Chapter 21

Strength of friendship

The ship sailed across the water almost soundlessly. There were close to no waves, Raine was very thankful for this. She kept away from the railing, staying on the middle of the ship as much as possible. Her little brother stayed close to her to give her comfort and distraction.

Sheena was the opposite; she was leaning on the railing, near the front. Next to her sat Corrine, enjoying the smells and smooth wind that came with the movement through the sea. Zelos was next to them, having turned his back to the view, resting his elbows on top. He talked about all kinds of little things she had missed while on her mission. She knew he was doing it to keep her mind of Volt, and it did help a little.

However, they all could not help to look at Colette every now and again. The blond girl was like a statue, the only thing about her that moved was her hair. Lloyd was sitting not far away from her on a crate, looking to be in deep thought for the most part.

When he looked at her, he could not help thinking back to that one day, they had climbed up the hill of her village and looked over the sea. The wind played with her hair the same way, seagulls were making the same sounds, as were the waves. And one would argue the view here would even more beautiful with all the stars out together with a waning moon.

Back then, for Lloyd it was like he was living in a bubble. All sound was muffled, all feeling was numbed and thoughts were non-existent. He wouldn't wish that kind of state upon anyone. And Colette deserved it the least, with all she had done for other people, even willing to sacrifice herself for the world.

It wasn't fair. Nothing about all of this was. Narrowing his eyes and showing an angry frown, he looked at the Exphere set upon his hand. But still…that was his mother's life, her wishes and dreams were in that thing. With a sigh, he stroked the orb with his thumb.

"Are you alright?" Sheena had come to stand next to him, her little summon spirit on her shoulder.

Looking up, the teen went on to stand as well and nodded. "I am, just mulling it all over in my head."

"I can only imagine. For you, it must have been a very different and difficult situation."

"Yeah. Which is why I want Colette out of it as fast as possible."

She nodded to his words. Lloyd shifted his eyes from the blond girl to Sheena. They were sharp and determined, a real contrast to the empty voids they were before. The fierce look almost had her step back.

"You are still doubting yourself," was his observation.

Biting her lip, she looked down. Was it really that obvious? "Every time I think about it, there is that same image in my head. That vivid memory I can't shake. How they all laid there, sprawled over the ground. That included my grandpa. He's still in a coma back home."

It was clear that the young woman was holding back tears. Corrine was quick to give her comfort, nuzzling against her cheek. Without thinking about it, Lloyd reached out to take hold of one of her hands and gave a light squeeze. It was just like Colette did with him, he remembered.

"I know the feeling. The vivid image, the picture in your head giving you nightmares. It never really goes away." The monster his mother turned into. The horrible thing his father had to do to keep him safe... Lloyd sighed and shook his head. "But you were just a child, expected to do something way beyond your capabilities. Punishing yourself for what happened, is not fair. You are older and a lot more experienced now. The same will not happen again, I promise you."

She looked at him at these words. His eyes were even more intense. And for some reason, she felt like he was telling the truth. Showing a small smile, she nodded. "Thank you."

Letting go of her hand, he nodded back. Meanwhile, the ship was slowing down. The voice of Undine could be heard, telling them the island that held the Temple of Lightning was close. Everyone stood up from their position and gathered around Sheena.

"How about we camp first? Make sure we are well rested before we take this on?" Raine suggested.

"Yeah, I agree with that. There are some bunks on the ship, but if you rather have ground beneath your feet, I understand."

"I do," she had to admit, nodding. "Besides, I doubt this small island holds any monsters. I am sure it is safe."

"Maybe, but the ship has a solid roof. That's better than a flimsy tent." Zelos remarked.

"If you want to stay and sleep on the ship, that is your own choice."

"It doesn't matter to me. And Colette... well." Did Lloyd need to say more? It really didn't matter for her.

"I'll be with you, sis." Genis knew she would appreciate that after having to be on the water for so long. And she clearly did, judging by her endeared smile.

"Wait, so you all are camping on the island?" The red-haired Chosen looked around. They all nodded, even Sheena. He let out a defeated sigh. "No fun hunkering here all on my own."

The ship slowly came to a halt as it approached the dock of the island. It had a small mountain range to the otherwise rather flat landscape. Set against these mountains, was a tall tower that almost looked naturally formed. There wasn't much else beyond that.

Zelos was the one to jump off on the dock first. He tied down the ship, making sure it won't drift off. He held out a hand to Raine. "Allow me to help, cool beauty."

"I really rather not have you call me that." She gave him a stern look.

"Ah, what do you prefer?"

"Prefer? How about just my name?"

"Nah, I give every one nicknames." Zelos pointed to Sheena. "Jubblies." Than to Genis. "Twerp." Over to Lloyd. "Hard ass." And finally, Colette. "Little Angel. So, what's it gonna be?"

Genis huffed. This guy! "She's a professor. Go with that then."

