Final Fantasy: The Prince of Fire

by laaldiggaj

This is a fan fic I wrote at around 2006. Inspired by Final Fantasy, it's a story about how the planet tried to recover after an attack from the King of Dragons. The Deities must now use humans as vessels on the planet. This is Prince Ifan's story and how he must learn to become a worthy King, as well as accepting his new found powers from the Deity Ifrit.

Original Edit 2006. Complete 12/6/23

FF1

Prologue

A million years ago a dragon appeared from the depths of space to seek an ultimate power. He came across a civilisation that was brimming with forces, unknown to him. In his greed for power, he destroyed their hometown and ravaged the planet, known as Ela, until only debris was left. The powers he so wanted dissipated into the air. From then on, the planet's residents constructed four giant columns that scraped the atmosphere. If ever the dragon would reappear, the Columns could harness the red fuel beneath the planet's crust to transform the Columns into weapons for retaliation.

For guardians, the residents chose their royal families of nations to uphold the planet's safety.

One of the towers was based in the fire nation Ire, the second was based in Quaa, the water nation, the third in Airnd the nation of air and lastly, one in Eland the earth nation. Recently a shadow army called the Darrka, who had grown from the dragon's fierce greed in the planet's underworld, began to surface, sending devastation and havoc to whatever they touched. They were manifestations of greed, selfishness and pain. Although they had never attacked the royal palaces, the army's destruction reached everyone's hearts.

Ire

On a sunny morning at Ire school, Ifan the Prince of Ire was due to take his exit exams. He was a young boy with startling red hair pushed back off his forehead and had ice blue eyes with white irises. He wore mahogany trousers edged with gold trim, red tipped shiny shoes and a soft beige tunic, the same gold running down his arms and capping his sleeves. His burgundy cape was a part of his school uniform that rested just on his tail bone and a small leather shield was strapped to his chest with belts. He wore a holster either side of his for his weapons, his family's twin blades. Blades that were made from black metal with yellow tips. He wore one large square earring that was etched with his family's crest.

At the age of nineteen he was fit to lead armies but his father, the King would not allow him to take any royal responsibilities until he had left school. Ifan had already failed three times and he still couldn't get the pass mark. The exam questioned maths, science as well as what makes a good person, with moral questions. He never got any of moral questions wrong.

He walked to the school with his friends, and said sadly "I'm going to fail this aren't I?"

Gonden an incredibly intelligent sixteen-year-old, who was shaven headed, and built like a wall, said, "Ifan have faith in yourself! We will be with you even if you must take the test a hundred times!"

"Flattering..." Ifan mumbled. Gonden also wore the same colours as Ifan clothing wise, but without the gold trim.

Maria, an optimistic blonde girl replied, "Ahh that long? I wonder if my children will call you Uncle Ifan? Don't worry, Ifan I'm sure and hope this will be the one!" The girl's uniform was a tight-fitting tunic and thigh high leather boots, a smaller cape that fit around their shoulders.

They made it to the exam hall and sat down on the desks.

"Thanks guys. Where would I be without you?" Ifan sighed.

"Running the country badly."

They all turned around to see Sabber leaning in the doorway. He was a sharp jawed teenager, his uniform from fights both in and out of school and had deep shaggy green hair.

Maria chided him "Don't scare him! Thats our leader!"

"I think I may try to overthrow him, right brother?" Sabber grinned. Ifan rested his head in his arms.

"C'mon guys I need to pass...I'm the oldest kid in school! My dad must be so ashamed of me!"

"Maybe you should have revised?" Gonden said helpfully.

"But that's boring." Ifan pouted.

Sabber ruffled his hair and sat next to him. "Your dad, our King will not care how long this takes you. We've got you."

Ifan nodded determinedly. The others left him to take his exam, a stern teacher taking their place. He picked up his pencil and began to write.

In the bright sunlight Ifan was redder than a rose. They all walked towards the castle.

"I really thought that was the one…" Maria said quietly.

Sabber kicked a rock, his hands behind his head. "Another year with Prince Ifan-our last year of weapon training! I'll be leaving next year!"

"Ugh, what a bore" Gonden shivered. All the major royal regions had an army, Quaa was the only region with a navy and Eland was completely military based.

As Ifan threw his results away, they all heard the siren to warn them of Darrka attacks. Casting a shadow over the town a giant black missile was seen flying over the town and hit the shops. The gang was blown away by the force and Sabber was the one who got up first and picked Ifan up from the scruff of his neck. "Get out of here now!"

A bewildered Ifan argued "No I can't leave you guys!"

"Ifan, you need to get out of here! Get away from the castle, we'll get help!" Sabber yelled at him.

Smoke was filling up the town quickly. Screams were heard once the initial impact sound quietened, and the streets were filling with scared citizens.

Gonden said to Ifan through coughs, "They'll soon come for the castle, go from here and we'll lead the others away!"

He pushed Ifan away from him. Screams were getting louder and black smoke was billowing into the air. Maria grabbed his hands and pleaded "Go get help! We'll need it!"

Another missile attacked and Ifan saw in the distance their knights on chocobo's, large yellow emu like birds that were used like horses. The smoke almost engulfed the entire town and within moments Ifan was pushed out the gates, just before the soldiers closed them. One soldier recognised Ifan and yelled that the nearest royal region was Quaa.

Ifan watched as a few civilians darted past him in panic.

The soldier ran to Ifan to join him, but a third missile landed on Ire town. The soldier spun around and shook his head at Ifan. "I have to help the others, Majesty, take refuge in Quaa!"

Quaa

Ifan ran on the green grass until he was far away from his town. Panting he looked up at the warm sky and turned to see the town smouldering. The Darrka never attacked the palaces. He'd never known them to use missiles, only their swords and shields. Something has gone terribly wrong. He walked on and on. He thought back to his father, the King and his father telling him; "When you are ready, the yellow blades will be yours. Our brothers in Eland will hone and sharpen them until then."

Ifan wanted his blades. He had to fight.

Some travellers took him via cart and chocobo and he had to take a small ferry alone. After a long walk, he saw the white tops of the Quaa buildings. Like Ire, the town was set up around a Column, but their Column was all white. The Columns were so massive, they resembled large walls from the distance. It was impossible to see the top of one.

As he neared the region's town, he saw a twisting wide river that blocked his path. "Oh no…" he began hopelessly.

A girl with lime green hair was bathing nearby in the river and he stared for a second and then looked away. The girl had different ideas. "You can have a closer look."

"Ah, I was just passing, I'll go now-"

"Passing? It looks as if you want to cross the river?"

"How did-" he stopped when she turned to face him. She hiked herself up on the grass and oddly began to dry immediately. Clothes appeared on her as she left the water. She wore a dark green sleeved crop top that was puffed and an ankle length purple skirt, a small attachment that was her coat of arms in gold. She wore knee length black boots with water drop detail in blue and on her forehead were three light blue dots that formed an upside-down triangle. She picked up a glass headed rod that was on the grass and said playfully "So you can't get any further?"

"Yes, I can."

"No, you cannot swim."

"How do you know all this about me?" He said exasperated.

She laughed and pointed to his eyes. "The Prince of Ire has white pupils not black."

He crossed his arms. "That's right! I'm Prince Ifan and you cannot tell me what I can or cannot do."

"Then by all means cross this river."

His face fell and leaning towards the water he swallowed hard.

His reflection was joined by hers. "Who are you by the way?"

"Princess Lernia. Of Quaa. We most likely met when we were babies. A parade was released when I was born. All I have heard are rumours about you."

"Good ones?" Ifans face lit up.

"You can't swim. Fight well. Something about a test you can't pass."

"Thats a lie." He said quickly.

"Why are you here anyway?" She asked as he stared at the water.

"I need to get to Eland. My home is being attacked by the Darrka. They suggested here first."

"What of your army?"

"The attack was...everything was smoke and-"

"Maybe you were just too scared and ran away?"

He narrowed his eyes at her and turned on his heel. "I have to get back!"

As he ran on, she called him back. "Don't go there! It was for your own safety".

He turned back to her and flapped his arms. "I can't just stay here! There must be a bridge here!"

"Let's go."

He looked confused. "What?"

"Just you and I. I'll help you get help. I'm bored anyway. Let's see how far I can get without being caught! I don't think you'll get help here. She turned to see her guards in the distance.

He stared for a while and said, "Don't you worry about your home being attacked?"

She tossed her hair back and smiled. "The Darrka army and Quaa have an agreement."

Ifan reluctantly joined her. She parted the river so that they could walk on the bed and Ifan was too stunned to ask how she knew this. He knew people used magic, but they were mostly short and had pointy hats.

"I'll need a weapon. I know there are fiends and monsters out here."

Lernia shrugged. "I'll protect you. I've learned to fight. You never know, we may find treasure."

Ifan shook his head. "Sure, I bet you can. But I need to learn to defend myself."

Lernia thought for a moment and looked at his two holsters.

"You'll need two…"

She summoned her guards over who were not pleased to see a strange man with the Princess. Using her magic, she flung the lake water at her guards, and in their spluttering, she took two daggers off them.

Running away with Ifan she laughed and said, "I'm a genius!"

As he ran with her, Ifan sheathed the blades and smiled.

Dora Caves

They walked through Dora caves which was a way out away from Quaa. Inside, they were attacked by bats and monsters and for the first time Ifan had to use his blades that wasn't just practice.

He and Sabber had both left Ire before, but he had never fought any real battles unlike Sabber. He and Lernia walked on talking about the Darrka and Ifan try to pry out information about their origins and her agreement, but she never budged.

The exit of the caves was close and as Lernia suggested, the pair had picked up treasures, rare items to heal wounds and Gil, the currency in their world.

Airnd

Eventually, after a long journey, they reached Airnd. Airnd, the land of dark skinned, blond hair inhabitants. They were master beast trainers and their region paired with the natural landscape. Wells, huts and stalls were dotted around the sparse landscape. It was stony and grey, with little foliage. The people wore sparse clothing, favouring animal hides over cotton and silk. Ifan's stomach grumbled. "I'm hungry do you think they have food here?"

Lernia turned up her nose. "This place? Looks like the Darrka have already attacked." As they entered, they were greeted with glares and grimaces but out of the blue Ifan was knocked over by a yellow blur. "Argh!"

"Hi! I'm Canareu!" A girl grinned down at him. "Welcome to Airnd!"

Lernia scoffed loudly.

The blonde jumped off of a near unconscious Ifan and said to Lernia, "Oh you look so grumpy! That's too bad for you! I love when people visit my town!" Ifan reached out his hand groggily to her and said, "Pleased to meet you kiddo," as he lay on the ground. Canareu grinned. She had her spiky short hair clipped from her face and wore metal orange bra cups, weighted down by heavy ribbons that reached around over her shoulders.

Feathered arm pieces fell from her elbows and a fur skirt was strapped to her with belts and a saddle on her left thigh. Her yellow ballet pumps were clawed.

Canareu was joined by a serious looking man with blond braids and a spear. "Who are these people?"

"Grumpy and giddy!"

"What brings you to our town?" He asked.

Ifan got up and brushed the dust off of himself. "The Darrka army has attacked my home, Ire. I'm asking anyone that can help." His stomach rumbled. "And the biggest chocobo roast you can find please!"

Canareu covered her mouth as the man gasped in horror, "You monster!"

Lernia tried not to laugh.

Ifan backed off seeing their yellow feathers. "I'll be leaving now-"

Canareu swallowed hard. "It's ok...how could you know? Let me ask the Aerial One- he would know what to do!"

