We're finally here, the climax of Act I. It took over five years to reach this point, but no we made it. Hope this chapter was worth the wait and thank you to everyone who have stuck by this story for some long. Also thanks for any newcomers who has taken the time to read this story.
Now, onward to the chapter.
Chapter 51: Tower of Salvation
As he expected, he didn't sleep well. When he did manage to doze off for a few hours, he woke up quickly, feeling empty and void. Genis also wasn't sleeping well. He was whimpering in his sleep.
By the time the sun rose, Lloyd gave up on sleep. Just as he opened his eyes, he saw Kratos walked out the room.
Where was he going? There was no training today and they weren't leaving this early.
He got up and followed the man. At first he thought Kratos went to his usual haunt by the graveyard until he saw him standing by Noishe's stall. He was patty Noishe fondly and the dog seemed very sad.
"You'll have to continue watching over Lloyd for me," Kratos spoke gently.
Noishe whined loudly.
Kratos shook his head. "I have things I must do. In my place, I need you to..."
Before Lloyd could figure out what they were talking about, a man suddenly appeared behind Kratos. He looked vaguely familiar. He knew he seen that teal hair somewhere.
He didn't have time to figure that out as the man had raised his hand and a ball of energy formed into it. He was going to blast Kratos and Kratos didn't seemed to noticed at all. That was so unlike him. He was always on guard.
"Kratos, look out!" Lloyd shouted in warning as he ran to stop the man.
Kratos seemed to snap out of his stupor and faster than Lloyd could blink, Kratos had his sword out and embedded it into the attacker's chest. It was a shallow wound from what Lloyd could tell, but it undoubtedly hurt.
The man cried in pain and Lloyd thought he saw something fall from his hand. It was too small to see what it was.
Before he could reach the two, the man disappeared as fast as he came. "Kratos, are you okay!?"
Kratos didn't say anything for a moment as he sheathed his sword. "Lloyd, thank you."
Lloyd blinked. So, he really didn't sense the other man. "It..it was nothing. But who was that?" He knew he seen that guy before.
Kratos stared at the place where he stabbed the would-be assassin. There was some blood on the ground. "I would imagine it's that assassin. He managed to get away, but I gave him an injury he'll not soon forget."
That assassin? So, they have met. "I have a feeling I've seen him somewhere before."
Kratos stared at Lloyd from the side of his eye. "Yes, perhaps. Let's get back to the inn. Everyone's probably up."
Lloyd sighed. Why does he get the feeling that Kratos changed the subject. "Yeah."
Kratos suddenly gave him an odd look. "...Lloyd."
He didn't like his expression. "What is it?"
Kratos was silence for a second. "Don't die."
That wasn't something he expected to hear. "Wha? Yeah, okay. What's up all of a sudden?"
Kratos shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Without another word, he left.
"How can he tell me not to worry after saying something like that!?" Lloyd asked in annoyance. Kratos was acting more strange since coming here. What was up with all this finale talk?
A glint of light caught his attention. He looked down and saw the object that fell from the assassin's hand. It appeared to be a ring.
He bent down to grab it. It was an old, worn out ring. It looked centuries old. On the inside of the ring Lloyd saw Y&M engraved into it. He didn't know much about jewelry, but this appeared to be a wedding or engagement ring.
Lloyd quickly pocked it. It didn't seem right to just leave it in the dirt. Despite its aged, it was well-cared for. This ring was obviously someone's treasure and he was going to treat it as such. But...why would an assassin have such a thing?
He shook his head. He supposed even assassins had people they cared for. Sheena was proof enough of that. If he ever found the man, he would give it back to him. It seemed only right.
With that, he made his way to the inn. This morning was already starting out stressful.
Breakfast was a quiet affair. No one felt like talking. It was strange, they were at their journey's end, yet it felt more like a funeral than a moment of victory.
Once breakfast was done, it was time. After months of traveling, fighting the Desians, breaking Seals, and even battling a summon spirit, it was time to end everything. It was time for Colette to become an angel.
As the group made their way up the mountain, Lloyd said his goodbyes to Noishe.
"You take care of things here and we'll be back soon," Lloyd said, patting his dog.
Noishe whimpered.
"I'll be okay. I don't know what you and Kratos were talking about, but everything should work out." Lloyd paused for several seconds. "I'm more worried about Colette. I almost feel...it's wrong for her to become an angel."
Noishe barked.
Lloyd smiled. "Wish I coulx understand you, boy. In either case, you can go back home. I doubt I will be coming back here from the Tower of Salvation. So, say hi to dad for me."
Noishe barked several times.
As they talked, Colette walked over to them and started patting Noishe too.
"You wanted to say goodbye too?" Lloyd asked, although he already knew the answer.
Colette smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, we may not be seeing him for a while," Lloyd said, causing Colette's eyes to become downcast.
Once they were finished, they went to joined the others up the mountain to where they were yesterday. They saw the man with three huge blue dragons. They looked fierce, but their aura showed that they were tamed and well trained.
"I've been waiting for you," the man said humbly. "Please board the dragons in pairs."
"I will ride on the same dragon as the Chosen," Kratos said, leaving no room for protest. "Protecting her…is my job."
Colette gave him a strange smile and Lloyd wondered if something happened between them. It was like...they knew something.
