"Origin can weaken them, and then I will strike." A man said in the shadows, smirking. In his hand was a black ball of energy.
"Lloyd Aurion, your body is for the master."
Yuan, Zelos, Sheena, Tobias, Anna and Regal moved forward as one. Presea and Arwen came from a little farther back. Collette, Raine, Martel, Genis, and Mithos were beginning their spells.
Yuan whirled his double sided sword and Origin moved his arm with a sword in it. Zelos, rushed forward with his sword and the other arm was caught in a deadlock. Tobias and Anna blurred forward, whip and fist at ready. Origin's other two arms slammed right into them, sending them flying back. But from where Anna and Tobias once stood was now Regal and Sheena, who moved quicker then Origin's arms could, were right in his face.
"PYRE SEAL"
"CRESCENT DARK MOON" The two attack's struck Origin right in the face.
"Score." Sheena smirked as her cards glowed again.
"Not quite." Origin said, and punched them both hard. They both flew back and hit the trees. Yuan and Zelos both were giving ground as they started to sweat.
"Damn, I didn't know he got stronger." Yuan groaned and they both were thrown back. Tobias appeared right in front of Origin, completely in demon mode.
"Take this, SPIRIT GUN" The blast stunned Origin completely. Tobias brought his fist back and punched hard. Arwen and Persea rushed forward as well.
"Now's our chance. RAPID TEMPO ASSAULT" Arwen's spear stabbed rapidly.
"RESOLUTE INFLICTION" Persea yelled, her axe moving in two crescent waves. The attacks barely fazed Origin. Tobias was the only one that seems to cause any real damage. Origin moved out of his stunned state and swung his swords. Persea and Arwen fell, bleeding heavily. Tobias caught the blade withhis bare hand. Origin stared in shock.
"These blades could hurt somebody." Tobias taunted. Origin brought all his other swords down on him. Tobias leaped in the air and caught the blades using his feet and his remaining hand. Everyone stared.
"Impossible." Zelos murmured. Anna smirked.
"You can't do that Spirit Gun without your hands free." Origin said. Tobias sighed.
"You fools always think that when a powerful attack is released, it's their only special attack." Tobias started to glow. Origin glowed as well. Anna smirked.
"It's the Spirit Wave." Anna said. "We better stay back. The attack is just like Spirit Gun except that it uses the entire body. This attack is very deadly." Tobias was glowing even brighter. Arwen narrowed her eyes.
"Something is wrong." Everyone looked at her, in confusion.
"What do you mean? He's gathering so much power." Mithos said. Arwen shook her head.
"No, he's taking way too long. Something is seriously wrong." Anna said, realising what Arwen was saying. She tightened the grip on her whip.
The light blasted the swords back and then faded. Tobias fell to the ground, turning completely back to human form. The light was completely gone.
Anna and Arwen blurred forward. Origin brought his swords down on the two.
"FIELD BARRIER" Raine and Martel called out. Shields surrounded the two and the swords bounced off them. Arwen and Anna reached Tobias.
"What went wrong?" Anna wondered. Arwen moved her hand over Tobias's unconscious body.
"I need more time to check it out." Arwen said.
"Watch out!" Yuan called. The two looked up to see Origin trying to strike again.
"No you don't. JUDGEMENT" Mithos called out.
"ANGEL FEATHERS" Collette yelled.
"RAY" Raine yelled.
"PRISM SWORD" Genis yelled.
"HOLY LANCE" Martel shouted. The five light attacks hit Origin and sent him back. Arwen and Anna grabbed Tobias and they leaped back.
"Origin has no weakness. Tobias was the only one who could truly damage him." Regal said.
"And Tobias can't help us right now." Yuan growled.
"How did you guys defeat him last time?" Zelos asked.
"We managed a lucky break. Mithos managed to pull off Indignant Judgement. Kratos managed five Shining Binds and I destroyed all four of his swords. We were nearly killed." Yuan said. Mithos sighed.
