Chapter 8: Revealed Love

Kukai Foundation

7:32 A.M.

chaos:

I couldn't stay in the Durandal long, even if I was supposed to be on the Elsa helping with the Logical Drive. I wasn't very happy at the moment, mainly because of Ormus' appearance. I was quickly becoming suspicious now, even though it wasn't in my nature. Margulis was planning to betray me. And I couldn't let that happen.

"chaos, hey, wait up!"

I groaned inwardly. Little Master must have a homing signal on me or something. I turned around, trying my best to not look annoyed, which was hard seeing as I was standing in direct sunlight…

"Good Morning, Little Master."

"You're looking kind of sickly, friend. We've all been through a lot. No one would get mad if you decide to rest."

No one, except for me. Azaria was still out in space, pursuing Pellegri. She was well out of the way of the 100-Series scanners. It frightened me that my guardian was fighting a battle I couldn't help her with.

"No, I can't rest now," I said simply.

Jr. gave me a worried look.

"Azaria's probably fine. She'll be back soon."

"I hate being helpless like this."

"chaos, you're not helpless. Everyone can do something. Azaria just picked that moment to shine."

Any other time, I would have reverted to my own childish instincts, but now wasn't the time.

"Easy for you to say. You don't have someone that you may l—"

I caught myself before I could say the word love. As a result, I could feel blood rush to my caramel cheeks.

"You might be in love with your childhood guardian?"

I could feel embarrassment rising…

"Ah…uh…" I stammered.

"chaos…you have got to learn about the important feelings every now and then. They must not have taught you anything at the Institute."

"Don't mock me, Jr."

Jr. laughed and patted me on the back.

"It's ok, chaos. It's a part of life. I know how you feel."

Yeah right. I wouldn't even ask Gaignun for advice about love.

"Still…maybe I'm feeling this way because I haven't seen her in fourteen years."

"Maybe."

A fairly strange sensation snaked its way up my arm. Something was going to happen. What was it? I glanced up at the sky and saw a body appear out of nowhere. A body…

"No…"

"I don't think that could be her."

But it was. Azaria was floating down into the park area…where we stood. I couldn't detect much of a life signature. Well, she could just be tired, I just kept telling myself. Azaria's body landed on the pavement gently. Jr. rushed to her side immediately while I stood there, frozen.

"chaos, come on! She needs help!"

Azaria:

Militia was a beautiful planet, much like Earth in many respects. If you didn't know any better, one would think it was Earth. Yeshua loved it. To him it was a new place to fantasize about. Anima was very busy during this time, claiming that he had to put in extra hours with Dmitri Yuriev. With the distraction came new freedom for Yeshua. He was now allowed to leave the Institute during set hours of the day. I think that's when I realized that I was growing very fond of him.

Of course, fondness was a very natural thing between guardian and charge. But this was different. Perhaps I was falling in love with him. How silly. I knew perfectly well that I was young and that I did not know what love was. However, there was something about Yeshua that drew me to him.

"Azaria, there you are."

I almost expected to hear Yeshua's voice, but Anima's voice reached my ears. I turned around and bowed out of respect.

"Anima do you require my services?"

"I came here to remind you that you need to keep Yeshua in tonight."

Keep Yeshua inside? That's like trying to keep a hyperactive puppy in its cage.

"May I ask why?"

"Yuriev wants to test the effects U-DO has on humans tonight. I don't want Yeshua in harms way."

"Testing on people…do you think that's right."

"It is not your concern. Just keep Yeshua inside."

My eyes fluttered open, revealing to me the white top of a ceiling. A ceiling? The last thing I saw was the walls of a column. I must have passed out while homing in on Yeshua's location. Of course now I was probably way off track and powerless. It took a lot to chase after Pellegri. Funny thing was that she got away by sheer luck. I sat up slowly, not wanting to push my overtaxed body over the edge. It was extremely possible that I could die from exhaustion.

