Oracle in Azure

By Indigo Siren

Disclaimer: Bloody Roar is © to Hudson Soft. All characters and any of the existing storyline mentioned don't belong to me and are only being used for entertainment purposes only. I do however own the idea to the story. All rights reserved.

A/N: It has taken a while but here it is, finally, the end of the story. The epilogue! Enjoy!

Epilogue: Peace

It was a colourful morning. Sunlight touched every corner of the city, rising up high in the clear blue, spreading a warm glow across the city. It was the dawn of a new day, in all its freshness and vibrancy. A dawn so different to many others. No sorrow or anger was left lingering in the air; not even a shadow of uncertainty could be seen. Everything just seemed brilliant, smiles on the many faces and cheerful laughter signally the simple normality of the civilians.

This new day bid the final goodbye to the tournament the day before. Yugo's name rung around the city streets; the winner of the Zoanthrope tournament.

The public were unaware of what had unfolded in the palace days prior. They didn't know of the betrayal, the experiments, the attack, or of the phoenix's awakening. A prophesy fulfilled without the people truly knowing. Fate had brought about its legend, and it was gone within the blink of an eye. Though for those who saw it were indeed lucky, aside the situation that had occurred.

The head of the temple would gaze upon the palace, smiling softly. The twinkle in his eyes, the remnants of a vision of the rising bird of flames sweeping away the prominent evil. It was all very real inside his mind.

He knew.

Pride rose with each breath. He'd turn to the blessed carving depicting the old language that told the fateful story. Yes, it was over. It had happened, and he may not have seen it, but he could feel it deep down, the relief hanging in the air.

When people asked him why he was so happy, he'd just shake his head, turning away.

"It'll be something you'll never know, though truly appreciate."

The crowds were lessening, so much that it was almost sad that there wasn't anything left to bustle over. Souvenir shops were practically deserted and most were shutting up early. They'd wait for the summer to come in full fledge before taking up the market again.

Uranus looked down from the front terrace of the palace, across the town laid bare before her. It wasn't the same place she'd first come to. She'd seen to that. Time was set on a new course. The tournament was over and there was an emptiness now, the people all around her - the crowds, fading. She'd miss it, only a little, but it had been nice to think she could fit in amongst the masses.

She shaded her eyes from the suns glare, taking in the wonderful view there beholding her. Her vision picked up every house that that came between her and the skyline. They were hers to admire. She felt like a goddess, watching over her children. She chuckled inwardly. The palace did give oneself a scary amount of self importance.

'Explains Orion's attitude…'

Orion had invited her there to enjoy the comfort of his grand home. It was his way of saying sorry. Not that it did anything to make her feel better since the damage was long but done. Though, she couldn't say no, seeing as her accommodation was much nicer then that of the apartment complex.

She smiled, thought it was a solemn one, as her thoughts drifted from her current position. Everything had been covered up. Everything she'd went through and the horrible situation, were behind closed doors. The matters of the experiment were hushed and pushed aside, like the whole thing was nothing to worry anyone over. It had been the cause of all the grievances of the kingdom. She couldn't understand why he'd pull a curtain around it and pretend it wasn't a problem. He was indecisive over what he wanted to do and she just couldn't bear to look at him, not with any sort of respect or consideration.

What kind of man was he, after everything that happened, to allow the experiments to continue? She had a feeling that he couldn't suddenly drop what he'd believed in for so long. He handled the situation to lightly for her liking.

The kingdom was still a wonderful place, even if it was built on top of a living hell. It was best to keep things private and not destroy an ignorant bliss that had kept the people safe. No secret stayed that way for long in this speculative world, yet for now, it seemed best to let things lay in the dark wild wounds were still sore.

She cast the dark thoughts aside, and clung back to her godly thoughts. She stood proud, an invisible messiah listening to the prayers on the wind. Today's prayers were songs, distant but yet vibrant. The world carried on even if she carried heavy burdens. Children were playing, women chattering on street corners as they carried groceries - the idle games and chit chat of an average neighbourhood. She'd been apart of something like that once. Never quite an average girl, but she sure fit in everywhere with a smile on her face and a skip in her step. Not anymore though.

'Oh to be normal again…' She reflected sadly. A simple life without a condemning body - a dream that would never be hers. She'd touched normality, for a brief second down in that lab. The 'her' before had emerged, and faded in a flash of light. She knew she'd never ever be able to go back to her original body.

Taking a breath, she pushed aside her feelings of sorrow. No, she couldn't linger on something she couldn't have. It was a waste of time and energy.

'Be happy for who I am,' she encouraged. 'I'm alive! I'm here, and I'm going to enjoy it!'

