Chapter 3: A little break, a lot of romance

As the title implies there is a break in training and many romances are had... if that's even correct grammar.

Disclaimer: as stated in previous chapters

Leon came out of his tent in the morning finding that Zero was not inside his tent. Probably meaning he had gotten up early. "Now where did he go?" Leon asked himself while putting on his white t-shirt.

"Hey Leon? Are you awake?" A Voice called from outside the camp.

"Serene is that you?" Leon called.

"You bet," She said cheerfully coming into view.

"I guess I am awake but I don't really know," Leon laughed.

"Zero wanted me to tell you that he was giving us the day off," Serene commented.

"Awesome!" Leon shouted

"So what do you want to do?" She asked.

"Well I kind of want to go around town I haven't really looked around much," Leon explained.

"Alright then let's explore!" Serene exclaimed. Leon laughed and walked beside her. Elsewhere… Zero stood on a cliff overlooking Elendia.

"I'm glad you came…" Zero said in a kind of a greeting.

"I would always come if you ask Zero," A woman with long blonde hair replied.

"Thanks Maria," Zero said receiving a hug from his wife.

"What a nice place…" She said sitting next to her husband.

"He's threatening it," Zero said looking over the area.

"That's why they sent you and Leon down here," Maria joked.

"That kid is an annoyance… I could have done this on my own," Zero replied.

"They say he has the potential to surpass even your power. Also he looks up to you, like you're the father he lost. And if he hadn't come you would have destroyed this place," Maria pointed out.

"Alex was a great man, I know the kid blames himself but I never told him the real story…" Zero murmured.

"That's a story for another time," Maria said wrapping her arm around Zero.

"But for now his potential is buried in his mind. I just need to help him unlock it. I also think that Serene might help him too," Zero commented.

"The will to protect, I bet you know what that feels like," Maria smiled.

"As much as it pains me to admit it he reminds me of a younger me," Zero laughed (apocalypse).

Ledah and Rose had wondered off to the outskirts of Elendia.

"Where are you taking me Rose?" Ledah asked being practically dragged by her

"You'll see," Rose smiled.

"Can I at least walk?" Ledah asked.

"Oh right sorry," Rose apologized letting go of Ledah. After a few more minutes of walking the two arrived at the base of a very steep hill. "The view of the sky is great here at night," Rose smiled.

"Have you ever gone to the top of the hill?" Ledah asked.

"No. It's too steep," Rose smiled.

"Not really," Ledah returned her smiled lifting her up and gracefully opening his wings and gliding to the top of the hill.

"Ledah…" Rose said after being placed back down.

"Some view," Ledah smiled pointing back at the village. It had to be the best spot in all of Elendia. On it the entire village could be viewed. "This place is so quiet, and calm…" Ledah murmured.

"And romantic," Rose added leaning on Ledah's shoulder.

"Y-yea," Ledah replied a bit surprised. Ledah sat leaning up against a rock bringing Rose with him. He then wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "I promise I'll never leave you again…" Ledah whispered.

"I love you Ledah," Rose smiled wrapping her arm around him.

"I love you too Rose," Ledah returned her smile just sitting and watching.

Ein and Fia had also managed to wonder away from the group. They had walked together to the Undine Springs, which were empty at the moment.

"This is great, we get the spring all to ourselves," Fia smiled.

"Y-Yea…" Ein stuttered blushing. Fia sat on one of the rocks at the border of the spring, removed her shoes and dipped her feet in the water. Ein plopped right next to her and she leaned on him again. Fia then started to giggle. "What's wrong Fia?" Ein asked looking at her.

"Oh just some memories," Fia sighed.

"What memories?" Ein asked.

"Just remembering you peeking on us when we were bathing," Fia smiled.

"I-I told you that was an accident," Ein explained franticly turning as red as a tomato.

"Maybe once but… I don't think you destroyed that magic golem on accident," Fia laughed.

"Well maybe… Curiosity alright," Ein continued to blush. Fia just giggled and looked at Ein noticing how red he was.

"Ein you're so cute," Fia smiled only making him blush more if that's possible.. "Ein their's something I… I want to tell you…" Fia sighed.

