings were all white, save for the swirling strands of various hues of red, green, purple, yellow, brown, black, gray and orange. I sat up from the fetal position I had been lying down in. "Where am I?" I wondered aloud.
"Where do you think?" I turned around as I heard a voice, only to see another me.
"R-Ratatosk?" I questioned, surprised.
"Bingo," he responded.
"I…where is this place?" I asked.
"Where do you think, moron?" he asked me and then said without waiting for me to answer, "We're inside our head."
"What?" I was surprised.
"Anyway that doesn't matter right now, what matters is what we're going to do about this whole situation," Ratatosk folded his arms.
"Why did you attack Kratos?" I shouted.
"Puh," he spat, "What's wrong with me taking back what's rightfully ours?"
"No, that's wrong!" I shouted at him. "I won't let you hurt our friends."
"The only ones I care about are Marta and Ichigo. Everyone else can go die if they choose to stand against us," my counterpart told me.
"That's not right!" I argued.
"It doesn't matter what's right or wrong anymore you idiot!" Ratatosk scolded me as he placed one hand on his hip and threw the other out at his side, "Richter opened the door!" he shouted and then glowered at me with a scary smile, "The only way we can prevent another attack like that is for me to regain my power!"
"No," I shook my head defiantly, "There is another way."
"You fool!" Ratatosk leaned forward fists clenched, "Why would you consider that?"
"Don't you see?" I asked, "You and I need to atone for what we've done."
"Are you stupid?" Ratatosk growled with his teeth grit in hate. After growling for several seconds he then exploded at me with, "Do you understand what you're saying?"
"I do," I said with a serious look. I looked up at the nonexistent ceiling of my mind's world. "Verius!" I called out. "Lend me your power! I know that you can see what my heart has decided."
"Yes," I heard Verius' voice, "I understand."
A white light began to envelop the Ratatosk me, and I could feel myself being pulled into full consciousness. I opened my eyes to a familiar ceiling. I sat up slowly and looked around. This is…my room.
I then heard arguing going on in the hallway, but what surprised me about the arguing was that I could hear Ichigo's voice. I opened my door a crack.
"I'm saying how could you treat your nephew like that?" Ichigo shouted. "It doesn't matter where he came from or how he acts Flora. He's your sister's son!"
Ichigo...he was standing up for me in front of my aunt and uncle.
Without turning in my direction Ichigo said, "Emil you don't have to hide, come on out."
Sheepishly I opened the door and walked out into the middle of the hall. "U-um…" I started to stutter, but couldn't find the right words.
"W-Well what is it?" Uncle Alba wanted to know, getting defensive.
"I…um…"
"Come on you're a man, speak up," Ichigo quoted Marta.
I took a deep breath, "I…Aunt Flora…Uncle Alba…thank you…for everything you've done for me."
"You can't possibly mean that," Uncle Alba said disbelievingly.
"That's not true!" I said with conviction, "I mean, it's true that I hated you, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate you taking me in. I…during the journey…I wanted to come back and give it another try...for us to be like a real uncle and nephew," I shook my head, "No, a real father and son, but there's no more time for that now. That's why I wanted to at least come and say goodbye." I walked towards the door depressingly, "Come on Ichigo…"
"Emil, wait!" Aunt Flora called out. I turned to look in her and Uncle Alba's direction.
"We heard rumors of you stopping the revolt in Altamira. I don't know the details, but it seems you've gotten involved in some serious matters. You wanted to say goodbye. I assume that has something to do with whatever's going on?" Uncle Alba asked.
I turned around and nodded, "Yes."
"Then you should come back here to Luin, after you're done with all of that." Uncle Alba put his arm around Aunt Flora, who smiled at me. "That way your aunt and I will have a chance to give it another try."
"I…" I couldn't speak. They were going to try, even though there was no chance of me coming back from all this, the fact that they were going to try just made me feel happy.
"We'll be waiting for you to come back home," Aunt Flora smiled.
"Aunt Flora…Uncle Alba…thank you," I smiled and then walked out the door. I walked over to the fountain, where Lloyd's statue was.
"Emil, what's all this goodbye stuff for?" Ichigo was scowling at me.
"I…well…"
"Hmm?"
"I'm the summon spirit, Ratatosk, remember?" I hung my head, "Once we go to the Ginnungagap, I'll have to stay there." That wasn't the real reason, but I knew it was one Ichigo would accept.
Ichigo sighed and understood. "So that was what that was about? Is your other self okay with becoming the guardian of the door?"
"I…yes," I nodded.
Ichigo smirked, "Well all right then." I smiled back at him. After a few moments of silence Ichigo said. "What's say you and me take a trip around the world?"
"A trip around the world?" I tilted my head.
