Natalia went out to the garden, and sat down on the grass. There was no one around, and she feels happy. She had a book in hand, and decided to read it. She was a little bored and wanted to go hunting, but she wanted Ashe to be with her. ' Where could he be? ' Natalia thought as she looked around her. Sighing after, she hoped that he would come by soon so that they would hunt together, like they usually do. After several moments of reading her book, she laid it down on the grass next to her, and she also lied down. She stared at the sky and wondered why there is a need for the Pyrix Kingdom to start a war. Their Mother Goddess already assigned Natalia and her sisters that they would lead the army, and Natalia was assigned to lead the marines. And she would wear that armor again. It was colored green with shells all over it, but it looked cool. Quickly disregarding the idea of the war, she started to relax.

There were clouds above her, and some of them had figures. One look liked a heart, and she was suddenly reminded of Ashe. She blushed lightly at the thought of him. The next cloud was formed like a fish, and she felt comfortable with it. After some moments, she fell asleep under the sky.

The Goddess of Air was quite amused as she sat on the roof of the center tower of the palace. The cool stone beneath her and the open sky above her made her feel quite at peace and comfortable. Megumi stared at her hands as she twirled her fingers in the air in front of herself. Her long silver hair blowing in the gust of wind she'd just created, her cerulean blue eyes twinkling with merriment. This was how she kept herself sane, she thought as she shifted her gaze to take in the kingdom.

This beautiful, almost ethereal, place was Renaia; Megumi's birthplace and home for most of her life. She was the eldest of three girls, all Goddesses of an element, and engaged to be married. Ah, marriage.. She could feel her thoughts soaring in the clouds as she slowly stood and pushed off the roof, leaping into the air. The young woman had a small smile on her lips as she closed her eyes and gave herself to the wind, feeling her body become one with it as she flew. Megumi found herself wondering where her sisters were, where her fiance was, and if they were alright.

She came to a stop in mid-air, high above the grounds, and appeared to be standing upright with her feet pointing down. By this time her eyes had opened, her thoughts more serious than before as the memories from earlier were drawn to the front of her mind.

There was a war coming, a large one, between Renaia and Pyrix. The two kingdoms had originally been at peace but now that was shattered and Megumi, along with her sisters, had been told they would be leading the army into battle. This meant the Goddess of Air would be in charge of fighting from above, in the sky. This thought caused her to lower her head, her long hair whipping around her, so her worried eyes could look below her. Lowering until she landed gracefully on a railing and, before she could fall, leaping to the white stone floor of the castle. If she was so worried that it was affecting her powers, she wondered how the news was showing in her sisters.

Hiding her smile-turned-frown, Megumi forced a smile and skipped through the large doors in front of her; setting off in search of Natalia and Rose.

A tall blonde man stood atop a giant, ancient tree. His purple eyes gazed down at the twisting lanes of the wood below. A playful breeze blew by, turning his hair into a living creature. He breathed deeply in through his nose and closed his eyes, soaking in the sounds and smells carried on the wind. A large grin slowly spread on his face. He smelled a faint, yet familiar aroma. One he had been waiting for. He whispered one word. "Natalia." The wind then seemed to swirl around him, his red cape rising into the air, almost like a bird raising his wings to take flight. Like an analogy coming to life, his cape transformed into wings and with a great and mighty flap, sent him into the air like a rocket. Soon, the young man slowly changed, and when he emerged from a cloud, not a man there was, but a large hawk.

The hawk circled around the area for a few minutes, until it came to a garden like area. With it's amazing vision, it could see a beautiful young girl, sleeping on the grass. The hawk saw this and wanted to do something for the girl. The hawk increased his speed and started to shoot through different clouds, almost erratically. After a few moments, all the clouds in the area had come together into one massive cloud formation. It was a giant hollow heart with an arrow going through it. Inside the heart spelled out in cursive was "Ashe + Natalia, Forever and Always." The hawk then took a moment too admire his work. He then looked down at the girl, and saw she was still sleeping. A little disgruntled, he gave an incredibly loud cry from his beak in order to wake her up. He then made a straight dive at the girl. As his speed grew, the hawk changed. Until right before he hit the ground, he stopped. The tall blonde man stood there once again, his large wings folding them selves back into his red cape. He simply stared at the girl, a warm smile on his face and love in his eyes.