"Lloyd, who are you going to ride with?" Genis suddenly asked, breaking through his thoughts.
"Oh well..." he looked at the remaining group. "I guess I'll ride you, Genis."
Genis smiled. "Roger."
Within a few minutes, they were on top of their dragons.
Despite everything, Lloyd felt excited. He has never ridden a dragon before. It was very different from a horse. He just hoped his butt wouldn't be sore.
"It's almost time," Lloyd said as he grabbed onto the dragon's reins.
Genis was holding him by his waist. "Yeah…the world will be regenerated soon, right?"
"Yeah...soon," Lloyd whispered more to himself. After everything Colette gave, the world better be saved.
"When the world is regenerated, there won't be anymore people suffering like Marble," Genis said optimistically.
"Yeah," Lloyd said, hoping for the same thing. He looked into the sky. He hoped Chocolat was okay.
"Are you worried about Colette?" Genis asked, although he already knew the answer.
"Yes…but…there isn't any other way…is there?" Lloyd asked in resignation. In the end, he couldn't do anything.
Genis leaned into his back. "...Yeah."
As soon as Genis spoke, they were off, flying across the day sky. It was chilly and Genis huddled into him.
Kratos and Colette's dragon appeared faster than the rest. Within seconds, they were way ahead of them. He supposed the man would give the Chosen the fastest dragon he had. It really didn't matter. Kratos would protect Colette.
It took nearly an hour of flying to finally reach the Tower of Salvation.
Now that Lloyd could see it this close, he realized that tower was huge. They were like small dotes before it.
Also, the tower wasn't made out of stone like he thought. It appeared to be some type of metal. At least he thought. As long as he worked with his dad, he's seen many types of metals and materials from across the world. The tower was like nothing that he's ever seen. It's like it came from another world.
"So, this is the Tower of Salvation," Genis whispered in awe. He was shivering again and it wasn't from the cold. "It...it's more magnificent than I ever imagine."
"I have to admit, this does seem to be built by a divine force," Lloyd said breathlessly. He couldn't believed this was built by mortals. If it was...how many people did it take to build it?
The dragons landed, closed to the stairway to the tower.
Lloyd jumped off and gently grabbed Genis, helping him down. Raine and Sheena were shortly behind them.
Genis looked around in admiration. "To think...we're standing on the Holy Land of Kharlan. The most sacred place in the entire world." He had to fight to keep himself from exploring. This was once in a lifetime opportunity.
Lloyd was also in awe. This was the place where Mithos himself stood and ended the Kharlan War. It was said that the peace treaty was signed right where the tower stood. To think, he would stand on the same ground as Mithos the Hero.
Raine patted him on his shoulder. "I know this place is overwhelming, but we must keep moving before the monsters come for us. And, we need to catch up with Kratos and Colette."
"Right," Lloyd replied
They walked up the flight of stairs and the dragons took off to their owner. When they reached the top, they were surprised to see that the door to the tower was already opened.
"Where are Colette and Kratos?" Lloyd asked. They were nowhere in sight.
Raine folded her arms, not looking very happy. "Looks like they've gone in already. Let's hurry up."
Lloyd nodded as he led the group. Why would Kratos let Colette go ahead of them? It wasn't like him. Kratos was strong, but even he couldn't know what was inside this tower.
Suddenly, he had a terrible feeling. He could feel his exsphere stinging him, like it was telling him that he was in mortal danger. He hasn't felt this way since...Kvar.
He was jolted out of his thoughts when he saw the inside of the tower. Everything was a neon green and it felt like they were floating in space. The walkway was made of what Lloyd thought was a type of glass, allowing him to peer though to the endless bottom of the tower.
What kind of place was this? This couldn't be normal.
Genis also gasped. "This is the inside of the Tower of Salvation!?"
"I got to admit...I never expect it to be anything like this," Sheena said, speaking up for the first time since they came to the holy land.
"This is fascinating," Raine said in awe. She seemed only a few steps away from Ruin Mode.
"You know...I expected the place where the angels come from to be pretty and serene... This place is just creepy," Lloyd spoke after several seconds of silence.
"I have to agree," Genis said. He shivered. What was this mana and why did he suddenly get a feeling of death?
As they moved, Lloyd suddenly stopped.
Floating in space were hundreds, no thousands of black boxes. There was no end to them. "What are those?" Although he had a very good idea what they were. "Coffin? Bodies? Why are all these dead bodies here!?"
Raine rubbed her chin. "They may be…all the Chosen that failed the world regeneration up until now."
Lloyd's mouth dropped. Were there really that many Chosens before Colette? Didn't Remiel called Colette only the seventh? They all couldn't be Chosen, could they?
"So if Colette fails, she'll wind up here with them," Lloyd whispered, his mouth going dry.
Sheena shook her head. "How cruel..."
"We better hurry then," Genis spoke up, getting them back on task. He didn't want to be here a moment longer. His previous awe and wonder was replaced with mind-numbing terror.
Lloyd numbly nodded and walked forward. This was definitely not a place where angels dwelled.
Not long after that, they came to a warp, much like the ones in the Desians' Ranch.
This got Lloyd's attention. Why did angels, messengers of a goddess, need with a warp? Weren't they divine? This place was making less and less sense and his exsphere was still burning him.