As they reached the Aerial One, in a heavily decorated tepee, the others were surprised to see a massive chocobo on a gold throne. He looked so large; the throne was curving.

"Ariel One?" Lernia scoffed. "Can he even walk?"

Ifan frowned at her, then nodded to Canareu to continue. Canareu went onto one knee.

"Aerial one, Ifan needs help to defeat the Darrka army!"

The Aerial One grumbled, "Dear servant kwark you will need to know how to fly! To become as gold as the sun! You have a gift you need to master! These humans kwark are not bowing!"

Lernia and Ifan exchanged glances and went down to one knee.

She hung her head. "I know master. I've been trying with her. She's…such a free spirit."

"Kwark. They have a mighty army. We have our farms."

Ifan clenched his fist.

Lernia had to say, "Your farms are filled with weeds."

As Eland was such a large military, they could offer support, unless it was against other Royal regions.

Canareu bowed to the Aerial One and said to the others outside his tepee, "He has spoken. I'm sorry we can't help."

"We could use your help with the beasts?" Ifan suggested.

Canareu realised she could use more experience.

"Yes. OK! I'll come too; I won't let you down!" Ifan grinned as Lernia rolled her eyes.

Eland

Eland was a dusty brown region based in a valley, where giant watch towers were sprouted all over the town. Armies were training in their squads on the flat plains as dust kicked about the region.

Lernia sighed angrily. "This is worse than Airnd!"

They reached the city gates where two soldiers guarded. "Halt! Who goes there!"

"Prince Ifan and friends!" Ifan said hands on hips, with a massive grin. The soldiers looked at each other.

"He seems intoxicated, arrest them!"

The three found themselves in a dark prison. Lernia, after giving Ifan a crafty smile, put her hand up. "I can get us out of here."

"No, someone could get hurt!" Canareu said. Ifan looked about him and measured the distance with this sword. He managed to throw his dagger through the bars and knocked a soldier out with the hilt.

The other soldier rushed to the cell to teach Ifan a lesson, but Canareu kicked the keys out of his pocket and Ifan grabbed them before they fell to the ground. Lernia decided to help by knocking him away with a push of water magic.

As they opened the door from the cell, a large man blocked their exit. "Escaping?"

"Just getting lunch." Ifan grinned.

The man noticed his eyes. "Prince, I had no idea it was you!"

Ifan jumped. "You know me?"

"I know of you. I am Taial the General of the Eland army. I knew your father." Taial was a large, muscular man in dark blue overalls and a chain left the back of his head. On his back was a jack hammer; it looked impossible to carry to the others. He had dark green cropped hair and beard and a thin black crack mark on his temple.

"Ifan needs help. The Darrka army have attacked his hometown!" Canareu said.

"That's not all. I need my blades."

Taial sighed.

"Our army isn't ready yet. Our order from Ire has not arrived...and will not now…we cannot help you in this present state. But the Pure race could help, they may need assistance. See to them about the cleansing spell. They are trying to rid the Darrka of their evilness. They could be the light to rid the Darrka without any bloodshed."

"Why would an army man want that?" Lernia asked Taial.

He looked steadily at her clothes and her three markings. "No soldier wants to fight forever."

Ifan looked lost. "No one is ready to help me... all these armies and no one is ready! And what if the Darrka army find out about Pure's plan?"

"They do not have the energy to spy on the entire planet, prince. They are dark shadows. They do not have the power to survive on the planet as we do."

Ifan said nothing but was not convinced. "Well, where is Pure?"

"I'll show you, but I cannot stay long. I must tell the King about this attack." He turned to see his fallen soldiers. "You've hurt my men?" Canareu and Ifan smiled nervously. "Sorry…" They both began.

Taial took Ifan and the others to the armoury. In a vault were the two royal blades.

Taial lifted them out and passed them to Ifan.

"They're ready. Your father gave word that they were to be used soon."

"Heavy…" Ifan swung them both around a little. "They look like they are on fire."

Lernia realised Ifan looked serious. He really wanted to fight.

"Thank you, Taial. You know Pure? Please join us."

Taial looked hesitant. But he was intrigued as to what was going on. Half the Royal households were emptying.

"Of course."

Ifan grinned and Canareu jumped for joy. Lernia rolled her eyes. "What a gang leader you've become Ifan."

They all went to exit Eland and was blocked by a thin man wearing a bandana and military fatigues. "Brother!" he said, "Where are you off to?"

Taial hung his head. "Your Majesty. I must leave and lead the Prince of Ire to Pure."

"Prince? And the Princess of Quaa...how lovely it is to meet you."

"Thank you, dear sir and who may you be?"

"I am the King of Eland. I'm working on converting the earth Column into a massive watch tower to oversee the plains."

Lernia was impressed and was about to take his hand when Taial intervened. "Majesty Gaia, we shall leave now."

As they walked on, they all heard Gaia shout, "You are always turning your back on me brother!"

But the company didn't ask why he and his brother were at war.

Pure

Pure was a holy town that practiced rituals and prayed daily, prayers that were derived from century old books and scrolls. Their God could be communicated to in their temple, which was a large metal building with two outstanding turrets. They used white magic that could cure the ill and help their wounded. As the group came nearer to the entrance of their town, the white gates opened, and they were all enveloped in light. The town was beautiful, with white brick work and open spaces. Flowers and plants were flourishing and even the air seemed calm. Ifan breathed out. Beautiful…

Taial was surprised; the towns people were all smiling in their white robes and laughing with each other. He couldn't imagine a place so peaceful. "I've never been to a place without a Column! This place is lovely here!" Canareu said happily.

"It's strange...have I been here before?" Taial asked softy.

Canareu agreed. "It's like a warm hug this place!"

Lernia stood back from everyone else. She could feel it too. Her home was exquisite, but this feeling…

Ifan looked at everyone's starry eyed and shrugged. This was all new to him.

The towns folk, with their crisp white tunics, welcomed them and made them feel at ease. They were given simple food and a tour of the town. A middle-aged man named Cid, who wore a white aviator jacket that matched his white hair and beard was their guide and he said, "This town was a dump before he came along. He's helped me create the most wonderful invention I have ever seen, come take a look!" He showed them a metal fountain, the water wasn't clear but a glittery aura. It spilled out of the machine and bounced as it hit the basin. Ifan touched it and declared happily "It's warm!"

Lernia asked "Who made this? What is it?"

"It's potion. Thats what I call it."

They turned to see a dark blue haired boy, three halos above his head. He wore a white shirt embroidered with wings and wore sky blue trousers. His ears were pierced with gold studs, and he wore matching bangles. He looked around eight years old.

Lernia laughed, "What, did it take you three attempts to make that?"

The boy didn't look amused as Cid explained "These are our guests, Arlem."

"Arlem?" Taial had seen that name before in a book about the town's religion.

"I made this fountain. Now, no one in Pure will ever get sick." Arlem held his arms out proudly.

"Thats seems unnatural. There is an order to everyone's life." Lernia stated.

He shook his head as the company loomed over him. "I think we're all a little disordered for that. Besides, it doesn't stop illnesses, just cures them.

Suddenly they heard the towns people scream and as they ran and followed the screams getting louder, they all looked up. Up in the sky was a red bikini clad woman with thick red hair that cascaded down to her ankles. Two points of her hair were pulled into horns.

She was grinning maniacally and held a small blonde girl.

"Aela!" Cid cried out. Arlem threw one of his halos like a discus, but the woman dodged it. "Not this time child!"

She looked about her. "Prince Ifan? Isn't your home in ruins? We're still there, right?"

Ifan yelled back "How could you? Come fight us now!"

"My army will not stop at your word, Prince Ifan. Now, I've leaving with the girl-she'll make a fine meal, Arlem right? Unless you wanna tell me, is today the day?"

"Never! I will never teach you Lifja!"

"Then it's dinner time! Goodbye for now!" She flew away and Cid ran in the woman's direction. "Arlem I will follow in my airship!"

Ifan flapped his arms. "What was that about?"

"Surbaria is the Darrka's general. She lives in Hell. She respects your town because of the fire relations." Arlem explained.

"But she destroyed it! We're not Hell at all!"

"That is odd… I can't see why she would do that…she hates our town because of the connection to Heaven. But she hasn't touched our town, and always kidnaps Aela, and runs off and Cid saves her."

"So, you're not worried?" Canareu asked.

"I am... but because she knows that I won't teach her Lifja if Aela is hurt, she can't hurt Aela. what worries me is that she will be brainwashing Aela to become part of her Darrka army. That's why Cid follows her."

"What's Lifja and why aren't you helping Cid?" Ifan asked.

"Lifja can resurrect people from the dead. I don't know it myself, but the Jester does, and he is far away from us. She wants to revive her army, so they are more than shadows. If she uses Lifja on her army, they'd be unstoppable. I can't help Cid. I've created the airship for him, but Suburbia and I are equals. She knows it as do I."

"So, you'd be deadlocked?" Taial suggested.

"Yes." Arlem hung his head.

"I want to go back to Ire." Ifan said after a moment.

"The best route is to go around and not backwards. Shall we go to Iecu?" Taial asked.

"Never, I'll freeze!" Lernia protested.

"Then I'm sorry Lernia, I'll have to leave you here. I'll see you-"

He began to walk away with Canareu and Taial, but she called out angrily, "You can't just leave me here! How could you?"

Ifan stopped walking but said nothing. Arlem had an idea. "Surbaria will most likely be in Ire. If I can come along maybe I can slow her down? And you can help your town out?"

Ifan smiled kindly and turned to Arlem and said, "Thank you. So can you help Lernia not freeze?"

Arlem nodded as Lernia shook her head. She was angry as everyone knew but there was already so much fighting, they didn't want to dwell on it.

Boluta

As they neared the cold town of Iecu fringed with mountains and snow, Canareu jumped into Taial's arms and said happily, "Keep me warm!"

He rolled his eyes and said, "Sure…" and Ifan happily jumped onto his back much to his protests. Everyone laughed and Lernia stood back from their group and followed them reluctantly.

Before they reached Iecu the town of Boluta loomed. Boluta was a rain drenched city with a storm raging on constantly. Flashes of lighting lit up the sky. It looked like it used to be nice, with strong architecture and a lot of pylons. Arlem explained to the others "Boluta used to be a royal city. I've never visited here before, but we have heard many stories. It used to be sunny here but one day the spoilt prince demanded something awesome. Was it the power of Odin? But Odin said that he had to work for it. But being a spoilt prince, he refused and wanted it instantly. Even the king scolded him for his attitude. But one day, he tried to kill himself and took poison. But his girlfriend at the time stopped him. I think it was the wrong drink… So, the Prince became a pauper and once the king died everything fell to pieces."

"Amazing." Ifan said, "Didn't anyone help him?"

"He was too stubborn." Arlem said with a what-can-you-do smile.

Taial searched his pockets for Gil. "We should get some cloth to protect us from the storms of Iecu."

As he left for a shop, Lernia shivered and moaned, "It's too cold here! My hair is messy. My dress is dirty." They all followed Taial who went to the shop except for Lernia who was left by herself. She went to explore the town and saw the shops were guarded and the people looked so down trod and miserable. She saw no sign of the palace. Bored, she took out her rod and practiced some moves when a man said to her, "You'll get electrocuted."

She turned to see a thin, tall pale man with brown dreadlocks some pink some blue and even in the darkness she could see he had the yellowest eyes she had ever seen. His pupils were lightning bolts. He wore a very high-necked purple jumper, split like a flower by his chin with square material trailing off his sleeves and tight red trousers. Darts were affixed to his black belt.