"Professor huh? A teacher then, that does make sense." He was still holding out his hand and smiling.

Letting out a sigh of defeat, Raine accepted and let him help her off the ship. They all got off and went on to set up camp by the light of the fire. It was getting late, so they warmed up some soup to eat before going to sleep.

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She couldn't make sense of it. There she was, standing at the altar, facing a big ball made of pure lightning. At eight years old, this was very intimidating. Sheena could feel her legs shaking. Of course, she was taught never to fear, to stay strong. But she couldn't even understand this thing!

"Sheena, make your pact!" One of her guardians called out. "Before Volt attacks."

"B-but, I can't understand what it's saying." She said with a high, shaking voice.

"Remember your lessons, Sheena. You are gifted, trust in that and I know you can do it."

Of course, this came from her grandfather. The young girl tried to stay strong, but this thing was scary and it sounded angry, whatever it was saying. It kept making those same noises, and started charging up an attack.

"N-no. Stop please. I want to make a pact. Please listen to me."

It didn't seem to understand, or even willing to listen. Volt launched the ball of electricity right at the shaking child. The old man jumped in to block the attack, instead taking the hit himself.

"Grandpa!"

The lightning around became more intense. The people with her lifted their weapons. "Its going out of control! Sheena, get out of here."

Crying and shaking, she wanted to refuse. She wanted to save her grandpa. She wanted to help, to do anything, not to be this useless! Flashing lights engulfed everything as she screamed.

"...up! Sheena, wake up!"

A voice called out, as someone was shaking her. With a start, she sat up. She was looking right in the bright eyes of Zelos.

"Are you okay? You were yelling." There was real concern in his eyes as he looked her over.

"I... I'm fine. It was just a nightmare."

"Oh, phew. That's a relieve. You had me scared for a moment there."

"Sorry... Um, will you let go of me?" She realized he was holding her in an embrace.

"Right, right." He chuckled as he let go of her. "You doing alright?"

"That s the second time you ask. I told you I'm fine."

"I know that it's scary."

"Stop it, Zelos. What do you know of loss?"

His smile disappeared, changing to a thin line. "Maybe not like you, but I know it alright. I know very well how it's like to be the cause of it." Without saying anything else, Zelos stood up and walked towards the ship, mumbling he forgot something there.

This made Sheena feel bad. It was hard to get the Chosen upset because he didn't seem to take anything seriously. But there was another side. Something deeply hidden away. She recognized the pain in his eyes.

As she thought about it, she had seen that look in Lloyd's and Raine's eyes as well. It was wrong of her to assume and to be so tude. She really should apologize later.

Meanwhile, Zelos had gone to the hull of the ship. He made a double check that he was really alone before reaching behind some cargo and retrieving an object. It looked mostly like a portable record player, but instead of a record, it held screens.

Starting up the communicator, it had a little trouble coming to life. The red-haired Chosen suspected this was because the mana level had lowered. It took a couple of seconds before showing a small figure, no bigger than his own hand.

It was a woman whose appearance just screamed extravagant. Her long, green hair, very colorful make up, interesting head wear and very revealing clothing. But what was most unique, was what floating directly around her. It seemed to be an almost full ring of armor, shaped like big blades. It was a really strange design.

"Ah, Chosen. I was wondering when you would call."

"Hey there, beautiful. Hope I didn't make you wait too long." He winked.

"Charming." The woman said this in a very dry tone. "Now report, if you please."

"Well, my lady Pronyma. We are now making ready to enter the temple of Lightning. A fight with Volt will definitely be coming."

She frowned, tilting her head a little. "Do you all have a death wish? Why would you do such a foolish thing?"

"Eh, who cares. What matters to you is the opportunity it presents, right? After all that, we'll all be pretty warn out, if you catch my drift."

"Oh my, how maniacal of you, Chosen. Yes, it would be the perfect time to take back the Chosen from Sylvarant. Very good."

"Just keep in mind you guy's end of the deal."

"Yes, yes. Don't worry your luscious red locks, dear." Pronyma made a waving gesture.

Zelos looked back then. "I should go now. See you soon, handsome." He blew her a kiss before closing the communicator and hid it again. After this, he grabbed something random and left the ship.

Everyone was awake by now, getting to their morning routines. While Genis was making them breakfast, his sister had taken out a brush and was combing Colette's hair with it. The girl was seated down, staring into the middle distance as usual. Lloyd seemed to be wondering around the front of the temple.

"Sheena, would you like tea or coffee?" Genis asked.

"Huh? Oh, tea please." She finally stood up from her sleeping bag, pulling her hair back to tie this up first of all.

"And for me as well." Raine said, still taking her time to brush Colette's hair. It seemed so natural to her, as she did it calm and serene.

"Have you done that more often?" Sheena couldn't resist to ask.

