Chrono Cross: Angelus Errare

Disclaimer: Chrono Cross is not mine so there. Don't sue me! That's all I gotta say.

        *Hey, sorry for the long wait. I had a lot of studying to go through and I am finally relieved that the big test is done. Now, I would like to thank you all for the nice reviews. Well, on with the story. I should warn you that this one is going to be a long one and long read. But it's getting better. Trust me. Please REVIEW!!!

~*~*~*~*~

        Serge slowly drifted down the bottomless pit, still unconscious after using so much power through his body. He finally found the Chrono Cross and it was right there in front of his nose, yet something came and he was suddenly sucked into a black hole, which leads to nothingness.

        "…Hang on…I'll get ya…don't give-up…!" yelled a voice far off the distance.

        "Who's that? Who is talking?" thought Serge as he heard that feminine voice through his mind. Sounds of splashing water started to surge through Serge's mind, even though the scene is only blackened.

        "Mama!! Leena!! Help!!" said another voice, hearing that the voice is a little child.

        "Oh no!! … SOMEONE!! Anyone… Help him!" yelled a little girl's voice, who happened to be Leena's voice.

        Serge could feel the midst of the little boy now, feeling the cold sea sucking him in the depths below, like the warp before. He could sense the breathless air running out of the boy's lungs, water replacing his gasping breaths.

        A huge splash was heard in front, hearing calls for the boy to hang. Serge now felt the life drifting away from the boy's body as he is lured to unconsciousness.

*Flash*

        Serge was under water, seeing a figure swimming towards him. Within moments, the figure grabbed him and aids him to the surface above.

*Flash*

        "…Serge…"

        Serge started to wince as he felt the heat of the sun's rays.

        "…Serge…"

        Sound of birds chirping started to fill the air as Serge finally opened his eyes. Within the view he saw, Serge was lying on the white sand of a beach. Lapping waves started to feel the air, making Serge feel tranquil and calm as the wind started to pick up.

        "…Young boy…it's okay. You're safe now. You no longer have to worry. You're not in death's door anymore…"

        Serge slowly opened his eyes, to see the blue sky above. Seagulls drifted beautifully in the sky, crowing to others in language. He could feel the sea's winds rising as he felt content with its comforting gust.

        "Opassa Beach always have these kinds of winds everyday," thought Serge. Suddenly, a thought was dawned upon him, making him realize the fact of his whereabouts. "Where the heck am I?!"

        A shadow started to cool his body from the protruding heat, shadowing the figure who is looking towards the sea's horizon. The figure's ponytail like hair drifted heavenly through the wind. Serge looked straight at the figure, almost as if a magic force somewhere around the area mesmerized him. The sun started to manifest the shadow figure, showing the feminine physique it has.

        Serge widens his eyes as more of the figure revealed itself. The golden long blonde hair swayed through the winds, tied in pink ribbon ponytail, braided. The figure was a female as she stood there, gazing into the horizon. Her red jacket and red skirt cadenced along with the wind, hearing bell-like sounds due to the many things she had. No sooner did Serge realize that the girl was actually recognizable. He could not stand; he could not move, he could not speak. It seems as if his emotions fear this girl. As if he was child once again, remembering the time when he was saved by that "Mysterious Woman."

        Yet, that thought about his past soon reoccurred to him. Looking around his surroundings, the sea, the white and clean sand, the quietness of the area with only the seagull's sound and the lapping waves are heard, the clouds drifting in harmony; he remembers this very scene as a little boy, sitting there with fear. He looked into his hands to see his own young hands in front of him. He is in his past, ten years ago. 

        "Can it be…?" thought Serge as his gazed turned to the girl once again. The girl started to turn.

        "Could be that…?"  She put one hand on hip, gazing into Serge curiously. She blinked.

        "But…it can't…be?" She turned fully and smiled at him, showing that she is not an evil person.

        "How…?" She extended her hand towards him, still smiling lovingly as if he was her son. The wind blew her hair gently as she gazed into Serge, who was apparently ten at the moment. His blue eyes widen as he finally saw the truth in his past.

        "…Kidd…?"

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 11 – Forbidden past…

~*~*~*~*~

        "…Kidd…?" Serge repeated as he gazed into her, wide-eyed.

        "Don't be afraid, young one. I'm not what you think I am," she said sweetly, extending her arm towards him. Serge could not move still, the young self-taking over as he gazed into her.

        "You're safe now. You won't go through that same phase ever again. Here, I'll help you up. I'll take you home to your mother." Her eyes glistened with sadness as she gazed into the boy.

        Serge could feel the burden of fear starting to lift, seeing that his young self is beginning to trust the mysterious woman.  Soon, his arm started to extended to hers, her hand grasping his little tiny one lightly as she slowly helped him off.

*Flash*

        A scene of Serge and his mom stood outside their house, seeing Kidd standing in front of them.

            "Thank you…thank you so much for saving my young son, Serge. I don't how much I can repay you," said Marge, holding Serge on his little shoulders.

        "It is no problem. I don't want to see this little guy's life shorten so quickly since he has life to go through," said Kidd.

        "And I thank you for that." Marge looked down at Serge, who was looking at Kidd through the whole time. "He's the only one I have since his father died seven years ago. If I ever lose him, it would break my heart."

        Kidd nodded, understanding Marge perfectly. "Do you want to come in? It is almost nightfall. Would like to have dinner with us?" asked Marge, signaling her to come in.

        "I'm sorry, but I have a lot of journeying to do. But, thank you for the offer. I must be off," she said, turning around. Marge sighed, and said good-bye, thanking Kidd once again.

        As Kidd walked off, the young Serge stared at her, his expression changing to sadness as he ran after her, his mother's grasp releasing from his shoulders.

        "Wait!!" he yelled, stopping a few centimeters away from her. Kidd stopped and turned fully to him, smiling in the process. He panted, looking at her with sad eyes. "W-will…w-will I…ever see you again?"

        Kidd was kind of shocked by his words as her eyes slightly widen. She recuperated and smiled. "…Maybe…someday…in the near future," she simply said. The boy smiled, nodding acceptably. Seeing that he was content, Kidd waved to him and walked out of the village, hearing the boy's voice within her mind.

*Flash*

~*~*~*~*~

        Serge was once again in the black room, his eyes hidden behind his long blue bangs. "Kidd…you there…when I was in trouble. Why did my memories did not remember this scene when I first met Kidd?"

        Right in the black tunnel, Serge could see a white tunnel ahead, seeing that this tunnel was going to end. He slowly closed his eyes as he was drawn to the white light, feeling its warmth.

~*~*~*~*~*~

        A flash of light started to fill the night of a forest. Phasing in, Serge lightly landed on the dirtied path, the Chrono Cross around his neck starting to glow lightly. Serge looked into the Chrono Cross as its light started to fade. He could tell that its power is need of its rest.

        He sighed as he looked around his surroundings. His instincts started to tingle as he felt something was not right. Serge looked up at the sky above, seeing that night all ready befallen El Nido. Or is it El Nido? Serge could have sworn that he was at Viper's Manor. He remembered that he was on the balcony calling upon the Chrono Cross. Then, it suddenly dawned on him.

        "Where is everyone?" he said out loud as he looked right to left. The appearance of the Emblem, the warp hole, Kidd; Kidd! "Oh no! Kidd?!" yelled Serge, his voice echoing through the darkness. "Kidd?! Where are you?!" The wind carried his voice as his hair gently slapped against his face. His glowing blue eyes started to grow worry as he called for Kidd. "Damn it, where is she?" he said. Within five minutes, he started to run through the dirtied path, looking frantically for Kidd.

        "Where can you be? Kidd!" yelled Serge again. He kept on running that took minutes. He kept running without a gasp for breath, looking around the area for Kidd. He finally slowed down, his burden starting to increase in numbers.

        "I've got to find her. If I don't…I'm not sure what I'll do without her," said Serge. "Kidd!?"

        "Who's there?"

        Serge was startled by this sound, as he almost jumped three feet off the ground. Recuperating, Serge looked around the area, trying to find the source of that voice.

        "I asked who's there?" said the voice again. Serge eyes narrowed and stood in his fighting stance.

        "I should ask the same question to you, whoever you. Come out, show yourself," said Serge.

        Silence brewed around the area as the gust of wind filled the air. Serge's eyes averting to one side to the next side. The voice seems to be hiding someplace around Serge's corner, yet it did not speak. "I ask you to come out and reveal yourself," said Serge. He slowly closed his eyes, trying to sense the matter of the voice.

        "You really have some nerve coming to our territory again!" said the voice, this time, Serge could feel the owner of the voice's position.

        "Behind me!" he said, looking directly into the huge rock. "All right, whomever you, come out. Don't think of giving me excuses because I can sense where you are!" Serge poised in his position, ready to attack the enemy at full force.

