Separation Anxiety

"Dwarven Vow #4: Don't depend on others. Stand on your own two feet."

Meltokio Castle

Lloyd sighed in relaxation as he rolled over on the comfortable sheets and cushions one could only find in the royal guest rooms of Meltokio castle. Constantly moving during thier journey and sleeping wherever they could, Lloyd had forgotten the hidden bliss of sleeping on an actual bed. The night before had been one for the history books and people celebrated well into dawn. Only now, as the sun peeked high in the horizon, did the commotion barely begin to cease and citizens return to their homes.

The bright sunlight filtered through the thin material curtains in his room and a comfortable breeze swept in to awaken the warrior from his slumber. A maid had probably come in while he slept to open the windows for him. Over the course of his quest, Lloyd had become a light sleeper and the fact that someone could come in while he was out made him nervous. True, he could sleep like a log way back when, but he soon learned the error of his ways and practically kept one eye open at night for monsters…or would-be assassins.

Stretching out his arms and legs, Lloyd slowly sat up and got out of bed, preparing to get dressed. The room was far more lavish than he was used to, crimson red and white adorning the walls to match the double-layered curtains and bed sheets, and it almost made him homesick for his own bed back in Iselia Forest. While he clicked his suspenders into place and buckled up his weapons, a knock drew his attention to the door. "Come in."

Upon hearing his voice, the door opened and in walked Raine and Genis. "Hey Lloyd, sleeping in as usual?" His best friend teased.

Lloyd frowned. "Shut it, Genis. Don't tell me you didn't stay up all night stuffing your face with all that food." The swordsman teased back with a cross of his arms. "I think you even put on a couple of pounds since last night."

Genis raised a fist. "I have not!"

Raine sighed and shook her head. "We didn't come here to argue, did we Genis?" She asked sternly.

"Yeah, what's up Professor?" Lloyd asked.

"We're going to return to Heimdall to help the villagers…understand us better." The teacher replied.

Genis nodded. "Then we might head to other villages and help educate the humans not only about half elves, but also on full-blooded elven ways."

Lloyd was taken aback. "You…aren't going to return to Iselia with Colette and me?" He'd assumed that other than gathering the last exspheres, everything would go back to normal: Professor Sage teaching, Genis doing Lloyd's homework from time to time, and Colette running through walls.

"The humans of Tethe'alla, as well as some from Sylvarant, have been fed misconceptions about us and someone has to step forward with the truth." Raine explained. "The elder of Heimdall asked for our assistance…and we accepted."

Casting his eyes down slowly Lloyd said, "Oh, I understand." He didn't want to be selfish by saying that they shouldn't go. The half-elves from both worlds all faced tremendous opposition regarding their race and changes needed to be made. But that didn't stop him from feeling like he was loosing his best friends.

Genis and Lloyd had been friends since him and Raine came to Iselia five years ago. Both had a knack for getting into trouble…and upsetting a certain older sister. There was one time when Lloyd had convinced Genis to change Raine's test key for a particularly hard test. After spending all night grading "F" papers, Raine noticed only the two boys had passed and immediately got suspicious. Of course even after discovering it was them, she was forced to grade all the papers over again. The next day it was the professor, not Lloyd, who'd fallen asleep in class, much to Lloyd and Genis' amusement.

Professor Sage had been harsh, punishing Lloyd every time he dozed off in class, but some of the lessons she'd taught him ended up saving his life in their fight against the desians and Mithos. Lloyd still remembered holding those two buckets full of water in the back of class whenever he forgot to do his homework. Over time the built muscles probably aided in his growing fighting skills and maybe even his craftsmanship. In fact, for the entire week following Genis and Lloyd's little switch-a-rue, Lloyd had company in the back of class, holding those buckets of water…but somehow he still managed to fall asleep standing up.

Genis came and held up a thumb. "We'll always be best friends, Lloyd, and knowing you, you'll get into some sort of trouble that I'll have to save you from anyway." He smiled as he looked up at his friend. "We've been through too much to have this be goodbye."

Raine nodded in agreement. "Yes, this won't be forever. Once the others from Heimdall get started, Genis and I will return to Iselia."

Lloyd brightened up a bit and looked up hopefully. "Yeah?"

Genis jumped up. "You bet!"

"All right. It's a promise then." He smiled in acceptance.

