A/N: oki here's the thing, I really love Glenn but I think it sucks that
you can't save Kid AND have him if not in a New+ game, ¬¬ so let's just
pretend you CAN save Kid and recruit Glenn k? but back to the point, this
chap takes place when they're at Fort Dragonia for the first time. Blah
blah.
This chapter is dedicated to NoStyle. you'll see why at the end ^^
~~*°*~~
"I won't stop you. but. pleez don't die."
Harle disappeared with a sad face and left the path open to them, Kid was still scowling at her. With a deep breath Serge stepped out of the cavern and into a huge open space, the floor here was different, it was man made, or better yet, Dragonian made. It occupied the entire crater of the volcano, and in the centre, a fort probably bigger than Termina.
His breath was caught in his throat as he was transported to a dream. ~A huge fort, with ancient designs and sculptures, a large form which seemed like a peak of ice, the old rusty door to the entrance. Short bangs of gold settling on a soft pale face as she dropped to the ground, two people in a small dark room, the girl at his feet. A drop of blood sliding silently down the sharp edge of her metallic weapon.~
"Serge!"
he snapped back to reality to find two pairs of concerned eyes. Kid took her hand from his shoulder but kept her eyes on him
"You all right mate? Phased out on us for a sec." She said
"Uh. I'm fine."
~a bloody dagger in someone's gloved hand. a drop of blood making the only noise in the room as it hit the floor.~
"You sure. are you really ready to do this?" asked Glenn
~His lips parted slightly as they curled upwards in a lustful smile, as she lay there in a pool of her own blood, so still, eye lids over her soft childish blue eyes.~
"Kid." said Serge looking those same eyes. He felt sweat tickle his forehead as she looked to him in question. "Um. I think it would be better. if, you stayed."
Glenn raised his eyebrows and Kid looked at Serge with utter disbelief "Wh. what?"
"I don't want you to go."
Kid shook her head not actually believing what she was hearing "Excuse me? You, you want me to stay here? You're actually asking me not to come along for the fight I have been waiting for my entire life?! You don't want me to come knowing I would give anything to see that bastard dead at my feet?! Ok so my vengeance is just crap, and I'll have to live with someone else doing my job?!"
"Is it worth giving your life to take another? Look I know how you must feel but I can't ris--"
"Have you gone bloody mad?! Since when do you have the choice to decide what battles I can fight or not?! Who gave you the damn authority to run my life?! And who the hell says I'm gonna die here? I will walk out of this place alive, and at peace for having murdered my sister's assassin!"
"Kid." he tried again
"I'm going Serge, and you are not going to stop me, but if you're stupid enough to get in my way I will not respond."
"You have to stay." He said again
"I HAVE to stay?" she lifted both eyebrows at him, and he stood his ground, they looked at each other in silence for a while before Kid simply began to walk past him, Glenn looked nervously from one to another.
"I can't risk you." he said digging into his pocket. "I won't let you die on my account."
Kid looked behind her shoulder to see the familiar red gadget she had received from the Radical Dreamers, and that in time she had given to Serge. Her eyes widened 'why that little!' She turned to Serge with more than anger in her eyes. And unsheathed her dagger.
Having set Nikki on the device he was about to push the button when he felt a sharp pain in his palm, as the Tele-Porter and Kid's dagger went flying out of his hands.
"Hey watch it!" said Glenn as the dagger nearly missed him and the Porter knocked him on the shoulder.
She walked up to the Tele-porter saying nothing and putting it away with her things. "Nobody, will take this away from me. I will go now, with or without you." She moved over to her dagger on the floor and set it in it's sheath again "You told me you wouldn't let me do this alone. but it's your call whether ya come with me or not. I'm not about ta force anyone." She walked back to the entrance of the giant structure.
Serge looked at her retreating figure for a while before Glenn broke his train of thoughts
"Ok, like Kid, I have no idea what's gotten into you, but, she does have a point, and if I know her as well as I think, she would have what she want's one way or the other. so I suggest you stop pushing this, if you don't want to get hurt, and just come on." He said following Kid to the entrance
Serge shook his head and looked to the floor. They didn't understand, they hadn't seen what he had seen, but no! he would never do that to her, he would never. if it was up to him, then she would come out safe. maybe it was going to be all right, maybe his dreams were just a warning. he followed his comrades.
~~
White energy shone from under the strange white guardian as he was about to launch another attack. 'dammit doesn't this thing die?' they were hardly getting any damage done.
The thing rushed up to Kid and smiled idiotically, Kid looked at the thing disgusted as it puckered it's lips. Wallowing her in it's ridiculously loud kisses. Glenn's face twisted in disgust as Serge clutched his swallow. It nuzzled itself in her chest one last time, getting both men to blush, before leaving Kid, with considerable damage and, asleep.
Serge didn't waste anytime, as soon as the Sun retreated he cast a panacea on Kid, getting her back in the battle. She made sounds of disgust, and a few occasional colorful word here and there as she charged at this thing, stamina high. One weak blow and two fierce ones.
Glenn was prepared to cast an element when the thing finally stopped smiling, it's flares stopped turning and it fell to the ground where it simply disintegrated. Serge sighed, as this thing delivered it's star to the party, then with element's Kid and Glenn had, healed the party.
"Ewww ewww ewwwww!!!" said Kid once healed "That was the most awful attack I have eva had to tolerate!!"
"It wasn't that bad." said Serge having also received this things kisses.
"Yeah easy for you to say! You don't have breasts he can dig into!"
Both men blushed again as Glenn coughed to regain his posture.
"Ugh. let's just go." said Kid approaching the Crystal and turning it off. Once done, they proceeded to the back of the room, which was actually an elevator.
"Up or down?" asked Glenn
"Up." said Serge
The elevator rattled under their feet and began to move up to the next level. When it stopped it revealed a sight that made Serge's stomach churn. everything was the same, the path divided in two, the six dragon sculptures to the side, their eyes glowing red. The writing on the floor. They were here. the time was near.
The dungeon itself had a few minor changes, there were dragoons all over the place, and they had to fight another boss to get to the black Crystal, but he wasn't too much trouble, once they collected all the elements in site they moved up to the platform.
"Allocate all the white elements you have and have plenty of healing ones as well." said Serge to his friends.
