The Iris Chronicles Book#1

Hi Mallow here, now here is the forth chapter. Iris and her friends both new and old is about to enter the Sleeping Forest, which in the game was only a minor place but in this story actually plays a very big role. (Like come on who would have used the Lunar Harp as an important item? You didn't see that one coming I'm sure.)

Again I am forced to repeat this (and I'm getting tired of saying it too) I do not own FF7 characters and/or locations. However I do own all made up characters including Iris, and other made up locations. Again I extend a special thanks to everyone whom I personally e-mailed to make up characters, I couldn't get the story rolling without you.

Now let's get to the story :)

Chapter 4: The boy filled with hate and the other last Cetra

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We last left Iris she started her journey but was met with some unexpected things. Her friends Jen, Lena and Christi have joined her, they met the some-what persistent Lance Kinneas who now fights along side with them and pilots a buggy for them and than there was JON the mysterious cyborg which will be left at that. The group is now at Bone Village.

Man: so...hey it's you again kid, do you have the harp?

Iris: yep

Man: good so whenever you're in the forest chime the harp and you'll leave, be careful...um your not planning to drive that thing in there are you?

Lance: hey it's an off road vehicle isn't it?

Jen: don't tell me he's going to

Lance unbelievably actually drove the buggy through the village (somehow not hurting or damaging anything) and into the forest. It was a quick way to travel well at least it was until the lushness of the trees forced them to walk.

Lance: remember that's where we parked

Lena: riiiight...

Several hours had passed after the group left the Shinra building, got the Lunar Harp (after a lot work), entered the foreboding Sleeping Forest and seemed to have been wondering in it up till now. It wasn't all that bad except for Lance's asking of why they were there every so often.

Lance: so why are we here again?

Iris: do I have to tell you again? We're trying to find a village that exists in this forest, from there find an old Ancient structure and than battle Sephiroth and find my mother who is the only person who can save my dad

Lance: with an agenda like that, its' no wonder I keep forgetting

Jen: look, just keep looking for any sides of a village, okay?

Lance: your wish is my command, Miss. Messina

Jen: and don't call me that

Lance: my bad

Iris: don't worry, all we won't be here long all we need to do is find the village get the info we need and we'll be out of here before you know it, at least I think we will

Jen: I'm your best friend but I hate it when you say that

Which is when, the voices started

???: outsiders, you are not wanted here begone or suffer the consequences

Lena: what was that?

Iris: don't know but there are voices so we must be close we can't turn back now even if voices are telling us that we have to

Christi: besides I'm kinda getting used to it

???: you dare to mock us?

Christi: yeah

???: d'oh, she's supposed to be intimidated...oh well you all shall suffer the wrath of the five dragoons

The group opened their ears and hears a conversation among several other voices

Voice2: but boss, there's six of them

Voice1: d'oh, okay okay, look six outsiders can't beat us

Voice3: well the boy made out of metal looks strong

Voice4: I REALLY hate the looks of the girl with the sword, she looks scary

Voice5: well that bandana one looks cute...

Lance: HEY BABY, WHAT'S YOUR SIGN?

Jen: LANCE

Lance: what?

Voice5: hee hee, I'm a cancer...

Voice1: SHUT UP! Okay we'll use plan Alpha Omega Gamma Delta

Voice2: divide and conquer?

Voice1: bingo

The five figures than show themselves to group, they all appeared to be children just like the group all dressed in armor.

Dragoon#1: I'm Jim and I'm the leader of the Ultra Ultra Mega dragoon

Jim was a rather plump looking fellow, with brown hair and eyes and the only one who looked like they were taking their job seriously.

Iris: the Ultra Ultra Mega dragoons?

Jen: amazing they're kids like us...but what are they doing here?

Dragoon#2: hiya I'm Chris and I'm gonna beat ya

Chris had a more muscular build and looked like he was tired of Jim introducing them like that.

Dragoon#3: heh heh, James but everyone calls me "boy"

A very skinny looking guy who talked like he was on a sugar rush.

Dragoon#4: nice to meet you, my name is Tom

Tom was the only normal looking dragoon and he had a British accent

Dragoon#5: and I'm Bob

Bob was a girl with short blond hair, she was obviously trying to disguise herself as a boy, perhaps to join the dragoons?

Jim: you have trespassed on our home and so we're going to kick ya out

Iris: wait, did you come from the village in this forest?

Jim: how do you know about that? Okay I guess we're gonna have to kick your asses to make sure you don't tell anyone about the village here

Iris: so where is the village? We just need to get some information and we promise to leave you alone

Jim: likely story, but I don't believe you, we're going to kick your asses anyway

Chris: Jim stop acting like we're winning, we usually LOSE when you do that

Jim: Shove off

Chris: gggrrrrrrr

Jim: as I was saying we're going to kick your asses, isn't that right Bob?

Bob: and I like long walks down the beach, of course I really can't living in this forest of course, plus I like it when men whisper sweet things in my ear

Lance: oh really? Tell me more, sweetie

Bob: hee hee

Jim: BOB! Geez Bob has got to be the weirdest boy to ever join us dragoons

Lance: what are you talking about? She's obviously a girl

Jim: no he's not, I should recognize a girl when I see it after all I've lived with one all my life

Chris: yeah, your mama

Jim: shove off, okay enough talk...we shall fight an opponent of our choosing

Jim snapped his fingers and in an instant everyone except Iris was gone.

Iris: hey! Okay...this is interesting...guess I'll wait for my friends to return...sigh if this keeps up I'll never fight anything

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Jim vs Christi

Jim transport himself to another spot in the forest so he can fight Christi one on one (big mistake)

Jim: now to show you my superior fighting ability to...to um...make people fall down

Christi: did you think of that one all by yourself

Jim: well I...HEY are you insulting my intelligence?

Christi: of course not, I can't insult something that's not there

Jim: gggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, I'll use my attacks to make you...um fall down

Jim charges at Christi and draws a katana. However Christi draws her own and slices his in half as she stands there still looking very bored.

Christi: are you quite done?

Jim:....um can we call this a draw?

Christi: no

Jim: okay, you know you're pretty

Christi: sweet-talking won't get you anywhere

Jim: I'm not, I'm trying to ask you out

Christi: sorry, I'm already taken

Jim: aw
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Chris vs JON

Chris: okay lead-head, prepare for a hurtin'

Chris than punched at JON of course he also punched at his metal side hurting his own hand.

Chris: owwie...

Chris fell down still holding his hurt hand

JON: that was unwise I'm made of pure Neo-titanium and I am blah blah blah...

Chris groaned in complete boredom, why couldn't he had been knocked out during this?
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James vs Lena

James: heh heh this is gonna be cool

Lena: I hope this works, CONFUSE CARD

Lena throws the card of confusion in front of James and the card emitted a bright light, James however looked no different than from before.

James: heh heh

Lena: hhhhmmmmm did it work?

James than ran into a tree knocking himself unconsious

Lena: I guess it did...or did he do that on his own?

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Tom vs Lance

Tom: okay, now get ready

Lance: okay

Lance pulls out his gun and aims it at Tom

Tom: eep, hey no fair using guns. Where's your honor? Shooting at a defenseless man

Lance: if you say so

Lance tossed his gun aside and than a wicked grin crosses his face

Lance: hey you want to see a magic trick?

Tom: okay

Lance pulls off his bandana and throws it into the air, when Tom tries to see where it's going Lance punches him in the face leaving Tom stunned. Lance reaches his hand out just in time to catch his bandana and put it back on his head.

Lance: don't know why but they always fall for that one
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Bob vs Jen

Bob: no hard feelings but I have to fight you

Jen: none taken

Bob: you know that guy in your group looks really cute

Jen: who? Lance? Well, he may look cute...but his personality...

Bob: and you are his girlfriend?

Jen: I AM NOT

Bob: gee don't be so touchy

Jen: sorry

Bob: that's all right

Jen: so why are fighting with those guys?

Bob: because I want to defend my town too, but I had disguise myself as a boy otherwise the others won't take me seriously. My real name is Anna

Jen: I'm Jen, so why won't they take you seriously as a girl?

Anna: well, they feel girls can't do certain things and so they don't allow girls to join, it's not so bad...everyone things I'm gay when I disguise myself as boy though

Jen: you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are

Anna: I shouldn't?

Jen: no, why in this day and age, girls can do anything boys can do. In fact I think you should tell them who you are and your not ashamed of it either. I personally think they'll respect girls a lot more if they found out one of their allies was one

Anna: you know I think I will do that, thanks Jen
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Meanwhile

Iris: man this is sooooooo boring...like can't something happen?

Which is when everyone reappeared right in front of her eyes. Her friends were okay and looked like they haven't even broken a sweat. The dragoons except for Bob/Anna were lying in a heap on the floor.

Iris: guys! So what happened?

Christi: ah, we just got teleported somewhere and we kicked their asses nothing big

Jen: not me, I made Anna feel good about herself

Lance: Anna, not a bad name

Jen: LANCE

Lance: of course still not as sweet as Jennifer

Jen: that's very sweet...HEY stop hitting on girls, Lance

Lance: I can't help it if I appreciate the finer things in life

Jen: oh brother

Jim: ow I can't believe we failed

Chris: strong they are...they can't human

James: heh heh, ow

Tom: maybe they are demons?

Anna: no they are too helpful to be demons

Jim: either way we failed, but you haven't won yet...if Master Leo was here he'd have you on the ground, crying so fast

Lance: if Leo was anything like you clowns, than we have nothing to worry

Tom: that's where your wrong, Master Leo had the privilege to train under the guidance of the Great Master Celestials, He is completely invincible.