"I think I already have." She said dreamily. "We're off to Iecu, do you know anything about the place?"

He shook his head and was about to turn on his heel when she said, "I could use the company? These…people are not very entertaining."

The man turned and narrowed his eyes and as they got closer, she saw lightening rod on his crown. "I was born with it." He said quickly. Canareu ran to them and stopped in her tracks. They both stared at each other until Lernia announced "This is my new friend-urm...your name?"

"Regal."

Lernia led him away from Canareu and Ifan, who wearing several cloths and robes, asked after running up to her, "Who was that with Lernia?" Canareu sighed and said wistfully, "Her…new friend."

Iecu

They walked to Iecu where Lernia was almost blue from the cold. Everything became white as they went up the mountainside. Lernia hid behind Regal and Taial held Arlem and Canareu and Ifan.

The journey was tough, with monsters hungry for food. Ifan used his blades to attack them, Arlem his discus. Lernia used her rod and Regal his darts. Taial used his jack hammer against the heavily shielded monsters. Canareu used her kicks to help the others. Exhausted from fighting and the cold they were relieved to find a small inn they could rest in.

Ifan, after a night rest felt braver to walk on ahead. He stopped when a group of white tigers landed in front of him. Ifan slowly slipped out his blades but in a flash the tigers were down and there was a red stain on the snow. Through the snow, Ifan could see a young girl about twelve, her dark blue hair pulled into a tight ponytail with bands, a sleeveless sky-blue shirt, and lace shorts with matching knee-high boots and elbow high gloves. Her brown eyes barely blinking. In her hand was a scythe and everyone felt colder just by looking at her, but she stood strong against the wind.

"Who goes there?" Ifan asked.

"My name is Shanna." They stood on the path as the wind picked up. Her voice was flat and emotionless.

"Which way do we go?"

She gave it a thought and said, "I will lead you. You, are the Prince of Ire. I will keep you safe."

Lernia raised her brow. The little girl at least had confidence, if perhaps delusional.

"For anything in return?" Ifan asked her.

She shook her head.

"No…someone tells me I should help."

Ifan was the only one of the group that looked incredibly confused.

Ire

The road and route they took led them back its Ire. The snow melted into rain and soon they were faced with great grassy plains. It was a long journey, and they fought many feral monsters and animals on route. Shanna's scythe cut through the monsters like a knife through a cloud. Small towns and inns offered respite and none of the Royals enjoyed sleeping in a tent.

One tent evening, around a fire, he thanked them all for helping them. The others didn't know if they had or not, but they had come this far.

Ifan, who had barely visited outside his home wished he could enjoy his journey.

Reaching closer, it was night and the stars shone brightly. Ifan ran across the plains, and could see his home, a smouldering wreck. The others stood back as he ran inside the gates. To his amazement it was empty, no living persons at all. Even the fires were slowly dying down. Surbaria and the army attacked and left.

He hated the silence.

The shops were rubble and the school a piece of charcoal. Even though smoke was still in the air, he went towards the castle.

Around the castle was a small moat and as he neared, he saw Gonden, lying on the ground. Running to his friends burnt body, tears pricked his eyes. No life was left in his kind-hearted friend. Turning his head he saw Maria, her beautiful body scarred and bloodied. He closed his eyes tightly and when he looked up, he was relieved to see Sabber was ok. He was looking out from a bridge that crossed the moat, his scarf more torn than ever. "Sabber!" Ifan ran to him. "Maria and Gonden...they're dead...I…"

He stood next to Sabber who was silently overlooking the black waters. After a while, he said, "I figured they were." His voice was ghostly.

"Are you ok?" Ifan asked him urgently. Sabber never faced Ifan and replied, "I'm glad you're here Ifan. You know it would have been a good day to go fishing. Can you imagine?"

"We...we still can-"

Sabber laughed and saw the others watching on sadly. "I see you have made new friends. That's good Ifan. You will not do well alone."

"I don't want them as new friends...I... just want you three."

"It's a good thing to see the world. Your father-and everyone had to let you go at some point." He coughed. He was covered in blood and ash, his eyes vacant.

Ifan clenched his fists. "You are here with me! He's gone, isn't he? My father?"

Sabber turned away. "I don't want to leave you Sabber. Come with me! Like an adventure when we were kids!"

Sabber smiled at the memories. He turned and faced Ifan who was almost close to breaking down. "Listen to me, Ifan."

Ifan was horrified to see a piece of shrapnel in Sabber's side. "Your father helped us all. Our army fought well…it just wasn't enough. You'll lead this new nation into the sunlight. Everything will be ok when the sun rises." It was then that Sabber fell to the ground and Ifan burst into tears. He knelt to Sabber and rested his forehead on his friend's chest.

His friends and father…I should have stayed…he thought emptily.

The others were silent when he walked back to them, head hung. As he walked, his fists were clenched, and an aura rose around him making his cape float. His hair grew longer, and his skin grew darker. His body increased in size and his clothes formed a loin cloth and a massive, beaded necklace appeared around his neck. His square earring became spiker and gold material was wrapped around his wrists and ankles. Black horns grew from his head and Taial dropped his jaw. "Ifrit?"

Ifrit began to roar, an earth-shaking bellow that shook the others as well. His yell created a flame that blasted the buildings around him. Taial with his quick thinking grew as well and became Titan the owner of the lands. He was a barrel chested pale green skin monster with a massive chain from the back of his head that looked like a ponytail. Black crack tattoos were wrapped around his muscular body and bolts and metal were hammered into his shoulders.

He built a wall using the earth beneath them and Canareu exclaimed, "You're Titan!" He nodded and carried on creating the wall.

They could all feel the heat even behind the wall and as the flames grew hotter Lernia shook her head. "He'll kill us all!" She stood up and transformed as well. In a wave of water, her lime green hair became darker to a deep emerald that reached her ankles, her dress material covered her midriff and chest forming a floor-length sleeved robe. Her skin became light green and her forehead marking became more intricate as it covered her whole forehead. She became Leviathan.

She rode on a bright blue wave of water and flew towards Ifrit. His rage was so powerful, he didn't even notice her approaching.

As she encircled the fire, the waters from her skirt doused it, and soon she reached Ifrit in the middle and placed a finger on his lips. Shocked, he stood back and slowly Ifan returned to his usual form. He was still crying and shuddering and instead of comforting him, Leviathan looked down in unemphatically.

Ire had been burned again, but this time, it was ash being torched.

Quaa

They all walked to Quaa, Ifan paler than usual. All Lernia said was to them was that she wanted to see her parents. Taial and Canareu helped Ifan walk, as each step was an ache. Ifan was relieved for the carts and modes of transport they could use instead of walking.

Regal was shocked at the amount of power he held and Arlem was relieved the Sun was rising.

Except Ifan none of them had ever been to Quaa and were fascinated by it all. There were marble walls and small streams cut through the floors of the town. A giant snake fountain was in the middle of the town and the town itself was immaculate. It wasn't as welcoming or as warm as Pure, however. Canareu felt incredibly noticed in this town with her sparse hides.

Lernia ran to her parents once they were inside the castle. "Mu, Dairlo!" She hugged them hard.

"Lernia? Where have you been?"

"You know you can't just run off!" Her father chided.

"I have been on a journey-this is where I met these people-they're just like me!"

"Prince Ifan? Your hometown has been destroyed...how very unfortunate." Her mother said blankly.

The others nodded awkwardly and Lernia was pulled aside by her tutor. He was a thin man in black robes with dark blue hair.

She never went to school and was taught how to fight by her tutor.

The others waited for her, and Ifan asked Taial, "What was that? What happened to me?"

"You hold the Deity Ifrit in you. I have the power of earth as Titan."

"I hold the wind!" Carneau said happily then blushed as she heard it out loud.

"I hold Holy. Alexander" Arlem said.

"I control Lightening. Rahmuh."

"Shiva of ice is mine." Shanna replied.

"All of these elements...and I'm fire? I had no idea!"

"We were all born as we were. Our parents most likely knew from our birth. The spirit Deity tells them when we are born. Lernia is Leviathan. Her parents are royalty so somewhere someone knew she would house the spirit. She is our oceans. She is very important."

Ifan nodded as he listened.

"But...how do we control this? Why didn't my father tell me...and Holy and Lightening? They're not elements…."

"There are many Deities. You four are the main ones, I guess. I, Regal and Shanna are just as key, but we are the Rhougia of the elements."

Ifan looked blank. "The what?" Ifan asked Arlem.

"We are the threads of your four spirits."

Ifan sighed. Why would father hide this from me? Was he really that disappointed in me?

He turned to face them all. "How do you all know? Like when?"

"When I was a kid! Mama and Dada taught me how to be with her!" Canareu said happily.

"I feel for you Ifan. Not growing up with your Deity. As they are spirits, they take form of what we are. Your Deity can become your guide, your best friend…"

"Even lovers?" Ifan had to ask.

"No!" Arlem said quickly.

"Your Deity is like an empty vessel you fill with your traits. That could range from your hidden desires, to how you appear to strangers. Your Deity can never take over you completely. Such as Hades, a dark spirit but the girl that houses him is not dark in herself at all." Regal explained.

He nodded and placed his hand on his chest. It was so new to him…He never learnt anything about the spirits, Deities only why the Columns exist.

"So, Ifrit will be like me...another part of me and still his own spirit. And he is here to protect me?"

"You should think of your spirit as your extension" They all looked at Shanna who said this seriously.

Ifan stretched his arms and said, "So, where are they from? Are they ghosts? Old humans?"

Taial looked at the others and said, "We do not know yet. We know to respect the spirit, as they respect us."

Lernia's tutor held her hand much to her annoyance in the library and sang "Ms Lernia! Come with me and fulfil your destiny! The Darrka army has told me their secrets! Think, you can live forever in the darkness of night, and you would never rot!"

She pulled her hand away. "What is the matter with you? I'll never become them!"

The tutor's eye twitched and he lunged at her grabbing her throat.

"You have no choice!"

A black smoke escaped his mouth and as it did, Leviathan appeared and knocked him away. The loud crash was heard by everyone, and her mother ran to Lernia's side. Her father shouted to the teacher "You insolent fool! Leave this palace at once!"

He clicked his fingers and white cloaked guards escorted him out as the tutor said to Lernia calmly, "Darkness has no bounds."

Her parents bowed to Leviathan who faded back into Lernia.

Lernia held her throat in shock as Regal asked her, "Are you ok?"

She nodded and said "Mu, he made a deal with the Darrka."

"What? But we made a deal!" she squawked.

"Your majesty." Her husband said warningly.

Taial gripped his head. "Prince Ifan...we need to head to Eland-the ground is crying!"

"Lernia is staying here. Eland is no place for a Princess", her father said as Canareu pouted.

"Dairlo, let me, I can do what I want!"

"What does Leviathan say?"

Lernia closed her eyes and said softly, "I need to go...if we don't help then the Darrka could well attack Quaa."

Her father sighed. "You must go."

Ifan wondered why they believed her so quickly. At least she was offering her help.

"Even if it is selfish, please we must go now!" Taial said eagerly.

As they ran on, Lernia quickly turned to her mother and said, "Did you see that tall man?" She nodded.

"Isn't he gorgeous?"

"He is indeed!" Her mother said approvingly.

When Lernia left, Lead, the Commander of the Quaa Navy was waiting to speak to the King. He was a handsome man, with dark blue hair and a wonderful tan. He was well renowned but only had eyes for Lernia who was the only one who didn't notice. She found him far too uptight.