Yeshua could too. Speaking of which, where was Yeshua? Even before I could answer that, I had to find out where I was. I glanced around slowly. I was in a room with red plush carpeting. It wasn't a medical wing…so where was I? A rug with the word 'Durandal' came into view. I scanned my memory. The Durandal was a ship in use by Gaignun Kukai and his son. It was also known as the headquarters of the government offices of the Kukai Foundation when it was docked. Yeshua worked with the Foundation.

Maybe my fall wasn't so bad after all. But I had to find my charge. I glanced down at myself. I was dressed in loose fitting robes that extended to my knees. I wasn't sure if I wanted to walk around half-naked. The sound of a door sliding open brought my attention to the other part of the room. A girl about seven or eight years old walked in the room, bearing a mug of liquid. She was dressed in a navy blue suit with white boots and a blue beret on her head. Peach colored hair framed her face, matched by peach colored eyes.

"Oh…you're awake. I brought you some tea. It'll help restore your energy faster," The girl said softly.

"Thank you. I really appreciate that," I said gratefully, taking the mug from her hands as soon as she drew near.

"MOMO…I mean, my name is MOMO."

"I'm Azaria."

MOMO smiled.

"That's a pretty name."

"Well, yours is pretty too."

I took a sip, letting my thoughts gather.

"How did I get on the Durandal?" I asked suddenly.

"chaos and Jr. said you fell out of the sky in the Foundation's City Sector. You were unconscious…but not wounded."

That's right. I was hit by this bizarre energy and blacked out.

"I could have hit the column and died…"

"You were in a U.M.N. transfer column?"

"Yeah, why?"

"All access to the U.M.N. Transfer Columns are down. The only exceptions are the columns to the Kukai Foundation and to Second Militia. Everyone's in a panic over it."

Could that happen?

"Did they say what caused it?"

"They think it was an energy phenomenon similar to U-DO."

Yeshua? No…it wasn't him. But the energy that overwhelmed me felt like his…

"That's very…unsettling."

MOMO sighed.

"I know."

Ok, I would have to speak to Yeshua before I did anything else important.

"Do you have some clothes I can borrow temporarily?"

MOMO nodded.

"I left them in the connecting room. I'll be back in fifteen minutes to escort you around the ship."

And with that, she left.

chaos:

I watched the headlines scroll across the main screen suspended high above the Durandal's bridge. U.M.N. Transfer Columns damaged. How in the nine hells did that happen?

"I can't believe it. Who would have that much power to tear a hole in multiple hyperspace columns?" Jr. asked.

It wasn't Azaria. She dropped out of a column without harm.

"I'm not sure, Little Master. But it is rather unusual that only the Second Militian and Kukai Foundation columns were unaffected," I commented.

"Whatever the case, we're in big trouble."

Big trouble was right. Ormus was more than a step ahead of us now. At this rate, they would retrieve the Zohar first. But that wasn't a certainty yet.

"This gives us time to repair the Elsa."

"Good Morning, Jr. and chaos."

MOMO's sweet voice shook me out of the low mood the headlines had caused. I turned around and saw MOMO and Azaria standing on the elevator platform to the bridge. Azaria was wearing a sailor suit-like outfit like MOMO's only it extended down to her knees. Her silver hair was pulled back into a bun with a few stray bangs hanging in her face. Her purple eyes were a bright lavender, meaning that she was feeling a lot better. Somehow, I was very glad.

"Azaria, are you feeling better?" Jr. asked.

Azaria smiled.

"Yes, very much. Thank you." (A/N: Words in bold text is used for Azaria's thought messages..)

'Good Morning, Yeshua. You look troubled. What's wrong?'

'The U.M.N. Columns…'

"So, Jr., what are going to do today?" MOMO asked.

Well, not much. The Elsa's still undergoing repairs, so we can't fly to Old Militia. There was always the availability of Second Militia. Funny thing was…Wilhelm was probably still there. Our last conversation wasn't all that pleasant to begin with.

"Are we going to be able to go to Second Militia? I have something I want to take care of," Azaria said softly.

I gave her a questioning look.

"I could probably arrange something. Maybe the others would like some free time as well. We can't go to Old Militia until the U.M.N. repairs the network."

"Thank you. I am most grateful, Little Master."

What was Azaria up to?

'What are you up to?'

