Chapter 13 Part 3

Faith Vs. Fact

"Compassion and ruthlessness two traits opposite of each other that must be balanced. Too much compassion and the enemy walks over you, too much ruthlessness and your allies become your enemy. A balance will win the fight."

-Book of Trails

---------------

Both were asleep. Sion back in 1912 on board the Titanic with his girlfriend in his arms, and Caitlin alone in her room. Even with the huge distance and difference between them their consciousness molded into a single dream. Caitlin tossed in her sleep as her mind fought against her soul in a desperate plea to connect to Sion. Without disturbing his girlfriend Sion also slightly tossed in his sleep his soul also in a fight to control his own thoughts.

However something was in play that neither could fathom. An outside force had stepped in and despite the huge distance between the couple this force was able to supersede all obstacles to bring the two together in this supernatural experience. Calling it a dream would be downplaying the situation Caitlin and Sion now found themselves in. The force dumped their very souls together in a environment it created for their reunion.

Sion shivered as the cold touched his skin. He wanted to think this was a dream but it was too real. Looking around he saw what looked like a huge abandoned mansion in the distance. The night sky made it hard to make out and the cold air made his body plead to find shelter. The he heard a familiar scream…

---------------

Caitlin found herself inside a wooden room. It wasn't as if she was trapped, she could see the door on the other side that lead into a hallway, and there was a window leading outside. The room was very dark but a faint glow seemed to light the entire building just enough that she could find her way around. The house seemed huge once she walked into the hallway, but she was quickly getting creped out. The mansion was covered in cob webs. As she walked forward she could make out some voices. When she moved forward to see if there was someone to help her a board creaked that she stepped on.

"Who's there?"

The source of the voice started to move towards Caitlin. Terrified she started to run.

"Quick there's someone in the house catch them!"

Another voice came from across the hall Caitlin knew she was surrounded. Not knowing what else to do she yelled.

---------------

"HELP!"

Sion was able to make Caitlin's voice out even from his distance. He knew it was Caitlin, and was able to tell instantly that she was in grave danger. Luckily even though he knew he was somewhere else besides reality he was happy that his powers still seamed to work.

Focusing on the house and picturing Caitlin in danger he was able to use his new heightened skills to run towards the house at amazing speed. Taking off at a high sprint he charged toward the house.

Then he saw a light coming from a door near the stairs. When he opened it he found a staircase that led down into a basement. Confident he had found what he was looking for he slipped his concentration to allow his senses to go back to normal and formed the dragon soul blade in his right palm. When he got to the end of the stairs the entire place went pitch black.

"Dragonmaster there is no need for such weapons here."

Sion turned towards the source of the voice, but did not dare drop the weapon.

"Who are you?"

---------------

Caitlin perked when she heard that voice. She nearly cried when she heard it, even though she knew she was being held captive, the chance to see Sion again was something she wanted more than anything else. But they had called the other male Dragonmaster, could it be she was just dreaming and she mistook Sion for someone else. This was too real to be just a dream, but she could swear the voice was Sion's.

As she opened her eyes she was still greeted with darkness, but she could hear the conversation going on.

"Answer me! Why do you have Caitlin?"

Caitlin's heart skipped a beat when she heard Sion's concern for her.

"Dragonmaster it is not we who hold this girl captive, but you."

"Me?"

---------------

Sion's head was flooded with thoughts at the voices remark. He held Caitlin hostage?

"How can you say that?"

"Look for yourself Dragonmaster. Even now the girl yearns to just hear your voice, but when will she ever see you again?"

The light illuminated a chair where Caitlin was sitting. She wasn't bonded by anything. She gasped when she saw him.

--------------

She knew she was right now. Sion was standing right their in front of her. A strange looking reddish orange glowing rod was formed in his hand. He had grown some and his body was much more toned than it had been when she had seen him last.

Noticing she wasn't bonded to the chair anymore she jumped and ran at him. When she got in range she hugged him as tightly as she could. She could feel him, see him, even smell him. She felt him embrace her and burry his face in her shoulder as she did his. The two sat like that for awhile before the voice came back. Now that the two we're in each others arms their souls were linked, and the voice could address them both.

---------------

"Dragonmaster, you know the one you hold in your arms, do you not?"

"I do."

"Caitlin do you know whom you hold."

"Yes."

Sion smiled when he heard Caitlin's voice.

"Sion I've missed you."

"I've missed you too Caitlin."

"I knew you we're alive, I've been waiting for you for so long."

Sion's heart pained. He knew Caitlin would break down if she knew about Jamie. Even though he knew this wasn't reality he was somehow sure he was talking to Caitlin.

"Dragonmaster, do you understand me now?"