"Lernia…Your majesties, is she alright?"

Her mother nodded. "Yes, Commander. Once she expends this energy, she'll be back."

Eland

As they journeyed, Ifan was more than happy to lead the way, much to Taial's annoyance, as Ifan had no idea where he was going.

Arlem was distracted by the herbs and grasses on route and Canareu happily skipped between them.

At one point, Lernia sighed, agitatedly. "No one can be that happy all the time." She said to Regal as they walked together.

He smirked at her.

"Maybe you could use some of her energy."

Lernia looked genuinely offended and quickly said, "I reserve my energy for special people."

Regal placed his hand on her back and said, "I'm glad to hear that."

They walked on together, but he couldn't take his eyes off Canareu.

When they reached Eland after a long trip, the black Darrka army had taken over. Taial ran to meet Gaia who was watching from the watch tower. "Gaia? How could you let this happen?"

"That's King Gaia to you! They ambushed us!"

"I'll use Titan-just call the troops back!"

Gaia shook his head angrily. "Never. If you knew that Titan could handle the Darrka army then why watch this land use money on weapons and training?"

Taial shook his head, Titan silent on the inside. Taial eventually said, "He isn't a weapon. The other Deities are here-they can help!" They both turned when the sound of bombs were let off.

Gaia didn't want to lose his army. "Good. Then go for it."

Taial shook his head in annoyance and leapt out of the watch tower and transformed into Titan landing with a mighty quake on the ground. Shiva was released and wore a sparkling purple bikini, barely covering her pale blue skin, her long tight ponytail swaying wildly, as she froze the army in massive waves of ice. She had long elf ears, stabbed with many gems and earrings, her nails as sharp as claws.

Rahmuh, who looked like an older version of Regal, with a small grey beard and long-sleeved robes that reached the ground, bolted the Darrka army. The brown dreads were pulled into white spikes and his pylon had grown more ornate.

Chocobo, was a paler skinned version of Canareu with only feathers covering her body, her feet had become clawed like that of the birds, kicked up little tornados at the enemies. She wore a metal mask, an armour usually reserved for the giant birds over their beaks in battle. Leviathan washed the Darrka army away and Alexander a teenager, used his white light to dissipate the enemies. Alexander was a covered in silver, glistening knight armour his face obscured. His halos looked like they were made of thin gold in a mandala pattern over his head. He used his white light to heal the wounded Elandians as they ran to safety and to burn the dark shadows with his light.

Ifan was hiding behind a wall as more Darrka erupted from beneath the ground. "Ok Ifrit. I can do this. We can do this. I just have to get mad. I think." He closed his eyes. His skin went red to purple, and he realised he was just holding his breath. "Ifrit!" he called out in desperation. As he stood there, a red glow came about him and Ifrit appeared.

"Ifrit…" Ifrit couldn't speak but faced him as Ifan smiled. "I can understand you. In my mind. Can you help me?"

Ifrit nodded.

"Ifrit…you've been with me all this time, and I never knew you. But we're here now, I feel like I've known you forever."

Ifrit nodded, again, as he towered over Ifan.

Ifan looked out the battlefield to see these god-like beasts defeat the shadow army. They looked so beautiful.

Ifrit seeped into Ifan, and they leapt into the battlefield, Ifrit now taking over has Ifan's appearance, his flame disintegrated the army leaving a fine ash.

Gaia watched in fascination as the black army almost vanished in front of him. "Oh no…" he almost said sarcastically. "There are none left."

Taial exhausted from using his power for so long, went up the stairs to meet his bother once the battlefield had cleared.

"Gaia…"

"Brother," he said quickly. "I never understood you. You own the earth and all I own is this plain. And yet you still detest me."

"I detest your ideas. You wanted the Darrka army to win, didn't you?"

Gaia shrugged.

"Why?"

"They promise a life without death. How could I not say yes to that?"

"We live life to the fullest and then we rest. A life without death is just pure chaos." Taial said gently.

"You have no idea."

Ifan ran up the stairs excitedly. "Your Majesty Gaia! Or just Gaia I'm a Majesty too, did you see? We won!"

The brothers frowned at each other.

"What exactly did we win?" Gaia replied.

Ifan shrugged happily and went back to the others. Taial watched his brother. "I'm sorry for not letting you become King."

"You did nearly end my life when father died. Don't be sorry. I am one with Titan."

"We never got on. You were always so weak to me. I felt pity at first that Titan wanted to rest in you. I felt he pitied you too. But he saved your life. I want to say this. In case I never want to see you again."

"I won't allow it. Surbaria is a general of an army that can be defeated. She can be defeated."

"She needed me to change the Elandians into the Darrka. There has to be a want to change someone. Otherwise, their conscience will not be Darrka or human."

Taial looked at his brother wearily. "Then, who is to blame?"

Darkuson

Taial left Gaia and told the others they should stay in Darkuson, a town near on the outskirts of Eland, to see if there were any supplies they could send back to Eland.

The town of Darkuson was worse than Boluta. No one smiled, the shops were only lit by candles, and everyone kept their heads down avoiding each other. Black ash and smog choked the town.

Though they were downtrodden they were the nearest town to the Trade Road, and many supplies, cloth and metal was pumped into the town and back out to the world. The money was used to keep the town in darkness much to the mayor's choice. Quaa traded a lot with this defeated town, but Lernia had no idea.

A hotel was on a hill where fir trees framed the scene. The smog was from an industrial unit not too far from the town, which billowed the black smog over the trees, blocking out the sun. The sun hadn't been seen by some of the locals in years.

Taial went to the pale receptionist. "May we have seven rooms please?"

"There is only four available, sir."

"Wait, we have to figure out who stays with who!" Ifan said.

"Well, I could stay with Canareu," Arlem said, and she hugged him hard.

"Regal and I will stay in one room." Lernia winked to Regal.

"So that just leaves me with Taial, aw man, can't we swap Arlem?"

"It's fine." Regal said firmly.

"And Shanna?" asked Canareu.

Ifan winced. She was so quiet, he forgot she was even there sometimes.

"I'm fine." She walked away. Regal stretched out. "I need to freshen up."

"Me too!" Ifan said happily and followed him to the baths. Lernia left as did Taial.

"Are you ok?" Canareu was asked by Arlem. She watched Regal walk away.

"I feel odd...let's go get some food!"

In the baths, Ifan popped a bubble and sighed. He lay back in the bubbled filled bath as Regal did in his, divided by silk curtains. "I miss my bath back home."

The interior of the hotel was red and gold and hadn't been cleaned in a long time. Regal refused to use the amenities until it had been cleaned twice. He was in the tub next to Ifan, a candle on a tray making their silhouettes dance.

"So how did Lernia and you meet?"

"She was urm...dancing...near Dora caves." He lied to Regal. "So…you two hit it off quickly?"

"It's just a fancy. She is so beautiful." Regal admitted.

"Well, I don't know if she thinks of it that way…"

"Well, I do. Not going settle with her and her mad mother. Nothing serious yet."

"Yet?"

Regal said nothing so Ifan began to hum a tune that annoyed Regal. "I'm not in love. With Lernia. There is someone else. This girl…" His voice lightened. "She was like a lightning bolt...her eyes the colour of the ocean and body like siren...the nature of a happy person. I need someone like that from the grim of Boluta. Then Lernia came and I…"

As Ifans eyes widened, he stood up, yanking the curtain back, he realised, "You're in love with Canareu!"

Regal dropped his jaw at the white foamy naked man pointing at him. He pulled the curtain back and Ifan slowly sat back down, red as a ruby. After an awkward moment of silence, Regal said, "I do want to know her better."

Ifan smiled. Then after a beat. "What about Lernia? I don't think she'll happily sit by while you leave her for Canareu."

Regal laughed wickedly. "I can have both."

Ifan rested his head back on the bathtub. "Don't do that…" He replied frankly.

Regal clicked his fingers. "You ask her out. I know you like her."

Ifan stared at his wrinkling hands. "She's not stupid. I don't think she likes me. Anyone really."

"As long as she isn't alone, she will be happy."

Ifan looked at his wrinkled hands. Did he even like Lernia that way?

After their baths, Regal went to find Canareu. Regal saw Arlem with a massive chocolate cake in his hand in the hallway.

"Where's Canareu?"

Arlem yawned. "She's taking a walk."

"It's raining?"

"Well make sure she's wearing a hat." Regal briefly wondered if he was drunk as the little boy staggered around the corner.

Regal ran outside to find Canareu and saw her sitting on a rock getting absolutely drenched in the rain. "Canareu?"

She spun around quickly. "Regal?" She quickly wiped her hot tears away.

"It's ok." He said as the rain battered them. "It looks like rain."

She nodded and stood but couldn't face him. "What is it?" He asked her.

"I feel so strange. I don't cry ever. But now I feel so sad I hate it. I can't…it's like my chest hurts when I see you. Harder when I see you and Lernia together. I know…you and I are not friends but…I just feel sad now."

He gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Can you be happy for me?" He pulled her around and kissed her as she widened her eyes in shock.

"R-regal?"

He shook his head smiling and his dreads here almost hanging straight. "I just wanted to tell you I want to be with you...hold you and kiss you, Canareu."

"I don't want to hurt Lernia…"

"It's just a fancy. Please believe me. And Ifan is very relieved." She smiled and both shuddering they hugged each other hard, ignoring the heavy rain.

She knew he was being hasty but seeing him smile was like watching the sun burst from the clouds.

As morning arrived, Ifan waited outside Lernia's room. Regal had locked it and Ifan was told to wait until he had finished. Ifan closed his eyes. He didn't want anyone to be hurt. Canareu was happier than ever at least...Ifan craned to listen to the door and couldn't hear screaming.

Just then the door was unlocked. Regal smiled at a pale Ifan and said, "Get in there kiddo." Canareu left with him, her face pensive. They closed the door behind them, and Ifan placed a hand on the door. He couldn't tell her anything yet. He wasn't sure how he felt about her anyway, whether it was just for her personality or her body...he sighed and walked away. None of them realised that Lernia was crying near the window, last night's rain beaded on the glass. Shanna, who was on the roof directly above the window to scope the area for Darrka had heard everything and watched the grey skies.

They all reconvened in the lobby. Taial frowned and said, "Something isn't right…"

"If it's about," Ifan gestured his head to Canareu and Taial snapped, "I don't care for gossip."

They all followed him outside as he said, "The ground…something does not feel right. The ground is in agony!"

Before he could finish his sentence, the ground beneath them parted and they were all swallowed up. The towns people hid in their houses watching in surprise. They then panicked more so as the hole increased in size.

Darkuson Caves

The gang found themselves in a winding cave and monsters could be heard from the corners. Ifan held his palm up and a little flame appeared. "Amazing! It doesn't hurt either!"

"Then lead the way!" Canareu chirped.

"Oh ok!" he flustered. They followed him as he led the way, and they were stopped by a massive door, polished like a mirror.

"Dead end." Muttered Ifan.

"But not for my dearest Lernia!" Behind them came out the tutor, eyes shaded red.

"Sir, what are you doing here?" Lernia was baffled.

"This is the Darrka base. Only members are allowed here."

"Their base? It makes sense that it would be in Darkuson...it has taken us so long to find." Taial said.

"We are members!" Ifan began to drone with his hands outstretched "We-are-in love with the Darrka…. lord"

"Quiet you child! Only if you join us will we let you in-if not we will kill you! We can become stronger in minutes, unlike humans!"

"What about the plan where we kill you?" Shanna lunged forward and attacked him, so he fell to the floor. Everyone gasped.