When they stepped through the warp, they came to a large room filled with pillars and a large altar at the top of several stairs. Praying at the altar was Colette.
"What?" Lloyd said more to himself.
Out of their sights, Kratos stood in wait on one of the balconies that overlooked the altar. He watched Lloyd's group dispassionately. What would the hands of fate do? Would Lloyd abandon the Chosen to save the world? Or, would he fight?
In either case, Mithos must have felt Lloyd's presence and was watching from the Eternal Sword. From where he stood, he could feel Lloyd's unique mana signature. There was little he could do to keep Lloyd from falling into Mithos' hands, except his power hadn't fully awakening yet. As long as it remained so, Mithos would have no interest in him.
He grabbed his sword's sheath. But, if the worst did happened and Lloyd's power as an Angelus fully awakened, he would have to kill him. As much as it pained him, he would rather see his son dead than enslaved to Mithos' will as the Chosen would soon be. It...would only be merciful for him to finished his son off if it came to it.
"So, the Chosen has finally arrived," Yuan said as he appeared beside Kratos. He was breathing carefully and in obvious in pain.
"Yuan, I'm surprised you're here given that you tried to kill me not even a few hours ago," Kratos stated coldly. He didn't even bother to turn to look at Yuan.
Yuan snorted. "Don't flatter yourself. I can't kill you, yet." There was a short paused between the two former friends. "You surprised me, Kratos. After all you have suffered, I never expected you to willingly lead someone to their death. Your heart truly died with Anna that day."
Kratos didn't speak right away. "It is Mithos' will."
"And you once fought against it, but gave up the moment you lost your family," Yuan continued. His voice was filled with disgust and fury. "I once thought of you as a strong man. A man base on principles and honor who would eventually standup for what was right when pushed. I thought you were a man of an unbreakable will, but now I truly see it was all a lie. You're a weakling and a coward, just like your father said. Just a mangle dog that loyally follows its master."
Kratos did not turn towards him. "You had to bring him up?"
"I never liked the man, but he would be rolling in his grave seeing the pansy you've become. As absolutely terrible as he was, he kept his convictions until he took his last breath," Yuan replied mercilessly. "But you, you not only did you sold your soul, you gave your own son to Mithos." He turned his eyes away from Kratos. "What I fool I was. I guess I'm the naïve idiot for continuously expecting more from you after you sided with Mithos after he deprecated Spiritua's body."
Kratos side-eyed him. While he kept a neutral expression, Yuan's words had cut him deeper than any sword. "Lloyd hasn't falling into Cruxis' hands yet. He has gotten stronger, but as he is, he's of no use to Mithos."
Yuan folded his arms. "Do you really think that will remain the case after this?"
Kratos had no answer.
Yuan chuckled humorlessly. "To think….you actually had me believe that you would free Origin. That for a moment….I had my old friend back.."
Kratos gripped his arms. "I was sincere that day. For Anna and Lloyd, I would have giving my life and left it to you stop Cruxis." There was a long pause. "And it's also true….I'm not as strong as you are."
A beam of light shone from the altar as Colette finished her prays. From the light, Remiel appeared. There was no hiding his smugness now. Even to someone untrained in sensing mana, they could feel an aura of malice.
He floated until he was only inches away from Colette. "Now, my daughter. Release the final seal! In doing so, you will complete the final sacrifice of your human existence...your heart and your memory. By doing so of your own free will, you will become a true angel!"
Everyone, saved for Raine, gasped in shock and dismayed.
"What..!?" Sheena exclaimed once she found her voice.
Lloyd felt like the floor fell from under him. "Sacrifice her heart and memory!?"
"Colette's going to forget about us!?" Genis shouted in horror and denial. This wasn't written in any book from the Church. There must be a mistake.
"Colette's human life will now end, and she will be reborn as an angel," Raine explained. There was little point in hiding it now.
Lloyd turned towards Raine. She knew about this? "Professor Sage, what is he talking about!?"
Raine lowered her head. They deserved the whole truth. "Lloyd, I'm sorry. I promised Colette I wouldn't say anything. Colette will give up her life in order to regenerate the world. Becoming an angel means dying."
Lloyd, Sheena, and Genis were struck dumb by this information. They couldn't even form words.
Remiel smirked, seeming to enjoy their pain. "That's not quite correct. The Chosen's heart will die, and her body will be offered to the Goddess Martel. By removing her body, Colette will revive the Goddess. This is the true nature of the world regeneration! The revival of the Goddess Martel…is the revival of the world itself!"
Lloyd opened and closed his mouth several times. "That..that's..."
This was the truth? For her entire life, Colette was being prepped for death? That explained the note in Iselia that sounded like a will, Colette's odd behavior about becoming an angel, why she was losing her humanity. She was literally being hollowed out so Martel could take her body.
He wanted to fell to his knees and cry. This couldn't be real. This had to be a nightmare. By the spirits, wake him up and end this!
Raine stepped forward, ignoring Lloyd's mental breakdown. "Lord Remiel, we have heard that a world known as Tethe'alla lies parallel to Sylvarant."
Remiel glared at Raine before glancing at Sheena. "That is not for you to know."
Raine wasn't letting this go. "You kept it a secret because it is true, correct?"
Remiel seemed to be streaming in rage.
Sheena stepped forward. "Can't Cruxis make both worlds peaceful?"
