~Epilogue~

It was summer again and I was on my way back to my old hometown after the whole graduation ceremony and the celebration that followed. That was a blast, but my thoughts quickly returned to the here and now. I hadn't been back here since we came out last time and before that was a crazy rush of emotions because I hadn't been here since all those years ago. It hurt my mom and me to even think of returning, but the reason we finally were, was important enough to warrant it. I sat in the back seat, looking out the window, while my mom messed with the radio. I had a permanent light smile on my face because Tori sat next to me, her eyes glued on the passing landscape outside, as always.

"It's pretty out here. There's so many trees and the lake is so amazing with the sun setting over it," she remarked. She had been going on and on about everything she saw since we got here, like she did before. It was the same thing the first time we came here, if a little toned down.

Yes, I agree.

Aqua always sounded nostalgic and a bit sad when we returned. On the drive over here we fought again over the likelihood of her permanent return. She had to get back to the lake so that she could purify the water. Without her, things would fall apart. Literally. We kept our conversation silent and shared it with no one because for a long time I was willing to give up Aqua for the sake of the world. What was one person's death in the scheme of things, right? But the thing was, she wouldn't let me. She would rather risk her job, and the health of the very Earth, to keep me from death. I thought it was very human of her, which meant it was stupid of her to do that. But then she brought up Tori and I instantly lost the fight. I couldn't help it. Call me selfish, but I loved Tori so much I couldn't do that to her. I also couldn't bear being without her.

It is not selfish. It is love in its purest form. Besides, you are human and should live as much as you can. I will be around for much longer, so I do not see what the harm is in letting you live out your life the length you deserve. Only then can I go back to my duty, when your life is happily complete.

You sure you won't bring the wrath of God down on you?

No, I am sure he understands. It is not like I am neglecting my work. Why else would we be here?

She had a point. We decided on spending the first half of every summer here so that she could do her job. It was the best we could do with the circumstances being what they were and her refusal to fully return to the lake. Tori jumped at the chance to spend more time with me so she made me promise never to go without her. Her parents were happy to let her go. They liked the thought of her finding someone else who was worthy of Heaven's gifts. I didn't see why it was so special, because I was sure I would love Tori with or without her heritage, but I could see that it also meant safety and devotion. They could trust me without fear of the unknown. We stopped by my old house to reminisce. The first time we came we stopped by to show Tori, but now it was more of a tradition. After, we checked into the hotel close to the lake as was the routine. While my mom unpacked in her room, Tori and I stood out on the balcony of our own room, looking down at the bustling town and the lake a few streets down in the heart of the town. It seemed smaller than I remembered all those years ago.

"Are you ready?" Tori asked me, leaning against my side. The sun hit her face just right, making her skin glow gold. That heavenly light was easier to see ever since she harnessed the powers of an Angel. It seemed to linger in her.

"Yeah, I would be ready for anything with you here," I replied, holding a hand to her face. Her skin was warm, like it absorbed the rays of the sun. Her eyes closed at my touch and she sighed. The corner of my lips quirked at her reaction and then I closed the space between us to press my lips to hers. She responded instantly to me, her soft lips brushing my own like I was fragile. My other hand lifted to cradle Tori's face in my hands while her arms slipped around my middle to hold me to her. I tilted my head to deepen the kiss and she allowed me to, my tongue dipping into her mouth to meet her tongue. She groaned into my mouth and her hands tightened to grip at my shirt. We carried on until the frantic passion slowed into something languid, our lips never parting completely. When we parted we were breathing heavily and my heart was going wild. My forehead was pressed to hers and our noses touched. I kept my eyes closed and just basked in Tori's presence. I was kinda glad we stopped when we did because at that moment I heard my mom enter our room. She couldn't see us from her angle at the door so I decided to mess with her a little.

"Not now. We aren't decent," I announced, loud enough so she could hear. I heard her pause, chuckled at her sigh, and then listened as her footsteps came closer anyway. Tori raised a brow at my antics, already used to my playful side, but said nothing. I kissed her one more time and then backed her into the corner of the balcony so that my body blocked her.

"Jade," my mom reprimanded in a half assed manner, knowing what I was up to.

"Mom, I said we weren't decent. Let me at least get Tori's shirt back on before we go," I complained, tugging at Tori's shirt in order to make it look like I just got it on. She smiled at me, shaking her head but laughing with me a moment later when I couldn't keep the joke going anymore. I swung her around so I could see my mom but kept Tori in my arms. She shifted around so that her back was to my front.

"Hey," Tori greeted, her face gaining a blush when I leaned over to peck her on the cheek.

