Authors notes: Updates from now one can be further apart, depending on how well I do for myself. I am currently working on my own original fantasy book, and I have decided to write 1 chapter for this story each time I finish a new chapter on my book, as a motivation (carrot) for myself ^_^

Hope you enjoy this and as always, Happy birthday to my favourite female game character Tifa!


Tifa managed to catch up with Dagran, but the two of them had been ambushed as soon as they stepped out through the castle gates. They found themselves outnumbered in a matter of minutes. Being forced to hold on while their back-up arrived...

Chapter 15: The Reptids' Attack.

''I hate Reptids!'' Dagran growled as he rammed his sword into the stomach of a bulky Reptid. Loving the rush of adrenaline running through his veins. A moment later he was forced to raise his sword in defence, blocking a brutal blow. Taking a step back from the force of his enemy's sword. ''Of all monsters and races, these are the ones I loath the most...''

''I agree, these are nasty creatures...'' Tifa spoke through gritted teeth, as she bumped into her partners back. She aimed a high kick at her enemy's throat, making him stagger backwards and fall down to the ground gasping for air. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed a small group of enemy healers on their left side, heavily guarded by snipers. ''I've got an idea, but before that, activate your gathering power and keep it activated until I say so. I don't have time to explain, you'll just have to trust me...''

Dagran did as he was asked and kept his back pressed against hers as he guarded against an axe-wielding Reptid. He dug his feet into the ground as he pushed back the attacker, forcing him lose balance. He skilfully lashed out with his sword, severing the head from the body. Ignoring the blood which splattered him and his already stained sword. ''Please enlighten me, I've had enough of this!''

''Now, Now, don't be so impatient...'' Tifa teased him as she pushed an enemy from her, casting wall around them. Giving them a small breather as the magic spell protected them from all attacks for a short time. ''Before this barrier disappears, you need to throw me across that group, so I can take out their healers.''

''You're joking right?'' Dagran asked her astonished, his eyes staring down into her serious looking face. ''I can't just throw you over there, you can get killed!''

''How are we else going to take out their healers? I can't jump over there, I'm no Hulk.'' Tifa reasoned with the stubborn sword wielder as she held out her hands. ''I'll cast haste on you, so you can spin faster.''

''The who?'' Dagran asked confused, as the green light from her magic surrounded him. He felt himself get light as a feather and a unknown surge of power appeared within him. He grabbed hold of her wrists and she did a small jump so her body was suspended in the air as he quickly started spin them around in a circle. ''I trust you know what you're doing, but you must be careful...''

Thanks to the boosting effect of the haste spell, they were quickly spinning so fast that they were but a blur. Dagran focused on where he was going to throw her. He looked into her eyes and nodded his head and then quickly released her. She flew over the large group of enemies, landing perfectly in the middle of the group of healers. She began a brutal assault upon them, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks, completely taking them by surprise. Dagran stood with his back to the gates, and just as they opened the barrier gave away. All Reptids once again advanced on him.

''We must aid them!'' Therius shouted, and drew his sword. He then leaped into the masses of Reptids and fought with astonishing grace. Making it look like he danced his way through the hordes of enemies. His feet moved with lightning speed while he kept attacking and evading, moving closer and closer to the fighting fist fighter.

''Mirania you focus on healing and keeping an eye on Syrenne.'' Zael ordered the skillful healer.

''Affirmative,'' Mirania answered and focused her energy on creating a healing circle. Her slender body levitated from the ground, her low chanting filled the air. Her blue eyes focused on Dagran, and smiled to herself as the white healing circle appeared under his feet.

''Calista, you switch between casting barriers and supporting Mirania with your healing magic.'' Zael spoke softly to his beloved. His blue eyes watched her body levitate gracefully into the air next to Mirania. It was truly a site to behold: two different colored lights surrounded the chanting women, as they concentrated on their spells. Then he looked to their youngest mage, ''Yurick, go all out with your offensive spells.''