"Zelos, you still aren't strong enough to pull off more then one Shining Bind. I doubt I could get an Overlimit strong enough to do an Indignant Judgement. We can't get in physical-Anna, what the hell are you doing!" Everyone whirled to see Anna rushing towards Origin.
"Anna, come back." Martel yelled. "You'll be killed." Anna smirked.
"Wanna bet?" Anna blurred forward and moved her rose whip in a quick pattern. Origin moved his swords to deflect them, but Anna's whip sliced right through them. She struck Origin hard in the chest and leaped back to get distance. Origin had a long red wound from where Anna had struck him. Origin glanced at the wound and laughed.
"It's been awhile since anyone pierced my defence that easily. I see you are in possession of the Rose Whip. You're very skilled with it." Origin complimented and glowed.
"But see how you slice through this. SPIRAL FLARE" Anna jumped high in the air and moved to strike. Origin disappeared and reappeared behind her. Anna froze.
"How-?" Origin moved his fist back and thrust forward.
"WHAT!?!" Origin shattered a simple log that had appeared in Anna's place.
"Art of…Substitution?!?" Origin looked down to see Sheena, one arm around Anna, with both hands in a strange form.
"So, you're a shinobi. This just got a lot more interesting." Origin said, interested. Sheena smirked.
"You'll see what my true power is." Origin landed and rushed forward. Sheena let go of Anna. Mithos and Yuan rushed forward. Zelos ran to meet Sheena.
"Sheena, combo time." Zelos said, and Sheena nodded. Sheena smirked and moved her hands into the same pattern like before. Origin swung his sword and sliced through a log. Origin whirled and struck behind in. Another log was sliced. Origin looked up and swung his sword. He turned away to see where the two would be next.
Origin yelled in pain as Zelos's sword pierced his arm from above. Origin glared at the two. The attack from above was real. There was no feint there. Yuan and Mithos both slashed hard at Origin's legs. Origin fell to the ground as Anna and Arwen struck behind him. Regal and Persea did an upfront attack. Origin looked around at the warriors surrounding him. The Art of Substitution was really a distraction so that he would not notice the others attack him. He had to admit, they were cleverer then he anticipated.
"Time to actually be serious." Origin said, and summoned more swords. Everyone froze.
"They can come back?" Regal said shocked. Sheena growled.
"I have had enough of this." Sheena rushed forward. Origin watched, amused.
"I thought shinobi were supposed to be without emotions?" Origin asked. "Then why do I see pure anger? It seems that you aren't a true shinobi and a failure to your clan." Sheena froze. Origin whirled and struck her hard with his sword. Sheena did nothing to defend and crumpled to the ground.
"SHEENA!" Darkness claimed the girl as she felt the truth strike her. She was a failure. She couldn't even be a proper shinobi. The job of a shinobi was to complete the mission without shedding a tear. Yet, she couldn't do anything right. She should be emotionless.
(That wouldn't be the girl I know.) Sheena looked around in the darkness as the voice spoke.
(Who are you?) Sheena asked, worried and fearful.
(No, the question is who you are.) The voice said, sounding amused. Sheena was confused.
(I am-) Sheena stopped to think for a moment. Who was she?
(A failure.) She said, sighing
(Wrong. If that was true, then you would have died long before now. A shinobi always thinks of all possibilities before they give up.) The voice said.
(I thought I told you, I'm a failure, not a shinobi.) Sheena said, getting angry.
(And I thought I just told you that you were wrong.) The voice replied. (The true loss of a shinobi is when they give up. You still have a job to finish and you have people who care. You might as well die if you give up on your mission. Do you choose to accept or decline this?) Sheena felt Lloyd's face flash over her eyes. Light spread through her vision.
"So you are alive. Too bad you're too late." Origin said. Regal and Mithos were unconscious; Persea and Genis were on the ground, still alive and conscious but couldn't move. The rest had serious injuries but were up.
"Good bye, failure." Origin yelled as he brought his sword down on Sheena. Sheena looked up.
"Grandfather, I accept." Origin sliced through a log as Sheena activated Art of Substitution. Sheena appeared behind Origin, her hand was starting to spark with electricity.