"Come on you two before it gets late," my mom said with a wave of her hand to get us moving. She was unaffected by my antics but I knew she was seconds away from smiling too. I let Tori go so she could get her shoes, which she always promptly took off so she could get comfortable, while I leaned on the railing and waited for her.

"I'm glad you found your special someone, honey," my mom said, coming up to lean on the railing as well.

"Yeah, and here I thought I wouldn't find anyone who could put up with my temper. Tori just…" I began to say, but couldn't find the words. I looked out to the sky and smiled.

"She knows what she's doing all right," she said with a nod and a laugh. I chuckled.

"Yeah, she does," I agreed. We looked out to the surrounding town and fell silent.

That is the beauty of a relationship like yours.

You know what? I can't believe I didn't see this sooner.

See what sooner?

You're just like her.

Who? Victoria?

Yeah, you guys are both romanticists. You get so into the whole idea of love and what it means and its symbolism. Remind me to ask you what I should do when I want to romance Tori.

I admit, I like the idea, but believe me when I say you are not far from romantic. You could romance her all on your own without my help. You cannot argue with someone who lives in your thoughts twenty four seven so do not try.

I frowned at that, since that was exactly what I was going to do.

How so?

Little thoughts that flit through your subconscious. Do not get me started on your dreams.

You can see what I dream about? Ah, fuck me!

Language! And yes, that is pretty much where your young mind goes most of the time after you successfully 'romance Tori', as you say.

I was mentally banging my head on a wall over and over again. I was so embarrassed I might just be blushing.

I will act like I do not know anything if that will make you feel better.

Yes, please.

Very well. I do not know a thing about you wooing Tori with serenades and soft spoken words whispered in her ear that almost always lead to you enjoying each other in bed. That is a topic I certainly have no knowledge of.

You're so getting back at me for all those swear words, aren't you?

Your foul language does bring out the worst in me.

I thought so.

See, you know me too.

Yeehoo…

I rolled my eyes and held a hand to my forehead, my face on fire. Aqua chuckled at my discomfort. I ignored her to the best of my ability.

"I'm ready," Tori said when she walked out.

"Finally," I mumbled with a sigh. My mom pushed off the railing but I stayed where I was, hoping my blush was gone. At times like this, having fair skin was a pain in the ass. Tori's hand ran up my back to grip my shoulder and I shivered at her touch.

"Ready to go?" she questioned, leaning over the railing a little to try and see past my hands. I dropped them to glare at her.

"What took you so long?" I demanded. She was taken aback at first but then she smiled in that way that told me she knew I was upset over something Aqua said.

"Why? Did you not like hearing the truth?" she teased. I growled and stood up straight to begin my prepared rant, but she just smacked my thigh, way too close to my ass, and walked away.

"Let's go. You can tell me all about it later," she said over her shoulder.

She seems to know you too.

I let out an exasperated sound but followed her. Ten minutes later and we were standing in that same spot, the one where Aqua approached my mom after feeling the sickness that ate away at me from the inside out. Tori helped my mom set out a blanket nearby but I stood at the edge of the water with my shoes off and my pants rolled up. Tori walked over to stand next to me.

"Do you remember what to do?" she asked me. She glanced around at the few people around us just as I did. It was getting dark though so most had already left. The ones who were still here were a good distance away though so I wasn't too worried about them seeing anything they shouldn't. I shook my head as an answer but began walking forward anyway.

"No, but just like before I'm gonna wing it and let Aqua do her thing. Since that seemed to work," I said with a shrug. I stripped off my shirt and pants then rushed into the water so that she could begin. When I was far enough in I dived, Aqua guiding me down towards the deepest part of the lake. I listened to her easily.

Remember to breathe. You will not drown.

I nodded. It was still hard to grasp that concept. I gasped, air bubbles releasing so that water flowed in to take its place. It was a strange feeling, but after a few breaths, it felt natural. The water shimmered around me, reflecting the light of the iridescent scales that now covered my body. With a push of my arms, legs, and newly acquired tail, I shot forward. The speed and grace was a rush. Without a second thought I stepped away from the driver's seat and let Aqua take hold. She took control with a gentle grip, controlling my body with careful nudges unlike the forceful and unnatural pressure I was subjected to the last time I was being controlled. Those memories were something I would always remember, even though I didn't want them.

I will never hurt you.

I know. Show me what needs to be done.

She nodded and darted down to touch her feet to the soft silt of the lake floor. She crouched down and dug her hand under the soft dirt with such skill, barely upsetting it. I watched as it swirled up her arm like a tendril then formed itself into a muscular male arm that clasped with hers. A pulse radiated through the water that rippled outward and then the dirt settled again.

