Standard disclaimer: I don't own the series.

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AN: Hiya people! Ah yes. The next chapter of this freaking epic fanfic, which by the way, was supposed to be over like 40 some chapters ago. ^_^;; Oops. Anyway, its been a long week. :P I'm a nut. I am currently into collecting the Rave Master manga ^_~ Ha! That will take a while to collect. I was collecting Cardcaptor Sakura. I even got all but one volume. The last freaking volume in the series will not be mine. :( I waited too late to collect them. All well ^_^ Right, Rave Master. Did I mention that my favorite characters are Julia, Elie, and Sieg Hart? Yeah, the "people of time" story arc was wicked cool!!! And Julia just rocks the freaking house!!!

Oh, right. This is the Author's Notes for my fic. So, right. Um, this chapter will answer some long awaited questions. Like Sari's heritage... and um... well, it's a surprise! I will say that I am a little nervous about this chapter… you will see why when you get to Manna and Sari’s conversation. I just hope that I pulled this off correctly. I also thought about continuing the chapter after the last part, but figured that where I ended it was the perfect place to do so. So, yeah ^_^;;;

Anyway, here are the reviews!

Meeerf: Hiya!!! Hahha! I thought that you would see that :) I did like your take on Navarre. It just seemed like something that would fit. We never did get to see much of Navarre in SD3, did we?

Yeah, they had to take care of the beast first. Work is over, playtime is now! Hehee!

Really, you want to know about Manna? Like what the heck she is and how she is connected to Deis? Hehehe! ^_~ Well, I think that it's high time I get to that little plot point... right?

Nina Windia: Hi Miss Nina! Oh yes! Yuki's back ^_^ I did have it planned for her to come back. And yeah. She likes Demus. Heh. Oh yes. She doesn't like the fact that Demus put all of them through hell, but yeah. She is a little more forgiving than Ryu, though. Just a little bit though. Make no mistake, she will make Demus' life a living hell if he did something to harm them again ^_~

Surprisingly, yes. Of course, that wasn't part of the original plan, but as I wrote the characters, I started to see just how much they were alike. So, I thought that I should have some kind of connection between the two of them. Heh, then I found out that my readers started to notice the same thing I did a while back. This isn't so much as a new plot twist, though. I've been thinking about this for a long time, but wasn't going to say anything about it until I was certain with where I wanted to go with it. Heh. So, you were right about the link. ^_^ Guess what the link is!

Right, well thanks for the reviews!

Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

It took a few minutes for Hawkeye to even process what Ryu and the others were talking about. The whole thing about Siegfreid Griffith actually being Ryu Laurante, prince of the dragons, was a little hard to swallow. After all, wasn’t he the guy that hit on every lady he saw?

That certainly did not fit the criteria of being a hero of destiny.

“Well, that was not what I was expecting to hear,” Hawk muttered as they walked back towards Karn’s… study, for lack of a better word.

“Yeah, we thought it was crazy, too,” Ryu said with a loud sigh. “So, now you know the truth, about that Key, about us, and about the whole Destiny crap.”

Hawk smirked. “Heh, I never knew that the crazy hormonal freak was actually a dragon in disguise.”

“Yeah, well we don’t tell too many people about that,” Ryu said.

“Still, it’s nice to finally know the truth about you Siegfre… eh I mean Ryu,” Hawk said as he folded his arms behind his head. “If I knew that you were a fire breathing dragon, I would have never snatched Remi from you.”

“Huh?” Ryu stopped and turned around to face Hawk. “That was YOU?”

“Well, yeah,” Hawk said like it was the most natural thing in the world. “What? You seem somewhat surprised.”

As the two apparent friends decided to catch up, Manna, Jin, and Troy merely stood behind them and shook their heads. Some was in amusement and the other was in annoyance.

Troy turned his attention to Manna. She was looking slightly apprehensive. Manna glanced up a second later and noticed that Troy was looking at her.

“What’s up?” Troy asked.

“Hn,” Manna muttered darkly. “Something is bothering me about that attack. How did Transell know how to fuse like that? Did Aaron have something to do with it?”

Jin growled under his breath. Manna glanced over at Jin and gave him a sympathetic look. Troy merely shouldered his blade as he watched his friends. Jin shrugged his shoulders and cleared his throat.

“We should probably go tell Karn and the others that it’s safe now,” Jin said as he walked on past the foursome.

Ryu frowned. Hawk grinned slightly and took off after Jin. Ryu was about to go after them, but something hot burned against his chest. Ryu looked down at the Dragon Tear and merely rolled his eyes.

“Well, I guess that explains a lot…” Ryu sighed.

Troy walked over to Ryu. “What’s up? You look like Nina just told you she was into girls.”