???: I saw all the fights you "dragoons" had...pathetic was the first word that came into my head

Another voice now echoed through the forest but this one was really different. This voice was that of a young boy's, but it couldn't be? It sounded way too cold, too hateful to be of a boy. The figure revealed himself and showed he was indeed a young boy, with dark-black hair that seemed to match his dark brown eyes very nicely. He was wearing a fighter's gi and as well as a scowl on his face.

Boy: You call yourself fighters? You should have quitted with the other rookies


Leo Celestials
Age: 10
Eye color brown
Hair color black
Likes: getting stronger, fighting
Hates: weak people, people who talk about family
Weapon: thin bladed swords and carries ninja knives as well
Bio: That's Master Leo, beware he packs more power than a whole school of ninjas. Trained under the great Master Celestials, who has trained many of the greatest fighters on the planet, he is also Celestial's grandson and thus learned more things than any of his other former pupils. Leo likes to pick fights with outsiders, who dare to enter the Sleeping Forest so far he is undefeated and most likely to continue being undefeated.


Jim: Master Leo, it's just these outsiders are...

Leo: YOU underestimated their power, you haven't passed your training...what made you so sure that you could beat experienced fighters such as them?

Chris: but they don't look...

Leo: why do you need to look, when you can sense their powerful auras they emit...remember that

Iris: so this is Leo, I don't like the power he's emitting it feels so...cold so unfeeling...not evil but very close to it

Leo: It's better to be unfeeling, that way when you fight, you can fight with no compassion or remorse. Emotions cloud ones judgement and are for the weak

Iris: that's not true, I use my emotions to fight my battles and I have been successful

Leo: you have only been fighting with weaklings, it makes sense that the weak can beat the weak.

Christi: you've got a really big mouth, why don't you back that up?

Leo: you know I think I will I have the power to destroy all of you at the same time...but I only fight one on one so I'll choose your strongest fighter and than defeat him or her easily

Leo closed his eyes and proceeded to "scan" the group's power level

Leo: hhhmmm, they all have very formidable power...but that girl, yes she's definitely the strongest

Leo than turns to face the group and waves his hand, a second later he and Iris were gone.

Jen: huh? Where did Iris go?

James: Master Leo chose your friend heh heh

Anna: he teleported her to a secluded part of the forest like we did to you, he likes fighting undisturbed

Jen: what is he going to do to her?

Tom: you better hope your friend is really as strong as Master Leo claimed, he has a habit of destroying opponents that don't last more than a minute with him

Group: WHAT?!

Chris: I'm sorry there's nothing we can do

Jim: yeah your friend will be dust in a minute

Everyone: SHUT UP

Jim: hmph

Jen: all we can do now is pray to the Planet that she will be alright

Christi: I'm not worried, Iris will find a way to pull through...she always does, I know she can kick that Leo's ass

Chris: say Jim, what happens if Leo loses?

Jim: are you saying our idol will lose? He's invincible

Chris: yeah yeah don't pop a vein, fatass

Jim: what do you mean by that? I'm going to kill you

The scene here fades as Jim tackles Chris and is repeatedly kicking him on the ground as the rest the dragoons try to restrain him. The rest of the group look on in disgust.
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FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE, Iris

Iris: huh? Where am I?

Leo: I took you to a place so we can't be disturbed...this spot in the forest will be our ring, our battleground

Iris: but...but I don't want to fight you

Leo: than why do you high such a high ki? Yours is almost as good as mine is

Iris: I fight only when I have to, only when I need to help someone. I refuse to fight for sport or your sick amusement

Leo: than I will have the pleasure of killing you like the weakling you are, I'm going to begin whether your ready or not

(BATTLE-MODE)

Leo charged directly at Iris, Iris barely had time to fend off Leo's first barrage of punches but did so successfully.

Leo: not bad, you could be a challenge after all

Leo than executes another combo on Iris, this time it was more difficult to block. It consisted of more punches and now kicks and they came at her even faster, however Iris was again able to fend it off.

Iris: I'm not going to accomplish anything by just standing here...I think he's serious I have to fight

Iris than charged at Leo and executed her own combo, compared to Leo's previous attacks it had more style and grace in it but Leo just like Iris was able to block all the hits easily. The fighting continued like that for a few minutes, each one fighting like they were equally matched, and blocking the other's blows so expertly that neither one of them could land a punch. Leo than backed off and looked at Iris, a very cold smile crossed his face, he was impressed Iris could last so long.

Leo: not bad...but tell me why are you holding back? I feel you have untold levels of power but aren't using them, if you fought all out you could have defeated me at my current state

Iris: I don't use more power than I have to, besides I feel that your holding back as well, I need to have some extra reserves just in case you plan on using them

Leo: now that is the type of caliber I want my opponents to be, now let's end this warm up shall we?

Iris: ready when you are

Leo nods and charges at Iris again, but this time at an even greater speed than his previous attack. Iris was unprepared for it and took a hard punch to the face that knocked her down. However Iris recovered quickly and executed a very fast kick to Leo's face, like Iris he was unprepared to block and took the hit. The two fighters looked at each other very determined, they weren't going to lose to the other was passing through their minds and than they both attacked. The second phase of the attack was similar to the first except the fighting was even quicker than before and this time they were able to land blows on each other as well as block. However even with the greater increase they still looked equally matched. Both combatants again backed off after 20 minutes of fighting like that, both stared each other down and were breathing hard, a very small trace of fatigue was starting to be evident.

Leo: not bad, just between you and me, no one has ever lasted against me this long...so I guess I can show you my power bit by bit, if you survive that is

Iris: damn, I didn't like how he said that

Leo: Gemini...

Iris was amazed it looked like Leo was starting to look distorted like a bad TV reception. The distorted image than split into two and reformed, Iris could not believe it there were now 2 Leos.

Iris: ha, your little illusion trick won't work on me

Of course what Iris didn't know was they both weren't illusions and they both were real, she really wasn't expecting the both of them to attack her. She also wasn't prepared for both of the 2 Leo's punches to hurt as well, Iris staggered back dazed and was definitely was unprepared when one of the Leos grabbed her in a tight bear hug.

Iris: huh? Wha?

Leo#1: impressed? This is my Gemini trick now there's two of my to double the pain

Iris: I supposed this is real honorable, 2 on 1

Leo#2: a win is a win, no matter how it's obtained now just relax the pain will be over soon

Before Iris could comment the first Leo struck her across the face, he followed it with a swift kick to the gut and punch to the jaw. Iris tried looking at her attacker but her vision was blurring with her tears of pain, she had to free herself from the second Leo, she couldn't take more punishment without defending herself. Iris with all her strength she can muster back kicked the Leo holding her in the groin, it worked he let go and crumpled to the ground. The first Leo looked at her shocked he wasn't expecting her to break free, he charged at her but was met with a swift jab to the stomach, followed by a hook across the jaw knocking him down. Both Leos got back and looked at her coldly.

Iris: to tell you the truth I was impressed, but did you even know that to support a trick like that you would have to split your own power in two? The both of you are only half strength each

Of course like the previous bouts his reaction wasn't what she expected. Both of the Leos just threw their heads back and laughed very evilly.

Leo#1: you are a lot smarter than you look little girl

Leo#2: Perhaps we need to up the ante

The Leos than walked into each other and were combined into one Leo again. Leo waved his hand and Iris' staff landed in her hands.

Iris: hey this is my guard staff

Leo: yes we are now going to use weaponry...let's begin

Leo waved his hand again and a sword of his own appeared in it. Without a moment hesitation he leaped high into the air and was gone.

Iris: huh where'd he go? He must have jumped into the trees...

Just than Iris felt a small laser shaped beam whiz by her arm, cutting her sleeve and drawing blood. Iris winced in pain as she clutched her now bleeding arm. Traces of panic crept up her spine, she knew this guy was good but wasn't expecting this...a boy with the skills of a deadly assassin, if she was not careful she could die on the spot without even knowing where he was.

Iris: I can't see him, oh what did Auntie Yuffie say at a time like this? Okay...I need to concentrate I need to sense where he is and avoid his next attacks with my instincts. Another beam was thrown, Iris moved out of its way, her staff deflected the next one, and the next one was as well and the next. Iris had to avoid another ten minutes worth of energy beams until they stopped. Iris knew that Leo was thinking the whole snipe her with beams wasn't going to work and she barely had time to move away before Leo jumping out of the trees almost cleaved her into two with his sword.

Leo: hmph that was impressive but no more games it ends now

Leo charged again and brought his sword down on Iris, Iris brought her staff up to block it. There was a sickening noise being made as metal met metal, Iris could almost feel her staff was bending under the weight of Leo's sword, his sword was obviously was made of better materials. Iris reminded herself not to apply too much pressure or her staff might break permanently, Iris however delivered another swift kick to Leo causing to back off his attack and recoil in pain. Leo attacked again but Iris met him with a punch, followed by a kick to the head, Leo backed off again slightly dazed. Iris looks at Leo and sees he had wasted a lot of power trying to finish her off with his techniques from fighting extremely fast, to splitting himself into two, sniping her with energy beams and as well as all the punishment he took. All of his moves were taking its toll, it was making him tired and Iris couldn't help but smile.

Iris: (he underestimated me ever since the beginning of this fight. He's used more energy in his attacks than he had to, I bet he didn't think I would last this long against him and I would be just some easy opponent. Now it's my turn to be the aggressor.)

Iris was a blur of motion as she charged Leo and attacked. Leo seemed to be unable to defend himself from every punch, every kick and every staff shot she made to him.

Iris: let's see how you take this, CETRA SLASH

Iris started her attack by swiping him across the chest, followed that with a swipe across the face, struck her staff on the top of his head and ended it by delivering a staff uppercut that practically knocked him a few inches into the air all without breaking a stride. He seemed to lie on the ground motionless Iris panted hard and clutched her still bleeding arm, she had him beaten or had she? She was shock to seem him move and jump to his feet, he wiped off some blood he had on his face and spat out blood, he was staring at her but no longer was it confident it had a look of obvious frustration and anger on it.