Azaria gave me a little wink.

'I'm not telling you.'

Heh. Fine, be that way. I have better things to do.

"Little Master, I'm going to retreat to my room. Let me know about your decision."

Twenty Minutes Later

chaos:

"Margulis…I am not happy."

"Archangel…we were concerned about you."

Like hell you were. I allowed my eyes to narrow to slits.

"Ormus got into my way. Why is that?"

My voice had become as cold as ice. Worry cropped up behind Margulis's eyes. Good.

"They wanted to go to Old Militia—"

"Margulis, you know good and well that I don't like Ormus in the equation. Now tell me, what are they doing now?"

"They are heading towards Labyrintos."

Towards the Zohar. Damn, what a time for the U.M.N. columns to be down. I had to ask Azaria about what happened to knock her out of a column.

"Tell me, Margulis. Are you going to do anything to stop them?"

I doubt it. I couldn't make him d anything…yet.

"I will try, Archangel."

You will try and you will fail. I can see it in your eyes and sense it through the connection.

"Keep me posted."

I hit the end key on the terminal in front of me. I was not pleased with the turn of events. I wouldn't be long before I break Wilhelm's rules and meddle in all of the events going on. Of course, in some sick twisted way, I was meddling in the universe's affairs. I checked the time on my bedside table: 9:42 A.M. (FST) Little Master should have rounded everyone up by now. I stood up and walked out of my room. Hammer and Tony were both downstairs, making repairs on the Logical Drive.

If I wasn't feeling so suspicious and paranoid, I would cut the work time down by using my power. I smirked and headed up to the air lock of the Elsa. But I was feeling like that today. I walked through the airlock into the Durandal. Everyone was waiting near the escalator leading to the shuttle flight to the Foundation.

"Hey, chaos! It took you long enough!" MOMO said cheerfully.

I smiled and shrugged helplessly.

"I'm sorry. I've just had a lot to do, that's all. Are we ready to go?" I replied.

It amazed me to see how much my mood changed around my allies and my enemies. It was like I had Multiple Personality Disorder. Maybe I do. I wouldn't be surprised.

"The girls are ready to go to Second Militia. The rest of us are staying in the Foundation, just in case something happens," Jr. replied.

I gave Azaria a worried glance. She wasn't ready to venture out anywhere. Falling out of the column had to have sucked her energy away. I didn't like the idea of her going light-years away where danger is likely to catch her. I was about to verbally protest when…

'I know what you're thinking. I'll be fine, I promise.'

'But Azaria…'

'No buts…Yeshua. I am the guardian, you're the charge.'

She had a point.

"Please be careful everyone," I said carefully.

The elevator doors to the shuttle opened with a hiss.

'I will, Yeshua.'

I still felt very uneasy, but I wisely said nothing more. Shion, KOS-MOS, MOMO and Azaria entered the elevator. I turned my head so I couldn't see them leave. What in the devil was wrong with me? I was worrying about a girl. Normally, I cared about everyone…but it was seemingly killing me to let Azaria go.

"chaos, come on. I know you've wanted to go in the Foundation for the longest," Jr. said.

"I believe that was your idea, Jr. It's not secret that Gaignun gave you permission to drink. Funny how that comes five years too late."

I rode up the escalator to the shuttle boarding area. Jr. stuck his tongue out at me playfully.

"Contrary to your belief, I drink only the best wines. There's a difference."

I rolled my eyes as we boarded the shuttle.

"Jr….you're not a very good liar."

Second Militia

1:30 P.M.

Azaria:

I had several bags on one arm as I walked down the street with Shion, KOS-MOS and MOMO. The last couple of hours had been very eventful for me. Being imprisoned in the Ormus Stronghold had left me ignorant to the intimacy of freedom.

"So…Azaria, do you have ties to chaos? It seems like you two are close," MOMO mused.

"Well…I knew him when we were young. We grew up together."

MOMO and Shion exchanged excited glances.

"Are you two related?" Shion asked.

"No. Why do you ask?"

"Well…not everyone knows chaos really well. We figure that you must know all about him if you grew up with him."