"Sion why does he keep calling you that?"

Sion added more thoughts to his mind. He knew he couldn't tell Caitlin what was going on now. It was too dangerous, not to mention it was extremely hard to believe.

"Sion?"

"See Dragonmaster, you can't let her know. You still have a grasp on her soul, but you can't be there for her. She can't even know what events are to come until you return."

"But she's one of the four!"

"I know, but does the girl not deserve to live her life to the fullest she can in your absence. It could be many more months before your return."

"Return? Sion your coming back from the dead?"

Sion held Caitlin tight and smiled at her, "How am I supposed to let her go now? This meeting if anything just gave her more hope!"

"If you decide to allow her to go I will give her a sense of calm and acceptance of your death. If you decide to continue I will leave things as they be, but remember what agony she is going through."

Caitlin was motionless. It was obvious this part of the conversation was just for Sion to hear. Then in the back of the room a small screen appeared. It showed short clips of Caitlin's sorrow starting from when she heard about the air crash to the moments with Kyle. Sion couldn't keep himself from crying when he saw what he put his former girlfriend through, it didn't even seem humane.

"Sion?"

Sion jumped when Caitlin started to move again. To her no time had passed at all. She reached up to wipe a tear away from his face but he grabbed her hand. He reached down and kissed her forehead and realized what he had to do.

"Caitlin you know you have to let me go."

"But I thought you were coming back?"

Sion knew he couldn't lie to her, but he had to come up with something. Then it hit him.

"Caitlin, something allowed me to come to see you tonight. You have to realize that I'm not even in this world now, there's no way you can come to where I am now."

Sion reminded himself he wasn't lying, with the time travel he was in an other dimension.

"But it's so hard being without you Sion."

"I know Caitlin, but I made the decision to leave. I know you must hate me for it…"

"No Sion, you did what you had to do."

"Caitlin you know you'll always be on my mind, but I've seen what you've gone through since my departure. Please try to live a happier life, you deserve better then just thinking about me."

Caitlin buried her face in Sion's chest and started to cry, he held her tight and close as she got all her emotion out.

"Caitlin you have to promise me you'll move on. It hurts me so much to see you like you are. Please move on."

"I'll try Sion, I promise."

"Here take this and keep it with you."

Sion placed an old British pound he had on him from the trip into Caitlin's hand and she slipped it into her pant pocket.

"Remember Caitlin you need to move on, but I'll always be thinking about you."

Sion gently kissed Caitlin and a blinding white light filled both their sight.

"Good job Dragonmaster, I believe you will truly save this world."


--------------
April 1912
Titanic Stateroom 7:00 AM Local Time

-------------
"Hun wake up."

Jamie shook Sion some he seemed like a log; no movement; or even mumbling, then all of a sudden he jumped up like lighting. Jamie jumped off the bed and Sion was covered in a cold sweat.

He looked over at Jamie and was filled with a sense of calm. He crawled over to her, got off the bed and laid a kiss on her lips.

"Well lets get ready then."

"Oh I'm soo goanna get you back for that mister."

Sion ran into the bathroom and got changed into something he could leave the cabin with. Jamie followed suit.

The walked down to the a la carte 1st class restaurant and found Nall sweating over the prices in the menu while Ruby was trying to keep her dignity from vanishing from her husbands outbursts.

"Thomas must you gawk over the menu, at least let me keep some decency."

"I'm sorry Alison, but I understand the value of a dollar."

Ruby fought to keep her composure as her temper rose. When Sion and Jamie took their seats she calmed down.

"Won't you join us Roger and Katie. Dr. Yates will be more than happy to pay for your water."

"Alison…"

"Oh I'm sorry hunny, he'll compensate you for the ice as well."

"Alison…"

"Fine, fine I'm sorry sweet heart."

Nall took a look at Sion's face and noticed he looked pale and really tired, "Had a long night there my boy?"

"Unc…I mean Dr. Yates, what are you implying?"

"Nothing Katie my dear, the young boy just looks like he's been hit by a sack of bricks."

"I'm fine Dr. Yates, just must have been something I ate giving me nightmares."

"Well I'm hoping you got enough sleep to complete your work today."

"Of course Dr. I could do it with half the rest I have now."

"Good to hear; so lets eat and get back to the cabin, we have a lot to go over."

The group ate breakfast and returned to the cabin. Nall pulled out a case from the trunk and removed some blue prints of the ships layout. Placing the boiler and mechanical floor diagrams on the bed; the group sat around it.

"Alright these are the famous compartments on the Titanic. When the ice burg cut a gash in the hull so many of them filled with water it was impossible to keep the boat afloat even with the water tight door system."

"So where's the shield?"