Her mission was over now, and she needed to get on with her life. This was a second chance, in a world that knew some peace, even with such unpredictable occurrences. The fact she was still there was a miracle enough, and she planned to live out her days to the fullest instead of spilling tears for the past.

Gently, she ran her hands across the silk of the cobalt-coloured dress that Orion had given to her the night before. It had sat, neatly packaged on the end of the bed in the guest room. A card had sat on top, tucked under the ribbon.

'Heroine of beauty. Be blessed.'

Sweet, flattering words. Her hands had nearly torn up the dress, but at the last second she stopped herself. The shimmering material, feather light in her hands, reminded her of a once happy time. A bliss in which she shared with her family. To wear this dress was like returning to something she'd longed for.

She was startled by her thoughts, letting the dress float out of her grasp. She turned, in time to see her son approach. He was smiling brightly, all fresh faced, almost like none of the horrible things had happened at all. He'd been hurt, it was hid behind his bright smile, but for now, he wanted to revel in the warm feeling that had taken him. She didn't want to ruin things and turned to greet him with a smile of her own.

"That is a beautiful dress," he complimented, stopping beside her at the railings. They both turned to admire the view together.

"It was a gift courtesy of your father," she said, leaning forward cross-armed on the barrier.

"That was generous of him. I suppose he is just trying to make you feel more settled."

She sighed, shaking her head lightly. "That's nice and all, but, I really don't want to feel settled in the slightest."

He gave her a questioning look. "Why so?"

"Well," she leaned back, licking her lips while trying to push aside her sudden awkwardness. She could barely glance at him without feeling as if rocks were forming in her stomach. "You see, I don't think I'm going to stick around here for much longer."

"What!" He exclaimed. It was almost like a slap right back at her. She stepped backwards, a little ashamed, hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"Forgive me," she quickly said. "It seems I'm leaving so soon after I've come. I should have mentioned last night, but you were so happy with Shina and other others celebrating, I couldn't have imagined of hurting you, so soon after what happened. Believe me though, I've got my reasons."

"Are you going to time jump again? Will you leave here forever now you have finished what you came to do." He bit his lip, staring down gravely over the city.

A small scowl formed. She slammed a hand back on the railing. "I have nowhere to go outside of this time. I've lost my world. What would be the point of that? I can't change history in my own time, that has been set. I'm here for good. I stopped things going wrong here, not just for the good of myself, but for everyone else in this world!"

"I am sorry, I did not think… but…" He looked up at her. "Why go? Why not stay?"

"It's beautiful here… but this isn't my home anymore," she explained softly. "I can't live with your father and not feel angry for what he has done. You can forgive him, you have a heart big enough to heal those wounds. But this body is breaking from within and I can't stop my pain and anger rising in my feelings. I want to find a new place to take root. Saying that, I won't forget you, and I'll certainly come back and see you. I promise."

Silence fell. His expression was heart wrenching and she tore her gaze away, looking back at the city. This wasn't home, even if she stared at it in all its beauty and pretended to be God. She couldn't change anything here, even if she snapped and unleashed her fury. It was up to Cronos to lead the city into a peaceful future, definitely not Orion. She told herself not to cry, even though her eyes began to sting. She turned back, raising a hand to him. His cheerless face managed a smile, even though there was no real emotion to it. He took her hand and drew close. Uranus placed her other hand a top of theirs, which he mimicked so their hands interlocked tightly.

"You'll bring this tarnished kingdom into a new age," she whispered firmly. "It will be because of you, this kingdom shall one day become a wonderful place. Today is just the beginning of a beautiful tomorrow."

"I… can only imagine what will become of this place." He sighed, smiling truly now. "I shall do my best for the city. I only want to see the people living without sadness and suffering. Though…" The sadness returned. "… I wish you would stand here with me and watch it happen."

She shook her head. "I can't. Please, understand." She pulled him into a hug. "We walk very different paths, though, never forget I'll always be here, maybe not in person, but I'll be here in spirit." Her hand rested between them on his chest. "In your heart."

Small tear droplets sprung from his eyes, falling silently down his cheeks. He didn't want to let her go. Her comforting warmth that he'd wanted since he was a small boy. But he'd grown up now, and had to stand strong. He'd lived most of his life without her. He could carry on.

They parted, and he wiped his eyes. "I shall always think of you, wherever you may go. Please, do not be afraid to visit. I shall welcome you wholeheartedly."

She beamed. "I'm glad to hear it."

"Though, I do not know what I will do without you here to complete me," he couldn't help but admit.

She chuckled. "You're a whole man, without me or your father. You're your own strength." She deeply bowed to him. He blinked with surprised. "You're a strong man, Your Highness. Never forget that." She rose, eyes twinkling with knowing. "Besides… There is someone else who you can focus your energy on."