''No need to tell me twice, count on me!'' Yurick answered with a smirk. His body already floated in the air, his finger drawing patterns for his meteor spell. In a matter of seconds, the air was filled with small meteors, raining down onto their enemies.

''Syrenne, you stay and protect the mages. Do not put yourself in any unnecessary danger.'' Zael said with grim determination, his blue eyes locked on her face. ''Have I made myself clear?''

''I heard ya, loud and clear,'' Syrenne replied with a small smile. She unsheathed her two swords and walked over to stand in front of the three mages. Her forest green eyes focused on the battle taking place in front of her. Being ready to defend her friends if needed.

Zael ran a few meters ahead, engaging a Reptid in battle. He easily deflected the blow from the enemy and counter-attacked. His Zan lance pierced through the Reptids' stomach, coloring the lance red. ''Lowell, your job is to prevent too many enemies to reach the girls and make sure Syrenne doesn't get cornered, all right?''

''Got it, mate!'' Lowell shouted he stayed in front of Syrenne. He quickly focused and levitated into the air, his hands quickly drew the patterns for a massive ice block. He aimed and released the massive ice spell on the snipers near Tifa. When the ice block collided with its target, it exploded into tiny shards which were colored red when they fell to the ground.

''Are you okay, Dagran?'' Zael asked concerned as he appeared beside him. His sword clashed with an enemy sword as he fought to help his former best friend. ''Don't overdo yourself...''

''I'm just fine,'' Dagran replied and charged a massive looking Reptid. His sword went straight through its back, sticking out of the stomach, blood dripping onto the ground as he withdrew the sword. He quickly sidestepped and hacked off the head of the next opponent who tried to attack him.

Tifa suddenly came running out of nowhere. A huge smirk plastered on her face as she was being chased by a few Reptids. She dodged one of Yurick's fire spells and jumped into the air, performing a leg split: kicking two enemies in the heads at the same time. Effectively snapping their necks in two from the sheer force. She then landed perfectly on her feet next to an impressed looking Dagran.

''Are you all right, Tifa?'' Dagran asked her as they engaged the enemies that had followed her across the plaza. They worked good together. She would stun her opponent with her kicks and punches while Dagran finished them off with his sword. All the while his gathering power sucking out strange light from the fallen enemies.

''I'm just a bit tired,'' Tifa replied and summoned a barrier around them, making the sniper's arrows bounce against the magical shield. She turned around and noticed that a few smaller Reptids were trying to corner Syrenne. She bolted past Dagran and ran towards the pregnant woman. ''Be careful Syrenne, I'll be right there!''

''I can handle these, concentrate on yourself!'' Syrenne cockily replied while she hacked away at the small Reptids that tried to overpower her. A smirk gracing her face, it was clear that she was enjoying the exercise.

Tifa finally managed to get over to her friend. She cast cure on her to be on the safe side, then she charged the Reptids who seemed to like targeting Syrenne. ''Leave her alone, you nasty little creeps!'' Tifa snarled angrily.

''They just keep coming!'' Yurick yelled as he threw another spell at a group of enemies. Killing them in an instant, their bodies turned to small piles of ash. He jumped into Mirania's healing circle to catch his breath. ''Are they coming from the catacombs again?''

''Damn it! I'm getting sick of this!'' Dagran shouted and attacked a Reptid that tried to hack Zael in the back. Before he could do anything else, he found himself guarding attacks against three large sword-wielding enemies.

''I've got your back, Zael.'' Therius shouted as he moved to position himself behind his fellow knight. He soon found himself standing back to back with the younger man. ''Keep your back against mine, they are playing dirty!''

''I need the fires of hell, Ifrit I summon you!'' Tifa shouted with her right arm raised. The spirit beast of fire appeared in the air above them, his murdering eyes observing the fight before him. He did as his master asked him, and he enveloped all the enemies in his flames. They all caught fire and their bodies were turned into dust and blew away by the powerful wind that swept across the Island.

''What was that?'' Therius asked, his cold eyes shifted from the fading beast above them to the woman who summoned it. His eyes softened when he noticed her exhaustion, she was panting and her whole body was trembling. ''How did you gain that power?''