"What?" Ein asked oblivious to Fia's message.

"Ein I… I… I…" Fia stuttered. I love you! She screamed in her mind.

"Hey don't worry Fia you have all the time in the world to tell me, I mean there's always a next time," Ein smiled brushing her long green hair out of her flushed face.

"I… Thanks Ein," Fia whispered.

"Don't worry Fia I'll always be there for you," Ein smiled.

"R-really?" Fia asked.

"Of course. I promise," Ein blushed.

"Thanks…" Fia smiled putting her head on Ein's chest.

"Fia… I…" Ein stuttered, I love you Ein thought

"Yes?" Fia asked looking up at him.

"Nothing don't worry," Ein smiled wrapping his arm around her.

And with our first couple of the evening somewhere in the center of Elendia, "That concludes our exploration of Elendia!" Serene said happily.

"I've had a great time Serene," Leon said with a slight blush on his face

"Thank you Leon," Serene replied grabbing hold of Leon's hand making them both blush.

"It's getting pretty late we should head back," Leon said looking at the darkening sky.

"Wait I have one more place I want to take you," She said practically dragging Leon to the final destination. The two came up on the grove of response.

"But Serene I've already been here," Leon commented.

"It's like a different place at night," She smiled. The two came upon a patch that you could see the sky and the moon.

"It sure is," Leon said sitting next to Serene making her blush. They just sat next to each other by the stars. Several minutes passed without speaking until Serene broke the silence.

"Hey Leon…"

"Yea?" Leon replied

"There's… Something I want to tell you…" Serene blushed wildly.

"What?" Leon asked blushing as well.

"I… I… I love you…." Serene finally said what was on her mind.

"Serene…. I… Love you too Serene," Leon said blushing.

"R-Really?" She asked.

"Of course I do," Leon replied. A tear fell from Serene's eye.

"I'm so glad we share the same feelings," She cried.

"Serene…" Leon said embracing her tightly.

"Thank you," Serene uttered faintly.

"For what?" Leon asked. She still had tears in her eyes.

"For coming to Elendia," She replied. And so they sat for several minutes under the stars.

Elsewhere again… Zero stood still on the cliff but this time he was alone. "I hope you can forgive me Maria…" Zero mumbled holding his wife's wedding ring in his hand. "I only did it to protect you…" he continued, "This makes me remember why I tried to swear off relationships for good…"

"Man you're a mess!" A voice called from the woods.

"I wouldn't know. But what I do know is that you're not supposed to be here," Zero said drawing his blade.

"Figured me out already," The figure emerged form the trees. He was clad in black armor with red trim. A helmet hid his face from the world. He had no distinctive markings on his armor. No cape. No horns on his helmet.

"You're one of his soldiers aren't you," Zero asked.

"Again right on the money," The figure laughed.

"I don't have time for you," Zero commented turning away from the soldier.

"But my comrades have time for your friends," The soldier continued.

"What!?!" Zero shouted turning again to face the solder.

"You will probably have to save them… Gack" The soldier coughed. Zero had already made short work of this soldier.

"Now where are they," Zero asked in deep though apparently seeking his friends in his mind, "The closest is Leon and Serene." He jumped from the cliff using the bountiful power of the wind around him to take to the air without wings. He knew his destination had to be the grove of response stupid love birds… was a thought that occurred to Zero.

Back with Serene and Leon, again… A rustle in the bushes ended Leon and Serene's embrace.

"Whose there!" Leon shouted standing from his position.

"Your Leon and Serene correct?" The figure asked.

"Answer me!" Leon shouted again.

"Fine! My name is Max! I'm here to help you in the battle against evil!" Max replied coming out from the bushes. He had a black cape attached to his white armor with a slight golden shine to it. His spiky brown hair flowed slightly in the wind defying gravity.

"Then why did you have to sneak up on us?" Leon asked.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourselves so I let you hug for about 10 minutes and then it got a little creepy," Max laughed.

"You're the creepy one!" Serene shouted angrily.