Remiel took several deep breaths, calming himself down. "If that is what the Chosen desires, she can lend her power to Cruxis by becoming an angel. Once the Goddess Martel is revived by the Chosen, the two worlds will surely achieve peace, just as the Chosen wishes."
Colette's eyes widened at this.
Remiel smiled, hearing her voice. "Is that true, you ask? You know why you have come here."
Colette let out some air from her mouth.
Sheena couldn't believe what was happening. "You can't…are you really planning to die!?"
Colette turned towards them. Despite being unable to talk to them, they saw her answer loud and cleared. She was ready to die. She was ready to become one with Martel.
Lloyd shook his head in denial. He wouldn't...he couldn't accept this! "Colette, stop! If you sacrifice yourself, your friends who love you…and your family…and… …and me…we'll all be sad. It will be the same as sacrificing all of us!"
Colette gave him a look of pity, but there was no changing her mind.
Lloyd attempted to run towards Colette. He had to do something to keep her from throwing her precious life away.
Genis quickly grabbed him by his waist, retraining him.
"Let me go!" Lloyd demanded. He could feel his exsphere glow with his rage.
"I don't' want anything to happen to her either!" Genis shouted in tears. He hated all of this. "But what else are we supposed to do?! The people of Sylvarant are suffering too!" Damn Martel for doing this!
"But..." Lloyd started.
"The sacrifice of one single person, the Chosen, will save the world. Are you saying that you would choose the Chosen's soul over the entire world?" Remiel asked almost mockingly before turning his attention back towards Colette. "Now, Colette. Come join your father."
Colette turned her back on her friends and started to approach Remiel. A magic circle appeared under her.
Lloyd knew this was his last chance to act. If he didn't...Colette would be forever lost to them.
He didn't care about the revival of some goddess who chose to sleep while their world suffered and created a system where one world flourish while other was destroyed by Desians. Colette shouldn't have to give up her life to such a selfish goddess!
Lloyd broke away from Genis and ran until he was in the middle of the circler stairway. "Wait! Remiel! Is there really no other way? Colette's your daughter. Surely you don't really want her to die, either!" he pleaded with part of Remiel that was a parent. No father could want this for their child.
Remiel looked down his nose at him and laughed. "My daughter?" He said that word like it was the most disgusting thing in existence. "Don't make me laugh. When I came down to play the role of guardian angel, you inferior beings just started calling me her father on your own."
Lloyd stepped back in shock. Inferior beings? What the... He sounded like a Desian.
"I merely placed the Cruxis Crystal upon this sacrifice, who was selected to become Martel's vessel," Remiel went on, rubbing the salt deeper.
Genis was left dumbstruck. This couldn't be an angel of mercy. Remiel was always arrogance and self-important, but he was never like this before. It was like they were seeing a different person.
Sheena also felt cold. What was happening here?
Even Raine was at a lost to why Remiel was talking like this.
Lloyd quickly cleared his head and jumped on the platform where Colette stood. After all Remiel had said and done, she couldn't want this anymore. "Colette!" He grabbed her shoulder.
She turned around and gave him a smile of assurance. "Lloyd, it's okay, I realized what was going on. Every time I met Remiel, I felt…that he was not my real father. But still, for some reason, I still feel like I want to cry."
"Colette, if you realized what was going on, then why..." he started asking, not aware that he could hear Colette's voice.
Remiel was stunned by this turn of events. How? It should be impossible for a human to hear an angel's voice.
Genis, Raine, and Sheena were baffled about what as going on.
Kratos and Yuan were also surprised.
"He...he heard her," Yuan whispered. "Just like how I heard Spiritua's voice millenniums ago."
Kratos sucked in his breath. "What...does this mean?"
Yuan felt sweat build on his face. "It's just as I feared... The Angelus has awakened."
Kratos felt himself go pale.
Yuan put his arm on a pillar for support. "There is no stopping the process now. This is exactly what Mithos wanted from the start. This is why he hid Lloyd from us and allowed him to make friends with the Chosen. The trials and hardships of the Chosen's quest have brought forth his power and led him right here into Mithos' domain. It's only a matter of time now before the ultimate life form is fully awake."
Kratos shook his head in denial. "No..."
"Dammit, Kratos. If only you haven't brought him here," Yuan sneered, shaking in rage.
The Renegades better hurry. The Chosen maybe lost, but they couldn't allow Mithos to get that Angelus. Even...if it meant destroying it.
Unlike everyone else, Colette was very happy with this realization. She took Lloyd's hands into her own. "You can hear my voice? I'm so happy! I'll be able to say goodbye to you in the end."
Lloyd became upset as he squeezed her hands. "Colette…I'm sorry! I couldn't save you…I'm so sorry! I promised I wouldn't make another mistake, but it looks like I have again…"
Colette shook her head. "No. Thank you, Lloyd. Because of you, I was able to find the courage to protect the world. Because of you, I was able to find the strength to live these sixteen years to the fullest. So please…" She would cry if she could.
Lloyd, however, appeared to be ready to produced enough tears for the both of them. "Colette!"
Colette reached and gently wiped the tears that were falling from his eyes. Her body started to float despite her wings not being out. "It looks like it's time."
Lloyd wanted to keep holding her. To not let her go no matter what. But...in the end he allowed his hands to lack and she floated away from him.