Alphaios sat on the edge of his pond he was depressed as he sat on the soft soil and sighed. " Going to war and leading the marines in it " he sighed and threw a stone in and watched as it skipped over the water. He stood up and walked on the surface to the other side and retrieved the stone and started to walk back. He wished Rose was here ,she would be sitting on the bank distract him he'd fall in and they would both laugh. He missed those days , he loved Rose but he'd never admit it although it was quite obvious to everyone that he did. He knew that if he had to lead an army the two would eventually meet in battle he hated the thought of having to fight her. If it came down to hurting or even killing her he wouldn't know what to do he wanted to get the thought out of his mind so he went back and sat on the bank once more and gazed out at the pond hoping the goddess of fire would have the idea of coming out here too and they might be able to talk once more as friends for at least a little while.

Natalia woke up from the wind. She opened her eyes and saw what she had wanted to see the moment she woke up. It was Ashe, and he was smiling down at her. Natalia sat up and smiled back at him. Soon, she stood up to face him. " Ashe, where were you? " she asked him with a smile. She then looked up at the sky, and saw that there were letters written on the clouds. She suddenly blushed and held Ashe's hand in hers. " I agree with what you just wrote there " she told him.

She had always wanted to be with him, ever since they were still young. There had been times that the Mother Goddess would tell her that they should get married, but Natalia was too shy. At the moment, the wind was flowing coolly around them, and it was a good time to hunt.

" Ashe, do you want to hunt with me? Or just, fly around? " she asked in a soft tone, as she looked at the ground to hide her blush. Even though she had asked him to hunt with her several times already, she can never deny the fact that her heart still beats fast whenever she's near him.

" Or would you want to go for a swim? " she added shyly.

With a small flicker of flame over his palm, quickly extinguished with the wind, Del walks forward, brushing his hair. He keeps his hands behind his back as he walks slowly forward, his shiny dark shoes barely making a sound with each small step. Del's eyes soften, a smile fluttering over his formal expression, as he feels a small flow of wind immediately identifying that use of power as his own lover's gale. He looks up eyeing the petite goddess slowly descend down from the centre of the palace. Del's heart skips a few beats, tilting his head with two small blotches of blush on his cheeks, when he sees her twirl down to the ground, gazing at her twinkling azure eyes, exuding her childlike bliss and playfulness. His own eyes seem to glint with it's own light ruby-ish hue, entranced by the elegance of the air goddess, Megumi. This is the woman I am bound to be marrying...the lovely...the wonderful..the euphoric...Megumi...

Del's eyes seem to snap out of their mesmerized state, his blush darting over his nose, as he mentally smacks himself. Oh...nonono....I'm not a pervert...she's my fiancé for crying out loud...I can watch her in whatever way I want too...I mean...er...I... Del seems to stop thinking, looking as Megumi drops out of site. He frowns, wanting to go catch up with her, he decides to go and casually walk into the palace, closing his eyes, wandering aimlessly. At first, he started to wander about the war he was about to fight. The men he had to kill. He never liked killing...it always made him look like a monster. People always associated fire as a monstrous and dark element. He didn't want Megumi to think that...he didn't...he only wanted to protect Megumi with all of his might...and life and....-OOF! Del seemed to bump into someone, at first he seemed a tiny bit annoyed, but more apologetic. But then a smile flows across his face. "Well...hello there, love. How are things Megumi...?" Del keeps his hands behind his back as he bows, his eyes closed with the kind grint over his expression.

