I stood there looking at this woman in front of me; she had a very serious look on her face as she stared at me. I wasn't sure what was happening but she wanted to talk to me…at the worst time too.

"Alright then…talk." I said bluntly.

"Please sit down."

"No, you decided to interrupt me while I was busy so talk now and be quick about it."

"…I can talk…not sure about quickly."

"Hurry."

"Well then…I'll start with an obvious…I'm talking to you right now because I'm the one who brought you to this world." So she's our captor…

"And?"

"Huh?"

"You tell me that but why bother unless you have something important to say. This information is useless in the long run."

"You don't want answers?"

"I have someone I want to protect. In the long run I could care less about why I'm here as long as I can protect her…so unless you have something interesting to say, send me back NOW."

"…Alright then…I'm sorry I sucked her into this." What?

"Explain."

"It was only supposed to be you…but you jumped for her at the last second…so I'm sorry."

"…Don't be…I'm glad I jumped for her…and I'd do a hundred times over." I heard a giggle as the room faded away as my vision became white.

"You know…I'm glad to hear that…she surprised me…as did you."

I heard Nina calling my name and opened my eyes to see everyone crowded around me with worried looks on their faces.

"Owen! You're okay!" Nina threw her arms around me and embraced me tightly.

"You suddenly collapsed out of nowhere. You freaked us out." Sukia said as I got back up. We were still in the courtyard but the battle was over and everyone was still together.

"…How long was I out?" I asked.

"Only about ten minutes." Kurtis answered, "We managed to take them out in that time."

"Well…there goes our chance to chase Vulcanus."

"Probably for the best." Flonne said, "The next area isn't a place even I could stroll through. Only archangels and the Seraph are allowed in the next area."

"Which means the next area is swarming with guys who can kill us easily." Gordon said.

"PROBABILITY OF DEATH…NINETY-NINE PERCENT." Thursday said.

"Uplifting." I said.

"I like those odds." Shifty said with a grin.

"Let's get moving then." Laharl said getting everyone back on track. As we walked forward I looked over at Nina and thought back to what that green haired girl said…she wasn't supposed to be here…and yet I wouldn't want her anywhere else right now.

We entered the main complex finding it very ornate…and yet humbling in its appearance, the stone work was well taken care of and still solid…leave it to Celestia to keep everything in perfect condition.

"Stop." A voice said making all of us turn to the stairs which had two envoys standing there holding spears.

"You are entering an area restricted by the Seraph himself. We cannot allow you to continue." I moved to draw my blade but Nina stopped me as Flonne stepped forward.

"I need to speak with the Seraph; it's very important."

"No one may enter." Except Vulcanus, this was the only way for him to go. One of the envoys threw their spear at Flonne as she tried to move forward and Laharl quickly pulled her back as the spear stuck into the pavement before disappearing and reappearing in the envoy's hands.

"I don't think they're going to let us through." Laharl said. Before anyone could catch him, Shifty jumped over everyone and took a strike at the envoys. When he swung a barrier appeared stopping his blade arm and sending him flying back into me.

"Dude!"

"No fair!" He shouted, "You can't block my attack without moving!"

"They're using an invincible barrier." Flonne said.

"That's cheating." Sukia said with a pout, "Where did they get something like that?"

"They're angels." Gemi said.

"Probably a divine blessing." Nini said making Sukia pout.

"Regardless we should be able to take it out." Nina said, "Every shield has a blind spot, no matter how invincible." Right…but it seems like it's a full body guard.

"…It must have a strength limiter." Etna said, "Enough force should shatter that barrier to pieces." So we have to hit it with all our force.

"Alright then…what's the plan?" I turned to Laharl and he thought for a moment.

"Gordon, Jennifer, Flonne; I want you three to charge up your shots. When I say now, shoot full force. Etna, Owen, Shifty, Nina; form up and attack all at once on my mark. Twins, Thursday, and Kurtis, you three are with me. We're going to attack as quickly as we can and put as much strain as we can on those barriers." I nodded before pulling out my sword and gripping it with both hands. Everyone else got into position as the envoys moved to defend themselves, "…Now!" Gordon, Jennifer and Flonne shot at them making it pop up, "Let's go!" Laharl slammed against the barriers followed by the twins doing a dual hit and Thursday knocking into it full force with his body as Kurtis soared into it with his kick, "Mark!" Etna moved forward first stabbing at the barrier as Shifty followed up striking with both his arms, Nina moved in and stabbed with her rapier and I moved in gripping my blade tightly and swinging it like a baseball bat against the barrier. My blow collided with the barrier stopping and I watched as a crack appeared on it before a hole opened up causing the whole thing to shatter to pieces.