"When Colette was younger, yes. She never really had a mother, so as her mentor I filled that roll in a sense. Frank, her father, did seem to rely on that too, since it was just him and his mother."

"I see. That is rather sweet. For me it was just my grandpa."

Nodding in understanding, Raine finished up and looked over at her little brother. "You are almost done, right?"

"Yup, come and get it."

No one really thought much of it that Zelos came back with a small, wooden box. He set it down to have a seat on top of it.

"Hey Lloyd, breakfast is ready!" Sheena called and waved him over.

The teen came walking towards them. "Good, I'm starving."

"You always seem very hungry with how much you eat. I don't get where you leave it. Also, what were you doing over there?"

Lloyd could only slightly shrug to the first remark. "Making sure the surroundings are safe. We don't want any surprises before we go in there."

"No, this is true. Speaking off, what can we expect inside, Sheena? Do you remember?" Raine asked as she offered her a plate.

Taking it, she hesitated for a moment. It was a bit of a blur, as it was also a part of her that just wanted to forget. But it would be useful information going in, for all their safety. Digging deeper into her memories, she thoughtfully took a bite of her breakfast.

"I remember the air being constantly charged. Lightning strikes would hit regularly."

"Huh, what?! That sounds scary." Genis couldn't hide the fear in his voice.

"It isn't the temple of Lightning for nothing. How can you avoid it?"

"There are lightning rods, you can activate. In some places, you even need to do so to open the path further. It is like a big puzzle."

Zelos let out an annoyed grunt. "I don't like those."

"Hm. Does this place have a seal as well?" Raine informed.

"Yeah, I believe so. Why?"

"It would make sense then. It's like the trials of the Chosen. Besides, I think no important summon spirit should be easily approachable."

"I suppose you are right." Sheena nodded. "I also vaguely remember it being dark, having to rely on the light of the strikes to see where to go."

"No need to do that. I have my staff to light the way. And Colette's wings give off some as well." Thoughtful, the professor took a moment to look over the men.

"Like what you see?" Zelos winked at her.

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. "You seem the be the tallest of us."

"You should walk ahead, act as our personal lightning rod." Genis huffed, still remembering what kind of nickname he was given.

"Sure, as long as I hold you above me, twerp."

"Alright, alright. Enough of that. Eat up. We are going to need all the strength once we head in."

They all agreed to that and made sure to fuel up. After this, they cleaned up and then turned to the high structure. Sheena could swear her heart had gone all the way up to her throat as they approached.

Corrine was on her shoulder, cuddling against her for support. It was more surprising that Zelos seemed to take the lead, as they had suggested. Genis meant it as a joke, but it seemed the Chosen took it to heart.

"Hey Zelos, can you fight, actually?" Maybe a bit late to ask as they entered, but Genis did it out of nervousness.

It was dark, because the temple had no windows and the inside seemed to be build out of black stone. But it wasn't as dark that they couldn't see.

"What do you think, twerp? I don't have this sword for nothing." He gestured to the short sword hanging at his hip. "You'll see soon enough what I can do."

A loud thunder made them all jump (except Colette, who was just a statue). The bolt itself came down almost at the same time, hitting a lightning rod that was further ahead, up a long staircase. Sheena really had to fight the urge to turn around and run out.

Lloyd looked over his shoulder to check on her. "Are you doing alright?"

"Y-yes. Yes, I'll be fine." She had to forget her fear and move on already.

"One step at a time, Jubblies. You can do it." Zelos smiled at her.

"Let's be careful. It seems to be hitting up ahead. We need to climb those stairs I assume?" Raine informed.

All the ninja could do was nod. It was going to be a trial to get that lightning to hit somewhere else so they could pass. But that was a worry for later; monsters approached when they started to follow the path.

Drawing his sword, Zelos twirled it around while also having a small shield strapped to his left arm. He was ready to go. The others joined in, even Colette, mostly throwing her chakrams. And it really looked like the red-haired Chosen was good. His strikes were precise, sharp and calculated. He was also very nimble, able to dodge quick and everything was done with a certain flourish.

More monsters joined in the fight, outnumbering them fast. While Lloyd got busy defending Raine as she was casting her light spell, Sheena failed to spot a monster approaching her from the back. Thinking fast, Zelos concentrated his mana and launched fireballs to that and a couple of other monsters.

Raine was able to kill some with her light spell and Lloyd finished the rest with his sword flurry. When it was done, they all looked at Zelos in surprise.

"You can use magic?" Genis asked.

"You just saw it, didn't you? I have healing magic too." He grinned proudly.

"But you are a human! Humans can't use magic, even with an Exsphere."

His smile faded, looking serious all of the sudden. "I was injected with elven blood. There, that's what you wanted to hear? Let's move on."

Turning away, he walked ahead. Genis looked up to his sister, perplexed. Her mouth was a thin line. "Some things are a touchy subject and it seems like it was not up to him to decide that."