"Good point," Max laughed. And with that another figure jumped out from the bushes sword in hand using the element of surprise against the three warriors. He met Leon's sword with a loud clang. Serene reacted by drawing her scythe and attempting to slash the soldier. The soldier however jumped out of the way and sent a shockwave from the tip of his blade out hitting both Leon and Serene causing them to fly back into a tree. Max drew his axe from under his cape and took a wide swipe removing the soldier's left arm.

"Submit!" Came a familiar voice, Zero's. He came from seemingly nowhere and rammed his sword through the soldier's head, dispatching him instantly.

"Hey Zero!" Max said greeting his old friend.

"No time. Get them to take you back to Fia and Lina's place ," Zero said before he ran off, presumably after another soldier.

"What was that about?" Leon asked helping Serene up from the ground.

"Something bad that's what… Now where is this place Zero spoke of?" Max asked.

"This way," Serene smiled pointing in the general direction of the house. She made sure to guide the wayward friend back to Fia's place Zero on the other hand came up to the hill that Ledah and Rose had snuck off to together.

"What are you?" Ledah shouted locking weapons with another soldier.

"An envoy of darkness and despair," The soldier replied.

"No you're a dead man," Zero shouted jumping up the hill and slicing the soldier in half. "Get back to Fia and Lina's I'll meet you there!" Zero shouted again dashing off to save the others.

"Zero sure seemed in a hurry," Rose gasped.

"There might be more of those things out there…," Ledah sighed helping Rose off the hill. Ein and Fia had also just encountered a soldier of darkness as well.

"Stay back Fia!" Ein shouted receiving a blow to the chest from the soldier's mace sending him flying into the water with a loud splash.

"Ein!" Fia shouted.

"Die!" The soldier shouted shifting its attention to Fia.

"Fia run!" Ein shouted getting out of the spring. Fia froze up unable to move.

"Ein help!" Fia screamed.

"What about my help?" Zero shouted slicing the soldier's head off. "How many more of these things are there?" Zero sighed.

"What's going on?" Fia shouted.

"Just go back to your place! I'll meet you there and explain everything," Zero explained dashing off again.

"I have a bad feeling about this…" Ein muttered standing next to Fia. Soon after, everyone had gathered at the house sitting at the table. Zero entered the room with a grim look on his face.

"Who were those soldiers?" Ledah asked.

"Those were the Origin's soldiers. That was the first wave of attacks. Which means we need to step up our training if we're going to stand a chance," Zero said sitting on a wooden chair away from the table.

"Then the war has begun…" Max murmured.

"Correct. So enjoy your last few weeks of peace before the real battle begins," Zero said grimly.

"Zero…" Cierra said approaching the grim angel, "I have something to tell you… Can I talk to you in private?" She asked.

"Whatever…" Zero murmured standing from his chair and heading outside slamming the door with a loud crack.

"Where are they going?" Ein asked Fia.

"Cierra likes Zero," Fia and Leon said at the same time making the two look at each other and laugh.

"Wow… That's…." Ledah started.

"Not going to work," Max interrupted.

"Yea," Leon muttered.

"Why?" Fia asked.

"Well for one he doesn't like younger women," Leon explained.

"And he has a wife," Max added

"That too…" Leon laughed.

"That doesn't sound good," Fia commented. Zero followed Cierra outside a little ways from the house until she turned around and locked eyes with Zero.

"I've been thinking about this for a while and… Zero… I love you," Cierra admitted hugging Zero.

"… Cierra I don't mean to be cold but… Wait what am I saying? Cierra I'm sorry but I don't share the same feelings," Zero replied coldly. Cierra let go of Zero tears streaming from her eyes. "You have to understand I haven't truly loved anyone since this happened to me," Zero sighed pointing at his eye patch.

"I… I need to be alone!" Cierra shouted angrily, running away from Zero in tears.

"That almost worked better than I had hoped," Zero smirked re-entering the house.

"Where's Cierra?" Lina asked.

"She said she needed to be alone," Zero answered.

"What did you do!?!" Fia shouted.

"Rejected her as soon as she told me her feelings," Zero replied, "Did you expect me to say yes?"

"I expected you to be nicer," Fia scolded.