''I need to...catch my...breath...'' Tifa mumbled as she sank to her knees breathing heavily. It had been a long time since she used a summon materia. It left her body weak and trembling from the energy it took to cast. Lucky I didn't need to do that in the Great hall, I'm so out of shape!

''Just be grateful that she can use magic like that.'' Lowell quickly defended his newest friend. He gazed at Tifa from where he stood next to Syrenne. He noticed Dagran running over to her, his lips turning into a knowing grin as he saw the concerned look on his face.

Dagran crouched down next to her, grabbing her arm and helped her stand up. She swayed slightly, so he wrapped his arm around her side, keeping her steady as she regained her bearings. ''Nice and easy now...'' he murmured gently while holding her close.

Zael stood by Calista and observed the pair. He had never seen Dagran show such care towards someone before. Sure, he always made sure to look out for the group and make sure they were all right, but this was different. It was clear to him that she meant something to Dagran and he did not like it. She was different from them and he did not trust her.

''You need to rest, perhaps it's a good opportunity to settle your business with the Emperor while we finish securing the city?'' Therius suggested as he came closer. His eyes resting on the tired fist fighter. ''I can escort you back into the castle.''

''Thank you, but I'm all right,'' Tifa replied with a stiff smile on her face. She stepped away from both men, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the attention she was getting. Her burgundy eyes went from Dagran's angry face to Therius' concerned one. ''I will, however, do as you suggest, the sooner I settle with the Emperor the faster we can move on. I know you all are more than capable of taking care of these pests.''

''Looks like our old Captain's got competition,'' Lowell said in a low voice to Syrenne. He flashed her one of his goofy smiles as he tilted his head in Dagran's direction. ''They are competing against each other for her attention.''

''Put a sock in it! Dagran has nothing to worry about.'' Syrenne playfully stuck out her tongue at him. Her eyes shining with confidence. ''Hot stuff doesn't stand a chance! Especially since we are helping Dagran get his price too''


Tifa felt her anger boiling as she chopped the vegetables she was preparing for dinner. All around her the kitchen was bustling with activity, but her mind was solely on the castle maid Sara: the one Dagran had been involved with before her arrival to Lazulis island. Before all she knew was the little information she had overheard about the woman, it was completely different seeing them interact with each other.

Sara had come out of the castle as she and Syrenne were heading inside. The maid had informed them of servants and kitchen staff being injured, and the concern Dagran showed Sara made her second doubt herself even more. Over the last weeks she believed that he had developed some kind of feelings for her, but after seeing them together she was not so sure it hadn't been all in her own head. Had Sara been a nice woman the blow would sting less, but that was not the case. The pretty maid was a complete bitch.

Now Tifa stood in the crowded and overheated kitchen, preparing food for hundreds of people. Since most of the kitchen staff were injured, she had set out to solve the issue so everyone out helping, or fighting would get back to a warm meal. Her sensible and kind gesture had not impressed Sara who had outright refused to pull her own weight during this crisis.

Syrenne and Tifa walked into the Great Hall who was filled with people. Since it was the largest area in the whole Castle it made sense to gather everyone here. The Emperor sat with his attendants overlooking everything. Oddly enough not taking charge of the situation. Having already heard of the injured kitchen staff, Tifa knew they had to solve the issue with food for everyone.

''Since Lady Calista our with sir Zael to protect the town, I took upon myself to make sure everything is working here in their absence. Once the others return, they will need food as do all of us as well as those who are injured...'' Tifa spoke loud and clear, effectively silencing those gathered. She paused a brief few seconds, letting her words sink in before continuing, ''People who know me view me as a good cook, but I can't do everything by myself so I would like some volunteers to help me.''

''Excuse me but who are you and what authority have you to issue orders?'' the maid Sara asked from behind her. Her pretty blue eyes looking directly at her. ''We all have worked since we got up this morning without a break, you can't expect us to do double work.''