        "D'oh!" said the voice. "…L-like I said before…you have some nerve entering the territory of the "Tsubasa Heihe", Demi-Human."

        Serge started to loosen, clueless by this childish voice. "Come again?"

        "Grr…didn't you hear me, Demi-Human? I said you stumbled upon Tsubasa Heihe territory, you Baka jackass!"

        Serge started flinch, a stress mark started to form on his head, clinching his fist angrily.  "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?! C'MON OUT, YOU CHICKEN!!!"

        "I'M NOT A CHICKEN! THAT'S IT!!!" The voice started to sound clearer. Serge poised in his stance and begins to be ready for the battle at hand. He could sense that the figure is climbing up the rock.

        Within minutes, the shadow figure was on top of the rock, standing up slowly from the crouch as it looked directly towards Serge. The full moon started to shine as the figure started reveal itself. By that time, Serge was surprised of what he saw.

        Right in front of him was a young girl, wearing a light blue bandana around her head, with her long blonde braided hair swaying in the back. Wearing a ninja-like kimono uniform shaded in with navy blue and light blue rims around the edges, small daggers hung around her waist and her belt that went across her chest. Her blue eyes gazed upon Serge, looking like a stubborn kid.

        "…Kidd?" thought Serge, looking surprised that she looks six years younger.

        "You don't seem like…a Demi-Human to me," said Kidd, observing Serge's physique. "But, still, you look like a Demi-Human with those glowing eyes of yours. You must be a Demi-Human disguised as a human!"

        Serge looked at curiously, seeing that he was completely confused at the situation he is in. He looked at his body, seeing that it was his own. Serge turned his gaze back to her, completely stupefied about this situation. "What are you talking about? I don't have anything that shows I'm wearing a disguise." He spun around slowly. "Do you see a zipper anywhere?"

        "I can see the zipper on your shorts," said the girl, pointing at the spot where the zipper is.

        Serge quickly covered his area, blushing. "Don't even think about it! That's my private spot there!" said Serge sweat dropping.

        "Hehehe, nice try. For a Baka jackass, you're bad in lying," said the girl as she pushed aside Serge's hand and unzipped his shorts, revealing his black boxers.

        "HEY!" yelled Serge as he quickly put back his shorts up.

        The girl blushed and turned around, sweat dropping. "Opps…I guess you're not…a Demi-Human. But that still does not explain the glow in your eyes!" She turned around and pointed right at him. "Whatever you are, get out of this area!"

        Serge looked at her incredulously. "And why do I have to get out of this area?"

        The girl looked at him with an angry glare. "Don't you know me? I'm the notorious…never mind."

        "And why do you refuse to give me your name?" said Serge, looking at her curiously.

        "Heh, I might give myself away." She started to laugh heartily. "My name's Kidd of the Tsubasa Heihe. And no hell will I ever give my name to the likes of you."

        "Kidd…?! So I was right…but how does she look six years younger?" thought Serge.

~*~*~*~*~

        "…It is calling upon you, Serge…Her past is now calling you. Find the information there. Go to the land in the past…she needs your help…"

~*~*~*~*~

        That mysterious song came into view as he realized that memory. "That's right. I must be in…Kidd's past, I think. Which means…the warp hole was actually a time warp hole. This must the land that I was called upon. But I got to make sure."

        "…But…didn't you already say your name?" said Serge, lifting one eyebrow.

        Kidd soon realized that. She slapped her head. "I did, didn't I? Err…that was so stupid of me! Dumb…dumb…dumb…doesn't matter!" yelled Kidd, clenching her fist. "That's not what I'm here for! And right now, my furry friend, you are going die before my feet!"

        "Furry friend? Didn't I tell you I wasn't a Demi-Human? Wait…I all ready proved to you I wasn't a Demi-Human. Perhaps, I SHOWED you?" hinted Serge, blushing furiously with anger.

        Kidd blushed. "W-well…err…that is…ahh…SHUT UP! Prepare to die!" With that, she started to lunge forward towards Serge, her fists poised and ready. Serge could easily sense the first move.

        "Ahh!!" she screamed as she swung. Serge moved aside from that move, making her run passes him. Turning around, using her other fist, she spun punched and hit Serge directly under the chin, making huge flash sounds in the background.

        "Hah! How was that?" said Kidd, proud of her improvement. Serge lifted his head to his normal position and looked at her curiously, sweat dropping.

        "How was… what?" asked Serge.

        She drew back in surprise; sweat dropping from her perspiring forehead. "What the…? How can he dodge my attack like that? Is he some kind of robot…or something?"

        "I'm not a robot," said Serge bluntly. "Your attacks are too light to knock me down."

        "I know, you're a MUNCHKIN gone BIG!" yelled Kidd.

        "What?" said Serge, giving her a clueless icy stare.

        "Or…maybe…you're a GIANT gone small!"

        "What the heck are you talking about? I'm a human being!!" retorted Serge, flinching once again.

        "Or maybe…"

        "Will stop saying that I'm those stupid things!! Read my lips, I…AM…A…H-U-M-A-N…B-E-I-N-G!! Like you!" said Serge, spelling the words out for her. "Understand English?"

        "Well…not really…" Serge sweat dropped, groaning in frustration. "But still, you're dead!!!"

        Stamping on one foot, she started to charge forward once again. This time, her attacks are more fervent than before. Serge senses multiple attacks coming from her. She screamed her fighting scream and started punching.

        Right then, Serge moved out of the away, making her stumble. She moved again with a left punch, Serge dodged again. Getting frustrated, she started spinning her arms crazily and started to punch and kick at the same time. Serge easily dodged those and easily got away.

        Kidd shock with fury and cried with great aggravation. "Err… WILL CUT IT OUT!? Can please stop moving so I can kick your ass!"

        "And why? Are you…giving up?" taunted Serge.

        "No I'm not!!! Can I at least…hit you…once?" said Kidd, softly.

        "No…why should I fall against a little girl like you?"

        "Grrr…that's it! I have enough with ya! This time, I'm gonna get serious!"

        "Yeah…right…" said Serge sarcastically.

        She started to jump in the air and with one thrust of her arm, she started to do a kick attack. Serge, sighing, ducked from her attack. Kidd tried again, but still missed. And she did the attack the second time, but this time, Serge caught her.

        "Will you at least calm down?" asked Serge, beginning to be tired with this whole situation.

        "AGH! Let me go!" yelled Kidd, struggling to get off of him.

        "She's even worse than Leena and Korcha put together. Maybe even ten times worst when she was at the this age," sighed Serge.

        A flash of power started to penetrate Serge's mind as he slowly paid attention to that source.

                "Let me…!" Serge slowly let her go, landing with a heap. "What did ya do that for? Why did ya let me…?" Kidd noticed the distance stare Serge is giving, showing a hint of anger within them. "Hey…are you okay?" Even though she was a little annoying brat, she seems concerned when people looks troubled.

        Serge could feel his heart thumbing heavily as he sense this power coming from the forest. He could feel the presence coming close, making his fighting spirit aware of this. He could feel another same power coming behind, then another. Soon, the power came all around corners.

        "Hey…hello?" said Kidd, looking very worried. "What's wrong?"

        "Do you hear that?" asked Serge suddenly, completely still.

        "Hear what?" The sound was soon audible in her ear as she too is shocked.

        "Whatever you do, don't move," said Serge. It is near and it is coming closer as Serge predicted. The sound became even more intense than ever before. Within seconds, the sound soon turned to growls as the creature(s) are finally here.

        "They're here," said Serge, ready in his fighting pose.

        "What's here?" asked Kidd.

        Out of nowhere, a monster started to attack from Kidd's behind.

        "Kidd, watch out!" yelled Serge as he threw his body over hers, protecting her from the demon's deadly attack. Sensing the close was clear, he slowly got up, helping Kidd up from the ground. "What the hell was the that?" asked Serge, starting to move back.

        "I-I don't know. But, I must fight them!" said Kidd as she took out two of her good daggers. "Don't worry, I'll get them!" Another one of the creatures leapt towards Kidd. She started to attack, yet missed. Another one from behind attacked. She couldn't even dodge that other attack. She could tell that this was the end for her. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain to pierce her skin. Yet, it never came. Kidd looked up to see a bright light striking the creature, making it vanish with no trace of blood. Kidd looked astonished at the sight before her.

        "Are you okay?" Kidd turned around to see Serge's hand extending out, pointing where the creature was last been. She nodded her fearfully, gazing into his eye thoughtfully. He sighed, seeing that she's unharmed. Kidd slowly got up and stood back to back with Serge. The growls started to increase as stood there, poised.

        "We're surrounded," said Kidd, shaking in fear.

        "No kidding," said Serge, his head bowing down. "You're attacks are too slow. If you took action, then you will die easily."

