Heya folks. Here's Chapter 8.
Never would have guessed on the amount of people sticking to this story. I'm completely exhilarated to see this and thank you all o.o
I don't seem to be doing much on the Kirge end of things do I?. I'm sorry to disappoint Kirge fans once again in this but this chapter seems to hover over Glenn and Leena in the later parts. Don't worry though. I've got some interesting plans for the Radical Dreamer and Chrono Trigger in later chapters.
Anyway…
Disclaimer – I don't own Chrono Cross or any elements there of.
*Insert Text here* - Memories
Insert Text here - Voices
(Insert text here) –Thought
~*~ Here ~*~ - Dream
~~~
Chapter 8 – Merging Dimensions and a Friends Passing.
~~~
Glenn ran shirtless out into the night, speeding around Viper Manor until he was near the range of his window. Skidding to a halt, he drew the Einlanzer and held it ready as he watched the whitish heap make grunting noises as it struggled to move.
"Identify yourself!" Glenn said as he slowly began to move forward again. Receiving no answer he continued. "You are trespassing on the property of General Viper and the Acacia Dragoons."
"I know where the hell I am!" came the gruff reply causing Glenn to blink in shock.
"Karsh?"
"Yes Karsh!" As he shouted, he stood and as he stood, two dragons swooped down to land on either side of him. Walking over to the greenish dragon, the head Deva glared through the night at the green-eyed rider as he jumped from his dragon perch. "What confuses me is why he dropped me!"
"Hey, hey, hey." Locke put his arms up defensively "I warned you to watch that axe. It isn't my fault your clumsy."
"Clumsy!?" Karsh lunged at the Dragon Rider but was caught from behind by Marcy and Zoah.
"CALM DOWN KARSH."
"Yeah, he's, like, right anyway."
"I ain't clumsy." Karsh grumbled, suppressing his anger for now as he jerked out of his comrades' hold.
Just then Leena came bounding around the corner to stand beside Glenn, looking at the newly formed crowd. Looking about she say the condition of Karsh's clothing. "Marshmallow thing? Right?"
"Oh shut up."
This received a snicker and a giggled from the surrounding people, which was soon cut off by a curious muse from Glenn. "What's with the other dragon?"
As if on cue, two figures jumped from the reddish dragon's back. One dressed in simple T-shirt, bandana, vest and shorts
"Serge!"
The other sported a short red skirt, whitish shirt; red jacket…Glenn couldn't believe it…
"Kidd?!"
* ~ * ~ *
The large group of people soon found themselves crammed into the confines of Glenn's room. Karsh, Marcy and Zoah sat on the couch while Glenn and Leena sat near Phoenix on the bed, Serge and Kidd sat on or near the desk and Locke leaned contently in the corner with stiffly crossed arms.
"So Kidd, you're Dragon Rider?"
The Radical Dreamer nodded to Glenn's question. "Yeah that's 'bout right mate."
"What? No letters?" Karsh added in a semi sarcastic tone.
Kidd glared at him apparently offended "Well what was I supposta write ya mate? 'Hi! It's me Kidd! Ya know that blonde-haired thief ya met when ya took on tha journey with me mate Serge? Oh sorry I forgot yer memory was erased!'"
Feeling slightly embarrassed Karsh rubbed the back of his neck before resting his feet upon the table. "Err…I see your point."
Silence flooded over the room for a short moment before Leena spoke. "How…did you become a Dragon Rider anyway?" At the question everyone shifted towards both Kidd and Locke, gathering a surprised look from the one in the corner.
Locke jabbed his thumb in Kidd's direction with a small grin on his face, indicating that she was the one burdened to talk first. Kidd gave him a look before turning to look at everyone else.
"In full truth mates, I don't really remember. I can remember that when ya all disappeared and returned back ta where ya were supposed ta be, whateva Schala did knocked me flat on me rear." She paused a moment and pointed at Locke "I woke up ta his ugly mug staring down at me and I've been a Dragon Rider ever since."
"Wait a minute." Spoke Serge, for the first time since returning. "You said we 'returned to where ever we were supposed to be' If that were right wouldn't the all of you from this time not remember me? At the same time, wouldn't I not remember you?"
"That makes sense." Glenn replied, mulling this over in his mind thoughtfully.
"It makes sense, but it's not true." Locke's voice seemed to wash over the room as eyes shifted towards him. His green eyes flared with intelligent thoughts and knowledge before he continued. "When you defeated Lavos and freed Schala, the melody of the Chrono Cross began to weave all back into harmony. As it did so it set you all back into your rightful places amongst space and time, binding the two alternate dimensions once all the pieces were fit snuggly into place."
"So your saying we're, like, both of the 'us's' merged into one person?"
"Basically yes. The only thing is you have the memory of the one that journeyed with Kidd and Serge."
"WHY?" Zoah's booming voice echoed throughout the room.
"Dominant memories. The memories of your other halves were erased back to the point they were placed at but memories such as the ones you obtained on your campaign, not even Schala could destroy, only contain." The Dragon Rider pushed himself from the corner before walking towards the door. "Several other things keep those priceless memories alive, what they all were I was never sure of. But now I need to tend to Drakius then sleep. Suggest you all do the same, especially you Serge. You're all going to need it." With that final note he proceeded to exit the room, leaving the door wide open as he did so.
The room was silent for a long time. Nothing but the breathing of its occupants and the occasional shuffle was heard as all but the sleeping child pondered what Locke had said. It made all sense yet none at all and indeed confused them a great deal. Not so much the idea of it but the awkward thought of two entire dimensions, entire worlds slamming together to create one single one without adjustments was a bit hard to grasp.