"Well I'm sorry for not fulfilling your expectation of kindness," Zero remarked. Fia just sat and pouted unable to come up with a fitting response. "Tomorrow I'm stepping up the training so get ready," Zero advised standing and exiting the house. Leon and Max followed his lead. Leon went strait back to the Grove of Response again and just sat and watched the stars.

"Leon?" Serene called.

"Yea?" Leon replied.

"Glad I found you," She smiled sitting next to him.

"Serene…" Leon replied.

"I'm glad you're not like Zero," Serene commented

"That guy's just like the stars," Leon commented lying down on the ground.

"Yea" Serene sighed cuddling up next to him.

"Zero is just too much," Leon said wrapping his arm around Serene.

"Don't worry about him, Leon; he's his own man you know that," Serene replied.

"Yea… Are you ok?" Leon asked, turning to face Serene.

"Huh?" Serene blurted blushing wildly.

"When that soldier attacked us he hit you with that shockwave…" Leon explained.

"Oh that, I'm fine. I was more worried about you Leon, you took most of the blow because you turned to protect me," She smiled.

"I don't want you to worry about me Serene. That might put a frown on your pretty face," Leon smiled as well making Serene blush again. "I love you Serene," Leon said. Serene continued to blush as they drifted closer and closer together until they were locked in a romantic embrace meeting lips under the stars. They wished this moment would never end but after a minute Leon finally broke the kiss.

"That's my first kiss," Serene blushed.

"Mine too," Leon smiled. They continued to lay tangled up together under the stars. Serene was the first to give in to sleep and Leon soon followed. The next morning the two woke up early because of the sun's bright rays.

"Good morning Serene," Leon yawned as Serene started to stir from her sleep.

"Huh?" She mumbled as she rubbed her eyes.

"I think we accidentally spent the night out here," Leon smiled.

"Really?" Serene asked standing up from her place on the ground. She answered her question herself peering at the forest around them. "I guess we did," Serene giggled. Leon stood as well stretching his arms.

"We better head back before anyone worries about us," Leon commented.

"I bet we could stay a little longer," Serene laughed hugging Leon.

"Yea I guess so," Leon said before he was met by Serene's lips. Serene broke the kiss quickly.

"We probably should go," She smiled. The two walked back to their 'command center.' They were greeted at the door by Ein.

"Hey Serene where'd you go last night?" Ein asked.

"I went back to my place," She smiled. Leon saw Zero sitting at the table sipping some tea from a mug. He looked up and winked at Leon.

"Ready for today's training?" Zero asked.

"I guess so…" Leon smiled.

"Well then you'll be unhappy when I tell you you're getting another day off," Zero laughed (apocalypse again).

"No way!" Leon shouted.

"I've got some stuff to do today so there," Zero laughed (Is he trying to destroy the universe) standing and walking out the door. Leon stood stunned at his good fortune and the fact that Zero just laughed twice in rapid succession..

"Neat," Ein piped up.

"That's great," Serene said hugging Leon.

"Uhh Serene you do realize you're hugging Leon," Fia pointed out.

"So?" Serene giggled.

"Oook," Ein sighed.

"Want to go anywhere Leon?" Serene asked.

"No where in particular," Leon replied.

"Then I have the perfect place!" She exclaimed dragging Leon out the door.

"Poor guy," Ledah sighed. Serene and Leon were walking off the beaten path towards a large group of trees.

"Where are we going Serene?" Leon asked.

"My house," She smiled again.

"Oh yea you talked about it at Fia's place," Leon remembered. They came up on a large tree with a door on it. Serene opened the door and beckoned for Leon to come in. He entered a room with a 3 person couch next to a coffee table. Scythes and pictures of the group along with pictures of her at different places in Riviera decorated the walls.

"Well this is the living room, the kitchen is over there," She said pointing to the right, "And my bedroom is upstairs." She opened a door behind her and started up the latter. Leon followed closely behind. Her bedroom was populated by a desk, a large bed, and two windows that let the light in. "I spend most of my time in here," She smiled.

"You have a great place Serene, I wish I didn't have to stay in a tent next to Zero," Leon complemented.