" Ouch!" Megumi exclaimed as she fell to the ground, having used a light gust of air to propel herself forward and keep from bruising her tail bone. Instead of falling backward, though, she had fallen forward and held her hands out in front of her as she knocked into this person for the second time. Although, this time was much softer and she immediately stepped back, a blush appearing across her pale cheeks. She looked up at the taller male and knew exactly who it was, her blush growing a bit darker as she asked in surprise, " Del?!"

" Well...hello there, love. How are things Megumi...?" The brown haired male bowed gracefully, a smile visible in ever aspect of his expression as he spoke to her. Megumi couldn't help the sweet smile that spread over her lips, her bright eyes twinkling excitedly. The Goddess felt odd for her fiance to bow to her and placed a hand on his shoulder, " Please don't do that," Her voice was soft and melodic, seeming to echo around the pair.

" Things are normal, I suppose.. I've been thinking of the things that have been happening lately," the Goddess sighed, her eyes becoming thoughtful and somewhat troubled as she turned her head to look away from Del. She hated to worry him but she was horrible at hiding her feelings from her beloved fiance. " How is everything with you?" At this she felt a light breeze come through and ruffle her hair, not her doing, and laughed softly to cheer herself up. " I'm sure everything's fine, right? You're so much stronger and better at coping," Megumi said truthfully, turning her head to show him the small smile she now held on her lips. She tilted her head like a child as she looked at her fiance, remembering all the time they'd been together. The pair had been together for many, many years; even as children, they'd been enar inseparable.

Rose left her room, making her way towards the pond her and Alphaois often spent time at. Her waist length red locks where left down, and spiraled around her small frame like flames. Her amber eyes swept over the pond in the distence, and she smiled when she saw someone sitting on the edge. She assumed it was him. She quietly moved towards him, smiling brightly when she noticed his light hair, making her sure it was him. She pounced on him playfully, accidently making them fall in. He had tried to teach Rose to swim many times, but she always ended up panicing and nearly drowning. She wrapped herself around Alphaois, knowing if she let go she'd sink right to the bottom.

Alphaios swam upwards toward the surface and pulled Rose's head above water " Good to see you too" a small grin appeared on his face as he started to swim back to the bank where he was originally sitting. " Did you really have to do that" he joked he wasn't the best when it came to surprises but he was happy to see Rose again. He sat her down and sat beside her " So what u been up to lately". A thought bolted through his mind " I may have to fight her " he thought " would I couldn't be able to hurt her in any way". He looked over at her she was cute ,petite, goddess how could he or anyone ever fight her. He or one of his brothers would have to fight her and he probably would have to fight one of her sisiters or worse Rose herself. He didn't want to think about that he just looked at the girl and smiled.

Delfyre keeps on bowing, his eyes opening surprised slightly, feeling her cool hand on his shoulder. He straightens up, brushing himself off, per usual, before putting his hands politely behind his back. He chuckles as he listens to her ringing voice echo, his eyes lightning with glee. "Please don't do that...Things are normal I suppose...I've been thinking of the things that have been happening lately," Del starts to frown as she turns her head around, his head tilting curiously, slightly worried. His heart lurched slightly as he heard her soft giggle, the sound pleasant and heart warming, enough to make him smile slightly. "How is everything with you? I'm sure everything's fine, right? You're so much stronger and better at coping."

Del sighs, looking at her innocent expression, her head tilted. He goes over to her, cupping her right cheek on his palm, the feeling comfortingly warm. "I'm...doing fine, but, coping really isn't the correct word, or phrase to be honest. I'm just…a bit tense is all. This war…is going to be…rather tolling. I'm rather not looking forward to it, it's rather hard on everyone, this war that is. I'm concerned for my brothers, even for Alphaios, though he tends to piss me off from time to time."

He rolls his eyes, but now he adopts a more caring persona, the smirk on his face turning into a slight frown. "But…are you okay, Megumi? Are you alright with all of this happening…?" Del gives her a concerned look, his face in front of hers, his eyes darting with worry. "You can tell me anything…you can trust me." He gives her a reassuring smile, still retaining his gentlemanly posture.

