Disclaimer: All characters belong to Square (or Squaresoft, whichever the proper name is).

Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. I know some people got confused, and let me assure you that Serge & Harle are NOT a couple. They're just friends. Serge asked her to come with him because she knows what it's like to be a demi-human. Got it? Good! This will make no sense unless you've read the rest of the series, and even then you'll be confused, but you'll understand later (hopefully).

Summary: Kid returns to her painful past, while Serge meets a small girl with similar powers to his own.

Savior from the Sea
Part 1: Meeting Marie


It wasn't an unfamiliar sight anymore. Serge was getting more and more skilled in his water form, and now that he had a firm grip on his powers, there was nothing he liked more than trying new things. Which was how Harle found herself zooming across the ocean atop a slab of ice. Not that she minded or anything like that. Just being with Serge was a learning experience.

Serge was becoming, for lack of a better phrase, very excited about his rediscovered powers. He was like a kid in a candy store, always coming up with new ways to use them. Just yesterday he'd found out that he could control the temperature of water (which was how they got the slab of ice).

"Hey, Harle?" he asked suddenly.

"Oui, mon ami?"

"Are you familiar with this area?"

Harle took a moment to glance around. "I do not t'ink so."

"Oh. In that case, we're lost. But don't worry, I'll stop at the first town and ask for directions."

That was just like Serge, never being worried about important things, like being totally lost. The only thing he really seemed to worry about was Kid's safe return. Of course, he might not have worried so much if he actually knew where she was, but Harle had a feeling that wherever it was, it couldn't be a very pleasant place.

* * * * *

Bargos didn't like tourists. They dressed funny, talked too much, and always asked the wrong questions. The stranger walking into the bar just then was a perfect example. She was wearing a long, brown robe with a hood that hid most of her face.

She walked right up to the bar, pulled back her hood, and asked, "Do you know the way to Wynn Castle?"

Bargos frowned. "Nobody goes up there anymore."

"Then you do know the way?" she pressed.

"Yeah, but I ain't-"

She grabbed him by the throat and nearly pulled him over the bar. "You WILL take me there."

Bargos stared into her blue eyes. "Uh...sure, lady!"

"Good." She let go and took off her gloves. "Get me some rum."

Bargos quickly turned away, silently hoping the drink was in stock. He didn't want to think about what might happen if it wasn't. Luckily, he spotted a final bottle on the bottom shelf. He grabbed it and placed it on the counter.

The young woman said nothing else. She was focused solely on the rum, which gradually vanished over the next ten minutes. After that, she looked at him and said, "We leave NOW."

Bargos didn't dare argue. "We'll need horse-"

"We can share mine."

"But the forest is dangerous at night! We might run into thieves, or worse!"

The young woman smirked at him. "The forest is only dangerous at night. I'm dangerous all the time, mate."

Within minutes, Bargos found himself riding behind the young woman, clutching her slim waist tight enough to stay on the horse, but loosely enough so that she wouldn't beat his head in.

Bargos wasn't really sure what to make of her. He recalled from when she nearly pulled him over the bar that she was very strong and quite beautiful, easily the most attractive patron he'd had in a long time. He couldn't figure out why she (or anyone else, for that matter) would want to go to Wynn Castle, especially in the middle of the night. It was said to be haunted by the spirit of an evil dragon. Bargos certainly had no intention of meeting it, but he didn't know what fate was in store for him that night.

* * * * *

The town of Berdel was actually populated by both humans and demi-humans. Serge had never seen the two species get along, and it was an eye-opening experience for him.

Harle, however, didn't seem too surprised. "You have traveled between two worlds, mon ami. Surely you know zat all people do not behave ze same way? Zere is no reason why humans and demi-humans cannot live ze peaceful life together."

Serge managed to stop staring as much after that. Still, the idea intrigued him. He was even considering staying in Berdel for a while when he felt a small tug on his hand. "What is it, Harle?"

"Zat was not me, Serge. I t'ink you have a shadow."

Serge stopped and looked down to see a little girl holding onto his hand. She had pink hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. "Hi there," Serge said after a moment.

The girl squeezed his hand. "Father," she whispered.

Serge blinked. "Um...I'm not-"

"Marie!" a voice called.

Serge and Harle looked up to see a woman running towards them.

She scooped up the girl, who instantly began struggling and trying to reach for Serge. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Marie doesn't usually run off like this. Was she bothering you?"

Serge shook his head. "No, she was just being friendly."

"I can't imagine she would just grab you like that."

Harle's eyes widened a bit. "I t'ink I can. Show her, mon ami."

Serge looked at Harle. "Show her what?"

Harle nodded. "You know."

Serge looked uncertain. "Okay." He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, the world was coated in blue.