Ryu grimaced. “That’s… not even remotely funny,” Ryu said in a dry voice. “But, no. Look.” Ryu held up the Tear for Troy to see. The thing was flashing rainbow colors.

“Ah, a Destined,” Troy said with a nod. “I guess that makes sense. I mean, he DOES have some kind of power, or the fusion thingy that Transell tried would not have worked. Though, something is bothering me slightly.”

“What’s that?” Ryu asked as he placed the Tear back underneath his shirt.

Troy frowned as he sheathed his sword. He crossed his arms. “Well, that whole battle just seemed too easy.”

“Uh, what?” Ryu muttered. He was still smarting from where that beast slammed into him.

“I mean… hn… nah,” Troy waved his hand. “Never mind. Come. We better get going or we will be left behind.” And with that, Troy took off after the rest of the party.

Ryu merely sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets.

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Ryu was relieved to see that Sari would be all right. After the hit she took by having her own attack bounced back at her, she seemed to be in a lot of pain. Ryu was amazed that he was able to heal Sari with the power that Yuki gave him.

Karn quickly explained to the assembled group that it was probably the powers of the Dark Key and Transell that caused Sari’s attack not to work. Manna only confirmed what Karn was saying. She said that Sari was powerful, but the combined power of a Goddess Key and a demon was enough to at least knock the attack back.

But, after a few quick placed healing spells, Sari was back on her feet, though she was a little ticked off at having her attack blocked. Apparently, the woman was not used to such a thing happening.

As promised, Karn gave the group the Dark Key, and told them to be careful. Manna decided to point out that there was just one Key left. The Light Key was next on the list of Keys to get… and they had no idea as to how to get it.

For protecting and defending Navare, Karn decided to have an extravagant feast in honor of Ryu and his group. So, that night, the whole community of Navare dined and partied like there was no tomorrow.

Of course, a feast at Navare just wasn’t a nice, quaint dinner party. Nina soon realized that it was more like a massive rave-style party. Without the loud techno music, much to Nina’s disappointment.

Nina was quickly realizing just how sheltered and pampered she had been her entire life. There were things going on at that massive party that she did not even think was appropriate for someone like her to be at. If her mother saw where she was right at that moment, she would have a heart attack at the mere sight.

But, then again, her mother was the same woman that had an affair with a dragon noble and had an illegitimate son out of the whole deal. So, she really didn’t think her mother had room to talk.

But really? Did Hawkeye really have to make out with that blond haired, blue eyed girl RIGHT IN THE SAME ROOM THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE EATING IN???

Apparently so.

Nina glanced up and spotted Ryu talking with Karn. She sighed and glanced over and saw Yui and Jin sitting down at the table, talking like two, grown adults. Her hopes and dreams were soon dashed when she spotted Yui and Jin lean over and kiss each other. Deeply. Like something right out of a trashy romance novel. She then remembered that Yui had grown up in Navare as well.

Troy was busily talking with several young women. To Nina’s surprise, the women were merely taking in everything that Troy was saying, and not trying to flirt with him. She thought that Troy was married, but that didn’t seem to stop some of the people with trying to hit on people.

She scanned the room for Manna and Sari, but they seemed to be no where in sight. She figured that since there was massive drinking going on, Manna would be right in the middle of the action, getting drunk off of her ass.

But, why would both Sari and Manna be missing?

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Saria had been only slightly confused when Manna pulled her aside at the party and asked to talk to her in private. Manna was, after all, her magic teacher. Sari figured that this was about Sari’s attack being blocked. What the actual conversation was about, however, would shock her to her very core.

So, Manna and Sari found themselves on one of Navare’s many balconies a short time later. Manna was currently drinking from her “fun flask.” Her expression did not seem like one of happiness. It seemed more like Manna was dreading something. Why she would want to talk to Sari was beyond her.

“I see that you didn’t ever really tell them me being your teacher,” Manna finally said as she capped off the flask and place it back in her pocket.

“You said not to tell anyone, remember?” Sari asked as she jumped up onto the railing of the balcony. “You said it was for my own protection.”

Manna nodded in agreement. She leaned up against the railing and crossed her arms. “Yes, I did say that. But do you know why?”

Sari gave Manna a confused look. “Um, no. I always just assumed it was because I was Destined, and you were trying to protect me until I could protect myself.”

“Well, that’s part of it,” Manna said. She closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “Look,” Manna said after a few long minutes. “Certain things are about to happen, and you MUST be ready. What I am telling you is not to go any further than us, not yet.”

Sari nodded warily. It was not like Manna to be so serious. Manna opened her eyes and jumped up onto the railing to sit beside Sari.

