Authors notes: Hope you enjoy this short little update ^^


A short while after the group had risen, reports from town stated that Reptids were emerging from the ancient catacombs.

Today's battles would test their strengths and trust in each other. Would the tension between some be a hindrance, or will they be able to push their feelings aside and deal with the threat at hand?

Chapter 16: The Counter attack.

It had been a early morning for Tifa, who had awoken long before her companion. All in all it seemed like his idea had worked at least partially. She had slept a little better than before. Silently she had gotten out to bed to get dressed. Taking great care so she did not disturb him. She used this time to look over her own equipment, making sure she had the best suited materia equipped for the upcoming battle. Satisfied with her own gear she settled on braiding her long hair with a black ribbon.

Dagran awoke just as she removed her tear-drop earrings. He watched as she carefully wrapped them before putting them into her pouch. She was wearing one of his older sets of hunting clothes, which he had outgrown. They a mix of green, black and grey. How she had found them among his things he did not know. ''Good morning, I see you are armed and ready for battle.'' He greeted her with a tired yawn.

''Good morning to you too, and yes I am ready.'' She replied and smiled warmly when noticing his undone hair. It was longer than she had thought, it went down to his shoulders. It was the first time she had seen him without his braids. ''You should wear your hair down more often, it suits you.''

''Perhaps I will.'' He studied her outfit closely. ''And you look good in my old clothes.'' He commented with a wolfish grin.

''Thanks, I like your clothes...they even smell like you.'' Tifa replied without thinking about what she just said. Her lack of sleep making her thoughts a little less guarded it seemed.

Dagran understood that she had not realized she had said that part out loud, but he stifled a laugh with a fake cough. He rolled out of bed, quickly grabbing feather and his hunters clothes from the sofa and threw them on while Tifa was arranging their personal items. He walked into the bathroom to freshen up a little, and decided to not braid his hair today. He pulled it into a half-ponytail instead.

''We better hurry, the others are waiting for us in the dining hall.'' Tifa called softly as she quickly made the bed. She knew maids were supposed to do that, but it was a old habit since she was not used to people doing mundane tasks for her.

Dagran came out of the bathroom, and walked up behind her. ''I have something for you.'' He said and greeted her with a grin once she turned around. Then he gently took hold of the end of her braid and attached a single feather – identical to the one he wore.

''Thank you.'' Tifa said happily, blushing when looking up into his face. ''I'll treasure it...''

Dagran gave her a slow nod in response as he stroked her cheek softly. His smile widening when noticing the usual blush that always appeared when she was shy. He leaned down slightly, her face so close to him that he could feel her breath on his face. Just as he was about to finally kiss her, the bedroom door opened and the moment was gone. She turned her head to the person who interrupted them and in the corner of his eye he could see that it was Sara. He turned toward the other woman and glared. With a low growl, he nudged Tifa forward, walking past the maid, and continued towards the dining hall.


The rest of the old mercenary gang was already in the dining hall, wolfing down their breakfasts. It was a large room, but oddly dark in contrast to other rooms in the castle after all the renovations taking place after the war. It was only Syrenne who did not eat, she was sitting and sulking at the end of the table.

''I still fucking hate that I can't fight with you anymore...'' Syrenne complained for the hundredth time that morning. She glared in warning as she noticed Lowell preparing to answer her. ''I bloody hate that waiting game I have to play before you return from fights.''

''No use in keeping on bitching about it, Syrenne.'' Dagran answered her in his strict leader-like tone of voice. His and Tifa's sudden appearance startled her, ''You made your bed and now you have to lie in it until the baby is born.''

''Oi! Don't you think I bloody know that? Doesn't mean I have to like it, does it?'' Syrenne barked back sharply. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she noticed the feather adoring the end of her braid. ''Oh, nice feather you got there Tifa!''

Therius and the others stopped eating, too curious for their own good. Sure enough, a feather sat in her hair and one quick glance at Dagran was all he needed to know who gave it to her. He was looking directly at him with a satisfied smirk. He quickly looked away, not wanting to give the other man the satisfaction of knowing it bothered him. He had made his move and staked a claim, that was clear.

''Let's go over the plan.'' Zael promptly cut in, waiting until he got everyone's attention. ''We have to split into two teams in order to quell this Reptid invasion. One team is to defend the town together with the guards and knights, the other to seek out their Queen.''

Looks and glances were quickly exchanged among the large group. There were always risks when splitting up and neither one of them liked doing it. Zael's plan sounded like the best possible option for facing such a large force. Divide and conquer when done correctly seldom failed. They all nodded their heads, prompting him to continue.

''The town's folk have been ordered to remain in their houses unless attacked, then they are to evacuate to the castle. We have to clear the castle gate plaza and make sure the other team can slip away down under the city. All knights and guards are doing everything they can to protect and hold each plaza in the meantime. '' Zael finished explaining.

''And the teams will be?'' Mirania asked softly while buttering a piece of toast.