So, he was experimented on. That was pretty much what it came down to. Sheena had no clue about this. Why would he keep that to himself, was he ashamed of it? He knew of her stance on experimenting and discrimination as well.

This was not the time to get into that. They had to keep moving. There were several other stands that could be activated as a lightning rod. They could do that, but it still left the problem they had to get close to the high one to bring that one down.

Lloyd offered to give it a try, watching the timing of the lightning strikes. They seemed to be evenly spaced, about a minute between them. He assured the others he would be fast and fine. It had to happen, so they reluctantly agreed to the plan.

He was fast and effective. The lightning rod was deactivated and he ran down just to be sure it he would be fine. It worked out as intended, but they still did not like the idea so they agreed to run up the stairs.

The next room had balconies leading to a big platform they couldn't see what it held. There were no stairs leading up to it, which was a strange design.

"Up there, is the shrine." Sheena said it softly, but they all could still hear her.

"How do we get up there?" Lloyd wanted to know.

"Further in, passed the darkest rooms." She hugged herself to try to rid herself of the discomfort she felt.

"We can't reach it from here, so we'll have to move on. Also, I noticed there is no lightning here."

"Yeah, this is the one room that doesn't have that. I am not sure why. I guess because Volt is enough lightning of itself."

"Can you keep going?"

Sheena saw everyone looking at her with worry. This just made her feel pressured and judged, which of course not their intent. Zelos walked up to her, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"If you need a moment, that's okay."

Nodding, she took a moment to breath and relax. The others knew better to pester or push her, so just gave her space and waited it out while looking around the room. After just a little while, Sheena shook it off and they moved on.

The next room had several levels visible against the wall, like small walkways. There was one stairway that seemed to lead to a doorway on the left. In front of them was a lowered section which oddly enough had a lightning rod. It seemed way too low to serve any purpose.

Sheena was frowning to herself, seemingly wracking her brain. "There was something about all this. A kind of puzzle. I don't remember."

"Hm. Well, you do remember having to go through a very dark room, right? Is it that one over there?" Raine nodded to the doorway.

"I think so."

"Let me go first and light the way. Colette can close the back with hers."

They went on just like that. It was no joke that the next section was very dark; as Raine stepped in, she couldn't see her hand in front of her eyes. Quickly she let her staff light up and looked ahead. Here too, were several levels with stairs in between them. Some were very narrow, no doubt very dangerous to traverse in the dark with the only light being the lightning strikes.

They were as frequent as ever, but Raine couldn't imagine having to go by just that. Why did they not use torches, she wondered. But she doubted Sheena had the answer so she did not bother to ask.

"No monsters here, huh?" Zelos remarked, breaking his somewhat long silence.

"I guess they don't like this? The dark, narrow walkways and lightning." Genis tried to find the reason.

"Who knows? I'm just glad, there is no real room for fights here."

"Indeed, it would be very dangerous. Careful on the steps. Lloyd, I trust you are watching Colette?"

"Of course, professor."

The teen made sure she took the steps right and didn't strive off the path. Carefully they made their way up, to the next room. This one had three levels. The level they were on had a big wall that looked strange. There were square patterns all over it, leading all the way up to the top, which seemed to hold three platforms.

One level lower, was a small one, which only held some kind of machine. The lowest level was mostly made out of rubble and the start of what seemed to be a bridge. There was a doorway on the other side, but the way to it had seemingly collapsed.

"Don't tell me we need to get up there?" Zelos asked, eyeing the lonesome doorway above.

"I think we do. But there was something about this whole set up." It was frustrating. On one hand, Sheena would rather just forget, but remembering would help the current situation.

"Let's have a closer look at that machine. Maybe it has clues." Walking ahead, Raine approached it.

The others followed, eyeing the odd wall and the rubble down below. Lloyd looked all the way up, those platforms had to be there for something right? The professor was taking a closer look at the machine, but quickly shook her head.

"It doesn't have any energy to run."

"That's funny, in a temple full of electricity." Zelos remarked.

"You say that, but this room doesn't seem to have any of it." Only now Genis realized this.

"I think… they had to redirect sparks from here up those platforms to bring them down so they build a bridge to that doorway." Sheena was remembering, just not exactly how.

"How the heck do we do that? Can't we just force it somehow?" It was clear that Zelos didn't want to go through too much trouble.

Lloyd tended to agree, for once. He did not feel like wasting time on this kind of thing. He was still looking up at the platforms. "What if we bring them down with force?"

"Could be dangerous, and how would we go about that safely?" Raine wanted to know.

"We can use well aimed magic attacks at the supports. It's the same idea then, so it will work, right?"

"Give it a try, please. It can't hurt." Lloyd looked at Genis, Raine and Zelos.

"I just hope my magic can reach."

"Let's see how this goes, Genis. Concentrate as I have thought you. I will hit the right, you the center and Zelos the left. Ready?"