“You know that I am the Overseer of the Grand Design, right?” Manna asked. Sari nodded. “Okay. I used to be called the Faerie Queen. I was a minor goddess that had domain over dreams and was the patron goddess of the fairykin. But, that’s just the official story.”

“What?” Sari asked. “What are you talking about?”

“You,” Manna said wearily. “Have more of a stake in the outcome of the final battle than you realize,” Manna said. “Your powers of rejection… to bend and shape time and space by just your will… is not something that a normal mortal can do.”

“Right, I’m part dragon and fairy,” Sari said. “The chaotic powers of mine cause me not to get Cymosion.”

“There’s more to it than you know,” Manna said. “Sari, you’re not mortal.”

The look on Sari’s face was priceless. “What do you mean?!” Sari shouted as she jumped down from the railing and faced Manna.

“You’re a goddess… at least, a demi-goddess. That’s why Cymosion didn’t affect you. Yes, the chaos powers you have did have a hand in it, but it’s because you are part divine that it did not affect you like it did everyone else. Remember, you never did show signs of being affected.”

“That… doesn’t make sense!” Sari shouted. “My mother… did she know about this?!”

“No,” Manna said.

“How do YOU know, Manna?!”

“Because,” Manna gave Sari a hard look. “I didn’t tell your mother about it. I did, however, promise her that I would protect you.”

“You knew her,” Sari said in a quiet voice. “I know all fairies know you… but why did you make that promise to MY mother?”

“Because your mother, Lily, was my daughter,” Manna said.

Sari could only stare at Manna. “What…?” Sari said after she found her voice. “But… how? When did…?”

“I am a goddess, Sari,” Manna said. She gave Sari a solemn look. “I have had many children, some fairy, some human. I did not want Lily to leave the village, not while Seeker was roaming around. She would not listen, however. You know the nature of fairies. They do not like being told what to do. She had fallen in love with a dragon clansman and had his child. She knew that in the realm of dreams, one year in the outside world was like ten in the realm of dreams. She wanted you to have a chance at a normal life.

“Of course, things do not always go the way we want them too. Seeker found you and Lily. He could sense her heritage, the godlike powers she had, and kidnapped her and eventually killed her.”

“He took her,” Sari mumbled. “And he took me… that’s when Nina found me… but… how did she… they know that I was even there?”

“Ah, Deis told Garr to protect the Destined, and they were making their way through Tantar during that time. It was timing on mine and Deis’ part.”

“You and Deis?” Sari asked. “Wait a second! If you’re like my… grandmother or whatever, why didn’t you come and save me?”

“I am not allowed to interfere in certain affairs,” Manna said. “Ever wonder why I just hang back during normal fights? While I only interfere when there’s no other choice?”

“Is it because you are the Overseer?” Sari asked. Manna nodded.

“Yes, it is. But what people don’t really understand is that the Overseer cannot directly affect the free will of humanity,” Manna said. “I can only do so much. That’s why I indirectly guide people on the paths that they need to be on. I made it so that you would be protected until a time that you sought me out yourself. When you directly asked me for help, it was only then I could help you.”

“But, then was I always Destined?” Sari asked, crossed.

“Yes,” Manna said. “It was something that we, Deis and I, planned from the beginning,” Manna said. “Don’t give me that look. We knew what would happen. Lucien knew what would happen, long before even Myria and Ladon knew. One of the perks of being a seer. Of course, there’s that whole thing about not using your powers for personal gain and three-fold and stuff.”

Sari nodded. “So, you all knew this stuff would happen? So, you did, what? Just make this great big plan from the beginning? Who do you think you are, anyway?” Sari gave Manna a pissed look. “You just thought it would be all right to use us?”

Manna shook her head no. “Of course not!” Manna snapped. “What people don’t get is that all is connected! Ever heard of the Chaos Theory? We foresaw what Myria and Ladon did not WANT to see. The two of them were more interested in bickering about how to run things than realize how dangerous their actions were to the mortal race, hell even the world! When those two move, the world moves with them! When they are out of balance, the whole world suffers!”

Sari dipped her head. “Oh, I see. I apologize for my actions.”

“I understand,” Manna said in a soft voice. “I wanted to tell you from the beginning, but I was unable to. But when Deis realized how dangerous it would be if the balance was disrupted, she saw fit to appoint an Overseer. Of course, Lucien was the God of Balance, so he was the perfect choice. If Myria or Ladon became out of balance, Lucien could balance it back.”

“I do not understand how I am involved in all of this, short of being your granddaughter,” Sari said.

“Now hold up,” Manna said. “I’m not finished yet. We knew that this would only be a temporary fix. Things would become too unbalanced sooner or later. It was just that it was sooner than later. Myria fractured Ladon, Ryu was created to house Ladon’s will, and Lucien was killed by one of Myria’s servants. Thus, the Cycles were started.”