"How do you know where we're going?" asked Glenn, Serge didn't answer and stepped onto the platform.
It glowed under their feet and Serge began to feel considerably lighter, as he suspected his feet weren't touching the ground anymore, his vision blurred the next two seconds, and he had the sensation of something large fall over him, when he opened his eyes he found that he had actually passed over the floor. His heart began to race.
"Woah." was all he heard from Glenn
This was it. there was no turning back, he walked up to the door and set a cautious hand over the handle. ~Two soft slender legs gave way as the person's knees collided with the floor. Her eyes could no longer be kept open. She didn't even have enough strength to lift her arms as she fell chest fist to the floor. The person above her holding the bloody dagger. her familiar necklace making a light jingle as it hit the floor. And her light golden bangs settling against her face, the last thing to move. as she lay ever so still, at his feet.~
Serge felt as he was pushed back into reality and clutched his head as a sharp pain came to it.
"Serge?" asked Kid with worry in her tone.
Serge looked back at her, still clutching his throbbing head, and frowned. "Please be careful. sometimes things aren't what they seem."
Kid just looked back at him with question in her eyes as the door finally opened. Revealing a dark room. 'the' room.
"Come on mate." She said walking ahead of him.
Glenn followed and taking one final sigh Serge stepped in. He knew he would find Lynx in there, but the General being there surprised him a bit, and Glenn as well, the fight with him was mostly between him and Glenn due to their opposite innate colors, but it was won with a bit of work.
The general hid his defeat, saying it was just a warm up, and of course Serge was ready to fight again, however, Lynx was not about to give him another chance. He appeared suddenly behind the General, and Serge heard Kid gasp as a sharp katana like sword was punctured through the general. He watched disgusted as blood shot out of the old man's stomach.
Glenn moved all his shaking body would allow him as the General fell forward, apologising to his daughter one last time.
"May you rest in peace." said Lynx watching with indifference as the life slowly seeped out of the general.
Tension sofocated the atmosphere as Serge could feel hatred eradicate from either sides of him. Lynx looked up from the floor to him and frowned.
"Now let this be your final resting place as well." he positioned himself for battle. As Serge clutched his steel swallow.
He had never seen his comrades fight so fiercely, with so much rage, it scared him. At first chance Kid would use every element she had, first all her white ones, then her tecs, where as Glenn concentrated on physical hits, using only his tecs. Red energy shone under Kid as she pulled her arms to her back, then with a quick movement she trust forward what seemed like hundreds of tiny flaring daggers. Lynx growled as his composure was down to a sag. Glenn went up to Lynx and delivered two fierce blows then retreated to regain stamina. It was time, Serge felt his innate energy flow under him and with a movement so fast the eye could not detect it he dashed forward delivering a powerful horizontal slash. Witch sent Lynx to his knees.
It was over. Glenn ended up healing the party, better yet only Kid, Serge noticed Lynx's attacks were mostly for her, the only time he had tried to hit Glenn, he had missed, but he hadn't attacked Serge once.
"You're more trouble than I thought." he said scowling at them "But do you really think your skills are superior to mine?
Kid glared at him "Sore loser."
He smiled wickedly at her then turned to Serge again "Serge. have you ever questioned who you really are?"
Kid looked to find Serge staring with uncertainty at Lynx. She looked at him worriedly. "Serge.?"
"What has been the significance of your existence up until now? On that ominous day ten years ago, the boundary of time and space was torn, and part of me in fact, died."
Lynx closed his eyes and his brows furrowed at something Kid could only guess. When he opened then again he looked to Serge. He took an uncertain step forward and Kid did as well, shaking her head at him.
"You cannot defeat me Serge. this is because denying me is the same as erasing your very existence."
Kid saw Serge's brow furrow and glared at Lynx, then looked back at Serge "Don't be taken in by his rubbish Serge! This guy's full of it!"
Lynx turned to Kid and scowled "Huh. we'll see about that." he took a step forward "There are two sides to every coin. Life and death.... love and hate.... they are all the same."
Kid shook her head, not understanding "Whad'ya say? Talk some sense will ya?"
Lynx finally took his eyes off Serge to look down at the Dragon tear in the centre of the room, and not really knowing why, Serge did as well. he felt a strong presence emanate from him, what was odd, was that it was his own. but only for a few seconds, and moments later he could feel another being within it. Himself, and Lynx. Himself. Serge. Lynx. himself.
A dull heavy pain invaded his head as he felt it swirl, what was going on? The pain sharpened suddenly, and his hands made there way up to his head, pressing it hard, wanting for it to stop, a shrill so high he felt his ears about to burst, he felt as if something were engulfing him, pressing him in form every angle. His eyes shut tight as he was no longer able to hold in his scream. He fell to his knees, loosing all perception of the world around him.
Kid gasped at the yell of pain she heard, she had never seen a person in so much pain. and it was. Serge. his voice died down, and his hands stopped clutching his head desperately, as he stood still on his knees, and let his hands drop to the side. She crouched down beside him
"Serge! What's wrong?!" she asked placing a hand over his shoulder "LYNX!" she yelled across the room, how dare he? Why was it he had to make everyone she loved have to suffer? "What have you done to Serge?!" she asked, loathe seeping out with each word. "Serge are you all right?" she asked again returning her concern to the boy under her.
He stood up abruptly, surprising her a bit. "Yes I'm fine. I'm just fine Kid." She wasn't sure of that. he didn't turn to smile at her like every other time she was worried for him, he just kept staring at Lynx, but he was right, Lynx was still the main priority here.
"What are you doing Lynx?"
Serge stared at his hands. not they weren't hands. the had fur, and claws. and. he looked up to find. himself. himself and his friends, Kid. and Glenn. no. this was.
"Now's your chance Kid. kill him!" Lynx said.
Serge looked to Kid, his eyes seeing her all too clearly, to precise to be human vision, he looked at the solemn expression on her face as she approached. He shook his head, walking away from her. No! he wasn't. no impossible!