A loud yawn from Kidd signaled the break in the silence. "Sorry Mates. I dunno about ya but I'm beat!" She stood, stretching lightly, followed slowly by all others minus Glenn.
"Yeah that Locke guy's probably right anyways. Common I'll show you guys where you can sleep." Karsh began to exit the room followed by the others. As Luck would have it, Phoenix took this exact time to wake and sit up, causing Glenn a small jump as he turned to face her.
"Are you alright?" He asked, as any adult would when a child wakes so suddenly.
"Aunty Leena?" She held her arms out in front of her while still half asleep, "Wherwe did Aunty Leena go?"
Glenn stood and jogged to the door before poking his head out to catch a glimpse of the caravan heading around a corner. "Leena," he called out softly, barely catching her attention "Phoenix woke up. She's calling for you." He watched as she made her way back to the door and ducked himself back in after she had passed.
By this time the child was much more awake and waited until Leena had sat down beside her and asked her what she needed before speaking. "Wherwe awe yew going?"
"I'm going to bed."
"Why don't yew sweep in hearw, with me?"
Leena fumbled a moment "Well…This isn't my room and I don't think that-"
"Whose woom is it?"
"Well it's Glenn's room Phoenix," Came the reply as the village girl pointed to the Dragoon Soldier "I don't-"
Leena wasn't allowed to finish her sentence for Phoenix had wiggled out from underneath the covers and was on the end of the bed, standing nose to neck with Glenn while looking up at him. "Excuse me Misterw Gwenn but can Aunty Leena sweep in here with me? She won't be any twouble. Pwease Mistew? Pweeease???"
Glenn didn't know whether to laugh, cry, answer or die. He chose to stand there staring at the little girl a moment before allowing his face to break into an over-sized grin. "Well," He replied politely, "If you really want her too. But you have to promise me you won't let her do anything bad alright?" As he ended the sentence he caught Leena's mock angry glare and flashed her a smile.
Phoenix seemed completely ecstatic and gave him a hug before turning to Leena "Did you hear that? Nothing bad." He hands were place firmly on her hips as she waggled a finger warningly at her 'Aunty'. Glenn could no longer help it; he burst into quiet hysterics, receiving another look from Leena though it wasn't very menacing for she was trying not to laugh herself.
By the time Glenn managed to re-gather himself, he saw dim light from the duel moons filtering through his window adding little more light to the candle lit room making him realize it was late, very late. Looking over at the bed from his newly found position on the couch, The Deva found Leena lying down beside the child who was curled up into a comfortable ball against her chest.
He smiled lightly at the heart-warming scene, and looked over the two as the pale moonlight cascaded over them. Phoenix seemed so innocent curled up beneath the covers, against Leena. He felt a pang of guilt and sorrow as he thought about the happenings to her sister and how he had lied about that very fact. Sighing Glenn allowed his gaze to drift over to Leena. To him she looked wondrous, bathed in the moonlight and about that he would lie to know one. With this observation he found thoughts swirling in his mind, points to ponder in his soul. Just then Leena slowly shuffled away from Phoenix and stood causing him to blush heavily before looking to the ground and pushing his thoughts to the rear of his mind.
"Glenn?" She asked softly, unsure of whether he was asleep or not. At his name, the Deva allowed his eyes to drift upwards to meet hers, the blush forced from his cheeks.
"Yes?"
"What happened to Lisa?" Glenn closed his eyes tightly. Deep down he knew she'd ask yet even then he hoped she wouldn't if only for that night. He supposed she sensed his hesitance for she sat down next to him and said "Glenn Tell me."
He lifted his head and turned to her, a rueful expression across his face. Just the look on his face sent Leena into a light panic, her eyes tearing up slightly.
"Leena…I'm not sure what happened. But when I entered the alleyway where I found Phoenix…Lisa was there on the ground. She…she had deep wounds across he chest she-"
Leena flinched and slowly brought her hands up to her face as tears gently began to flow from her eyes. She shook her head in denial. "No…S-she must just be wounded. It can't-"
Glenn put his hands gently on her shoulders and gave her a light shake before making her look at him. "Leena," His voice was soft and soothing "Leena, She's gone. She's De…She's Dead."
Those last words seemed to cut through Leena like a knife. Instantly she broke down into sobs, burying her face into Glenn's bare shoulder while mumbling things about how Lisa was like a sister and how she couldn't be dead couldn't be gone. Feeling too much pain for Leena to feel surprised or embarrassed by her actions, he held her and rubbed her back soothingly, whispering assurances when needed. She continued to sob until no more tears would come and even then she kept refuge in Glenn's warm embrace. For a time neither moved, content in each others reassuring presence.
After awhile Glenn gently gave Leena a light shake and called her name lightly. When his only response was a quiet mumble, he pulled his left arm free of its sling bond and hooked it gently under her knees before lightly shifting her head and shoulders into a comfortable position on his right arm. She released another mumble and drew herself closer to him as he lifted her up and carried her the bed. Placing Leena down the Deva pulled the blankets over her and gave a rueful smile before drawling the window cloth over the glass to blocking out the moonlight. In that same journey his eyes once again fell on the soundless red head "Sleep Well Leena."
Walking over to the lone candle in the room Glenn leaned down, and in a single puff of air, allowed the room to fall into blissful darkness.
~~~
There you go, chapter 8. R & R and hope to see you next time.