"Oh, that's right." Raine said suddenly. "Sheena wanted us to tell you that she headed back to Mizuho early this morning."

"Yeah, something about telling her superiors about the king's pardon on her people." Genis followed up. "Not to worry though, she said she'd come and find you for a visit when she got the chance."

"Oh." Was all Lloyd could say. To be honest, he didn't doubt the ninja's words. The Mizuho Intelligence Network was extensive enough that she probably could find him anywhere he went without even trying. "I guess her mission's a lot like yours huh?" He held out his hand and Genis met it with his own. "Take care you two."

"We will." Raine assured. "Good luck."

Lloyd smiled. "I think I'm gonna need it." He assured as he tried hiding his inner fear from the two half-elves. I guess I should've expected this since everyone joined the group for their own reasons that they would leave for those same reasons once everything was over. I just seem to be loosing everyone at once. He thought sadly.

Up until now he hadn't noticed how close he'd gotten to everyone; defending each other in battle, giving support through hard times, willing to sacrifice themselves to save a friend. Their trials had really pulled them close and Lloyd knew he'd feel the pain of their absence over the next few months.

But their memories, the good and the bad, would forever live on within the warrior's heart, and he knew if the time came when he needed them again, they would be there by his side. It was that comforting thought that led Lloyd out of the room and down the hall, long after Genis and Raine had departed; to face a fledgling world full of diversity yet with a strange sense of family, one of discrimination yet with a growing understanding for one another, and one of fear yet with an underlying never ending hope. This was the beginning of his dream come to life.

Zelos Wilder, former Chosen of Tethe'alla, entered the audience hall of his king. He immediately recognized the presence of the princess standing dutifully by her father's side. The king smiled upon seeing the warrior enter and stood to greet him. "You look well, Zelos."

Zelos bowed at the hip and rose to meet the old man's gaze. There had been a time when the king would have nothing to do with the Chosen or his friends. After nearly loosing his life to a man he once trusted, it was natural he would also lose faith in others near him. But having grown up in constant contact with the royal family, the rejection had meant far more to Zelos than the king would ever know.

But with the worlds in need of a centralized government system and order of some kind, Zelos knew he would be needed as well. So he set the hurt he still felt, despite the king's heartfelt apology, aside and focused instead on making what little difference he could. Now without his title, Zelos could choose his own path and decide for himself what he wanted to do. This was enough to satisfy him…for now.

"Master Zelos, are you feeling well?" Princess Hilda asked when Zelos did not reply.

Blinking out of his thoughts, Zelos forced a smile. "I'm not the Chosen of Tethe'alla anymore, Princess. You don't have to call me 'Master' anymore." He said instead.

"But you will always be a sign of hope to the people of Meltokio, Zelos. Even you must know this." The king took a seat on his throne once more.

"Of course, your highness." Zelos agreed. He knew all too well how fragile the order of the new world was and should Zelos and the others fail in keeping the peace between the reunited worlds, a feud that would rival the Ancient War could break out. If that happened, the new Great Viscus Tree would whither and die, as well as the land surviving off its never-ending mana supply. "See, look what happened!" He began in a new lighter tone. He didn't like to be gloomy for too long. "It's all because the Pope had to open his big mouth and tried to banish me and stuff. The whole world got messed up!"

The king smiled. "Well then, Chosen One, what would you have me do?"

Zelos stood quite for a moment, thinking. "We'll send an emissary of peace to Iselia." In truth, they were going to have to get in contact with all the villages that were originally in Sylvarant, but Iselia was a good place to start, since it was so close to begin with.

"Emissary?" The king echoed. "Who do you plan to send?"

"How about Sheena from Mizuho? She's already involved." In truth Zelos really just wanted to have a reason to keep the ninja around the castle and close to him.

The king laughed shortly. "So the emissary of death becomes the emissary of peace."

Zelos felt anger at that comment, but let it slide. It was because of the Pope's meddling that the King of Tethe'alla felt the journey of regeneration in Sylvarant meant Tethe'alla's destruction. It was then that Sheena was sent to kill Colette in the first place. "I won't let you say no. Until you do something about the Church of Martel, I still have the rights of the Chosen remember?" He advised the king. Once the Pope was found, the Church of Martel as a whole was going to have to go through a lot of changes, considering the fact that most of the ideals and legends they clung to were falsified and created by Mithos himself in order to cover up his true goal.

