Chapter 11 Goodbye and Hello

Longest chapter ever... Anyway you'll see what happens about the whole Leon thing

Starting with the funeral service the group buried Leon's body, some in tears some not but all knew the same. They buried him on a hill overlooking the village of Elendia. Zero hand carved a tombstone for his friend in short order. The service lasted about thirty minutes and after most of the group left, all except Serene. She stayed for at least an hour before Fia came and got her. A week past and on one of her daily trips to Leon's grave accompanied by Fia with her offering of flowers.

"I know how hard it is Serene, and I'm very proud of how you've calmed down," Fia complemented.

"Thanks…" Serene sighed.

"Hey Ledah beat us here," Fia smiled pointing at a man standing in front of the grave with a pair of black wings and brown hair.

"But… Ledah has blond hair…" Serene pointed out.

"Hello?" Fia shouted. The man nearly jumped a foot in the air and franticly looked back at the pair.

"No!" Serene gasped.

"You can't be!" Fia shouted. The man turned and ran past the grave, jumping from the hill extending his wings and gliding away from the pair.

"Was that who I think it was?" Serene asked.

"Why would Scath come to the grave?" Fia asked.

"We should tell Zero," Serene suggested. Several minutes later at Ein's house…

"You saw what?" Zero asked in disbelief.

"We saw Scath at the grave," Fia repeated.

"Are you sure?" Ledah asked.

"Well it defiantly wasn't anyone else," Fia pouted.

"I'm sorry it's just a little hard to believe," Zero apologized.

"That's what we said," Fia commented.

"Why would he come to the grave?" Ein asked.

"I don't know… Scath is a bloodthirsty monster who kills for the pure fun of it… Why, then, would he mourn the death of one of the people that he had killed..." Zero pondered.

"He didn't seem like the Scath we knew, he was scared and ran away as soon as we got there," Fia explained.

"Scath would easily be able to kill both of you so why would he run?" Rose asked.

"In any case we need to investigate further. I mean this is obviously not normal behavior for one of the four generals of darkness…" Zero sighed, "I think we should just keep on with our lives and if we see him again we should be careful… In all truthfulness this could be a ploy to get us to lower our guard."

"Yea…." Ledah sighed. About a week later Serene and Ein went to visit Leon's grave again. But yet again a man with black wings and brown hair was standing in front of the grave.

"Is that him?" Ein asked.

"I think so," Serene answered.

"I'll make him pay for what he's done…" Ein said drawing his blade, "Scath!" The man again jumped and looked back seeing Ein charge blade in hand. Scath didn't even reach to draw his weapon but stood still and received Ein's slash.

"Gah!" Scath shouted falling to his hands and feet.

"Get up!" Ein shouted angrily.

"Why?" Scath asked.

"So I can look you in the face when I do to you what you did to Leon!" Ein continued.

"Alright," Scath stood compliantly, bleeding from his wound.

"Huh?" Ein gasped.

"I certainly deserve worse than this… It's the least I can do to repay the debt I owe…" Scath explained. Ein stood dumbfounded, sword raised and ready to strike.

"S-Scath…" Ein muttered.

"That is a name I don't own anymore… Call me Jack…" Scath explained.

"But that's the name of Leon's brother," Serene pointed out.

"I can't explain it but when Scath killed Leon he was weakened and I managed to regain control of my body," Jack explained.

"What are you going to do?" Ein asked.

"I don't know… I've done horrible things… I don't know where I should go to be forgiven…" Jack sighed

"Well why don't you… You know…. Come with us?" Ein asked.

"Would you really accept me? I mean…" Jack muttered.

"Of course we would. We understand you're not Scath" Serene smiled extending her hand to the visibly shaken man.

"… I don't know…" Jack mumbled.

"No one does," Ein smiled.

"Alright… If you insist… I'll come with you," Jack sighed walking alongside Serene and Ein, "But do you have any food? I haven't eaten in a couple of days."

"Sure," Ein laughed.

"What the hell is he doing here!" Max yelled angrily outside the door of Fia and Lina's house.