Tifa turned fully and eyed her rival. The black maid uniform clung to her body like a second skin. Revealing every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination. She had blond hair up in an elegant bun, and her main feature was the small beauty mark under her left eye. ''I'm Tifa and I'm a friend of theirs, and If I can do the work so can you. Those who refuse to help out can stay hungry.''

''I beg your pardon! Surely you can't mean that!'' Sara stuttered surprised, her eyes widened and raised a hand to her chest in shock.

''I do.'' Tifa simply answered and turned her attention towards the small group of guards. She approached them with a warm smile on her face. ''I know that you have been working already, but I would really appreciate if you guys could help me.''

''Of course, miss.'' the four of them spoke in unison. They had seen her fight from within the castle and admired her for continuing working after that intense fight. They would not give less than her for their fellow islanders.

''You have no authority over us! I will report this to the Countess.'' Sara sneered back at Tifa and retreated to her fellow maids who by the looks of it agreed with their comrade.

''But I do and even I intend to pull my own weight and I order you to follow her instructions or I will personally make sure those who slack of will starve!'' Rian barked angrily from his chair. He filled in with some additional orders which Tifa had not even given a thought to, then he followed the group into the kitchen area.

Tifa awoke from thoughts when feeling Syrenne's hand on her shoulder. She finished chopping the last carrot and handed over her neatly chopped pile of vegetables to the fiery ex-mercenary. She smiled when hearing the Emperor mutter behind her, he was currently kneading a dough. He and the small group of guards had helped out with everything that needed to be done and they had done a wonderful job.

During the first hour, she was unsure of what to expect from him since the air between them had been anything but civil before the Reptid attack. Rian had surprised her by agreeing to her terms quite cordially, he even had them on signed paper. His change of attitude had really surprised her, it was almost like he was a different person.

''Tifa, I must offer you an apology for my behavior during the trial. I did not act like an Emperor should, you were right to question my sentence of the mercenary.'' Rian spoke as he laid down a cloth of the last dough.

''Yeah...um about that...'' she tried to formulate the question which had swirled around in her thoughts the last hours. ''How come you-''

''Act like a different person?'' Rian regarded her with an amused smile despite the serious situation. When seeing her nod he continued, ''Even though Rufus turned a new leaf, the Geostigmna left a permanent stain on our bloodline. We suffer from split personalities, which we cannot control, but we do always remember what each person does. We refer to it as the curse of Shinra and it kept secret from the people. Only those closest to me are aware of it.''

''I'm sorry, I had no idea...'' Tifa murmured in surprise. She could see Rufus in her mind's eye, proud, and regal. Never once did he seem out of character or emotional after he recovered from Geostigma. It was probably his pride which kept him from sharing if he had any lasting issues. Now that she thought about it, he did become a little more secluded after his ordeal, but not enough to warrant any concern from others.

''No need to be. It was never meant to be common knowledge, you could not have known unless you were very close to Rufus or worked closely with him. He was also the first to experience it and he did not suffer much from it as others of his bloodline did.'' He gently explained to her. Her compassion for others could be easily read on her face and this clearly bothered her, ''This affliction varies from person to person, depending on their personalities. The nicer you are the less you are bothered. Not many of my ancestors have been very nice people so we refer to it as a curse, but in reality, it is a punishment to keep us in check.''

Tifa had never experienced anything like this before, nor heard of it. It must be Gaia's way of making sure the Shinra family never become a real threat again. That family is known for its power and intellect, a dangerous combination. She walked over to the stove with a spoon in hand, while Syrenne was checking the bread oven. The meat and vegetable soup tasted as it should, the flavor was rich and the ingredients had the right texture.

''We are nearly finished! Great work everyone, I could not have done it without your help.'' Tifa beamed warmly at her mismatched group of helpers. Their tired but proud grins confirmed that they appreciated her compliment.

''There she is!'' A familiar and annoying voice interrupted them. Everyone turned to the doorway, where Sara and Zael stood. A pleased smirk was playing on the maid's lips.

