Note To Readers: Here's the nice chapter I promised I would update since I did slack off on this story for a bit, but I'll make it up somehow. Let's see…I think this chapter is long enough so please enjoy!

Demonesszen: I know I finally updated, how sad of me. I didn't notice that mistake! I love anime and anima! Thanks for asking and reviewing and I did have a nice vacation.

SweetMisery430: But good news! My brother fixed our game so I could put all that dialogue once more! Hehe, I'm so happy! I hope this chapter is long enough though! Thanks for all the support and review!

K-Girl: The more Nino/Jaffar fans the better right? I don't mind to wait for any chapter either, unless that writer doesn't update in a whole year or something! Thanks for the review!

Ann2: I know…Nino/Jaffar fics are rare. What am I saying? Romance fics are rare nowadays, sometimes I just wanted to say how corrupt this section is…but no matter, there are still some wonderful romance and humor writers out there. Thanks for the review!

Flyer Foxfur: Yes, there are going to be hints of other pairings beside Nino/Jaffar, but I'm not going to center around them though since it is a Nino story. Thanks for the compliment and review!

Elven-girl10: Thanks for telling me that! Without the script I thought I was useless, but I guess I was wrong. Thanks for the support and review!

FireEdge: I guess my ending was a bit rushed, but thanks for pointing it out. I was trying hard to make this a sad and happy fic at the same time. Well, thanks for taking the time to read and review!

Aeon Wolfdog: I said all genres, not pairings. That just mean there are romance, angst, action, tragedy, etc. You didn't comment on the fic itself, so I'm not going to comment on your review either. Thanks!

Michelle of the Night: I am so glad that you enjoyed every single chapters I write since I love writing all of them. I know how you feel, but I hope you get up and running again. Thanks for the support and review!

Cardmaster372: I know, nothing is perfect. Well, exceptions of some fics but…still…I enjoy reading your review and thanks!

To love deeply in one direction makes us more loving in all others.

--Anne-Sophie Swetchine

Chapter VII: The Truth

Packing up and leaving everything behind was my first step. The nagging worry of difference was running through my mind. My whole life was spend at that place…that place I grew up in, the place I learned my spells in, and the place where I spend the endless days thinking and hoping. Even now as I sat in my new home, in the tent of the army whom befriended me, I knew I was happy at the base I grew up in.

Even today as the night slips in the opening of the tent, when the clashing of the weapons in the corner was heard, or the lack of comfort from the bed, I was fully aware of a certain sadness, the deep sense of loss. Here, I could say now that I had led a happy life back at the Black Fang. My new freed life had been mines or ours, but however only brief in our time.

Even though only a few hours had been spend beneath this new roof, this new custom, yet I already start something new. Nothing in objects, not the tent the lords provided me with, not the clothes some of the females gave me, not the elixirs and vulneraries given to me by the healers, not the expected tomes supplied by the magic users, not even the pillows underneath my head right now to the fresh bed sheets covering my frozen body, but something indefinable, a moment in my life in which I could control my own future.

The base sheltered me, as I had spoke, I loved those days within those walls. That was yesterday though, the last 13 or so years. But today as I had lived somewhere new, from inside to outside, everything was already different…changed in the most bottomless matter. I could never be the same again. Even walking through the town I been to before, and looking around the night skies I looked at ever since I was young…ever since my brother Linus showed me the constellations and the never-ending shining moon in which I stared at for so many nights…

The sky was different, from every single little sparkling star to the hidden moon in the invisible barrier before me. Even stepping out of the tent I shared with Jaffar, and going into the dark, unfamiliar field to meet the woman in which I loved, the woman I respected my whole life, the one who raised me and whose heart was unknown to me, for this moment I will find her, this moment is mine, it belongs to me and only me. This is the present now. There is no past for me anymore, but I could still determine my future. In time, this is for me; this moment will not pass.