"He's not evil!" Ein argued.

"Yea don't you think he would have killed us by now? He's a completely different person now! See he even looks different," Serene commented.

"No I think he's waiting to get all of us at once!" Max shouted.

"Look if I'm not welcome then I'll just go," Jack sighed.

"No you can't come… Wait what?" Max asked

"If I'm not welcome then I'm just going to keep camping out around Leon's grave," Jack explained. Max was in deep thought weather to let his sworn enemy in the house and believe Serene and Ein or kill him on the spot.

"Alright come on in," Max sighed.

"You mean it," Jack asked.

"Sure, let me just go tell everyone so they wont kill you on the spot like I wanted to," Max sighed entering the house.

"Did you here that!" Ein shouted excitedly.

"He can stay," Serene smiled.

"You really didn't have to do all this for me I mean…" Jack started.

"Nonsense! We wouldn't want to leave a good guy like you," Ein smiled.

"Thanks," Jack smiled for the first time in who knows how many years.

"Come on in," Max shouted from inside. When the three entered they noticed that tensions were high.

"I still don't believe your sudden revelation but… you're welcome to stay," Zero sighed.

"I'm sorry," Jack mumbled, "If you want me to leave…"

"No stay… I might want you to leave but I'm the only one that does…" Zero explained.

"R-Really," Jack stuttered.

"Yea," Cierra smiled.

"Well why don't we have dinner with our new friend," Fia suggested.

"Sure," Zero sighed.

"I'm starving," Jack sighed, his stomach growling.

"Then we'll just have to make some dragon steaks!" Fia smiled, "Can someone help me in the kitchen?"

"Sure," Zero and Ein replied at the same time. The two followed Fia into the kitchen.

"Zero can you light the stove?" Fia asked.

"Sure," Zero sighed using magic to light the stove.

"I'm glad that you can control magic better than Cierra," Fia laughed.

"Yea…" Ein laughed lightly.

"Can someone help chop the dragon meat into steak size?" Fia asked.

"Yea," Zero continued taking a steak knife and quickly dispatching the meat by slicing it into several pieces.

"Ein can you get the pans?" Fia asked.

"You bet," Ein smiled opening the cabinets above the stove.

"Thanks," Fia nodded taking the pans. She placed the steaks on the two pans and started cooking them. "These need to cook for about five minutes until they need to be flipped over," Fia smiled.

"I'll time it," Zero sighed.

"Thanks, Now Ein can you help me brew the tea for everyone?" Fia asked.

"Yea," Ein replied. Fia took a large kettle and her home grown tea and filled the kettle with water.

"Zero can you light the other stove?" Fia asked. Zero nodded and again used magic to light the second stove. Fia placed the kettle on one of the four burners and put her tea and sugar into the water.

"Well what about a salad?" Ein asked.

"Zero can you help me cut up the Lettuce?" Fia asked.

"I'm just here to light the stoves and chop stuff up really fast huh?" Zero asked.

"Kind of sort of…" Fia giggled.

"Fine," Zero sighed taking the knife and lettuce from Fia and using semi-hyper speed movements slicing it into several hundred pieces in less than 3 seconds.

"It always takes so long without your help Zero," Fia smiled.

"Thanks… I think," Zero continued, "The dragon meat needs to be flipped."

"Oh thanks for reminding me," Fia exclaimed flipping the steaks as ordered by Zero.

"How about some rice?" Ein asked.

"Sure," Fia smiled, "Zero can you get the rice bag?"

"It's really heavy isn't it?" Zero asked.

"Yes," Ein replied. Grumbling, Zero went to the pantry and lifted the rice bag with his left hand and poured some into a pot. He handed the pot to Fia who put water in it and set it on another burner.

"Thanks Zero," Fia smiled, "I might have to repay you some how."

"How," Zero asked.

"I'll think of something," Fia winked. Ein and Zero both shivered.

"I'd rather fight a giant monster with tentacles and laser shooting eyes before talking to that girl…" Zero sighed, "Dragon steaks are ready again."