"Well since you'll be confined to the Ginungagap you won't be able to get out much. You might as well have a good picture of the world in your mind while you can hold onto it right?" Ichigo asked me.
I smiled wider. "You're right," I agreed. "Let's do that."
"Well okay then," Ichigo said. "Tenebrae."
"Yes?" Tenebrae appeared.
"Call out Zephyr, we'll use him for transport," Ichigo requested.
"As you wish," Tenebrae stated.
"Wait, aren't we going to wait for the others?" I asked.
"They split up," Ichigo said as Tenebrae gathered Zephyr's seal sphere in his tail. "We're all going to go to the Otherworldly Gate tomorrow and take an assault on Richter."
"Okay," I said only to notice a huge shadow overcast on me. I turned to see Zephyr looking huge. "When did Zephyr get so gigantic?"
"Impressive huh?" Ichigo asked with a smirk, "He reached his final stage of evolution after you passed out."
"I…I see," I said, still trying to take in Zephyr's massive size.
"So let's go," Ichigo and I climbed onto Zephyr and we took off.
Asgard
At Asgard, Ichigo and I walked around the town. We walked up to the stone dais and found Rukia there.
"Hey what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked her.
"Fixing things," she said.
"Fixing things?" I tilted my hand.
"Stand back," she said and drew out her sword as she faced the dais, "Dance, Sode no Shirayuki!" Rukia unsealed her sword, "Tsugi no Mai, Hakuren!" She covered the stone dais in ice. "There, that should do it."
"Should do what?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm cleaning up the mess you made of the dais. Can't have hapless tourists falling into that hole now can I?" Rukia asked.
"And you think covering with ice is any better?" Ichigo questioned.
"I think it's better than just leaving it be, hopefully the townspeople will come by to fix it up soon," I smiled.
"See Emil agrees with me," Rukia charmed.
"Whatever," Ichigo grumbled.
"Okay, your turn. What are you two up to?" Rukia asked.
"We're taking a trip around the world…so that I can have it engraved in my mind for when I stay in the Ginnungagap," I said.
"Heh, that sounds like a good idea," Rukia agreed.
"Well anyway, we want to get this trip done before nightfall," Ichigo stretched.
"Why nightfall?" I asked.
"Oh right, sorry, forgot to say that," Ichigo scratched his head and turned around, "Marta wants you to meet her on the bridge in Altamira by the theater after nightfall."
"Oh, I see," I said. Marta…
"Ichigo why don't you go on ahead? There's something I want to say to Emil," Rukia told him.
"Huh? Sure," Ichigo said and went to the town entrance.
"What is it Rukia?" I asked.
"I heard about what happened with Aster," she said.
"Oh…I see," I said.
"Emil…don't go letting that bother you. That's in the past. Even if your soul feels tainted don't let it drive you into a corner you can't pull away from," Rukia said, "Don't end up like me."
"Um…okay," I said.
"Good as long as you understand," Rukia said.
"I'm gonna go catch up with Ichigo," I said and headed for the town entrance.
Palmacosta
Upon arriving in Palmacosta we saw Genis in the town square. "Hey, it's everyone's favorite kid genius mage," Ichigo called to him.
"Oh, Ichigo, Emil. What's up guys?" Genis asked.
"We're going around seeing the world since I might not be able to once I regain my powers as a summon spirit," I told Genis.
"Oh yeah, you're a summon spirit. That must be weird," he told me. I gave a consenting sound of agreement.
"So how come you're here in Palmacosta?" I asked Genis.
"I wanted to see how Palmacosta was coming along ever since what happened with the giant tree. The last few times I was here construction was being done and people were living out here in tents," Genis stated.
"Oh…I see," I said.
"Where's Raine?" Ichigo asked Genis.
"My sister went to Sybak to do research," he answered, "I don't know what she's up to, but Raine gets a little funny sometimes when she's doing research."
"Sybak, eh?" Ichigo questioned.
"So what do you think of how the town's been rebuilt. All my memories are fake, so I don't know if the town is the same way it was," I slumped forward.
"Well the only real difference is that there aren't as many tall buildings. During our journey, I'd have to say Palmacosta was the third largest and most industrialized city. Meltokio and Altamira are much larger," Genis answered.
"Yeah no kidding," Ichigo agreed.
"Nice seeing you guys," Genis told us. "Hope you guys will be ready for tomorrow."
"Oh we will," Ichigo clenched his fist, "Count on it."
"Heh, same old you I see," Genis chuckled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo scowled.
"Nothing, nothing," Genis laughed, "Anyway see you guys tomorrow."
"Yeah, see ya," I said.
Sybak
Since we knew Raine would be in Sybak we decided to go there next. We found her sitting on a bench with a book in her lap. "What are you reading?" Ichigo asked her.