Leo: DAMN YOU! YOU ARE NOT SUPOSED TO LAST THIS LONG! DAMN YOU! WHY CAN'T I BEAT YOU?

Iris: you underestimated me, no great fighter should make a mistake like that

Leo: than I'm going to have to resort to my best attack thus far, I didn't want to use this but you forced me

Iris could see Leo beginning to stand still and his right hand began glowing, he was applying his remaining power into one spot and was going to channel it into an energy blast Iris thought.

Iris: NO! Don't do that, you are in no shape to execute a move like that, you could die

Leo: I RATHER DIE! Than to admit defeat to a little girl

Leo finished off charging and aimed his right palm at Iris, he let out a weak smirk as an large arrow shaped beam was fired at Iris.

Leo: SATTIGARIUS' ARROW

Iris was too tired to dodge, so she held up her arms in an attempt to block it. The moment the beam made contact to her it exploded in brilliant light. It hurt a lot blocking but it had worked she was still standing. Leo looked at her a little amazed but simply started charging up for a second SATTIGARIUS ARROW.

Iris: blocking that took a lot out of me, but it also took a lot out of him. I wish I could move so I can attack but I can't and I know I can't take another hit like that. Mom, Dad I failed you

Just when Iris was about to lose all hope an encouraging voice fills her head.

Voice: it's not over yet, Iris

Iris: Mother? Is that you?

Aeris' voice: yes

Iris: Mother I'm so sorry I didn't turn out the way you wanted me to

Aeris' voice: it's true that I wanted you to live a normal childhood but I know it is not possible you are a very special girl born with a gift and that cannot be ignored. I respect your decision but you will not succeed by giving up, fight back Iris with your own power...

Iris: but how?

Aeris' voice: you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it, you always have and you need to do it now

Iris: I'll do my best

Aeris' voice: that's all I need you to do

Iris begins to charge her remaining energy, she like Leo channels it to her hands as she begins her never before used attack. She puts her hands to her side in a cupped position as she gathers the energy into a ball, she had to move fast Leo was almost done his attack. However she was successful in getting all the energy she needed, she than aims her palms towards Leo and fires a large beam at the same time he attacks.

Leo: SATTIGARIUS ARROW

Iris: PLANET BEAM

The two beams collide into each other and for a while Iris and Leo fought to make their beam stronger than each other's do. However in the end, it was Iris' PLANET BEAM that started overwhelming Leo's attack and enveloped him in her beams white light. When the light passed, Leo was on the ground very hurt but still alive, he was beaten.

Iris: I did it...I DID IT!!!!! Did you see that mom? Oh darn, did I dream hearing your voice? Or did you send me that encouragement when I needed it? I promise when I find you mom I'll ask you

(END BATTLE-MODE)


Leo: I...don't...believe...this, I...lost...to a...little...girl

Iris limps over to Leo's body and offers her hand as to help him up

Iris: I'm sorry I don't have any restore materia or know any healing spells but I have some potions back with my friends you can use

Leo: I...don't...need your...help...I would rather die

Iris: please don't be like that, I didn't think I was going to win

Leo: but...you...did, ggggggrrrrrr I'll...never...live this down

Iris: we'll talk about this later, but can you take me to my friends? We might give you medical attention then

Leo: I attacked you, almost killed you and you still want to help me?

Iris: yes, I never turn down someone who needs help unless he has an evil heart but I know you are not evil

Leo: it's an attitude like that...that...

Iris: what?

Leo: makes you weak

The conversation ended there as Leo transported them both back to her friends. All of Iris' friends were all worried but happy to see her, they all rush to her side to see if she's all right. Meanwhile the dragoons were shocked to see their idol lying on the ground hurt and beaten.

Jen: Iris! Are you okay?

Iris: fine Jen, just fine

Jen: you're bleeding

Iris: nothing serious, I'll live

JON: according to my scans your vitals are 10/2000, I also scan a few broken bones, severe bleeding on that arm and your heart rate is pumping a few seconds slower than normal, you are hurt pretty badly

Iris: I'll survive don't worry, please how is Leo doing?

JON: I'll scan him

Lance: huh? Why do you care? He tried to kill you by the looks of it

Iris: he just wanted a challenge and I gave it to him that's all

Christi: wow, you sure did a number on him, maybe I should challenge you

Iris: later Christi later maybe after the pounding on my head goes

Jim: I-I-mpossible! No one can defeat Master Leo, you must have cheated to win you little brat. We'll get you for this

Jen: oh yeah? You're going to have to get by us first

The two groups begin to show some tension as it looks like a fight is going to break out but Leo who still is on the ground speaks.

Leo: touch her and I'll kill you myself

Chris: but sir

Leo: I can't deny this, she did beat me fair and square but if anyone is going to destroy her it's going to be me

Iris: gee why does that somehow sound so reassuring?

JON: scan complete, Leo is suffering from similar injuries but his vitals are 5/2500 and his breathing is slowing down

Iris: Jen, do we have any potions left?

Jen reaches into a backpack and pulls out a vial

Jen: this is our last one

Iris: that will do, give it to him

Lena: what? But why? You need it too

Iris: yeah but the difference is I'll live and he's very injured and needs it

Leo: I don't need your help or your pity, I rather die

Iris: still stubborn aren't we? Look I'm not expecting you to accept my help but I was the one who gave you those injuries it's the least I can do

Leo: if you were in my position I would have left you to die, you do realize this

Iris: yes but I want to help you

Jen: look why don't you both share it? That way we're helping the both of you

Iris: I can live with that, okay we'll do it that way

Jen offers the vial to Iris which Iris takes a sip from, she is able to stand more firmly and the bleeding on her arm stops but there is still a bad gash there.

Iris: that felt better, okay now you

Leo: NO! I survive this far without anyone's help and I I'll survive now

Anna: but Sir, there's a very bad chance you won't and we can't move you due to your condition

Leo: fine! I rather take the knowledge of my lose to my grave than to live with it, if I'm to die it will be in battle

Just than an elderly old man walks in on this scene. He looked like your typical run of a mill wise man, with a beard and long white hair, in his hand he carried a cane. However he looked like he didn't need it for walking as every step he took was strong and firm. However he also had a pretty muscular build and looked like he kept himself in shape, making it impossible to guess his exact age.

Man: Still stubborn aren't we, Leo?

Leo: Grandfather Celestials

Celestials: these people want to help you Leo, why do you turn it down?

Leo: I lost, I won't live with a humiliation like that

Celestials: yes I saw that fight, but that was very close you did very well. I'm proud of you

Leo: what? How can you be proud of a loser?

Celestials: we'll speak of this later, children would you give me that vial?

Jen: um sure

Jen throws Celestials the potion and he catches it without even looking at it, Celestials gives him the remaining contents of the potion and soon Leo is able to stand again.

Celestial: do not take losing as the end of the world. With this fight at least this time you learned a lesson instead of getting yourself killed with your ego in a more serious battle

Leo:....I'm going to train ever harder, do not think that this is over, girl I'll come back even stronger and defeat you

Leo limps away followed by the dragoons and in a few moments is gone.

Celestials: forgive me for Leo's behavior, he always has been known for having a stubborn streak

Iris: is he always like that?

Celestials: ever since he was a baby

Iris: really...I feel sorry for him

Celestials: oh where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself, I am Celestials a well-known fighting teacher. For years I have trained many and...well let's not dwell on the past, so tell me children what brings you to the Sleeping Forest? You realize that there is no way out now that you are here

Iris: don't worry we have something than can help us leave this place

Celestials: so you must have the harp, but why are you here? This is not the place for tourism

Iris: it's true we came here for the location of an Ancient temple that your town seems to know

Celestials: are you talking about the "Palace of the Forgotten Cetra"?

Iris: well we don't know if it has a name like that

Celestials: a legendary place said where one could increase their own strength?

Iris: that's the one exactly

Celestials: than you've come to the right place, I do know where it is

Iris: really? Where?

Celestials: that's going to be that hard part, why don't you come to our village and rest for awhile? I'll show you the location there

Iris: great let's get going

Iris tries to walk but can't with her own strength, Lance and Jen help her up and slip her arms over their shoulders so they could support her as they follow Celestials into the forest.
________________________________________________________________________________

Iris: wow

Was all Iris could say after seeing the town that lived in the Sleeping Forest. In was a nice quiet yet filled with activity as people moved from left to right with their daily lives. The whole town seemed to remind her of her own home, Nibelhaim and it made her a little homesick, but she couldn't worry about that now she had a job to do.

Celestials: we're here, but before I tell you what you need to know, why don't you rest first? You have been on a very long journey, I can tell

Iris: thank you, but I really need to know now

Celestials: and what do you propose to do the moment you know? Rush into the danger headfirst with that broken body of yours?

Iris:....

Celestials: strong you are, but you still are only human and we can only take so much. Sephiroth will not be so forgiving if you try and attack him in your current condition

Iris: how did you know about that?

Celestials: I can feel an aura of hatred towards him in you, but we'll discuss about what you need to know later. Right now head over in that direction over there is this town's healing springs and bathing house. It's famous for healing the body, mending the broken, curing the ill and calming the spirit. Just rest there and all your injuries will be gone before you know it, after that just take time to enjoy our village and when you are done you can come and see me at my home over there and we'll talk.

Iris: thanks

Celestials: don't mention it

And with that Celestials turned and walked away leaving Iris and her friends alone.

Iris: well I guess I better do what he says...um Jen, Lance can you kinda take me there?