They both nodded and all three went on concentrating on their spell casting. After a few seconds, the spells were launched up. One was a ball of fire, one of light and the last of ice. They all hit true and the supports started shaking. Then, the platforms were released due to the impact. They fell in place neatly, which was a surprise. Was it made to do that? But how? Raine had so many questions. Sadly, she would not get answers here.

"Be careful, it will no doubt be unstable."

"Okay, sis."

The group traversed with care, making sure not to put too much weight on it by spreading out. They reached the doorway without any problems, which turned out to be another dark room, this time going down.

Following the narrow paths and trying to ignore the lightning as much as possible, the six of them went through, ending up on the very balcony they were looking up to not too long ago. The round shape of the seal was very recognizable, only it didn't have the typical glow.

"T-that's it. Volt's alter." Sheena bit her lip and swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the lump in her throat.

"You can do this, Sheena. We believe in you." Genis encouraged her.

"We are here with you, your friends are with you." Corrine chimed in, standing on her shoulder.

Nodding, Sheena went on to stand before the seal. The others went to stand behind her, all next to each other. She folded her hand over her fist and bowed her head slightly in concentration. She mumbled a chant in a language no one understood. A deep purple glow emitted from the seal, getting brighter and brighter.

A shape started to show. It was big and round. As it formed, it was looking like a literal ball of electricity. It had big eyes but no mouth or any other features. Still, it seemed to radiate an intimidating aura. Genis and Raine could feel the pressure of its high level of mana.

Despite the fact that Volt did not have a mouth, it started to speak. But it was a language Sheena could not understand.

"No, no. Not again. What the hell is it saying? I don't understand!"

"Calm down, Sheena. I will translate."

Sheena looked over her shoulder, staring at Raine wide eyed.

"It is speaking an ancient Elven language. I am rusty, but I will do my best. 'I am one bound with Mithos, who are you?'"

Relieve washed over the ninja for a moment. Thank goodness Raine was here to help out. But she had to stay sharp.

"I am Sheena! I ask that thou annulst thy pact with Mithos and establish a new pact with me."

The strange sounds came from the large summon spirit once again. "It's saying that the pact with Mithos is broken, but no longer desires a pact."

"What, but why?"

"'I will have no more dealings with people, therefor I desire no pact.'"

"No, please. We need your help!"

A little too late, she noticed Volt was charging up and let lose a lightning attack, hitting all the people behind the summoner. Because of the heavy blow, they were all thrown off the platform and fell down, hitting the floor below.

"No. No, not again. Everyone!" Fearing for their lives, Sheena jumped down to check on them.

As a result, she had turned her back on the spirit, which was charging the next attack. This time it was a lightning ball, ready to be hurled at Sheena as Volt floated down.

"Sheena, they are alright, they're still breathing. But watch out, please!" Corrine called out, trying to redirect her attention to the battle.

It seemed she was too distraught to hear him, wrapped up in bad memories and the fear of history repeating. The ball was launched, and Corrine jumped to take the hit. It electrocuted him so badly that he fell to the floor singed.

Sheena whirled around, going over to him right away, dropping on her knees next to him. "Corrine, Corrine! Why?!"

With a grunt, Lloyd managed to stand up and shook of the shock. He spotted the spirit going for another attack and jumped into the fray, blocking it with his swords.

"Stay sharp, Sheena. I understand it's hard, but you have to focus on this fight."

Tears were in her eyes as she struggled to utter a word. "But..."

"Volt's just lost his faith in people." Corrine's voice was weak, but still he made the effort. "Make your vow and try forming a pact one more time. You can do it, Sheena. I'm sorry, that I couldn't be of more help."

"Corrine, no! Don't die!" She pleaded, but it was useless. The small spirit could no longer hold on and disappeared soon after he drew his last breath. "NO!"

As the others stood back up, Lloyd just about deflected another lightning attack from Volt. Zelos was with Sheena quick, holding out his hand.

"Get it together. We need you. Volt needs to be subdued by force. Don't let Corrine's sacrifice be in vain. Otherwise, you'll spend the rest of your life haunted by this damn spirit's shadow! I know you can be strong. Now get up and kick it's ass!"

After a moment, she wiped away the tears, took his hand and let him help her up. Determination was now clear in her eyes. "For the sake of everyone that risked their lives to protect me. Volt, I demand your power!"

They all were in the fight now. Sheena summoned up a lot of cards that made a whirlwind around Volt. It was effective damage, but also meant to keep the spirit in place. Genis followed up by using his magic to move the ground below, having the large tiles come up to hit it. Colette had stayed in the back this whole time, but she still threw her chakrams. Zelos snapped his fingers, having gusts of wind cutting into Volt like sharp blades.

Lloyd saw it all still wasn't enough. "Professor, aim your light magic at my swords." He called out.