"CHIDORI" Sheena rushed forward, electricity sparking out everywhere in her hand, the sound of a thousand birds echoing through out the forest. Origin smirked and whirled around while swinging his sword.
Sheena's hand ripped clean through Origin's sword and right into his chest. Sheena moved her hand back, with pure red blood staining her hands. The electricity faded.
"She broke through!" Origin said shocked. Origin's eyes widened in horror as Sheena smirked.
"Didn't like that?" Sheena asked, her clothes changing red as Origin's blood spread through her clothes. "Well, too bad." Everyone stared at Sheena.
"I didn't realise she could do that." Zelos said in fear, realising never to annoy her again.
"That was Chidori, a ninjutsu. I've only ever seen it preformed once and that was a long time ago." Yuan spoke. "The attack is extremely dangerous and requires a lot of chakra control because it can easily go wrong."
"Chakra, ninjutsu?" Raine asked. Yuan nodded.
"Chakra is like your energy force. Ninjustu is another word for ninja technique. Chidori is an attack that has so much chakra it becomes visible to the normal human eye. It's quite devastating. The fact is that last time I saw that was when I was a child." Yuan said, explaining. Everyone whirled around.
"That's over 4000 years ago." Lloyd said in shock. Yuan nodded. Everyone turned to Sheena, who was smirking.
"Lloyd better be careful and listen to her or else he will be dead." Zelos said. Everyone else nodded.
"I can't believe she knows Chidori." Origin murmured, examining the huge wound.
"Not convinced? How about I strike again in your face. I think it may convince you." Sheena said coolly. Sheena's hand sparked with electricity.
"No thanks." Origin said, sweatdropping. Sheena moved her hand in a quick pattern. The warriors all got up. Regal and Mithos were revived by Raine and Martel. Origin sighed.
"Pact-maker Sheena...and Lloyd. I place my power in your hands. With that power, transform the Eternal Sword into a blade to save all life! However, the Eternal Sword remains, as by Mithos' pact, unusable by those who lack the blood of elves. You must master the sword by your own power and forge a new bond with it." Lloyd slowly got up, still weak after his fight with Kratos. He walked over to Sheena and stood beside her. Origin fused into a ball and then flew right into Sheena. A Diamond formed and Sheena gave it to Lloyd.
"Good job, Lloyd." Kratos said, getting up slowly. Genis rushed over, and then froze as the Cruxis Crystal he had picked up glowed and struck Lloyd right in the chest. The trees moved to reveal an angel with a black ball of energy in his hand. The angel blurred over, and put the black ball on Lloyd's neck. Lloyd yelled in pain and Yggdrasil's voice spoke through Lloyd.
"I have him. Perfect. Revenge will be mine." Yggdrasil shouted, happily. Kratos growled and slashed forward. The angel that had placed the black ball of energy on Lloyd's back moved in the way and was instantly killed.
"Get out of my body." Lloyd growled with his own voice. Sheena blurred forward and grabbed the Cruxis Crystal on Lloyd's chest and ripped it off. The Cruxis Crystal attached itself to Sheena.
"No, Sheena!" Lloyd cried and tried to step forward, but stopped as pain shot through him. Lloyd collapsed. Sheena laughed coldly.
"I'm leaving this filthy world behind. Goodbye." Sheena disappeared. Lloyd groaned and tried to get up, but collapsed. Anna and Kratos quickly came over. A black symbol formed on Lloyd's neck. Kratos's eyes went wide.
"The Tower Of Salvation is collapsing!" Collette yelled. Everyone whirled around and stared as the Tower of Salvation started to crumble.
"It's Yggdrasil. He's sealed off the route to Derris-Kharlan!" Yuan yelled. Chucks the size of Zelos's ego fell on the eleven village of Hiemdall.
"We'll evacuate the elves for now! The entire village will be destroyed unless we do something!" Arwen yelled. The group nodded and Kratos picked up the fallen Lloyd while Anna picked up Tobias.
The group of warriors rushed to the village to see it nearly completely destroyed. The group split up and headed to different parts of the village to save the villagers. A few minutes later, they had returned to the exit.