Ashe smile grew brighter. "Well I'm glad that you approve." He said followed by a small laugh. He stopped speaking for a moment because he fell into her eyes. He could stare into her eyes for an eternity and never tire of them. In fact, that's exactly what he planned to do. "I didn't realize I was being expected." Putting on his overly confident tone for a moment, acting very innocent. When she took his hand, he blushed inwardly but kept a confident air about him outwardly. He spoke again. "I must confess, I was distracted for a time." He said with a cocky smile, he then began to walk with her, his hand still interlaced with hers. "You see, I was atop my favorite tree, simply listening to wind, as I do." He said explaining to her. "Then, the wind spoke to me, and carried with it a scent. You see, the wind told me that a creature who could not exist had entered these grounds. It said that she was so flawless, that beauty incarnate was a mere fraction of a fraction of what she truly was. It then revealed a scent too me. A scent so divine, that I wished they would place it's source into my nostrils should I fall, so I could smell it's divine fragrance for all time. Now I thought too myself, 'What sort of creature could the wind even be speaking of?' In all truth, about 3 moments after I truly thought about it, I realized the being could only be one thing. So I then immediately flew off and found her sleeping in these gardens and decided to write her a message in the heavens. I now walk beside her, her hand woven with my own." He sound with deep compassion, his eyes practically shining with love.

He let his little story sink in a bit before he addressed her other questions. "I know not why, but I feel that this day is something of an occasion. So I say, why not do all three! First I say we fly, then swim, then our scent will be gone and we can hunt. So, as quickly as I came.." He then suddenly reached down and picked her up baby doll style. His cape then slowly raised and transformed into his wings. "...we must away!" He then shot into the sky, twirling and laughing as he went. He flew like there was no tomorrow and that him and Natalia were the only beings in existence. He just got lost in the sky and her eyes.

He felt this was good for them, everyone was concerned with the war. It seemed that Ashe was the only one who was not. Sure peace is preferred, but war is what the land will be in soon. Times change, like they ever changing flow of the wind. The currents do not fight the shift, they flow with it for that is how it must be. Besides, he would be fighting alongside his brothers and soon to be sisters in law. And of course, his beloved. After all, he was one of the greatest warriors around, if not the greatest. Why should he be concerned about war? Especially when he's with Natalia.

His train of thought was derailed when he spotted a pond down below. He was about to dive into it, when he saw two people sitting on the shore. He recognized them immediately. He spoke to Natalia. "Natalia, look. It's Rose and Alphy. Ive always said those two looked good together. What do you think? Should we drop in on them, or leave them be?" He asked her playfully. He always loved messing with his brothers.....even if they didn't realize it. What with Del being the ever proper gentleman and perfect role model and Alphy ever impish ways and dependency on him, Ashe felt it was his duties to mix things up for them. Then again, he'd rather just be with Natalia and would love to give Rose and him some alone time for their feelings to come to surface. That's why he would leave it up to Natalia. She was always more level headed about these things.

She got lost when Ashe started saying the story to her. When he was finished and realized that it was her, she blushed beet red and smiled at him. " I have no idea about where you got that story from. Are you feeling light-headed? Because you just made me feel giddy after you told me that story " Natalia told him as she softly squeezed his hand. Then suddenly, Ashe picked her up, and the next thing she knew, they were already flying. The view was breath-taking and the air was cool, pleasant for flying around. She always loved it when she was with Ashe, especially when they are up in the sky and exploring the wonderful world of Cresta. She heard his suggestion about swimming after flying, then going hunting. She nodded to his idea.

Natalia was broken out of her reverie when Ashe spoke to her. "Natalia, look. It's Rose and Alphy. Ive always said those two looked good together. What do you think? Should we drop in on them, or leave them be?"