''It has come to my attention that you have issued orders in my and Calista's absence. Not only that but you have also threatened to refuse food to those not wanting to follow said orders.'' Zael calmly spoke, but his blue eyes sparkled with ire, ''I appreciate the work you put in, but I don't approve of your methods and I never want to see this type of behavior again. Is that clear?''

''You are being ridiculous Zael.'' Syrenne was quick to defend the silent fist fighter, ''Tifa did nothing wrong! Without her, it would still be bloody chaos in the castle. This lazy maid-''

''Nevertheless, I don't look kindly to people threatening my staff '' Zael interrupted his friend sharply.

Rian having had enough of the young upstart stepped forward, a smirk forming on his lips as Zael's eyes widened in surprise, ''Your staff? I don't remember accepting your union with Lady Calista. You don't have a staff nor a say in anything except for the knights you train and command in Lady Calista's name. Which in reality are my knights seeing as I am the ruler of the Empire and I agreed with miss Lockhart's orders. I even helped her as you can see, and if an Emperor can pull his own weight so can some damned servant!''

''Please forgive me, your majesty. I did not know you were also the one who issued those commands. Of course, you had every right...'' Zael immediately knelt down before his sovereign. He cursed himself silently for his carelessness but refused to utter anything about his marriage. He would never give up Calista, she was his wife: with or without the Emperor's blessing.

''Sir, Zael.'' Tifa interjected calmly before things went too far. She could see the delight Rian took in Zael's groveling, and even he might deserve it, it would not help mend his friendship with Dagran, ''You can rest assured, I won't interfere again...''


The others succeeded in driving back the Reptids into their underground lair, and for now, the city was secure again. Knight and guards took turns in patrolling the town and assisting townspeople. Everyone had appreciated the hard work of restoring order within the castle and the hot meal on their return, but no one commented on the strained tension still lingering in the air.

Therius however, noticed Tifa sneaking away long before the others finished their meals. He knew they had talked about the trial with her, and he was sure the slight change in their dynamic was because of that. There were things they would probably never fully understand, but it was between Tifa and Emperor Rian. He had not approved of all her actions, but he accepted the outcome as did the others.

He bid the others a quick, but polite goodbye and followed the fascinating fist fighter. He smiled to himself as he observed her traipsing about. It was clear to him that she had little knowledge of her current surroundings. He took a different route so he could intercept her and come face to face with her.

''Would you like to accompany me for a stroll in the gardens?'' Therius asked her with a slight smile, extending his arm towards her.

''Why not, I have nothing else to do.'' Tifa answered looked at the offered arm and smirked in amusement before taking it, ''I have to say this is an improvement since the last couple of times we have seen each other. It would be nice to not fight for a change.''

''I apologize, but I did what was expected of me. I am a knight and I am honor bound to follow orders.'' Therius answered calmly while leading them towards the gardens, ''I am still surprised that a nice woman like yourself are in cahoots with a man like Dagran.''

Tifa broke free from him and walked ahead of him, taking in the sight of the tranquil garden. No one was there except them and the only sound was the running water and wind rustling the leaves. ''If you wish me to remain in your company you do not badmouth him. I know you have your reasons for disliking him, but you are not without blood on your hands either.''

He stopped dead in his tracks a few feet behind her, ''What do you mean by that?'' He asked coldly, feeling a bit offended and in need to defend himself. ''I have never murdered someone as he has.''

''You have fought in many battles, killing people. Not all battles you have fought have been right and just. There have been innocents among those you have slain. Just because two opposite sides go to war does not mean one side is all evil. Well, not most times at least. Often there is just a difference of opinion, beliefs or even misunderstandings behind the conflict, which people get caught up in. Those you have killed have people who care for them and they will always consider you a murderer.'' Tifa explained softly while regarding the night sky. ''I am also guilty of doing that...''

''I stand corrected...'' Therius closed his eyes, taking in her words. ''You are very wise.'' He commended softly.

''Don't be so quick to judge someone next time.'' she turned around and tilted her head to one side, looking at him. ''Even if I believe Dagran to be worthy of a second chance, it doesn't mean I don't understand your side too. I know how painful it is to lose someone you care for and I am sorry for your loss...''