"That's everyone." Raine said. Thunder cracked out through out the world. The sky had gone completely purple.
"What is that?" Regal asked. Kratos stared into the sky.
"That…is Derris-Kharlan." Everyone turned to him.
"Impossible, how can a planet be so close?" Genis asked, shocked.
"It is the Eternal Sword that makes the impossible possible. It was hidden by the protective barrier projected from the Tower of Salvation. But it has always existed there. For four thousand years." Yuan said, watching the sky. Another voice spoke.
"Yes. And now, Yggdrasil, with the Great Seed in hand, is trying to leave this land and take Derris-Kharlan with him." Tabatha said, speaking normally for once. Everyone looked towards her. Anna made the connection first.
"Wait a minute. Derris-Kharlan is a mass of Mana. And the Great Seed is the seed of the Giant Tree, right? If he takes both of them, what's going to happen to this world?" Anna asked. Tabatha sighed in sadness.
"It will wither and die from Mana deprivation." Everyone froze.
"We have a huge problem here. Sheena has been captured as well as Lloyd and Tobias being completely unconscious." Zelos said. Kratos looked at Lloyd's neck and sighed.
"I can't believe Yggdrasil would go as far as using the curse seal on Lloyd." Mithos, Martel and Yuan whirled around.
"The curse seal? Are you joking?" Mithos said, staring at his former mentor in horror. Kratos nodded.
"This is not good." Yuan said, approaching Lloyd.
"If it is truly the curse seal, then we better find somewhere to go so we can have a better look." Martel said. Everyone went silent. Collette smiled.
"We'll go to Dirk's place. I'm sure he won't mind." Everyone nodded. Kratos stared at Lloyd who was in his arms.
"Hold on, Lloyd."
"Get out of my body, you bastard." Sheena growled.
"I don't think so, my dear. In fact, I like it in here. Now, my plan to purify the world will me complete. And there is nothing you can do to stop me." Yggdrasil laughed with her body. Sheena desperately fought to get him out of her body, but it was all in vain. She watched hopelessly at Yggdrasil worked out his plan with her body.
"Please Lloyd, save me."
Kratos and Anna sat next to their son's bedside, watching as Lloyd's breathing increased and his face sweating. Everyone else was standing behind them, watching. Tobias was unconscious in the other bed.
"The curse seal…I never thought Yggdrasil would go this far." Yuan murmured.
"What is this curse seal and what is it doing to him." Zelos demanded, looking at the blue haired half elf.
"A long time ago, we came across a form of dark seal that gave whoever wore it demonic powers. However, it came with many costs. First of all, when you have it placed on you in the beginning, you are forced into a coma where your body struggles to survive the transformation. There is about a 90 chance of actually living through that. I guess it's better to die at that stage then what comes next." Mithos said. Everyone stared at him. Martel continued.
"It corrupts your soul and turns you down the path of darkness with the promise of power. When the seal is activated as well, the darkness takes them faster. The seal has never proven to be removable. My guess is that Yggdrasil thought he could handle the power, and take over Lloyd's body since his own was destroyed. However, since Sheena got taken instead, Yggdrasil will either use her to get to Lloyd or simply use her body to take the Great Seed. Either way, it is game over if we let either choice be done." Martel finished. Everyone was silent. Genis looked around the room.
"How about that one group goes after Yggdrasil and another watch over Lloyd? I'm pretty sure that Mithos, Yuan, Martel and Kratos know another way to get to Derris-Kharlan. Lloyd and the Eternal Sword will have to wait." Everyone looked around and nodded. Raine turned to Tobias.
"What happened to him, though?" Everyone turned to Tobias. Arwen sighed.
"Remember how Lloyd's and Kratos's final attack left a radiation in the air and Tobias absorbed it. Apparently, Tobias absorbed too much, too quickly and his body couldn't handle it. He'll be alright, but won't be able to fight for awhile." Arwen hid a small smile as she watched him sleep. Anna sighed.
