Me: (sigh) so many ideas that I must thank Valian for…because who knows how my sleep deprived, sugar fueled gutter mind works. All I know is that I really like candy tongue stamps and my tongue is now blue! O-o
Lloyd: …
Me: (spins in chair) WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Lloyd: Mana help me!
Me: Why don't you get a job you bum bum bum bum! Money don't grow on trees you bum bum bum bum!
Lloyd:…Weird Al?
Me: Nope! Larry the Cable Guy!
Lloyd: Who the hell is that?
Me: comedian on Blue Collar TV.
Lloyd: What?
Me: Donnie the retard had an 8 lbs water head! He was 5'3" and he said to me "My names Donnie!"
Lloyd: That didn't make since at all…
Me: Wanna play Blackjack?
Lloyd: umm…why?
Me: Cause it's fun!
Lloyd: Uh…sure.
Me: Yippe! (deals out cards)
Lloyd: Ok…(looks at his cards) Hit me. (I reach over and hit him before giving him a card) What was that for?!
Me: You said 'Hit me' so I fulfilled your request!
Lloyd: You are crazy!
Me: Crazy! I was crazy once! They locked me in a little padded room and in this room there was a hole in the wall, and in this hole lived mice! Mice drove me CRAZY! Crazy?! I was crazy once! They locked me in a little padded cell and in this cell…
Lloyd: …Jen Rem doesn't own FF, ToS, Ash cause she is technically Kayla's, and apparently no sanity what so ever!
Tiamatt POV
Madison was sprinting across the plains towards the city to the north, ponytail flying behind her. I sighed at her actions but honestly didn't blame her. After all, I was too, homesick.
"That girl can run!" Zelos huffed as we all took off after her. "Are you sure she's just human?"
"Positive. None of my abilities nor my curse were transferred to her." I stated, crouching low to the ground and beginning the dragon transformation. I needed to be quick in order to reach her before the monsters I scented did. "Being just human, she also has no way to protect herself from attacks."
Kratos and Eria got the hint and in moments, the three of us were in the air, catching up with her in moments just as a mantis-like creature attacked. Madison fell to the ground as it swiped at her with one of its claws, cutting into her arm. The monster, however, did not have the time to make a second attack as my own claws tore at the hard exoskeleton.
"Move quick!" I yelled at my human self.
She stared blankly at the wound on her arm, not even hearing my words. Eria luckily, noticed Madison still in the middle of the battlefield as another mantis attacked, and pulled her to her feet, dragging her away from the fight and allowing me and Kratos to quickly finish off the last bug.
"Let me look at that wound." I asked, looking at the cut. It wasn't deep but it still held the risk for infection. "Esuna! Cure!' a blue glow surround the cut as the wound was sterilized and healed over.
"Thank you…" Madison mumbled, finally looking up at me. "Tiamatt?" I flinched and put a hand to my head as it started to throb.
"I'm fine, don't worry about m-" I twitched, feeling my control slipping steadily.
Why don't we leave this pathetic group, eh? Jenova said softly, spreading my wings against my will.
"Tiamatt!" Oblivion and the others had reached us and watched as my wings beat the air while I fought to control them. "Fight her!"
"I'm trying!" I yelled back at him. Jenova wasn't going to give up easily.
Of course not. That wouldn't be like me now would it? I could feel more of my control slip just slightly.
"Tiamatt, you better not let her get to you!" Madison yelled, looking at me sternly, but it wasn't helping. My arm shot out suddenly at her throat.
"Do not meddle in my affairs human!" Jenova growled, pushing me to the side with relative ease.
Don't hurt her!I screamed, fighting to regain control.
You've weakened, Tiamatt. What has caused that? Could it be this weakling or something else, like the young girl or the auburn haired man? If that is the case, then I should thank them, by letting them be to last to die out of your friends.
"Jenova release her!" My father yelled. Jenova laughed and flung a struggling Madison at the spirit, sending them both sprawling to the ground.
"I will not give up this body after it took so long to find." Jenova said through my mouth. I continued to struggle to regain control as suddenly felt something touch my arm. "what the hell is this?" Jenova said, looking at the thin sheet of paper that had been placed on my arm by Sheena as Eria began to chant.
The young girl started to glow as she continued the chant, her wings turning pure white and storm clouds began to form overhead. The glow was intense but suddenly disappeared as a pilliar of light that raced for the sky. With the light came rain, the cold drops poured down on me and I felt Jenova loose all control as the water hit the seal, causing it too to glow. Then there was silence.
I felt my body go limp as no consciousness controlled my limbs but soon had my arms propping me up off the ground. I was exhausted as well, the mental battle had drained me of most of my energy and the cold rain wasn't helping much either.
"Are you alright?" Colette asked as I slowly stood up.
"I'm…fine…what about Madison and Terran?" I said slowly, looking at the seal that was now imprinted on my arm.
"We're ok." Madison replied, helping my father back to his feet. "Hey Eria! How'd you come up with that seal thing and Great Gospel? I thought you couldn't use magic?"