"Thanks Zero," Fia smiled taking the steaks off the burners and dousing the stove's pilot light.

"Now we just need to chop them up some more," Ein remarked. He and Fia both turned and looked at Zero.

"Chop your own steaks I've done everything else..." Zero remarked angrily.

"Pwease Zero," Fia asked making a face at Zero.

"No not going to work this time," Zero said looking away from Fia.

"Come on Zero," Fia said leaning up against him.

"Will cutting the steaks up get you to stop doing that?" Zero asked.

"Yes," Fia smiled.

"Fine I'll do it…" Zero sighed backing away from Fia and using the steak knife to chop the steaks into bite sized pieces. "Tea's ready," Zero commented upon finishing cutting the steaks.

"Oh right thanks," Ein said taking the kettle off of the burner

"And the rice should be almost done," Zero continued.

"Thanks Zero," Fia smiled, "Can you help me carry the stuff out?"

"Can I use the power of wind and be really showy about it?" Zero smiled (not again)

"Uh I think so," Fia said sheepishly.

"Don't worry I've had 3 billion years of practice," Zero commented using his control over wind to lift the dishes, silverware, cups and food.

"Yea right Zero," Ein laughed.

"Whatever," Zero sighed taking the stuff to the waiting company, "Dinner is served," Zero announced placing the plates and silverware and cups in front of each person individually and placing the food on the center of the table.

"That's a cool trick Zero," Ledah commented.

"Thanks," Jack smiled taking several spoonfuls of steak rice and salad and a cup of tea. "I haven't eaten this well since that bear attacked me," Jack smiled.

"Wait a bear? Here in Elendia?" Serene asked.

"It was at the outskirts but a feast is a feast," Jack commented.

"You ate the bear?" Lina asked.

"Would you hate me if I said yes?" Jack asked.

"Not really," Lina smiled.

"Then yes I did eat the bear," Jack continued.

"Let's chow down guys," Fia smiled sitting next to Ein. After everyone took their own portions conversation started.

"I can't believe the forces of evil haven't attacked us recently," Ledah commented.

"I'm sure that the loss of General Scath has sent them scrambling around looking for another General," Zero sighed.

"I guess," Ein mumbled.

"Scath isn't dead…" Jack muttered.

"What?" Zero asked.

"He couldn't keep control of my body so he just left. He didn't die," Jack sighed.

"Well whatever the case we'll stop them right?" Ein asked.

"Yea," Fia answered.

"We can beat anything that comes our way," Cierra announced.

"Right Zero," Lilly asked.

"I'm not one for motivational speeches," Zero sighed.

"Really?" Ledah asked.

"Never have been never will be," Zero replied.

"That's ok," Lilly smiled.

"Thanks for the meal," Jack smiled.

"You're welcome," Fia blushed.

"Excuse me?" Zero growled.

"Oh right! It was mostly Zero," Fia stuttered.

"That's better," Zero commented.

"Thanks Zero," Jack nodded.

"You're welcome…" Zero sighed.

"Well it seems I don't have a place to stay," Jack muttered.

"You could stay with me," Serene smiled.

"Then it's settled," Jack smiled.

"You want me to show you where it is?" Serene asked.

"Yes please, that would be helpful," Jack laughed.

"Then let's go," Serene stood from the table grabbing Jack by the wrist and dragging him out of the house.

"This is really familiar," Cierra mumbled.

"It's almost as if she's falling in love with Jack," Rose smiled. Outside…

"Serene I can walk you know," Jack announced.

"Oh sorry," Serene blushed letting go of him, causing him to fall on his face, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yea," Jack sighed using his wings to help stand back up.

"It's this way," Serene pointed. Jack followed her to Serene's house. "You can sleep on the couch if you would like," Serene smiled.

"It's better than the ground," Jack smiled making Serene blush.

"Well I think I'm going to go to sleep," Serene smiled.