"Oh, Ichigo, Emil, what brings you two to Sybak?" she wanted to know.
"I want to etch the world into my mind, so I don't forget. Ichigo's keeping me company. How about you? Genis told us you came here to do research," I responded.
"Yes on the Ginnungagap," Raine answered.
"I thought Urahara-san was doing that so we can get into the damn place," Ichigo stated.
"There's nothing wrong with a little extra research," Raine said, "I'm a researcher. I'm curious. So far most of what I'm finding are bits and pieces. I can't imagine what Urahara and the others must be doing."
"Others?" Ichigo questioned.
Raine nodded, "Whatever he's up to, he adamantly requested that Miss Shihoin, Byakuya and Captain Hitsugaya help him out."
"Ah," Ichigo responded.
"By the way Ichigo, if you wouldn't mind could you go inside there's a book on one of the taller shelves inside that I can't reach," Raine handed Ichigo a reference card, "Mind fetching it for me."
"Sure…I guess," Ichigo went inside the library.
"Good, now that he's not around," Raine said, "Emil there's another reason I'm researching the Ginnungagap."
"Huh? There is?" I questioned.
"I'm hoping I might find something to be able to help you," Raine said and paused before adding, "How should I put this? I get the feeling you're going to make a tragic decision."
I tried to deny it, "I…I wouldn't…I…"
"I won't tell Ichigo. Getting him riled up would jeopardize the mission, but during the last journey, I witnessed many people suppressing their emotions all for the sake of the mission, much like I get the feeling you're doing now," she told me. "You're not alone in this. Don't think we want you to suffer for our sakes. Open your heart and trust us."
The door to the library opened and Ichigo handed the book to Raine, "Here you go."
"Thank you Ichigo," she told him.
"Anyway," Ichigo turned towards me, "You wanna head to the next town."
"Yes," I nodded.
"See you tomorrow you two," Raine told us.
Meltokio
When we got to Meltokio Zelos noticed us straight off when we reached the noble districts. "Yo, Ichigo, Emil what's up?"
"We're going around the globe so I can etch the world into my mind before I regain my full power," I said.
"Heh, gotcha," Zelos said and then added, "Man I'd hate to be in your shoes right now."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You're a summon spirit, someone's arch nemesis, and the destroyer of the world. Talk about an identity crisis," Zelos remarked.
"That's not funny," Ichigo scowled.
"Oooh, scary," Zelos mocked, "but seriously just because that's the way things are doesn't mean it's worth getting bent out of shape about it. No matter how much time you spend thinking about it, in the end, you can't erase your feelings. So it's okay to wait until the last moment to decide. Don't go and set your sights on dying like some sort of tragic hero." My fist unconsciously tensed. "That's all I wanted to say. I'll leave the rest to you. Whatever you decide, I'll back you up."
"Me too," Ichigo told me.
"Ichigo…Zelos…thank you," I said.
"So Ichigo when are you going to ditch the kid and have some alone time with your girl?" Zelos asked Ichigo.
"That is really not your business," Ichigo snapped.
"You should really think about lessening the tough guy act once in a while, it's not as scary as you think," Zelos told Ichigo.
"Whatever," Ichigo brushed Zelos off, "Let's go Emil."
"Right," I nodded in agreement.
Lloyd's house
"Where are we?" I asked Ichigo.
"This is Lloyd's house," Ichigo told me.
"This place? But it's so far from Iselia, isn't wandering through the forest dangerous?"
"It is, but that's never stopped Lloyd," Ichigo told me.
"What are we doing here anyway?" I asked. Ichigo grabbed the handle of my sword and drew it out. He swung it once.
"Oh yeah this thing has seen better days. Look at all the chips, dings and scorch marks. You definitely need a new sword," Ichigo told me. "Wait here. I'm going to go ask Dirk to forge us a new one."
"H-Hold on a minute, if it's my sword, I should pay for it and…"
"Hey this is my way of being courteous to a friend, besides," Ichigo said and drew out a small gald pouch and tossed it up in the air a few times and caught it with his hand, "I have." I realized that that was the gald that my Uncle Alba gave Ichigo for slaying the monsters. "Wait here okay. Or rather, don't leave the grounds."
"Okay," I agreed.
While Ichigo went inside to talk to Dirk I walked around the foundation. Lloyd seemed to live pretty comfortably. As I turned a bend I noticed Kratos standing over a gravesite. "Oh, Kratos."
He heard me and turned around, "Oh, it's you Ratatosk."
"Um…Kratos…could you please call me Emil…I…"
Kratos sighed. "I understand. Although that identity is false, it is important to you because it is what separates you from your other self."
"I…yes," I nodded. I walked closer to him. I looked at the headstone. "Who's Anna?" I asked.