"Mom designed it incase any of the remaining Remnants somehow revived Jenova like they did in this world. And according to her, only half Cetra can use Great Gospel, which is why I can use it but that's the limit on my magic." Eria said. "I couldn't have done it though if Sheena didn't help."
"It's no problem if it's to save a friend." Sheena smiled, patting a small pack on her hip that held her guardian cards.
"Is it permenant?" Raine asked next, approaching me to examine the seal.
"Unforunately…no. But it should give us at least three Jenova free days if the seal doesn't start to wear off by then that is." Eria sighed.
"Hmm…"
"What is it Lloyd?" Genis asked, looking at his friend as he thought over something.
"I was thinking, since Madison was able to create Tiamatt and Oblivion, couldn't she possibly create something to destroy Jenova?" Lloyd wondered.
"Brilliant idea. The only question is, is it possible?" Raine exclaimed, happiness in her student quite evident.
"I…I don't know. I was at home in my world when I designed everything for FD but now that I'm in a world with my OC's it might not work." Madison sighed. "Besides, I don't have any pencils to write with. I left them all back," She froze and looked up at the city in the distance. "…home!"
"What?! Are you saying that's a city from you're world?" Terran gasped.
'Not just any city either. That's the city I've lived in my whole life." The teen nodded. "I believe that if I could somehow get there the I could get the supplies I need."
"Let's get moving then." Kratos said, stepping beside me. "we'll follow you." Kratos then looked at me and his face instantly turned red. It took me a moment before I realized why and was honestly embarrassed as I pulled a jacket out of the Rotator. "Thank you." He mumbled as I put the jacket over my now soaked white top. I was too embarrassed to reply but managed a nod.
Madison paused as she scanned the group but nodded and began walking towards the city. Her steps were unsure at first, even as she walked through the rain slick grass, as she continued to walk home with the occasional glance over her shoulder at me. I nodded and smiled at her, trying to build up her confidence which must have worked because soon the entire group was running behind her, racing for the other worldly city.
Madison POV
I was unsure about bringing everyone into my home city. It wasn't a matter of how the Symphonians or my OC's would react but of how the people of my world would react. I was pretty sure someone would recognize one of the Tales of Symphonia cast and bring attention to us but what could I do. At least Tiamatt was encouraging me to lead everyone there sucessfully without problems but what if something did happen.
I tried to shake the thoughts out of my head, after all, I should be thrilled about returning home. But something bugged me, would my friends, who I hadn't spoken to for a long time since my life had become hectic, would they remember me?
As we neared the city, I could see people on the edge of town looking through the windshields of their cars at the strange new environment laid out before them. Some people stood outside in the rain, looking for something familiar in the distance but finding nothing. It looked like we were approaching the south side of town, the only side that I never really went to unless it was to the zoo.
I slowed down as I reached the crowd of people and slid carefully in between them, weaving through with relative ease till I got to the thin part of the mob. Looking behind me, I could see everyone else struggle to catch up as they weren't use to traveling through large groups of stationary people like I was from travelling the hallways of school. Eria who was in the middle of the group, was actually the first person out after me. Followed quickly by the two smallest people in our group, Genis and Presea. Sheena, Tiamatt, Terran, Kratos, Raine, Oblivion, and finally Zelos stumbled out of the crowd as we reformed the group. All of them now appeared to be mostly teenagers, excect for Genis, Presea, and Eria who looked like the same age but with modern clothing.
"How the hell do you move so quickly?" Zelos gasped, having literally stumbled out of the group after being pushed back and forth.
"Don't know. I guess I'm just used to it. But I recommend that when you go through a crowd like that to turn and rotate on your heels and toes. It helps." I shrugged. "Now let's get going. I live clear on the other side of town but I think I can find someplace for us to rest if we keep moving."
"Madison," I looked up at Tiamatt who was having a horrible time of keeping her dripping hair out of her face. "You wouldn't by chance have another hair tie would you?" I checked my pockets quickly and threw a spare at the Cetra who used it to put her hair back in a partial bun. "Thanks."
"No problem. I always had to give hair ties to people on uniform days for ROTC so I always carry extras." I nodded. "Now come on. We need to get over to the east side of town."
"Wait. Is it just me or do they look like they could be twins?" Oblivion asked, looking at me and then Tiamatt.
"It's possible since I was designed to be Madison's other worldly self." Tiamatt stated.
"Can we please get going?" I asked. "I don't know about you but I hate being soaking wet in the rain." The entire group nodded in agreement and we continued through the city. It took us all awhile, but we finally got to an area of town that I recognized.
"Hey Madison, you never told us where exactly we are." Lloyd said suddenly.
I looked back at him and blinked in surprise. "This is Des Moines, capital of Iowa in the United States of America."
"So this is one of your major cities?" Raine asked, looking at the golden domed Capital Building.
"Um…Not really. For the state of Iowa, yes. For the entire US, no. St. Louis is easy three times the size of Des Moines." I answered, turning onto a busy street that would not only take me to my destination, but also past my school. "Des Moines is actually the Insurance Capital of the world, meaning its days are usually from about 8 in the morning to 5 at night, at least for downtown."