"This is the end of you Lynx! Say yer prayers!" she yelled at him posing for battle
'No!!' his mind yelled. He pulled out his swallow, only to find a scythe in it's place, he didn't. know how to handle a weapon like this, but he would pay! He charged at Lynx in his body delivering 2 fierce blows, but one missed. No sooner had he stepped back, as he saw Lynx approach him with his own swallow, missing only one of his 4 blows. Glenn attacked next and with just physicals, left him sagging. No! he would not fight his friends, much less. he charged at Lynx black energy shining from under him, black? But it wasn't. he dashed forward delivering the familiar horizontal slash and stepped back. he watched as Glenn let down his guard for a second. Kid had a similar expression, of confusion, but it only lasted for a second, and a moment later she ran up to him and just stood there her dagger behind her ready to strike. He watched, amazed as he saw doubt in her eyes. Could it be, that she suspected? He raised a hand and she seemed to snap out of her trance, gave two weak blows, it was all he could take. he fell to the cold floor.
"You did it Kid." he heard his voice say
She looked down at the feline beast at her feet, wounds and bruises all over his body, trying hard to breathe. she had done it?
"Y-yeah." yes... she had done it. but, done what?
"Now finish him." she heard Serge say to her.
She looked over to him, he was acting strangely. why would he encourage her so much. Serge had told her he would never take the life of a sentient being if it could be helped. besides. she looked back at the agonising cat, and felt uneasy as his eyes pierced into hers. They no longer held the look of hatred or maliciousness they had before.
"What's wrong? settle it once and for all."
Kid didn't even turn to look at Serge this time, she was still captive in his eyes. her enemies eyes. so different, her enemy?
~"Please be careful. sometimes things aren't what they seem."~
His voice rang in her head. 'his' voice? Who's? Serge's? the boy who was behind her? Was it really him?
A frustrated sigh echoed in the room followed by the sound of metal tipped boots move forward "Here. hand me your dagger, I'll finish him off."
Finish him off? Him? Lynx? Kid began to get frustrated as she didn't know what was going on in her head, why was she so worried? Something wasn't right, but. nothing was wrong! She hardly felt when Serge came from behind her and took her dagger from her hands. Serge.? Why would he do something like that? Why was he acting so strange? Why did looking at Lynx make her feel uneasy? Lynx. Serge.
"Watch this Kid, I'll avenge Lucca for you" she gasped as something clicked in her mind "Die Lynx!" said Serge lifting her dagger
'No!' "Wait!!" she yelled
the tension in the room thickened as she found it hard to breath. it was. impossible! No! it couldn't. but how.? No no no! It wasn't true! It couldn't be real! Lucca? How.?
"What Kid? He's you're foe isn't he?" asked Serge
him? Was 'he' her foe? Was 'he' the one who had burned down the orphanage and kidnapped her sis? No. she could see it, she could feel it. no! she turned to find 'Serge' looking to her with confused blue eyes. the same eyes, no. they weren't the same, something was missing. they weren't the same eyes that told her his troubles, or begged her to confess her past, or.... cared for her. those eyes belonged to another, another who knew Lucca, and knew what HE had done to her.
"How, do you know Lucca's name?" she managed to choke out, but it was still impossible, he was, there. he was.
"What are you talking about Kid?" he asked turning to her.
He. who was he?! "Not once did I mention Lucca's name to you Serge." so how does he know? How would he know the name of the woman that cared for Kid like no one else had? How did he know? Serge didn't know.... no not Serge.
"No. don't tell me you're." she looked at him with disgust that then turned into anger.
Of course! It all made sense! Everything! How could she not have seen it? Felt it? No! that bastard. wasn't Serge. She felt her fist clench at her side. How could he. how dare he?! All he did was stand there, eyes closed, contemplating.
He looked up at her with that gaze void of care and innocence, and a second later his body made contact with hers. she gasped and twisted her face in pain. She felt like screaming, but only took in a sharp breath, making it feel worse. She gazed up beside her, where soft bangs of blue tickled her face.
Serge? It was Serge. he would help her. Serge. he did nothing as she saw him blur her head spinning wildly and her muscles no longer functioning. She took in another sharp breath as the cold metal was cruelly twisted out of her. Serge. her legs trembled. Why?
~~ "I ain't gonna eat ya you know." she smirked
He smiled inspite of himself and made his way back to his futon, taking his boots off as she turned her back to him again.
"But I warn ya. if ya start to snore I'll kick yer arse out of the hut."
he smiled again. Then finally lay on the futon using his arms as pillows.
"Kid?"
"Hm?"
"You said you helped me with Karsh for two reasons. one was the unfair odds. what was the other?"
She drew her legs closer to her body and tucked her arms protectively over her chest.
"I might tell ya. someday." ~ "You can see a person through your eyes, I mean really see them, the way they are, no masks or acts. because of your innocence you see them as they truly are. I never show myself to anyone. I have never and will never, and the feeling that you can do what no one else can, well gets me to freak out. I really don't want anybody to see who I really am."
"Why? You're a beautiful person."
Kid looked to Serge with a tinge of red in her cheeks
"Oi! You don't even know me! How would you know? Yer too trustin'! you can't do that with strangers boy. they could hurt you real bad. I could be a back stabbin thief for all you know. I could kill ya or betray ya or."
"No."
"Huh? What do you mean no? How would you know? You don't know me."
"But I see you, just like you said. I can see who you really are, and I can see that you would never do something like what you mentioned. You would never hurt me. and yet you don't know me. You're the one who's too trusting."
Kid blushed harder and swallowed a lump in her throat.
"You can be strong for people, but when it comes to yourself you grow a bit insecure, but you take pity from no one. You have very much pride and honor, but you are reasonable and have so much love in your heart you can become compassionate at times. You stand tall and brave, by yourself, as you are probably used to being, there is only one thing that really scares you and even though you have experienced it with great depth before, it's still there. loneliness." ~ She looked to her left. and he was. she almost pitied Serge. A look of utter horror and worry replaced his solemn tranquil face. She didn't know if he wanted to scream or cry or just stare at her. She looked into his eyes and saw something she had never seen in Serge, and even not knowing him, knew it was something out of place in this innocent boy. Something he should not feel. Rage.
Her jaw clenched as another wave of pain spread through her, she staggered back a few paces now with both hands on her abdomen.