"This is…where Lloyd's mother is buried," Kratos stated.
"O-oh," I sighed, "That's right…your Lloyd's real father." Kratos and I stood there silently for about a minute.
"Emil," Kratos said and broke the silence.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Do not make the same mistake I made. Running away from your sins doesn't help anyone. It may solve the problem, but it doesn't help anyone except yourself. Besides, if I know Lloyd and Ichigo as well as I should they'll never agree to it," Kratos told me.
"H-huh?" I was confused.
"I was once in your shoes. I tried to run away from my problems and forced myself into a corner where being killed by my companions was my only solution," Kratos told me.
"But…you're still here," I told him.
"Only because I am human and I was lucky. If you attempt to go the same route I did, I do not believe that same safety cushion will exist," he told me.
"I…"
"Oh, Kratos, I didn't realize you were here," I heard Ichigo's voice.
Kratos and I turned to face him, "I was visiting Noishe as Dirk suggested and I am also paying my respects to Anna."
"I see," Ichigo stated, "You should talk to Urahara about possibly going to Soul Society and see if you can't find her. She might be there."
"Hmm, perhaps," Kratos stated.
"Anyway," Ichigo tossed something at my feet. It was a sword with a black blade with green runes glowing around it. It had a platinum handle. "That's yours now."
I picked up the sword and swung it. "Wow, what's this called?"
"It's called the Demonic Torment, normally that costs a lot, but Dirk gave me a ninety percent friend discount and dropped the price to three hundred gald," Ichigo told me.
I gasped, "That's exactly…"
"Yeah, that's exactly what I earned from killing those monsters. I was wondering what I'd get with it, since I can't use it in the Soul Society or my hometown so I figured I'd get you a new weapon if you need one. I already got Sheena an apology present," he told me.
"Ichigo…thank you," I told him. I looked at the tree in front of me with a serious look. I charged straight at it. "Havoc Strike!" I said copying the move I had used when Ratatosk was in control. "Sword Rain Alpha!" After I saw the destruction I had done to the tree I realized that even though Ratatosk had been in control whenever I fought that I still retained all the muscle memory from when the techniques were used. I was worried about that when I made my decision, but it seems there was nothing for me to worry about.
"So you convinced Ratatosk to let you do some fighting, about time I guess," Ichigo smirked.
"Ah, yes," I nodded.
"Well all right then, anyway let's get going," he urged, "See you tomorrow for the final battle, Kratos."
"Take care," Kratos told us.
Iselia
We found Colette near the school. She was petting a dog.
"Is that your dog?" I asked Colette.
"Huh? Oh, no he belongs to one of the villagers. Grandma won't let me keep any pets," she said.
"Gee I wonder why," rolled his shoulders forward in a sigh.
"She said it's because I don't have enough responsibility to keep a pet," Colette answered.
Ichigo sighed, "Sarcasm is a foreign language to you isn't it?"
"Huh?" Colette was confused.
Ichigo facepalmed, "Never mind."
"Um…okay," Colette said with the usual cheerful smile she always had on. "So what brings you two to Iselia?"
"I'm just taking one last trip around the world," Emil said.
"I get it. Remembering all the beautiful places you visit will keep you inspired while you're protecting our world from Niflheim," Colette said cheerfully.
"Yup, exactly," I nodded.
"But once you regain your power as a summon spirit, does that mean we won't see each other again?" Colette asked, playing with her fingers.
"I'm not sure, but probably," I said.
"That's so sad. We just became friends and everything," Colette seemed down.
Somehow whenever her or Marta got depressed it just dragged me down to their level. "Yeah, but I have to accept my duty," I told Colette.
"I used to think like that, too," Colette spoke up. "I was told that I had to go on a journey to regenerate the world. If that was my duty, then I was ready to give up my life for it."
"That's right you're the chosen of regeneration," I remembered.
"Oh yeah, how could I forget what we went through to keep you here with us?" Ichigo smirked happily.
Colette giggled with her hands balled up by her chin. She returned to be serious and said, "But you know, that's not right. You have to survive, too, while also protecting the world. No matter how naive people may say you are, you can't just decide from the start that it's okay to die."
"Emil's not going anywhere," Ichigo pat me on the shoulder, "He's a summon spirit so he'll always be around. He…just won't have freedom of movement is all, but hey if possible we could always have Sheena form a pact with him."
"You're right that's a great idea," Colette beamed.
A pact, hmm…I should've figured Ichigo might suggest that.
"Tomorrow, let's go out there and stop Richter and protect the world we love okay?" Colette asked. Ichigo and I nodded in agreement.
Triet
The sandy desert had returned to being just that. As Ichigo and I wandered through it we saw Rangiku by the oasis, but she…she wasn't dressed professionally. She was wearing sunglasses and lounging on a towel in a bikini, while reading a magazine. She was using her shinigami clothes as a head rest.