"Father would never take that away from you, Master Zelos." The princess said with a smile.

"I actually have another reason why I called you here, Zelos." The king continued. "The previous Sylvarant, I have been informed, did not have a major government system. Mayors and Governors controlled the individual villages and towns, but nothing near the scale Tethe'alla had developed. With their world in decline and poverty, their advancement in technology suffered as well."

Zelos nodded. "That was my impression as well. What should we do about this?" The warrior knew forcing others into a monarchy would only result in senseless conflict.

"I believe a faction should be created with all the leaders of the individual towns, a council if you will, and any decisions made would be the result of everyone's decision. I propose Meltokio, and this castle in particular, be converted into a meeting place for this counsel. Seeing how Meltokio is still located in the center of continent, it will be easy for many of the villages to attend." The king explained.

Zelos thought about it for a moment, but saw nothing wrong with the plan. If everyone got a hand in the decision-making, then they would all be represented and no wars would break out. "That sounds like a great idea. Now all we have to do is send envoys to all the villages and get them to agree to join this…World Council."

"I like that name: World Counsel. That's what we'll call it." The king smiled. Even though it meant loosing a substantial amount of power, the former monarchy ruler would still be the representative for Meltokio. Therefore he could still look out for the well being of his citizens. "As for the envoys, that's where you come in. I would like you to appoint individuals to travel to each village and offer them our idea and hospitality, since its apparent you intend to remain involved as a representative of the Church of Martel."

Zelos agreed and all three went to work on finalizing the system.

"Does the ninja of Mizuho mean something…special to you, Master Zelos?" Princess Hilda wondered. They had gone through all the villages in no time, Zelos' previous journey into the world of Sylvarant proving useful when it came to adding all the villages to the list.

"Sheena?" Zelos spoke up before he caught himself. In truth, Sheena had been on his mind all morning, the night before being slightly disappointing when Zelos failed to confess his feelings to the summoner. Thinking fast he added, "She's saved my neck quite a few times during our journey, so yeah she's a close companion." Well part of it was true but he held back from saying anything more because he knew Princess Hilda's feelings for him.

Thinking about Sheena made him realize that she would want to visit their friends the first chance she got, something Zelos himself would eventually want to do when things simmered down. Maybe this could work out… He thought, his mind already plotting the details.

"Very well, I'll write a letter and have you deliver it to her." The king began writing on a piece of paper with his family crest on it. "Unfortunately, even after the reuniting of the worlds, no one knows where Mizuho is…so you're the only one who can take it to her if she isn't still in the castle. I've been informed many of your friends have already departed." The king told Zelos.

"Uh, right." The former Chosen was still hung up with the fact that he would get to see Sheena again. Would the moment be right to openly admit that he thought of her differently than other girls and wanted to get to know her better? Would she just laugh at him or take him seriously at all? With all this running through is mind, Zelos wasn't even thinking about the new government anymore.

Underground, Near Dwarven Village of Dritan

"Hold it right there." A voice said from the darkness ahead.

Dirk and Altessa stopped their approach and squinted their eyes to try and see ahead of them. The tunnel's secret entrance leading to the Dwarven society had remained in the same place as before but the passageways below were far different than either dwarf remembered. Long ago their people had lived both on the surface and underground. Then when the Ancient War, also known as the Great Kharlan War, broke out amongst the humans and half-elves, many decided to step out of the human's squabble and live completely below.

The two dwarves waited until three dwarven guards, two armed with staffs while the third held a torch, approached them with caution. The passages leading to the inner cities of the dwarves were always guarded which meant they were close. "Have no fear. It's only two fellow dwarves hoping to stop by for a visit." Dirk announced.

One of the armed guards regarded both carefully, his staff in front of him, before raising an eyebrow. "What brings ya to Dritan?"

Altessa stepped forward. "We were worried about what had happened to everyone down here after the earthquakes and such."

"Ya bring word from tha surface?" The second guard asked.

"Aye, we do. Will ya let us through?" Dirk asked without revealing anything.

The lead guard stood for a moment thinking before lowering his weapon and replacing it to his side. "Sorry for all of this. We've been a little on edge lately with tha plants crying out. Do ya have any idea what's goin' on up there?"