She heard a gasp from Riddle and someone's footsteps running towards her, then fading away. Opening her eyes she saw something that instead of scaring her, made her terribly sad and utterly disappointed. She hadn't even felt the balcony under her body, but there it was, above her, getting further and further away.
Serge appeared over the rails and she had to smile at the look of worry and frustration in his face. for her? He was worried for her? It was. an odd feeling. She felt at home again, the way Lucca used worry over her getting a scratch on her elbow or a cut on her arm. worry. She didn't like for her to worry, Serge shouldn't do it either. he wouldn't have to! She would get through this no matter what. For him. ~ "I'll make sure that bloody bastard pays for what he's done." She turned away from Serge as her eyes got misty once again. "I will get even. no matter what it takes."
Serge frowned. Why did she have to suffer so much? Why her, why not him or someone else. He was a little surprised when she turned to him again a smile on her face.
"Sorry mate. I never talk about myself like you always want me to, and when I do, I get you all upset. hehe. figures."
Serge shook his head, but she did not see as she went to sit against a giant head of what probably used to be a god.
"Sorry, you had better get to sleep too you know, I've kept you up long enough just to trouble you and you need the rest. it was a long day and who knows what tomorrow will bring."
She tucked her legs close to her body and shut her eyes, half hoping Serge would listen to her and just get back to sleep, but unbeknownst to her, he had other plans.
She heard him, or better yet felt him sit beside her, and she tensed up knowing he was looking at her. Damn his gaze.
"You know, you won't be alone anymore. right?" he whispered
She did or said nothing, although thoroughly touched by his words. He felt her body stiffen even more when she felt an arm go around her back.
"You know, right?" he finished
she exhaled deeply and smiled sadly, nodding as her head dropped onto his shoulder. With Serge unaware that she was as content as he was in their warm embrace. ~~
"No!" he roared. again her head dropped onto someone's shoulder. not his own anymore, she leaned onto him, not being able to keep herself up. He watched as she slid down his arm, and he did nothing. He saw her knees hit the ground, and her head lull forward, eyelids shutting, as the pain and color drained from her soft tender face. He saw her chest hit the floor, and her bangs jump softly at the rough contact, and finally settle back down on her smooth skin, and then. stillness.
It had happened. and he had been able to do nothing but watch, no matter how many times he had been warned, no matter what he did to try and prevent it. he was unable to protect her. again. his head drooped in defeat and sorrow.
"Serge! . why?" he heard Glenn stutter from the other side of the room.
Lynx turned to Glenn with deep red eyes and anger bubbling inside him. "Quiet!" he yelled taking a hand above his head. A ball of black energy radiating purple lighting formed in his palm as Glenn took a step back. grabbing force Lynx thrust the energy forward, receiving a scream of pain from Glenn as it hit him. Serge watched as he too fell unconscious to the ground.
Lynx moved forward and Serge watched horrified as he took an handful of Kid's hair and painfully lifted her by the head. Her white shirt partially soaked with her own blood.
"This is the end of the road for you Kid."
He heard her give a small yelp of pain as she grit her teeth to support the feeling.
"You're, Lynx. ain't ya?" she said not having opened her eyes.
He snickered as her face twisted in pain again. "I'll send you to see Lucca."
Serge stopped breathing as he saw him lift the dagger behind him, ready to slit her throat, watched for a few horrifying seconds as Kid strived to breath, her eyes shut so tight, tears were brimming at the edges. 'No. please.' he pleaded silently. He would be unable to protect her. to save her. she would die. for his own weakness. 'no. it wasn't her fault. please. don't kill her.' if someone should die it should be him. she meant too much to him.
The smiled on Lynx's face faded, as he watched her give sharp intakes of air, barely conscious anymore. He sighed and released her hair, letting her bounce lightly to the floor again, where she did her best to endure.
"I'll finish you off later." he said taking one final glance at her. Serge, still not having forgiven himself for what he did to Kid didn't even notice as he approached.
"Look at yourself Serge. I mean Lynx." He smiled "Excellent. the enmity is growing. the only thing pure in this world is enmity. Well then, the time has come for the curtain to fall. your services are no longer needed, even your very existence is worthless. Farewell Serge." he moved away from him and to the alter in the centre of the room, then lifted the Dragon tear to his hand.
"Finally! I have the key to the gate of Fate, the time has come for the Frozen Flame to awaken!"
Serge watched as he disappeared before his eyes and was suddenly hovering over him Dragon tear high over his head. "Come to the sea of Eden Serge." he said almost tauntingly "Should you wish to end your dream of 10 years ago."
Serge lifted an arm protectively as the Tear exploded into thousands of shards, and immediately after, he felt as if something were tearing him apart. Him and his world. He noticed he was a few feet from the ground, but he could do nothing now. he was useless. he couldn't even save her.
"Now let love bleed!" yelled Lynx in a hysterical way "Darker and deeper than the seas of hell!!"
Serge opened his eyes to find Lynx in front of him, cackling like a mad man, then he looked to the room, Glenn was gone, as well as the General, but she. she was still there, in a growing pool of her own blood, pain still visible on her expression, but no longer in this world. no.
He woke up and gasped, blinded temporarily by the bright sunlight. sunlight? His vision cleared and his heart leapt at the vision in front of him, there she was. as strong and beautiful as ever, her back turned to him, her ponytail and bangs swaying with the soft ocean breeze, she stood contemplating the ocean as he approached.
Then turned behind her and greeted him with a warm smiled, it faded slightly to reveal understanding and friendship, as she extended a gloved hand towards him.
'Love will bleed, but never die..'
A/N: hm a bit too philosophical ne? supposedly he heard Kid say it. it's not him, or maybe it is.. I don't know, whatever you want to think or who ever you think fits best. ^^ a bit long, but shorter than the last one. hope you liked it.
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY NoSyle!!!!!!! OHOHOHOHOHOHO! One year older than yesterday! Hahahaha! I'm just kidding! But at least we were the same age for what? 8 days? ^^ don't matter! Like I said here is your birthday present, from me 2 u and well I hoped you liked it as much as I LOVED your present to me! ¬¬ I better post another chapter to make it up to you, but anywho have a great birthday and well.. yeah that's all! Ohohohoho!