"What are you doing?" Ichigo asked, almost sounding slightly annoyed.
"Oh, Ichigo, Emil hello," she said all bubbly. "What brings you to Triet?"
"We're taking a trip so Emil can see the world one last time before he accepts his role as a Summon Spirit. More importantly why are you dressed like that?" Ichigo snapped.
"What? You don't like it? I think it shows off my assets quite nicely," She pushed on the undersides of her breasts causing them to bounce. My face was so red. I thought I might be feeling a nosebleed coming on.
"I didn't say I didn't like it, but what the hell are you doing?" Ichigo roared.
"Well since my captain's busy doing work I figured I'd spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sunshine of the Triet oasis. I'd go to Altamira, but it's so noisy what with all the construction going on," she said looking up at the sky. "And besides the weather is a lot nicer here in Triet anyway," Rangiku stated. "Speaking of warm weather and such," she turned her back to us and picked up a bottle of sunscreen. "Emil could you be a dear and rub some suntan lotion on my back?"
WHAT? "Uhhhhh…ummmmm…"
"You are a cruel devious woman," Ichigo said to her.
"What's the problem?" Rangiku asked, putting her sunglasses flush over her eyes, "It's not like I'm asking him to rub it on my chest." After hearing that, I couldn't help but wind up staring at Rangiku's chest. My face and lower body grew to its optimum level of arousal. I felt blood start to drip from my nose and I fell backwards onto the sand and passed out.
When I woke up I was in the Triet inn. Ichigo was in the lounge chair in the room I was in. When I asked him what happened with Rangiku he said he wound up doing it. He seemed really flustered by it. I could understand. I mean he has a girlfriend and all and...Rangiku's really hot.
Izoold
We walked around Izoold for a bit until we got to the harbor. Regal was there talking to some sailors.
"Regal!" Ichigo called out. Regal waved and the sailors walked away. We jogged up to him.
"Emil, Ichigo, what brings you to these parts?" Regal asked.
"I wanted to go out and see the world so Ichigo's taking me on a tour," I said. "What are you up to? I thought for sure you'd be back to work in Altamira."
"I came to make certain the situation here was under control," Regal answered.
"Oh, you mean to see if the fires stopped after we hatched Lumen's core?" I asked.
Regal nodded, "Indeed. Thankfully it would appear conditions have returned to normal."
"That's good to hear. You really impress me, Regal. All I've been doing is thinking about myself. It didn't even cross my mind to check on things here in Izoold," I said.
"Not at all," Regal shook his head, "I think serious reflection is exactly what you should be doing right now. And of course, we can handle anything that comes our way in the meantime."
I smiled. "You've been kind and supportive from the very beginning. I appreciate that."
All of a sudden we heard screaming. Ichigo and I turned to see Zephyr chewing on a weather vane attached to the inn. Ichigo ran over his way. "Zephyr! No! Bad boy! Stop that!"
Regal and I both laughed. He then said to me, "You have treated me with courtesy from the first time we met. People mirror how you act towards them. One cannot hide an ugly heart no matter how hard one tries to conceal it. If I've treated you with kindness and respect, it's only due to your own kindness and virtue."
"But I'm…Ratatosk," I reminded him.
"Well then, perhaps virtue like yours exists within Ratatosk as well. We believe in your virtue that's why we're helping you," Regal stated. "Anyway I suppose we should go help Ichigo apologize to the villagers. I believe I'll have to pay for repairs. That poor weather vane."
"I'm more worried Zephyr might choke," I admitted.
Hima
This was the first time I had ever been to Hima so I was fascinated by the outlook of the mountain village. I really liked the breeze at the top of the mountain. It was so…liberating.
"Ichigo! Emil!" Both of us turned to see Renji.
"Oh, hey Renji, what's up?" Ichigo asked.
"Rukia said that when she first arrived here that there were monsters everywhere, but this place seems to have calmed down since," Renji stated.
"Maybe it's from hatching all the Centurions cores. Perhaps a combination of Solum and Ventus," I suggested.
"Perhaps," Renji said. He walked to the edge of the cliff. "I remember when we came here the last time," he said to Ichigo.
"Yeah that was back when we thought this world was still a game," Ichigo said.
"A game?" I questioned.
"It's a long story," Ichigo said sheepishly rubbing his hand thorough his hair.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I said. Ichigo chuckled. "What's so funny?" I asked.
"It's just…we've been on this journey for so long and you've changed a lot since we first met, but I guess some things never change," He smiled.
"Oh, you mean how I still over apologize," I slumped forward.
"Hey," Ichigo put a hand on my shoulder, "That's just part of who you are. Sure it's a little annoying, but the fact that it's still a part of you means something. It means that the compassion you've always had is still there Emil."