After hearing her words his admiration for her grew even stronger. Therius settled on giving her a smile and a nod of his head as a reply. He would never forgive Dagran for what he did, but after this conversation, he could understand his actions better.


Dagran stood by the window in Zael's office, looking down onto the garden. His gaze immediately sought Tifa, like he was spellbound by her. She was walking with Therius, but she looked tense like she had a hard time relaxing. He smirked to himself when he saw her walk ahead of the stoic knight.

''Dagran are you even listening to me? '' Zael's demanded to know irritatedly.

''No, not really...what did you say?'' Dagran calmly responded and turned to give the other man his full attention.

''I'm trying to yell at you, but you don't hear a word I'm saying!'' Zael said frustratedly and ran a hand through his hair. ''You make us believe you were dead for over 2 years then you just pop back into our lives again. Not only that, but you still continue to cause trouble!''

''I did what I thought was the best...'' Dagran answered as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms comfortably in front of him. He steadily met Zael's blue gaze before continuing, ''After all was said and done, I did not think you would want me in your lives anymore considering what I did...''

''You thought what? How could you even think that!?'' Zael looked at him with a hurt expression, ''I may not have agreed with you, but how could I ever not want you in my life?''

''How the hell should I have known that!?'' Dagran spat back harshly, glaring at his childhood friend. ''You and the others always let me do the dirty work, never asking how I felt about it. Sure, during battles we all look out for one another, but other than that I always had to solve everything.''

''You could have asked for help...'' Zael defended himself, ''We would have listened and understood...''

Dagran's eyes narrowed, and a scowl appeared on his face. ''Stop fooling yourself. How well did you understand when you learned what I did to Jirall? You acted all hurt and disgusted, never mind that Jirall pulled the same stunt on you.'' He coldly explained.

''I see your point...'' Zael admitted remorsefully. ''But even if we did grow apart, how can you put your trust in a complete stranger over people you have known for years?''

''In the short time that I've known her, she has gained my complete trust.'' He answered truthfully. The emotions dancing in his eyes surprised Zael. ''We think alike and understand each other.''

Zael snapped and grabbed hold of Dagran's shoulders. ''Even so, I thought we were family! Do you have any idea, how hard it was for me to kill you?'' He looked at him sorrowfully, ''The moment you closed your eyes and I thought you died has haunted me ever since...''

''About as hard as me lying about only using you for my own gain in order for you to stop me...'' Dagran offered in return. ''We have to move past that and try to never get into a situation like that again.''

''I'll second that,'' Zael replied with a smile. ''I'm glad you are alive, and I don't want to lose you again. I'll even lock you up if I believed that it would keep you safe.''

''You might have to do that if I get out of control again...'' Dagran answered seriously as he looked down at his own hand. ''I still have the Outsider's powers like you, but it's like it split me into two, I have a dark side of me which I can't control...''

''We will deal with that if it happens, all right? But let's not worry ahead of time.'' Zael tried to reassure him.''But how did you gain control last time he emerged?''

''Well, Tifa kissed him/me and I came back to normal...'' Dagran told him, looking a bit uncomfortable revealing that fact.

''I see...'' Zael said looking surprised, but gave him a toothy grin. ''I can't promise that you'll get a kiss from me, but we'll think of something.''


Calista was on her way to Zael's office. It had been a while since she saw the two men walk away together. He had taken his friend's death very hard, but he had been strong and kept it to himself. The moment Dagran appeared back into their lives, she had seen a positive change in him.

The young countess walked through an archway and noticed Tifa wandering further down in the hallway outside Zael's office. She hurried after her, curious about the strange woman, ''Are you lost?''

''That obvious, huh?'' Tifa replied with a shy smile. Feeling a bit uneasy to be around the noble lady. ''I'm looking for Dagran, have you seen him milady?''

''Calista is fine,'' she replied and gestured towards the grand oak door. ''He should still be in Zael's office, but I think they've had enough time to talk things over...''

