Lloyd: Huh?
Me: I hate butterfly…and who ever came up with that god-forsaken stroke…
Lloyd: bad practice?
Me: no…actually really good, considering I'm one of the fastest on the team but butterfly is hard for me to do which is odd cause I can do dolphin kick fine but then when you add the arms,…I swear I look like a drowning cat…
Lloyd: that's funny. Fishie struggling in the water!
Me: Shut it Lloyd!
Lloyd: what are you going to do, drown me?
Me: Exactly! So if I were you, I'd say the disclaimer and then tape my mouth shut before I say something else that's stupid!
Lloyd: Jen Rem doesn't own ToS, FF, or Ash!
Our group was now flying towards the Otherworldly Gate and Mithos, being the pain in the ass that he is and after seeing my wings, asked if he could fly with me.
"Mithos, I don't normally go full dragon and I'm not going to carry you all the way there as I am now." I sighed, hiding the fact that I wanted to strangle him and then throw his lifeless body into a volcano.
"Please?!" the blonde haired boy pleaded at me with big blue eyes, doing the best puppy dogface he could which, considering he looked twelve, was pretty good.
"…" I tried to ignore him but then noticed Lloyd and Genis now seemed interested.
"Hey if Mithos goes then can we go too?" Lloyd asked, getting excited over just the thought of it.
"…I said no."
"Please!?" now all three of them were begging. I heard Kratos sigh beside me and glared at the three boys. They were really getting on my nerves and I was pretty sure my eye was twitching. "Please? Please? Please?"
"God dammit! I said no! So shut the hell up and get your asses on the fucking rhierds!"
Everything and everyone was deathly silent as I pointed towards the waiting rhierds, still fuming as Lloyd, Genis, and Mithos all cowered beneath my glare.
'But-" Mithos started.
"I said no god dammit! I ain't no fucking passenger dragon to be ridden everywhere!" I growled before leaping into the air. How could a day, which had started so well, be ruined before noon?
"Tia?" I turned to see Kratos behind me, looking concerned from my outburst. "Are you alright?"
"The nerve of them thinking I'd lower myself to such a position. A passenger dragon? What a dent in my pride." I scolded, crossing my arms over my chest.
"I understand but next time, please try to watch your language. We don't need Lloyd and the others using some of those words." The angel sighed. 'And please try not to let Mithos get to you."
"I'm sorry." I sighed back, realizing I had overreacted. I felt bad that I had done that and like normal, I became silent, avoiding the gazes of the others as they caught up on the rhierds. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overreact…" I mumbled flying in between Lloyd and Genis' rhierds.
"It was my fault Tiamatt. If I hadn't pestered you about flying to begin with, none of this would've happened." Mithos admitted. I was shocked as I thought I heard regret in his voice and wondered if my outburst had truly scared him.
"…" I nodded in acknowledgement but still avoided his gaze. Even if he was Yggdrasil, leader of Cruxis, Genis now saw him as a friend, something I would not deprive him of. Maybe Genis could make Mithos realize the good Lloyd's group was doing and not the destruction of his plans. "Thank you."
"GWRAAAAAAR!" The roar shook the air. Everyone stopped, looking for where the sound had come from to see a huge steel colored monster come towards us.
"What is that?!" Lloyd cried, the monster roaring again and revealing the energy cannons in its shoulders.
"Diamond Weapon!" I answered, watching Weapon closely, as it's cannons charged at a surprising fast pace. "Hold on!"
I closed my eyes, focusing on my sorceress powers and the group around me. In a burst of energy, the cannons fired and we disappeared, reappearing behind Weapon as it roared in confusion.
"You guys go ahead. I need to calm Weapon. I promise I'll catch up this time." I pulled the Oblivion Blade, accessing a materia that caused the weapon to gain a golden glow.
"I'll help you." Kratos said, pulling the Flamberge. "The rest of you do as Tiamatt said and go to the Gate. We'll catch up."
"Alright but you better make it back this time Tiamatt." Lloyd nodded, turning the rhierds back east.