I picked my head up, "Thanks Ichigo."
"So what are you guys doing here anyway?" Renji asked.
"I'm taking Emil on a journey around Aselia since he won't be able to get out much once he assumes the role of protecting the world," I said.
"That's not a bad idea," Renji agreed, "I think once I finish my report inside the inn I might take the Rheaird that Nel lent me and take a look around. This is such a wondrous world. It sure beats the hell out of your backwater town."
"Say that again, I dare you," Ichigo grumbled.
"You two have a really good friendship with each other," I smiled.
"Me be friends with a hot headed idiot like this guy?" the both said at the same time. "Who are you calling a hot head?" they pointed at each other. They then began wrestling with each other.
"My, my humans are such peculiar creatures," Tenebrae said. I laughed nervously.
Ozette
We dropped by Ozette and saw Presea hauling a large bundle of wood behind her as she brought it to some villagers. They then struggled to carry it themselves.
"Nice to see the villagers accepting you as one of their own again," Ichigo called out to her.
She turned towards us. "Oh, Ichigo, Emil."
"Hi Presea, what are you up to?" I asked.
"Well at first I was bringing back the Iron Maiden back to Altamira, but some of the villagers asked if I could cut some wood for the Ozette restoration project," she said.
"Oh yeah, Cruxis destroyed the village last time we were here didn't they?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, so much work is being done to restore Ozette to its former glory," she responded.
"Well, it's good to know the villagers are asking you to help out," Ichigo said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Presea is a lot older than she looks, she was affected by the paratism of the exsphere on her neck for a long time. If it wasn't for us her time may not be moving forward again," Ichigo answered.
"Yes, speaking of which, how is Orihime?" Presea asked.
"Inoue?" I scratched my head, "I haven't seen her in person since I started college, but last I spoke to her over the phone she seemed to be doing all right."
"That is good to hear," Presea said, smiling.
"Speaking of Orihime, what's she like?" I asked Ichigo. I remembered when he mentioned her back when we were trying to help Berg.
"She's really kind, kind of ditzy and really smart," Ichigo answered.
"She sounds a lot like Colette," I said, lauching a little.
Ichigo thought for a moment. "Yeah I could see that," he sighed.
"Yes, she's a very nice person," Presea said and looked at me. "You two would be instant friends."
"Really?"
"Yes, Orihime is very kind and gentle, much like you are. It's a shame she's not here for you to meet her," Presea said only to say to Ichigo, "Maybe the next time you come to Aselia you could take Orihime to visit Emil at the Ginnungagap."
"Hey that's not a bad idea, why didn't I think of that before?" Ichigo asked rhetorically. "If Emil can't come to us we'll go to Emil." I just smiled and didn't say anything.
Flanoir
The moment we reached the entrance to the snowy village, Ichigo let out a deep breath. "This place sure brings back a lot of memories."
"Why? What happened in Flanoir that's so memorable?" I asked Ichigo.
"Let's just say some of my fonder memories with Sheena reside here," he said.
"I don't really get it, but I guess this village means a lot to the two of you," I said.
"Yeah…kind of," Ichigo scratched his head.
We wandered around the village until we walked near the clock tower. "Oh hey it's Lloyd." Ichigo said and waved to the red clad swordsman. Lloyd didn't respond. We walked closer to him only to see he was deep in thought. "Paging Mr. Irving."
Lloyd snapped out of his thoughts and opened his eyes to see us. "Oh, Ichigo, Emil, good to see you. What brings you all the way out here?"
"Ichigo's taking me to see the world, sine this is my last chance," I said.
"Guess you won't be able to get out as much as the guardian of the Ginnungagap huh?" Lloyd stated.
"Okay your turn," Ichigo said, "Why are you here?"
"Yeah, Decus, disguised as you, did some terrible things to this city. Are you okay about being here?" I asked him.
"I didn't do anything wrong, so there's no need for me to feel ashamed, regardless of what anyone says," he said, folding his arms.
"Oh please, cut the crap Lloyd," Ichigo didn't seem to buy Lloyd's statement. I guess he would know better than me if Lloyd was lying or not.
Lloyd sighed and said, "To tell you the truth, it is kind of tough. People are always saying how strong I am. Some probably think I don't feel anything at all. But I'm still human. There are times I want to run away. Times I just want to cry. But this is how I've chosen to live my life. During the world regeneration, I made up my mind to never lose to the weakness in my heart."
"That's certainly adamant of you," Ichigo told him.
"Why do you always make yourself out to be so strong anyway?" I asked Lloyd.
"I can take a guess," Ichigo said, "Colette right?"