PS2: people if yer gonna congratulate her go see her fanarts and mediaminer.com and THEN congratulate her even more cuz she's a kick ass artist... ¬¬ and don't ask her age! Or mine!!! It's not polite to ask a lady her age :P hehehehe!
This chapter is dedicated to NoStyle. you'll see why at the end ^^
~~*°*~~
"I won't stop you. but. pleez don't die."
Harle disappeared with a sad face and left the path open to them, Kid was still scowling at her. With a deep breath Serge stepped out of the cavern and into a huge open space, the floor here was different, it was man made, or better yet, Dragonian made. It occupied the entire crater of the volcano, and in the centre, a fort probably bigger than Termina.
His breath was caught in his throat as he was transported to a dream. ~A huge fort, with ancient designs and sculptures, a large form which seemed like a peak of ice, the old rusty door to the entrance. Short bangs of gold settling on a soft pale face as she dropped to the ground, two people in a small dark room, the girl at his feet. A drop of blood sliding silently down the sharp edge of her metallic weapon.~
"Serge!"
he snapped back to reality to find two pairs of concerned eyes. Kid took her hand from his shoulder but kept her eyes on him
"You all right mate? Phased out on us for a sec." She said
"Uh. I'm fine."
~a bloody dagger in someone's gloved hand. a drop of blood making the only noise in the room as it hit the floor.~
"You sure. are you really ready to do this?" asked Glenn
~His lips parted slightly as they curled upwards in a lustful smile, as she lay there in a pool of her own blood, so still, eye lids over her soft childish blue eyes.~
"Kid." said Serge looking those same eyes. He felt sweat tickle his forehead as she looked to him in question. "Um. I think it would be better. if, you stayed."
Glenn raised his eyebrows and Kid looked at Serge with utter disbelief "Wh. what?"
"I don't want you to go."
Kid shook her head not actually believing what she was hearing "Excuse me? You, you want me to stay here? You're actually asking me not to come along for the fight I have been waiting for my entire life?! You don't want me to come knowing I would give anything to see that bastard dead at my feet?! Ok so my vengeance is just crap, and I'll have to live with someone else doing my job?!"
"Is it worth giving your life to take another? Look I know how you must feel but I can't ris--"
"Have you gone bloody mad?! Since when do you have the choice to decide what battles I can fight or not?! Who gave you the damn authority to run my life?! And who the hell says I'm gonna die here? I will walk out of this place alive, and at peace for having murdered my sister's assassin!"
"Kid." he tried again
"I'm going Serge, and you are not going to stop me, but if you're stupid enough to get in my way I will not respond."
"You have to stay." He said again
"I HAVE to stay?" she lifted both eyebrows at him, and he stood his ground, they looked at each other in silence for a while before Kid simply began to walk past him, Glenn looked nervously from one to another.
"I can't risk you." he said digging into his pocket. "I won't let you die on my account."
Kid looked behind her shoulder to see the familiar red gadget she had received from the Radical Dreamers, and that in time she had given to Serge. Her eyes widened 'why that little!' She turned to Serge with more than anger in her eyes. And unsheathed her dagger.
Having set Nikki on the device he was about to push the button when he felt a sharp pain in his palm, as the Tele-Porter and Kid's dagger went flying out of his hands.
"Hey watch it!" said Glenn as the dagger nearly missed him and the Porter knocked him on the shoulder.
She walked up to the Tele-porter saying nothing and putting it away with her things. "Nobody, will take this away from me. I will go now, with or without you." She moved over to her dagger on the floor and set it in it's sheath again "You told me you wouldn't let me do this alone. but it's your call whether ya come with me or not. I'm not about ta force anyone." She walked back to the entrance of the giant structure.
Serge looked at her retreating figure for a while before Glenn broke his train of thoughts
"Ok, like Kid, I have no idea what's gotten into you, but, she does have a point, and if I know her as well as I think, she would have what she want's one way or the other. so I suggest you stop pushing this, if you don't want to get hurt, and just come on." He said following Kid to the entrance
Serge shook his head and looked to the floor. They didn't understand, they hadn't seen what he had seen, but no! he would never do that to her, he would never. if it was up to him, then she would come out safe. maybe it was going to be all right, maybe his dreams were just a warning. he followed his comrades.
~~
White energy shone from under the strange white guardian as he was about to launch another attack. 'dammit doesn't this thing die?' they were hardly getting any damage done.
The thing rushed up to Kid and smiled idiotically, Kid looked at the thing disgusted as it puckered it's lips. Wallowing her in it's ridiculously loud kisses. Glenn's face twisted in disgust as Serge clutched his swallow. It nuzzled itself in her chest one last time, getting both men to blush, before leaving Kid, with considerable damage and, asleep.
Serge didn't waste anytime, as soon as the Sun retreated he cast a panacea on Kid, getting her back in the battle. She made sounds of disgust, and a few occasional colorful word here and there as she charged at this thing, stamina high. One weak blow and two fierce ones.
Glenn was prepared to cast an element when the thing finally stopped smiling, it's flares stopped turning and it fell to the ground where it simply disintegrated. Serge sighed, as this thing delivered it's star to the party, then with element's Kid and Glenn had, healed the party.
"Ewww ewww ewwwww!!!" said Kid once healed "That was the most awful attack I have eva had to tolerate!!"
"It wasn't that bad." said Serge having also received this things kisses.
"Yeah easy for you to say! You don't have breasts he can dig into!"
Both men blushed again as Glenn coughed to regain his posture.
"Ugh. let's just go." said Kid approaching the Crystal and turning it off. Once done, they proceeded to the back of the room, which was actually an elevator.
"Up or down?" asked Glenn
"Up." said Serge
The elevator rattled under their feet and began to move up to the next level. When it stopped it revealed a sight that made Serge's stomach churn. everything was the same, the path divided in two, the six dragon sculptures to the side, their eyes glowing red. The writing on the floor. They were here. the time was near.
The dungeon itself had a few minor changes, there were dragoons all over the place, and they had to fight another boss to get to the black Crystal, but he wasn't too much trouble, once they collected all the elements in site they moved up to the platform.
"Allocate all the white elements you have and have plenty of healing ones as well." said Serge to his friends.
"How do you know where we're going?" asked Glenn, Serge didn't answer and stepped onto the platform.