I took a few steps out in the grassy plains when a shadow laid before my dark emerald hair, slipping slowly on my shoulders. I gasped and tried to show no surprise at this meeting so late in the night. My heart was aching to meet the woman where all nerves were gone from me now. He was safe…Lord Eliwood had found us, and now we were safe…

"Nino, right? We're here to save the prince, are you ok?" The red-haired Lord asked politely as I stared around in the darkness. He came to save me? Or is he here to kill me? I did not let down my guard at the moment though.

The purple-haired sage and female were standing next to each other, staring at me with their eyes. They didn't seemed like bad people…at least from what I could tell. I looked at some of the other men…there were even woman with them…how can they be evil?

"I'm Lord Eliwood, will you join us? The person you called Mother wanted you dead! Are you still going to continue with her plans?" My face softened as I stared at my hands. These hands were here, I am here…I'm even alive in this word because of my Mother. How could she want me dead???

I still haven't answered when the purple-haired girl already stepped forward and gave me a sweet smile. "Nino, it's true. We heard it the other day…your so-called Mother wants you to die here with the prince. You could see here…we're here to help you. So please…" Something suddenly brightened up inside me…these people are here to help me. The young girl in front of me, Lord Eliwood, everyone else had such gentle eyes…Should I trust them?

What choice do I have? They haven't finished me off yet and I need to find Jaffar so… "Yes, I will join you." I finally made up my mind as the purple-haired girl shook my hand in a warmly manner.

"I know it's not time for introductions, but just call me Ada. No lady, please. We must hurry to the prince!" She commanded as all the people behind her started walking off towards the west side, where Jaffar and I once been. Jaffar…I hope he's ok…

"Hey!" I cried out as Jaffar blocked my path from moving any more north than necessary. I stopped in my tracks waiting for an answer for all of this.

Jaffar stared at me deeply into my emerald eyes. His dark cold eyes filled with concern. "It's very late. Where are you going?"

The question was to be expected, it was pretty late. My nerves were losing itself once more. "…Jaffar." I could not bare tell him what I was thinking of doing especially what she had done to us…what she put us through.

But my face could not hide itself and was revealed clearly to Jaffar. "To Sonia?

"Unh" The fact was out, but my words were still deep in my throat. The words would not come out.

Jaffar knew my motives, and he would not drop the discussion at that yet. His eyes still deep into mines, as the sky ran down the dark path. "Do you know her whereabouts?" The question was obvious at this point.

My face deepened with the fresh shade of red as I stared off towards the area in my mind, the place where Linus had taken me once before. The place I knew so little about, but so sure she would be there. "The mountain fortress has been discovered, so…I think she's in the other place."

Jaffar caught my hint. "The Water Temple? … What about them?" Jaffar's gaze left my eyes at last and at the tents in the side of the city. My eyes followed his drift as I looked down at myself.

I mumbled. "I haven't told them. They're all good people, so they would know I'm not lying." I paused, my voice shaking with every new word I said. The feeling I could not hold inside no longer. :And yet… I want to see Mother. I want to hear the truth from her. So…." My eyes were already developing with tears. She was my Mother…nothing could ever change that.

Why is she still alive? Ursula's words were ringing through my ears. The person you called Mother wanted you dead! Kind Lord Eliwood even said it himself…the facts added up. My Mother wanted me gone from her life, but why? Why would she do such a thing? There are many reasons, but none I could understand fully.

Jaffar stared at me sternly once more, but the concern still hadn't left. His voice was harsh, but caring at the same time. "Nino…Sentiment will not protect you from that woman." His voice rise a bit at the word "woman".

I burst at the thought of my Mother. I could not stand it anymore. "I know that! But she's my mother!! I'm her flesh and blood. She's the only mother I have!!!" I stopped myself before the whole group heard me and come asking me where I was going.

The assassin's face changed a different way. One I never seen before…"That is something I cannot understand."

I gasped, I nearly fainted at how ignorant I am to say that to him. My face immediately turned away, unable to face him especially what I barely said. How offended he must feel now. "Ah! I'm sorry…I didn't mean…"

"It's nothing." He stopped me before I started babbling.

Managing a small smile, I looked over at him and apologized "Jaffar, I truly am sorry." He managed to return to his normal state as I literally sighed and blessed St. Elimine for this. I really didn't want to hurt Jaffar, I really didn't.