Nall pointed at the back of the boat.

"If I'm right about this it should be in the most rear luggage compartment. I need you and Jamie to verify the safes location."

Jamie looked at the blue print, "Is it just me or does this seem too straight forward?"

Sion pondered the same thing, "Yeah…, hey Nall that guy in the command center, didn't he mention some sorta secret organization is supposed to be guarding this thing?"

"I thought about that scenario, but I've got reason to believe that the only member on the ship is Tom Ferris and getting by him should be easy enough."

"I guess I can live with that, ready to go scout this thing out Jamie?"

"Yeah but how are you and I goanna get down there dressed like a couple of people from first class?"

Nall smiled, "Easy look here. You wear your sneaking suit under the fancy outfit and right here", Nall pointed to a crew galley near the entry way to the lower stair well, "You strip down hide the clothes and make your way to the bottom of the ship, you're goanna have to be quick before a crew member can find your clothing or you for that matter."

"Wait a second Nall, why do we need to verify the safes location if we're going to be invited to see it."

"Think Sion, he isn't going to drag a bunch of first class passengers down to the cargo hold to see it, he'll bring it up. You and Jamie are goanna need to know the way from here to that safe like the back of your hand because you're goanna have only a couple minutes head start on the guy to get the shield before it gets to the safe, and there's another thing."

"What?", Sion almost dreaded hearing this.

"Since Tom Ferris didn't make it off the boat do not hesitate to do what you need to do to get the shield."

"Nall it just doesn't seem right."

"Sion listen to me, everyone on this boat is on a floating coffin right now. I don't like it either having to look people in the face that are in this book and know for a fact their goanna be dead. If we don't do this guys we're dooming our entire planet, we just have to do what we have to do. Yeah it's horrible, but no matter what you have to remember the Titanic tragedy has already happened. If we try to change it there's no telling what horrible things may happen. We know for sure what will happen if we don't do this though, we all die. So we gotta get our heads outta all this lets save everyone on the Titanic stuff, these people took a risk getting on this boat and as sad as it is, that was their choice. We have a chance to save our future, and I'll be dammed if we're not goanna take it. Who's with me."

Ruby put her hand on top of her husbands, "I am."

"Me too Uncle Nall", Jamie rested hers on top of Ruby's.

Sion stared at the three. After a brief three second thought he joined them, "I am too."

"Good then lets get this party started. You too go check on the shield's location. Me and Ruby are goanna mingle and try and drop our name to get Ferris' attention. Meet back here in a few hours for lunch."

The group went their separate ways to accomplish their separate tasks.

---------------
September 3rd
Turner Home, North County 7:10 AM EST
---------------

Caitlin awoke from her sleep and looked at her clock it was 7:30 in the morning on Friday. Caitlin groaned as she rolled over in bed when she did she felt something metallic press against her outer thigh. She reached down and felt a metallic coin in her PJ's pocket, pulling it out she examined it and realized it was an old British coin. Then the memories from the dream flooded her memory and she hit the bed hard, burying her head in the pillow.

"It seemed so real, I could feel his touch", she moved her hand under the pillow to touch her lip, "I could feel his kiss."

She then remembered the coin, "And I remember him giving me this, just what the heck is going on?"

An unknown voice then echoed through Caitlin's head, "You must move on as he wished."

With that Caitlin put down the coin on her dresser and for some odd reason all memories of the dream faded quickly and she found her self strangely reminiscing about an event prior, her boyfriends funeral.

---------------
Flashback Sion's Funeral
---------------

If it wasn't for the fact she was about dead tired from crying so much Caitlin might have thought the setting for the funeral was strangely typical. It was raining, not a downpour, but enough so that it felt cold and muggy. It was weird how the rain seemed to suck out the brighter colors around you and leave you with dismal shades of green, brown, and of course all the black clothing everyone was wearing.

The church service had been very emotional. The priest that had known the family the longest Fr. David Brockman was presiding over the service, the current priest Fr. Joe Maloney, and the priest that had baptized Sion Fr. Shay, were all present for the service. Of course with the huge publicity the plane crash had made the press was right outside the church grounds with high power lenses to take pictures of everyone once they exited. It made Caitlin sick that they we're so heartless to not even let her and Sion's family and friends mourn in private.

She sat in the front row next to Sion's mother. What made the situation worse was the casket in front of her. It wasn't the fact that it was a casket, it was the fact there was nothing in it. That sense of closing you get at a funeral wasn't present. Despite common sense and rationality since the plane had vaporized upon contact with the ocean, Caitlin still held out hope. She knew that everyone else, even Sion's parents had come to terms with his death, and the last thing she wanted to do was make it harder on them by not letting go. That was the only reason she decided to come to the funeral in the first place.