"Shanna!" Arlem cried out.

"He was in our way."

Lernia looked down on her old tutor.

"He may rise soon. The darkness can awaken even the dead. Let's move on." Shanna informed her.

Further still in the caves, they saw a very empty hollow room with one caged hole. It was giant.

"That looks bad…"

Ifan flapped his hand and examined the chests. Gold, armour and swords were piled high in them.

"This will help a lot!"

As he pocketed the gems, they all heard a roar. Blasting the cage doors open was a feral beast, which looked like a giant horned purple tiger. Behemoth.

Arlem attacked with his discus and Regal with his darts. Ifan, Taial and Shanna leapt closer to attack the beast head on and Lernia used her water magic. Canareu ran to help, but the beast shook them all off. They quickly had to decide if they should use their Deities, but beast snatched Canareu up in its jaws. Ifan's blades set alight and in a quick flurry, he managed to free Canareu from its jaw.

"Thank you!" She exclaimed. Arlem ran to heal her, as the others fought hard to defeat the giant ravenous monster.

Using their weapons with magic seemed to do the trick. Lightening, fire, ice, earth and water all fused into the weapons and took the monster down.

Healed, Canareu's shoes were imbued with wind, so she sailed through the air with her kick attacks.

As the monster lay on the floor, the gang panted.

Ifan grinned at Taial. "Wow. That's the biggest monster I've ever seen!"

Taial nodded and Arlem stood with Canareu. "What is that noise?"

The ceiling of the room began to sparkle and fall apart, and Regal shouted to them all, "Get out! They're meteorites?"

They managed to escape, the sounds of meteorites colliding with the floor.

They all ended up in a heap as the room entrance caved in.

As the dust cleared, they all got up, Ifan checking his pockets to see what gems had survived his tumble.

They continued their way further into the caves, fending themselves off from monsters who all seemed very much at home in the dark dreary caves. Around a small corner they saw a small sparking pond. Arlem smiled as the waters light shone on his face. "Take this if you need it."

Lernia pulled a face. "Dirty cave water? No, thank you."

His eyes glittered. "It's potion."

They made it to a large set of ornate doors, gold and silver.

The door creaked open, and Shanna led the way in.

Surbaria was talking to a man on a giant silver throne, as she sat on the armrest.

"How are the troops doing?" He asked her.

"Very well master. We lost at Eland as those gods appeared. But I want to take the town of Airnd down. My fault for starting off big."

"Try again with the earth land. I need earth before air."

"Yes sir, and of Quaa?"

"Leave them be. I will need a government for the peons, and they will be ideal. They're focus is power, like myself. I may have given them too much rope, however. And of these gods? What do you propose?"

She thought for a moment. "It's a risky move but I have a plan. It'll work, right?" As she got up from his armrest, she winked at him and said, "Good luck sir."

When the others entered the huge hall, that looked like it was a hollowed-out tiled cave, they stopped still. On the throne was a half man half dragon with red eyes and grey skin. He looked like a man, but his armour was so crafted onto his skin, they didn't know if it was his own body that had sprouted the intricate spikes. "Welcome children. I am Gigagon."

"Giga-what? Are you the one who did all this?" Ifan asked angrily.

"Yes. The man of fire. Are you impressed with my work?"

"What? You killed my friends and family and destroyed my town! Why could you have wanted to do that?" Ifan was held back by Regal.

"So, you haven't come here for the little girl?"

"Aela!" Arlem ran to her. She was hung on the wall adjacent to the throne in chains and a gag in her mouth. Arlem jumped up to her and took out the gag and she spluttered, "Don't tell them about Lifja!"

"I won't-are you ok?"

"She does not matter to me. My plans are being realised now."

"I guess you are going to tell us?" Lernia said folding her arms.

"Why not? You won't be able to stop me. You are very fond of this planet, aren't you? I used to be, until I found something more sacred than this planet."

"What could be more sacred than our planet?" Taial asked in angry confusion.

"The absolute opposite." Shanna said quietly.

"I need to preserve it. And only one thing can do that. Like a drop of oil to a flame the planet must be transformed into an Iron City to fuel my world. It will provide red energy and power to my new cosmos! The Column's you made to protect this planet will be its very downfall, as you have given me the technology to harvest its very self!"

"The cosmos has never needed your help or anyone else's for that matter! What makes you think you need to change it how you are?" Taial yelled.

"You want to destroy it all for something you cannot touch!" Arlem shouted.

"Please dear child." Gigagon held up his hand "My people are not from here. There are other forces outside of this planet. With the iron city here and your spirits being fuelled into space, my people can live for all eternity, anywhere."

"We'll never let you do this!" Ifan cried out. "I don't care about your people! There are people here that need protecting."

"My dear prince, the Columns are firewood for my new ocean of life. Ire has been taken down as has Airnd."

"No! That woman was just here?" Canareu tried to lunge towards him, but Taial held her arm back.

"Soon Eland will be turned into a Darrka factory, too. The more fuel and spirits I have the better!"

Gigagon tilted his head when he saw Lernia.

"The Water Princess? You still haven't accepted the Darrka? Perhaps Quaa can't see the true way and deserves to go the way of the other weak nations."

"You are lying snake! The Darrka can't attack Quaa!" Lernia readied her weapon.

Gigagon smirked. "The deal was to have your people as a government. But only your teacher converted, not you or your family. Perhaps the holy chemical potion will be an ideal solution? My species can live without water. And Lifja, we may not need that now that I have a bigger plan. I don't believe it could bring back the dead. My Darrka army will suit just fine."

Arlem shouted out that he was a mad man when Ifan shook his head. His father must have refused the Darrka. He was relieved and saddened he was punished for it. He became Ifrit.

Gigagon stood up, and Aela hid behind Taial.

"Fire…a most corrosive force."

Slowly he became the legendary king of dragons Bahamut with a long neck, serpent head and magnificent silver wings. Bahamut roared, "You maggots cannot touch my silver armour!" He opened his mouth, and a white-hot energy came out his gaping jaw. The others were slammed into the wall as Titan tried to block out as much as he could with his protective wall. All the humans were taken over by their Deities at this point. Even before the light could disappear, Bahamut fanned out his wings and burst into the ceiling. As he flew up, a ruby dropped onto the ground.

Shiva went to get the ruby. "Is that his blood? Doesn't he want us to hurt?" Shanna asked Shiva.

"No baby look! I don't think the dragon has any choice in this! Gigagon has changed our baby's mind. This is Bahamut's blood, not Gigagon's. We must help our fellow Deity!"

Ifan said in a raspy voice, "Are you sure Shiva? Should we help it? I mean I know he's one of you, but did you know him?"

Shiva shook her head. "No, not personally. He comes from a very far place than we did. But we can try. If we can cure the dragon from pain, he will listen to reason!"

Taial had a plan. "So, you think the ruby is his heart? His blood? Maybe if we can fix it, Bahamut will listen to reason and not Gigagon?"

Aela who looked smoky and burnt shook her head.

"I don't think that is right, Arlem."

"Did you hear anything about them?"

"No... Gigagon and Bahamut seemed so…" She interlaced her little fingers together. "I didn't know Deities could be controlled?"

Shiva smiled happily at Aela. "Gigagon must be very strong! We'll take the ruby to Mirun! That is where my guru lives!"

"Guru?" asked Ifan.

"Well, not guru but he knows so much, baby! He kept me company in Iecu!"

"There are children around." Lernia raised a brow.

"Oh! Don't make me blush! He's a very wise moogle! I mean he was around when there were no other humans!" A moogle was a white koala like creature with high intelligence. They could use their little bat wings to fly and had a floating red pompom above their head.

Taial folded his arms. "So, what is he?"

Shiva spun in a circle and declared "He's a matter spirit!"

Ifan's face wasn't the only one that was blank until Regal said, "A spirit that has found a way to live as a physical spirit, but not as a Deity."

"How do you know everything?" He asked Regal, annoyed.

"Because I read!"

Aela slipped out her communicator that Arlem had built for her so she could call Cid. Soon, Cid was over the hole that Gigagon had created. He threw down a rope ladder and they climbed up one by one and flew to Mirun.

Mirun

Mirun was a glassy cold town, and the spacious town was filled with wisps not people. The gates recognised the Deities and opened, refusing to open for monsters, animals and non-imbued humans. In the centre of the town was the moogle, conducting the wisps on a pedestal. He wore a blue long tailed coat and a blue hat that covered his head, allowing room for his pompom.

Except for Arlem, none of the others had seen a moogle before.

He turned around when Shiva called out, "Baby!"

They hugged and Shiva explained the situation. He listened and then clicked his little fingers. "So, you'll need my ruby wisp, kupo! Without this Ruby, Bahamut will be dying!" The Guru dragged a red wisp from the air and handed it to Shiva. It floated above her palms.

"Look after it, kupo! It's very old!"

"Why would Gigagon hold a dying Deity?" Arlem asked.

"Well, I'm not him so I wouldn't know. But your plan is to find the rest of the rubies, kupo!"

Shiva nodded and Cid punched his palm. "Alright guys this is the plan, I fly you hunt. Shiva, tell me where to go with that red cloud in your hand, got it?"

Shiva high fived him and Shanna folded her arms. Shiva never acted like the Ice Goddess she was.

Lernia placed her hands on her hips. "How can you tell they will even be on this planet?"

"It's like a broken vase. The pieces are bound to be around the pedestal, kupo." Said the Guru.

The World

They all boarded the airship and flew into the sky. It took days to find the pieces, and Aela tried to keep everyone's spirits up. Cid took them to volcanoes, near the cobalt oceans and into the depths of humid jungles. Eventually they found all but one piece of the ruby. As they flew, they all checked their hometowns. Airnd had been attacked and the group stopped there, but Canareu couldn't stay long at all.

Quaa had been attacked but not the castle, so Lernia's parents were spared, and they were in hiding on the ships with Lead until they were sure it was safe to return.

Ire was still smouldering, and Eland had also been taken over, the sparse army ground overrun with dark soldiers. Gaia was nowhere to be found. Taial feared the worse. Or, he reasoned Gaia had hidden somewhere.

The planet was being taken over more and more, Gigagon's plan in motion.

Seventh Island

They all resolved to destroy the army; they couldn't take them on just yet. The last piece of the ruby was on the Azure Tree, hanging like a glass red apple. They all decided to take a rest on the cool bank. The Azure Tree looked like it was from Mirun, a world that looked like it was crafted from glass, and the tree had been there for centuries, on a tiny remote island.

Alexander explained that it was all solidified ether. Canareu sat by the lake that shimmered like glitter.

"I should have been there...now everyone is gone." Regal placed his arm around her.

"No, this will make you stronger for them." he kissed her forehead and they both gazed at the waters. Taial stood with Cid. "They have taken over the Columns. They were supposed to be our best defence."

"Who knew this dragon story was even real? And did we know it would attack from our own land? Don't worry. We'll rest here then take those sons of guns down!"

Arlem and Aela sat away from the tree, together. "So? How do you find this place?"

He smiled slightly. "I'm bored and want to go home."

"Me too."

They both looked up at the lilac sky.

Ifan lent on the tree polishing one of his blades up. Lernia shadowed over him. "Do you think we will win?"

"Yeah, I do. Why are these blades special?"

She smiled and picked one up. "Ire has passed these blades down from each royal family member. How could you not know?"

Ifan ruffled his own hair. "To be honest I never knew my dad, really. He was so busy and my friends…I think he thought I was a nuisance. My mother I know even less so. I guess… I mean my friends…" His voice broke.