"I will not let you go alone. If you go, I go with you. Ok?" Jaffar's face brightened up as he said these words as I smiled. He was sweet to offer, I didn't want to cause him any trouble, but I knew he would not change his mind anymore.

"Jaffar…"

"Jaffar! Are you ok?" I asked when I finally saw him the shadows of the palace. Lady Ada and Eliwood had helped me find him. He was injured at the moment as I introduced him to the lords.

"Nino, you're ok. I'm glad." He managed to say before he fell down in a collapse from his injury. The healer Serra came over and healed him just in time.

"Jaffar, don't do anything like that again. If we have to die, we die together."

Throughout the night, I could only think and feel the cool air around me. Mother must have a reason for this. She never loved me, or showed any sign of it either. But I am her flesh and blood, and no mother would abandon her child. Right?

Jaffar watched the frustrated look on my face in silence. Jaffar cared for me, he wanted me to live, he even said that I was worthy of living. He was the Angel of Death, or at least that's what I heard, but to me, he wasn't. He wasn't a killing machine as everyone had said so; he was kind. He had a heart and he did care for me. He was nothing like my brothers, but I know he was pure like an angel.

The hours seemed like forever, but I knew we were close to the Temple of Water. I looked up at the sky while walking all so still, the night was quiet. Lloyd was up there; he is in peace now. There was still no sign of Linus, the brother that took my hand and gave me first entrance to the Temple of Water.

Without a conversation, we walked into the Temple of Water. The water was so still like the first time I've been here. I looked around, seeing the familiar place in which I walked through and was caught by Linus for the first time. But this time, Jaffar is by my side. Before taking any more steps further in, I saw a running figure heading in our direction.

That person looked awfully familiar…"Uncle Jan! Is that you, Uncle?" I cried out in joy. It really was the Uncle I loved so much.

But his expression wasn't one I expected to see. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. He was nearly out of breath as he stared around him and found the owner of the voice. "Nino?! Why have you come back?" His voice was filled with concern, amazement, and fright. I was confused at these emotions heard from his voice.

I stared around, looking for any sign of Mother. "I…wanted to speak with Mother." Uncle Jan stared at me like I was crazy or something as he tried to push me out of the place.

"Flee this place!" He nearly screamed.

Now, I was totally confused. Is Uncle Jan coming with a fever or did he saw something he's not supposed to see? "Uncle?"

Uncle Jan continued his way on pushing me away from the place as he cried out loud. "The commander is dead! That woman-" He didn't even finished his sentence when I saw my Mother standing right behind Uncle Jan, arms crossed.

"What were you going to say about me?" She asked sourly, holding a tight smirk on her face.

"Mother!" I jumped up with mix emotions. The thought of seeing her again for so long as much as the thought of finally getting the answer to the hundreds of questions racing through my mind right now. I could not hate her, but at the same time, I'm not sure if I loved her either.

Uncle Jan was terrified now. "Aaah…Soniaaaa!!! Uwaa…Aaaaaaaa!!!" He raced out the door, leaving Jaffar and I alone in the temple. I watched him left without another word.

My Mother watched my Uncle as well as she carefully placed her golden eyes on me once more. "Wretch! I'll smoke you out later. First, Nino…You failed again, and you've tarnished my reputation." She gave me a murderous glare as I stepped forward. It's now or never.

"Um…Mother…"

"Shut up!!!" Mother screamed at me before I could even ask my question.

"Ah!" I jumped back, shocked at how harsh and loud her voice was. I was petrified at this moment, shivers running down my spine. Mother never told me to shut up before. She never loved me, but she never shouted at me before either. Wet tears were welling up in my eyes now.

She waved her hand at me. "A thoroughly and utterly useless little girl. If only I'd known, I would've sent you off to your true parents!"

Did I hear her right? Mother called me useless…but that wasn't what hurt the most. The part that almost ripped my heart apart was her last two words. "My true…parents?" I must have heard it wrong…It couldn't possibly…be…

"Ha ha…that's right. What can the truth hurt now?" Mother was now laughing, that eerie laugh. My heart was dying, probably more than a million times. What truth??? Mother looked fiercely at me with her piercing golden eyes as she continued. "Your true family for generations was the most famed house of magic wielders in all Lycia. They alone guarded the secret of the dragons. Thirteen years ago, Lord Nergal and I stole that secret."