"Alright I'll see you in the morning," Jack blushed. Serene climbed the ladder up to her bedroom. "Well I might as well follow her lead," Jack whispered. Several minutes after Jack settled down on the couch he heard a scream instantly waking him up. "Serene!" Jack shouted opening the door and climbing the latter up to her bedroom. He saw her still laying on her bed. "She must be having a nightmare," Jack sighed, "Serene, Serene wake up." Jack placed his hand on her shoulder making her jolt back and instantly wake.

"S-Jack what are you doing here?" Serene asked blushing pulling the covers up to her chin

"You were having a nightmare," Jack smiled.

"I remember… Thanks for waking me up," Serene smiled.

"You're welcome…" Jack sighed, "I'm going to head back down stairs."

"H-Hey Jack!" Serene called sitting up from her bed.

"Yea?" Jack muttered.

"C-Can you stay up here wit me… I-I'm still…" Serene stuttered.

"Sure," Jack smiled pulling a chair next to her bed.

"Thanks Jack," Serene thanked him.

"You're welcome, if you ever need anything just ask," Jack smiled placing his hand over hers making them both blush.

"Good night Jack," Serene mumbled falling back to sleep.

"Good night Serene," Jack smiled continuing to sit next to her thought-out the night. Elsewhere…

"Serene is sure getting close to Jack," Fia stated to Ein. The two were walking down a path to Undine springs.

"Yea its almost as if she's falling in love with him because she misses Leon," Ein sighed.

"Probably…" Fia mumbled, "I wish there was something I could do but it seems that Jack is the only one that's able to cheer her up."

"And she is the only one that can cheer up Jack," Ein commented

"Well why don't we just wait and see what happens," Fia smiled, "After all it can't be worse than what has happened."

"Yea…" Ein mumbled.

"We shouldn't worry too much about it," Fia explained.

"Is that your way of telling me to pay attention to you," Ein smirked.

"Maybe…" Fia laughed. Before she could say more she was met by Ein's lips.

Elsewhere again… Zero and Lilly stood on a cliff overlooking Elendia.

"Wow… This place is so… beautiful…" Lilly gasped.

"I come here to meditate every now and then. And that's why. It's silent and peaceful," Zero muttered.

"Why haven't you shown this to me yet?" Lilly giggled.

"I was waiting for that," Zero pointed at the full moon.

"It's so beautiful…" Lilly gasped leaning her head on Zero's left shoulder.

"Yea…" Zero murmured wrapping his arm around her.

"Zero," Lilly smiled looking up at Zero.

"Yes Lilly," Zero answered looking down at Lilly.

"I love you," Lilly blushed kissing Zero under the full moon. Lilly broke after a minute.

"I love you too Lilly," Zero blushed (Oh come on! Just… you know what screw this!)

"I want you to promise me something Zero," Lilly smiled

"What?" Zero asked.

"Promise me you will never leave me," Lilly asked

"Of course Lilly. I've already lived a long life and I don't plan to stop," Zero smiled.

"How long?" Lilly asked.

"Four billion years," Zero answered.

"Really?" Lilly gasped.

"Yea…" Zero sighed.

"How?" Lilly asked.

"I'm an Ancient One first a grim angel second," Zero explained.

"Ancient One?" Lilly asked.

"A servant of the universe. A protector. A guardian of the forge," Zero continued.

"The forge?" Lilly asked.

"My strength is funneled from the forge of creation. I wield a portion of the universe's infinite power," Zero explained.

"I want to ask you something Zero," Lilly smiled.

"What?" Zero asked.

"Who crushed your spirit? Your ability to trust others?" Lilly asked.

"A man going by the name of Chaos," Zero answered, "He killed my parents and destroyed my home and because I survived I am cursed with this," Zero said removing the glove covering his left hand. On his palm was a red symbol that looked like a hurricane. "This symbol is the Origin's mark. It is the number 666 interlooped together," Zero explained putting the glove back on. "This mark allows Oblivion to gather darkness and power to over though my will like he did earlier. As long as Chaos lives I will have this mark," Zero sighed.