"Oh, grow up Ifan, you can look after yourself!"

Ifan looked away and Lernia rolled her eyes. She sat with him. He turned to her quickly and snapped, "Do you even have any friends? Anyone you'd miss if they went?"

She stood up quickly and her face was angered. "What is it to you?"

She began to walk away, and Ifan tried to stop her. "No, wait I'm sorry. I can't blame you..."

Her face softened as she turned to him. "I wouldn't let you."

He smiled back and they were interrupted by Shiva. Everyone gathered around including Shanna who was the furthest from everyone. "The ruby has been completed babies!"

Aela watched as the ruby now looked like it was on fire. It still didn't feel right.

"Cid, can I go home first please?"

"We can drop Aela off at Pure, let's hurry to save Bahamut!" Shiva exclaimed excitedly.

Shanna tapped Shiva on the shoulder.

"Look, it's showing us something."

Shiva peered closer and tilted her head. "Kokobu Road?"

Kokobu Road

Kokobu Road was a large bridge that joined the continent of Mirun to the continent with the four Columns. Cid dropped them off on the bridge and he stayed in his airship in case the Darrka army attacked. They didn't mind walking but as they did so, Taial shouted, "It's broken, be cautious!"

The bridge had been destroyed, the middle of it collapsed. Arlem sighed. "This bridge, with the Columns is an amazing feature humans have made. Such a shame it's broken."

"Humans…like you?" Lernia reminded him.

"Y-yes, of course, I just meant old people."

They couldn't go any further, nor could they see anything of interest, so they went back to tell Cid, but Ifan turned back around. At the end of the broken bridge, he could see a figure. "Father?"

The others turned around and saw no one. "Ifan?" Canareu asked him, but Ifan had already begun to run towards the end. The end of the bridge resembled a collapsed cliff, such was its size the waters churning beneath it. It was usually a busy road many took, but there was no one to take it.

As Ifan neared the edge, Ifrit yanked his arm back. "Ow!" Ifan was pulled to the ground, his arm still in Ifrit's grip.

"Ifrit! Let me go! That's my father, the king!"

Ifrit shook his head.

"How is that not my father, he's right there!" They all looked ahead, and no one could see his father say; "Ifan, my son come to me."

"I miss you dad…"

Ifan stood up and twisted his arm free from Ifrit. The others watched in confusion.

As Ifan saw his father clearer, he hugged his father, Ifrit pulling him back from his stomach. Ifan didn't care and pulled against him, all three in an awkward embrace. Cid watched from afar in his ship. How could the human drag that fired up meat head around?

"Dad, I thought you had been killed! Those shadows...attacked you...I really thought you had died." Ifan had far too much contact on him. But he was glad his father allowed a hug. When was the last time they hugged?

"My army are more than shadows, right?" His father replied in a familiar female voice.

Ifan let go, and aghast, realised it was Surbaria. "Surbaria? Where is my father?"

"Your father died in a horrific attack, kid. He wasn't a fighter at all, just like you!"

Ifan nearly fell backwards in shock on to Ifrit, then snarled, "You animal!" He lunged at her, but Ifrit grabbed his arm as Surbaria leapt into the air.

Ifan and Ifrit lost their balance and fell into the blue frothy waters. They smacked in and began to sink to the bottom. Surbaria grinned. "Ouch that had to hurt. That's one less Deity to worry about. Bye bye!" She flew away.

The others ran to the edge. "Ifan! Ifrit! Lernia please help him!" Canareu yelled.

"What can I do?" She asked as the others looked at her in disbelief.

"Lernia, Leviathan can save them?" Arlem stated.

"We'll go in- we can save him without the princess's help!" Taial spat out. At that moment Leviathan appeared, hair cascading down to her ankles, her face angry.

"Do not speak to Lernia in that manner or I will liquefy you into mud. Move out of my way." She spiralled into the waters as the others waited impatiently for her.

In the dark waters Leviathan saw the two beings sinking slowly. Ifan had blond hair and she knew that to mean Ifrit had died as Ifan had died. He shouldn't still be here…

He was still holding onto Ifan's arm. She grabbed Ifrit's arm and swam up, Ifan dangling from it. Canareu and Arlem cheered when they saw him, but Regal took a step back. "Ifan is blond?"

"He's lost the colour of fire from his hair. Ifrit's dead? Shouldn't he have found another host body already?" Taial exclaimed.

"We can take him to Jester!"

"Who is Jester?" Canareu asked Arlem.

"Jester has very strong magic, much stronger than I do...I think we can revive Ifrit."

Canareu nodded and asked, "What about Ifan?"

"I... I don't know. Jester is a part of Alexander. They use the same kind of magic. We have to revive Ifrit so...maybe he can use another host body?"

Arlem was pale and Canareu couldn't believe they could only revive one of them. "What about that Lifja?"

Arlem shook his head sadly. "It's…difficult to do."

Leviathan handed Ifrit to Titan and returned back to Lernia.

Flight

They all sat in the airship and Arlem directed Cid to the mountains. Lernia sat by herself and stared at the white sheet covering Ifan. She thought back to when they first met and wished it was just them two. They would have had a lot more fun. Travelling the world and seeing his reaction to new foods and new towns. She closed her eyes and fought back the tears. Their disgusted faces had hurt her, and she had no one to turn to.

Leviathan would have told her to be strong. Like in a daydream the host could speak to their guest.

"What have I done?" Lernia asked Leviathan in a white expanse.

"Don't get too attached to people. They can hurt you as much as a physical wound can hurt."

"Mother…" Lernia wanted to cry instead she hugged Leviathan.

"I…treated him badly."

"I disagree. He is of fire. We are too pure to be on familiar terms with a filthy fire being. Don't cry. Keep strong for I am here for you. Now, go back into existence for you have reached your destination."

"Yes mother." Her voice was hesitant. She opened her eyes and saw that they were flying over grey mountains.

Ziggard Mountains

To reach the Jester's position, they had to travel up the mountain, battling ice monsters and a large bird that thrived in the cold conditions, which belted out ice at the gang. Even as they thought they had defeated it, it rose back up, its wings large enough to embrace them all.

It was a difficult battle, but they managed to defeat it without the Deity's help.

The gang did wish that the magical beings would live near sunny beaches, rather than frigid mountains. Shanna, however, was completely fine.

The Jester wore a Jester's hat and peeked out of his little window like a ticket salesman from the highest point in the mountain. He had grey skin and long elf ears, surrounded by shaggy ivory hair. It looked like his booth was tiny but there was another world inside his booth, closed to humans. He was a Devout, a master wizard in all white magic.

"Arlem! Alexander! What brings you to-Ifrit!"

Titan placed him on a small bed when Jester created one from white magic and went back into Taial. "We must revive him! But what is it do you have for me?" He grinned.

"I don't know…"

"A Ruby! I'll take that!" He snatched it from Arlem's hand.

"But it's for Bahamut!" Shiva cried out.

Jester raised a brow. "Well, why haven't you taken it to Darkuson?"

"You know?" Shiva asked him.

"I know a lot...it gets boring actually. Not much is a secret. Now then, I'll do this for free. But that human I can do nothing for."

They all hung their heads, thinking that would be the outcome. From his window the Jester held out a wand and cast a brilliant white magic on Ifrit. It was Lifja, a magic that can only be performed by the strongest sages. But as the light danced around Ifrit, the magic touched on to Ifan. As Ifrit joined Ifan as a spirit, the red essence filled Ifan and his hair returned to normal. The Jester gasped. "How is this? The human and the Deity are so close?" For once in a long time, something surprised him.

Regal smiled. "It's because they need each other."

Shanna gripped her scythe as he said this.

Ifan woke slowly and Canareu hugged him hard. "Ifan you're alive!"

He replied hoarsely, "Ow, thanks Can... why am I here? I'm freezing."

Ifan gripped his head and felt his chest with his hand. "We're ok…" He said to Ifrit internally.

"It matters not yet. We must get to Darkuson." Taial said happily.

They walked on and Lernia held back but Ifan turned around and beckoned her to speed up.

Ifan felt odd but happy to see familiar faces. In the darkness he could see a city made of brass, surrounded by fire and darkness and he kept this to himself. He didn't want to tell Arlem he couldn't see clouds.

Jester called Arlem back. "Arlem why didn't you use Lifja?"

Arlem hung his head.

"I see. You can't. So, you needed me? It is because you are still being punished?"

Arlem nodded.

"You know when you and Alexander destroyed the Book of Sins the angels had no idea where to begin. All the sins of the mortals and non-mortals wiped out. This gave Surbaria a kick start in all of this. She was free to be released from Hell. How long are you going to stay here?"

"I must earn it. To get back home."

"So, Heaven is a much quieter place without you! And why did you drag Aela to this place?"

"She came with me!"

"I wonder why?" Jester said this laughing.

Arlem ran to the others and heard Jester call out, "You owe me!"

Darkuson Caves

Cid dropped the gang off at Darkuson then went to take Aela to Pure. They could see the gaping hole and Shanna held the ruby. A silver gate surrounded the hole like a cage, a gate for an entrance. There was a hollow at the entrance of the gates. Shiva took it off her and said, "Can you see the gate baby? Did Bahamut create this? I guess we should place it in the slot, baby!" Shanna did as she was told, and a brilliant red light shone over them. From the clouds a bright blue bolt of light shone down and went straight into the hole. Ifan peered down into the hole.

"Wow, should we go down there?"

Regal shrugged, transformed into Rahmuh and jumped down and the others followed, also transforming. When they were down there, they reverted to their human selves and brushed themselves off.

Ifan asked Lernia, "Why so blue?" She kept her face from him and walked to a cave entrance slowly. He stopped and the others continued to walk on. "What is it?"

"I... I should have helped you, Ifan. But I didn't."

He shook his head. "So, I'm here now! It was just black...goodness knows where Arlem comes from!" He tried to joke. Lernia still couldn't face him.

Another door they found was locked and before they tried to break it down, they all heard a rumble and behind them was the Darrka army. A black wave went into the door and soon they were all caught up like a raging river of ghostly darkness. There was too much pressure and soon the wall they were leaning on caved in. The rumble soon died down but there was nothing but darkness for the gang.

Memory

Lernia awoke slowly, her eyes heavy. She got up and looked around her. There were stained glass windows and an organ on top of a steep of stairs. It looked like a beautiful church.

But something was different.

Blades of grass were floating just above the ground and through the broken panes of window the light shone like a rainbow. A warm soft light fell about them otherwise, like the wonderful light of dusk.

She saw Leviathan looking up at a statue in front of the stairs before the organ. "Mother, where are we?"

"Hova."

"Hova?"

"Our home….my home."

"Mother…."

She turned to face Lernia. "Us Deities used to live here. A long time ago. We lived in peace until a force destroyed it. Then everything went wrong. We were...killed in that attack. Our spirits had to reside on the planet's lands until suitable hosts were born. I miss this place. We lived here like kindred brothers and sisters. We would come here to pray to this idol."

"What is it?"

"It's nature. Power...Ultima."

Lernia stared at the marble twist. "So…you became human souls. I never really understood. Why is Hova here?"

"I think this place is like an echo. The humans built over our lands and now we have all gone our separate ways. I miss them. Carbuncle, Sylph and Kjata..."

"Maybe you can find them Mother?" Lernia suggested.

"We hate you!" Titan yelled. In a simple voice.

"Wasn't the worlds demise your fault Leviathan?" Taial asked.

"You mortal, don't you dare!" Leviathan was outraged.