        Kidd took that as an insult, a stress mark forming on her forehead. "OH?! What about you?! Can you do any better?" retorted Kidd.

        Serge finally lifted his head, showing his eyes glowing intensely. Slowly, extending both of his hands, his necklace started to glow again. Kidd noticed this and stared in awe. Serge slowly closed his eyes and concentrated on the Chrono Cross, using its powers to aid his need. The blue aura started to surround him, making every outline around him glow like his eyes.

        "What…what is this…?" said Kidd, stepping back slightly. The lights suddenly flash around the area, making Kidd fall back to the ground. Her line vision of Serge was lost as the light blinded everything in sight. Soon, the light subsided and the brightness dimmed. Kidd focused her vision onto Serge to see something floating in front of him, glowing mystical with green and yellow highlights on its blades.

        Right in front of Serge was the Masamune, all sharp and ready for battle. Serge slowly opened his eyes, releasing himself from his trance and grabbed for the Masamune's handle. The glow subsided and the whole area returned to its normal night-light. Serge stood in fighting stance with his Masamune as he targeted the creatures' next move.

        "What was…that?" said Kidd, still surprised by the spectacular scene before her. Serge didn't have time to talk as he deepened his footing on the ground.

        "Kidd, whatever you do, stay behind me at all times. Don't you dare fight," ordered Serge.

        It took long for Kidd to realize that fact and started to hide behind his back. He started to grip his Masamune and closed his eyes to sense the monster's next move. "I'm getting use to this sensing thing now," he thought.

        Soon, that feeling started to penetrate Serge's mind as he finally sensed multiple attacks coming all around. He started to lunge his Masamune around his body, and with one full swing, he killed at least twenty monsters with one stroke. Kidd was surprised by this sudden attack he just done. Sensing that the monsters are beginning to grow angry within the great lose, more and more monsters started to attack Serge.

        "Kidd, stay where you are!" yelled Serge as he dashed off to hit the first to lunge at him. Once killed, he quickly started for the other one.

        Through this whole process, Kidd watched Serge with zest as he killed each and every monster with his remarkable speed. First, Serge did a single attack with one blade. From his left, he thrust the other blade through the monsters chest, killing it instantly. On two monsters in front of him, he double-slashed both of them without warning. Again, he did another attack using a double-slash, ending the monster's life in a blink of an eye.

        "What is he? What kind of man is he?" thought Kidd, seeing the tremendous power within him. Serge fully circled attack another twenty with the full force of both his blades. Getting back to position, he could see that there are too many monsters coming out of nowhere.

        "No good. There's too many of them," said Serge, gripping his swallow tighter.

        "That's all you can do? We're gonna be eaten by these blokes," whined Kidd, shivering to death.

        "You give up easily, don't you?" asked Serge, closing his eyes as he concentrated on his power.

        "And what's THAT suppose to mean?" retorted Kidd. Her temper soon died when she saw Serge concentrating again.

        Suddenly, out of nowhere, Serge grasps a huge ball of white Chi energy in his right arm. Letting it float up above the trees, it started to create circle around the area. Serge was slowly lifted off the ground as he grasp for the Chi energy once again. Once he got it within his confinement, he started to close his eyes again, concentrating the White Chi energy to fill the circle it made. Within a full minute, it started to swarm all over the circle. Serge slowly closed both of his arms around his chest and with one swift movement, he extended them both quickly, making a huge tidal wave of the Chi Energy falls upon the monsters. Luminaire.

        Serge slowly drifted down back to the ground as each monster that was surrounded in the circle disappeared instantly. The rest of the monster clan have fled away fearful, seeing that they can't match with Serge's powers. Even with the full force of their swarm. Serge could feel the fighting aura dying away from the monsters, and he soon relaxed, sitting down vigorously. "That was a close call. That sure took a lot of energy out of me," said Serge, breathing in and out. He looked at the young Kidd who seems a bit petrified by the scene she just saw. "Hey, you okay?"

        Kidd did not spoke, as he looked him with those eyes of fear. He smiled, trying to reassure her that he's not an evil person. "Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. I'm not an evil person…thing. If I were your enemy, wouldn't I be attacking right now instead of those monsters?" Serge did made a point, and Kidd's easy breaths started to ease.

        "Phew, thank you. You really are somethin', I might add. You're even stronger than my friend Di," said Kidd.

        "Di?!" said Serge, shocked by that familiar name.

        "Yeah, he's a friend of mine. Well…to tell ya the truth…he has been missing for quite a while now," she said, sitting next to Serge. "But I wouldn't talk about anything around here. There are a lot of spies around here that I might add."

        "Where…am I?" asked Serge, looking up and down his surroundings. "What is this place?"

        Kidd looks curiously at Serge. "You really are…lost aren't ya. Your in one of the islands of Zenan."

        "What?! How did I get here?" asked Serge, looking surprised. "What year is it?"

        "It's the year 1014 of June 21, the first season of summer," said Kidd.

        "My assumptions were right then. I'm in Kidd's past; A part of a past that I don't even know about Kidd other than her past with Lucca. This must mean something," thought Serge as he looked up in the sky. "Today is suppose to be my birthday, and I would be, at this timeline, at least twelve years old by then." Serge looked down at the young Kidd, seeing that she too was looking up at the sky above.

        "What's your name?" asked Kidd, looking down and staring into Serge's glowing blue eyes.

        "Serge," he said, closing his eyes and smiling.

        "Serge…huh…?" Kidd smiled as well. "That's a nice name. It has a good ring to it. Say, do you need a place to stay? You know, you are always welcome to our place, even though the leader wouldn't like it." Kidd got up, dusting the dirt off her clothes.

        "Yeah, sure," said Serge, getting up also. He slowly closed his eyes again, and with one swift movement, the Masamune disappeared into his Chrono Cross pendant.

        "Hey, how you do that?" asked Kidd curiously. "And what is that?" She pointed at the Chrono Cross Pendant.

        "It's a…pendant that my mother gave to me. And I'm not really sure how I did that. Just by instinct, I guess," he lied.

        "Ah well, come on. Let's go," said Kidd, leading Serge the way.

        "I hope you know where it is," said Serge.

        "Don't worry. I know where it is. No sweat, eh? I'm not going get us lost or anything, right?"

~*~*~*~*~

Three hours later…               "We're lost, aren't we?" asked Serge, sweat dropping as he followed Kidd, crouching.         "No we're not," said Kidd quickly. "Umm…no is it this way? No…that way?"         Serge sighed frustratingly as he followed Kidd in circles. He knew that they were going around circles, but he didn't want to tell Kidd that. After all, it might ruin her morale or so he thought. Kidd was, after all, a little Kidd by this time. Kidd suddenly stopped, scratching her head questionably. "I could of sword that the place is somewhere here," said Kidd.         "Well, what does your place look like?" asked Serge.         "Hmm…let me think…I know its covered with leaves and vines to camouflage."         "Well…its hard to tell isn't it?" asked Serge, inferring the trees around them and the bushes.         "Ah, be quiet. I'm trying my best to get us outta here. Now let me think…" Serge looked around the area, scanning each and every area that looks suspicious. In the background, Kidd was trying to reminiscence her hideout. "It has a lever to open the door and there should be a visible door somewhere around here."         "A lever?" thought Serge as something caught his eyes. Hidden within the vines and leaves of a certain place, a lever stood way up on the top of the rocky cliff. Thinking with a smirk, he grabbed a good from the ground, throwing it up and down on his arms.         "Hey, Serge. What are ya going to do with that?" asked Kidd, pointing at the rock.         "Watch and see," said Serge, targeting the lever. With one hard throw, he exactly the lever, making the lever goes down and opens the huge wooden door.         "Wow, you really have good skills. Are ya a thief or something?" asked Kidd, instantly admiring him.         "No, it's common sense. Usually, if things are camouflaged with other things around it, eventually you will see things that are blatant," said Serge. Kidd smiled as she learned more and more about Serge. She couldn't believe the strength he possessed, even the survival skills he learned. Kidd never really learned those things during her years with the Tsubasa Heihe.           "By the way, what is the "Tsubasa Heihe"?" asked Serge.         "It's a group of thieves who only steal from the rich," said Kidd as she went in. Serge was surprised, seeing that Kidd actually joined another band of thieves during her young life. He learned that Kidd did have friends back then. But, why did she leave them behind three years ago? That thought never really left that mind as he followed Kidd into the darkness of the cave. ~*~*~*~*~                  

        It seems like forever as they walked down the pebbled stair path of the cave, going deeper down then ever before. Serge could sense the eerie silence in the caves, being aware of the surroundings. For a few moments, both Kidd and Serge did not say a word to each other as they first entered cave.

        "Shoot, I can't see," said Kidd finally stopping in her tracks. "I can't see the entrance yet."

        Serge, as if he has night vision, started to take the lead, stopping in front of Kidd a few centimeters away. "Here, let me lead. I can see in the dark, for some reason."