So, Yeshua kept his past secret. What did he have to hide?

"Ah…I see."

"What was he like?" MOMO asked.

"He was kind…curious…"

Compassionate…loving…charming…Wait…whoa…why was I thinking about this? I was Yeshua's guardian…not some girl with a crush.

"Ooh……she's blushing…!"

What? My hands instantly flew to my cheeks, feeling the warmth rising up. Shion now had a wide smile on her face.

"Azaria…you wouldn't happen to have a crush on chaos, would you?"

Yes.

"No!" I said suddenly.

MOMO giggled.

"I think she does."

I'm such an idiot. Emotions are for fools, I swear. I blew a defeated sounding sigh.

"I…have an attachment to him…maybe."

"It's ok. Crushes are normal, Azaria," MOMO said soothingly.

Not for me.

"So…Shion I heard you left the Dammërung to go to Old Militia. Aren't you a little bothered by the break we're taking?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Well, we really can't fight the current situation. The U.M.N. Transfer Columns are down and KOS-MOS's E.S. is the only thing that can travel without the aid of a column."

My ears perked up at that tidbit of information. I thought I was only creature/thing that could travel effortlessly through open space to any destination. Yeshua could as well, but there were limitations to his movement.

"I'm sure the U.M.N. will have it fixed by tomorrow," MOMO mused.

They will. We continued walking along in silence until I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I stopped in mid stride and dropped my bags onto the ground. MOMO, Shion and KOS-MOS stopped seconds after me.

"Azaria, what's wrong?" Shion asked.

Wait…I'm supposed to know…but I don't… The hairs on the back of my neck only rose if…gnosis were around. But…why would the gnosis be around? The Zohar wasn't on Second Militia and the Foundation was far away. I had no power to help fight. Maybe it's a false alarm…

"Shion, I am detecting several large masses gating out over Second Militia's atmosphere." KOS-MOS stated.

I hate being correct.

"KOS-MOS is right. The masses appear to be…gnosis!"

Oh damnit. I glanced up at the sky. I could already the outline of several flying gnosis coming down.

"KOS-MOS, activate Helbert Effect now!" Shion ordered.

Hilbert Effect? Bad things happen when the Hilbert Effect is performed… Pain cascaded along my back, tearing a gasp from my threat. Milky white waves expanded out from KOS-MOS's form towards the descending gnosis. One by one, the gnosis appeared and my pain intensified. I dropped to my knees, clutching at my back as best as I could. My mind was trying to grasp onto the origin of pain. Ok…the pain was in my upper back where my wings rested inside of my body. Now that I identified the source…now I must identify the reason. I usually use my powers to knock off the gnosis.

In order to do that…I must transform. Another wave of pain swept through my back, followed closely by a wave of white hot fire. I had no energy to transform. The pain intensified again. I can't reverse it without some form of power. It was then that I felt the tips of my wings poke through my back.

'Yeshua!'

Kukai Foundation

chaos:

It wasn't surprising when Jr. managed to order a round of alcoholic drinks. I had a feeling that it had something to do with Gaignun (a.k.a Nigredo). My glass of fresh red wine had done nothing to dispel my worries about Azaria. I mean, I just got to see my guardian after fourteen long years. And she had changed so much…

"chaos, what's up?" Jr. asked softly.

"Nothing, Little Master. I'm just enjoying the wine."

"My friend, you have got to liven up."

I laughed.

"What's your definition of livening up, Jr.? I hope it's not drinking obsessively."

Jr. rolled his eyes.

"I have to take the edge off somehow. Trying to keep the universe safe is challenging work, you know."

Oh…I know.

"It's worth it though," I said wistfully.

"Excuse me?"

I took a sip of wine before continuing.

"The hell you go through to save over a million people…it's worth it knowing that the world will continue to thrive and…your story will be passed down from century to century."

"There you go again, chaos."

I smirked.

"The point is that you listened."

"It's not like I have a choice."

Before I could reply to his comment, a stab of pain shot through my chest. I doubled over in my chair with a hiss.

'Yeshua!'

Azaria's voice filled my head, drowning out all other thoughts.