Nodding, Altessa accepted the man's apology. "Ya might want tha Chief to hear this as well. It's kinda important."

"Of course, I'll show ya tha way." The lead guard left his second in command at the post and led the two inside. Dwarves, being close to Mother Nature, could feel her pain and were more sensitive to changes than humans or even elves were. It was for this reason that unrest had settled down amongst many Dwarven cities and its citizens were left uneasy.

Now Dirk and Altessa would bring them the news they so desperately needed.

Meltokio Castle

Lloyd walked down the hallways looking for the rest of his companions. He was ready to accept the idea that they had all gone off somewhere as well, but wanted to find out for sure.

As he turned around the corner, he thought he saw Zelos dash across the hall and frowned as he approached the intersection. The red headed warrior skidded back towards Lloyd suddenly and stopped to catch his breath. His brow glistened with sweat and Lloyd began to wonder if something was wrong. "Zelos?"

The ladies man quickly regained his composure and stood up straight. "Hey Lloyd, my man, have you seen Sheena around?"

Lloyd hid his smile as everything fell into place. The duel-wielding swordsman knew of the hidden attraction between Zelos and the firecracker summoner, but felt that interfering would only result in him getting hit by both parties, so he knowingly stayed quiet. "I uh, heard she already headed back home."

Zelos' shoulders dropped in disappointment. "Oh alright." He turned and began heading out.

"Oh, hey Zelos!" Lloyd called out before he left. "Have you seen Colette around?" After leaving in the middle of the festival, Lloyd was worried his friend would be upset and wanted to check up on her. Out of everyone, he knew he didn't have to worry about her leaving because they'd already promise each other they'd go on a journey to retrieve the last of the exspheres together.

The warrior shook his head sympathetically. "No I haven't, sorry." Then he saluted his fellow combat-in-arms. "I gotta split but we'll probably cross paths, huh?"

Lloyd smiled and waved goodbye. "Of course." Then he added. "And good luck." He winked and Zelos blushed, knowing to what he referred and dashed out of the castle. Lloyd shook his head laughing, then slowly walked out himself. As high as the castle was he could see all the way to the sea's edge.

As he walked down the plaza, he took a small side staircase to the bottom floor to stop by the Belteon and pick up some supplies and food to last the trip, before going over to the entrance of the city. It was there he saw Colette with her face covered in her hands, facing the inn's wall. "Colette?" He asked carefully, reaching a hand out. Had something happened?

"8…9…10! Ready or not! Here I come!" Colette shouted and spun around with a smile. Upon seeing Lloyd she gasped and fell back on her bottom. "L-Lloyd! You're up!" She exclaimed in shock.

Lloyd gave her a hand up and smiled. "Of course! What are you doing all the way out here?"

Colette blushed, thinking back, and smiled to cover it up. Early that morning, Colette had gone into Lloyd's room to check on him and see if he was awake. When it was apparent that he was sound asleep, she turned to leave him be, but saw how cute he looked and stood there just staring fondly at him. When a lock of hair had fallen out of place, she'd gently tucked it back behind his ear, but then he moaned and turned on his other side away from her. Sighing sadly, she'd relented to opening his windows for some fresh air and letting him sleep. He did still need to rest after his ordeal back at Heimdall.

Afterwards, she went to the front gate and passed the time playing with the town's children until he finally woke up. She kinda felt guilty for spying on him, but she couldn't help herself.

"Colette? Are you okay?" Lloyd asked when she didn't respond, afraid she really was mad about the night before.

Snapping out of her reverie, Colette shook her head. "Yeah I'm fine. I thought you'd come this way, so I came here to wait for you." She giggled. "The children wanted to play so I thought 'why not'?"

Lloyd sighed in relief and forced a smile. "I'm glad."

Colette saw through his act and frowned. "What about you? Did everything go well with your father?"

Gasping, Lloyd's eyes widened in shock. "You knew?"

"Of course!" She smiled. "So is Kratos coming with us? I saw Zelos leave so I guess he's not coming."

"Yeah, he went to go see Sheena. Genis and Professor Sage are out too." He told her. "As for my father, he said to meet him after we got back to Iselia." Lloyd half lied. Then he remembered, "Have you seen Presea of Regal? They're the only ones I haven't heard from yet."