Lloyd blushed for a moment and said, "Y-yeah, she's well…she's very important to me. During the journey of regeneration she never let herself show any emotion. She didn't show fear, sadness, anger or worry and so…I want to be there to be a pillar of strength she can lean on when she feels down."
"Preferably one she can't knock over," Ichigo jostled.
"Hey I'm trying to be serious here," Lloyd bemoaned.
"Haha sorry," Ichigo laughed.
Lloyd then stuck his hand out, palm side down. "Tomorrow it'll be up to the three of us to set things right. Let the heroes of old, new and the outside band together to protect the world!"
"Yeah!" Ichigo agreed putting his hand on top of Lloyd.
"Yeah! Tomorrow we'll protect the world!" I declared and put my hand on top of Ichigo's.
Mizuho
The sun was starting to set by the time we reached the ninja village. Ichigo and I walked right over to Sheena. "Sorry I took so long to get here," Ichigo said to Sheena.
"Hey, at least you're here," she said to him.
"Hey, Sheena, is the village all right?" I asked. "I mean the Vanguard knows where it's located now so…"
Sheena chuckled, "No need to worry about us. We'd planned to move the village soon anyway."
Ichigo growled, "Gah! Again? I was just getting used to coming to this spot too!"
Sheena laughed, "Don't worry, I think you'll like where we plan on moving to next time."
"And just what pray tell is that supposed to mean?" Ichigo asked.
"It's a surprise," Sheena laughed.
"I hate surprises," Ichigo growled.
"Well you'll like this one," she laughed.
"Well if you say so," Ichigo said.
"By the way, Emil," Sheena called to me.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Once you regain your power as a summon spirit, can you make a pact with me?" she asked.
"I'm not sure," I said, "but all the other summon spirits can make pacts, so I don't see why not."
"And even if you can't we'll still come and visit you," Ichigo told me. "Like I said when we were in Ozette, if you can't come to us, we'll come to you."
"Ichigo," I was happy he was so kind.
"Anyway," Ichigo said and whistled. Zephyr came by and grabbed me in his talon. I gasped as he threw me up in the air and had me land on his back. "Take him to Altamira," Ichigo instructed Zephyr.
"Huh? You're not coming with me?" I asked.
"Marta wants to see you remember? You two need some alone time," Ichigo told me.
"B-But…"
"No buts, get going, both of you," Ichigo said, indicating Zephyr. The large bird let out a cry and with me on board, flew away."
Altamira
It was night time by the time we made it to the city. Zephyr desummoned himself and I felt a twinge of Mana as his essence seemed to flow back into my body. So this is what it's like…to be the other me. I said to myself. I walked down the city streets and took the tramway to the theater area. I saw Marta standing on the bridge looking over the sea. "Sorry to keep you waiting," I said to Marta as I walked up to her.
"Don't worry about it," she said all bubbly, as she turned to face me. "Thanks for coming."
"So…how is your father doing?" I asked.
"Much better, thank you. He's stable now." She turned to face the water again. "They're going to transfer him to Meltokio's prison soon."
"Oh I see," I said and stood next to her.
"When this battle is all over I'll need to head over there and receive punishment as a member of the Vanguard as well," Marta told me.
"You too?" I questioned. Marta didn't have anything to do with the Vanguard's actions as of late, why should she be punished?
"Yes, of course! I guess first I'll need to dissolve the Vanguard in Daddy's place, and then I'll serve my sentence. And after that..." her voice trailed off.
She wasn't speaking up so I said, "After that?"
Marta breathed and then said, "After that I'll find a different way from the Vanguard to bring peace to Sylvarant and Tethe'alla." She turned towards me and smiled. "Colette and the others will help out, too."
"That's great. I'm sure you can do it Marta," I told her, "I just wish there was something that I could do…to help out too."
Marta turned back to face the ocean, "So I guess...since you're the guardian of the Ginnungagap you would need to stay there and protect the door."
"Yeah, probably," I said, nodding my head.
There was a semi-long silence before Marta said, "Then I guess we'll never see each other again after this is over."
"Yeah," I nodded depressingly.
"Tell me something," Marta turned towards me, distraught, "How can you just stand there and act so calm?" Her eyes started to tear up. "I guess I really don't mean anything to you. Even after all the time we've spent together."
"N-no, Marta," I reached out to her, "I-I didn't mean it like..."
She ran towards me and fell against me. Her hands gripped my shirt. Her head was buried into my chest. "Emil…I…I want to stay with you," she sobbed.
"Marta," I looked at her with solemn eyes.
"I don't care if you're a summon spirit. I know you who you really are. You've always tried your best and that's the Emil that I love," she told me, looking up at me.