It glowed under their feet and Serge began to feel considerably lighter, as he suspected his feet weren't touching the ground anymore, his vision blurred the next two seconds, and he had the sensation of something large fall over him, when he opened his eyes he found that he had actually passed over the floor. His heart began to race.
"Woah." was all he heard from Glenn
This was it. there was no turning back, he walked up to the door and set a cautious hand over the handle. ~Two soft slender legs gave way as the person's knees collided with the floor. Her eyes could no longer be kept open. She didn't even have enough strength to lift her arms as she fell chest fist to the floor. The person above her holding the bloody dagger. her familiar necklace making a light jingle as it hit the floor. And her light golden bangs settling against her face, the last thing to move. as she lay ever so still, at his feet.~
Serge felt as he was pushed back into reality and clutched his head as a sharp pain came to it.
"Serge?" asked Kid with worry in her tone.
Serge looked back at her, still clutching his throbbing head, and frowned. "Please be careful. sometimes things aren't what they seem."
Kid just looked back at him with question in her eyes as the door finally opened. Revealing a dark room. 'the' room.
"Come on mate." She said walking ahead of him.
Glenn followed and taking one final sigh Serge stepped in. He knew he would find Lynx in there, but the General being there surprised him a bit, and Glenn as well, the fight with him was mostly between him and Glenn due to their opposite innate colors, but it was won with a bit of work.
The general hid his defeat, saying it was just a warm up, and of course Serge was ready to fight again, however, Lynx was not about to give him another chance. He appeared suddenly behind the General, and Serge heard Kid gasp as a sharp katana like sword was punctured through the general. He watched disgusted as blood shot out of the old man's stomach.
Glenn moved all his shaking body would allow him as the General fell forward, apologising to his daughter one last time.
"May you rest in peace." said Lynx watching with indifference as the life slowly seeped out of the general.
Tension sofocated the atmosphere as Serge could feel hatred eradicate from either sides of him. Lynx looked up from the floor to him and frowned.
"Now let this be your final resting place as well." he positioned himself for battle. As Serge clutched his steel swallow.
He had never seen his comrades fight so fiercely, with so much rage, it scared him. At first chance Kid would use every element she had, first all her white ones, then her tecs, where as Glenn concentrated on physical hits, using only his tecs. Red energy shone under Kid as she pulled her arms to her back, then with a quick movement she trust forward what seemed like hundreds of tiny flaring daggers. Lynx growled as his composure was down to a sag. Glenn went up to Lynx and delivered two fierce blows then retreated to regain stamina. It was time, Serge felt his innate energy flow under him and with a movement so fast the eye could not detect it he dashed forward delivering a powerful horizontal slash. Witch sent Lynx to his knees.
It was over. Glenn ended up healing the party, better yet only Kid, Serge noticed Lynx's attacks were mostly for her, the only time he had tried to hit Glenn, he had missed, but he hadn't attacked Serge once.
"You're more trouble than I thought." he said scowling at them "But do you really think your skills are superior to mine?
Kid glared at him "Sore loser."
He smiled wickedly at her then turned to Serge again "Serge. have you ever questioned who you really are?"
Kid looked to find Serge staring with uncertainty at Lynx. She looked at him worriedly. "Serge.?"
"What has been the significance of your existence up until now? On that ominous day ten years ago, the boundary of time and space was torn, and part of me in fact, died."
Lynx closed his eyes and his brows furrowed at something Kid could only guess. When he opened then again he looked to Serge. He took an uncertain step forward and Kid did as well, shaking her head at him.
"You cannot defeat me Serge. this is because denying me is the same as erasing your very existence."
Kid saw Serge's brow furrow and glared at Lynx, then looked back at Serge "Don't be taken in by his rubbish Serge! This guy's full of it!"
Lynx turned to Kid and scowled "Huh. we'll see about that." he took a step forward "There are two sides to every coin. Life and death.... love and hate.... they are all the same."
Kid shook her head, not understanding "Whad'ya say? Talk some sense will ya?"
Lynx finally took his eyes off Serge to look down at the Dragon tear in the centre of the room, and not really knowing why, Serge did as well. he felt a strong presence emanate from him, what was odd, was that it was his own. but only for a few seconds, and moments later he could feel another being within it. Himself, and Lynx. Himself. Serge. Lynx. himself.
A dull heavy pain invaded his head as he felt it swirl, what was going on? The pain sharpened suddenly, and his hands made there way up to his head, pressing it hard, wanting for it to stop, a shrill so high he felt his ears about to burst, he felt as if something were engulfing him, pressing him in form every angle. His eyes shut tight as he was no longer able to hold in his scream. He fell to his knees, loosing all perception of the world around him.
Kid gasped at the yell of pain she heard, she had never seen a person in so much pain. and it was. Serge. his voice died down, and his hands stopped clutching his head desperately, as he stood still on his knees, and let his hands drop to the side. She crouched down beside him
"Serge! What's wrong?!" she asked placing a hand over his shoulder "LYNX!" she yelled across the room, how dare he? Why was it he had to make everyone she loved have to suffer? "What have you done to Serge?!" she asked, loathe seeping out with each word. "Serge are you all right?" she asked again returning her concern to the boy under her.
He stood up abruptly, surprising her a bit. "Yes I'm fine. I'm just fine Kid." She wasn't sure of that. he didn't turn to smile at her like every other time she was worried for him, he just kept staring at Lynx, but he was right, Lynx was still the main priority here.
"What are you doing Lynx?"
Serge stared at his hands. not they weren't hands. the had fur, and claws. and. he looked up to find. himself. himself and his friends, Kid. and Glenn. no. this was.
"Now's your chance Kid. kill him!" Lynx said.
Serge looked to Kid, his eyes seeing her all too clearly, to precise to be human vision, he looked at the solemn expression on her face as she approached. He shook his head, walking away from her. No! he wasn't. no impossible!