        "Are you sure you're not a Demi-Human?" asked Kidd.

        "Don't worry, if I were, then I would be leaving you with those monsters up there. After all, Demi-Humans hate humans in the timeline, right?"

        "What do you mean by 'this timeline'?" asked Kidd.

        "N-never mind. Let's keep on going."

        Thirty minutes have passed, and Serge and young Kidd kept on walking non-stop. Serge noticed the little engravings of up on the wall. Mostly engravings of a huge village with many people walking on the grounds below and some are flying up in the sky. Something about these drawings made Serge feel eerie about them. As if there is something familiar about them. Serge was shaken away from that thought as light started to penetrate the darkness of the area.

        "There it is. We almost there," said Kidd, running ahead of Serge. Serge couldn't budge as he saw one engraving of a winged-person, wielding a familiar pendant around her neck. Above the engraving was a little inscription, Serge easily translating it with his unaided eye:

"Tsubasa no Kami. Wing Goddess of the land called "Sora-Donna-Shugotenshi." A land that can only be found by the inhabitants of the place itself with the use of the "Kurono Kousa" as its key to the four spheres…"

        "Hey Serge, come on!" called Kidd from the other side. Serge snapped out of his trance, seeing Kidd waving to him. He looked back at the descriptions, not understanding one bit of it. He kept those words in mind, and ran over to where Kidd stood.

~*~*~*~*~

        "Well Serge, welcome to Tsubasa Heihe's hideout. Amazing looking, ain't it?"

        It was amaze as Kidd described. Even if it was deep within the cave, the outcome turned out that they lived around a whole mountainside with the sea at the right. The whole civilization was all made out of straw and wood, like Serge's home, Arni Village. In each and every area, there is a dirtied path that leads up or down, leading to the houses or the Bazaar. A huge and beautiful crystal-clear waterfall cascaded down the middle of the gorge, creating a little river canal towards the bottom. Serge followed Kidd as the inhabitants greeted her.

        "Hello, Kidd. How are you doing?" asked one inhabitant, holding the hands of her children. "The children are dying to play with you at the moment. Would like to play with them?"

        "Sorry, I gotta show a friend of mine around," said Kidd, referring to Serge.

        "Ah, so it is. I would like to welcome you, stranger. Truly, we are a group of kind people. However, the rules changed a bit during the past few months after Di disappeared.  Our leader, Ookami, somehow changed during those recent passing months," said the woman.

        "Ookami?" trailed Serge as he said his good-byes to the woman.

        "Yeah, he is about seventeen years old. He became leader when his father, who apparently was the leader of this time, died from a disease that can't be cured. Both Di and Ookami are best friends. And somehow, it changed him after that time," said Kidd sadly. Serge noticed the change of expression in her voice.

        "Kidd!!!" yelled a feminine voice from behind. Serge and Kidd both turned around to see a young girl about Kidd's age run up to them. Wearing almost the same attire Kidd is wearing, her black and violet hair was braided up to her waist. She ran up to Kidd and gave her a friendly hug. "It's great that you're okay!" she said.

        "Yeah, yeah, I know. At least I made it back alive," said Kidd, releasing herself from the hug. "So what's been goin' on since I was gone."

        "Nothing much, except that Ookami-sama changed the rules again. It's like him he. He never use to that back then, said Kidd's friend. Somehow, both of them were ignoring Serge's presence. Putting both of his hands on his hips, he coughed just to get their attention.

        "Ah yeah, sorry 'bout that. Gwena this is Serge. Serge this is Gwena, my best friend," said Kidd.

        "Nice to meet you," they said in unison, both shaking there hands.

        "Wow!" said Gwena, eyeing Serge with amazement.

        "What is it?"

        "Look at his eyes. There really, really deep blue like the ocean!" said Gwena, suddenly attracted to Serge's eyes. Kidd inspected Serge as well, looking deeply into his eyes.

        "You're right. He does have…really deep blue eyes. But…somehow…those eyes look so familiar…" said Kidd, trailing off as he gazed into those eyes again.

        "Not mention he's cute. How old are you?" ask Gwena. "You seem a bit too old to be fourteen."

        "I'm seven…" Then Serge thought about the timeline he's in. "…No. I'm eighteen."

        "Wow! Really?" said Gwena, surprised. "How did you meet him?"

        "Well, I kinda thought that he was a Demi-Human or a Munchkin gone big, and a Giant gone small. And I accidentally…unzipped his shorts, and-"

        "Really? Girl, you got guts. Did you get a glimpse of his "tube'?" asked Gwena bluntly. Serge began to blush furiously as Kidd tried to cover his mouth, sweat dropping.

        "Shut up! You're getting him embarrassed," whispered Kidd, seeing Serge ripen as a tomato.

        "Oh, I'm sorry. I intend to have a big mouth. Stupid me," said Gwena.

        "Well anyways, I was in big trouble when we were surrounded by those panther monsters and he attacked all of the monsters with one swift movement. And-"

        "Did I hear you right, Kiddo? Did I you hear say that this stranger killed those monsters with one swift movement?" asked a voice from behind. The threesome turned to a figure that surprisingly spoke.

        "O-Ookami-sama," said Kidd and Gwena in unison as they bowed down respectfully. Ookami nodded his head at both and looked at Serge suspiciously. Serge eyed him in suspicion as well. A light honey brown haired man with long bangs parted in the middle, his eyes were deep green, wearing an Indian-like blue hair bead around the right side of his ear. He holds a Katana across his back, right under his red cloak and his green kimono-like shirt with royal blue baggy pants on his legs. Wearing brown boats, a symbol of dragon stood on the end of his shirt, a symbol of the clan.

        Ookami lifted one eyebrow and smirked. "Hmm…I should thank you for saving little Kiddo here. I positioned her to keep guard for any trespassers. That probably explains the strange white aura I sensed that was near Kiddo. You are a man, one year older than me, who wields so much unspeakable power. How on earth would you receive a power so strong for a young youth like you?"

        Serge bowed his head low, his eyes shadowed behind his bangs. "I'm not…really sure. I can't really say how I got this power, but I won't let that bother me. I'm only here in search the truth about things," said Serge.

        "And that necklace you wear. That pendant looks almost like the engravings of the cave you just came out of," said Ookami, looking at the entrance a few miles away.

        "My necklace?" Serge looked down at the necklace to see that the hard circle of his necklace formed the shape of the Chrono Cross. He surprised about this, but he did not show it.

        "It's remarkable to see that you almost look like the people in the paintings," said Ookami, eyeing him a bit more. "And it is also awkward that you almost look like 'him'."

        "Who is 'he'? Who are you comparing me to?" asked Serge.

        "Hehehe, of course. You pretty much look like him, except that you're four years older than him and that you have blue hair instead of dark brown."

        "What the hell is he talking about? No one looks like me if only I have a lost twin brother that I don't know about," thought Serge as he glared at Ookami angrily.

        "Come on, Ookami-sama. He is in need of rest after fighting those panther demons all night. He must have journeyed far from here," said Gwena. Ookami looked at her, making Gwena blush just a bit.

        "Fine, let him rest. However, tomorrow afternoon, when the sun is setting, I want him to be at the stadium. I want to see if his powers are truly remarkable," declared Ookami.

        "But…Lord Ookami, he's not the enemy! He's a human being like us!" retorted Kidd, trying to defend Serge.

        "Did I not tell you not raise your voice in front of me?!" retorted Ookami, looking angrily at Kidd. "I know that he is not the enemy! I want to see this man, who apparently is the same age as me, if he is truly strong. I want to see if he surpasses me." With that said, Ookami walked off, leaving Serge, Kidd, and Gwena look at him in disbelief.

        "I can't believe he would do such a thing," said Kidd. "I mean, what if he kills Serge during the process? I-it's not right to kill people who are innocent. He's breaking the law himself that his father have made." Serge looked at Kidd with sad eyes, seeing some parts of her life are too deniably tough. He could that she had a rough time going through this whole procedure. Serge wanted to hold Kidd, to comfort her like he did in her other past three years ago. But, if he did that, she would not trust him anymore.

        "Serge, I'm sorry that our leader is showing such disrespect. Apparently, he is quite stubborn at times," said Gwena, eyeing Ookami's figure angrily.

        "That's fine. Besides, I won't be killed that easily. I've been through death's door many times, and everything always turned out okay," said Serge. Kidd looked at him, hearing his words are strong. "Besides, I have enough of being dead. I promised someone back at home that I would protect her with all my life."

        Kidd and Gwena were completely astonished by his strong words as they clapped with glee. Serge blushed and scratches his head, laughing away the humility. "Anyways, we have a extra bed by Kidd's room in our place. You are welcome to sleep there as long as you want," said Gwena.