"Goodbye..." Colette whispered within his mind as her wings opened. She closed her eyes and her Cruxis Crystal glowed brightly. There was short flashed that blinded everyone for a second.
When Lloyd looked up again, he saw that Colette's eyes were opened, but there was nothing there. Her eyes were red and blank. There was no life behind them at all.
"No..." Lloyd whispered as he slumped to his knees. It was over... Colette was dead.
Yuan closed his eyes. It was like seeing Spiritua all over again.
Kratos also felt numbed. This...wasn't what he wanted. He didn't want his son to go through this pain. But...he allowed it. He helped make this happened. There was no one to blame except him.
Through the somber atmosphere, a manic laugh echoed across the tower.
They looked to see Remiel laughing. He was as giddy as a child as he floated by Colette like she was a trophy. "I've done it! It's finally complete! Martel's vessel is finally complete!" He chuckled again in triumph. "With this, I shall become one of the Four Seraphim!"
Yuan rolled his eyes. Was that Remiel's plan? Pathetic. That poor boy has really fallen from grace.
Kratos also looked on in disgust.
"Wait just a minute! What are you gonna do with Colette!?" Sheena demanded, snapping out of her stupor.
"He's going to take her to heaven," Raine said, although she didn't sound so sure either. No one saw this coming.
Remiel gave a smug smile.
Lloyd didn't believe that. After all he has seen, he couldn't believe any of this. He glared hatefully at the angel. "You bastard!"
Remiel snickered.
Lloyd was literally trembling in rage and his exsphere shined with power. "You'll pay for this! Cruxis, the angels, the Goddess Martel…its' all a big lie, isn't it!?"
"Lloyd!" Genis exclaimed.
"Let her go!" Lloyd demanded as he got to his feet.
Remiel kept chuckling. "That, I cannot do, for she is Martel's vessel! This is Martel's new body which took years to complete!" He sneered at them. His eyes were blazing with hatred.
Genis stepped back in shock. Those eyes... They were just like Kilia's. "He...he's no angel..."
Sheena shook her head in disbelief. "Lloyd's right... This is all a lie... Everything we believe in, fought for, and even died for...it was all just a lie!"
"How...how can this be?" Raine whispered more to herself. Did she really just give one of her students away to a monster? Those eyes were the same ones that burnt within the Desians.
"I have no use for any of you! Be gone!" Remiel shouted as he cast Photon at them.
They barely had time to dodge as the ball of light exploded over the group.
"He's actually attacking us!" Genis exclaimed in disbelief.
Raine was in complete shock.
Lloyd was the first to react and charged Remiel.
The angel put up a shield of light to deflect the attack. "What do you think you can do, you inferior human!?"
Lloyd growled. "No matter what! I'm taking Colette back!"
Remiel sneered. "You dare to go against the will of Cruxis and the Goddess Martel?"
"Even if I have to rage against heaven itself!" Lloyd declared as he pushed Remiel aside.
Remiel ready another spell. "Then die! Ray!"
Several rays of light fell from the sky, but Lloyd was able to avoid most of them.
"Lloyd!" Genis yelled as he prepared a spell. He didn't know what was going on, but to protect his friends, he would rage against the heavens too. "Eruption!"
Fire engulfed Remiel, causing him to cry in pain.
Sheena pulled off several sheets of paper. "You're pay for your deceit! Power Seal Absolution!" She threw a flurry of paper.
Remiel was still recovering from Genis' attack and was caught off-guard as he was hit by the sharpen paper.
Lloyd also saw this as his chance to attack. "Beast Sword Rain!" The attack was so fierce that it knocked Remiel off his feet.
Now Remiel was pissed as he quickly stood up. "How dare you!? I will so you the power of the angels!" His entire body glowed white. "Judgment Ray!"
Pillars of light fell from the ceiling, hitting everyone.
"I got this, Healing Circle!" Raine yelled as a magic circle formed around the group, healing all the damaged Remiel done.
Sheena narrowed her eyes. "My turn." She puts her hands together. "I call upon the maiden of the mist. I summon thee. Come, Undine!"
Undine appeared before the angel. She took out her water swords and viciously charged him. Remiel was on the defensive as he attempted to keep the summon spirit from killing him.
"Freeze Lance!" Genis shouted as a lance of ice stabbed Remiel from the back, causing him to reel in pain. The distraction also allowed Undine to slash him across the front.
Remiel's once clean holy robes were now drenched in his own blood. "Damn...damn all you!"
Lloyd smiled wolfishly. "I guess even an angel bleeds."
"This isn't over! Holy Lance!" Remiel shouted as Lloyd was nearly hit by a lance made of light. "Now again, Judgment Ray!"
More light rained from the heavens.
"Nurse!" Raine yelled, healing her team again.
Remiel glared at her. "You're annoying." He charged her as his hands glowed.
Lloyd quickly cut him off. "Demonic Thrust!" He stabbed Remiel in his midsection, forcing him to stop his advance. "Demonic Tiger Blade!" He released a wave of mana that sliced across Remiel's body before finishing him with two slashes from his swords.
Before Lloyd could do any further damage, he was hit with a Holy Lance.
Remiel staggered back, not believing these inferior mortals could hurt him. "I am an angel of Cruxis! You have no hope of defeating me! Judgment Ray!"