"What!?" They said in shock as I took the opportunity and made a full spin striking both of them and taking them out on the spot.

"We did it!" Sukia cheered. I took a breath and looked at my blade to see a faint glow appear on it; seems this blade is absorbing the angels' energy…at least that's the feeling I'm getting. I sheathed it and looked at the others to find them boasting and enjoying our combined ability to take out that shield; it definitely wasn't the easiest to take out. I looked over to see more envoys coming at us…time to see how much power I can gather.

By the end of the attack my sword was giving off a healthy glow that drew the others to look at it; after ten to fifteen of the envoys I could definitely feel a strong power resonating off the blade and it seems everyone else could notice too.

"Hey…isn't that the sword the weapon company has been hanging on to that demons can't use?" Laharl asked.

"Yeah, she loaned it to me for some reason…didn't know it could absorb energy." I replied sheathing the blade.

"Why did she loan it to you?" Etna asked.

"Well, Owen is human." Gemi said.

"And he has the most experience with a sword." Nini added.

"Still could have gone to Nina." Sukia said.

"Cheap shot." I threw back, "Still…it has power but I don't know how to use it."

"Hmmm…try focusing." Nina said and I took a moment to focus on the blade. I closed my eyes and felt a tingle move up my spine. I took a quick swing behind me and watched as a powerful wave erupted from the blade and struck a pillar making it crumble apart instantly.

"Woah!" Everyone said. I looked down at the blade and saw the glow disappear until it was just back to a normal blade.

"So that's what it can do…cool." Etna said as I sighed and sheathed the blade.

"She gave it to me this late in? That power is pretty useless since we're near the end." I said bitterly. Seriously, she couldn't have given this to me a few months back or even before we took on the human armada?

"Um, guys?" I turned to see Flonne waiting for us at the top of the stairs.

"Right…sorry, we got a bit distracted."

"Only because you never told us about that thing." Etna said as Sukia snickered.

"It's a piece of metal with the ability to absorb!" I shot back, "We're fighting Vulcanus next! This information is useless!"

"Owen, they're just trying to rile you up." Nina said and I cleared my throat before going silent.

"…We win." Sukia said as she and Etna high-fived.

As soon as we turned the next corner I saw Vulcanus waiting for us at the end of the hallway; as we approached him he gave a deep chuckle that sent goosebumps up my spine making me immediately put my hand on my blade.

"Master Vulcanus…" Flonne said stepping forward.

"Because you were a trainee, I underestimated you." Vulcanus said, "But now that you've defeated greater demons, as well as angelic sentries…I must recognize your strength." About time.

"So are you going to let us pass?" I asked and he shot another glare at me.

"You two are inconsequential to this matter. The fact that you stand here is just a testament to your people's insistence on meddling on where you don't belong."

"What do you mean by that?" Nina asked.

"You two may be humans but I can sense something inside of you. Then that one-" He pointed to me, "opened a tear in the sky to absorb the humans' cannon fire…then I realized what you two are, jumpers. Movers between dimensions…I've encountered your kind before. All of you are despicable, appearing where you aren't wanted and causing more trouble than before."

"What are you talking about!?" I yelled, "What have we done for you to throw slander at us!?"

"Yeah! Leave them alone!" Sukia shouted, "Only I'm allowed to make fun of Owen and no one is insulting Nina!"

"While I admit that he's a tough adversary I'm still glad to know him." Shifty said with a smirk before shooting daggers at Vulcanus, "So don't throw insults at him or his chick!"

"No one is saying that to our friends!" The twins added.

"Worthless scum! All you ever do is cause problems…just like with my ascent to Seraph. But I plan to remedy that issue now!" He shot a blast at Nina and I quickly pulled out my blade to absorb it; when I had absorbed the full blast I sheathed the blade quickly.

"DON'T TOUCH HER!" I screamed before swinging my blade and sending his own power back at him.

"Gah! How dare you do that to me, know your place!"

"Shut it!" I yelled, "You try to hurt Nina and I'll kill you on the spot, so back off NOW!" I'm not sure if it was the force of my voice or my stance but Vulcanus…along with my friends, all took a step away from me.

"Hmph, whatever. I'll take you out right here, and then I shall take out the Seraph. Then I shall be the supreme ruler of the Netherworld, Humans and Angels!" His wings extended out as he lifted into the air. Everyone drew their weapons as he readied his next blast; time for the big fight!