Tifa merely nodded in response, unsure of what to say to the other woman. She stood silently and watched as she knocked on the door. It opened a moment later revealing a happy looking Zael, and behind him, Dagran stood with his hands on his hips. His eyes immediately meeting hers.

''Did you have a nice talk?'' Calista asked him.

''Yeah, we sure did,'' Zael answered before softly kissing her cheek. ''What's on your mind?''

''I thought it would be fitting to call it a night since we are to continue fighting Reptids tomorrow. We wouldn't be of much use if we don't rest a little.''

Tifa felt out of place, and Calista's reason for looking for Zael reminded her of the late hour. ''I've lost track of time, but it is late and what I wanted to talk about can wait. If I could just get some directions to my room, I'll leave you to your business.''

Before an answer could be given Dagran was quick to walk over to Tifa and grabbing her hand. ''You are staying with me.'' He simply told her and nudged her forward. ''We bid you two goodnight and we'll see you in the morning.''

Zael closed and locked his office door while the pair disappeared around a corner further down the hallway. He turned toward Calista with a concerned look on his face. ''I don't like him being around her. I just can't seem to shake my dislike for her...''

''Try not to judge her too harshly. She did what she did to protect him and besides, we have no right to dictate who he spends his time with.'' Calista reminded him softly while walking towards their own bedroom.


They had walked to his room in silence, but Dagran had not let go of her hand until they both were inside the dimly lit bedroom. He plopped down on the soft mattress of the large bed and observed her as her burgundy eyes roamed around the room. He had trouble finding the right words to convey his gratitude towards her.

''Um weren't I supposed to share a bedroom with Mirania?'' Tifa asked shyly, a blush coloring her pale cheeks.

''You were, but I remember what you told me the other day. You need to be able to sleep again and I know sleeping next to someone you trust can help you. Zael used to have nightmares as a child and this helped him.'' Dagran explained to her calmly and patted the spot next to him. ''If this bed is not good enough, then we will find something else to sleep on, but I am not letting you go through this alone...''

''Thank you, Dagran...'' she smiled gratefully at him and relaxed. She noted that the bed had been pushed up against the wall, which was a bit odd for these fancy bedrooms, but she guessed it was his doing. A folded bedspread divided the bed told her that her suspicions were true. ''Once this Reptid business has been taken care of we need to talk about something I learned while we were apart.''

''Oi, It is I who should thank you. You saved my life today, the least I can do is to be there for you. I really can't thank you enough, Tifa... '' he rose from the bed and stood before her. ''I agree we do need to talk, but not just about that. Before you go to bed and I take a shower, I just want to make one thing clear to you once and for all. I did not feel disgusted by you, I was disgusted with myself because I thought I had forced myself onto you and after what you went through that night I was ashamed...''

Tifa gave him a nod and a smile and watched him go into the bathroom. She walked up to the bed and waited until she heard the water running before she changed out of her clothes. She fished out a spare set of her usual sleeping attire from her pouch with the help of her materia. A pair of black shorts and a matching tank top which she slipped into.

She crawled onto the bed and under the duvet, pressing her back against the wall. She hugged a pillow to herself and listened to the running water. Her last thoughts before falling asleep were on Dagran and what the future had in store for her.

A few minutes later Dagran walked out of the bathroom and over to the small table beside the bed. He carefully placed his feather down on the table before he turned to study the sleeping woman. She was not having a peaceful sleep it seemed, and he once again regretted the way he had treated her after the ball. Quickly he put away their clothes into neat piles on the sofa, then he slid down into bed beside her.

''I will do everything I can to keep you safe...'' Dagran whispered and caressed her cheek before laying down on his back. A few moments later she surprised him by scooting closer to him in her sleep. Her hand found his and he happily held her hand. Once this is mess is over I won't repress my feelings anymore, you will be mine.

Tomorrow was a day filled with new hardships to overcome and battles to be fought.

Would they be able to find the Reptid lair and take care of them for good, or would the Reptids beat them to it by attacking the town again?