I was almost at a loss for words. Key words being almost. "Oh Marta, I…I don't know what to say. Marta…you've always been there for me and…and…I…Marta I lo—"
I couldn't speak. Not because my voice left me, but because Marta stood on her tiptoes and locked her mouth against mine. Instinctively I wrapped my arms around her narrow body and kissed her back. We stood there for a really long time. After we broke away Marta stood there, beaming. "You don't have to say it," she said. "I know." She turned back to face the ocean. So did I. I placed my hand on top of hers. "Emil, I want you to make a pact with me after you've regained Ratatosk's power. That way I'll be able to see you whenever I want to." She paused and then said depressingly. "Of course…I don't have any summoning abilities."
"Marta," I said, "I don't know whether or not I'll be able to see you again, but I'm a summon spirit, and I'll always exist in this world. And as long as I exist, you'll always be in my heart no matter what. Always. Even if you grow up and find somebody else to love one day."
She leaned against me, "Emil, don't be stupid! There won't ever be anyone else for me."
We stood there looking at the ocean, listening to the crashing of the waves and smelling the sea air until a cold gust blew through us. "I-It's starting to get cold outside," I said. "We should probably head back to the hotel."
"You're right," Marta said.
Altamira Hotel
3rd Person pov
Marta walked straight up to the receptionist. "One room plese."
The receptionist handed her a key. She then noticed Emil. "Oh is that your boyfriend?"
"Yes, yes he is," Marta said with gusto.
The receptionist took back the key and handed Marta a different one, "Here you go then. I think this room will better suit the two of you. Enjoy."
"Thank you," Marta said and turned towards Emil. "Come on, let's go."
They went up to the 5th floor of the hotel and Marta unlocked the door to the room. There was a single king sized bed inside with curtains around it for "privacy". "Ah! It's perfect," Marta squealed.
"Y-yeah," Emil blushing slightly.
"Emil," Marta said staring at the ground, flushing.
"What is it Marta?" Emil asked.
"Will you…sleep with me?" she asked.
Emil was confused, "there's only one bed so don't I…"
"That's not…" Marta realized her animosity and then cleared her throat, before saying much more maidenly, "That's not what I meant." Her face was completely flushed.
"What did you mean then?" Emil asked. Marta leaned over to Emil and began whispering things into his ear. The blonde's eyes widened. After a while longer his cheeks turned red and then his whole face turned bright red. Marta then looked at Emil, the same innocent, flushed, maidenly look on her face.
"So…will you?" she asked.
"I…I don't know I…"
"This might be our only chance," Marta pleaded, "So please…" she grabbed Emil's scarf, "I want you to be with me while we have this moment!"
"But…I've never done this," Emil told her.
"Neither have I but I…I just want you Emil," she told him.
"Marta," Emil pulled her towards him and kissed her tenderly. After the kiss clothes began being discarded and the two lay down in bed with Marta hovering over Emil. "Come closer, Emil," Marta urged. Emil leaned down and flicked his tongue across Marta's left nipple. "Hah…Emil," Marta moaned. Emil pulled up from Marta's chest. He looked at her maidenly face and the two kissed again. Emil then entered her and the two began to experience life's greatest joy together. Emil remained gentle all throughout the moment as Marta moaned his name and moaned it loudly. She gripped the bed sheets hard as she let the immense pleasure flow through her. "Oh Emil," she squealed in orgasmic glee.
Emil could hardly believe this was happening. He thought it all had to be a dream. He never thought that he'd ever experience anything like this with Marta. But the intense pleasure flowing through him told him otherwise.
Marta began to feel the pleasure surge through her body at an intense rate. Her heart began to beat rapidly. She could feel the need to cum quickly approaching. "E-Emil…I…I'm going to…"
"Marta…I don't think…I can…do this…much longer," Emil told her.
"I…I know…" Marta gasped in orgasm. She began to gasp and moan and then bucked her hips forward and came in an intense orgasm. Emil also climaxed and ejaculated inside of Marta. He pulled out and then woozily collapsed next to Marta. "That was amazing Emil," Marta smiled at him, stroking the side of his face. "I love you."
"I know," Emil smiled back at her. Marta reached over behind her and pulled the curtain to cover her and her lover. She and Emil cuddled up and they fell asleep.
Emil…I'll always love you
(A/N: Wow this was a LONG chapter. I mean there are…OVER 9000 words. I really liked doing the Marta/Emil lemon although now that I think about it Marta should've been on top. She "wears the pants" in the relationship as Tenebrae once noted in the game. Anyway I really hoped you guys enjoyed this fluffy, friendly and extremely romantic chapter. There's not much more to go. We just have the battles to come at the Ginnungagap and that's it! But that means 5 back to back fight scenes. That's going to be SO IRRITATING! [I like dialogue much more than I like fight scenes so doing back to back ones will be a pain]. Anyway I hoped you guys liked this and I want to see reviews. See you all later!)