"Lernia, your Deity has been telling you lies. If it wasn't for Titan, this planet would have been a water world. The attack was on her own accord."

Lernia glared at Taial and Titan when Alexander said, "Yond is not true! Wherefore wouldst the lady doth yond? Thee knoweth the lady detests humans!"

"What was that?" Lernia spun around to face Alexander.

"Don't listen to them, child" Leviathan reassured Lernia. Rahmuh, Regal's Deity laughed. "We all hate humans."

Regal took a deep breath and said "No, you don't."

Rahmuh laughed and said bitterly "You must never tell me what I think. Where would you be without me? Buried and dead."

"Regal what is he saying?" Canareu asked worriedly.

"Oh, you haven't told this one the truth? How could you leave the beautiful Lernia for this village scrap?"

"Shut up Rahmuh!" Regal yelled at him. Lernia placed a hand on her chest. "So...it wasn't you at all? It was Rahmuh? He liked me, not you?" She backed off to Leviathan.

Rahmuh bowed gracefully towards Lernia, "And I would have loved you until the end of time and showered you with a million flowers sweet child."

Leviathan stood in between them. "Leave her. No Deity should desire a human." She said menacingly.

"Leviathan the snake! Jealous of us who could even fathom love!"

Shiva appeared and tried to stop them. "Babies stop all of this fighting!"

Rahmuh looked at her scornfully, "And this, the beast a slave to mans will." He spread his arms out and walked around the Deities and humans. "All of this is a farce. The humans worship us as it should be, but do you really think we care about your safety?" He pointed to Regal. "We are only interested in protecting our vessels!"

Everyone went silent in shock. Ifan was still knocked out and Canareu still angry, asked Rahmuh, "What truth?"

"Can, don't listen to him."

Rahmuh had said enough. He looked at Regal with an evil smile and Regal muttered "In private Can…"

"No, I want to know as well." Lernia said haughtily.

Regal took a deep breath. The two girls glared at him.

"Boluta used to be my territory. And my family used to uphold the town and region. I was a Duke, but they all called me prince. I preferred that title."

Lernia sat on the floor and Arlem held Canareu's hand.

"My girlfriends name was Cerenia."

Both Canareu and Lernia widened their eyes. "I had everything I wanted. But I wanted more, more than riches and fame. Odin the God of Thunder was more powerful than I could ever imagine. So, I asked for his power. I asked him, I asked my father and how he hated me for asking for it. I so wanted his thunder."

"Wasn't Rahmuh jealous?" Arlem asked.

"He wished me away. Into the blackness. For thirteen years." Rahmuh scowled at Regal.

"I needed Odin to be near me. He was the Deity of our land and was like a grandfather to us all. So…I thought I could get into danger and Odin had to save me. Perhaps he could kick Rahmuh out…I found some poison. I didn't even take it in the end. She was found in my room; she must have thought…"

Canareu hung her head as Regal said in a ghostly voice.

"Why did that happen?"

He took a breath and stared at the floor. "Everyone found out. Odin said for our legacy I needed to rule. I had the power of lightening in me, after all. But by then…. I wasn't myself."

Canareu didn't realise she was gripping Arlem's hand so hard and let it go.

"My father told me this as did my mother. But I didn't remember any of it. I wasn't myself. So, Odin brought out Rahmuh in me. But it was too late, and the town was in ruin. I am not a well-liked man at home. This is my truth Canareu. The old Duke of Boluta. I lost the one I was to marry. Disappointed my family and angered two gods."

Canareu shook her head hard. "What a poor soul. It was an accident. You didn't mean it, none of it. This is your story. I want to write a new story with you."

He hugged her spontaneously, Arlem getting pushed aside.

"I never considered; how can Odin live without a host?" Arlem asked kneading his hand.

Regal still hugging Canareu said, "Odin lives in his own world, in his own space. He never lived here. Boluta was his abode. Why do you think I wanted his power?"

Taial folded his arms. What a strange story, that Regal's past had two Deities in its vicinity. They certainly didn't bring him good fortune.

Regal looked to Rahmuh who held his stare.

"I'm stuck with you."

Regal buried his head into Canareu's shoulder.

"I know." He said, his tone sympathetic.

All the Deities went back to their hosts.

Lernia stood and began to walk away.

She could hear soft music playing from the organ and saw Ifan was playing. He had his back to her. "Ifan?" He spun around and went red.

"That was beautiful."

"I learnt this at home. Maria taught me. We would compete and I would always win." He smiled sadly and played out of tune. Lernia watched him for a moment and felt a flutter of sadness for him. He stopped playing and as she walked away, he played his wonderful melody again.

After they all explored separately, they all joined back up again.

They all walked on and saw graves embedded in the grass.

"What's this?" Ifan whispered as he read the gravestones. "Jinn, Blizzard and Tornado?"

"Ancient versions of our selves. We do die after millennia." Rahmuh said. "They died long before we were even born."

As they walked on a sound was heard and white wisps flew up from the ground. They created a massive storm, and the Deities held the humans back. The twister began to erode the walls around them. "They must be security!" Arlem yelled and Canareu said craftily "And I'm the thief!"

She transformed into chocobo, and she leapt in, using her wind to divert the twister. The others watched in fascination, as her grey winds evaporated the white winds. She seemed to be encased but out of her back erupted gold wings and she herself become sparkling gold. The white winds were dissipated by her gold winds, and she landed on the floor harmlessly, gold feathers raining down on her. Regal ran to her, and she became Canareu and panted. "I did it master…." She sighed, smiled and collapsed into his arms.

Regal smiled as he held her. "He'll be so proud of you Can," and kissed her forehead.

She mumbled happily, "I did it…"

She pulled away from him, remembering her town was destroyed. Her family…

"With this…we have to keep going!"

Ifan cheered, thinking everyone else would, but it was only him.

Bahamut's Lair

They left the memory of Hova out of the church door and found themselves back in the Darkuson caves. They reached a large door and heard a metallic noise behind it.

"This is it. Bahamut should be freed and Gigagon no more! We saw the Darrka army run here, so we should be good!" Shiva said happily.

"And if not?" Lernia asked.

"Well, we tried, no one can say we didn't." Ifan grinned.

"Outstanding Prince…" Rahmuh said sarcastically.

"No one asked you!" Canareu yelled at him.

"Watch your tongue!"

"Rahmuh! Enough, this is why I wanted Odin." Regal said faux petulantly. Arlem was surprised, they fought like siblings, then like parent and child. He couldn't remember ever fighting with Alexander seriously, except for whose turn it was to start a prank.

"I'll leave you, but I want to ask Ifrit something first."

"You know he can't speak." Ifan replied.

"But you can. I may not get a chance. If Regal dies, I may never find Ifrit again. Ask him why he has never taken revenge?"

Ifan nodded hesitantly. "I'll ask him." He closed his eyes and said, "He wants to know why you are asking?"

Rahmuh looked away and said "Forget it-"

"Wait is this true? Is this how he lost his voice?"

Rahmuh nodded and Ifan cried out, "You desperate fighter? How could you?"

Shiva stood in front of Rahmuh. "Ifan please leave this baby, my beloved has-"

Shanna raised her brows and Ifrit clapped his hand over Ifan's mouth.

"You and Ifrit were lovers?" Ifan managed to still mumble audibly. He laughed incredulously and Shanna went bright red. Shiva was too embarrassing.

"J-just for a moment." Shiva looked to the floor.

"Then did you get married, have kids?" Ifan couldn't contain his excitement. Then he looked at blushing Shanna and said "Oh, wow this is actually weird."

Regal tried not to laugh at the awkwardness.

Shiva went dark blue and said, "It doesn't affect you, my babies. It's all in the past now. There is nothing you feel because of it. Being at home just brought back a lot of memories, baby."

Ifan gave a shrug to Shanna who turned her head from him, haughtily.

"Let's carry on. I don't want to find out Titan is my son." Lernia clipped and led the way.

They finally entered the heavy doors and saw Surbaria leaning over a table talking to Gigagon. The ceiling hole showed stars as if they were seeing space. There was a different light in the room, and the occasional wisp flew around them. It was Gigagon's throne room, but the energy was different from before.

"Master, guests are here."

He raised a brow and stood up. "Before you take a step forward Surbaria, tell them what is happening on the surface."

She picked up a model of the planet. "There are no longer four columns on your sunny planet. We are going to start pumping the fuel from the planet for our Iron City!"

She broke the planet in her fist.

"Taial is this true?" Ifan asked him.

"Ifan...we're too deep in to feel the plains now…"

They had all felt as if they had been gone only for a moment. So much time had seemed to pass above them.

Canareu stepped forward with the ruby. "Bahamut! Your heart is complete, come out of Gigagon!"

Gigagon looked excited. "The ruby! You completed it!" Using his energy force, he grabbed the ruby from her hands and as it floated in the air it grew larger and larger until it slapped itself onto his chest. The red crystal ebbed as blood passed through it and Gigagon roared. The whole room shook. "This is it! What fool told you to do this! The power is all mine now! Bahamut is complete!" He began to laugh maniacally when Ifan unsheathed his swords.

"This isn't how we expected things to go...and I am kinda embarrassed, but the planet is in our hands and we're gonna protect it with all our might!"

Surbaria stood in front of Gigagon and said, "If you're thinking of destroying the Iron City then you'll need to face me first! You are too late, Prince of Fire. But we can have a dance, right?"

She materialised a short sword from black mist and began attacking Ifan. At first all he would do is use his blades as shields, and Surbaria was a fast fighter. She used her long legs to kick Ifan and soon he knew he had to fight back. His swords set alight as he was almost overpowered, but he dodged one more kick and landed his sword into her back. Black mist escaped her wound. She cried out in shock and angrily took the blade out and tried to swipe Ifan with it. He shoved her so she was on her back and stabbed her again, and she fell into a cloud of black smoke. The others watched in amazement that Ifan had defeated her. Ifan stood up taking both his blades as Gigagon said tiredly, "I must do this work myself."

Gigagon lunged at Ifan, but Regal stopped him in his tracks using his darts. Canareu used a flurry of kicks on him but was thrown aside. Arlem threw his halo at him, but he merely tossed the discus away. Taial punched him, nearly knocking him to the floor.

They were all trying to stop him getting to Ifan.

The two brutes fought and the ground shook with their might. Gigagon finally pushed Taial away but grabbed him by the neck before he could hit the floor. "You humans are worthless without your Deities! Now I have the heart of Bahamut, we can never be separated!"

"He's right... we need to be evenly matched!" Lernia transformed into Leviathan and used a wall of water to push Gigagon to the other side of the room, into a wall.

"You must act quickly, there is little left of Lernia's home." Leviathan said to Ifan.

"He's out cold. Should we kill him?"

"Won't that hurt Bahamut?" Canareu asked. Shanna watched peacefully from behind a pillar. They all decided they needed to get Gigagon away from Bahamut, but Gigagon got up shakily and said, "You shouldn't leave unfinished business!" Before their eyes he turned into Bahamut, the great beasts' wings filling the room. He looked more armoured than last time they saw him. The dragon opened his mouth and a white ball appeared in it, getting bigger by the second, a high-pitched sound reverberated in their ears. The Deities, although shielding the humans, had a slightly less brave face about them. Would they be able to survive this? A white light filled the room and Rahmuh was the first to see him.

"Odin!" Odin was a knight in dark armour and rode a mighty white steed.

They all looked up to see Odin having parted a blue sky in the ceiling hovering above Bahamut who had a long silver spear in his side. Bahamut was screaming with pain as Odin rumbled in his deep voice, "I am here to aid you boy, not to be summoned. Go and defeat this creature once and for all-the ruby is now shattered."