"Thank you, Brother Earth," she said with a nod to the ground. Her voice overlapped mine in a strange but fitting manner. It also came out smooth and echoed a little now that we were in water. She pushed off the ground and shot towards the surface, my body taking full use of the tail that propelled me. She burst from the surface, shooting up a geyser of water into the air. I swear I saw a gust of wind blown leaves take on the shape of a woman but I couldn't get a better look because we were back in the water. She drifted in place but looked back up at the wind that pushed at the surface.

"Thank you, Sister Wind. Make sure your clouds send rain to smother any flames Brother Fire may make that run amok," she said, her thoughts effortlessly flowing into words that left my mouth. With that, she was done. The last time we were here I had asked Aqua where the purification in all this was. She had told me that just her being in the water did that and this was more of a ritual to keep the balance. The water that surrounded me buzzed like it was alive. The energy that ran through me was amazing. That hadn't happened before. I turned to look off into the distance and I just knew.

"Tori," I sighed, wanting to be with her again. Aqua had already released her hold on me so I darted through the water. It was like I followed a line right to her. I was happy to see she took my advice and got in this time. I swam under her, on my back, so that I could brush by her feet. She swished them but stayed where she was. I smirked and passed by again, running my hand over her leg this time. Her legs scrunched up and her skin broke out in goose bumps. My eyes wandered her body, taking in her bikini clad form.

Shall I turn the other way?

You're a riot, Aqua.

I could feel her smile and let it bloom on my face too. I swam in a tight circle around Tori so that I brushed against. My dark hair fanned out to tickle her skin, making her squirm a little. I came up behind her, my arms wrapping around her middle. Now that I was above the surface I rested my chin on her shoulder.

"There you are," she said simply, leaning into me. She stopped treading water to place her hands over mine. My strong tail and webbed feet kept us afloat.

"Didja enjoy the show?" I questioned.

"Oh, it was amazing. You know, I think I saw something like it at Sea World," she commented. I growled and dug my nails into her side enough to prickle but not hurt her. She laughed.

"You're ridiculous," I told her, spinning her around so that I could see her face. Her eyes locked with mine instantly. She had a soft smile on her lips as she studied me. Her hands came up to trace over my face. My hands tightened on her hips.

"Aqua?" she suddenly inquired. I switched with her so that she could reply.

"Yes, Victoria?" she responded.

"Thank you for sparing Jade's life and giving her a chance at living it to the fullest. I never would have met her if it wasn't for you," Tori told her gratefully.

"And thank you for making Jade the happiest she has ever been. It makes my decision all the more worthwhile," Aqua replied with complete sincerity. Tori sniffled, tears in her eyes, and then threw her arms around her shoulders. Aqua was so taken aback that she lost her hold and I took her place.

The emotions that humans exude. It is so raw.

It makes you wonder why we make the decisions we make, huh?

Yes, but where is reason in all that?

Sometimes, it's nowhere at all.

Aqua pondered this, lost in thought, so I left her to that. Tori pulled away and I chuckled in the guttural tone I used at the moment.

"Congratulations. You officially threw Aqua for a loop with your human-ness," I joked. She laughed and I grinned at the way her nose crinkled and her eyes sparkled. For a split second they glowed with a soft light. I maneuvered onto my back so that Tori now laid on me. My tail kept us leveled so that we didn't sink. Tori rested on me like it was the most normal thing in the world to use a water creature as a floating relaxation device. I could feel Aqua come back from her thoughts to question me.

Is this what you think my abilities should be used for?

Yes, among other things of course, but isn't this nice?

I will give you that but…no, do not worry. I am glad you, as well as Victoria, have adjusted so easily to me. I would not hold it against you if you used my abilities for this. But keep in mind that you do not take advantage.

I thought back to Aqua causing surges and blockades in my body.

Of course not, but you have to admit, I don't call on your form much. At least give me that.

I shall because it is the truth.

I nodded and raised a hand to stroke down Tori's back.

"Don't fall asleep on me, Vega," I cautioned her teasingly. She just smiled and rolled off me to dive underwater. I ducked under too, encountering her lips soon after. The water heated around us in reaction to my body to hers. Little bubbles shimmered to the surface. I pulled back to look at her and then gathered her in my arms to bolt for land. When the ground began to rise I let her go so she could get to the surface first. I emerged right after her. We trudged across the damp dirt under our feet to stop in front of my mom who held towels. She stared at me with wide eyes, having rarely seen me in this form. I shed Aqua's true form, warm water rippling over my skin and disappearing.

My naturally pale skin replaced it. I absorbed excess water and then took the towel from my mom to stay warm. We threw on our clothes and left. I glanced back at the lake and then took the hand Tori offered me. We stopped at the hotel to clean up then we went out to eat for dinner. When we got back we were full and tired. My mom wished us good night and then disappeared in her room. I got dressed in my pajamas and Tori followed suit. We returned to the balcony but the lights around the city weren't as breathtaking as the view before. Tori was leaning against me with her head on my shoulder. My right hand held her left, running my fingers over her soft skin.