Her eyes had drifted past him. This promoted him to turn, coming to acknowledge Shina a few paces away. He was startled and turned back to say something further, but was stopped before the first breath when he noticed his mother was nowhere to be seen. He quickly looked about, wondering where she'd gone. It was almost as if she vanished into thin air. He huffed, a little smile forming. Just like her. He guessed she'd be no good with goodbyes.

"Everything alright?" There was no time to brood with Shina crossing the distance between them.

"Everything is fine, thank you." The two slowly walked side by side down the terrace. "I am surprised to see you here. Were the guards not quick to stop you?"

"N'ah! If they'd had, I would have creamed them." She socked the air in front of her to fulfil the imagery. "Though, it was okay. Your mother invited me. I've got a note to prove." And indeed she did, on a little piece of silver paper, all in nice neat handwriting. He admired, smiling brightly.

'Was this your plan? To distract me so you could leave?' There was no sadness in him. He knew she'd come back. She'd given her word.

"Nice of her I've got to admit," she said with a little amazement. "We didn't get along after all."

"She really is a kind woman. She is just trapped by her rage most of the time."

"She is Uriko after all, so, I can understand."

They left the terrace and went down into the gardens. Shina admired the greenery, while Cronos saw fit to admire her.

"What are you planning to do now that the tournament is over?" He asked inquisitively.

She interlocked her hands behind her head lazily. "I'm taking one hell of a vacation. I deserve it! No work for me for a few weeks… or, maybe a month. I haven't had one for years." She stepped in front of him, halting their tracks. "I'll be hanging around here. Hope you haven't got anything planned?"

His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't keep the immense joy from lighting him up like a Christmas tree. He surprised her by giving her a big hug.

"Hey! I didn't think you'd be that excited!" She chuckled, managing to pry him off her.

His face was jubilant. He took her hands, clinging to them gratefully. "I am so very happy you are staying around. I want to catch up on the things we have missed, without it playing second fiddle to a fighting tournament. My schedule is never really too busy, and I shall definitely put things a side so we can spend time together."

"Great!" She tugged him along backwards. "So, we can start now?"

"Certainly!"

"Ice cream? Park? Lounging around like slobs?" She winked.

"That sounds…" He sighed happily. "… Wonderful."

---

Orion sat in his study, a book resting in his lap, pretty much ignored. He was reflecting too much to read.

He'd been so foolish, to think the experiments wouldn't cause an uproar. It seemed to the root of evil, tainting the hearts of many men who were inclined to participate. They worked to find a cure, with so much suffering to anyone who they saw fit to be a 'test'. He shook his head, rubbing tired eyes. Fool was too light a word to call him.

His heart was dejected. There was no energy in him. After all the covering up and the secrets, he was wasted - a weak shell of a man. He was lucky the sponsors hadn't torn him a part, but he'd managed, with Gado's help, to sweet talk them. He could tell the Lion Zoanthrope didn't enjoy doing that, but it seemed the only way to stop things from going to the dogs.

The peace treaty signing was to be rescheduled with extra security and screening. Things would be right the next time around.

"Haunted by the horror. Well, you should be."

He jumped, on his feet, the book tumbling to the floor. Uranus sat on his window ledge, running her hands down the curtains slowly, the whole while staring at him.

Orion noticed her attire. She did look so beautiful. Just like he remembered so very long ago.

"You look… enchanting," he said softly.

She didn't respond, just slowly stepping into the room, moving around to the couch. She lapsed out onto it, framed by the light material of the dress.

"You know, I feel I should do away with you and let Cronos rule the kingdom." Her eyes shone darkly. "I'm sure this place would be a lot better without you."

"Uranus… you really don't…" He blinked and she was there before him. So fast, so startling. She grabbed his tunic before he could step back.

"Though…" She breathed sweetly into his face. "… I realise he needs you. You are his rock, and I won't take that away from him."

He felt a breath of relief slowly released. Staring solidly into his eyes, she took a step back, not really letting up on him, just not pressing so close.

"I am a bad man, but I should be able to atone for what I've done," he entreated.

She shrugged. "If it were me, I'd see you skewered, every bloody chunk on display for the world to see. But then, this me is Uranus, and the Uriko me would give you a small chance to prove you can do things right. Don't let 'HER' down."

He sighed, bowing his head. "I do love you, Uranus. Even if you don't believe me. The whole time, I cared about you, and I never planned to hurt you."

"I don't think I'll ever trust you again, Orion," she said resolutely, watching him flinch. "Though, for this one time, I have some belief in your words. There was love, that I found…" She rubbed her hands down the dress for assurance. "… And it was warm and real. But nothing wonderful lasts forever. Though, I do want to say…"

He looked up and he watched her expression soften.