He shot various blasts of angelic energy at us as we dodged and weaved through them. Gordon, Jennifer, Thursday, Flonne and Etna worked on shooting him down while Sukia and Shifty were the only ones who could actually reach him. The twins could leap off each other's shoulders and get a quick hit in but it still took a bit of setup before they were able to do anything. Nina could blast him with her magic and Kurtis was a master acrobatic while Laharl could blast him with his Overlord's Wrath leaving me to figure something out on my own. All I could do was stand around and wait for them…maybe I could absorb his blasts and send them back at him! I moved over and threw a stone at him making him look at me before sending a blast my way; I absorbed it and swung sending it back and making him fall to the ground.

"Group attack, now!" I shouted making Sukia, the twins, Shifty and Nina all move to attack Vulcanus with me all at once. With a combined hit he was sent flying and slammed against a far wall.

"You brats, I will not lose here!" Out of his robe he pulled out an angelic blade and came straight at me; I blocked with my shield and pushed him back before doing a full spin which he blocked with his blade before trying to retaliate. I pushed his blade to the side with my shield and thrust catching his side and tearing his clothes slightly, "I will not lose to a jumper!" I blocked his strike with my shield and pushed forward clocking him in the face with my shield before stabbing him in the chest.

"Jumper or not, I WON'T LET YOU HURT HER!" His eyes went wide before he fell to his knees clutching his open wound; he didn't bleed but the mark where I hit was still present on his body.

"You…can't be…serious…I lost…to you?" He gave me a grimace before slumping to the ground lifelessly.

"Regardless of his ambition…he didn't have the strength to back it up." I said sheathing my blade…it didn't absorb his energy from his defeat…weird.

"I guess all that's left is to meet the Seraph." Laharl said.

"You ready Flonne?" Nina asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, I'm ready." As everyone moved forward I looked back at Vulcanus and thought for a moment…it feels like it isn't over yet…like there's still another battle ahead of us.

"…I'm sure I'm just being paranoid." I said to myself before catching up to the group.

At the end of the stairs we were in a large room that had an alter at the end of it; on that alter was a man with long silver hair and wearing an angelic robe. When he turned to us he gave us a gentle smile.

"So this is the Seraph?" Nina asked.

"Yes, this is Master Lamington." Flonne answered.

"Hello Flonne, it is good to see you again. Who are you friends?" Laharl stepped forward.

"I am Laharl, King of the Netherworld!" He said.

"So you are the son of King Krichevskoy…"

"You knew the late king?" Sukia asked and he nodded.

"And…" HE turned to me and Nina, "It has been a long time since I have met Travelers." Travelers now?

"…"

"Now Flonne, what brings you here?"

"I have a question." She said.

"A question?"

"Yes, a few days ago, the Earth Defense Force led an invasion of the Netherworld. We were fortunate enough to stop it but I had learned that angels were involved in the invasion. Master Lamington, did you have any knowledge of these events? And if so, did you lead it!?" She sounded desperate as she spoke, as though she was asking for him to be innocent.

"…Are you sure they were angels…have the demons not clouded your mind?" Lamington asked…but his voice held no sign of judgment or even blame…what was he trying to do?

"I am positive those were angels! And while it is true that demons are aggressive by nature, they do not harm others without a reason. My friends have convinced me of that." He chuckled at her statement.

"This is quite unusual Flonne. You, a celestian, refer to demons as friends, and defend their behavior?"

"So what is she's a celestian?" Nina asked, "That doesn't stop those who connect from becoming friends, race isn't an issue in this matter."

"…Very true…I had learned that myself many years ago…"

"Master Lamington," Flonne continued, "at your request, I went to the Netherworld, and there I met Laharl and my other friends. While they can be rather rude and cynical I have found love and kindness as well. I remember that you were the one who told me that even demons have love, that there is no such thing as absolute evil. As I spent time in the Netherworld, I came to realize that you were right. I also have come to realize that we celestians judge demons and humans too harshly."

"Double for Vulcanus." I interjected.

"Flonne, you have learned much in the Netherworld. It is true that Celestians have been blinded by their own prejudices. Instead of trying to learn more about them, they instead decided to label demons as 'evil' without finding out for themselves whether it was true or not. Vulcanus's actions were the results of such misconceptions, and his concern for the future. I should have been more mindful of these things."

"Wait…does that mean-" I started before he continued over me.

"I was well informed of all that has transpired."

"And…you did nothing?" I asked feeling my anger boil up, "You sat on the sidelines while others suffered!? What the hell is wrong with you!?"

"Owen…" Nina said.

"You've got some nerve to think you can just do nothing while others suffer like this!"