Looking down at the pond, she saw her sister Alphaios having their own moment. She knew that they were meant to be together immediately. Natalia playfully hit Ashe. " Leave them be, Ashe. Your brother deserves a break, along with my sister that is. " Natalia told Ashe in a calm tone. She always knew that Ashe respected her decision, and that is one of the traits that Natalia loved about him.

" It's such a nice day, Ashe. Especially that I'm here with you " Natalia told him in a soft tone.

Megumi wasn't surprised in the slightest when Delfyre stepped toward her, cupping her cheek in his left hand. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, leaning into his warm hand. He was so comforting to her, always so caring, and she loved this about him.

Her bright eyes opened to stared at Del as she listened intently to him; he was so strong and calm as he spoke. He worried Megumi though, she hated the truthfulness in his words. They'd suffer through this war, wouldn't they? She banished this though from her mind, hoping she hid the fear that she felt strike in her heart like a bolt of lightning.

" Tense?" Megumi repeated, her voice soft as her bright eyes kept level with Del's. She almost missed his questions since her thoughts had begun to race again but she definitely didn't miss the frown that appeared on her fiance's lips. Reaching up with a pale hand the Goddess smiled slightly, her fingers brushing his lips. " Don't worry so much," she murmured before shrugging. She paused to consider what to say before giving a sigh and lowering her hand to his shoulder, bringing her other arm up to wrap around his neck and hold him in a somewhat awkward embrace.

" I'm worried," the silver haired young woman admitted, her voice so quiet she was practically whispering in Delfyre's ear. " I don't want anybody to get hurt or..." She didn't finish her thought as she buried her head in his chest, " I'm afraid.." She kept her face hidden not wanting to see his expression. Megumi hated to worry others but they also knew she was easily shaken, she was the sensitive one who always worried for others.

Ashe looked into her eyes as she spoke. He had to stop doing that or one day he just might lose himself completely in them.......or hit a tree on accident. Either one is highly possible. She playfully hit him. "Leave them be, Ashe. Your brother deserves a break, along with my sister that is." He took a quick look down at the two, then back at her. She was right, she was always right and he would have to get used to it. He sighed. "Your right, as usual." he said playfully and pecked her on the nose. "Besides.....your lake is far better than Alphy's pond.....in my opinion anyway." He gave her a big smile, before suddenly picking up speed and shooting higher into the air. It came to a point like he felt they were going at such an insane speed, it was like the world was in slow motion. The only ones who could stay in time were them. Ashe had no idea how he got so lucky in life. Then again, he also didn't know why he was so good looking or talented or amazing in general. He chuckled at himself in his own head. He liked being pompous, it was better than the alternative. Ashe's mind darkened for a moment. He thought about the alternative and how it would only hurt people and leave them shells of themselves. He had to be strong for them....he had to be strong for her.

They came to a point where he stopped and climbing and just started floating there. It was like they were dancing and the entire sky their dance floor. She looked at him and spoke. " It's such a nice day, Ashe. Especially that I'm here with you " she told him in a soft tone. He just looked at her, his eyes growing ever more with love. "Natalia..." was all he said. It was quiet and almost hushed, like a sacred word. "Remember earlier when you asked if I was light headed. Well, I was and I still am." He started breathing harder. Tears started to form in the corners of his eyes, yet his smile only spread wider. "Ive been light headed since the day Ive met you. I just feel lighter when I'm with you, almost like I disappear from this world completely and all that's left of me is with you. I can't really explain it better than that, all I know is that I want to feel this way for the rest of existence!" His smile was huge now and it seems he was crying tears of joy. Suddenly the wind wiped them from his face. "Sorry.." was all he muttered as he tried to regain his composure. "I guess what I'm trying to say is....is....aw, to hell with it." With that, Ashe dove his face right into Natalia's and latched onto her lips with his own. He kissed her as passionately as was physically able for him to do so. His wings folded around them. They then began to fall, head first. The wind was rushing around them, but he would not let go of her.