        "Thanks," said Serge as he followed the two girls to their house.

~*~*~*~*~

        Upon reaching their house, Serge saw it was quite similar to his house, except that this house was a lot more space than his. Gwena was in the kitchen, grabbing on the way as Kidd set the table. Serge just sat on the couch and looked around his surroundings. It is quite cute since this house, after all, has a woman's touch in them. Shells of beauty were strung up down through the windows, a bell-like shell decoration stood nearest to the window as it jingled its bells through the gentle wind. Paintings of the ocean, the forest, a village, and a waterfall decorated the plan wooden walls as Serge looked at them in interests.

        Kidd noticed that Serge was staring thoughtfully as Gwena prepared the food on table. "Hey, Serge. It's time to eat," said Kidd, giving Serge's attention.

        Within moments, the threesome ate the food, talking in conversation in bits. Even though Serge was the only man around the house, Kidd and Gwena tried their best to talk manly, yet to no avail there is not quite a discussion about the subject. The food was done and the every dish was cleaned as Gwena said their goodnights to the two as she went to her room downstairs. Serge and Kidd went up stairs, to find that there are two separate beds apart, one on the side corner of the wall, the other near the balcony, viewing the ocean's horizon.

        "This is were Di use to sleep before he disappeared. He used to live with Gwena and me ever since we were at least eleven years old. Before I ever met them, my other home was burnt to the ground. I was an orphan back then when I was young, you know," said Kidd, lying on her bed.

        "Really? I didn't know that," said Serge, pretending not to know.

        "I wouldn't have been alive if it weren't for this mystery guy who saved me back then," said Kidd, sighing. "He was the one who told me to go on with my life and find friends so I will no longer be alone. I wonder how he is doing right now? I never really got to see his face."

        Serge lay on Di's bed and stared at the ceiling. He remembered that part of time, yet he surprised that Kidd actually remembered. He then thought about the ocean scene where he saw Kidd looking out into the ocean. Serge couldn't understand why he couldn't remember that part of his memory, yet, at least he knows that Kidd was there when he needed him the most. Even when he was young. He still couldn't shake thought about her last words she said to him.

        "Kidd…who is Di? It seems that everything around evolves around with Di," said Serge, turning to Kidd.

        Kidd sighed sadly, and looked up to the ceiling. "Well…Di was Gwena's, Ookami's, and my best friend. He was truly a nice person as he always helped people. No matter what the consequence it was. He was really a best friend. He would always play some fighting matches against Ookami and he would always win, even thought Di was younger. Di and I use to go out and look for shells and moonlight stones at night in the sand. He always does exciting stuff that is always exciting. We use to live so happily together. Until that day, that day when he disappeared from our lives forever. I'm not really sure how he disappeared, but the last time we saw him is that he was sailing off to sea, saying, "I need to find the Divine Relic. I need to know the truth about this 'Angelus Clan' that so protected this world up to now. I want to obtain that power."

        That phase dawned upon Serge as he soon realized it sounds so familiar. It is the same exact phase that he heard through his dream. The same exact phase that Omendi said when he was looking for the Chrono Cross. "What made him go off to look for this Divine Relic?" asked Serge.

        "Well, when I saw him, he was looking at inscriptions, saying that he may be one of these people. Or so that the voice in his head said so. I could have sworn that I heard the voice. It almost sounds deep and vigorous, like a voice of a roaring cat."

        "Lynx…!" trailed Serge, showing complete anger in his voice.

        "You know Lynx?" asked Kidd, slowly sitting up on her bed.

        "Umm…well…"

        "Where is he? Do you know where he is?" asked Kidd, asking rather quick questions.

        Serge didn't have time to speak as he tried to find an answer not to tell her about him, at the same time that he is not a minion with him. He thought of one and this is all he could think about.

        "Yeah…he…destroyed my homeland a while back. I…was journeying around the world just to find him and take my revenge on," he lied. "Not unless he is back alive in my time," he thought. 

        "Really? So he too destroyed your land. Well, he too destroyed my land and…"

        "Please…I don't want to here anymore of it. I keep on hearing more and more of it from two sides and I all ready know about this story," thought Serge, hopefully Kidd understands what he is feeling.

        "…And all…Anyways, I better let you sleep or you won't have any energy for the fight tomorrow afternoon. Good Night," said Kidd as turned off the light.

        "Good night, Kidd," he said, as he turned and fell asleep easily.

~*~*~*~*~

Early in the Morning…

        Serge slowly got out of bed before the sun ever came out, seeing that Kidd was peacefully sleeping in her bed. Putting his shoes and his long denim blue shorts and black on himself, leaving his vest hang on the post bed, he set out to look for the ocean.

        Setting foot on the dirtied path of the village, Serge didn't have any clue where to start to look for the ocean. Most of the inhabitants are still asleep and Serge couldn't find anyone to ask. He doesn't want to disappear their sleeping hour.  To his luck, he found an old fisherman coming up the path, holding his fishing equipment. Smiling, Serge started to run to the old man.

        "Ah, good morning to ya, lad. You seem to be an early bird boy. What brings you here this morning?" asked the old man, smiling warmly towards Serge.

        "Do you know which path to take to the ocean?" asked Serge. The old man nodded.

        "You follow this path down until you reach a sign that says "Sunrise Ocean." Go right and take the third tunnel that is to your left. That tunnel should lead you to Sunrise Ocean," said the old man.

        "Okay, thank you," said Serge as he ran with tremendous speed, all ready reaching the tunnel within one minute.

        "Boy that young man is fast. It's as if he is flying like an angel," said the old man as headed to his home, where his wife awaits.

~*~*~*~

        Serge ran for a few minutes, as the tunnel path seems long. He saw a dim lavender light coming out of the end of the tunnel, indicating he is almost towards the end of the path. He soon felt the sweet sea breeze as he inhaled the morning scent.

        The view before was beautiful as ever. The water was crystal-clean with no contaminating chemicals destroying its beauty. Palm trees and trees with apples, bananas, coconuts, and berries surrounded the out layer of the rocky tunnel. Serge slowly walked into the ocean's shorelines and watched the waves starting to rise and lap within each other as the sun started to peek out of the horizon. Sitting down on the white sand, he slowly removed his shoes and shirt and started to get in the water's edge. It felt comfortable for him to be in the ocean's cool water in the mornings. The sun soon rises as its rays reflected the ocean.

        Slowly, Serge closed his eyes and concentrated on the Chrono Cross. "If the Chrono Cross have another power, then maybe I should practice with it. I should get warmed up before that duel comes up," said Serge. The glow of the Chrono Cross started to rise as Serge concentrated, unaware of the water rising around him.

~*~*~*~

        In the entrance of the tunnel, Kidd was walking along to find Serge when a glimpse of a light started to attract her eyes. Without any warning, she ran to that source of light to find Serge's shoes and black shirt. Kidd looked onward to see Serge surrounded in water, he the only one that is surrounded in light in the middle.

        From that point, Kidd thought he was drowning and started to scream. "SERGE!!"

        Serge was snapped out of his concentration when he heard Kidd's voice. Turning around, he looked at he questionably. "Huh?" is all he can come up with. When slowly extended his arms, the water surrounding him, soon gathered together to turn into a huge ball of water. Suddenly a huge blow started to aim towards at the ocean, hitting directly below. The wind from that blow surprised Serge as splats of water started to splash on his face.

        Within minutes, the blast soon dissipated and out of the blue, at least ten thousand huge fish started rain upon Serge and Kidd, Serge sweat dropping as each fish started to hit his head.

        "Wow!! Raining fish!!" yelled Kidd joyfully as she catch one after another. "And they're still alive too!" The old fisherman was just coming out to see raining fish coming from above.

        "Praise to be! The Water Goddess is pleased with us! This huge amounts of fish would last us ten years!" said the old man joyfully.

        "It wasn't the Water Goddess who did this. It was Serge who actually did this," said Kidd proudly, pointing at a wide-eyed Serge who apparently was surprised himself.

        "The swift young lad that I talked to earlier? He is a man who truly has remarkable powers to bring at least this so many fish."

        Serge sighed frustratingly. He looked at his hands and then to the Chrono Cross. "Fish, still alive? I'd be surprise if a whale just dropped upon me," said Serge. As if on cue, a huge humpback whale loomed over Serge, about to drop on him. Frantically, Serge concentrated on the Chrono Cross once more, and soon, the water started to surround him again. This time, it created a huge bubble, surrounding the whale and leading it into the deep side of the ocean. Serge sighed as he slowly sat on the shoreline edge. He slowly grabbed the Chrono Cross in his clutches and looked at with wonderment. "I guess this new Chrono Cross power can control water if I'm near it at least," said Serge.

        "How didja do that?" asked Kidd from behind. Serge turned to her and smiled.