"… Thank you. For saving me a long time ago. For a small time, I found happiness again, and that happiness was born into our child. Don't let anything happen to him. He must live on, carrying that spark of happiness to spread across the kingdom."

He felt blessed to have met a woman like her. Between them, there was some sort of understand, and he gave her a silent nod. That was his promise, one he was not going to break.

"I assume you're going to leave?" He asked.

"I will be back, rest assured." She turned and floated back onto the window ledge. "You better be a good boy while I'm gone." And she leapt, fading within a blinding light.

---

Walking along side the palace, Xion felt a little unfulfilled. He'd only found out little bits of information. Nothing solid. So much effort he'd felt he'd wasted for so little.

"Maybe one day soon, I'll find something…" He muttered to himself.

He stop as Uranus landed briefly before him. They exchanged glances. Blue and amber eyes locked.

"We'll meet again someday, Xion," she declared. "Sooner then you may think."

The briefest of smiles flashed across her features and then she was gone, away with the wind.

He paused in thought, a grin forming.

'Will my answers lay with you?' He wondered. Snorting, he walked on, though he seemed a lot happier. 'Though, I'm sure we'll have an interesting time together. I'm very certain of that.'

---

Alice parted her hug from Long, who was leapt at by Uriko. He expected it though, patting her back softly.

"See you soon, promise? You have to really promise! Okay, okay?" She babbled out, trying not to sniffle.

He nodded, smiling. "I will see you soon, Uriko. In a week or so."

"Hurray!" She cheered, leaping away from him to go get in the back of the car along side Kenji. Alice followed, going around to the passenger front side as Yugo quickly went up to slap a hand on the Chinese man's shoulder.

"Don't be a stranger!" He said, grinning. "You better come around or I'll have the girls on my back nagging me."

"YUGO!" Alice crowed angrily from in the car.

He winced, grin widening. "Hehe, I'll shut up now. Best be off before we hit heavy traffic."

"Have a safe journey." Long waved them off as Yugo pulled the car out into the city.

After a few twists and turns through the streets, they finally came to the exit that took them out into the desert and away from the city.

Uriko looked back. "Bye bye, Nali-Phurket! I'll miss you!"

"Woo! I'm glad that's over!" The Wolf Zoanthrope declared, leaning back in his seat. "Kicked some bad asses and won a tournament. I'm the man!" Alice gave him a dark glare. He just chuckled. "Sorry, but I can't help but feel happy! We uncovered the bad guys and socked it to 'em! And, did I mention I WON the tournament?"

"Too many times!" She snapped, crossing her arms furiously. "Don't you realise what a dangerous situation we were in? How could you let it get this bad?"

Yugo almost choked, trying to keep his eyes on the road instead of focusing on the irate rabbit. "ME? I didn't do anything? I just came in as part of the clean up crew!"

"You're our 'amazing'…" She finger motioned the word. "… Leader! You should have worked harder so that we could have stopped other people getting hurt!"

"Hey, I'm one man, and there is only so much we can do," he appeased.

"Come on! Let's not fight!" Uriko pleaded from the back. "It's a long way home."

Alice just fell silent. Yugo wanted to say something more but held back, seeing that her expression was so sour. She was a little expectant he'd say something and glanced over. He looked away sharply and focused hard on driving.

Kenji folded his newspaper, turning to Uriko. "Did you say your goodbyes to Uranus?"

"Briefly," Uriko said a little sadly. "I wish I could have said more, but… you know, I guess things were best left as they are."

"How so?"

"What does she need me around for, going on about things, stirring it up and reminding her of what she's lost?" Uriko fiddled with her jacket sleeves. "We said goodbye, promised to see each other one day and left it like that. I wanted to hug her and say more, though, short and sweet was good for once. I did want to ask if she wanted to come with us, but I guess she wants to make her own world as Uranus. She did say she was going to travel, see things in a new perspective."

"She's very brave," Kenji said, smiling at the cat-girl. She beamed.

"Yeah, she sure is!" She looked out the window. The city was getting further and further away, fading into the backdrop of the sky.

"See you soon!" She whispered, hoping her future self could hear her.

The sun seemed to wink at her, enough of an answer for her.

"And…" She smiled, closing her eyes. "Let the peace last forever…"

THE END

A/N: And that is the end of my story - Been going so very long, I didn't think it would ever come to an end! There will be no continuing story after this, just to let people know.

I've tied up most loose ends and not gone off to cover a lot of things which are best just left as they end in previous chapters. I'm happy that I got the chance to develop Uranus beyond her in-game depiction.

I would like to thank all you readers for sticking with it and reading this throug to the very end. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. I shall see you again soon in another story. Until then, happy reading out there and take care!