My body felt numb, as if the temperature around me had changed. But it haven't changed, it was the awkward new feeling inside my body that brought out a change for me. This…was this all a lie…or is it true? "My…family?" I dared not ask, but I also dared not to ask.

"Ha ha ha! No matter how wise they were, they were only human. I held a child before me as a shield and they were powerless to act!" She laughed as I could barely held up on the ground with my very feet. Everything was numb, everything was slipping away from me. Even my own foot could not support my own body no longer.

"…"

Sonia took the silence without hesitation and continued with her story. "The father, the mother, and then the child I carried…After they revealed all of their secrets…And I slaughtered them with these very hands!"

"I…I…I'm not your daughter?" I could not accept this fact…how could I?

"There were two children, a boy and a girl. One, the mother fought fiercely to save. She held her daughter fight as I killed her. That girl, Nino, was you!" Sonia pointed at me. It felt like a thousand needles had pierced through my heart and kept it from beating.

"No!" I shook my head in denial. That could not be true. She's lying…she's making this up…it's all a big joke…

"You were still a mewling little whelp, but we took you with us. Lord Nergal thought you might be useful, so he let you live. I hated the very thought of it, but it was Lord Nergal's wish that I raise you as my daughter."

"…." I listened at every word, absorbing at this lost knowledge without a movement. My heart was aching…

"We were so wrong about you! Stupid and useless beyond all reason! A worthless piece of offal!! All you were was in the way!" Sonia exclaimed. These words woken something…something deep hidden inside me, something that I thought I had lost long ago. The feeling of recognition and accepting the true fact. The fact that had been kept form me for all these years…the last thirteen years of my life…was a lie?

"…" I could say no more, I didn't want to say anymore. All I wanted is to vanish, disappear from this world…my parents are waiting for me. But the little voice that had kept me company in my room told me not to vanish, it told me there was still something I have to do. Something very important.

At this point, Jaffar could not keep quiet anymore and stepped up and glared at Sonia. "So, that's why you wanted her dead. You're inhuman. Your soul is dark and devoid of warmth."

A spark flashed in Sonia's eyes as she smirked. "I never expected to hear such things from you, Jaffar! Once, you killed without hesitation at Lord Nergal's command. What happened to the man all feared, my Angel of Death?"

The tears had blinded me, but I could still see Jaffar. I looked over at him with the look in my eyes, one he could have pitied me for but did not. "Nino has changed me. I am no longer Nergal's killing engine. For Nino's sake…Sonia, you must die and I will kill you!" This is when I realized Jaffar and I had something in common. We both were lonely and orphans.

"Jaffar!!" I stood in front of him, not allowing him to kill Sonia. I did not know why, but I do know that he would be risking his life against this woman. I would not allow my friend to sacrifice his life against this heartless being.

He moved in front of me, holding me tight behind him. "Stay back, I will take care of this woman."

"Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! "Stay back"! How rich! How noble!" She laughed once more as I held tight to Jaffar, watching her. She looked at Jaffar right in the face now. "So, shall I pass judgement on you, as the Black Fang must with traitors? Ha ha ha! I sentence you to death! Prepare to be purnished!" She pulled out her tome as the two of us stood our guard, preparing for the attack.

"I won't allow that!!" Turning my back, I saw Lord Eliwood, tactician Ada, and everyone else right behind them. Eliwood looked around for a split second before looking at us with concern. "Nino! Jaffar! Are you ok?" Eliwood asked when Hector walked in, looking at Sonia and then at the building they are in.

"Bah. Look at the trouble you've caused!" Hector cried out loud as Lyndis nudged him in the ribs before smiling at Jaffar and I.

"We're companions now. You mustn't forget that!" Lyndis reminded me, as I wiped the tears in my eyes.

"Everyone…"

"…." Jaffar froze now, not willing to speak anymore with the lords and ladies around.