        "Do you know what's your innate is?" he asked. Kidd looked curiously at him. He raised an eyebrow. "Do you even know what's a element is?" She shook her head. He slapped his forehead. "None of your friends ever taught you about magic?"

        "Magic? There's really magic?" asked Kidd, her eyes wide anticipation. All Serge did is face faulted to the ground. "What? Am I supposed to know this?"

        "Kidd, you have a long way to go to learn how to survive this world," said Serge, getting up. "Let's try for starters. An Innate is basically the element you are born with like me, I'm a white Innate. Your friend Gwena is…" he trailed thoughtfully, "is a blue innate, Ookami…I don't know…and you, are a red innate."

        "And what that's suppose to mean?" asked Kidd.

        "It means you have the ability to have a fire innate skill, me with white innate related skills, and Gwena with innate blue skills. Get it?"

        "Not completely."

        Serge sighed, and soon he realized that they are not in El Nido. He stood up and walked up to look through his pocket. He grasps whatever he was looking for and handed it to Kidd. "Here, this is your first innate element. This is a fire element and you are strong against this innate and you are able to use fire a lot more better than I do. Each time you grow, you will obtain a skill and then you will be able to cast strong fire magic."

        "So, how do I use it?" asked Kidd.

        And so, Serge started explaining to her on how to use an innate color. While they were talking, the inhabitants started to pick up the living fish around the sand, happy that they have food to supply them for a year. Serge, by then, started to show her how to use the elements, saying the dos and don'ts. He even taught some survival skills using the elements as well like fire for warmth, ice for water. In some parts of the hour, he would warm himself up and try some fighting skills with his swallow. Kidd watched him carefully as Serge taught her.

        Afternoon soon came, and Kidd was finally able to cast the element. Kidd just used Fireball and fire started to brew through the small piece of wood. "Hey, I did it!" yelled Kidd excitedly. Serge smiled at her, proud that she learned so fast in one day.

        "That's good Kidd. Now it's time for you-"

        "Serge, Kidd!" yelled Gwena. Serge and Kidd turned to see her running up them.

        "Where have you guys been? The sun has reached the mid-point and its almost time for that situation!" explained Gwena.

        "All ready?" asked Serge as he looked up at the sky. The sky is beginning to turn orange as Serge's eyes turned to determination. "I guess it is time. I better get ready." With that, he started to head over to Kidd's house, his fist clenched tightly.

        "He looked…serious when it comes to this," said Gwena. "But he looks cute when looks like that, don't you agree?"

        "Y-y-yeah…I guess…we better head to the stadium," said Kidd as the two dashed to the huge double doors that leads to the stadium.

~*~*~*~*~

        Almost all of the inhabitants sat in the bleachers of the stadium as Kidd and Gwena took their seats in front. Ookami-sama stood in the middle of the stadium as every single started to take their seats.

        "A lot of people are here today," said Gwena, looking around. "What is so interesting about a fight between men?"

        "I don't know. Probably they all found out about Serge's powers? I'm not sure," said Kidd, looking at Ookami.

        At the right moment, Ookami looked around to see that everyone has taken his or her seats. He raised his hands and finally spoke. "My fellow comrades!" he spoke with thunder in his voice. The inhabitants fell silent as everyone heard his supreme voice. "I would all like to thank you for coming here today. As you all know of a stranger who saved one of our comrades from the dangers of the panther demon. We all our grateful for his kind gratitude. No sooner did I realize that his fighting spirit seems to be more powerful than your leader's. And he looks like a very trained and powerful warrior to join our group. For this day, we will see if the stranger called Serge is worthy to be one of us. The rules are quite simple. If he beats me, then he will be one of us. However, if he does not beat me, then his life shall be taken. There is no one to interfere in this match whatsoever." Everyone fell silent from the rules; completely pale as the thought of the stranger dying before their leader after all he had done for them.

        Ookami slowly looked around at each and every single spectator. He smirked and called, "Let us call upon Serge!"

        Everyone's attention soon turned to the open door. Slowly walking in, well prepared was Serge, wearing his vest over his black baggy shirt shorts with his red bandana tightly securing his head. His eyes show a glint of light blue through the setting sun as he approached Ookami. Ookami smiled at him as Serge stopped in his pace, looking directly into Ookami's eyes.

        "Well, are you ready, Serge? Are you ready to battle me until the death?" Ookami asked, unsheathing his Katana from its scabbard.

        "Yes…" Serge said plainly, as he closed his eyes and concentrated on the Chrono Cross.

        "Where is your weapon, Serge? Are you going to fight with just your bare hands?"

        Serge did not listen as the Chrono Cross called upon the Masamune once more. Surprising everyone, including Ookami, the Masamune appeared out of nowhere as Serge grasped it firmly with his right hand, the Chrono Cross lightly swaying sideways around his neck like a ticking clock.

        "A weapon with blades at the ends. Is this the weapon you use to kill all those monsters?" asked Ookami.

        "Apparently, yes. But I only kill those who oppose the good of the people. I have right to kill those who convicted innocent," said Serge, poised in his position.

        Ookami smirked with satisfactory. "This is going to be a fine battle. I can sense it." He poised into his fighting position. With one heaving shoot, Ookami said, "Let us begin!!"  The wind started to blow with rage as the gong of the bell started to fill the whole area.

        Ookami started charging forward to Serge, his Katana right in front of him as he did his first attack. Serge could tell that he is going for a double attack mode. He used his Masamune to dodge the fast motion attack from Ookami. Without warning, another attack suddenly hit Serge from behind. Serge sensed that it was circle attack from Ookami. Blood started to gush from his back as Serge mourned lightly, still standing up.

        "Was I a little too quick for you, Serge? Or are you too slow to catch up with my speed?" asked Ookami, putting the Katana up on his shoulder. Serge flinched a bit as he tried to absorb the hurting feeling out of his back. His strength recuperated, Serge started back to his fighting position. "Ah, so you are not giving up yet. Well, let's bring it on."

        Ookami stood in his position as he waited for Serge's attack first. Yet, it did not come as Serge stood there, not moving a foot. Sighing, Ookami took the next charge, this time, putting his Katana behind his back. Serge predicted that his next attacks would be full on force without stopping. Serge stood ready as Ookami started to attack. With Serge's great speed, Ookami couldn't keep up with his agility. Sensing that is all his attacks, Serge lunged forward and tried to hit Ookami with the back of his blade when Serge screamed agony, feeling a dagger piercing through his left leg. Ookami laughed and moved out of the way, making Serge stumble to the ground.

        "Hehehe, that was good, Serge. But I guess you didn't see that coming, did you?" laughed Ookami, putting his Katana back on his shoulder.

        "Serge!" yelled Kidd. Serge looked up at Ookami, his eyes beginning to glow intensely. Ookami noticed this, and his laugh died down as he saw Serge's anger rouse upon him. There was something strange about Serge as he looked into those determined eyes of his, seeing the fighting spirit boiling within his soul. "This man is still up even after I used my strong attacks on him?"

        Serge slowly got up, using his right leg for support. Taking out the dagger slowly from his thigh, he slowly got up, having the energy through him. He threw the dagger towards Ookami who caught it easily and Serge slowly stood on both feet, closing his eyes for concentration. The wind started to swirl around him as he gathered the energy he needed. He could see that this man was hurting inside as he thought about Kidd's words of his sudden change within himself after Di. Serge started to think maybe he can release that sealed burden out of its cage and free himself from insanity. " Probably the only reason why Ookami chose to battle him in order to kill himself. He wanted to kill himself because he is alone in this world. Without his father or his friend, Di, the sanity in his soul would never heal. The scars of time did not heal for as he still grieves for everyone he holds dear. Like Kidd, he is more hard headed then ever, blinded by his own guilt and hatred. His hatred for not becoming more powerful to protect those who being lured to evil; his own guilt for letting his father die and his friend disappear without a trace of his whereabouts. I've got to let that burden lift away."

        Serge opened his eyes slowly as the fighting aura to rise around him. He smirked at Ookami and stood in his ready position. "This time, I'll be more serious," said Serge as he lunged forward, holding Masamune behind his back.

        "He's using that speed again when he's fighting," said Kidd, looking worriedly at Serge.

        Ookami was about ready to attack Serge with one of his quick attacks, but Serge disappeared without a trace of his footsteps (*god-like speed. Like Kenshin ^__^). Ookami looked around, trying to find Serge's presence. Out from behind, Serge swung at Ookami with the back of his sword, making him feeling the pain in his back. He stumbled forward and kneeled on his knee, trying to catch his breath. Soon, he turned around to try another attack, but Serge phased out again. This time, Ookami could feel his presence and stroke upwards, hearing a clash between their sharp weapons. Serge back flipped and landed on both feet. Once both feet were on the floor, he once charged again, using multiple double slash attacks with his Masamune as several clashes were heard through the process.