"I like it here. I think I could live here," Tori spoke up, a little too casual.

"Live here?" I repeated in mock confusion, quirking a brow and glancing down at her.

"Yeah, I mean, because you'll have to live out here someday so that you can be closer to the lake. It would be easier," she pointed out.

"Yes, but you said 'I' not 'you', so why are you talking about living here?" I questioned, waiting for her to get to the point.

If I was not in your mind I would have believed you did not know.

Give me a break. I'm a great actress. Plus, I didn't want to pressure her into anything so hearing that she wants to do this on her own is too exciting to pass up. I want to hear her say it.

"You really don't know?" Tori responded, lifting her head to look at me with an incredulous raised brow. A smile was still stuck to her face though so I knew she was just humoring me and would tell me anyway.

"I'm afraid not. What could a convoluted girl like yourself possibly be trying to hint at? Could you just tell me and save me from guessing?" I wondered playfully, leaning in to brush our noses. She giggled and wrapped her arms loosely around my neck.

"You know and you're just being difficult," she remarked. I smiled, caught.

"Well then maybe you should just say what you mean and I won't make it difficult," I replied.

"I didn't want to assume-" she began, but I shook my head.

"Tori, I always want you around. No matter what. Now what did you want to say?" I asked, hoping she would say what I thought she would say. She took a breath and then looked away, a blush staining her cheeks. I brought her face back to mine with gentle hands, my lips gracing her nose and then her lips, before pulling back.

"I um, I was wondering if, well, when you moved out here, if I could come with you," she finally said, making my heart swell with happiness.

"That's all I wanted to hear, and yes, I would love it if you lived here with me," I answered, kissing her cheek and then hugging her to me. Her slender body felt great in my arms.

"Wait, so you knew what I was trying to say this whole time? And you let me just blunder through it?" she asked me, appalled. I chuckled and pulled back so I could see her. She had her pout going, and fuck, if it wasn't the most adorable thing I had ever seen.

"Yeah, because I wanted to hear it from you. Now that I have, and it's already out there, can you just get over my small amount of deception and focus on the fact that you will be living with the most wanted women in our whole class?" I teased. She laughed and shook her head.

"Ha, yeah, most wanted by the police," she told me jokingly.

"You know what's even better than that?" I continued, brushing that aside.

"Oh my, what could be better than living with Jade West?" she questioned in a playfully over dramatic tone. Her smile instantly fell when she noticed my intense gaze on her.

"I'll be living with you, Victoria Vega. A woman who I'm pretty sure is the most wanted in the whole world," I stated, sliding my hand over her cheek to bury in her silky chestnut hair.

"Oh," she responded, at a loss for words. I grinned at that.

"I know for sure that you are the most beautiful person I've ever seen, you're the only one who's ever put up with me for so long, you're so nurturing, and honestly, if people started to realize just what they were missing out on I would have to fight off every one of them to keep you, and I would. You gave me a chance to open up when I didn't want to, but I'm so glad I did because you're everything I've ever wanted. I love you, Tori," I stated with certainty. She stared at me with her mouth slightly parted and her eyes watering with tears. We hadn't said those three meaningful words yet, but at that moment, I knew it was the right thing to say. She pulled me into a simple kiss that still conveyed so much and then pulled back just enough so that her lips barely brushed mine.

"I love you, Jade," she breathed. I connected our lips once more and then just held her in my arms. I felt like the happiest person alive.

This is why putting my duty on hold is an easy choice for me to make. I am sure you will live well with each other and move on to Heaven together, and when my time is done, I will see you there.

Thank you for everything, Aqua. I can't thank you enough. Seeing you when that time comes will be an honor. But for now, I'm just as happy with you here.

The warmth she spread felt like a content smile. It managed to bring a similar smile to my own face. I stood there, holding Tori in my arms and looking up at the sky. My father was up there. He was in a better place. Thinking of him made me think about my life, which might have started out rocky, but with a blessing straight from Heaven I was changed for the better. That blessing did more than save my life, it gave me Tori. I made sure to thank Him for the beings that surrounded me with love and then asked Tori if she wanted to go inside. She accepted and I took her hand to lead her into our room where we curled up together in bed. I was born in this town, a symbol of my painful past I never wanted to return to, but I came back to it with so much more. Now I could look forward to a bright future here, living with the ones I loved.

I of course have other stories in the works but I'm unsure when I will start posting as school is starting up again for me but keep an eye out for any of those quick One Shots I may or may not come up with. Thanks for reading.