Jen: don't even need to ask

Lance: yeah but I hope the springs isn't far, you're kinda heavy

Iris: AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT??!!

Lance: nothing...

Later at the Healing Springs bathhouse a male attendant to the spring greeted them behind a desk.

Attendant: hello, ooo don't say anything I think I know who needs the healing springs treatment man half your skin looks so bad it almost looks like it's made of metal

JON: that's because I AM partially made of metal

Attendant: oh so you are...oh little girl you look in very bad shape,

Iris: yeah

Attendant: you look like you've been a fight, girls shouldn't fight they should act more lady like

Christi: are you trying to imply boys are better than girls?

Attendant: gulp, no

Christi: good, keep that attitude you'll live longer

Attendant: okay so how many?

Iris: guys?

Jen: no you go ahead I want to look around

Lance: I'll keep Jen company

JON: I shall accompany you Sir Lance

Lance: (oh no)

Christi: Lena and me are going to find the item store, we're going to stock up on more things

Iris: just me I guess

Attendant: okay are you going to undress here or in the springs?

Iris: WHAT?! What type of option is that? What idiot in their right mind would undress where people could see them?

Lance: well there's the desperate who can't get a date

Lena: the slutty who like to flaunt

Jen: the non-thinkers who don't really like to think

JON: the non-shameful who are not embarrassed of their body if they get seen in public

Christi: Tifa...of course that can go under slutty or stupid

Attendant: the...

Iris: okay okay I get the point, just give me a towel

Iris grabs a towel and enters the bathing room, it looks like something out of a mountain spa. It had very high walls and the door was big and pretty thick, and the lock was on the inside of the door giving Iris all the privacy that she needed. Despite all this however Iris was still shy with the idea of stripping nude even when is she was alone however a shooting pain in her ribs said otherwise, she quickly undressed and neatly folded her clothes away and stepped into the spring water. The water was nice and hot and it had a very relaxing feeling to it, she relaxed a little and settled in as she could feel the relaxing water begin its healing magic on her body and soon her pain almost became non-existent.

Iris: aw this is nice, this is even better than swimming in the warm waters of Costa De Sol. I like going there, dad has a really cool villa there and...

Realizing that no one is there, she chuckles and relaxes some more.

Iris: maybe I am tensed, I'm starting to talk to myself...well I rest until my body is fully healed and than rendezvous with my friends later...

And for the first time in a couple of days Iris started to have fun and relax
________________________________________________________________________________

Leo was frustrated and mad something that happened to him very rarely, he just couldn't take the idea of defeat. As Leo continued to hammer away at the punching bags in his grandfather's dojo destroying each one with every punch or kick leaving a huge mess that Leo couldn't be bothered with.

Celestials: you know the craftsmen keep complaining you are destroying your training equipment faster than they can make them

Leo: that's their problem

Celestials: are you still sore about your lose to the girl?

Leo: how could she have won? She's just some goofy outsider, who just got lucky

Celestials: you know denial is a very bad trait to have, she fought just as hard as you did in fact you should be in the healing springs with her

Leo: what are you implying?

Celestials: still the paranoid one I see, don't worry I don't mean anything by that what I meant is you should be recovering your health instead of draining it especially after a fierce battle like the one you had

Leo: I heal fast

Celestials: I know you do but that doesn't mean you have to deny your body rest

Leo: I'll rest later, grandfather I'm ready for your next lesson

Celestials: that's what I came here to talk to you about, there won't be another lesson

Leo: WHAT?!

Celestials: you have already surpassed me, I don't need to teach you anything else

Leo: but I'm not a master yet

Celestials: true but there's nothing I can teach you, now is when you learn how to become strong on your own

Leo:....I think I know what I can do now and it involves my rival

And with that Leo turned and headed out of the door of the dojo.
________________________________________________________________________________
It was almost like a dream come true for Lance, here he was sitting in a rather convenient location for a café and looking at HER straight in the eyes with a big grin on his face. Well okay it cost him 2000 gil to get her friends to leave on their own but what was money between friends? He had a good feeling he was going to add her name on his growing list of "clients" all he had to do was apply the Lance charm (he's only 11 but thinking this way about girls).

Lance: so Jen, tell me about yourself

Jen: well I...

JON: Sir Lance, what would you like me to do?

Of course Lance hadn't anticipated on the cyborg to follow him.

Lance: nothing JON, I don't need anything

JON: do you really? Okay, I'll stand here till you need me

D'OH! Lance mind was getting frantic, JON was seriously going to ruin the mood. He had to get rid of him (and yet sound polite, Jen seemed to like nice people) he suddenly had an idea if he wanted to help than he could.

Lance: okay, what would you like Jen? I'll go order something

Jen: are you sure?

Lance: yeah my treat

Jen: well okay, a vanilla ice cream would be nice

Lance: I'll get it

JON: stay there Sir Lance, I'll get it

Lance: gee I thought you'd never asked

JON: what would you like Sir Lance?

Lance: okay I would like an ice cappuccino with whip cream and ice cream topping, half made with 2% milk the other half with full milk, I would like 2 teaspoons of sugar and shaken not stirred. Do you think you can handle that?

JON: affirmative, I'll be back shortly

Jen: that was a pretty big order Lance, JON might not be back for awhile

Lance: (too bad guess he won't bother me for the time being hee hee) so what were we talking about again?

Jen: um I think you asked me about myself. Well I grew up in Nibelheim

Lance: the town next to the mountain?

Jen: that's the one

Lance: I always wanted to see that place, but engineering is a pretty busy job

Jen: and I suppose you were so busy you happened to have time to be able to help us

Lance: hey, can I help it if I can't turn down a girl in need?

Jen: oh you now tell me about you why can't you turn down a girl in need? Why did you decide to give up on something like your job and risk your life to help strangers you don't even know?

Lance:...

Jen: oh I'm sorry is that too personal to ask?

Lance: no it's alright, I guess for us to have an enjoyable date later we need to trust each other. So I'm going to tell you something that I told no one else, promise you won't tell

Jen: you have my word

Lance: when I was very young my mother died, I never felt so afraid or alone when that happened...I always felt I needed her and when she was gone I was alone

Jen: what happened to your father?

Lance: he died shortly after my mother did, instead of getting taken in by an orphanage I decided to run my own life and eventually met the Mechanic Corps and the rest you might say is history. I always believed that mothers should always be for their children and no one should take that away so I'll help you and Iris fight as long as you need me

Jen: you poor thing...

Lance looked at Jen who had that very kind and sincere look in her eyes believing his story of his life, maybe that's why he'd liked her so much because of that kindness and trust she had. However she wouldn't have to worry about him not telling the truth because when it came to pretty girls, he may acted leachous around them, he may hit on them till the chocobos came home but he never lied to them. Of course he never told ANYBODY about that part in his life so it puzzled him why he wanted to tell her.

Lance: yeah well, we all have to get on with our lives...

Jen: can I ask you another question?

Lance: that interested, huh? Okay go ahead

Jen: well it's about your work with machines, you are incredibly gifted when you work who taught you how to work with your hands so well?

Lance: that's the thing no one did, it was almost like when I was born I had a natural know how with machines, I could fix them or make them whenever I wanted I never knew how I could understand such complicated things but I just did

Jen: it's certainly a gift

Lance was about to make another one of his infamous pick-up lines to move their little relationship a little higher, except that was when JON decided to return with their order. JON also didn't see that crack on the floor which caused him to trip and dumping all the contents of what used to be food all over Lance. Lance tried his best to keep his anger from causing him to jump up and strangle JON.

JON: I apologize, sir

Lance: that's all right JON

Jen: oh my, maybe we should continue this conversation later?

Lance: all right, I guess Iris is going to have a little company at those springs

JON: I'll come with you

Lance: you've done enough JON

JON: nonsense JON can't do enough for Sir Lance

Lance: gggggrrrrrrrr

In a huff, Lance left the café with JON in tow.
________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile back at the springs, Iris was still soaking in the springs but thought she was just about done and she had to go meet up with Celestials. She was just about to get out of the water when she suddenly let out a sigh; she wrapped herself in a towel while in the water, got out and extended her arm into the shadows of the room and caught a well concealed spy by his throat. She turned to have a good look at him and was furious to see to see that it was Leo.

Iris: YOU?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

Leo: you are my rival...so wherever you are I must be

Iris: RIVALS?! WHO SAID WE WERE RIVALS??!!

Leo: the moment you defeated me, made you my rival so I must observe you to see any secrets that I can use against you

Iris: yeah uh huh, that's great BUT CAN YOU DO THAT WHEN I'M NOT BATHING???!!!

Leo: hmph

Iris: how did you get in here anyway?

Leo points to a section of the wall and Iris moves closer to it and realizes it's only a blanket covering a very cleverly concealed hole. Iris jaw drops when she sees this.

Iris: you mean ANYONE COULD HAVE JUST WALKED IN ON ME??!!!

Leo: yeah probably but why do you care? They're not missing anything anyway

Iris: AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT??!!!

Just than Lance and JON (coming from the opposite bathhouse) peers into the hole and sees Iris and Leo and gets some wrong ideas.

Lance: hey Iris, how's your bath?

Iris: oh it's just fine, Lance...LANCE??!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??!!

Lance: oh I just had a bath myself because some clumsy assistant dropped a tray of cold treats on me

JON: my apologizes Sir Lance

Lance: yeah yeah whatever, so what's Leo doing here? Showing him the "full moon"?

Iris: GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRR OUT!!! OUT!!!! EVERYBODY OUT!!!!!!!!

Lance and JON could see the anger in her eyes and were out of there in a flash, but Leo just shrugged off Iris and arrogantly left. Iris gingerly reached for clothes and began complaining about the lack of privacy there is on the planet.