"Alright, let's decide who stays and goes. In our party, there are 15 of us in all. Sheena, Lloyd and Tobias can't decide so that makes 12. It's best if 7 go after Sheena, while five stay here and guard these two. One of the angels will have to go since they will be our guide and our way in. Kratos, you're still recovering, so you stay here. Mithos and Zelos as well. Arwen, you can stay in my place. That leaves one more." Anna looked around the room at everyone's silent faces. Regal took a step forward.
"I'll stay here." Anna nodded and looked at the rest of the group.
"Alright, let's go."
Kratos walked over to Dirk slowly. He would never admit it, but Lloyd had really hurt him. He was constantly using magic and herbs to heal him. Dirk turned to him.
"Aye, what do you need?" Kratos explained quickly and Dirk nodded, saying that he'll do whatever possible. Kratos nodded his thanks and slowly headed upstairs. Zelos and Mithos were playing chess while Regal watched; making sure that no arguments broke out. Arwen was talking to Tobias who had awaken, who she was hitting over the head for being stupid. Kratos walked over to him.
"Tobias, your aura level is weak." Kratos said, studying him. Tobias nodded.
"I didn't think this would happen, but I've lost most of my powers. I can't even shift to demon form. All I can do is shoot my energy attacks at low strength. Speaking of which, I have an idea for Regal to try." Tobias got up and talked to Regal for a moment, before they went outside. Arwen went over to Lloyd's bed while Kratos took Regal's spot as referee, usually silencing the Chosen and the angel with the blade of his sword.
"Kratos, Lloyd's pulse has grown weaker." Arwen reported. Kratos nodded and sighed. This was the deciding point without knowing what has been decided until it is far too late. A loud explosion rocked the house. The four warriors got up and looked out from the balcony.
Regal was creating balls of energy and kicking them at random trees, disintegrating them instantly. Regal had missed a tree and it hit the Iselia Ranch. Too bad.
"The Desians will be fine." Tobias said calmly, trying to see ahead. "Damn, my senses are weakened." He cursed. Regal created another energy ball and kicked it. It missed all the trees and flew off in the distant.
"That was off, Regal. Where were you aiming?" Arwen asked from the window. Kratos trained his sight and looked where Regal hit. Kratos smirked.
"He was right on target." The other two angels looked as well and grinned. Mithos was laughing and Zelos grinned.
"Serves him right."
In Iselia, the villagers were examining a giant explosion. They all left when they saw that it was just the Mayor's house that was destroyed and went home to celebrate.
"Nice shot!" Arwen said, clearly impressed. It was very rare for someone to have such good aim. Tobias grinned as well.
A cry caused the warriors to rush inside to see Lloyd convulsing. Kratos and Zelos focused on their healing spells. The black seal had spread around Lloyd's body. A dark aura was pulsating around him. Mithos froze.
"This is the worst part. And judging by what is happening, Lloyd will die."
Sheena watched as the rescue team got caught in Derris-Kharlan and put in separate traps. They would be put through the worst mental torture ever. Yuan had teleported them up to Derris-Kharlan right on the trap.
Sheena felt pain strike her and realised who's pain it was. Her connection with Origin and the Diamond that Lloyd wore connected them. Lloyd was dying from the curse seal.
"No, please Origin. Please save him. I wish that my time is given to him."
Origin heard the summoner's wish and sighed. The emotions these lovesick humans have.
"Yet, you must grant it." Luna said. Origin nodded.
"No, it's too late. He's dead." Arwen felt tears run down her face. Regal looked away and Zelos hit the ground on his knees. Kratos was silent with anger.
"I failed, again. My son has died twice and I did nothing to stop it." Kratos felt his heart break. Nothing would help him now. Tears ran down his fault.
"Wow, I didn't think I could make Kratos cry."
"Shut up, Lloyd. We're mourning you." Kratos growled and looked up in anger. He stopped right in his movements. Zelos also looked up in shock. Regal turned around and Arwen brushed the tears away from her face.
Lloyd was standing in front of them, his wounds and the curse seal gone. He was grinning as well.