"This is the end of you Lynx! Say yer prayers!" she yelled at him posing for battle
'No!!' his mind yelled. He pulled out his swallow, only to find a scythe in it's place, he didn't. know how to handle a weapon like this, but he would pay! He charged at Lynx in his body delivering 2 fierce blows, but one missed. No sooner had he stepped back, as he saw Lynx approach him with his own swallow, missing only one of his 4 blows. Glenn attacked next and with just physicals, left him sagging. No! he would not fight his friends, much less. he charged at Lynx black energy shining from under him, black? But it wasn't. he dashed forward delivering the familiar horizontal slash and stepped back. he watched as Glenn let down his guard for a second. Kid had a similar expression, of confusion, but it only lasted for a second, and a moment later she ran up to him and just stood there her dagger behind her ready to strike. He watched, amazed as he saw doubt in her eyes. Could it be, that she suspected? He raised a hand and she seemed to snap out of her trance, gave two weak blows, it was all he could take. he fell to the cold floor.
"You did it Kid." he heard his voice say
She looked down at the feline beast at her feet, wounds and bruises all over his body, trying hard to breathe. she had done it?
"Y-yeah." yes... she had done it. but, done what?
"Now finish him." she heard Serge say to her.
She looked over to him, he was acting strangely. why would he encourage her so much. Serge had told her he would never take the life of a sentient being if it could be helped. besides. she looked back at the agonising cat, and felt uneasy as his eyes pierced into hers. They no longer held the look of hatred or maliciousness they had before.
"What's wrong? settle it once and for all."
Kid didn't even turn to look at Serge this time, she was still captive in his eyes. her enemies eyes. so different, her enemy?
~"Please be careful. sometimes things aren't what they seem."~
His voice rang in her head. 'his' voice? Who's? Serge's? the boy who was behind her? Was it really him?
A frustrated sigh echoed in the room followed by the sound of metal tipped boots move forward "Here. hand me your dagger, I'll finish him off."
Finish him off? Him? Lynx? Kid began to get frustrated as she didn't know what was going on in her head, why was she so worried? Something wasn't right, but. nothing was wrong! She hardly felt when Serge came from behind her and took her dagger from her hands. Serge.? Why would he do something like that? Why was he acting so strange? Why did looking at Lynx make her feel uneasy? Lynx. Serge.
"Watch this Kid, I'll avenge Lucca for you" she gasped as something clicked in her mind "Die Lynx!" said Serge lifting her dagger
'No!' "Wait!!" she yelled
the tension in the room thickened as she found it hard to breath. it was. impossible! No! it couldn't. but how.? No no no! It wasn't true! It couldn't be real! Lucca? How.?
"What Kid? He's you're foe isn't he?" asked Serge
him? Was 'he' her foe? Was 'he' the one who had burned down the orphanage and kidnapped her sis? No. she could see it, she could feel it. no! she turned to find 'Serge' looking to her with confused blue eyes. the same eyes, no. they weren't the same, something was missing. they weren't the same eyes that told her his troubles, or begged her to confess her past, or.... cared for her. those eyes belonged to another, another who knew Lucca, and knew what HE had done to her.
"How, do you know Lucca's name?" she managed to choke out, but it was still impossible, he was, there. he was.
"What are you talking about Kid?" he asked turning to her.
He. who was he?! "Not once did I mention Lucca's name to you Serge." so how does he know? How would he know the name of the woman that cared for Kid like no one else had? How did he know? Serge didn't know.... no not Serge.
"No. don't tell me you're." she looked at him with disgust that then turned into anger.
Of course! It all made sense! Everything! How could she not have seen it? Felt it? No! that bastard. wasn't Serge. She felt her fist clench at her side. How could he. how dare he?! All he did was stand there, eyes closed, contemplating.
He looked up at her with that gaze void of care and innocence, and a second later his body made contact with hers. she gasped and twisted her face in pain. She felt like screaming, but only took in a sharp breath, making it feel worse. She gazed up beside her, where soft bangs of blue tickled her face.
Serge? It was Serge. he would help her. Serge. he did nothing as she saw him blur her head spinning wildly and her muscles no longer functioning. She took in another sharp breath as the cold metal was cruelly twisted out of her. Serge. her legs trembled. Why?
~~ "I ain't gonna eat ya you know." she smirked
He smiled inspite of himself and made his way back to his futon, taking his boots off as she turned her back to him again.
"But I warn ya. if ya start to snore I'll kick yer arse out of the hut."
he smiled again. Then finally lay on the futon using his arms as pillows.
"Kid?"
"Hm?"
"You said you helped me with Karsh for two reasons. one was the unfair odds. what was the other?"
She drew her legs closer to her body and tucked her arms protectively over her chest.
"I might tell ya. someday." ~ "You can see a person through your eyes, I mean really see them, the way they are, no masks or acts. because of your innocence you see them as they truly are. I never show myself to anyone. I have never and will never, and the feeling that you can do what no one else can, well gets me to freak out. I really don't want anybody to see who I really am."
"Why? You're a beautiful person."
Kid looked to Serge with a tinge of red in her cheeks
"Oi! You don't even know me! How would you know? Yer too trustin'! you can't do that with strangers boy. they could hurt you real bad. I could be a back stabbin thief for all you know. I could kill ya or betray ya or."
"No."
"Huh? What do you mean no? How would you know? You don't know me."
"But I see you, just like you said. I can see who you really are, and I can see that you would never do something like what you mentioned. You would never hurt me. and yet you don't know me. You're the one who's too trusting."
Kid blushed harder and swallowed a lump in her throat.
"You can be strong for people, but when it comes to yourself you grow a bit insecure, but you take pity from no one. You have very much pride and honor, but you are reasonable and have so much love in your heart you can become compassionate at times. You stand tall and brave, by yourself, as you are probably used to being, there is only one thing that really scares you and even though you have experienced it with great depth before, it's still there. loneliness." ~ She looked to her left. and he was. she almost pitied Serge. A look of utter horror and worry replaced his solemn tranquil face. She didn't know if he wanted to scream or cry or just stare at her. She looked into his eyes and saw something she had never seen in Serge, and even not knowing him, knew it was something out of place in this innocent boy. Something he should not feel. Rage.
Her jaw clenched as another wave of pain spread through her, she staggered back a few paces now with both hands on her abdomen.
She heard a gasp from Riddle and someone's footsteps running towards her, then fading away. Opening her eyes she saw something that instead of scaring her, made her terribly sad and utterly disappointed. She hadn't even felt the balcony under her body, but there it was, above her, getting further and further away.