"OWEN!" I stopped as Nina's voice rang in my ear, "…Sometimes…sometimes you can't do anything about it…even if you want to."

"B-But…" I clamed up right there…I never want to just be able to do nothing…

"…Angel Trainee Flonne. You have helped save the Netherworld from the invasion of the Earth Defense Force and thwarted the plans of Archangel Vulcanus. However, the fact remains that you have harmed other angels. You are to be punished for your sin." What!?

"…I understand. I am prepared to accept my punishment." Flonne said shocking everybody.

"N-No!" Laharl said.

"Don't you dare harm one hair on her head!" Etna yelled, "You'll be sorry if you do!"

"She shouldn't be punished! She was only doing what was right!" Gordon added.

"It's alright…" Flonne said stopping our outbursts, "I knew there would be consequences for my actions."

"That still doesn't mean you should be punished for doing what was right!" I said, "This is unjust!"

"Flonne…" Laharl said weakly.

"Master Lamington, I have one final request. I beg of oyu to forgive my companions. It is I who drew them into this." Now she's shouldering all of the blame!? This can't be happening…what's happening to me!?

"UGH!" I dropped to my knees and clutched my chest.

"Owen!" Nina said crouching to help me up.

"I'm fine…I think." Getting up I looked to see Laharl trying desperately to convince the Seraph.

"…Very well. I shall pardon their sins…except for one." What? He pointed to me.

"M-Me?"

"While I may overlook the others, I cannot overlook what you have done."

"What do you mean what he's done?" Shifty asked and I felt my reaper mark burn.

"He has struck down an emissary of death and brought judgment to an Archangel by his own hands. These sins cannot be overlooked…as they mark his very being." I quickly took of my shirt and looked to see a bright mark next to the reapers mark, "These are not sins to be easily forgotten."

"No!" Sukia yelled, "He got those protecting Nina, if he has to pay for them then so do I!"

"Us too!" The twins yelled, "You can't bring judgment on those who protect."

"I'm not giving up my challenge that easily!" Shifty said, "I'd rather go down with him in that case!" Guys…

"…No, I'll face my sins." I said stepping next to Flonne, "Because the fact is…I'd get them all over again to protect her." I looked over to see a shocked look on Nina's face.

"No…No! You can't take them both from us!" Jennifer yelled.

"Are you trying to tear us apart!?" Etna screamed, "This isn't fair!"

"…Are you two ready?" Flonne and I nodded.

"No!" Laharl yelled, "I won't let you!"

"Owen…please…no!" Nina said and we turned to them.

"I…I'm sorry I won't be there to help you face your parents…and I'm sorry it came to this." Reaching into my pocket I pulled out the heart locket Sukia gave me, "Take this…and don't forget me."

"Laharl…I know you'll be a magnificent overlord." Flonne said putting the angelic pendant in his hand. Suddenly I felt a warm light envelop me…so this is what the end feels like…it's nice.

"NO!" Suddenly I felt my body pushed out of the way and looked to see Nina taking my place.

"What!? NO!"

"Owen…you've saved me more times than I can count…now it's my turn…thank you for everything."

"Wait…NO…NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" The light enveloped both of them and I felt everything shatter in an instant.

…

"It is done…both Angel Trainee Flonne and Nine Reist's existences have been erased along with their sins." …The marks on my chest are gone…

"King Laharl…Owen Richards…do you despise me?" …My mind couldn't function…everything was blank…the only thing I could hear was the sound of Laharl screaming and all I could see…was the purple Lilac that was Nina…she's gone…she's…gone…no…NO…

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Everything was black…all I could hear was the cold wind blowing…when I opened my eyes I was shocked to find I was no longer in the Seraph's chamber. Laharl and the others were no longer with me…but I still had Sukia, the twins and Shifty still around me; all looking equally disoriented. The last thing I remember is…Nina.

"Tch! Damn it!" I slammed my fist into the ground, "She had to pay for my mistakes…this isn't fair! What kind of god would allow this to happen!?"

"Owen…where are we?" Sukia asked.

"I don't know…but it seems like everything was taken out…except us." I looked around at the empty land; nothing was left…nothing at all…had my rage destroyed this place…if I have that power then maybe…maybe I can…, "Come on." I said to everyone.

"Where are we going?" Sukia asked as I opened up a tear.

"We're going to bring Nina back…by any means possible." Everyone gave shocked gasps, "Now either follow me or get out of the way…which is it?" They all looked at each other before nodding.

"We're following you."

"Good." As we all stepped through the portal I was confident I would bring Nina back…I WILL bring her back to me…and NOTHING is going to stop me!