''Therius will lead the team above ground which will consist of Lowell and Tifa. Calista will function as their healer. Her barrier magic will be useful in case civilian are in trouble.'' Zael calmly informed them and observed their reactions. ''Syrenne and the knights and guards in training will act as the last line of defence inside the castle.

''Count on me, I'll await your safe return.'' Syrenne said and flashed him a confident grin. ''Hot stuff, make sure my idiot returns alive, ye hear?''

''I'll do my best, Syrenne.'' Therius answered her respectfully yet in his usual stoic way. ''Right, then let's go outside right away.''

''You better not die again..'' Syrenne said to Lowell as he hugged her close.' 'I'll never forgive you, if you leave me and our brat alone.''

''It's not like you to be so...caring.'' Lowell teased her before giving her a quick kiss.. ''I'll come back, don't worry your pretty head about me.''

Zael and Calista broke their own embrace before she hurried after the stoic knight commander. ''You also better come back, Zael!'' Calista called before disappearing through the door.

Dagran looked down at Tifa with a concerned look on his face. ''Be careful, all right?'' he asked her softly.

''I will.'' Tifa reassured him with a small smile. Her fingers gently touching the mark on his hand. ''That goes for you too.'' She softly ordered bolted after her group before he had a chance to even blink.

''All right, let's head out.'' Zael said and looked to his remaining friends. ''Mirania we're counting on your healing skills.''

''Let's root out those bastards once and for all...'' Dagran said darkly, and walked with confidence towards the doors. ''Are we to wait until the others until the others have opened up a path for us, or are we to help them and leave once the path is clear?''

''Surely we must help them?'' Mirania asked softly, but gasped in surprise when seeing their grim faces. ''We can't just let them deal with it while we stand around watching...''

''Our mission takes priority, we are the ones who have to go down alone into a infested lair and we have to conserve our strengths. '' Yurick calmly explained to her, his hand resting on her tense shoulder. ''We will face unimaginable numbers underground.''

''Then why did you put Tifa out there?'' Mirania questioned Zael sharply, her worried eyes settling on Dagran.''If he is with us and goes out of control, there is no one who can calm him.''

''I'm sure he has his reasons.'' Dagran tried to defend the younger man, but wondering the same thing. ''We don't even know if it was she who calmed me, it could have been sheer luck.''

''But why take that chance?'' Yurick looked to Zael, who remained silent. ''I won't kill him again...''

''Me neither.'' Mirania vowed solemnly, her eyes still on Dagran. ''Promise me that you will fight him. Do not let him win and if he does we will trap you until Tifa can calm you.''

''Yeah, promise us.'' Yurick joined in and fixed his eye on Dagran. ''Don't give up, no matter what.''

''I shall do my best.'' Dagran said and gave them a grateful look. ''Now let's head out.''

Zael walked silently after them. He wondered if he had made the right decision. If something bad happened it would haunt him. He knew that personal feelings should be set aside when planning battle strategies, or they would risk interfering with important decisions. He suddenly felt stupid that he had not resisted his dislike for Tifa when making today's battle strategy.


Outside a harsh wind was blowing across the island. It was all out war outside the castle gates and the four ex mercenaries took cover behind the small barricades that had been set up by the knights. They just sat there waiting for an opening, and watching as their friends fought for their lives.

Calista was levitating in the air, not far from them. Her silver blue eyes focused entirely on her friends health: the white light of her healing spells floated around her as she cast her magic.

Lowell switched from his sword skills to his ice magic. He had just released his mighty glacier spell, that rained down big chunks of ice blocks onto his enemies. When his feet landed on the ground, he drew his sword and fought like a mad man to protect Calista, as she was casting her supportive magic.

Therius fought a large Reptid over by the fountain, his sword skills was perfect for this task. He was quick on his feet, his enemy did not stand a chance. Its slow attacks missed every time, and the silver knight's sword delivered massive damage with every successful blow. His armour was no longer white, it was colored red as the blood from his enemies continued to flow. He side jumped and then rammed his sword through the gladiator's head, making blood splash all over him as he withdrew his sword and attacked another enemy.

Spells was flying all over the place, it was a miracle that no houses had yet been damaged. Bodies of both humans and Reptids lay still on the ground. The sound of screams and swords clashing was almost overwhelming for the second team to listen to. They could only hope that their friend would all not be injured or worse – be killed.

Tifa was over at the right side of the plaza, fighting smaller groups of Reptids that came from the alleys. She fought as passionately as ever. Delivering brutal kicks and punches to her enemies. She grabbed hold her opponent's leg, and yanked hard, doing a scoop throw. It landed onto its knees and then she quickly grasped the head, breaking the neck with a loud crack. When she turned around, she came face to face with a gladiator Reptid. She barely had time to jump back, avoiding the large hammer he wielded. The Reptid caught her ankle, and made her hang upside down. He spun her around and threw her across the plaza: she slammed into a wall – making a sickening sound as her body collided with the stone wall.

''Tifa!'' Dagran shouted distraught, as he saw her body glide down onto the ground. Her body left a large crack in the wall, and the dust from the stones fell silently over her still body. He tried to run to her side, but was held down by Zael and Yurick. ''Damn it...let me go!''