Lance: geez, what's her problem? It's not like we actually SAW anything

Leo: I did, you're not missing anything

Leo turns and leaves for his Grandfather's dojo, Lance very confused scratches his head.

Lance: man he sees a girl in full glory and doesn't even flinch, is he even human?
________________________________________________________________________________
Later the group and Leo has gathered at Celestial's home. Celestials offers them some cake and they are eating except for Iris who looks depressed.

Christi: hey Rissy, what's wrong? You usually inhale this stuff

(Quick note: Rissy, was the nickname that Christi aka Tiger5913 gave to Aeris in her high-school saga: Last Traces Of Childhood. (It derived from the ris in Ae"ris") if you have the time go and read it, it's a true classic. I decided to borrow it for story purposes as well, I'm only making mention of this because I want to say I DID not think of it and the credit should go to the person that actually came up with it, thanks Christi. Okay sorry for my ramblings on with the story...again)

Iris: no it's nothing, it's just that here we are and...and...

Celestials: you don't like the idea of waiting while your family suffers, is that right?

Iris: yeah...if I only at least knew what happened to them...

Celestials: I have a feeling you'll find out eventually, but for now the place you are looking for is "the Palace of the Forgotten Cetra", there many could enter and come out even more powerful than before, if they came out alive that is

Lena: how typical there HAD to be a catch

Celestials: anyway here is the a map of this sacred place that has been hidden here for some time

Lance: let me look at it...hhhhmmmmmm, give me a second, okay? If the latitude is there...then...

Lena: can I ask a question?

Celestials: go ahead

Lena: How did this town get here? And why is it here?

Celestials: this is what became of the people who had gotten lost trying to enter this forest without the Lunar Harp, with no way to get out they decided to settle here and formed a town. The descendants of the few that formed this town are really special they can telepathically control where they want to go in the forest

Iris: so that's why the children we fought could teleport us to different locations

Celestials: exactly, the town was meant to be a peaceful place and eventually it became a place where people could go to...forget their problems and pain and hopefully learn to live again

Lance: well I manage to translate the map, it's...you GOT to be kidding me

Jen: what is it?

Lance: according to the directions this palace is supposed to be underwater... never mind let's get there first and I'll think of something

Christi: Lena and I have gathered all the supplies we needed so we're free to go anytime

Iris: very well, let's go

Celestials: beware of the dangers but do not doubt your abilities, you can do it

Leo: hmph you BETTER come back someday Iris, we still have unfinished business

Iris: I'm not going to promise YOU anything

Leo: tch fine, I'll get my fight someday, somewhere

When everyone left and the room was empty except for Celestials, he looked out of the window and had a distant look in his eye he only said one thing.

Celestials: my time has come...
________________________________________________________________________________

Lance: there she is, just like we left it now we can drive outta here

Jen: good, this place still gives me the creeps

Iris:...no it can't be

Christi: you sense it too?

JON: my scanners do not pick up anything, what do you sense?

Iris: that power it's exactly like the power...

Jen: that attacked Nibelheim...

Christi: DAMN! Than that means Sephiroth is attacking the people of the Forest town just like he attacked Nibelheim

Iris: he's not going to stand for this, even if we're not ready we can not let innocent people die

Jen: agreed, but what does he want?

There was no time for questions they all had to get back to the town. The sight there was horrifying, there were bodies on the floor either dead or dying, homes were devastated and a few on fire. Just than a wounded man came to them and told them what happened.

Man: ugh, please girls get away while you can...three individuals entered but they had the power of an army...

Jen: where are they now?

Man: a girl went to the south side, a woman went to the north side and the silver-haired man went to Celestial's dojo

Iris: if only we came here on time, I'll handle Sephiroth

Jen: I'll come with you

Iris: NO! This is something I'm going to do on my own

Jen: but...

Christi: don't get involved this is a personal vendetta of hers it's not our right to get involved

Lance: I guess we'll have to split up...I guess Jen and me will...

JON: don't forget me Sir Lance

Lance: ...and JON, will take on the attacker in the north

Lena: Christi and I will handle the south attacker

Iris: okay let's go...
_______________________________________________________________________________
The North Side Fight

(BATTLE-MODE)

Woman: destruction it's so much fun especially when the people can't do a thing to stop me

Jen: STOP! Why are you doing this to an innocent town?

Lance: nice going Jen, you just gave away our element of surprise

Jen: oops

Woman: it's about time you'd show up, I'm Lagoona and I'm...

Lance: we know, you're one of Sephiroth's 4 Elementals and you represent water and you want to kill us

Lagoona: heard of me? I'm flattered

Lance: no, wild guess and the whole Elemental thing is getting old

Lagoona: OLD??!!! WHO YOU'RE CALLING OLD??!!!

JON: JON senses the woman has a vain side

Lance: thank you Mr. Obvious

Lagoona: I'll have you know I'm one of the most beautiful warriors on the Planet, but enough about me you die now, TSUNAMI WAVE

Lagoona raises her arms and tidal waves come out of no where hammering JON and wiping him away on the wave.

Lance: ooooookay...plan B

Jen: which is?

Lance: RUN!!!

Lance grabs Jen's hand and together they run into the café they were at earlier. The two dive behind the counter to strategize.

Lance: okay, I have a plan

Jen: this doesn't involve blowing something up, does it?

Lance: you peeked...

Lance quickly plants some of his remote bombs at the entrance and after a minute, Lagoona enters. Lance puts his thumb on the detonator, waves a good bye and pushes the button. The explosion was huge but had no effect, as Lagoona still stood okay but looking very pissed.

Lance: okay, THAT didn't work

JON: Sir Lance!!!

Lance: huh? JON? But you were hit by a tidal wave and swept away, how did you get here?

JON: luckily my databanks knows how to surf

Lance: it does?

JON: my scanners indicate that Lagoona is made up of liquid matter that's why physical attacks do not harm her, if you can slow down her liquid molecules she should be stable enough to destroy

Lance: BRILLANT!!! Why didn't I think of that? All we need is to find a room temperature capable enough of slowing those molecules down

Jen: in english for people who don't speak your language?

Lance: we can't hurt her because she's made of water, but if we can freeze her and turn her into ice, defeating her should be a snap

Lagoona: what are you talking about? All your science talk is giving me a headache...TSUNAMI WAVE

This one was aimed for Jen but luckily she was able to swing to another part of the café courtesy of her whip

Jen: that one was close...

Lance: let's see what can we use? Ice cream maker? No too small, Cappuccino maker? No won't work, cash register? Maybe later...walk-in freezer? PERFECT

JON: I understand your plan Sir Lance, let me be the bait, my cyborg components will keep me warm, but how do I lure her to me?

Lance: easy all you have to do is (whisper in JON's ear his plan)

JON: that's all?

Lance: guaranteed

JON: hey you old bag

Lance: that's hag, man JON that sounded SO lame, I will be so surprised if she...

Lagoona: NO ONE CALLS ME OLD AND LIVES!!!

JON successfully leads Lagoona into the freezer, quickly Lance slams the door.

Lance: okay it worked...okay now all I have to do is tamper with the freezer controls

Jen: anything I can do?

Lance: yeah just pull the switch when I say now

Meanwhile in the freezer

Lagoona: any last words?

JON: does not compute, can you repeat that in a simpler term?

Lagoona: never mind, say...is it getting colder or is it just me?

JOPN: temperature levels below -50 and freezing

Lagoona: WHAT?! You brats tricked me...

That was the last thing she said before ice overtook her and she was an ice sculpture.

JON: finish off target to finish off mission, VULCAN GUN

JON machine gun fire finishes off the sculpture and there is nothing left of the evil woman but ice cubes. The temperature returns to normal as Lance opens the door.

JON: mission complete

Jen: great work JON

Lance: maybe you can be useful after all
________________________________________________________________________________
The South Side Fight

Liete was upset as usual, she had another horrible mission to do. She was this time forced to attack an innocent town, while she was careful to make sure that no one got hurt that witch Lagoona didn't and hurted, maimed and even killed anyone she pleased. Of course there was nothing Liete could do, and she hated herself even more for it, now 5 kids have surrounded her, she could sense their power: they had none. Why do people throw their lives like this?

Jim: okay you elf girl, leave our town

Liete: I'm sorry...I'm only following orders

Tom: and does your orders include killing people? You murderer

Liete: I cannot justify what my superiors are responsible but I am not like them but please don't throw your lives like this

James: heh heh, you're one of them so your as bad as they are

The 5 kids all attacked at the same time, poor fools. She easily knocked them all to the ground and she felt that familiar empty feeling she got whenever she fought people weaker than herself. However their words rang true, she was one of them and her deeds cannot be forgiven but still, she HAD to do all this for her...

Christi: stop and surrender

Lena: hey, aren't you the girl that we met at Nibelheim? Liete was it?

Liete: yes, I'm sorry...please step out of my way my orders now include killing and I don't want to kill anything

Lena: I can feel your soul, it is filled with pain please you don't have to do any of these things

Liete: the time for talk has passed, I will fight you now...MAGIC ART

Liete pulls out a piece of paper and a brush, with a few artistic (and magical) strokes she paints perfect pictures of Lena and Christi. She throws these on the ground, the paper seems to move on its on will and eventually the pictures becomes living breathing copies of Lena and Christi.

Christi: what the?

The Christi clone says nothing and lunges at the real Christi sword drawn. The real one barely had enough time to draw her own sword to block the clone's offensive.

Lena: CHRISTI!

However the Lena clone wanted a piece of the real thing and tossed a few of her cards at her. Lena quickly tilted her head and the cards whizzed by her head but not before taking some strands of Lena's hair. The clone tosses a few more but Lena this time tosses cards at the incoming cards and both are knocked helplessly away. Liete looked on as she watched the 2 girls engage in battle with their copies.