Soon she found herself walking to the limo that waited outside along with Sion's family. Across the street flashes went off as the reporters starting taking their pictures. Caitlin made sure not to acknowledge them, she just kept focused on her goal of making it to the limo, and then the rest of the service.

The ride was uneventful. Nothing was said in the car. Caitlin just kept her focus on the outside. She looked in the face of each reporter as they passed them, she knew they couldn't see her so she wasn't scared of facing them.

When they got to the cemetery the rain was there to greet her again. She watched as the men from the funeral parlor pulled the empty casket out of its carrier and then hand it to the pallbearers. Then the slow procession to the burial plot started. It was obvious with the tent pitched over it. With each step Caitlin found the urge to cry starting again, like a sickness in her stomach. When her eyes drifted over to the casket she could no longer hold it in and she started to cry, quietly. Sion's mother held her while they were seated as she cried into her dress and didn't stop until it was time for them to leave.

When Caitlin got home she locked herself in her room and cried herself to sleep.

The cold water snapped her back to reality. She quickly adjusted it to make it warmer wondering just how she had gotten in the shower in the first place.

"Caitlin hunny your going to be late for school!"

Caitlin heard her yell from down stairs. Looking through the bed room door she saw her clock read 7:20 AM.

"Shit how long was I day dreaming."

Aborting the shower she quickly dried herself off and got dressed. She kissed her mom good by and started up her car. As she drove her mind started to wander to Kyle's phone call.

"Did I make the right decision?"

---------------
April 1912
Titanic Mechanical Floor 8:12 AM Local Time
---------------

The crawl space had seemed a lot larger to the two on the diagram.

"I'm going to kill Uncle Nall when we get back!"

"Shh, Jamie we can't let them find us. Especially in this situation."

"Sorry."

The two continued through the crawl space as quickly as possible. The sneaking suits made them completely invisible to the men shoveling coal into the boilers below them. However the temperature was quickly becoming unbearable in the space above. Picking up their pace they made it to the end of the hold. Since the compartments were watertight the only way through was to sneak through the water tight door.

Sion held out his hand signaling for Jamie to stop. When he spotted and opening he dropped his hand and held up a fist to signal Jamie to follow him with no time delay.

Quickly jumping through they made it to the baggage compartment and rolled to the cover of some boxes and mail bags. Sion looked around for any sign of movement. Once he was satisfied there was no one he stepped into the open cautiously. He signaled Jamie to cover him from the darkness in case someone jumped him. Making his way toward the safe he saw it was an older style combination safe.

Satisfied he had found what they we're looking for Sion and Jamie quickly retraced their steps back through the narrow crawl space and got back to their entry point. They changed back into their regular clothes and decided to make their way back to the state room to wait for Nall and Ruby.

"Roger what do you think of the ship?"

Sion didn't respond he just kept walking.

"Roger?"

When Sion still didn't answer Jamie tugged gently on his sleeve. Sion jumped and turned to face her.

"Yea Ja…I mean Katie."

"What's wrong with you? You've been acting weird since we woke up this morning."

"Its nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Yea nothing", they reached the stateroom and Sion turned the key in the lock. Opening the door the couple made their way in, and shut the door behind them.

"Sion."

"Yes Jam…", Sion was cut off by Jamie's kiss. When she came up for air she looked straight in his eyes.

"We're not in the hall anymore, don't tell me nothing. I know its something."

"This isn't the time for this Jamie."

"What time? Nall and Ruby are out talking with snobs, and we're waiting here for them to get back. I'd say this is the perfect time."

Sion made his way over to their bed. The package with his name on it caught his eye.

"Sion are you even listing to me?"

Sion opened up the package and looked inside the small cardboard box. Inside was a letter, and a leather wrist band.

"What do you have there?"

Jamie had walked up behind Sion and noticed the box.

"Don't know yet", Sion started to open up the letter.

Dear Sion,

Forgive me for not writing a longer letter but I had to do this quickly with events moving as fast as they are. I realize that your mind must be occupied with many different things with the challenges you've been forced to face. I know that as you read this you must have many things to do, but I hope you find a moment to read it.

I know the biggest thing on you mind must always be your family, otherwise what point is in all this training? I know you left so you might save them in the end. However I also know guilty that they believe you are dead, especially a special girl that I saw on the television, Caitlin Turner was her name wasn't it?

Know you will see them again, and despite what happens know that you are doing the right thing. You family would be very proud of you and they will be once they see you again and learn what you've been doing, for I know I already am proud of you myself Sion. This leather armband I have included was given to me as a gift when I left home for the religious school that would eventually turn me to the path of becoming the pope, perhaps it will aid you in becoming the Dragonmaster.