Sonia broke through my thoughts with her laugh, that horrible laugh. "Ha ha ha ha ha! Such sweet friends, Nino… Sorry to cut short your little reunion. Ha ha…I won't let you get away. To a man, you will all die!" She warped away from us and stood on a platform across from us.

The next I knew, the ground was shaking as I fell on the ground on my behind. Lyndis was the first to notice as she looked around and cried out an "Eeek!"

Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector, and Lady Ada now felt the shaking too. Lord Eliwood quickly grabbed Lyndis's hand. "Lyndis! Look out!! This way!" Lord Eliwood pulled her away from the water, and pushed her softly to the ground while lying on top of her to protect her.

"Ada! Be careful!" Lord Hector cried out as he grabbed Lady Ada's right arm harshly before running away from the water. He quickly did the same thing like Lord Eliwood with Lyndis. Some of the girls in the group were shrieking at the shaking especially this bishop named Serra, who was swiftly protected by the purple-haired mage earlier name Erk. He also protected another girl or valkyrie named Priscilla at the same time. All the other girls were helped by another male as well.

"…" I quickly dropped on the ground while I felt the body heat from Jaffar, who was holding close to me on top of me. I never felt so safe in my life especially with his protection.

The shaking stopped as all the males started helping the ladies up. Jaffar pulled me up to my feet as I looked around at our surroundings. We were completely surrounded by water and the way in was locked. Sonia was watching us all this time as she gave out another laugh. "Ha ha ha… You are the sinners who hurt my Lord Nergal. I will not let you die swiftly."

Ada blushed at the touch of Lord Hector's touch as he turned as red. Then, he took his eyes off her and to his surroundings. "Whoa! This place is filling with water!!"

Lord Eliwood quickly apologized to Lyndis for the unexpected push as he also heard what Lord Hector barely said and looked around as well. "The path vanished… This water prevents us from moving forward or back." He commented as well.

Lyndis didn't pay attention to the surroundings but towards the group behind her instead. "Nino! Jaffar! Are you all right?" She asked with concern.

I nodded happily. "Yeah! We're fine!!" Someone actually asked if I was all right! If it wasn't for the situation we were in right now, I would have hugged Lyndis in happiness. Friends…my age…

"…" Jaffar didn't answer but I knew he was all right by the look on his face as I grinned at him.

"I'll create some paths for you, so please keep coming. Of course, you can stay where you are if you like. I care not, as long as you die in pain and fear. You can't escape from the grave that's waiting for you, though." I nearly jumped when I heard Sonia said that. For a moment, I forgot all my troubles but now, back to reality.

I knew why everyone was stuck in here now. It was because of me, I dragged them into this…I am nothing but a burden. "I'm sorry, everyone! All of this, it's…It's all..my…" Lyndis would not allow me to continue talking as she held onto my shoulder.

"Nino! Calm down. I told you, didn't I? We came because we're friends. There's no need to apologize." Lyndis smiled as I tried to return it. Yes…they came because they're my friends…they want to be with me…they wanted to help me.

"Lyn…Yes, we're friends. Please, help me defeat this woman." I replied as I looked at the people around me.

There was Lyndis, who never stopped believing in me and said it with all her heart that we're friends. There was Lord Eliwood and Lord Hector, the two lords who came and helped me when I was in need of helping. There was the brilliant and beautiful tactician name Ada, whose words helped me to see the truth. There was also friends who gave me and accepted me into their group like Erk, Rebecca, Canas, Serra, and countless others. Then, lastly, there was Jaffar. The person who could have killed me in that room, the person who could have abandoned me and left me for the Fang's judgment, and the same person who told me that I was worth living even when I thought I could not. They were all my friends. I had friends now.

Ending Notes: Ok, maybe it's not twenty pages long as Insights, but it was longer than the last chapter right? And besides, the more chapters I write…the longer they become, at least that's what happened with Insights. The next chapter is going to be more on the battle, and then, the relationship between Nino and all the other characters including Jaffar. Nino is going to make friends right? So until next chapter, thanks! Love you all! R & R!