Christi: you may look like me, hell you can even fight like me but...

The clone felt the receiving end of Christi's ODIN'S ZANTESUKEN and was sliced in half and became harmless paper again, Christi sheathed her katana in silent victory.

Christi: to me you're still nothing but a copy...you need help there, Lena?

Lena: no just finishing up

Lena tossed another round of cards at the copy but it wasn't at fast as the original and took all the hits. It turns back into paper as well.

Liete: your fighting skills are indeed above my expectations, I'll withdraw for now

Lena: wait, it's obvious we all have the same enemy, why don't you join us?

Liete:...no not yet the time is not right, but know this I will consider it

And in a flash, Liete was gone.

Christi: clean ups done here, I hope Rissy's okay though...

(END BATTLE MODE)
Result: Party gains a level
________________________________________________________________________________
Iris' first encounter with the evil one

Celestials: so Sephiroth, we meet again

Sephiroth: Master Celestials, I still cannot surprise you...so how is one of my old teachers doing?

Celestials: spare me your false sincerity, your total disregard for human life is still just as bad as when I trained you

Sephiroth: pity is for the weak, old man that's one of the reasons why I have surpassed you

Celestials: in strength you have, but in mind and heart you have learned nothing

Sephiroth: you have told the daughter of Strife too much, I was willing to let her live, but after what you told her she now must die how does it feel old man that you were the one to send an innocent girl to her death?

Celestials: spare me your lies, you were going to kill her anyway you fear that girl almost as you fear Cloud Strife himself

Sephiroth: I FEAR NOTHING

Celestials: you fear her more than I thought if you have the nerve to deny it

Sephiroth raised his Masamune menacingly over Celestial's head as Celestials stood bravely on the spot.

Sephiroth: never mind, time to die old man how would you like to die? Quickly of slowly? I can at least spare one of my former masters that much

Celestials: strike slowly, I want to take the time to recollect the sins I have committed helping to create a monster that I see before me

And with no other words, Sephiroth struck. After the deed was done, Sephiroth drew his sword and laughed a little, Iris than ran into the room staff ready.

Iris: damn, I'm too late

Sephiroth: even though I never saw you in my life, you must be Aeris' daughter...yes you have your mother's eyes

Iris: why are you doing this? To get to me?

Sephiroth: no, I had some unfinished business with an old teacher of mine, but you coming here this is a special bonus

Iris: what have you done to my mother?

Sephiroth: she is unharmed, more than I can say for your father, heh heh...how is he doing?

Iris: SHUT UP! You have no right to mention my father he is 100 times, better than the man you'll ever be

Sephiroth: whatever child, now I want to talk business with you

Iris: what?

Sephiroth: you have a great potential within you, your father didn't want to acknowledge this because he is weak. However I do and while it was true I did try and kill you in the past, I decided to change my mind about you. Join me, you can be the daughter to me and I can show you how to use that power of yours and whatever you want will be within your grasp

Iris: you are crazy, you nearly killed my father and you expect me to suddenly give up my past?

Sephiroth: think about it, you can be with your mother again

Iris: my mother would never join a freak like you

Sephiroth: she has been resistant to me, but in the end she will be one with me. I'm only offering you this position because you are her daughter

Iris: no, I still hate you and I'll never join you

Sephiroth: a pity, than you will die

(BATTLE MODE)

Sephiroth: come on attack me, I do not need a sword to defeat you, in fact you can have the first shot

Iris:...

Iris began charging her power in her hands and when she became confident that she collected enough, she extends her hands and points her palms at Sephiroth as she began releasing her collected energy.

Iris: PLANET BEAM

And she fired...
________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile Leo fought his way to the dojo only to find out he was too late, frustrated at himself he completely ignore the fight Sephiroth and Iris are having and tends to his wounded grandfather.

Leo: grandfather, I have failed...

Celestials: you have never failed, Leo

Leo: you're still alive?! Hang on grandfather I'll get help

Celestials: no, the wound I got is fatal and besides my time has come and passed, all the knowledge I have is now passed on to you

Leo: than why do I still feel so empty?

Celestials: you'll find the answer one-day, Leo. I want you to now help out the girl, Iris on her journey

Leo: why? She means nothing to me

Celestials: she can teach you...more about yourself...than...you can...ever teach yourself...travel with her and learn with her...

With those last words, Celestials fell dead. Leo got up still as emotionless as before but with a new sense of purpose: he didn't understand fully what his master meant by his words but he knew this much from this moment on Iris is going to be his rival.

Leo: I will respect your wishes, rest in peace grandfather

Iris knew she was in trouble, she knew Sephiroth was strong but she didn't expect this. The beam she fired was neatly deflected by Sephiroth and came back and hit her. Iris winced in pain as she still felt the after effects of her own move. Sephiroth aimed his hand at her and looked like he was going to execute a move on his own, it was over.

Leo: SATTIGURIUS ARROW

Leo came out of the corner and had gotten himself involved and shot out his trademark arrow-beam. The beam struck Sephiroth's hand stopping him from firing on Iris. Sephiroth held his hand in pain but the only thing damaged was his pride, he cursed himself for not watching out.

Leo: you killed my grandfather and I will kill you

Sephiroth: another brat? This is way too amusing, oh well I already proved my point Iris...you can't beat me, I'm going to leave you alive to know that you can't do a thing against me.

Leo: stop and fight, you coward

Ignoring this, Sephiroth disappeared in a flash of dark light.

Iris: pant, he's gone...Leo you saved my life thank you

Leo: I didn't do it for your well being, you are my rival and only I will have the privilege of beating you

Iris: gee, why does that feel so reassuring?

(End BATTLE MODE)
result: Iris and Leo gained a level, Leo learns SATTIGURIUS ARROW
________________________________________________________________________________
Later

JON: despite what happened casualties are low, the people will recover to rebuild their homes and bury their dead.

Jen: they are even planning a ceremony for Celestials who died a hero

Leo: he was wise, that was true...and while I didn't understand all his teachings it doesn't matter what he did, he will always be a hero

Iris: don't you even feel the slightest bit sad for what happened?

Leo: I don't need to be sad, sadness is a weak emotion, but enough of this I'm going to join you on your journey

Everyone (except Iris): WHAT??!!

Leo: Sephiroth killed Master Celestials I will not rest until he is dead. Another reason is Iris is my rival, I will not rest until I beat her as well, I will meet you at your transportation in 10 minutes...

Jim: good bye Master Leo

Chris: we'll miss you

James: it's been fun heh heh

Tom: come back one day

Anna: yeah and bring us back a souvenir

Jim: HEY! BOB'S A GIRL!

Anna: took you long enough...

Leo nods at them and leaves

Lance: Iris you're not seriously considering him letting us join us, Leo's a psycho

Iris: I know, but I fought Sephiroth and he's stronger than I thought so if we want to win we're going to need all the help we can get

The Group reluctantly agrees as they too head back to the buggy and with the help of the harp, drive off into the sunset and their next destination but still can't believe the one fact that is now going to change their quest...

LEO JOINS THE PARTY
________________________________________________________________________________
The trip to the destination on the map didn't take long and it brought them to a beach. However there was a very large problem like Lance said the palace was in the ocean getting there definitely was going to be a problem.

Lance: oh come on JON, I still think it's a good idea

JON: no it is illogical, the SUV was made as a land mass vehicle, it cannot be converted into an underwater one

Lance: hey I can do it

JON: no you can't and I say you think of an alternate plan

Lance: I don't need another plan cause this is going to work!!!

Lena sighed those two had been arguing how to approach this problem for at least an hour now. The rest of the group meanwhile had engaged in other activities, Lena decided to sunbathe, Christi was practicing her sword-play, Iris was exploring the rest of the beach, Jen was collecting seashells and commenting on their colors and Leo was either in meditation or deep thought.

Jen: hey Lena!!!

Jen's voice broke her chain of thought

Jen: don't you think these will be great in my seashell collection?

Lena: Jen, you don't have a seashell collection

Jen: I know I decided to start now, you know what I think? This shell...

Meanwhile

Iris: still nothing but sand, sand and more sand...gee if there wasn't an ocean I could mistake this place for a desert

Iris was still lost in deep thought, so much so that she didn't watch where she was going and tripped over something. Iris got up and took a glimpse of a half-buried rock, however there were some strange markings on it.

Iris: huh what's this?

Iris dug up the rock until she was able to see all of the marking on it. It looked like it was some form of writing, excitedly she called her friends over to see her discovery.

Iris: hey guys look what I found!

Jen: I see...but what is it?

Iris: it's Ancient runes, grandma told me about them when I was in the Promised Land...it was a form of writing the Ancient's had

Jen: but what does it say?

Iris: I'll try and translate grandma also taught me a few characters...hhhmmmm...t-h-e c-h-o-s-e-n A-n-c-i-e-n-t w-i-l-l l-e-a-d t-h-e w-a-y t-o t-h-e p-a-l-a-c-e..., the first lines says: "The chosen Ancient will lead the way to the palace"

Lance: what does the rest say?

Leo: when the time of need arises...

Iris: huh? How did you know? Grandma also told me that only Ancients can read the writing, everyone else will depict it as gibberish

Leo: I can do anything you can do Iris, but I can do it better

Iris: (what's up with this guy?)

Voice: I see you were able to read the runes, I can sense at least one of you is a Cetra and your intentions are pure. So many centuries I have watched over this place has the time already came? Has war become so bad that we need to resort to this? Why can't there be peace? I hope you chosen adventurers can answer this for me one day...follow the path and you'll be there

Time seemed to sit still as the ocean itself split into two and formed a path

Lance: woah how bible-like...