''It's too late.'' Zael spoke barely above a whisper, his eyes glued to her still from across the plaza.

Mirania silently levitated into the air, and whispered the words needed for her healing circle. She opened her hand, and a white light appeared under the fallen woman's body. ''Please work...please.''

''Dagran, look!'' Yurick shouted, and grabbed his friend's jaw: tilting his head, so he would see Tifa haul herself up on unsteady legs.

Dagran's lips curled upwards into a huge smile as he watched her stand up. ''Thank you, Mirania...'' He murmured relieved.

''Damn...that hurt...'' Tifa moaned and spat a mouthful of blood onto the ground. She leaned against the wall while the healing circle worked its magic on her body. When the white light under her disappeared she cast Fullcure on herself and felt the pain in her body completely go away.

''Someone help me!'' Calista called out panicky. She stood pressed up against the side of one of the many houses. The gladiator Reptid had turned his attention towards her when Tifa had collapsed. Both Lowell and Therius had their hands full at the moment.

''I'll get you for that!'' Tifa threatened and threw a well aimed fireball. With a growl the gladiator turned his attention back to the fist fighter. The fire spell had injured his leg, making him limp towards her. With an angry sneer she flexed her fingers and charged her enemy.

Mirania tried to make herself heard over the chaos. She watched as Tifa charged across the plaza, and the panic in her grew for each step the fist fighter took. ''Don't engage him again! Take care of Therius enemies and let him deal with it instead!''

''Stop!'' Dagran and Yurick both shouted. Either she ignored them, or she actually didn't hear them, but she continued nevertheless.

Tifa had heard them, but choose to ignore them. She was too fired up to back down and it had hurt as hell when she collided with that wall. Her mind was made up, that gladiator was going down no matter what. ''Blind!'' Tifa cast her spell and a green light surrounded the Reptid.

She wasted no time and delivered a flurry of kicks to his stomach. She easily dodged his desperate and clumsy attacks. She side stepped and went behind it, jumping up onto the back. Then she grabbed the chain that hung from its wrists and wrapped it around the monsters neck. She pulled back as hard as she could: choking it by leaning her whole body backwards. ''Odin come forth!'' she commanded the summon spirit.

Odin's majestic form and horse appeared out of thin air. His eyes came to rest on his master. He saw her struggle with the chain around the enemy's neck. He heard her wish in his thoughts and so he threw his long lance. it flew like the wind towards the target. She did a perfectly timed back flip a few seconds before his lance penetrated the gladiator's stomach and avoided his mighty lance in the process.

''Thanks, Odin!'' Tifa smiled at the now fading summon spirit. The blood colored lance that sat in the fallen monster faded away and left a large hole which blood poured out from. Creating a puddle around the gladiator's body.

''Good work, Tifa.'' Therius commended as he made his way over to her after taking care of his own opponents. The area seemed secured, but out of nowhere, two Reptids ran past them. They were headed towards an alley.

''Come back here!'' Tifa shouted and ran after two Reptids. She managed to get hold of one of them and effectively snapped its neck. The other one she threw some fireballs after. ''Fire!''

''Don't follow em it could be a trap!'' Lowell called as he landed back onto his feet after a spell. It was already too late since Tifa was already engaging them. She clearly was as hotheaded when it came to Reptids as their former captain was.

One fireball found its mark and the enemy burst into flames, soon only ash remained which blew away on the wind. Just as they thought it was over the ground started to shake violently. Tifa lost her balance and sank to her knees while the ground quaked. Suddenly the ground split right open and swallowed her. All she could to was to let out a blood-curdling scream as she fell through the ground.

''Tifa!'' Dagran shouted as she disappeared from view. Her scream made the hair on his arms stand on end. Just as he was about to run towards the hole he was once again stopped by Zael.

''You can't just blindly follow...we have to go down a safer route.'' Zael tried to convince his friend as he struggled to hold him in place. ''You don't even know if you can survive that fall...or if she did...''

''Get the hell out of my way...'' Dagran growled menacingly and glared at his childhood friend. His eyes changed once more to blood red and they glared at all of his friends. Chains appeared and flowed around his body, daring anyone to stop him.

''Dagran, you have to calm yourself...'' Zael said as he stood in front of him. His blue eyes widened as he saw the pure hatred in his friend's eyes.

Dagran raised his hand,and the chains shot out and wrapped themselves around Zael's body. Then he merely threw him harshly to the side and ran before anyone could stop him. He bolted over to the hole and jumped in. Completely ignoring any safety precautions or his friend's protests.

''Damn it, Dagran!'' Zael shouted as he saw his friend disappeared in pursuit of Tifa. He silently cursed himself for splitting them up. Had he not done that this would not have happened.

As usual fate had a way of messing with the best of plans. One the other hand, the plaza and the castle was secure, but at what cost? Had Tifa and Dagran survived the fall, and if so, would the others reach them in time before they were overwhelmed by Reptids?