"Actually, Presea said she was going with Regal back to Altamira and the Lezareno Company. He's got some unfinished business and Presea wanted to see her sister again."

Sighing disappointedly, Lloyd slumped a little. "Just like that and they're all gone."

Colette placed a hand on his shoulder sympathetically. "Don't worry. We'll all still be friends even if we're far apart from each other. Besides, I'll always be by your side Lloyd."

Lloyd smiled and nodded. "You're right. Thanks Colette."

"You ready to go?"

Lloyd nodded and together they exited the tall gates of Meltokio. The breeze that welcomed them seemed different…refreshed. Like the planet was rejoicing in being healed of its inequalities. Closing his eyes, Lloyd let the waves of air flow over him, giving him their silent thanks.

"Bye bye Chosen!"

"Come visit us soon!"

Colette turned around and waved goodbye to the children as she called out her wings and took to the air. "You all be good for your parents while I'm gone!"

"We will!" They promised in unison.

Lloyd took a moment to quiet his beating heart and quell his nerves. To him, this was the first time he'd use his wings since the Great Seed and he was a little nervous to say the least. Mother guide me…help me to understand… He prayed.

Flowing from his back, his two long angel wings grew and flared out on either side of him. It didn't hurt, like he feared it wound, but he felt the blood rush to his cheeks in embarrassment.

"Come on Lloyd! You can do it!" Colette encouraged from the air.

Focusing on his back with his eyes closed, Lloyd tried to visualize himself flying and was rewarded with the feeling of the ground disappearing beneath him. Opening his eyes once more revealed he was indeed floating in the air.

Giggling, Colette joined him on his side and together they flew off in the direction of Iselia, the sounds of the metropolis fading into the distance behind them. Looking below him, Lloyd was struck with awe from the beauty of the land. He'd seen it before, while on top of the rheairds, but something about flying over it with nothing underneath him gave him a thrill like no other.

So this is what it's like to be an angel… Dritan

Dirk and Altessa, though they were in their element and amongst others of their kind, kept their wits about them at all times. The villagers seemed more uneasy than usual, Dirk noticed, and all eyes were on the two "outsiders". Dirk turned to Altessa and the dwarf confirmed his suspicions with a nod. So…he's noticed it too…

The village was one big cavern with shops and homes being carved right out of the rock. Walkways were three-foot niches connecting each mini cavern. Dwarves were excellent craftsman and easily made their living trading excavated ores and gems, faceted jewelry, and even weapons forged right underground.

The society all answered to one main Chief. It was this man that Altessa and Dirk were being led to see. The guard stopped just outside the passage leading to the chief's quarters, then nodded curtly, returning to his post.

The front of the passageway was lined with two torch stands lighting the way. Dwarves could see well in the dark and the torches probably served as decoration in honor of the one inside more than anything.

As the two walked inside, Dirk leaned in towards Altessa. "What do ya think could cause such a stir up amongst tha others?"

Altessa bent his graying brow with concern. "I don't know, but I don't think it's because of the reuniting of the two worlds."

Dirk nodded in agreement. "Something else is afoot."

When the passageway opened up, the two saw the leader chief sitting on a stone chair with a large granite slab in front of him, serving as a desk. "Ya two are from tha surface, are ya not?" He asked. The dwarf had bold black hair and a moustache, and wore on his head, a golden headdress. His attire, for the most part, was traditional dwarven clothing.

Dirk nodded. "Aye, we bring good news to the dwarves."

"The mana tree has taken root and is flourishin' as we speak." Altessa followed up. Both had decided that bringing up the idea of two worlds to a race that'd turned their back on civilization entirely didn't need to know about what didn't concern them.

"Aye, I've sensed the mana flow." The chief answered. "But another problem has arisen that threatens us as well." He began. "A long time ago, a man appeared within our boundaries and took refuge just outside our city."

"A man?" Dirk wondered. "A human?"

The chief shrugged. "We can't be sure, but tha very soil cringed at his presence and even now tha mana flow from tha tree is being distorted and kept away somewhere. We've been hearing Her cry ever since. The cavern he resided in turned black and reeked of death." He explained. "He seemed to use some of our passageways but didn't bother to come within tha city, so we let him be."

"Just recently tha man left and our guards searched his quarters to see what caused the earth to die like it had." The chief got up and paced around. "We found a shrine to an unholy deity we fear may have been responsible for the man's existence."