She frowned, as she was concentrating on her Photon spell. But she didn't question it and just did was he asked. The ball of light got caught in between his swords as he jumped up and dived right at Volt, making several spins; Photon Tempest. Every time this teen managed to come up with something new that would blow them away.

Finally, the spirit gave in, backing off to make clear it had enough. It started speaking again.

"'You have proven yourself. Make your vow.'" Raine looked over to Sheena at this.

"Just like I said; for the sake of everyone that risked their lives to protect me, and for Corrine's sake as well, I want to save both worlds."

"Volt says the vow has been made and entrusts its power to you."

Sheena held up an empty seal card to capture Volt's essence. After this, she let out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "It's over."

No sooner had she said this, and everything started shaking. Genis almost lost his balance. "What's happening, an earthquake?!"

Undine appeared before them out of her own volition. "A link between the two worlds has just been severed. Two opposing forces of mana were broken just now."

"What exactly does this mean?" Raine inquired.

"Mana flows from the world in which the Summon Spirits sleep to the world in which the Summon Spirits are awake. This is the first time ever Summon Spirits have been awakened in both worlds at the same time. Because of this, the mana connecting the two worlds has been eliminated."

Genis tilted his head in thought. "Does that mean that Sylvarant and Tethe'alla have stopped competing for each other's mana?" He wondered.

"Because this is the first time, it is hard to say. If you make more pacts, I believe the worlds shall separate because nothing will be there to hold them together. "

"That's perfect! Then they'll stop competing for each other's mana!" Zelos said enthusiastic.

"So, if we awaken Tethe'alla's Summon Spirits, we'll save Sylvarant without having Tethe'alla go into decline, right?" Lloyd hoped he was understanding this right.

"At the least, the mana connecting the worlds will disappear and the two worlds will separate." As she didn't know much more, Undine disappeared.

"Such an interesting revelation. We owe it all to you Sheena, and Corrine as well." Raine looked at the summoner.

"Yes, because the two of you risked your lives to form a pact with Volt, we now know what the pacts will do. It's thanks to the both of you." Lloyd nodded in agreement.

"So, if it's any comfort, it was for a very good cause." Zelos told her, taking her hand and placing something there. It turned out to be the bell that hung around Corrine's neck.

Tears welled up in Sheena eyes again as she nodded. "Th-thank you."

"Let's get out of here." Lloyd suggested and they all agreed.


Pronyma took her time before she went down to the temple. She hated having to wait for people after all. But once she had teleported there, a surprise was waiting for her in the form of two very familiar men.

Red against blue, almost like two opposing forces. Fierce fire versus calm river. That was how she saw them. Why were they here? To hide her surprise, she bowed deeply.

"Lord Yuan, lord Kratos."

Kratos had narrowed his eyes, his lips a thin line as his hand was close to the hilt of his sword. He was anxious, on his guard. How strange. As always, Yuan had his arms crossed, his face completely unreadable. Serenity itself.

"Pronyma, what brings you here?" The blue-haired Seraphim informed.

"I have very reliable information that the Chosen of Sylvarant is in there. Is that also why the two of you are here?" And who had told them, she added in thought.

"Yes, we are. There is no need for you to stay, we will take it from here." Kratos was as charming as ever.

"My lords, surely it won't really matter if..."

"Are you ignoring an order from your superior?" He was quick to shoot her down, red eyes a harsh fiery blaze.

"No... No, of course not." Taking a step back, Pronyma took a smaller bow. "My apologies. I will take my leave." She turned around and teleported away.

The two looked at each other. "I wonder who informed her." Yuan said after a moment of silence.

Looking over to the ship that was docked nearby, Kratos remarked: "Well, they aren't really traveling incognito."

"I suppose that is true. I just hope she won't speak to Mithos now."

"We can always go in." Kratos suggested.

Yuan shook his head. "We need to keep a look out..."

Out of nowhere, the ground began to shake. It was intense enough that it made the ship rock in the water, but it only lasted for a couple of seconds. Both men had trouble keeping their balance.

"Just what was that?!"

Kratos looked slightly up and into the middle distance, as if he was listening to something. What he was really doing, was using his heightened mana senses. "A link has been broken."

Just how could that have happened? The two men were clueless as they looked at each other, trying to see if one knew more than the other. "You really don't know more?" Yuan asked.

"Of course not. You can feel it too. Less mana is flowing, so its broken somehow."

Their stare down was interrupted by a familiar voice. "We did that."

They had both turned their backs to the temple, so they hadn't noticed the group emerge from the dark entrance. Their eyes met, red crossing with brown. "Hello...dad."

Taking a moment to look his son over, Kratos finally spoke up: "Hello son. You look like hell."

"Man, you don't even know the half of it." Zelos said, close to exhausted. Still, he took a moment to study the man. He did spot some similarities between the two.

"Why are you here? This does not make sense." Raine remarked, looking at Kratos first. "You are with Cruxis, while he is with the Renegades, who work against them in secret."