Take care in your mission.

Sincerely,

Pope John Paul II

Jamie took the letter at sat it next to him having read it over her boyfriends shoulder.

"Please tell me what's wrong Sion. Its starting to bother me now. Ever since you woke up you've been acting strange."

Sion couldn't keep his wall up any more. He knew it might hurt her, but Jamie did have a right to know. He'd tread carefully.

"With all this preparing for the trails I know I'll have to return home in the near future."

Jamie nodded knowingly.

"And this whole time my family, friends…and girlfriend have all thought I'm dead."

Jamie could see in Sion's face what the real problem was. She crawled up behind him on the bed and wrapped her arms around him.

"You dreamed about her last night didn't you?"

Sion nodded.

"Your worried about what's going to happen when you return and I'm with you aren't you?"

Jamie noticed Sion didn't respond to the question.

"I'm not mad; I sorta expected this", Jamie rested her head on Sion's shoulder and drew him to her tightly, "We're goanna make it through this Sion, and if you have to break up with me before you get home so you can decide between the two of us I'd have no problem with it, in fact it'd only be fair."

Sion put his hands on hers and then turned around, "Jamie?"

"Yes Sion?"

"Thanks for understanding, I love you."

"I love you too."

The couple started kissing and it broke out into a full make out session until Nall came over the radio.

"Get both you butts up here now!"

"Coming!"

Jamie was flushed, but smiled at Sion, "If we weren't on a mission right now you'd be all mine."

Sion now completely red, "Umm better get going!"

The couple straightened themselves out and walked up to the breakfast room.

--------------
September 3rd
Pyongyang Presidential Palace 8:30 PM
--------------

"We can't wait that long with all that's going on right now. We have to do this soon Zech!"

"I can't make the girl do something she doesn't want to."

The doctor and Zech we're talking quietly off to the side. Dinner had just finished and the doctor was fuming with the news Kaname had revealed at the table. Waiting till the weeks end would put them behind, even just a few days couldn't be spared.

The doctor thought for a second and then snapped his fingers, "Today's Friday, and my calendar ends on a Saturday. First thing tomorrow morning we get her to do it, Sunday's too far off."

Zech looked off at Kaname who was still busy eating, "Fine, what ever it takes."

-------------
September 3rd
Turner Home 6:23 PM EST
-------------

Caitlin was very nervous. She was wondering if she was doing the right thing. Sure it felt good to finally be moving on, but with Sion's friend Kyle?

Well she admitted they weren't really friends, but the situation didn't make it any better if not worse. The two we're in constant competition with each other, and it'd be a huge plus for Kyle if he stole Sion's girlfriend. Another realization hit her, what if Kyle was only going after her so he could have Sion's girlfriend, then dump her.

Caitlin wouldn't have any of that, she firmly resolved to not give into any of Kyle's advances and make sure to watch him critically.

When the doorbell rang Caitlin nearly jumped out of her skin. Going up to the door she nervously opened it to see Amy, Jeff, and Christy there.

"Hiya, there's a huge party going on tonight over at the club. Wanted to know if you wanted to come with us?"

Before Caitlin could respond a black Ford Mustang pulled into the driveway. Amy was surprised to see Kyle step out of it.

"Umm, what's Mr. Sketch doing over here huh?"

"Ahh, I sorta have a date with him?"

Amy was even more surprised, "A date?"

Kyle walked up to the group and smiled at Caitlin, he was a little suprized to see the rest of the group there.

"Hey Caitlin, what's with the party?"

"Oh well we're sorta having a double date tonight, right Amy?"

Without a second thought Amy responded, "Yep, Jeffy here is taking me and Christy aren't you Jeff?"

"Whoa there Amy don't you think Christy minds?"

"I don't mind."

Jeff slumped defeated, "Ok lets get going then, we'll all squeeze into my car."

The two guys sat in the front and all four girls squeezed into the back of Jeff's Explorer and started out for the club. Kyle fought to kept his frustration back, he knew Caitlin would be keeping a close eye on him the entire time, and he couldn't screw this up.

-------------
April 14th
Titanic A La Carte Restaurant 8:14 PM Local Time
-------------

The events earlier in the day had gone according to plan. Nall, or Dr. Yates, had been introduced to Mr. Ferris around lunch time after word got out he was an expert in mid-evil weaponry.

Nall spotted Mr. Ferris entering the dining area just as the book had mentioned at 8:14 PM. He made his way over to Nall's table where there was a spot sat for him.

"Mr. Ferris its so nice you we're able to join us. You've met my wife Alison", Nall gestured to Ruby.