He flew back into the cloudy circle he came from. Bahamut was trying to get back up when Rahmuh said, "Who would like to do the honours?" They all turned when they heard footsteps. It was Shanna and she said loudly, "No one. No one will hurt him"

"Are you a part of the Darrka?" Arlem asked her sadly.

"I chose to be. Their world of power sounded so much better than being here, alone."

"What about Shiva?" Lernia asked her.

"Her and I are of the same."

"But the Iron City will be filled with nothing but grey skies and the Darrka. We will be with you. Do you really want those shadows with you?" Arlem asked her.

She nodded. "Yes. Where else am I to go? And if anyone wants to hurt Gigagon then they will need to go through me."

Ifan stepped forward. "What's wrong with you? I will kill him."

Ifan and Shanna clashed. He had trouble getting close to her, because of her scythe, but she released a dead eyed Shiva out, her colourings more purple and that's when Ifan released Ifrit.

"My Shanna was so lonely, here on a world of people. She only had me. Here, when the Iron City is built, the whole cosmos will be filled with life, baby." Shiva's voice was cold, a dark fog surrounding her.

"We're here for her! A space world of ghosts and spirits won't be her friends!" Ifan pleaded.

Shanna and Shiva combined, only Shiva was visible. Both of their voices said, "Our power can soar without the confines of a planet!"

Shiva lunged at Ifrit who took over Ifan and the others gasped, two gods once on the same team fighting for their lives. Bahamut tried to get up as the two opposing beasts fought. The room filled with ice diamonds and were hurled at Ifrit who staggered to the floor. Shiva bought out her own ice and metal scythe and held it over Ifrit.

"You can't hurt her anymore! I must protect Shanna!"

Just as the ice blade came down, Ifrit held his fiery claw up and the scythe shattered.

Between his hands, a giant fireball was being generated that he shot at Shiva, who landed into the back wall, and she fell to the ground.

Reverting to Ifan, he ran over to Shanna, who was limp, Shiva not to be seen.

"Shanna-I had to…I'm sorry…"

He cradled her in his arms, but water slipped from her eyes then mouth and Shanna turned into ice, then shattered, diamond drops tumbling onto the floor. As Ifan stared, his arms still cradling where she was, Regal asked, "What have you done?"

He shook his head slowly and a flash of the brass city panged into his vision.

They all heard laugher and Bahamut slowly got up. "She would have taken over as the Surbaria."

Ifan nodded slowly. "We trusted her. Both of them."

"Join me, Ifan. Ifrit has such anger that is being fuelled by you. Join me. Gigagon will be dying soon I can feel his presence leaving me."

Ifan was still knelt on the floor and said, "I thought you and Gigagon were like one?"

"He was a pest. He wanted a kingdom for himself not for me...I am the King of Dragons, not that mortal! What human can live in a new world, without power?"

He splayed his wings and the ground where Ifan and he were on broke away and were encased in a sphere that began to levitate towards the starry sky. Ifan in his panic looked down and saw that the Darrka army were filling the space below and the others transformed into their Deities to fight the Darrka army. "My friends!"

Before him, Bahamut became white and gold and he roared, "You will never defeat Bahamut Complete!"

Ifan was stunned but turned into Ifrit and roared too, his fires filling the sphere up, and when they dissipated, Ifrits blue eyes were now red with flame. The two fought, beast versus beast. Ifrit had to use all his power against the dragon, who used his claws, teeth and sheer energy to fight Ifrit back.

When Ifrit had the upper hand, burning Bahamut Complete as much as he could, Bahamut Complete blasted Ifrit away and opened his jaw wide.

Bahamut Complete charged up to unleash his giga flare, the strong white energy that he brought up from the bowels of himself, but Ifrit in is rage, roared in anger, his fire becoming white hot around him, the sphere peeling away from the energy. Ifan could feel his bond with Ifrit getting stronger.

"Stupid gods! I am the ruler of the cosmos!" Bahamut Complete yelled, despite his jaw wide open.

Ifrit shook his head angrily.

"Humans are too weak, Ifrit. We Deities and Darrka can last forever in space, we can claim back our lives and my clan. Immortal beings that only need this planet's spirit to survive! Ifrit could stoke its furnace forever so all the spirits can live on for eternity! You have become weak, Lord of Fire!"

Ifrit had had enough. Those spirits were all the humans and Deities long gone and are still present. He'd never let them be released for Bahamut so that he could rule space for eternity.

Leviathan had a second to glance up at the retreating sphere. Surely, Bahamut was trying to kill Ifrit out there.

Titan managed to jump in front of a Darrka soldier that was going to attack Leviathan. "Water lady not looking!" He rushed off and Leviathan saw the others fighting their hardest. She couldn't let the Darkka army win.

Ifrit snapped off a piece of the ground, his muscles trembling. It was almost all the floor and Bahamut Complete used his wings to fly, his giga flare almost ready. Ifrit threw the rock at Bahamut Complete just as his giga flare was released. The rock, energised by his flame, began to break up but there was enough to knock Bahamut Complete out of the sphere and into space, taking his giga flare with him. He went for miles and miles, a dragon pushed away by the flaming rock, the force too strong for him to stop it.

Ifrit panted as he stood on the remaining platform. As he looked down, the planet Ela was almost fully visible. The world slowly reverted back to its usual self, Bahamut's magic fading the further he went. Ifrit sighed in relief.

He landed onto the planet in a crouch position and saw that everyone was knocked out. They must have been exhausted over fighting. Lernia was the only one who was awake. The Darrka army had vanished from the planet's surface.

"Ifan!" She ran over to him but stopped. He was now a fusion of Ifan and Ifrit.

"My name is Ifrit."

"No no you're Ifan. What happened-" She reached out to touch him, but Leviathan appeared and said, "Don't you dare touch him."

"But mother-"

"He is beneath us. He is now a fusion of man and spirit." She suddenly looked saddened. What Deity should be meshed with a human?

"Lernia...you don't need her telling you what you can do."

She looked at him. He had an older face on him. Long burgundy hair and bronzed muscles. But he was still Ifan under all of that… She was close to tears and reached out, but Leviathan stopped her, and grabbed her wrist.

"Ifan...you were the only one who tolerated me. I wish...it was just you and I at the lake. I…" She turned to Leviathan. "I don't want to be controlled. You are a goddess and I your vessel. But I'm worried I'll always be ruled by you…" She released Leviathan's hand and said, "Please...leave me. I can't not turn away from him."

Leviathan narrowed her eyes.

"I shall slumber in you until you die. I do hope it is soon. You never deserved me. You are lucky you were born of Royal blood Princess Lernia. You will need me one day again."

Lernia nodded emptily. "Maybe…" She closed her eyes and held her hands over her chest.

Leviathan slunk back into Lernia and one of her head dots disappeared.

"How do you feel?" he asked her.

"She is less of me. I just wanted to talk to you. I can feel that...Ifan, what happened to Ifrit? Why did he lose his voice?"

"Rahmuh wanted to be the element for humans, over fire. So did Ifrit-there was a fight and Rahmuh in his attack burned Ifrit's neck with his thunder."

She nodded and paled slightly. "That's horrible."

He nodded and he touched her cheek and she blushed. His fingernails were black and clawed. "I have to go now, Lernia."

"Where-stay with me-with us…."

"There is a city, my kingdom I need to look after. It's made of brass yet there is something that is calling me there that isn't beautiful. I need to find out what is there...my real past."

She hung her head. "You're leaving me…"

"I am. You will become Queen of Quaa. Legions of naval men and an ocean to rule. I just hope I have given you the view of compassion."

A flaming gate opened behind him, and she saw stairs leading into the darkness.

He turned to walk and looked over his shoulder. "Thank the others and their Deities. I will think of you."

She began to cry. "Will you come back?"

He turned back to the gate as chanting could heard of the Darrka army, in the depths of Hell. Ifrit expected Surbaria there also.

"It's not enough, Ifrit?"

"I will end them once and for all Lernia."

"Then you can come back?"

"Maybe one day, if you summon me, and need my aid. But please, live your life as if you had never met me." He reached out to her but stopped and walked down the stairs. He could hear the chants growing louder and knew he had to defeat the rest of the army here. Once the army was gone for good, the planet could rest.

In a flurry of fire, the gate closed to the underworld, and she sank to her knees.

Taial slowly sat up as did the others. "What happened?"

They all held their heads and groggily tried to stand up.

Lernia wiped her tears away. She clenched her fist hard. I can't forget you.

"Everything is back to normal." Lernia smiled. She ran up to him and dragged him up and said, "Let's see the sun, I miss it so much!"

Everyone woke up properly and she said brightly, "Let's get out of here- I'll explain on the way to the top!"

Taial and Regal exchanged glances. She must have hit her head…

The Region of Ire

A year later, Canareu's and Regal's wedding dawned. They held it at Ire, the town that was now ruined, a charred memory of a town and kingdom. Neighbouring towns began to call it simply Coal.

Canareu did it for Ifan and wanted the town to be her reminder of him. No one survived her towns attack or Ire, and she never wanted to go back to Airnd, a region that was slowly being rebuilt.

Lernia's mother and father were present as was Gaia who still bickered with Taial. Canareu was glad they at least turned up. Arlem and some Pure members arranged the string music as Canareu walked up the aisle, wearing the lightest yellow dress. Lernia watched as they said their promises and as the sun set, Regal threw some fireworks in the sky and Taial's army were present in their fatigues, playing drums when the new wedded couple were leaving for their honeymoon. Lernia gave them seashell necklaces and knew not to be jealous. She missed Ifan but he was now forever fused with Ifrit.

She herself was arranged to be wed to Lead the Quaa's Navy commander. Everyone on the surface, when the world changed all thought, it was a dream. Guru and Jester, saw the change, as did the other Deities and all of Pure. But together the denizens of Pure used such healing and time magic, they could heal the planet alongside Bahamut and Gigagon leaving. Bahamut may well return, and Lernia hoped to find all of the Deities on this planet, one day to protect it. She had wondered what world he came from, a Dragon King flying through all that space.

She thought about Shanna, that young quiet girl and it seemed like Shiva had died with her.

Regal's and Canareu's carriage were pulled by two chocobos called Rust and Shimmer. Arlem, Alexander and Aela were waving happily to them from the crowd and all three sprouted soft white feathered wings. Canareu leaned out of the carriage window to wave to them as the three angels took flight and headed up to their home in the sky, Heaven. Arlem was allowed back home, saving a planet deemed enough of a good deed. The rule was they were now only allowed to visit Planet Ela, so they waited until after the wedding to leave for home.

Regal and Canareu rode off happily and Taial and Gaia with Cid left for Eland and Pure.

When Lernia reached Quaa, she sat by the river where she had met Ifan. As she stared sadly, she was met with Lead, in full uniform and she gasped expecting it to be Ifan. She smiled politely at him, and he sat down next to her.

"It'll be our turn soon." He knew it was next to an arranged marriage between them.

She was hesitant to even look at him but when she saw their reflections she smiled slightly.

She slowly went to rest her head on his shoulder, he looked surprised and wrapped his arm around her.

Ten years later, Iecu

A red eyed girl stood on a rocky path in the snow and looked down at the blood on the white snow. She was thickly covered in shawls and scarves and had a scythe in hand. Under her hood, the girl saw a familiar figure. A dark blue, almost black mist arose from the other girl's slain body and a familiar voice said, "Baby, you found me!"

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