"Responsible?" Altessa frowned. "Do you believe it gave birth to him?"

"Spawned." The chief said slowly. "The man came alone…and left with whatever he'd summoned in that cavern."

"Ya think because he knows where ya are that he'll return?" Dirk asked.

The chief shook his head. "Whatever tha man's intentions are, he would've struck us first, but…" He emphasized. "Should he continue to exist on the surface, tha very earth will die, mana or no."

Dirk and Altessa exchanged looks and after bidding goodbye, made their way back through the passageways. As soon as they were out of the city limits, they stopped and turned to each other.

"What sort of creature would cause tha very ground they stand on to die so quickly?" Altessa wondered.

Dirk crossed his arms. "Whatever he is, tha dwarves know something has to be done. They won't be able to sit this one out like they did the Ancient War."

"But they don't know if he was human or not. That part bothers me and we don't know enough about him to take action." Altessa played with his beard in thought.

"Perhaps we should look inta his dwelling ta find some clues." Dirk suggested. It was true they didn't have enough information and if the man had already returned to the surface, it was only a matter of time before trouble started brewing. And as a dwarf, Dirk knew even a little bit of trouble could destroy the frail, fledgling world before it even got a chance to grow as a whole. After everything his son did, he would not let it all be in vein.

"Let's go." Altessa agreed, ducking down a side passage towards where they'd been told the man once stayed. Maybe there they'd find the answers they so needed.

Just outside Iselia

Touching down just outside the village, Lloyd swayed a bit and tried to steady his footing as the world went out of focus for a moment. Black and white dots covered his vision and he couldn't see anything in front of him. His forehead had a slight numbing feeling to it and Lloyd was afraid he'd pushed himself too hard the first time.

Colette looked at him worriedly and held onto him until he came to his senses. "Lloyd? Are you okay?" The angel-girl didn't recall feeling such side affects, but then again that probably had something to do with Cruxis and their plans to turn her into Martel's vessel.

As soon as he could see again, Lloyd met Colette's worried gaze and smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Thanks." He assured.

Over time your body should adjust to the mana used in such long flights. The effects will not be permanent. Origin, the summon spirit, explained to the youth.

Colette looked from Lloyd to the entrance of Iselia and back again. "You coming?" Part of her was afraid Lloyd still wouldn't feel like he belonged because of the mishap with the Iselia Desian Human Ranch and subsequent punishment to the village itself.

"Actually, you go on ahead. I've got some other business I have to attend to." Lloyd explained. When Colette's eyes widened in shock, he laughed. "Don't worry. I'll be back before nightfall." He assured. Raising a pinky, he and Colette promised each other and then Colette surprised him by leaning forward and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"See you tonight at my house then!" She giggled at his red face and dashed into the village, her wings finally disappearing behind her.

Lloyd stayed paused for a moment, then took to the air South towards the mountain range behind Triet. It was there he was to meet with Kratos and use the Eternal Sword to send him to Derris-Kharlan. Part of me doesn't want him to go because he'll be all alone up there. I wonder if he feels the need to punish himself for what Mithos did. I wish I could say 'I want you to stay here with me, Dad' but I know he doesn't think of us like that yet…even if we were this entire time.

You fear for him? Why? Origin asked.

"Well come on, being alone up there for Martel knows how long…of course I'm at least worried for him." Lloyd admitted, spreading his wings out and catching an updraft to a higher plane.

I know the Angel of Cruxis to be a formidable warrior and of noble heart, whatever he intends to finish in the Elven home world, it will not take his life. The spirit replied.

"Elven home world? Oh that's right. The elves lived in Derris-Kharlan before the angels did, huh?" Lloyd remembered hearing that from Mithos' sister Martel while she inhabited Colette's body.

Yes, it was only after Mithos rose to the angel-status that they went into hiding in the village of Heimdall, just outside my seal. The war decimated their numbers and they too lost their faith in mankind, just like I had…Origin explained.

"And then Mithos used your power to split the worlds." Lloyd commented sadly. Looking towards the peak on the approaching mountains. "I'm not gonna do that to you, Origin. I'm not gonna make the same mistakes Mithos did."

That I know. Otherwise I wouldn't have formed a pact with you, now would I?