"I promise!" I yelled back at the group as they flew away. "Ready Kratos?" The Seraph gave me a small smile and a nod, signaling that he was ready. I smiled back, raising a still glowing sword before rushing at the giant monster that is Diamond Weapon. "Deathblow!"
My sword hit, causing only a dent in the tough armor of Weapon's shoulders, angering the monster that swung at me with his claws. Folding my wings to drop down a few feet, I dodged the claw and noticed Kratos attacking his other side. I couldn't help but think that Weapon had gotten stronger cause our attacks sure weren't doing much as I swung down at his arm. The collision sounded almost like metal hitting metal and I could feel the impact through my sword.
"Gotta make this hard don't you?" I asked Weapon, flying out of range of its claws. "Thundaga!"
The bolt of lightning dropped from the cloudless sky, striking Weapon, which screeched in pain. Kratos, getting the idea, moved back near me and began to charge mana while I formed a ball of fire in my hands. It wasn't any bigger then a base ball but when the white orb of pure flame hit Weapon, it exploded, scorching its hide. Seeming only to become angrier by the explosion. I accessed another materia as Kratos released his spell.
"Grave!" Spikes of earth shot from the ground, trapping Weapon's feet and keeping it from moving, at least for a moment.
"Thanks." I smiled at my fiancée who nodded and watched Weapon's actions as I accessed the White Materia. "To protect those that live with the Planet, I pray to Holy. Lend me your power. Holy!"
The beam of white energy surged from my body, engulfing Diamond Weapon. When the beam had dissipated, Diamond was calm, looking around confused before turning a calming walking towards the sea. I smiled before the spell's immense power finally hit me and exhaustion came over me as I landed on the ground, slightly unsteady on my feet.
'Tiamatt, are you ok?" Kratos asked, landing beside me.
'Yeah…just a little tired…" I mumbled with a nod, retracting my wings before exhaustion finally won…
"So what happened to her?" was that Raine's voice.
"Tiamatt summoned Holy but it used up a large amount of her mana." Kratos explained. "However, the spell did calm Weapon before it returned to the ocean."
"Uh…where are we?" I asked, moaning as I sat up from the bed at the inn.
"We're in Palmacosta." Kratos said, smiling as he sat down beside me. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." I answered, kissing him. "So we're back in Sylvarant, eh? Hmm…do you think we could perhaps go to the Sleeping Forest?"
"Huh? How can a forest be sleeping?" Lloyd asked.
"I never heard of that forest. Is it someplace from your world?" Genis asked, shaking his at Lloyd's question.
"Yeah. It's where I've lived for years! It's right outside the Forbidden City!" I said cheerfully.
"Your world? Aren't you from Sylvarant or Theth'Ella like the rest of us?" Mithos piped, looking curious even though he already knew the answer.
"No, I'm from Earth and from Gaia. My body and part of my mind is from Earth and the rest of my mind is from Gaia." I explained, glancing at Kratos for a moment. "But I guess I'm of four worlds now that I'm with Kratos."
"Hey, so are we going to make pacts with the summon spirits of Sylvarant now?" Colette asked, looking at Raine.
"Yes, I suppose if that while we're back home, we should make the pacts and release the mana links." Raine nodded. I noticed Kratos was made a bit uneasy from this but he still maintained his silence in the matter. "Neil already said it would be ok for Mithos to stay here until we're done."
"Then let's go!" Lloyd cheered, everyone nodding in agreement. "Mithos, I promise we'll come back and visit every now and then, kay?"
"Alright." Mithos nodded. "Good luck!"
I wanted to tell Mithos out but as we left, I noticed Genis' friendship with the disguised Cruxis leader seemed to be strengthening. I didn't want to be the one to destroy that when Mithos had yet to do anything wrong.
"Um…Kratos?" He looked at me, waiting for me to continue. "Do you think maybe we can go to Forest today? I know Kayla is there and I want to talk to her."
Kratos gave me skeptical look but nodded. "Sure but we better inform the others."
'So you two are going to leave us?" Colette asked, having heard our plans with her angelic hearing. The others now turned to look at us.
"Yeah, I've got some friends from home waiting there for me and I think its important I tell them what happened with Jenova. After all, they're the ones that helped me last time."