"A pleasure as always mamm", Mr. Ferris nodded in her direction.

"And these are two of my students Roger Smith and Katie Holmes, soon to be Mrs. Smith I might add", Jamie blushed red at Nall's statement, mainly because of what was planed to excuse her and Sion from the table during the dinner. As Mr. Ferris shook Sion's hand Jamie was daydreaming to earlier as he took her hand to kiss it.

"Now Jamie we're going to need a reason to excuse you and Sion from the table. I think your going to like it."

Jamie didn't like the mischievous look on Nall's face, coupled with the sympathy look Ruby let her know for certain that she wasn't going to like this.

"I figured you and Roger over there being newly engaged are going to have all this pent up…well lets just leave it at that. Anyways you start eying each other and whispering in each others ears and just asked to be excused from the table as you have business to attend to back at the stateroom."

"Kaite?"

"Huh, oh I'm so sorry doctor I zoned out for a second."

Nall was relieved Jamie didn't drop his real name by accident, "That's fine dear. Mr. Ferris was just asking how you and Roger met."

"Oh", Jamie quickly replayed her background story in her heard for about the one hundredth time before opening her mouth again, "We we're both in Dr. Yate's Mid-evil history class back at Yale. He loves playing matchmaker so he invited us both over for dinner at his house one evening."

Sion laughed stepping in, "The old man couldn't have played it off better. Told us he forgot he had us scheduled for the same day and then left us alone chasing after some desert. We hit it off from there while we we're alone."

Jaime smiled at Sion and winked her approval at his story. It was actually sorta sweet. Too bad things didn't work out that way. It wouldn't be very believable if they said. 'Well Roger here is going to save the world, and I've been living in a commune with a secret society in Japan, oh yea this takes place almost a hundred years from now.'

Jamie silently giggled in her head and how Mr. Ferris would react to the real story.

"So Mr. Ferris its my understand you have an ancient shield of some importance with you."

Mr. Ferris took a large covered object off the floor near him and placed it gently on the large table. Uncovering it revealed a Red with white outline shield. On the center was a golden cross like design. It came to a tip at the bottom end and at the top where two area that flared out in red. The shield was beautiful and was polished.

"Dr. Yates I know you and Alison will be looking over this sword for awhile. Roger and I have some business to take care of back at the stateroom, we'll take our leave of you now. Good evening Mr. Ferris."

Sion was red as a tomato. Jamie had taken Nall literally and put their excuse so bluntly he swore that this scene would easily turn the history of the Titanic into a rated R novel. Mr. Ferris nodded a good evening, but it was clear enough that he and the 'Yates' we're just as taken back as he was.

Jamie noticed everyone's reaction and quickly grabbed Sion's hand and led him away from the table, just before her faces blush matched Sion's.

"Well they just got engaged you know how that goes Mr. Ferris."

"…umm yes of course. Anyways the shield."

"Ahh yes what is this shield called?"

"It's called the Excalibur Shield. It's been used by countless generals in the past and not one has died while using it. Some believe its enchanted."

Jamie and Sion were busy getting ready to intercept the shield. Dressed in clothing of the time they made there way to the galley area unfortunately it was full of cooks. Jamie removed her pocket mirror and Sion removed his cuff links. None of these crew members had made it off the boat, they we're in the 3rd glass galley after all.

"Wait a second you two aren't permitted back here…"

The only crew member to notice them quickly drifted off to sleep.

"Sion hurry its already 9:30"

"I know Jamie, I know just keep going."

"Sion its Nall, Ruby and I are in the state room getting everything together. Ferris just left after we did. ETA on your position 5 minutes."

"Shit this is going to be close."

The two moved as quickly as they could. It still took several minutes to get past all the duct work. Finally Getting to the bottom room they quickly ran for the baggage compartment when all of a sudden the water tight doors began to close.

"Shit what's going on."

"We can't let you have the shield young ones!"

Out of no where a group of men came out from behind the boxes.

"Shit it's the Shield group. Jamie take cover!"

"Nall there all over us down here. They must have been hiding in the boxes the entire time. Something tipped them off. We're still n baggage compartment #1 and the water tight doors are shut."

"Damit!"

Nall's outburst startled Ruby even though she had heard Jamie's distress call as well.

"Jamie tell Sion he's going to have to kill the men. He can't, I repeat, can not destroy the water tight door. Open it with the pick set. If he destroys it it'll increase the rate the ship sinks and we can't risk the consequences of changing history."

"Roger."

"What do we do?"

"Keep getting everything together like we planned. This is going to cut it really, really close."

---------------
September 4th
Pyongyang Presidential Palace 8:30 AM
---------------

"Wake up Kaname, today's the day."