Serge appeared over the rails and she had to smile at the look of worry and frustration in his face. for her? He was worried for her? It was. an odd feeling. She felt at home again, the way Lucca used worry over her getting a scratch on her elbow or a cut on her arm. worry. She didn't like for her to worry, Serge shouldn't do it either. he wouldn't have to! She would get through this no matter what. For him. ~ "I'll make sure that bloody bastard pays for what he's done." She turned away from Serge as her eyes got misty once again. "I will get even. no matter what it takes."
Serge frowned. Why did she have to suffer so much? Why her, why not him or someone else. He was a little surprised when she turned to him again a smile on her face.
"Sorry mate. I never talk about myself like you always want me to, and when I do, I get you all upset. hehe. figures."
Serge shook his head, but she did not see as she went to sit against a giant head of what probably used to be a god.
"Sorry, you had better get to sleep too you know, I've kept you up long enough just to trouble you and you need the rest. it was a long day and who knows what tomorrow will bring."
She tucked her legs close to her body and shut her eyes, half hoping Serge would listen to her and just get back to sleep, but unbeknownst to her, he had other plans.
She heard him, or better yet felt him sit beside her, and she tensed up knowing he was looking at her. Damn his gaze.
"You know, you won't be alone anymore. right?" he whispered
She did or said nothing, although thoroughly touched by his words. He felt her body stiffen even more when she felt an arm go around her back.
"You know, right?" he finished
she exhaled deeply and smiled sadly, nodding as her head dropped onto his shoulder. With Serge unaware that she was as content as he was in their warm embrace. ~~
"No!" he roared. again her head dropped onto someone's shoulder. not his own anymore, she leaned onto him, not being able to keep herself up. He watched as she slid down his arm, and he did nothing. He saw her knees hit the ground, and her head lull forward, eyelids shutting, as the pain and color drained from her soft tender face. He saw her chest hit the floor, and her bangs jump softly at the rough contact, and finally settle back down on her smooth skin, and then. stillness.
It had happened. and he had been able to do nothing but watch, no matter how many times he had been warned, no matter what he did to try and prevent it. he was unable to protect her. again. his head drooped in defeat and sorrow.
"Serge! . why?" he heard Glenn stutter from the other side of the room.
Lynx turned to Glenn with deep red eyes and anger bubbling inside him. "Quiet!" he yelled taking a hand above his head. A ball of black energy radiating purple lighting formed in his palm as Glenn took a step back. grabbing force Lynx thrust the energy forward, receiving a scream of pain from Glenn as it hit him. Serge watched as he too fell unconscious to the ground.
Lynx moved forward and Serge watched horrified as he took an handful of Kid's hair and painfully lifted her by the head. Her white shirt partially soaked with her own blood.
"This is the end of the road for you Kid."
He heard her give a small yelp of pain as she grit her teeth to support the feeling.
"You're, Lynx. ain't ya?" she said not having opened her eyes.
He snickered as her face twisted in pain again. "I'll send you to see Lucca."
Serge stopped breathing as he saw him lift the dagger behind him, ready to slit her throat, watched for a few horrifying seconds as Kid strived to breath, her eyes shut so tight, tears were brimming at the edges. 'No. please.' he pleaded silently. He would be unable to protect her. to save her. she would die. for his own weakness. 'no. it wasn't her fault. please. don't kill her.' if someone should die it should be him. she meant too much to him.
The smiled on Lynx's face faded, as he watched her give sharp intakes of air, barely conscious anymore. He sighed and released her hair, letting her bounce lightly to the floor again, where she did her best to endure.
"I'll finish you off later." he said taking one final glance at her. Serge, still not having forgiven himself for what he did to Kid didn't even notice as he approached.
"Look at yourself Serge. I mean Lynx." He smiled "Excellent. the enmity is growing. the only thing pure in this world is enmity. Well then, the time has come for the curtain to fall. your services are no longer needed, even your very existence is worthless. Farewell Serge." he moved away from him and to the alter in the centre of the room, then lifted the Dragon tear to his hand.
"Finally! I have the key to the gate of Fate, the time has come for the Frozen Flame to awaken!"
Serge watched as he disappeared before his eyes and was suddenly hovering over him Dragon tear high over his head. "Come to the sea of Eden Serge." he said almost tauntingly "Should you wish to end your dream of 10 years ago."
Serge lifted an arm protectively as the Tear exploded into thousands of shards, and immediately after, he felt as if something were tearing him apart. Him and his world. He noticed he was a few feet from the ground, but he could do nothing now. he was useless. he couldn't even save her.
"Now let love bleed!" yelled Lynx in a hysterical way "Darker and deeper than the seas of hell!!"
Serge opened his eyes to find Lynx in front of him, cackling like a mad man, then he looked to the room, Glenn was gone, as well as the General, but she. she was still there, in a growing pool of her own blood, pain still visible on her expression, but no longer in this world. no.
He woke up and gasped, blinded temporarily by the bright sunlight. sunlight? His vision cleared and his heart leapt at the vision in front of him, there she was. as strong and beautiful as ever, her back turned to him, her ponytail and bangs swaying with the soft ocean breeze, she stood contemplating the ocean as he approached.
Then turned behind her and greeted him with a warm smiled, it faded slightly to reveal understanding and friendship, as she extended a gloved hand towards him.
'Love will bleed, but never die..'
A/N: hm a bit too philosophical ne? supposedly he heard Kid say it. it's not him, or maybe it is.. I don't know, whatever you want to think or who ever you think fits best. ^^ a bit long, but shorter than the last one. hope you liked it.
PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY NoSyle!!!!!!! OHOHOHOHOHOHO! One year older than yesterday! Hahahaha! I'm just kidding! But at least we were the same age for what? 8 days? ^^ don't matter! Like I said here is your birthday present, from me 2 u and well I hoped you liked it as much as I LOVED your present to me! ¬¬ I better post another chapter to make it up to you, but anywho have a great birthday and well.. yeah that's all! Ohohohoho!
PS2: people if yer gonna congratulate her go see her fanarts and mediaminer.com and THEN congratulate her even more cuz she's a kick ass artist... ¬¬ and don't ask her age! Or mine!!! It's not polite to ask a lady her age :P hehehehe!