Marie's mother gasped. At first, Serge thought she might be alarmed by his true form. But then he noticed Marie's legs were missing. In their place was a large, green tail, much like a fish's.

"How did you know, Harle?"

Harle pointed to Marie's neck. "I saw her gills," she replied simply.

The woman blinked several times. "That's...amazing," she said slowly. "I've never known anyone that Marie could relate to." She shook her head and smiled. "We'd be honored if you two would join us for dinner."

Before Serge could say anything, Marie latched onto his hand again. Her tail was gone now, and he could now see the gills along her neck that he'd missed before. She was staring up at him with a hopeful look in her eyes.

"I guess it couldn't hurt," he said at last, grinning as Marie's face lit up.

* * * * *

"Y'know, you can leave now, mate."

Bargos looked up. "No, I can't. You expect me to just leave you in this creepy castle by yourself?"

The young woman turned to look at him. "And why wouldn't you?"

Bargos stuck out his chest a bit. "I'm a gentleman. I would never abandon a fair maiden."

The young woman chuckled quietly and turned away.

Bargos didn't see any reason to mention that he was afraid to leave by himself. "So, what are you looking for in here, anyway?"

"My past," she replied sharply.

"Hey, sorry! Didn't mean to pry!"

She sighed. "No, I'm sorry. I'm just anxious." She glanced back at him. "Name's Kid, by the way."

Bargos held out his hand. "Bargos Chulat."

Kid shook it. "So, Bargos. Any idea where the Chamber of Blood might be?"

His eyes widened. "You want to go there?!"

"Yeah. Problem, mate?"

"Uh...no," he muttered. "Follow me."

Kid grinned. "Thanks."

They continued up the winding staircase. Bargos led the way, as he'd been to the castle and knew most of the paths, and because he had the only torch. He knew Kid wasn't the 'scared-of-the-dark' type, so he figured she was only breathing down his neck because she really was anxious to find something.

When they reached the top of the stairs, a foul smell invaded his nose. Bargos stopped, trying to figure out what it was. However, Kid walked past him. "Uh...don't you smell that?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied. "It's blood."

"What?!"

"Don't worry, it's old blood by now. That's why it smells."

Somehow, that didn't make Bargos feel any better. He was just about to say so when a low rumble shook the castle. His eyes widened. "What was that?!"

"You superstitious?" Kid asked.

"A little. Why?"

"In that case, it was probably the dragon that's supposed to live here." She sniffed the air.

"You mean you don't believe in dragons?" he asked.

Kid grinned. "I'm not superstitious, but I've seen my share of dragons, mate. Usually, they all have one thing in common."

Bargos sighed in relief. Surely, Kid knew about some weakness that all dragons had. "What's that?"

She flashed him a grim smile. "They're scary as hell."

* * * * *

Marie didn't say much, be she obviously had her own way of doing things. At dinner, she would only sit between Harle and Serge. She watched him carefully, only eating the foods that he ate, whether she liked them or not. When it was time for her bath, she grew upset and insisted that Serge bathe her. Naturally, Serge had turned bright red and quietly declined. Finally, Marie had settled for Harle instead, and the two had gone to the rear of the house.

Marie's mother was quite embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she kept saying. "I don't know what's gotten into that girl today."

"I sometimes have strange effects on people," Serge pointed out. It was true enough, in his mind.

"That may be, but I've never seen Marie cling to anyone so quickly."
She paused and looked at him. "Are you...skilled with your powers?"

"I'm still learning," he admitted. "But I know quite a bit."

"And you'll only be here until tomorrow?"

Serge sensed something more behind her words. "That's right. We're just passing through."

The woman hesitated, but only for a moment. "Would you consider taking Marie with you?"

Serge blinked in disbelief. "You mean...you don't want her?"

"Oh, it's nothing like that, no! I love Marie dearly. It's just that...I don't anything about her gifts, except what she shows me. I want her to learn how to use them. She seems to be taken with you, and you obviously have more experience in that area. I know taking care of a child is difficult, but it wouldn't be forever."

Serge looked thoughtful. Marie was very attached to him, and she'd even called him "Father" when the first met. Harle seemed to be fond of the little girl, too. He was certain she wouldn't mind Marie coming with them. On the other hand, he didn't really know too much about children.

Marie's mother could see he was having trouble deciding. "You can give me your answer in the morning. I'll go prepare your rooms." She stopped and blushed a bit. "That is, unless you and Harle...um..."

Understanding dawned on Serge, and he blushed as well. "Seperate rooms, please," he said with a nod. It wasn't that he didn't like Harle, but sleeping together would give her...ideas. Besides, he wasn't in love with her. His heart belonged to Kid...wherever she might be.

* * * * *

Kid had a feeling something major was about to happen. But as she walked into the large room, she realized that was an enourmous understatement, and stopped.