Kaname awoke to see Zech holding a calendar over her face.

"But I said till weeks end."

Zech pointed at the 4th on the calendar, "Well on this calendar the week ends right here on Saturday see. So time to get going, this won't hurt a bit. And then we'll be going after your mother."

---------------
April 14th
Titanic Lower Hold 9:47 PM
--------------

"I don't have time to explain, but get out of my way!"

"No boy, you cannot have the shield."

The men gathered around Sion and all of them drew swords.

"Go back up to the ship, stay away from the shield."

"Sion, Nall said you have to kill them. We have to allow enough time to open the water tight door with the pick set. We can't risk breaking it and making the ship sink faster."

"Sink…this ship is unsinkable other wise we wouldn't have allowed the shield to travel on it."

Sion looked at the ground, he didn't want to kill anyone, "Listen I'm from the future, I know this is far fetched, but this ship is going to strike an iceberg in less than an hours time. We have to get the shield back to my current time or else the world will end."

"Useless nonsense", one of the men slashed at Sion and cut a gash on his shoulder.

Sion screamed in pain and realized he had no other choice, "Fine!"

Drawing the dragon soul he slashed the man from the shoulder blade to his heart then drew it out. He fell down dead.

"Anyone else?"

To Sion's surprise all the men charged at him. He had to dodge them at first. Concentrating he flung himself into the steal wall and back flipped so he was facing straight up. Pushing off the wall as hard as he did he simultaneously started to spin with the dragon edge held out. Sion became a orange vortex as he spun through the crowd of armed men cutting them all down. He then righted himself and the blade dissipated. All the men we're dead.

Sion's energy was zapped. He'd never really mastered that move. And the stress it put on his already torn shoulder hurt. The worst though, is he had killed. He had killed all twelve men. Sion had counted each time he felt the blade go through them, plus the man he killed who had deeply cut his shoulder.

Sweat beaded on Sion's forhead as the sharp pain in his shoulder started to over take him.

"Sion?"

Jamie walked up to her boyfriend before noticing the blood gushing from the wound.

"Sion!"

Sion fought to keep conscious. The stealth suit squeezed the wounded area and brought the blood flow down. Still the intense pain blured his vision, and made his movement slow. It was nearly impossible to weld the dragon soul again in this state. He hoped there were no more guards ahead.

"Jamie. We need to open that door. Quickly help me to it."

Jaime let Sion put his arm around her and she helped him to the door. Over looking it Sion inspected the wiring. He took out the small kit and removed the tools. Quickly he crossed over a few wires and then holding two ends together he stared at them.

"Better hope this works."

He tapped them together and an alarm sounded as the door slowly rose. Sion put the wiring back the way it was once the door was fully opened and luckily it remained open.

Sion and Jamie made their way to the safe area.

"You'll never get it out. I've already locked it in the safe."

Jamie and Sion turned around to see Mr. Ferris with a pistol leveled at them.

"Mr. Ferris I'm sorry for what's happened, but we have to get that shield."

Ferris stood there with the pistol still carefully aimed. He considered pulling the trigger, but then remembered his other men.

"If this girl and boy could kill all of my men they can't be normal. What's going on."

"Mr. Ferris at least let me explain what's going on first, then you can decide."

-------------
September 4th
Pyongyang Presidential Palace 9:02 AM
-------------

"I don't know if I enjoy the way I'm bring treated Mr. Zech."

"I'm sorry Kaname, but you must live up to your end of the bargain. We've already got people standing by to break your mother out of jail in Tokyo."

Kaname knew in her head that Zech was lying, but she couldn't figure out any other way to stall them. She hoped that something would come to mind.

"Here put this on and sit there."

Zech directed Kaname to a red cushioned chair where she put on a helmet like device. A cord ran from the helmet to an odd looking machine on the other side of the room. Once she sat an oddly shaped red rock was wheeled into the room.

"Ok now Kaname touch the rock."

Kaname touched the rock and it glowed. Suddenly she was in another place. Information was all around here, she could see everything. She could see the complex. She could see other countries, she could even transcend time at her will. It was amazing. Suddenly she saw her mother at a complex directing people around, her mind was filled with knowledge. She knew exactly what was going on and who was her friend and enemies. Quickly she decided to check on the group that had tried to rescue her. Images flowed around as the Titanic came into view

---------------
April 14th
Titanic Lower Hold 10:59 PM
---------------

"I see so that's your story. Do you have any proof?"

Sion extended his hand and slowly the dragon soul formed. Ferris was astounded.

"I see, I am sorry for what has happened. I will resign to my faith as the course of the future cannot be changed. Here allow me to open the safe."