        "Ookami, I'm trying to help you get out of your grief," thought Serge as he let his thoughts run into Ookami's mind. Ookami was suddenly surprised, hearing Serge's voice inside his head.

        "What are you talking about? I don't have any grief. You can't help me!" thought Ookami as he charged forward towards Serge.

        "You can't hide anything from me, Ookami. I know you are grieving for father. I know you are grieving for friend. I can hear your cries for help through your mind. I can help you."

        Serge lunged forward and started to advance swallow towards Ookami. But, Ookami blocked it, making the men look into each other's eyes angrily.

        "Stop denying your feelings. You know you need help and I am here to help get that burden away. Gwena and Kidd are worried about you because of your sudden change. Can't you see that you are scaring them?"

        "Shut up! I know they are scared of me, but what can I do? I am boy who is all alone in this world who can't even lead a territory properly. I'm just nothing than a mere pond in this world of survival of the fittest."

        Serge swung attack Ookami with both of his blades. Ookami dodged them and slashed Serge, creating a gash in his right arm.

        "Don't say that! No one is useless to this world. Not even you! Everyone has something in their life to stand for. You have something to stand. Leading these people to live in happiness!"

        Once again, Serge and Ookami looked into each other's eyes angrily, Serge's eyes glowing intensely.

        "Why should you care? You don't understand how it is to live through life without a father to lead through the right direction!"

        Serge broke it and started to double slash once again with his swallow.

        "Don't even think about it! I understand how you feel because I myself lost a father when I was only three!"

        Both of them stopped their actions and backed off, looking at each other with great anger within them.

        "You lost your father when you were three?" thought Ookami; his thoughts seemed to calm down a bit.

        "Yes, I did. I never even really lived enough to know who he truly is. I even saw his own death right before my very eyes. I can still remember that horror he gave me before he left, saying his last words I couldn't even understand. Until that time, it shattered so much that I could no longer live. So I tried to kill myself so many times, yet I couldn't myself to because I don't want to lose my life."

        Serge twirled his Masamune and held behind his back, binding his knees slightly for the next attack.

        Ookami looked at Serge, seeing him get ready. He slowly shook his head and went to his fighting position. He still doesn't realize the point that Serge is going to say.

        "Then why didn't you kill yourself? Why didn't you end your life then?"

        "I was about to die one day, but then, I heard 'her' cries." Serge started to reminiscence about Kidd, crying in his chest for her loneliness in her tough life. "I knew then if I died, nothing would solved and if I died, I would leave someone precious in my life. I knew then that life too valuable to lose."

        Ookami started to lunge forward, somewhat surprised by the strong words Serge is saying.

        "Err…oh yeah? What about a friend who just disappeared? A dear friend who left you unaware of his whereabouts? I can't stand it anymore with those grieves! I can't stand it seeing him disappear every time I sleep! You wouldn't understand that! I'm all alone!"

        Ookami started swing harder, making Serge lose his grip in his swallow. "You wouldn't understand! You wouldn't understand!" he yelled, his swings becoming harder than before. Serge finally lost his balance and fell to the ground, his power becoming even tenser after the fall. His eyes were shadowed behind his bangs as he panted furiously.

        "Now, Serge, you have fallen. You will die before my feet! Say good-bye!" yelled Ookami, as if he was insane.

        "Y-you…"

        The sword started to get near Serge's body. Screams were heard from the crowd, calling upon his name.

        "…Just don't…"

        The Chrono Cross started to glow immensely.

        "…understand…that…"

        He started to clinch his fist furiously.

        "…there are other people who are in need of your help!!!"

        Suddenly, Serge's eyes opened, looking directly at Ookami with fierce in his eyes. The glow started to glow brightly as the sun as Serge's eye widen with anger. The power of the Chrono Cross started to surround his body as he looked directly into Ookami.

        Ookami was shocked after he felt his whole body not moving at all. Waves of the light started to hit towards Ookami, making his movement stop completely. The crowds from the stand looked in shock as Serge released the rage within him, seeing that he couldn't possibly tend his mind if he was insane like this. Serge stood up, leaving Ookami stand there, still in shock. Serge used his mind to lift Ookami to the air, shattering his Katana with his mind.

        "Ookami, listen to me! Look at the people down there who respect you fully!" He made Ookami look down upon the people. Everyone was in shock to see their leader being lift off without a single trace of any trickery.

       

        "Do you think that you are lonely? No, people around you are your friends. Your people are you're friends, Ookami. Gwena and Kidd too. Other than that, all of these people need your power to guide; they need your help to live through life peacefully. Don't you see? They do need you. You just need to realize that it's not only you around this world. Three years ago, I told Kidd the same thing, and now, she has friends. You just need to understand that no one is alone."

        Ookami soon realized that his words speak the truth. His emotions started to relax as he felt a burden being lift from his soul. Serge, finally seeing that he calmed down, used his mind and slowly let Ookami down to the floor, making him able to move.

        After regaining his movement, Ookami slowly put his Katana back in his scabbard and walked towards Serge. Serge slowly breathes, trying to ease his emotions. Seeing a hand in front of his face, Serge looked up to see Ookami, smiling. Smiling as well, they both shook hands. Soon, everyone cheered. A heartily cheer that signifies that both players are all right with no one dead.

        "I must say, Serge. You are a worthy adversary. And a worthy friend to talk to. I like to thank you for the best match I ever have dwelt with," said Ookami.

        Serge just smiled and happy to see that he fully understands.

        "But there is one thing I want to ask you." Serge looked questionably to the leader of the Tsubasa Heihe. "Can you punch me to see if I am dreaming? I could have sworn that I heard your voice inside my mind."

        "Huh?" is the only thing Serge could come up with, sweat dropping from Ookami's favor. Shrugging, he reluctantly punched him square on the cheek, making him fall to the ground. "I guess this is not a dream," said Serge, scratching his head.

~*~*~*~*~

        After the ceremony was over, everyone went inside their headquarters and began to party down with so many cheers around the area. Food, drinks, music, and dancing were heard around the place as everyone celebrated joyously. Kidd and Gwena joined them as they drank and danced all night. Among the party, only Serge and Ookami were the only ones who did not join the party. The two were looking at the ancient engravings of the wing goddess, looking carefully at the advance paintings of each form.

        "These inscriptions were here when my father first created this place as a civilization.  My father thought that these inscriptions are just nothing more than doodles made by children. However, when I first sighted these drawings, I knew there was something about it that represents something," said Ookami. "Di was here looking at these drawings the exact day he disappeared. He looked at strangely as he read those inscriptions. No one, not even him, could ever translate these exotic words, yet somehow he managed to do so."

        "Did you hear anything weird other than Di's thoughts?" asked Serge, looking at the Tsubasa no Kami once again.

        "Yes, fortunately. A masculine feline voice that spoke through his mind saying, "If you want to find your family, you must find the Chrono Cross. It is the only key to save yourself and others. If you work for me, I will bring your family back. If you help me find this "Holy Land", then you will get whatever you want. The power, the strength. Everything! That is the words of persuasion."

        "Lynx…so he tries to get his way by using people's feelings to do the outmost pathetic thing to do his bidding," retorted Serge, tightening his fists.

        "Yes. From that point on, I never truly understand the meaning of these words. I could not translate it," said Ookami. "Maybe if these words are translated, maybe I can find Di."

        Serge sighed and looked at the descriptions, "It says:  Tsubasa no Kami. Which means, Wing Goddess of the land called "Sora-Donna-Shugotenshi." Also known as, "The sky of the Guardian Angels."  A land that can only be found by the inhabitants of the place itself with the use of the "Kurono Kousa" as its key to the four spheres," said Serge, translating the words.

        "You understand these words Serge?" asked Ookami.

        "Yes, but I'm not sure how. These words and descriptions lead to one probable thing. The land that Lynx and Omendi…I mean Di are looking for. And the pendant the Goddess is holding." Serge looked down at the Chrono Cross. "…is the pendant that they are looking for." "That looks exactly like mine. But what importance is there to obtain the Chrono Cross?"

        "Serge, let us think about this tomorrow. Maybe our rested minds will give us an idea tomorrow morning. Let us join the others for a part celebration. What do you say, eh?" asked Ookami as he walked off towards the party.

        Serge smiled and was about to join when the mysterious song sounded in his ear.

        "It is time for you to go, Chrono Trigger. You have gathered enough information to know the whereabouts of Di and his purpose. You now must awaken Kidd from sleep. She is waiting for you," said the voice as it disappeared.

        Serge understood, and looked at the images on the cave one last time. "Whatever it is, I'll find that "Holy Land"." Serge turned and headed towards the direction of Sunrise Ocean. In the midst of the crowd, Kidd watched Serge as he disappeared into the tunnel to the sea. Without hesitation, the young Kidd followed Serge.