Lloyd smirked and saw his father's dark silhouette against the lighter brown background. "Well, here goes." He touched down in front of his father and relinquished his wings, exchanging them for the Eternal Sword instead. "Any reason for this particular spot?" He asked.

"It's the highest point in the new world, formally the Fooji Mountains, therefore using the sword to send me to Derris-Kharlan will be less costly." Kratos explained.

"Are you really going to Derris-Kharlan?" He asked in despair. He knew it was a stupid question, but he couldn't believe after getting his father back…he was loosing him again.

Kratos noticed his son's sad expression and added. "As a surviving member of Cruxis, I must bear the responsibility for what has happened."

"Cruxis is no more!" Lloyd countered. "You don't have to affiliate yourself under that name anymore. You're under no one's command. You are Kratos. You are your own person, which means making your own decisions, despite what you did under Mithos."

"This will not be forever, Lloyd." Kratos said, unwilling to back down from his decision.

Lloyd held back asking anything more and said instead, "I'm going to collect all the exspheres remaining in this land."

Kratos nodded. "And I will discard all of Cruxis' exspheres into space. I've dragged you into this until the very end."

"It's okay." Lloyd brushed it off.

He paused and a small smile crossed his face. "It's time for me to go. Please use that sword to send me to Derris-Kharlan."

Lloyd swallowed hard and tried to not to show his emotions. "Goodbye…Dad…"

Kratos wanted to hold his son, place his hands on his shoulders, anything to show how much the boy truly meant to him, but in the end, he stayed rooted to the ground. "I'm very proud of you, Lloyd. You've become a find swordsman."

Lloyd lifted the Eternal Sword and smiled back. "Thanks." For some reason, he couldn't come out and say everything else he came to say. How much Kratos meant to him and how much…he would be missed.

The sword lit up and Kratos' form faded from view. As the angel rose into the clouds and up out to space, he could see his son wipe away the tears he'd been trying to hold in the entire time.

Don't die before I do, Lloyd…my son…Kratos thought to his son. Until the angel was done with Derris-Kharlan, his son would have to fend for himself. Kratos only prayed the Goddess Martel kept him safe until then.

Mizuho

Sheena approached Mizuho and couldn't help but sigh with relief. Part of her feared that during the regeneration of the world, somehow Mizuho would end up on a high mountain or in the middle of the ocean. But as it would seem, the only major change was that they had a new neighbor: Luin, and Sheena couldn't be happier.

"Sheena!" A little girl came running out to meet the ninja and clasped her hands around her legs. "We missed you!" Behind the girl other children came running out along with their parents.

Sheena picked up the little girl and smiled. "Well I'm back and we don't have to worry about the Chosen of Sylvarant anymore!" She said mainly to the adults.

Orochi was present and as she placed the child down, who ran off happily, he said, "Sheena! I'm so glad you're safe!"

Another villager smiled happily as well. "Congratulations Sheena!"

The summoner blushed. It felt strange to actually belong and Sheena wasn't used to it. "Don't congratulate me yet. A whole new world lies before us now. We have to inform everyone about the revival of the Igaguri style."

Orochi agreed. "Yes and for when Kuchinawa returns as well."

"Yeah, come on everyone!" Sheena exclaimed. "Let's work as hard as we can! We're gonna make the village of Mizuho into a ninja clan to be proud of!"

Everyone cheered and Sheena finally felt the weight of her failure lift off her shoulders. True she'd still have to deal with Kuchinawa, but all in good time.

Saying goodbye to the congregating adults, Sheena made her way through the small village to the chief's home. Inside she found him still seated on the carpet, deep in meditation. Maybe now's not a good time. She thought, turning back around.

"I believe from the view of the landscape you were successful against the Angels of Cruxis, Sheena?"

Laughing nervously, Sheena shrugged. "Yeah, Lloyd found a way to reunite the worlds and the Great Viscus Tree has been reborn." She reported. "And the king…"

"…has pardoned our people. So I heard." Vice-Chief Tiga cut her off, finally opening his eyes with a smile. His black hair was cut short and his angled beard made him look dignified.

Sitting down in front of him, Sheena crossed her arms. "You make it really hard to keep a surprise, you know that?" She teased.

"If you like surprises, you're gonna love this one." A new voice interrupted.