"Yeah right! I bet that's just an excuse to get some alone time!" Zelos smirked, giving Kratos a thumbs up. The angel sighed, shaking his head.
"Better get used to it Kratos. Kayla is gonna be just as bad if not worse." I sighed, spreading my wings, and trying to ignore Zelos and the odd stares I was receiving from the other adults in the group.
"Wait!" I looked back at Raine for a moment. "Tiamatt, do you want Bahamut?" I blinked in shock, having completely forgotten that Lloyd said Bahamut was alive.
"Yes of course!" Raine nodded as the energy orb that was Bahamut in his GF form, appeared before me and was absorbed into my body. I could feel the dragon's mind behind my own and smiled. "Thank you. We'll probably stay in the forest for a while so if you guys are near Hima, you're welcome to stop by."
"You sound like your leaving us for good." Sheena noted.
"No, only a week. If I don't see you before then, I'll find you. Ok?" I smiled, watching Kratos spread his wings as the others nodded. "See ya!"
I waved at the group as I leapt into air, Kratos beside me. We flew for several hours till we were near Luin. We saw the school where we had found Kayla and later, a blood filled crater that marked where the Lunar Cry had scarred the planet. With Luin still in ruins, we camped outside the destroyed city.
"Five more days…" I sighed, laying down in the grass and looking at the clear sky. "Then you have to return to Cruxis right?"
"Yes, But I must, Tia. It's the only way I can help in reuniting the worlds." Kratos answered, lying beside me.
'Kratos…who or what is Origin?" I asked suddenly, remembering having read that when I drew Ryukinogami.
"…" He didn't answer me and continued to look at the stars.
"Kratos, you know don't you? Why won't you tell me?"
"…Origin is the king of the Summon Spirits. He is the one that created the Eternal Sword, the blade used by Yggdrasil." The Seraph answered slowly. His nervousness on the subject didn't go unnoticed.
"There's more right?" I asked, turning so that I leaned on my elbow and looked at him. Kratos closed his eyes, saying nothing for a moment.
"…No…"
"You're lying. Kratos, if I'm going to marry you then you have to trust me. Don't keep secrets from me when I have kept none from you." I scolded, glaring at my fiancée who avoided my gaze.
"…Tiamatt…I…" He still wasn't looking at me. "…It's something that only concerns me…"
"Kratos! If it concerns you then it concerns the both of us!" I cried. "If you can't trust me enough to tell me your secrets then why should I trust you!"
"Tiamatt, I didn't mean to upset you it's just…" Kratos whispered, finally looking at me but now I was looking away. I could feel his hand gently touching the side of my face and I looked at him. "I'm just afraid… that the truth would hurt you…"
"The last person who said that was Oblivion and because of his silence, I was taken by Jenova. I would rather hear the truth now then find it out the hard way." I mumbled.
"…If you truly want to know then…" He paused, sitting up and taking my hands. "…When the pact was made with Origin, Mithos made me…the seal to the pact. If Lloyd and the others are going succeed in their mission then…"
"…You have to die…" I finished, getting the point. "Then why did you…?"
"Tiamatt, I love you. Nothing could change that. That is why I asked you to marry me even though I know that I might have to die." Kratos answered, pulling me close. "Now that you know the truth, will you still have me?"
"Of course. Thank you for telling me the truth." I leaned into him, kissing the angel. He smiled as I lay back down but Kratos leaned over me. "Kratos," He kissed me interrupting me as he made his intentions realized. "What are you doing?"
"You said we have only a few days left." He smiled in between kisses. I couldn't help but smile as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
"Your right, and this will probably be our last night alone." I smiled back, returning his affection…
Morning came and like the day before, I awoke in Kratos' arms, our clothes once more littering the ground around us. I still felt kind of embarrassed but it was better then yesterday. I think I was starting to like the intimacy that Kratos and I shared though it still seemed somewhat alien to at least a part of me. We both dressed quickly and packed up camp, flying once more north.