Bargos, who had been following closely, bumped into her from behind.

Kid grabbed his arm. "Mate, hand me that torch."

Bargos obeyed. "What are you going to do?"

"Shed a little light on the matter." She closed her eyes, and her body seemed to shudder. Suddenly, she shouted, "RedPin!"

Bargos wasn't sure what happened after that. It looked as if lasers flew from her hand, went through the flame, and darted across the room. However, he was sure there was an angry grunt from the darkness. Then he heard the low rumble again.

The darkness seemed to shift a bit, but both soon realized that there was a large shape coming towards them. Without hesitation, Kid took a step forward and held the torch before her. The flame's light revealed a large, scale-covered snout, jagged teeth, and two yellow eyes.

Bargos gulped. "I-Is that...w-what I think it is?"

Kid didn't reply.

The creature growled softly, and then spoke in a voice that shook the walls. "I am the Dark Dragon of Castle Wynn. State your business, or be devoured."

Kid took a deep breath. "We seek the Chamber of Blood."

The black dragon peered at them closely. Finally, he said, "Only you may enter. Your companion must stay."

Kid nodded. "Agreed."

The dragon came closer and lowered his head to the floor. "Climb on."

Bargos watched in shock as Kid climbed onto the dragon's snout. The dragon slowly stood, drawing up to his full height.

"Be warned, child," the dragon said. "The pit reflects only the past. If you cannot bear it-"

"I can take care of myself," Kid interrupted.

There was a rumbling sound in his throat. "Very well." He stretched his neck upward. "There is a ledge just in front of you. The Chamber of blood is just beyond it."

Kid held up her torch, and could just make out the ledge. She leaped onto it with no trouble and continued forward, into the darkness.

* * * * *

Harle carefully pulled the nightshirt over Marie's head. "Zere you are, little one. All ready for bed, oui?"

"No," Marie replied quietly. "Wanna hear a story."

Harle frowned a bit. "Impossible. I do not know, how you say, ze fairy tales."

Marie simply pulled a book from her nightstand and held it up.

Harle hesitantly took the book and glanced at the cover. "Why would you want to hear aboot ze three pigs?"

Marie only stared at her expectantly.

Harle sighed. "Very well. But zen you go to bed, oui?"

Marie nodded.

Harle opened the book and began to read. "Once upon a time, zere where three little pigs. Zeir names were Serge, Kid, and Harle."

Marie looked up. "That's not how it goes."

Harle arched an eyebrow. "Do you want ze story or not?"

Marie glared at her, but said nothing.

"Serge was a very brave and kind pig. He always helped ze other two whenever they needed him. However, Kid was a mean and naughty pig. She was often rude, too. Harle was a sweet and seductive pig, and she-"

"What's a ductive?" Marie interrupted.

"Not A ductive, seductive," Harle corrected her.

"Well, what is it?"

Harle thought for a moment. "It means very pretty."

"Oh."

"One day, a big, bad cat named Monsieur Lynx came to ze pig's house."

Marie frowned. "That's not in the book!"

Harle smirked. "Come and see."

Marie got out of bed and climbed into her lap. She started intently at the book for a few moments. "It doesn't say that!"

"Can YOU read?" Harle asked.

Marie didn't say anything.

"Zen how do YOU know what ze book says?"

"Cuz I do! Mama never tells it that way!"

"Well, I thought you might be tired of ze same story every night, so I made ze small changes."

Marie looked thoughtful. "Will you tell me the rest of it later?"

"Of course. But now, you must go to bed."

Surprisingly enough, Marie didn't offer a word of protest as she climbed back into bed.

Harle tucked the girl in and patted her head. "Sleep well, little one."

Marie yawned and closed her eyes. "Night, Harle."

Harle leaned over and kissed her forehead before leaving the room and turning off the light. As she closed the door, a voice spoke behind.

"I think I'd like to hear the rest of the story, too."

Harle gasped and spun around. "Serge! How long have you been zere?!"

"Long enough," he replied with a grin. "You'll make a great mother someday, Harle."

She blushed, but only for a few seconds. "Will you be requiring a story tonight, mon ami? Or perhaps, to be tucked in? Or maybe even ze cuddling?"

Then it was Serge's turn to blush. "Uh...no. But thanks for the offer."

"Of course." Harle came closer and drew his head down, placing a kiss on his nose. "Sweet dreams, mon ami," she whispered, and then added with a smile, "of me."

Serge chuckled and returned the kiss, but on her forehead. "Sleep well, Harle." He turned away and disappeared into his room.

Harle sighed. "Poor Serge. He smiles outside, but he hurts inside. Kid better have a good excuse for leaving mon ami when she returns."


Continued in Part 2: The Chamber of Blood