"And why do you think that is? Show them, won't you Yuan?"

With a sigh, he obliged, letting his wings appear. They were almost the same colour as his hair. "I am also with Cruxis."

They all were surprised at this reveal, except for Lloyd; he simply just forgot to mention that detail.

"There is a lot to discuss, but it seems you all could use some rest first. Let's get a campfire going." Kratos suggested.

"Don't think so, I ain't letting my guard down now. You are both the enemy!"

"If we were here to take Colette, Chosen, we would have done that by now."

The red eyes of this guy made Zelos uncomfortable, making him look away. Raine on her turn sighed and nodded.

"Very well, we'll sit and listen. If that is alright with you, Lloyd."

"Yeah, that is fine," the teen nodded. He looked to Sheena, who had been understandably quiet. "Are you?"

Her dark eyes looked up for a moment. They were sorrowful and wet and all she did was nod. A campfire was set up and the group was relieved to finally be able to sit down and rest. That fight with Volt really was something else.

As they sat together, the two men of Cruxis stood across from them. It was like two opposing forces, eying each other to see who would strike first. The silence was only broken by the crisping sounds of the fire.

It was Raine who spoke first. "So, what brought you here? How are you both with Cruxis, yet one of you leads the Renegades as well and the other had his son locked up for years?"

Lloyd looked at her for this rather direct questioning. But he couldn't deny he was curious about this himself. He had questions for his father himself, however he would save them for later.

"You could call me a double agent. Supporting Cruxis in the open and trying to undermine in secret." Yuan answered first.

"Then why support Cruxis at all, both of you?" The professor looked from one to the other.

"That is a long and complicated story." Kratos said curtly.

Raine crossed her arms, arching one brow. Her little brother knew this as her judging look. "I believe you owe your son this much at the very least."

There was another silence, while the two of them had a staring contest. But finally, Kratos sighed and nodded.

"Very well, I suppose it can also be helpful for you all to know. The leader of Cruxis is called Yggdrasill, and we are both very close with him."

"He is also known as Mithos, the Hero." Yuan added.

Genis blinked, looking very confused. "Wait, how? That was ages ago!"

"Four thousand years to be exact." Kratos said with a nod.

"That's not possible!"

Yuan held up his hand. "Please, hold your questions and comments until after we have told the story."

And so, the group heard the story from the two men, as Yuan started.

"Mithos was born in Heimdall. He was an outsider who was cast out of the village when the Kharlan War began. He ended the Kharlan War with his three companions so that he could return to the village. He was a half-elf. Only one of his companions was human."

"The ones who betrayed Origin and used the power of the magic sword gifted by him to split the world in two, were none other than Mithos and his companions. Mithos Yggdrasill, his older sister Martel, and their companions, Yuan and Kratos. The four angels that changed the nature of the world. We did that." Kratos continued.

"Martel was... my betrothed." Yuan had a clearly pained expression, which was rare for him to openly show. Next to that, he was making a fist and biting his lip. "She died for the people, by the hands of people just because were too stubborn to make changes."

A mellow nod came from Kratos. "My connection mostly was that I was Mithos his teacher, his mentor. I thought him everything he knows. Because of that, we had a very close bond. Our bonds were what blinded us for a long time, to see the truth."

"We were foolish to believe someone could be brought back from the dead. It isn't worth all this sacrifice." Yuan shook his head, staring at the ground.

The third silence set in. Most of the group stared at the two men with awe and disbelieve, still trying to process all of it. Myths and legends were coming to life right in front of them. And since they were quiet, Raine assumed this meant questions were open.

"You are telling us both of you are four thousand years old. But that cannot be possible. Even an elf cannot live that long."

"Us angels can use special combat abilities that were developed during the War. One is being able to use our body's mana to alter its metabolism and stop our body's internal clock." Yuan explained. "This allows us to stop aging and live even longer than elves."

"That's madness." Genis said, more to himself than anyone else.

Lloyd looked puzzled; his face was a deep frown as he stared at his father. It was a lot to take in, to learn that your father had such a background and was that old! "It just doesn't make sense."

Flicking his hair back, Zelos spoke up: "Oh, really? There's at least one thing we know for certain. The power of Origin is involved in the splitting of the world. That and the magic sword, they are the key."

"Exactly," Raine nodded. "We must be careful not to lose sight of the true problem. Our final goal is to save the two worlds, not just Colette. So, no more sacrifices need to be made, just for mana."

Sheena looked at the two men, no angels. "The Giant Kharlan Tree. Was that real too?"

"It was," Yuan nodded. "It had plenty of mana, but because of the war, it was draining fast. The two opposing forces were blind to this, that is why Mithos decided to split them apart. The tree was lost, but its seed is still around, which is the source of the little mana that is left."

"This seed, where is it?" Raine acquired.

Right at that moment, Lloyd had a personal revelation. "Welgaia..."