"interesting. I would like to learn more about your world." Raine said happily.
"Maybe after we reach AJ's house." I sighed, now able to see the bridge that spanned the Des Moines River. "He should be home but lets hope he's not drunk."
"They let kids your age drink?" Regal asked, cocking an eyebrow. I noticed he kept his hands together even though they were no longer tied and he no longer had his strange skin tight shirt on. That had been replaced with a normal t-shirt.
"the US is kinda corrupt. It's pretty easy for high school students to get their hands on illegal drugs and alcohol." I admitted. "you wouldn't believe how many kids come to school with hangovers or that are high."
"You are not one of them are you?" Kratos asked me sternly, eyes burning into my skull.
"It was because of a drunk driver that I lost my parents. Do you truly think that I'm going to be stupid enough to throw my life away for drugs after that happened?!" I snapped. Kratos looked shocked by the outburst and I saw a flash of sympathy in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"You didn't mean to upset me right?!" I snapped, tears sliding down my face. "I told you everything about my life and yet you still doubt me! Is it because I am no longer part of Tiamatt?! Am I not still the same person you met back in Triet?! What has changed besides my appearance?!"
Tiamatt sighed sadly and approached me. She tried to put a hand on my shoulder but I backed away. "Madison, please calm down. He didn't mean anything by it."
"Easy for you to say! You are Tiamatt! My mind may have been in your body but now that I'm me again, I've been pushed to the side like I was never part of you to begin with!" I cried, still glaring at her. Tiamatt's face fell and she looked back at Kratos who sighed.
"I'm sorry. I never meant for this to happen." The Cetra said sadly. "I seperated our minds to prevent our overall insanity but I forgot about what your true personality was. I should have found some other way." I looked down away from the Cetra, not saying anything. I noticed Tiamatt fiddle with something out of the corner of my eye. "Here, music helps you calm down doesn't it?" I looked at the GS that she held out to me in shock.
"You're letting my use your GS?" I gasped. Tiamatt nodded and placed the miniture computer into my hand.
"Just don't break it." Tiamatt said, a smile just starting to form on her face as I turned the device on and plugged the headphones in.
Tiamatt POV
Madison seemed relieved to have music available and instantly calmed down. I looked back at Kratos to see had had taken her words hard. Everyone else just glanced at her like she was insane.
"The people of this world are strange." Terran sighed.
"It's not her fault. She had had to live on her own for the past several years, giving up her friends just to get an education and pay the bills." I said, standing up for my creator who was now standing with her eyes closed, mouthing the words to the song that was currently playing. "Just give her time. Madison will be fine after awhile."
"Why didn't she say something?" Kratos mumbled.
I sighed. "That's how she is. She hides everything till she explodes."
"I imagine that that can't be good for anyone's health." Regal noted.
"I'm fine. Please don't worry about me." Madison said suddenly, one headphone still in her ear. "Let's just see if AJ is home so we have some place to stay for the night."
About fifteen minutes later, Madison had led us down a small street and stopped outside of a house. She climbed the four steps to the door and knocked, waiting for a moment before the door opened and a kid about her age opened the door. He had dark eyes and his black hair fell over the tips of his ears. He blinked in shock as a drenched Madison stood before him and grinned.
"Hey AJ! Miss me?"
UnderWater Reactor Third POV
There was a thud as Hojo was slammed against a wall, a clawed hand around his neck holding him up, one claws hovering just above the precious vain of life. The owner of the hand looked somewhat like Griever, the lion like guardian force with wings that was used during the Sorceress Wars. Only this one was more wolf like with bat like wings.
"You let her escape!" the Remnant growled into the whimpering scientist's face. "Why did you not give chase?!"
"Jenova has been revived like you wanted." Hojo stuttered, glasses falling to the floor.
The creature snarled and threw Hojo to the other side of the room. "Don't play games with me Hojo! Tell me, where is Mother?!"
"How am I to know? She could be anywhere by now!" Hojo mumbled, cowering infront of the monster.
"Then why did you not send any of my Brothers or Sisters out to find her?" the Remnant snarled. Hojo whimpered and said nothing. "Answer me!" Hojo still said nothing as he cowered in terror. "Fine, I will have one of your other experiments from my time complete the task. After all, Tiamatt will have no choice but to agree to our terms."
"what do you mean?" Hojo asked, looking up at the creature of the future with fear.
The Remnant chuckled and looked over his shoulder. "Come Rith."
A young boy entered the room and stood beside the Remnant. Hojo gasped at the sight before a grin began to spread across his face. The boy looked at Hojo with glowing green eyes framed by strands silver hair. At his side was a sword Hojo recognized instantly, the long blade almost touching the floor as it trailed behind the boy.
"We have a new mission for you…"
Me: I thought Valian's idea of Tiamatt clones was good but why not make Hojo seem a little crueler then that?
Lloyd: …you have problems.
Me: I know. Read and Review please!