~*~*~*~*~

        Serge stood in at shorelines of the sea, watching the sea one last time before he goes back to his original time. He slowly closed his eyes and concentrated on the power of the Chrono Cross. The light started to surround and he was about to be lifted up to the sky when he heard a voice.

        "Serge!" Kidd cried as she ran towards him. Serge turned around and smiled towards her. "Where are you going? You're one of us remember?"

        Serge nodded. "Yeah, I know. But…this isn't my time or place to stay. It's time for me to go."

        Kidd shook her head. "Why is it time for you to go? This is your home!"

        Serge smiled again and looked up to the sky. "No, it isn't Kidd. I have to go back. I made a promise to a certain person of mine that I would protect her no matter what. I can't break that promise. If I did, I would leave her alone. You do understand, right?"

        Kidd felt her tears coming in, making the crystal tear fall off her cheek. "B-but…if you leave right now, y-you'll leave me alone. I'll be all alone again."

        Serge looked down at her, remembering those same exact words she said three years ago. "Iie…that's not true. "There is no such thing as being alone. No one in this world is alone. Even when families go away, they always stick by you no matter what. If you are still lonely, then, you can begin finding new friends around the world other than this place."

        Kidd looked at Serge with surprise eyes, recognizing those same words three years ago. "Those words…" Serge slowly smiled as the aura started to surround him, feeling the time is almost there. "W-will…will I ever see you again?"

        Slowly, he turned around to her, gazing with calm glowing eyes at her. "In the near future, hopefully. You might find me sooner than you think, still the same. Good-bye." The aura started to intense.

        "Wait!" cried Kidd as she tried to run to him. Something white started sprout from Serge's back as he suddenly disappeared into the sky, phasing off the phase of the night sky. "Serge!! Don't go!!" Her voice echoed through the sky as Serge is no longer there. She slowly sank to her knees, tears spilling down her cheek.

        "…Serge…whatever it takes…no matter how long it takes…I'll find ya…"

~*~*~*~

Three years later…

        "Are you crazy? You can't be going alone to sail off of sea!" said a seventeen-year-old Ookami. He desperately ran after a young woman, putting her dagger into place around her waist.

        "Why do ya think its crazy? I'm looking for him. No one will stop me!" said the woman, putting her long blonder layered hair in a messy ponytail, her kind of hairstyle.

        "But you can't leave the Tsubasa Heihe, Kidd. They will need your help!" said Ookami.

        "I have to look for him. If I do, I'll bring him back," said Kidd, stopping in her tracks to look at Sunrise Ocean one last time. "Whatever these engravings and this "pendant" I have any hint of the whereabouts of Serge or Di, I'll follow."

        Ookami shook his head. "Then, what if your identity is famous over there? What are you going to do about that?" rebounded Ookami, showing a hint of victory in his voice.

        Kidd turned around and smiled. "I can survive this world. Serge taught me how to survive. If I were a thief, then I would name myself, "Radical Dreamers". That way, only people are only aware of band of groups of thieves even though it only consists of one member, me."

        "Oh, I give-up. There is no stopping you. I wish you the best of luck Kidd," said Ookami, smiling. "I can see that you grown up to be a fine young woman."

        Kidd just nodded and turned around. Out of nowhere, something caught her eye as she looked around her area. Right in front of her, a figure surrounded in a mysterious white light stood there by the ocean, looking out into the sea. His blue hair swayed through the sweet wind's gentle blow.

        Kidd gasped at the figure she just saw, walking up to him slowly. She slowly called his name. "S-Serge…?"

        The figure turned around and smiled his cute smile three years ago. "Kidd, I'll see you soon…" With that, the figure soon disappeared after a white aura started to sprout from his back, making him phase off from the scene.

        Kidd looked out in space, her eyes wide with shock. "I'll see you soon? Did he mean to tell me that…I'll see him soon? Is it a sign of good luck? I got a feeling that it's not too long when we meet again." Kidd looked out into the ocean, her hair blow in unison with the wind as she gave a smile of satisfactory.

~*~*~*~*~

June 1, 1021 AD. Present Time…

        Serge slowly opened his eyes, finding himself lying on a soft and cool grassy plain. He felt the cool wind, making him relax from the tranquility of the wind, a river's rippling sound heard. Serge slowly sat up, his head paining from so much power use.

        "Shou, I feel like I've been hit by a whale or something," he said, rubbing his temples gently. "I wonder where is everyone. This is not Viper's manor." He slowly stood up, feeling the wind behind his back.

        Sensing that there is nothing to do, Serge began to walk, looking around for anyone. He called out, but no answer. He tried signaling, but no one replied. Serge was about to give up when something caught his eyes on the ground. He looked down and knew instantly who it was.

        Lying on the ground was Kidd, unconscious without a slight movement from her body. Serge kneeled down towards her, cradling her limp body with his strong arms.

        "Kidd…Kidd…wake up!" said Serge, shaking her limp body lightly. "Please, Kidd. Wake-up!" Kidd did not budge as Serge looked into her with worry eyes. He could not stand this kind of torment as he tried his best to wake her with worry eyes. "Kidd…you can't be now. You have to wake up, Kidd!"

        A groan came from her mouth as Kidd slowly stirred in his arms, opening her cerulean eyes. Her vision was bit blurry when she looked up to the person who is waking her.

        "Kidd…!" said Serge, relief in his voice.

        Slowly, her vision started to be clearer as she saw Serge above her, looking at her with worried eyes. "Serge…what…happened?" she asked, barely even a whisper.

        Sighing, Serge drew her to a tight and passionate hug, bearing his head on her shoulder. "Kidd, you had me worried. I thought…you were dead," he said, tightening the hug a bit more. Kidd was a bit surprise and confused at the same time. Smiling as she realized Serge's worried look, she hugged him back, nuzzling her head on top of his.

        "Oh Serge, I'm sorry if I worried you like that," said Kidd. "I thought you died when you went through that warp hole. Thank the stars that you're all right."

        They both stayed like that for minutes, never wanting to let go. Unfortunately, they were unaware of a certain figure watching above with a gentle smile on its face. "It is time for me…"

        The figure started to land right in front of them, its shadow blocking the sun from them. Serge noticed this and looked up as well as Kidd. Kidd, however, was shocked to see the figure before her.

        A woman stood there with her a long blue hair that was pony-tailed with a red ribbon. Wearing golden earrings with a single diamond at the ends, she wore a decorated royal purple robe that draped until it reached the ground. Her eyes are the similar colors of Kidd, only except that she looks ten years older than her. A single blue-stripped cloth wrapped around her waistband, and slowly, she smiled.

        "It's…It's…"Serge stumbled, looking into the woman before him and Kidd.

        "Hello, Chrono Trigger. It is great to see you again. I couldn't thank you enough for saving me and saving my daughter. Kidd, we finally meet after all these years," said the woman, looking adoringly at Kidd.

        "M-mother…?" trailed Kidd, completely speechless that her mother, Schala, was actually here before her. Schala just smiled, seeing the two of them looking at her with astonishment in their eyes.

        "It is destined that today you come to this place that is above Zenan. Kidd, welcome home."

        Kidd's eyes widen. "W-what do you mean?" Serge suddenly had just realized something. He looked up at the sky to see the clouds drifting closely above them. Serge slowly got up, holding Kidd in his arms like a baby. He ran to the edge of the river's end and both were shocked to see the ocean, down below them.

        Serge fell to his knees as he soon realized that he and Kidd was on a floating land. Kidd looked into his eyes, seeing the shock hers as well. "B-but…it can't be…how can this land be floating still after all these years?" said Serge.

        "I know…but I just can't believe that we are here. My…true home. The Magical Kingdom of Zeal…"

~*~*~*~*~*~

End of Chapter 11- Forbidden Dreams

~*~*~*~*~*~

*Next time, on Chrono Cross Angelus Errare…

Schala: Welcome to Magical Kingdom of Zeal…

Kidd: How can this land be up all this time?

        *Scene shows Serge, Schala, and Kidd walking through Zeal Palace…

Schala: The Chrono Cross is the key to your ancient bloodline heritage, Serge…

        *Scene shows Serge using the Chrono Cross

Schala: The emblem is what Lynx and Omendi wants…

        *Shows Serge looking through a wall of weird paintings

Serge: What ancient bloodline are you talking about?

Schala: It will soon awaken within you if one trigger let's that very anger out…

        *Scene shows Serge fall to the ground…

Kidd: Serge!!!

Chrono Cross: Angelus Errare

                Chapter 12: The Magical Kingdom of Zeal…Alive? 

           *I always wanted to do that…hehehe…^_^

*Phew that was a long chapter. Sorry about the long wait. Anyway tell me what you think and PLEASE REVIEW!! If I get more reviews, then probably I'll put the next chapter up earlier than you think if you want to know what happens next. Thank you for all those who reviewed!