"That's horrible," Lilly grimaced leaning on Zero.

"It was the price I had to pay to get back up after he struck me down," Zero sighed.

"And that price wasn't enough. You've become a thorn in my side long enough. Your end is long overdue!" A deep and commanding voice shouted.

"You!" Zero shouted shielding Lilly.

"I am Chaos one of the 4 generals of darkness," Chaos smiled. He had on a black samurai outfit with two rings of darkness making an x across his chest.

"How could I forget," Zero shouted.

"I'm glad you recognize me," Chaos laughed.

"Lilly. I'm sorry for what your about to see," Zero muttered.

"What?" Lilly asked.

"Pure fury," Chaos blurted out, "Pure anger and hatred are seeping into the air around him. And I wouldn't blame him. I slaughtered his brothers and sisters. I brutally tortured his parents until his mom killed herself. I let his father run and go get little Zero. Right as he got to Zero I killed him before he could say goodbye. I tortured Zero until he passed out and then crucified him." Lilly was shocked the horrors Chaos had put Zero though. "Well now what Zero? What are you going to d…?" Chaos gasped for breath. Zero had plunged his left arm strait though Chaos's chest. Zero's eye had turned as red as the blood that now covered the ground. His voice was starting to sound like Oblivion's.

"I have an idea. I'm going to slaughter you like you did my brothers. I'm going to torture you like you did to my parents. And then I'm going to crucify you!" Zero shouted angrily removing his arm from Chaos's chest. Zero grabbed his throwing knives and stabbed Chaos though both shoulders and both knees. When Chaos fell to the ground Zero picked him back up and slammed him into the rock behind him cracking the rock. "Hey here's a thought! What does it feel like to be flayed alive?" Zero shouted clasping his hands together and using magic to strip Chaos's skin away from his body. (that's more like the Psychotic killer Zero I know)

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Chaos screamed.
"I wonder what your heart looks like!" Zero shouted using two knives to pry open Chaos's rib cage. "I thought so. It's as black as the darkness you use!" Zero shouted stabbing Chaos's lungs though. "Just sit and die. Being stabbed though the lungs is one of the most painful way to die," Zero shouted setting Chaos on fire. "And so is fire!" Zero continued.

"Zero stop!" Lilly shouted.

"I was going to, he's dead," Zero shot back with hints of anger in his voice.

"Zero please stop that's not right. You didn't have to do that!" Lilly shouted crying.

"I just wanted him to feel the pain I felt when he murdered every person in my town," Zero shouted looking at the still burning body of the general.

"But that was then this is now!" Lilly shouted tears streaming from her eyes. Zero finally took his eyes away from the body and looked at Lilly. Seeing her face snapped Zero out of his anger.

"Lilly! Lilly I'm sorry I didn't realize…" Zero apologized, kneeling down next to her. Lilly pulled her hand back and slapped Zero.

"Please don't!" Lilly shouted standing.

"I don't know what came over me. Just seeing him made me lose it. If you never want to talk to me again then I understand. I just wanted to avenge the deaths of my village," Zero sighed looking at the ground and taking the glove off his left hand again. The symbol on it was steaming and bleeding. It was emitting a large amount of dark energy as it started to lift off of Zero's hand and disintegrate into the air.

"Zero… I understand. I'm sorry I over reacted…" Lilly sighed sitting next to Zero taking his hands in hers and kissing him. "I love you Zero," Lilly smiled. Zero remained silent. Lilly looked him in the eyes and noticed that he was asleep. "That symbol must have drained him," Lilly smiled. She picked Zero up with some difficulty and used the power of wind, which Zero had taught her how to use, to glide all the way to the base where she took him to his room and put him in his bed.

"Good night Lilly," Zero whispered in his sleep.

"Good night Zero," Lilly smiled.

Well there you go, Jack is taking Leon's place, you'll see why later. Zero has killed a general. We see a lot of Zero's past. Ancient one? Whats that? You'll see!

Next time: Chapter 12: Friends

Zero and the old gang get together and do some funny stuff