"Come on, we don't have much time. We got some people to save." Lloyd said.
"So, the Eternal Sword has combined with his blades." Lloyd said in fascination as he stared at the Material Blades. After being given the blades from both his fathers and being given the Eternal Ring Kratos asked Dirk to forge, the Eternal Sword fused with the blades, given them a warm glow.
"Come on, we don't have much time." Kratos said, taking out the Laser Sword. The Eternal Sword flashed and they were teleported away.
After walking for what seemed forever, the group reached a teleporter. Mithos stopped everyone.
"Careful, it's still active." A glowing circle on the ground was in front of them. Kratos sighed.
"Only the Eternal Sword can break through. Lloyd, use the powers of the Eternal Sword." Kratos instructed. Lloyd nodded and struck the circle with one blade. The circle stopped glowing.
"Now, go." Everyone rushed through just as the light returned to the circle.
"That was too close." Arwen said as they stepped in the teleporter. In a flash, they reappeared in a new area. Lloyd rushed forward to see Sheena's body on the ground with the Cruxis Crystal floating over it. It struck Lloyd and he reeled back.
(A/N: This is a little something I wish to try. Lloyd's POV)
"Human! Your kind must not be allowed to live!" Yuan shouted. I quickly looked around. Martel was lying on the ground, dying. Mithos was beside her, crying. Kratos and Yuan were charging their Mana right at me. I took a step back
"How far are you willing to go take control of the Mana?" Kratos asked, his face furious. I was seriously confused, and felt all their rage directed at me.
"I'll never forgive you. You humans are all the same!" Mithos cried out.
"What's going on? Mithos, Yuan. Dad!" I yelled, but they ignored me. A soft voice spoke.
"Lloyd, wake up. This is just a memory. Yggdrasil is attempting to take you down mentally." The voice said. I focused and created an aura around me. I heard a gasp, but ignored it.
"Hey Yggdrasil, get out of my head." There was a long flash.
"Damn it, it disappeared." Mithos growled. Lloyd blinked and got up. Kratos watched him, with a look that Lloyd couldn't interpret. Arwen and Regal were standing by pillars. Tobias and Zelos were kneeling by Sheena's body. Lloyd felt dread as he rushed over to them. Tobias shook his head.
"I don't understand it. There are no wounds, and there appears to be no damage, but she is showing no signs of life. In fact, it seems that she just left her body."
"She did" Origin said sadly. Everyone looked up.
"What do you mean?" Lloyd demanded.
"She asked to give her time to you. That is why you lived when the curse seal killed you. She gave her live for yours." Everyone's eyes widened and Lloyd felt tears run down his face.
"Sheena." Lloyd fell on his knees. Kratos stood by his son. Lloyd's mind was in turmoil. What could he do now that she was gone?
"You do what I want you to do. Finish what you started." Lloyd could almost hear her voice speak in his mind. Lloyd's mind instantly became set.
"I have to do this, for her." Lloyd said, getting up. Mithos watched in admiration, remembering how his own reaction to something like this except it became to reviving the one he loss.
"Let's go." Tobias said quietly. The group nodded and entered the teleporter. Lloyd took one last look at Sheena's body, before everything disappeared.
Replies To Reviews:
Silver Star Kitsune Of Cosmos-Gomen, but I'm not quite sure you reviewed before.
Gffhgfhfhjj-Uh…sure. Please use a real screen name. Also, the name I have is correct, so I'm going to continue to spell it that way until someone other then a person who is not overly fascinated with the Caps Lock, can spell, and actually use grammar too.
Seta: Thanks a lot.
Warprince2000-Did you copy and paste that last review? Thanks anyway.
Green Magicite-Cool extension. Oh yeah, good job on your stories. I can't review for some odd reason. I'm still working on that.
DemonDragon000-They were the Angel's Tear. I liked those swords.
Questions:
If a new character were to come in, what kind of original weapon should they have?
Can anyone think of original side quests as well?
Was this chapter confusing with taking and giving time?
Do you think it was alright that Sheena died?
Could anybody please review?