“Okay,” Sari said. “But once again, how am I involved?”

“There are things that only you can do,” Manna said. “I can’t tell you what will happen, that’s goes against your free will. But, I can tell you that your actions will determine the final outcome of certain things.”

“I…see,” Sari said. “So, you and Deis planned all of this from the beginning?”

Manna nodded. “Yes. We knew what would happen when the Destined Cycles started. We knew that the battles and wars between Myria and the Dragons, the gods and mortals, would eventually tear this planet apart. You’ve seen what has happened recently, yes?” Sari nodded. “Alright. Deis worked in the open at first, but realized all that was doing was giving the mortals a really big smoking gun. She did not want to fight her sister, but Myria had to be stopped.

“I, on the other hand, worked in secret. I, well, arranged certain things around, to make sure people were in certain places at certain times. To make sure people that needed to be protected, were protected. Like you and Ryu.”

“What?” Sari asked.

“I took Ryu after he vanished at Angel Tower ten years ago and put him in a place that Karn could find him.”

“That was you?” Sari asked.

“Yes,” Manna said. “I was also responsible for reviving Garr and pointing him in Deis’ direction.”

“Manna?” Sari asked. “Who are you, really? What are you?”

Manna smirked slightly. “I am God’s favored daughter.”

“What…?” Sari shook her head. “Ugh, that makes no sense…” Sari sighed. “But I see what you are trying to say. You are preparing me for when the kill blows come, I can be ready to fight back.”

Manna grinned slightly and nodded. Sari crossed her arms and let loose a loud sigh. “I see why you can’t tell me more about what’s going to happen. Thank you for telling me what you can. Thank you for telling me the truth about thing,” Sari looked towards the door. “You know what? I’m gonna go have a drink. See you later…”

Sari exited the balcony, leaving Manna alone with her thoughts. She didn’t know if Sari was even able to process all of that. Manna knew that Sari was the type to always remain calm in situations, but she just found out that Manna was her grandmother. But then again, when Sari had found out about Ryu being related to her, she reacted the same way she did with Manna. Calm and stoic, Saria was.

Manna glanced over to the side just in time to see a soft indigo light form right in front of her. Deis grinned as she walked over to Manna. “Deis,” Manna said.

“Nice to see you too, Manna,” Deis said.

“You were listening,” Manna said.

“But of course,” Deis laughed as she pushed her long indigo hair off of her shoulder. “I am surprised that you told her what you did. I thought that was against the rules.”

“Ha!” Manna said. She stood up and walked right over to Deis. It was like looking in a mirror, the both of them looking so much a like. “As if you have ever followed the rules.”

Deis nodded. “Right. But, was it right to tell Saria about your relationship to you?”

Manna merely shrugged. “She had the right to know.”

Deis nodded. “But, there was one more thing you left out.”

Manna nodded, turning her back to Deis. “Of course there was,” Manna said in a cool voice. “But, I thought that finding out that her grandmother is a goddess and that her path was planned out long before she even existed was enough of a shocker for her.”

“Yeah, true,” Deis said. “She always was the formal acting type.”

“Of course,” Manna snickered. “I wonder what will happen when she discovers the rest of the truth?”

Deis laughed. “That her powers can bind Legence long enough to get in a killing blow? She will be shocked. But what the biggest shocker will be…”

Manna shrugged her shoulders. “I had always hoped that it would pass without having to tell her about all of this. I know Sari is very angry right now. If only we could directly interfere. But if we did that, then what would have the purpose of free will be then?”

Deis sighed and nodded in agreement. “They understand so little. I had hoped that Myria and Ladon could get their act together before we were forced to put all of this into action, but I see that I was wrong.”

“Visions are just that,” Manna said. “We planned this the best we could without directly interfering. Now, I feel that we must. Legence is getting more and more powerful by the moment. How long before he gets complete control of Ladon and Myria?”

Deis frowned slightly. She shook her head. “That is not a thing I would like to think about,” Deis said.

Manna nodded. “Of course, the final choices will be up to Ryu and his companions. Sari now knows that we stacked the deck in their favor.”

“And you travel with them anyway,” Deis laughed. “I can see why, though. You want to protect Sari, Ryu, and the rest of them.”

Manna placed her hands on her hips. “Just like you once did, if I recall.”

“Oh, but of course,” Deis winked. “How does that old saying go? Ah, yes. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right?”

Manna rolled her eyes. “Whatever…” Manna waved Deis off. “I think I will take a page from Sari’s book and go get hammered,” Manna said as she exited the balcony.

Deis shrugged her shoulders. “Like mother, like daughter,” Deis said with a laugh. She and shook her head and vanished in a plume of purple light.

 

To be continued…