"Indeed, on a comet known as Derris-Kharlan. That was the home of the elves before they descended down to the world." Yuan explained.

Raine cupped her chin, thinking deep about the predicament. "Even if the two halves are made whole again, there will not be enough mana and the world will eventually die."

"One could try to resurrect the tree and have it bloom anew, however who can assure the people will not make the same mistakes and drain it once again? There is still a lot of discrimination and distrust in between all the people."

"So what? You just give up because of that? People can change, they can be educated." Zelos remarked, clearly feeling strongly about this.

"Mithos... No, we all had our doubts about that." Kratos had to admit. "Which is why his aim is ultimately to make a new age, full of lifeless beings."

"Lifeless? You mean, they would all be like Colette is and Lloyd was? That is awful. That is not even worth calling a life!" Sheena was very distraught by this.

"I wouldn't want that for sure. Not being able to love and appreciate all the ladies? That would be true Hell." Zelos said overly dramatic.

Lloyd just kept his eyes on his father. His eyes had a mix of disbelieve and hurt now. "Did you not love mom, or me? Would you really sacrifice all that?"

Looking down, Kratos let his red locks fall before his face. "That was the time I finally started to feel again. When I met Anna, was able to love again. And when I held little you in my arms, those were the most precious moments of my long, long life."

"Then don't take that away from others! Save those people, help us save Colette and stop Mithos his plan. We can do that together."

"Her situation, we cannot help. Her crest is different and more complicated than yours. I still do not understand how you broke through, that pitiful crest couldn't have done it." Yuan remarked, direct as ever.

Narrowing his eyes, Lloyd looked at the both of them. "It's called having a heart. Maybe you should try it for once." After having said this, the teen stood up and walked away, going to the ship since that was the only place he could be away from the situation.

Zelos let out a whistle, certainly impressed by those strong words. "Guess we are done here, huh?"

"Not quite." Raine's sharp, silver eyes were set on Kratos. "If you want to make up for your mistakes, be useful. Help us out where you can."

His mouth a thin line, clearly not happy with the attacks on his person, Kratos nodded. "Very well. We shall do our part. If you really intend to go against Mithos, because that is what this ultimately comes down to, you will need power. The pacts with summon spirit is a good way to go. We will look into getting the sword and a crest for the Chosen."

Nodding, that was really all Raine could ask for now. The two men exchanged a look, unreadable for them all, and they then disappeared in a bright light.

"No goodbyes? Rude bunch, huh?" Zelos folded his hands behind his head.

"...I'm going to check on Lloyd." Sheena said quietly, already heading towards the ship.

Genis was scratching his head. "Geez, that was a lot to take in. Having to be around for so long? I can't wrap my head around it. You'd have to say goodbye to so many people."

"Well, they did not care for that clearly. But yes, normally that would be harsh on anyone's psyche." Raine said with a nod.

"We might as well all get on board." Zelos suggested. He noticed the professor paled at that. "Sorry love, but we really should leave this place. Go back to Meltokio."

"Why go back there?"

"Because, little twerp, that's where we left the Rheairds. Besides, I believe we all deserve a real good rest back at my mansion, no?"

They could hardly say no to his wide smile, so the elven siblings just nodded in agreement. He offered Raine a hand to get on board again, which she took in gratitude. After, he helped Colette on board as well, but he did so very gently, like a real gentleman.

The three of them looked towards the bow, where Lloyd was standing, hands holding the railing. His eyes were looking straight ahead, as Sheena approached him. He was hard to read as he was staring out over the ocean, no emotions in his eyes. It almost made her think the stone had gotten the better of him again.

Because of this thought, she placed her hand on his. "Lloyd, are you alright?"

Blinking, he looked at her, seemingly a bit confused at her gesture. "I...I just need some time to process, I guess. Did I make you worry?"

"It's just that you had that look. S-sorry." She felt her face heat up as she retreated her hand and turned away quick.

Zelos walked up to them. "Joh, Lloyd! That was a great burn back there. You sure told those old sons of bitches."

"Zelos please, language." Raine said from behind.

"Burn?" The teen looked confused yet again. "No, that was not my intention. It was just, the heat of the moment." He looked off again, it seemed he was feeling guilty.

"Oh, come on, he deserves every bit of that and more. After everything he pulled and then turning up like this, not even saying he is sorry? I would be fu- uh, freaking pissed off."

"It is rare, but I do agree. You have every right to be upset." Raine commented.

Nodding, Lloyd didn't say anything else. They all decided to leave the teen be for now.

"Can you set course for Meltokio, Jubblies?"

"Yes, of course." Still holding Corrine's bell close, she did just that by summoning Udine.

As the sun was setting, dipping into the sea, they all were still wrapping their heads around all the revelations. When Lloyd finally moved, letting go of the railing, they all could see the steal was warped because of him pinching it down.