By noon, the Sleeping Forest came into view and we landing outside of it. The coral like, white trees of the forest shot skywards, some of them over a thousand feet tall. A sense of caution seemed to radiate from the forest as a small red orb could be seen weaving in between the trees.
"What is that?" Kratos asked, the orb slowly coming closer before weaving off in a different direction.
"It's Kjata, the forest guardian. This forest is the only way to the Forbidden City and Kjata guards the entrance. He will attack all strangers unless they are of Cetran blood or carry the Lunar Harp." I explained walking under the ancient trees. "Just stay close and you should be fine." Kratos nodded, and took my hand, watching Kjata carefully as we walked through the forest.
"Imoto!" Kayla immediately threw herself at me as we walked into the clearing where my house was and the Ragnorok was parked. "You're back!"
"Missed ya too sis!" I smiled, returning her embrace before she took a step back. 'Kayla are you…?"
"Yep! We're having twins!" Kayla said as Vincent stood beside her and took her hand where I finally noticed the small ring on it. "And we're getting married."
"Congratulations!" I smiled, making both Kayla and Vincent smile. "Kratos and I are also getting married."
"So you're the guy then?" We all turned to see Marth, Nightfire, and Jo all looking at us. "Geez Tia, we never thought you'd go for someone else."
"Well, I've changed quite a bit since you last saw me, alive that is." I laughed, Kratos staring at group curiously but Marth most of all.
"Who are you?" Kratos asked, looking the three over.
"Name's Marth Silver. The red head is Nightfire Wilex and the quiet one is Josin Linos." Marth explained his friends bowing their head slightly with each introduction, though the ever protective Nightfire glared at my fiancée. "Your Kratos correct?"
"Yes. I am Kratos Aurion." The angel nodded. "You wouldn't by chance be related to Oblivion would you Marth?"
"Huh? Yeah, he's my father. How'd you know that?" Marth blinked in shock.
"I lost my memories a while back and Oblivion was sent to ensure I didn't do anything stupid till I regained them." I explained.
"Really? Then where is he? I would think he would've come with you."
"Marth…your father died at the hands of Jenova… "I mumbled slowly. Everyone's eyes grew serious except for Kayla who probably didn't know who I was talking about.
"So we were right. Jenova did return." Jo stated.
"Tiamatt, what happened?" Vincent asked sternly.
I sighed and motioned towards the house. "This is gonna take a while…"
….
"Ok so let me get this straight. You finally met your father who ends up being one of the main spirits of the Lifestream. He gets locked in a diamond sword created by future Kayla, along with Jenova. Now your back to helping a small group of humans and half elves reunite two worlds and are engaged to this human?" Nightfire asked, looking kinda of skeptical.
"Yeah its true. And Kratos isn't just some human, he's my guardian angel! I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without him." I answered, smiling at Kratos who sighed.
"But Tia, Kratos is still human. You'll out live him." Marth pointed out, to which I just grinned.
"Actually, while I am human, I am also an Angel of Cruxis. I don't age." Kratos retaliated.
"An angel, yeah right!" Nightfire huffed. "I don't see any wings, angel boy."
Kratos sighed and stood up, revealing his sapphire wings and flapping them a few times before retracting them and sitting back down beside me. Nightfire, Marth, and Jo all stared wide-eyed at the Seraph as Vincent remained calm and Kayla winked at me.
"Do you believe me now?" Kratos asked. The three slowly nodded their heads. "Good."
"Hey Imoto, let's go outside and chat for a bit." Kayla said, standing up and grabbing my arm, and yanking me out of the house. "Sooooo, have you two done anything yet?"
"What? Kayla! What we do is none of your concern?!" I cried in shock. "Geez, I finally get here and that's one of the first things you ask."
"Hehe! So defensive Imoto! You must have something to hide!"
"Kayla! I'm not saying anything!" I yelled, walking away from her. "So when are you due?"
"Huh? Oh…about another two months!" Kayla answered happily.
"That soon?" I was puzzled. Sure it had been a while since I'd seen her but she should still have more then two months left.
"Yeah! You have to remember I'm a dragon. Our pregnancies are only half of that of humans." Kayla said.