Iris: well I guess since we got invited
_______________________________________________________________________________
Later

Lance: are we there yet?

Jen: Lance for the umpteenth time no

Lance: but we've been walking for 20 minutes now, how much farther do we have to walk?

Jen: I don't know but asking repeatedly isn't going to make it suddenly appear

Which is when the group approaches the palace, it shines a gold color and the group marvels how hard it is to believe it had been underwater.

Lance: I assume we're there now

Jen: uh-huh...

Walking through a wall a transparent looking ghost man came out, he looked like a man in his 30's and looked like he once was a very proud a regal man, he was also the owner of the voice.

Man: welcome travelers, your arrival marks the time of darkness is fast approaching, you do not need to say anything I know what you seek

Iris: who are you?

Man: who am I is not of importance right now, please follow me

The Man took them to a room that looked like it once was the throne room

Man: long ago this was once a palace of the Cetra, they kept it underwater for two reasons 1) so their enemies may not find this place 2) the HOLY energy was especially strong here so it was built to be close to it. For centuries it was a happy place that had many rulers and I used to be one of them now I am the guardian...during that time we found out that the HOLY energy here could actually unlock some of the hidden power in a person. Since this could have been a danger if an evil person had access to it we made it so that only living members of the royal bloodline could unlock the room where the HOLY energy resides. In time everyone except for the most knowledgeable scholars forgot about this place, I suppose it's better to be forgotten than destroyed by evil

Iris: but we don't know anyone that was part of your bloodline. There's hardly any Cetra left anyway

Man: I know, search this palace and seek the Sleeping Cetra Princess, she'll help you

Lance: what does she look like?

Man: well she's 10 years old around your age, green eyes, golden hair...

Lance: that's all I need to know, follow me I have a knack for finding beautiful sleeping girls

Jen: tell me why I'm not surprised

Later in the Court yard

Lance: my instincts tell me she's here

Lena: look it would make sense she's in a bedroom or even the kitchen but in the courtyard? Where can she be here that we can't see her?

Lance: in the pond

Iris: strange this palace has a pond even though it's underwater...I guess all castles need to have everything...wait I think I see someone inside

Jen: it looks like girl, this must be the sleeping princess

Lance: see my animal magnetism instincts are never wrong, wow what a cutie...this is just like a fairy tale, now all it needs is a handsome prince, I'll swim down there and get her

JON: negative Sir Lance, my scanners indicate you need to be able to hold your breath for approximately 2 minutes to swim down there and back

Lance: I can hold my breath that long

JON: yes, but swimming up holding something will however delay you, my estimates believe it will delay you at least a minute you might not make it

Lance: you know what your problem is JON? You are SOOOOOOOO negative, when I can say I can do it I can do it

Iris: we don't doubt you, but just in case...does anyone know CPR?

Lance lets out a small grunt but dives in anyway, JON's estimates were pretty accurate and Lance seems to have a small problem hauling a body up, however he does succeed in getting them both to dry-land but soon after passing out after all the effort he put in. The girl meanwhile makes a small yawn and stretches and opens her green eyes, she sees the group and gives them a friendly smile.

Girl: what a relaxing sleep...hello fellow Ancients I assume we have already defeated that monster Jenova? Man you were fast...

Iris: um excuse me...did you say we were Ancients?

Girl: of course, we Cetra can do anything, I bet we already humiliated Jenova and sent that thing packing

Jen: she doesn't know what happened...

Iris: I'll tell her, we can't hide the truth from her

Girl: tell me what?

Jen: tell it to her slowly

After Iris explained everything to the girl, what happened to the Cetra, Jenova's return and the fight they are having with Sephiroth...

Iris: and so there's hardly any Cetra left...except for me and my mom and now you, we're the only living Cetra

Girl: NO! Surely you jest, the Cetra are unstoppable a giant slug like Jenova couldn't have wiped us out to near extinction

Just than the mysterious man shows up

Man: jest they do not, the Cetra have been dying out from some time now...you have also been sleeping for 300 years, you now live in a very modern age

Girl: father...how did this happen?

Jen: he's your father?

Man: yes and I have watched over my daughter until the day I can see the light of her eyes again, now my job is finished I can rest now

Girl: no father, please don't go...I don't want to be alone, I don't want to

Man: you'll never be, if you continue to carry the hope of the Cetra race with you...I always watch your accomplishments my darling daughter...goodbye my darling daughter I'll never forget you. Please travelers please look out for her as well, in this new age and time she needs someone she can call friend

There was a bright flash and the soul of the former king was laid to rest and was gone.

Girl: father...I won't let you or the Cetra down, tell me travelers who are you and why are you here?

Iris: oh that's right we forgot to introduce each other, I'm Iris...that's Jen, Lena, Christi that boy lying on the ground is Lance he was the one to fish you out of the pond...

Girl: I thank you for your kind service

The girl kneels and kisses Lance on the cheek, almost instantly he jumps to his feet and standing.

Lance: WOW! I thank you your majesty

Girl: save me your pleasantries for later kind sir, I am the one who should be thanking you for risking your life in the pond

Lance: aw shucks, it was nothing

Lena: jealous Jen?

Jen: hey! Why should I be, sure okay maybe she is a princess and that technically means that if I was even the slightest bit interested I wouldn't have a chance but I don't have to worry cause I'm not interested, right?

Lena: you really are jealous

Jen: gggrrrr

Iris: and that other guy behind me is Leo

Girl: is your friend Leo invisible?

Iris: huh? He's gone! Where'd he go?

Jen: must have wondered off

Girl: well let me introduce myself

Heather Leonheart
Age: 10
Eye color Green
Hair color gold (not quite brown, not quite blond)
Likes: Nature, nice people, the Cetra
Hates: Jenova, being alone, machines
Bio: I am Heather Leonheart the youngest princess from the Leonheart blood line. Long ago a creature only know as Jenova attacked our people, I was at first confident that we could win but as a precaution I was put in suspended animation in case something should have happened to the Ancients. I had no idea Jenova was this frightening I can't believe I'm one of the few left.

Heather: are you here to seek HOLY's power?

Iris: yes, a madman named Sephiroth...

Heather: wait, did you say Sephiroth? Sephiroth I'll never forget that name, he betrayed the Planet and Cetra for his own ambitious needs to Jenova but he was defeated like the traitor he was

Iris: but how can that be? He couldn't have possibly existed that far in the past

Heather: this man you know now must be a descendant or at least a reincarnation of the one I knew, did this Sephiroth align himself with Jenova? For if he had than this confirms my suspicions

Iris: I don't know, he may have...but I don't care about who he teams himself with, he has my mother and my father is very sick, mother is the only one who can save him

Heather: but you can't face Sephiroth because you're not strong enough and you need HOLY's power to overcome him?

Iris: that's right

Heather: very well, follow me

Meanwhile where Leo had wondered off, he didn't need to hang out with those people he thought. He had and always will work the best alone his mind was still drifting on the past days events, he had been beaten by a girl not just any girl but now he found out a Cetra girl. Leo wasn't sure whether that was the advantage that aided her into winning nor did he care his new goal in life was to beat Iris and that was that. Later a man named Sephiroth killed his master, he will avenge him even if the cost is his life. Finally Leo began thinking of when he was able to read the Ancient runes on the rock, Iris became extremely confused when he did that telling him that only Cetra can read the runes, while Leo told her that he knew in reality he was as confused as she was.

Leo: how was I able to read them? Is there something about me that I don't know? Hell even walking these halls is giving me a sense of nostalgic, who am I really? Or should the question be what am I?

Iris: Hey LEO!!!

Leo: huh? Oh it's you

Iris: why'd you wonder off?

Leo: if you must know I needed to think

Iris: bout what?

Leo: that is none of your business

Iris: hmph

Heather: oh so you must be friend Leo that Iris told me about

Leo: whatever

Heather: well I'm glad your here, it will save us the time finding you

Heather walks in front and pulls down a huge tapestry off the wall. Behind it was an extravagant white and golden door.

Heather: behind this is where the HOLY power lies

Lance: amazing...but what happens if someone else discovers this door?

Heather: they won't be able to do a thing, only people from the royal bloodline can open this door now watch I do hope I remember how it goes..."sleeping spirits of the past, the time of naught has come again. As Cetra princess of the Leonheart bloodline I command thee to open this door and bless these travelers with your holy power"

After saying the words there was silence and suddenly a huge rumble as the doors slowly swing open. The room inside was large and spacious for in the center was a large hovering ball of energy.

Jen: is that HOLY's power?

Heather: yes, long ago HOLY was summoned by a great warrior while he or she's name was never left in the history books many areas still had leftover residue from HOLY's summon

Voice: greetings, I am a voice from many who have lived long ago, I have already sensed your good spirits and know your intentions are pure I'll upgrade your power with my blessing...

The light goes brighter as the voice now speaks in a particular person's mind telling him/her a private message.

Voice: [Jen, your greatest strength is your kindness and trust however that alone is not enough. You also need to be strong otherwise the darkness will consume that kindness beware as you cannot trust everyone.]

Jen: I'll remember this...
-JEN's POWER IS INCREASED

Voice: [Lena you fear the future and death however do not fear the future for it already fears you. Continue living the way you do, you'll never be happy try and live your life to it's fullest and you'll have nothing to fear]

Lena: the future...do I really fear it that much?
-LENA's POWER IS INCREASED

Voice: [Christi, I am amazed at the power of your fighting skills. You have physically trained yourself to be one of the Planet's finest. I also sense a great despair in you it is amazing you are using this despair to make you stronger instead of weaker, however sorrow is sorrow no matter how it's used. Beware the day it will be used to destroy you]

Christi: easy for you to say, can I be so easily forgiven?
-CHRISTI's POWER IS INCREASED

Voice: [Lance, your greatest weapon is also your greatest trait. While your physically average compared to your allies you make up for it with your knowledge. The power of your mind can just be good as any sword or materia, while my upgrade will upgrade your strength it will also upgrade your thinking rate.]