'Azaria…what is going on?'

'I…can't control it!'

Control what?

'Control what?'

'Trans…'

Her voice faded off, leaving me to marvelous, unrelenting pain.

"chaos, are you ok?" Jr. asked.

"I-It's Azaria…"

Second Militia

Azaria:

I knew it caused him pain…but I had to do it. I had to draw Yeshua's energy out to my body. My body began to respond to the warm energy that existed within my charge, which helped guide my transformation along. Most of the pain faded away, enough for me to keep a grasp on reality. MOMO, Shion and KOS-MOS were flanking me loosely, attacking any gnosis that dared to come close. My wings were fully retracted from my back and resting on the ground. Before I knew it, I was back on my feet and staring up at the sky.

What now? Power surged into my veins and into my reserves. I had to help clear out the gnosis from the planet. That called for a wide area effect spell. Wide area effect spells called for a lot of power. Could I do it? Yeshua's energy curled itself around my body, like a cat. I could do it.

"Stand back, everyone."

My voice had lost its melodic tone. Now it just sounded harsh and cold. Shion and MOMO gave me a wary glance, but moved further out. I willed my wings to start flapping, ignoring the pain that shot through my back. It wasn't long before I was floating more than a few inches above the pavement. I extended my arms above my head and pulled energy up to my hands. A ball of silver white energy appeared above them.

Several gnosis headed for me, snarling loudly. I smirked. I cupped the ball in my right hand and slapped it with my left. Energy flew out in all directions, tearing through horde of gnosis. Death rattles filled my ears, making me cringe in pity. It let out a sigh of relief when the death chorus stopped.

"All gnosis have been eliminated," KOS-MOS announced.

That's good. I glanced at my hands. They were normal…at least I hope they were. I couldn't explain why in the hell my body called for a transformation without me mentally invoking it. I bet Yeshua was probably out cold from the amount of energy I drew from him. I folded my wings and dropped to the pavement effortlessly.

"Wow…that was amazing!" MOMO exclaimed.

"Are you sure you're not related to chaos?" Shion asked.

I allowed my wings to retract within my back.

"No…I'm not."

"You fight like him through," MOMO commented.

I felt fatigue set in as I scooped up my bags.

"Well…I can't very well explain that. I'm tired. Can we go back to the Kukai Foundation?"

"Yeah, we'd better head back."

Kukai Foundation

3:15 P.M.

chaos:

I hurried into the Infirmary with all of the speed my tired body could muster. The shuttle had just gotten back from Second Militia with the girls. Azaria had apparently fainted as soon as they exited the elevator. I hurried through the double doors into the white room that served as the Infirmary. Shion, MOMO, and Jr. were standing in the corner around a bed. I walked up to them, heart threatening to burst out of my chest. My guardian was sitting up with a small paper cup in her hands. Her eyes were a dull purple color and her skin was slightly pale.

"Azaria…" I breathed.

Shion, MOMO and Jr. nodded and walked out of the room, leaving the both of us alone.

"Yeshua…I know I scared you…"

Damn right, you did.

"It doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're back safe and sound."

Azaria drew in a soft breath and glanced into my eyes. Relief and worry flashed behind those eyes of hers.

"I don't know what happened. My body…it just transformed."

"Do you know why?"

"I usually use my powers to banish gnosis, but it is usually invoked by my mind. This time…KOS-MOS's Hilbert Effect triggered it."

Hilbert Effect? That doesn't interfere with our bodies.

"That's not normal."

Azaria blinked slowly.

"I know."

"Azaria…I was terrified when I heard about the gnosis attack. I-I didn't know what to do. I couldn't bear to lose you again. Not after fourteen years. You've grown into something that I can't let go, Azaria! I guess I…"

Wow…another emotional outburst. And in one breath too.

"You what?"

"…I-I've grown to love you."

I waited for what seemed like eternity for her to answer. Azaria slowly embraced me gently, lovingly almost.

"I've loved you ever since you made that butterfly for me out of that water. I…just never realized it until now."

Author's Note: Phew. That was a stretch for me. There ya go, people. Filler is good. Next chapter will be right back on track again.