Genis sneered as he was hit. "I hate that move!"
Raine was breathing hard as she cast another Healing Circle. The unicorn's horn gave her greater magical abilities, but she could only do so many of these advance spells. She needed an orange gel. She wished Kratos was here to help with backup heals.
Now that she thought about it, where was Kratos? Why did he leave Colette alone at the altar? She shook her head. They could worry about that if they lived through this encounter.
She reached into her traveling back and quickly swallowed an orange gel.
"I think not, Photon!" Remiel yelled, hitting Raine dead on with an explosion of light. She fell on the floor, stunned by the sudden attack. Remiel smiled. "Time to finish you, Holy Lan..."
"Thunder Blade!" Genis shouted, nailing Remiel head on.
"Mirage Seal Pinion!" Sheena yelled, hitting Remiel across his body. "And now, Power Seal Absolution!" Not only Remiel's accuracy down, but so was his defense.
"Insolent girl!" Remiel shouted as he did another Ray Judgment.
Sheena sneered as she put her hands together again. She could only do this one more time, so she better make it count. "I call upon the maiden of the mist. I summon thee. Come, Undine!"
Undine returned and once again readied her swords.
"I won't fall to even a summon spirit!" Remiel screamed as he cast a Holy Lance at Undine who gracefully dodged it. "Ray!"
This caught Undine off-guard and she was knocked back.
Remiel laughed in triumph. "See that! This is the power of Cruxis! All of you are nothing but worms before me!"
"Stop talking," Lloyd sneered as he charged Remiel's back. "I don't care if you are the ultimate being!" He slashed Remiel across the front just as the angle turned to face him, causing him to scream in anguish. "I don't care if you have a goddess on your side!" He sliced the angel again. "And I certainly don't care if we're worms to you!" He cut him again. "I'm taking Colette back! Raining Tiger Blade!" He vicious stabbed Remiel and sliced him twice.
Undine moved in and finished it with sword thrust to the back that impaled Remiel.
The angel stood stunned as he watched his blood flowed from his body. "How could...ultimate power...lose...?" he whispered as he slumped to the floor.
Undine also disappeared, seeing that her task was done.
Sheena was breathing hard and forced an orange gel into her mouth. Summoning a spirit in battle was harder than she thought. It was nothing liked when she summoned Corrine. It felt like she was going to faint.
Lloyd stared at the fallen angel as he put his swords away. He was breathing hard, both from anger and exhaustion.
Remiel attempted to get up several times, but failed. He was too badly hurt and was rapidly losing blood. At this rate, he would die. He couldn't die! He was the ultimate being! Hand picked by Lord Yggdrasill himself to guide the Chosen. He couldn't die here! Not to a bunched of lowly humans.
"This is impossible!" Remiel spat as blood drizzled from his lips. "How can an angel, the ultimate being, lose to a group of humans?"
From the balcony, Yuan watched the battle with impassive eyes. He tried to warn the boy. Tried to tell him not to allow his anger and hatred of humans to control him, but he didn't listened. Part of it was Mithos' fault for twisted his mind, but most of it was on Remiel. He just couldn't let go of his hate.
"Spiritua...forgive me. In the end, I couldn't save him," Yuan murmured.
Kratos glanced at Yuan. "You will not help him?"
Yuan remained silent for a moment. "There is nothing left to save."
Kratos moved away from his former friend, preparing to make his presence known. "You know, I will have to go down there."
Yuan turned his head. "Do as you wish."
Lloyd moved past Remiel and walked towards Colette, who was still floating above them. Despite the fierce battle, she hasn't moved at all.
"Colette, come back to us!" Lloyd pleaded. "I'm going to restore you back to your normal self! I promise!"
Colette remained unresponsive.
Lloyd could feel tears building in his eyes again. "Colette…have you really forgotten me?"
"You're wasting your time. Not only did she lose her memory, but she has lost the soul to listen to your words," Kratos stated as he made his appearance before the group. He stood on an edge near the altar. "Now Colette is merely a puppet standing before death's door.
"Kratos!" Genis exclaimed.
Sheena narrowed her eyes. "Where the hell have you been!? Were you just watching as we were fighting that angel!?"
Kratos chose to ignore her.
Lloyd turned towards the man. "What are you saying!?"
"The Chosen desired the regeneration of the world and chose this path herself. By the summoning of the Chosen to Derris-Kharlan the seal will be broken and the regeneration will be complete," Kratos explained in a cold, empty voice.
"Kratos? What are you talking about?" Lloyd demanded.
Raine narrowed her eyes. So, Kratos was finally ready to reveal his true colors.
Kratos folded his arms. "It is what you wanted as well. We will take the Chosen as the new body for Martel."
Now Lloyd was getting pissed off. "What are you talking about?! Kratos…answer me!"
At that moment, Remiel crawled his way to Kratos, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. He lifted his head before his superior. "Lord Kratos, have pity on me. Please…lend me your aid."
Everyone gasped when they heard those words.
"L...Lord Kratos...?" Genis repeated.
Raine was shaken when she heard that. It couldn't be.…
Kratos looked down at the fallen angel. Like Yuan, there was a time he pitied the man. But, he chose this path himself. Where he was going, he wouldn't be seeing Spiritua. "Have you forgotten, Remiel? I was once of the inferior race…a human. Does the ultimate being seek help from that which he despises the most?"