Lance: so that's how you make that...it seems so simple now
-LANCE's POWER IS INCREASED

Voice: [the one called JON, you are half-boy and half-machine, while that is a great achievement in human technology, never forget your human soul. Your greatest weapon is your heart not your guns.]

JON: affirmative, JON will upload this in memory banks
-JON's POWER IS INCREASED

Voice: [Leo...strange there's no advice I can give you, you are close to being a powerful fighter but you still yet are incomplete]

Leo: TELL ME!!!! TELL ME WHAT I'M MISSING!!!!!

Voice: [that is something you will learn on your own. I'm sorry]

Leo:.....
LEO'S POWER IS INCREASED

Iris: what about me?

Voice: Iris I have tried yet I can't...there is a creature of evil dwelling in your soul while it still exists I can't upgrade your power

Iris: but how? How did a demon get placed in me? Wait that fight with Sephiroth he must have placed it then, so that's why he didn't kill me...damn all this way for nothing

Jen: I not concerned about that more on what that demon is going to do

Iris:....

Heather: let me help you, you are part of my race and I cannot let another like me suffer

Iris: but how?

Heather: I know a spell to travel into one's soul...unfortunately I can only send myself and Iris

Iris: so we go into my soul, find the demon and defeat it?

Heather: yes

Iris: than what are we waiting for? Let's do it

Heather nods and recites some mysterious words in a language no one seems to understand, suddenly both Iris and Heather go unconscious. When Iris opens her eyes she sees she is in the Promised Land, Heather is standing over her.

Iris: where am I? The Promised Land?

Heather: no we are now in your soul...now to find what is the cause of your troubles

Iris: we?

Heather: you believe that since I'm a princess I don't know how to fight? I don't consider myself better than people just because I have a title when I was younger I trained with the rest of the knights, I'm a first class white knight

Iris: I believe you but can you fight in that?

Heather: oh the dress? You have a point there...

Heather snaps her fingers and Heather's dress becomes clothing similar to Iris' (khaki shorts and a t-shirt)

Heather: there since your wearing these I guess I'll try them, say these really are comfortable...I can't wait to discover more of your great age and time

Iris: I'm sure you'll love it
________________________________________________________________________________
After exploring a bit there is no hide or hair of any demon

Iris: this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, maybe there isn't a demon

Heather: no the past ones are never wrong if they say there's a demon there's a demon

Suddenly the world gets distorted and they both reappear in Ifalna's home in the Promised Land (for the past references in [] read I Love You Mommy)

Iris: [did my friends get home okay?]

Ifalna: [they did, they are very worried about you]

Iris: [I don't blame them, I would be too if I were in their place but they understand I have to do this, that's why there my friends they understand me, they don't respect my decision but they understand it]

Ifalna: [you've made very nice friends back at your home I'm glad]

Iris: [why?]

Ifalna: [well I worry about you and your father, I worried how you would feel and react to the world without a mother figure but I see you that I shouldn't worry you are the very spitting image that she was]

Iris: huh? What am I doing over there? Wait that's me 2 years ago

Heather: your soul usually reflects things that have already happened in the past

Iris: [thank you, why do you worry about dad?]

Ifalna: [the pain he puts himself through everyday]

Iris: [yeah I just realized I feel stupid for not seeing it sooner but he always seemed so happy but now I know the pain he's putting himself is tearing him apart little by little, but despite all that he still took care of me and now....now he's hurt because of me]

Ifalna: [it's not your fault. Poor little one you don't deserve to witness what you did]

Iris: father, I'm sorry for what happened in the past you are always suffering for me

Heather: what has happened is the past, we should leave things that have already happened alone

Iris: you're right

The world begins to again become distorted and this time Heather and Iris are standing in a field with what looks like a giant rock in front of them, Heather looks at it in a mild shock.

Heather: by the gods, it can't be...

Iris: what? What is that thing?

Heather: it's a Wrexsoul an eater of dreams and souls

Iris: so this is the demon that in me, doesn't look very threatening

Heather: it's still in its larval form luckily, we must destroy it before it hatches

Unfortunately they have arrived a split second too late. The giant egg is able to hatch and out pops a worm-like creature it menacingly opens and closes its mandibles at the two Ancients.

Heather: uh-oh, it hatched

Iris: um this is out of curiosity but what does a Wrexsoul do exactly?

Heather: well it will begin to eat your dreams and slowly at your soul but the problem is you won't know it's in you. Afterwards you'll start to get major headaches and feel totally drained, slowly after it eats enough of your soul, your body begins to shrivel and dry up, your eyes will turn into jelly, your brain will practically ooze out of your nose and eventually you will turn into dust. Of course those are the GOOD side effects now the bad ones include...

Iris: I get the idea

Heather: don't worry, it's still in infant form we must defeat it before it gets worst

Iris: you don't need to tell me twice

(BATTLEMODE)

Heather: okay demon, prepare to eat cold steel...oops

Iris: that didn't sound good what is it?

Heather: you might say my sword didn't fare as well through the years like I did

Heather holds up her sword, which has aged greatly through the passage of time. It is rusted and looks like it is going to fall apart at any minute.

Iris: why don't you snap up a new one?

Heather: hey, clothes are one thing but weapons are another

Iris: it's all right, I'll handle this

Iris raises her staff and charges up to it and executes CETRA SLASH however the worm's skin is thicker than she anticipated and a dent is not even made. The Wrexsoul turns angrily at iris and tries to impale her with it's mandibles, Iris nimbly rolls out of the way.

Iris: so is that how you want to play? Well take this, PLANET BEAM!!!!!

Iris fires her trademark beam at the creature but it's still thick skin simply absorbs her blast, Iris looks at it shocked which gives the Wrexsoul more time to counterattack, it fires some sticky silk at Iris covering her in a net. The worm now advances on the helpless Iris completely ignoring Heather.

Heather: oh no you don't, I think my sword can handle one last attack and I think this is the occasion I hope this works

Heather raises her sword into the air as the sky turns into night, the stars channel their golden energy into Heather's sword as she concentrates on her attack.

Heather: HEAVEN'S GATHER!

Heather dashes at the worm and slashes it through it's thick skin with her now star-energy filled blade. The blade passes through like butter and when it's over Heather's sword is now broken in two due to the stress she put on the blade. The Wrexsoul turns and looks at Heather confused at what she did but only briefly for afterwards the giant worm falls apart split through the center, dead. Meanwhile Iris was able to use PLANET BEAM and break through the net.

(END BATTLEMODE)

Iris: thank for the help

Heather: don't mention it, but now I'm going to need another sword

Iris: for what?

Heather: for your journey, I've decided to come along too this incident has taught me that we Ancients need to stick together to avoid extinction, Sephiroth is your enemy and now he is mine as well

Iris: you're welcome to join

Heather: thank you, now let's head back
________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile the rest of the group (well except Leo) was growing frantic after Heather had cast her spell both Iris and Heather seemed to have disappeared. However you can imagine their surprise when they both suddenly reappear, both standing up and looking fine.

Jen: Iris, what happened exactly?

Iris: I saw a little of my past and we defeated a monster, oh and Heather wants to help us on our journey

Lance: nice legs, I never got to see them earlier because of that dress

Lena: say weren't you wearing a dress, earlier?

Heather: yeah but my guess is that went out of fashion long ago so I decided to wear something similar to Iris to avoid looking conspicuous.

Lance: I like it, so you're now part of the team

Heather: yes but I'm going to need a weapon mine got destroyed

Lance: let me have a look at that sword, hhhhmmmm yes I can fix it just leave it to me I'll even make it even better than before

Heather: really?

Lance: I never lie to pretty girls

Heather: again I am in your debt, kind sir. Iris the demon is gone now accept HOLY's power

Iris: right, please can I have it now?

Voice: you may, Iris but...I fear your power, you have potential but there's the problem you have too much potential you may even have enough energy within you to destroy this very planet, with this knowledge do you still want me to give it to you?

Iris: I've came this far and I won't give up, I know of my power but if I had the choice I would gladly give up my power to live a normal childhood but I know this is my responsibility

Voice: it is that spirit that gives me a sense of relief, I will increase your power with my blessing but beware of evil for they may taint your powers into destruction one day.

-IRIS's POWER IS INCREASED

Iris: such power! I almost find it hard to believe that this is not my limit and I can get even stronger than this

Voice: yes you can get stronger but do not think you have limits, a mortal can keep getting stronger if they keep believing in themselves the only limit is when they think they can't get any more stronger.

Heather: please upgrade my power as well, I've decided to join them and I want to fight for peace of this planet

Voice: this is very unexpected...but I won't stop you if you feel this is your destiny, just remember the Cetra are mortals and they can only do so much. However they knew of the sacrifices they had to make to make others living beings happy, someday you Heather may just have to make such a sacrifice.

Heather: I understand, as part of the Leonheart bloodline I will accept the responsibilities my ancestors had to go through for peace

HEATHER's POWER IS INCREASE

Voice: my job on the planet is now done, I may rest with the others now

The glowing orb begins to fade and eventually it disappears leaving the room now empty.

Heather: the HOLY energy here has done its work and now has gone to a better place

Iris: we finally accomplish what we traveled so far for...now we can bring the fight to Sephiroth himself, I only hope we are ready for this
________________________________________________________________________________

END: Chapter 4: The boy filled with hate and the other last Cetra
NEXT: Chapter 5: Assault on Nibelheim II and the one with no past

I don't feel like saying any last words so I won't just stay tuned for the next chapter.