After what seemed like a blissful eternity, they hit a barrier. A barrier of water. They were in the waters of a lake, him still attached to her. Finally, he let go. He then just pulled his head away from her and smiled. He watched her as the light from the surface reflected off of her perfect face. He couldn't say anything more than what was already said. Besides, they were underwater.....and she looked lovely.

Natalia melted into Ashe's arms when he kissed her. It was like time froze and the only two people in the world. The wind was cold above but Ashe's heat was enough. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Ashe's neck as his wings folded around them. Natalia had no idea how long time had passed, but before she knew it, they hit the water. She immediately felt revitalized and produced a bubble that would enable Ashe to breathe underwater. When they parted, Natalia's cheeks were as red as a tomato.

" You, I have no idea why you have that effect on me " Natalia whispered to him. Schools of fishes swam pass by them, and they were also surrounded by different types of underwater plants. The water was clean and unpolluted, the reason why every living thing under was healthy and alive. Natalia too, felt very happy about the fact.

" Why do you always stutter in your sentences? I've always wanted to hear what you think of me. And yet you're too shy to tell me what it is. Wait, you're not shy are you? " Natalia giggled a little, suddenly remembering Ashe's confident and carefree attitude.

" Nevermind what I said, I still love you anyway " she added shyly.

Delfyre's eyes widened as her arms hooked around his neck, feeling her cool aura collide with his own warmth. He sighs as he slowly holds her tightly against him, his arms wrapping around her as well, his heart beating in unison with her own. He listened to her small whispers, feeling her tremble with worry, his eyes darting with concern almost immediately. "I'm worried, I don't want anybody to get hurt or..." Del looks as her head buries itself into his chest, closing his eyes momentarily before opening them once more, a comforting smile on his face. He starts to brush her hair softly, kissing the top of her head as she says, "I'm afraid".

He starts to assure her that everything is going to be okay, and that everyone's going to be fine, "We're all strong Megumi, we're all going to be okay. My brothers, and your sisters are all capable people, we'll be sure to come out unharmed, I know it." He brings her into a tight hug, closing his eyes, thinking to himself. All of this war tension...it's bringing us all down. I just wish that there'd be something I can do... Del didn't want Megumi to be like this, he wanted to make her happy, or at least take away the worry she adopted over the pre-war time period...

He shakes his head, a smile back on his face, now playful and heartwarming. He quickly scoops her into his arms, cradling her within his warm grasp, as a few white will-o-wisps of flame gather under his feet, slowly carrying the two upward and outside of the castle, gazing at the kingdom beautifully around them. A few other white will-o-wisps flutter around them, bouncing around as if dancing a mid-air mini ballet, humming a playful and cheery tune as they slowly spin around in the air gazing at the kingdom from above. "Let's...let's not talk about the war for now, Megumi...let's just enjoy the song and the view, shall we?" He gazes at her warmly, his eyes twinkling alongside the small plumes of white fire floating around them, a kind smile on his face.

" I hope so," the silver haired Goddess mumbled before, all of a sudden, feeling her feet swept up from beneath her and being taken into Delfyre's arms. She stared up at him, surprise and amazement easily seen in her bright eyes. Megumi was happy her arms were still around him, not because she was scared of falling, because this was actually a comfortable position for her to find herself in.

" Let's... let's not talk about the war for now, Megumi...let's just enjoy the song and the view, shall we?" Del asked her, his reassuring smile calming her as it always did. Megumi nodded to this slowly, a small smile forming on her own lips as she glanced around them to see the white wisps that fluttered around the pair. Her smile grew to a full-blown grin as she realized they were spinning slowly in the air above the kingdom, the small traces of fire making music for them to 'dance' to.

" All right," she answered lightly, her voice harmonizing with the melody Del's fire had created. Their previous conversation was forgotten for the time being as Megumi's sparkling eyes remained on Delfyre's, showing no more signs of sadness or worry as she tightened her grip. " Just don't drop me," she added after a moment, laughing joyfully and knowing well that he wouldn't.