Remiel gasped in shock. Before any more words could leave his mouth, his body succumbed to his injures. He fell limped to the floor and released his final breath.
Kratos stared pitilessly at the body. Such a waste.
Lloyd stood frozen before Kratos. "Kratos…who are you?"
Kratos looked at his son. It was time. He allowed his wings to appear, catching the light within the tower. "I am of Cruxis, the organization that guides this world. I am one of the Four Seraphim, sent forth to keep close watch over the Chosen."
Raine stiffened. She knew something was off about Kratos...but she never expected this.
"Kratos is...an angel..." Genis whispered. Was that why he could use magic and was so powerful?
"You...you deceived us!" Sheena shouted once her mind fully took in what she was seeing.
"Deceived?" Kratos questioned. "If the Chosen merges with Martel, she will awaken, and the world will be saved. Is that not what you wanted?"
Raine narrowed her eyes. "Once her body is taken by the Goddess of Martel, Colette will truly die."
Kratos shook his head. " No, she will be reborn as Martel."
Lloyd gritted his teeth. "Dammit! You think I'm going to let you do that!?"
Kratos glared at Lloyd, his crimson eyes piercing into him. "You do not have a choice in the matter. Defying Cruxis will only lead to a swift death. You more than anyone Lloyd should know how outmatched you are."
Lloyd shook as everything hit him. It was like he was pierce by a thousand daggers. "Kratos...was it all a lie?" he whispered before his voice raised. "All the time we spent together... The training we've done... The story about your dead family... You helping me to avenge my mother... Was it all a lie?"
Kratos didn't answered.
Lloyd felt tears fell down his eyes. It was like someone had ripped out his heart. "You...you... Damn you! All this time! All this time you were just using me! You...you were like an older brother to me! You were my master!" He started to sob. "And yet, it was all a lie to manipulate me into sacrificing Colette! That all I ever was to you this entire time, wasn't it!? A tool!"
Kratos still said nothing and his face remained stoic.
"I WON'T FOGIVE YOU!" Lloyd screamed as he took out his swords and blindly charged Kratos. Tears still falling from his eyes.
"Lloyd, wait!" Raine shouted.
Kratos unsheathed his sword and easily blocked Lloyd's wild swings. "Attacking in anger only leaves you open for attack." He pushed Lloyd aside and smacked him with his shield.
Sheena ran to help Lloyd. "Power Seal Absolution!"
Kratos easily dodged the paper and took off into the air. "Super Lightning Blade!" He stabbed into Sheena, who just barely kept herself from being impaled. Before she could counterattack, Kratos punched her in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her.
"Flame Lance!" Genis yelled.
Kratos quickly cast Guardian to protect himself. "Grave!"
Genis barely had time to get out of the path of the sharpen rocks.
"Photon!" Raine shouted, hitting Kratos. However, the attack barely had any effect.
Raine narrowed her eyes. "As I feared. He's strong against light magic."
"Genis, let's attack him together!" Lloyd yelled.
Genis nodded as he prepared his spell. "Flame Lance!"
The lance hit Lloyd's swords, setting them on fire. "Fiery Beast!"
Kratos grunted as he cast Guardian to lessen the damage. "Super Sonic Thrust!" He thrust his sword deeply into Lloyd's shoulder, actually piercing through his chainmail and hitting his flesh.
Lloyd sneered in pain, but refused to back down. "Hunting Beast!" He slammed Kratos with his mana. He then flipped into the air and dropped to the ground with enough force to create a powerful shockwave that knocked Kratos down.
Genis finished his chant. He has been working on this spell for a while. He supposed this was a good of time as any to use it. "Spiral Flare!"
A giant tornado of flames formed and headed straight for Kratos.
Kratos was impressed. The boy not only learned an advance spell, but he learned one that was against his spirit symbol, most likely to compliment Lloyd since fire couldn't really harm him.
Sheena took a deep breath. She hated to summon again, but none of her techniques could do anything against Kratos. Damn, she knew that man wasn't human, but she expected him to be an angel. No…he wasn't an angel. He was a demon. "I call upon the maiden of the mist. I summon thee. Come, Undine!"
Undine reappeared and Sheena nearly collapsed. Even with an orange gel she was closed to passing out. She doubted she could make another summons again even to bring out Corrine.
Kratos was on guard as Undine flanked him. The maiden of the mist showed him no mercy as they battled equally across the room.
"No way! He can go toe-to-toe with a summon spirit!" Genis yelled. How much was he holding back on them?
"Super Lightning Blade!" Kratos yelled as he nailed Undine, pushing her back.
Sheena growled. Not even Undine could help them.
"Rising Falcon!" Lloyd shouted as he jumped into the air and attempted to hit Kratos, who nimbly dodged. "Try this then, Tempest Thrust!" He went back into the air and rapidly spun.
Kratos blocked most of it with his sword, but was nipped be the thrust of Lloyd's swords.
"Victory Light Spear!" Kratos yelled as the waved of mana hit Lloyd, tearing into his clothes revealing the steel woven underneath.
"I won't lose to you! Super Sonic Thrust!" Lloyd shouted.
Kratos quickly blocked the attack with his shield, causing sparks to fly.