"Is that an adaptation?"
"Yeah. The dragons of Ash's world were considered evil creatures and were hunted. It was nessacary for survival." The dragoness nodded. "Tell you the truth, I'm nervous. Even though this is Ash's second pregnancy, it's my first."
"I understand." I nodded back. "I'd probably freak if I found out I was pregnant."
'I bet you would Imoto!" Kayla laughed. "Actually, I know you would."
"Yeah…"
Third Person POVKratos and Vincent both sighed as Kayla drug Tiamatt out of the house and Marth, Nightfire, and Jo all gave questioning looks.
"That was strange…" Jo muttered, looking at the door.
"Obviously, Kayla hasn't changed." Vincent sighed, shaking his head as the door slammed shut.
"I can tell. Hm…so this is Tia's home? Why does she live in the forest?" Kratos asked, looking at the three younger men.
"One is because it's near the city of her people, and two…because she was banned from Saturn for the deaths of royal family." Marth explained.
"The true murderer was Jenova who had disguised herself as Tiamatt. After that was revealed, Granis removed all charges and she was allowed to return 'home'. But she refused, guilt ridden by Oblivion's death and feeling that the events that made up her slowly remembered past were her fault." Jo continued.
"Yeah, Tia was a wreck. She locked herself in the basement for months before finally coming out and going berserk." Nightfire finished.
"Yes, she told me about that…" Kratos sighed. "She's told me everything in fact."
"Tiamatt must really trust you then. She kept the secret of the experiments from us during Meteorfall till the Temple of the Ancients." Vincent commented, staring at the Seraph as the women finally came back into the house.
"Vince, I'm going to bed." Kayla said, walking down the main hallway to one of the spare bedrooms. "Oh, and thanks Imoto!"
'No problem." Tiamatt smiled as Vincent excused himself and followed Kayla. "You guys should be thinking about getting some sleep too."
"But Tia, we wanna talk to you some more!" Nightfire whined as Jo and Marth nodded and stood up.
"There'll be plenty of time to talk tomorrow!" the Cetra said sternly. The three all sighed and found filled up the last of the bedrooms. "Geez, they still act like kids!" Tiamatt turned and walked towards the kitchen where a pair of stairs led down to the basement.
"Tia, aren't you going to bed too?" Kratos asked, following her down the stairs.
"Not yet. There's a few things I want to check out first." She replied, walking into a fairly large room.
Various items were scattered across the room, including paperwork and tools. On spread over several tables were various unfinished devices of varying sizes and purposes, one of which looked like an unfinished GS. Kratos stood gawking in the doorway at the various pieces of technology as Tiamatt sat down in front of a fairly large computer.
"This is the main server for the Global Scanner system. All data is processed here and saved to this very computer." Tiamatt explained as her fiancée slowly made his way through the room, stopping to look at several of the unfinished devices. "Please don't touch! The wiring is extremely fragile." Kratos nodded and kept his hands to himself as he finally reached Tiamatt.
"Did you make all this?"
"Yeah, had to do something to keep myself entertained right?" Tiamatt laughed, pulling up various files on the screen. She retrieved her GS and turned it on before returning to work on the main computer. "Hmm…there! I've recorded all the data from the journey so far onto the database."
"All of it? That fast?" Kratos asked, looking skeptical as he looked at the screen but sure enough, detailed information on the journey was on the computer along with the data on Gaia.
"Yep, tomorrow I'll launch scout probes to map out Sylvarant." The Cetra smiled, standing up as the computer saved the data and shut down. "Let's go to bed now."
Kratos nodded and followed her up stairs and back into the living room.
"We'll have to sleep out here since I gave Kayla and Vince my room." Tiamatt said, sitting down on the couch as Kratos sat beside her. "That's not a problem is it?"
"Not at all." Kratos smiled as Tiamatt stood back up momentarily to shut off the lights before lying down on the couch. Kratos laid down behind her, both of them lying on their sides so they could both be on the couch. "Sleep well." He whispered, kissing her cheek before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep himself…
Me: long chapter… um…well, Read and Review please! I promise to get things moving a little more in the next chapter!