Gasping, Sheena stood up when an old man appeared from behind Tiga. "Grandfather!" She ran and gave him a hug. "You finally woke up!"

"Yes, my dear Sheena and Tiga tells me you've had quite the adventure while I slept." The village's Chief Igaguri returned the hug with a smile. Though she called him Grandfather, he was more like an adopted father, taking her in at a young age.

Pulling back Sheena looked sadly at the ground. "Grandfather, at Volt's tower…I'm sorry I…"

"Don't worry, Sheena. You've succeeded in light of tremendous disadvantages and I couldn't be more proud." He assured.

Sheena's lips widened into a smile while the edges of her eyes showed sparkles of unshed tears. "Grandfather…"

His smile faded and he lowered his head with seriousness. "But I fear the worst is not yet over."

Sheena frowned and stepped back, looking at both leaders with concern. "What has happened?"

Heimdall

Raine and Genis dismounted the rheaird and approached the village of Heimdall with caution. The wildlife around the quiet suburb were silent, which made little Genis that much more nervous. Even without the silence, the traces of mana around the area was disturbing. Mana was a person's very life and the fact that so many streamed throughout the space around the village was suspicious. On top of that, the traces practically stopped and disappeared, not giving the half-elves any idea where they'd gone off. "Raine?" He whispered.

Pulling out her staff, Raine nodded. "I know. Be on your guard." They entered the town, expecting to see some type of movement, evidence that the villagers were carrying out their daily lives like always, but nothing greeted their eyes. There was no blood or signs of a raid; even the houses remained standing. Usually they were the first to go, being burned to the ground in order to frighten and scare out hiding victims.

Genis held out his kendama and peered into the first house to his left. Inside, fresh bread was on the table still warm and glasses had been set out for breakfast. Whatever happened, it was short and to the point, leaving the town practically deserted.

Walking outside, Genis saw his sister come out of the elder's home and shake her head sadly. "Everyone?" He asked looking around.

Raine joined his side. "There are no injured, no dead. They just…disappeared." She spoke in disbelief.

A jump in mana levels from behind Raine brought Genis' weapon into action and he swung it around in an arc, encircling both him and his sister in a green hued shield. "Look out!" His call made Raine drop to his knees in surprise.

It was just in time because a huge flying monster bounced off and disappeared into the trees before either half-elf could get a good look at it. In its wake, though, it left silky black feathers falling from the sky.

Raine composed herself and stood up, taking a few breathes to calm her nerves. "Thank you, Genis."

The young magic user regarded the lonely village with sorrowful eyes. "Where do you think they all went, Raine? Do you think that monster had anything to do with it?"

Bending down, Raine picked up one of the discarded feathers and frowned. "I…don't know." She admitted slowly. "Let's head back to the entrance and get out of here. We'll head to Asgard. Maybe Harley and Linar can help us come up with a theory as to what's going on around here."

"Okay." Genis agreed reluctantly. He had hoped that returning to Heimdall would mean making a difference in the fight against discrimination, but how could they when the mysterious elves were nowhere to be found?

With their eyes peeled, both half-elves walked out of the village back to their magitechno flyer, only to find the rheaird in pieces. The wires were shredded and pieces of metal were burned beyond recognition. It was obvious whatever attacked the village and almost got to Raine had seen fit to completely destroy their form of transportation as well.

Sighing in exasperation, Raine started walking northeasterly. "Come on. It looks like we're walking from here."

"What about Lloyd? We should warn him and Iselia in case other villages get attacked." Genis suggested.

Raine shook her head. "We don't know enough yet. Heading to Asgard on foot means we might want to head South first and check out Palmacosta. We may hear more rumors there. Besides, Colette and Lloyd are only going to be in Iselia for maybe a day or two before they leave again. If we had reliable transport I would agree, but by foot there's no guarantee we'd get there before they left. It'll be impossible to track them after that."

Genis sighed and started following his sister towards the populated harbor town of Palmacosta. Catching a boat there would be easier than walking through Hakonesia Peak and without as many monsters on the sea, at least someone would be willing to take them. They could be in Asgard in less than a couple of days. Genis didn't exactly look forward to seeing his sister hurl overboard, But I guess it can't be helped. He thought in exasperation.

Whatever threatened the peace they'd fought so hard to acquire had to be stopped…and soon.