"Who says you have to stay in that tent?" Serene smiled glancing at her bed.

"I should ask Zero first," Leon sighed.

"You rang?" Zero's voice came from outside the house. Leon stuck his head out the near by window and saw Zero standing at the door, "Can I come in?" He asked

"Sure," Serene replied. Moments later they had gathered in the living room.

"Why are you outside Serene's place?" Leon asked.

"I noticed you were here and decided to drop by (and I'm a convenient plot device)," Zero answered. (He doesn't know what he's talking about. He is not a convenient plot devise… Well maybe… Hey look over there! Is that Zero blushing? Flees)

"Oh right. Well I was wondering if I could live here with Serene," Leon pleaded.

"Sure why not," Zero smiled. Leon looked at Serene, who hugged him in pure glee. She then hugged Zero as well. "Hey, Whoa, Whoa, Hey! No hugging!" Zero shouted pushing Serene away from him.

"I'm sorry," She smiled.

"Whatever," Zero muttered.

"Thanks Zero," Leon said again.

"Again, Whatever," Zero continued.

"Hey Zero," Leon said looking at his mentor.

"What?" Zero asked angrily.

"What do you have to do that's so important to cancel our training?" Leon

asked.

"I'm supposed to meet some friends today, you happy with that explanation?" Zero explained.

"I didn't know you had friends…" Leon laughed. Zero just glared at him and stood to leave the residence, and he did.

"Well we're officially room mates now," Serene laughed. She was met by Leon's lips.

"I guess so," he said after breaking the embrace making Serene blush wildly.

"Leon…" She smiled.

"What?" He asked smiling.

"Never mind…" Serene muttered.

"Hey Serene. Do you have anything to eat?" Leon asked, totally killing the moment.

"Oh yea I do!" She said standing from her place on the couch. She guided Leon to the pantry in the kitchen and pulled out a bowl of apples.

"Thank you Serene," Leon said taking a small apple from the basket.

"You're welcome," She smiled.

Elsewhere… Zero stood in the training field waiting. A loud thud signaled the arrival of some 'friends'

"Is this the place," One of the three men asked.

"Yes," Zero answered.

"Hey Zero! Long time no see," One of the men said shaking hands with Zero's gloved hand.

"Nice to see you Kazé," Zero replied to his old friend.

"Well we came as soon as we heard," Kazé said, "I also brought Chris and Nardi." One of the men, understood to be Nardi, reached up and removed his black hood revealing his red hair and golden eyes.

"We wouldn't ignore a call for help, you know that Zero," Chris said affixing his brown eyes on his friend. Edward had to be Leon's age, he was the youngster of the group after all.

"Max got here yesterday so the gang's all back together," Zero commented.

"How long has it been?" Kazé asked.

"Longer than I care to remember," Nardi laughed.

"What's all the commotion?" Ledah shouted emerging from the bushes behind the group.

"Ledah, these are my friends Nardi, Kazé, and Chris," Zero introduced, "Friends this is Ledah, one of the grim angels we are helping."

"Oh, Rose you can come out it's safe," Ledah called. Rose sheepishly came out from behind the trees she had been hiding behind.

"Don't worry they don't bite," Zero smirked.

"Yea but we do set people on fire, gut them, and burn their corpses to ashes," Nardi laughed.

"That's not really funny," Kazé stated shuffling away from Nardi.

"Nice to meet you all," Chris smiled.

"Nice to meet you too," Ledah replied.

"Well we should probably head on in," Zero suggested.

"Yea," Rose smiled.

This one's a big one huh? Lots of stuff happened. like the first attack on the Grim angels and stuff. I know I haven't been mentioning Lina all that much but she really doesn't play that big a role in this story. I mean no one loves her and I personally don't like her all that much. If you have any suggestions for a name for a character I'm open. I've already used up my bank of original names so suggestions are welcome. R & R.

--- This chapter has been replaced for the reason of Name conflicts with my other stories, yes I'm that incompetent---

Next chapter: Training starts again

As the chapter name implies training starts up again. Also the first Major villian may or may not have some surprises in store in later chapters.