"Spiral Flare!" Genis yelled as he sent another twister of fire at Kratos.
"Ray!" Raine shouted, showering Kratos with holy light. She knew Kratos was strong against her attacks, but there was little choice. She could at least wear the man down and leave him open to attack.
Kratos was forced to cast Guardian to defend him.
Lloyd used this opportunity to charge him and viciously slashed his swords at him. Kratos blocked and within seconds the two swordsmen were in a duel.
Kratos blocked and parried all of Lloyd's attacks, but the younger boy kept coming in strong, attempting to overwhelm his former master. It was much fiercer than any of their practices.
Genis breathed hard as he attempted to catch his breathe. "Raine, how many orange gels we have left?"
Raine lowered her eyes. "One."
"Well, I need one. I can only do like two of those Spiral Flares," Genis said.
Raine smiled humorlessly. "Afraid I am much the same way. We learned powerful spells, but lack the endurance to use them properly." She reached into her bag and gave Genis the last orange gel.
Genis quickly consumed it. "If we live, we need to work on that." With some of his energy restored, he began to concentrate. "Eruption!"
The area around Lloyd and Kratos suddenly exploded into flames.
Kratos was taken off-guard by this, but Lloyd used the flames to power his swords. "Fiery Beast!"
Raine suddenly had an idea. "Genis, used that spell again!"
Genis nodded and started chanted while concerting on his kendama. "Eruption!"
Raine finished her own spell. "Ray!"
When the two spells merged, stars fell from the sky and pelted Kratos.
Sheena blinked. "Didn't think those two attacks were combine into that."
"Time to finish this!" Lloyd screamed. "Demonic Trust!" He stabbed Kratos head on, but Kratos was able to back up enough to keep the wound shallow.
Before Lloyd could attack again, Kratos took into the air. He started to chant.
Genis' eyes widened. "His mana...it's different from before!"
"Different, how?" Sheena asked.
"It...it sorta feels like Colette and Remiel," Genis answered.
Raine gasped. "Oh no!"
"Sacred powers, cast your purifying light upon these corrupt souls. Rest in peace, sinners! Judgment!" Kratos shouted as he finished his spell.
Within seconds, rain of light fell upon them. It was much, much more powerful than Remiel's version. It also covered a larger area. No one could escape it.
They all cried in pain as they were sent trembling into the floor.
Raine attempted to get up and cast a healing spell, but she was too badly drained. "Da...damn..."
Sheena groaned. "We...we couldn't beat him... What a monster."
Genis slowly lifted his head. "To think there is this level of different between us."
Lloyd fell to his knees, but still refused to yield. He kept himself steady by embedding one of his swords into the floor. "Damn you...Kratos…."
Kratos floated down and stared stone face at him. Without a word, he lifted his sword and pointed it at Lloyd's throat. One thrust would finish him.
Lloyd glared defiantly at Kratos. He wouldn't give the man the satisfaction of seeing him scared. If he was going to kill him, he was going to look at him. Besides, his betrayal hurt far more than any physical wound he could give.
Kratos stood perfectly still.
He should kill Lloyd. It was the only way now to prevent him from falling into Mithos' grasp. It would be more merciful this way. Better for Lloyd to die free than live as a weapon, even if he died with hatred in his eyes. One thrust to the neck was all that was needed. It would be quick and painless.
But...as hard as he tried he couldn't bring himself to give the killing blow. He wasn't his father. He couldn't just murder his child, even if that child despised him.
"What are you waiting for?" Lloyd spat.
Kratos lowered his blade. He couldn't. Even if it meant him falling into Mithos' hands, even if it meant eternal enslavement, he couldn't end his own child's life. He truly was a failure.
Yuan and his father were right again about him. He was a weakling and a coward.
At that moment a light came down from the altar. With seconds, that light took the form of an angel with multiple wings.
"I guess not even you could bring yourself to fight against such an opponent," Mithos observed in amusement.
Kratos turned towards his former student and instinctually knelt before him. "Lord Yggdrasill."
Raine lifted her head. "Yggdrasill?" Magnius and Kvar both spoke that name. What could this mean?
"Who's that?" Genis asked weakly.
"Another angel!?" Sheena asked in dread.
Mithos floated over towards Lloyd and looked him over like a piece of meat.
Lloyd slowly pushed himself to his feet and looked at the man. He was giving him that same odd look that everyone seemed to be giving him lately.
"Are you Lloyd?" Mithos asked, although he ready knew the answer.
Lloyd's stare turned into a glare. He already hated this guy. "Give me your name, and I'll give you mine!"
Mithos laughed. He had spunk. He glanced at the exsphere and saw it glowing steadily. His power was finally coming forward. However, he needed to be pushed a little further. "People need not introduce themselves to a dog."
"What did you say!?" Lloyd sneered in outraged. Who did this guy think he was?
Mithos smirked. "That's right, get angry. Let that stress and despair push you to your limits. It is time to wake up, my little Angelus" His smile grew even wider. "Fine, I shall tell you my name, wretched human. I am Yggdrasill. Leader of Cruxis…and the Desians."
And it's done. I originally wanted to go until Lloyd escaped the tower, but as you can see this chapter ran kinda long. Plus, I think this is a better cutoff point.
Stay tune for the conclusion of Act I coming next chapter.