Ferris walked over to the safe and started to turn the lock. Upon opening it a sickening thud rocked the ship.

"Oh shit the iceberg, we just hit the iceberg!"

"Jamie, Sion what's taking you so long we just hit the iceberg, don't tell me your still in the lower hold!'

"Yea we are."

"Shit hurry up!"

Tom Ferris threw the shield to them, "Good luck children."

Soon an alarm went off and the water tight door started to close again.

"Hurry we've gotta make it through."

The three of them ran and dove through the water tight door. Slowly making it up towards the duct entrance Sion felt something cold beneath his feat.

"Shit Jamie it's the water."

Jamie's face turned red, "Ahh I didn't wear anything underneath this thing."

Soon a bulk head burst and water started to fill the compartment. A gush of water hit the group. When they got up Sion and Jamie both had streaks missing of their suit. The water level quickly began to rise and forgetting their dignity ran for dear life. Soon the water was up to their necks they got to the compartment and Mr. Ferris handed the shield to Sion then pushed the two to the duct work so they could get out.

"What a bad way to go."

"Here would you like to go peacefully?"

"Please."

Sion reached up to his clothing and grabbed the cufflink he then dabbed Mr. Ferris and he went to sleep; falling into the murky water.

"Umm Sion?"

Despite the emergency they we're facing Sion and Jamie came to the quick realization that both we're completely nude.

"Heh looking good Jamie."

"Why you!"

Jamie took Sion's clothing and threw it at him while quickly covering herself. Water kept creeping in all over the place. As they ran up the stairs they collided with a steel barrier.

"Shit I can't bust the thing open or others might get out."

Jamie took the shield and slammed the lock. The gate opened and she locked it behind them.

"There problem solved."

"Another reason I love you so much."

"Where the hell are you two? I already had to cancel our initial departure. We better hope to God this only the lord knows how old Beacon works!"

"Alright, alright we're going."

The two continued to run to the stateroom. Where grabbing all their belonging the four huddled in a group an Nall pressed the button on the beacon. It flashed red, but then sparks flew out of it. Dropping it to the ground the beacon broke in two. Nothing happened.

"…oh shit", come the resounding reply from one very on edge future Dragonmaster.

---------------
September 4th
Pyongyang Presidential Palace 9:45 AM
---------------

Kaname was still floating somewhere. She could see all the events unfolding on board the Titanic. Frantically she began trying of thinking of ways to save their lives.

"You can wish for them to return safely"

Kaname couldn't place Lucia's voice as she had never heard her before.

"But won't that allow Zech to use that thing to do whatever he wants?", Kaname wasn't frightened but just shouted into the distance because she couldn't see where the voice was coming from.

"Have faith in them, they will succeed."

"Can't I just wish Zech and all his men dead?"

"No, your wish cannot directly bring others harm."

Kaname sat and thought. She knew that even though she could hold out for awhile Zech would eventually force her to make some sort of wish. At least this way there would be some hope.

"Your wish?"

"I wish for the safe return of Sion and the others from the Titanic back to the compound in Japan immediately."

---------------
September 4th
Water Temple: Central Command Center 9:47 AM
---------------

"Ah water's cold, very, very, huh?"

Nall looked around to see some surprised and some smiling faces. Jamie was the first to catch her tongue.

"Umm, Uncle Nall. I think we're back."

Ruby slowly stood up. The trunk and all their equipment was there. The shield was with them, still wrapped in the tarp that Mr. Ferris had it in. Everything was the same, except for one thing.

"Oh my god Sion! Sion wake up Sion!", Jamie ran over to her unconscious boyfriend who had turned pale. The gash had reopened at some point on the mad dash to the cabin room once the stealth suit had detorated. Red blood was running down his arm through the early 1900's clothing he was wearing.

"Hurry someone get a medical cart in here now we don't have a lot of time!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well everyone that's all for Chapter 13. Really long huh? Imagine if I had put all three parts together and released them like that, you'd never have finished it would ya?

I know I've usually for a skit with me, Nall, and Ruby in the end, but we're all so worn out after this chapter we've decided to take a short break. Don't worry Chapter 14 will be out before July is over, and it won't be nearly as long.

Next time…

"There's too damn many of them Jamie I can't hold them all off by myself!"

"I'd help but if I move the whole wall's gonna come down on us."

"Great so I've gotta protect you and kill them at the same time."

The killer bugs continued to swarm in. Piles of snakes and other harmful looking creatures continued to fill the area as well. The dragon soul just wasn't cutting it, literally. Sion tried just spinning in circles holding the blade out but it wouldn't kill enough of them.

"If I don't do something soon Jamie is gone for, and then the wall would cave in and squish us all."