Powerful Emotions

"Dwarven Vow #14: Nothing that's easy is worth it and anything worth it isn't easy."

Just Outside Meltokio City Limits

Sheena stopped by the Belteon so quickly to pick up some extra pineapple medicinal gels and made ready to leave the city that Zelos was getting increasingly frustrated. She even left Carbuncle struggling behind with him. "Sheena, wait." When she ignored him, he pulled her by her shoulder and spun her around to face him. "Okay, I don't know when you started your 'girl time', but we need to have a talk and we need to have it now. Where are we going and why are you acting like the world's gonna end again?"

"Is something wrong, Sheena?" Carbuncle squeaked.

Sheena's initial reaction was to glare at him, but then she got sad and looked away from his fierce azure gaze. "Do you remember that favor I said you owed me for going to Iselia? Well, it's time to pay up. You are going to act as my observer."

Frowning, Zelos released her shoulder. "Observer? For what?"

Sighing, Sheena looked back at him. "For when I fight Kuchinawa at the Isle of Decision."

Zelos nearly fell over in shock. "What? You're still willing to fight him and throw your life away?"

"I made a promise, okay! If I don't go, he'll destroy Corinne's bell and I won't let that happen!" She shouted in anger. "I don't want to fight him either, but he has every right to blame me for his parents' death! I was afraid the first time I faced Volt and because of that fifteen of our people perished that day."

"Sheena, think about what you're saying! Your life has more meaning than that! Didn't you learn anything back in Derris-Kharlan?" Zelos tried to convince her.

"Of course I did! I learned that my life does have meaning. It always did and you were one of the people who helped me see that!" She looked away. "But I also have to know that Kuchinawa's parents had meaning too and I took that away from him, indirectly or not."

"No, I won't let you do it." Zelos crossed his arms. "I won't just stand by and watch you fight. I mean, you expect me to do nothing to help!" Zelos couldn't put into words his feelings that night at the Otherworldly Gate. They'd gone there in order to retrieve Raine which, when it came to women, Zelos wasn't one to complain. But he'd almost lost something more valuable to him under the star studded sky and full moon. His childhood companion had volunteered to be killed because of her guilt and the Chosen had been forced to interject in order to save her life.

"Enough of this Sheena!" He remembered shouting out in frustration. Grabbing her by the arm, he practically dragged her through the portal as soon as it opened. He never expected to be leaving Tethe'alla in such a manner, but he'd be damned if he would stand by and let Kuchinawa kill Sheena right before his eyes.

Now Sheena was asking him to observe her fight with the ninja? When one fell, he would declare the winner, but by then it might be too late. He would have lost his chance to tell her how he felt. Not only that, he would have to continue life without her. Earlier when they'd recovered from their fall in Sylvarant, Sheena demanded to know why he'd interfered. Of course he couldn't just say 'cause I love you and don't want to lose you'. So instead he stated the facts behind her reckless decision. She, as well as everyone else, bought his words and she ended up apologizing.

"Damn it, Sheena! Don't do this to me!" He exclaimed before he could stop himself.

Sheena blinked as she heard the words and frowned. "W-what?"

Cursing under his breath, Zelos turned away upset. "Come on, you can't expect to have stuck together this long, through thick and thin, and not mean something to me."

Touched by his words, yet bound by a promise of her own, Sheena began feeling guilty. "Look I appreciate you looking out for me. But I…this is just something I have to do. Besides, there isn't anyone else I would rather have by my side to see me safely through this than you." She smiled warmly and rubbed his back until he turned to her. "And it's not like I'm not gonna try. I've got a fighting chance, don't I?"

When Zelos saw her place her hand on her hip and pose confidently in front of him, he couldn't help but smile. "Yeah you do. I actually feel a little bad for Kuchinawa." He teased back. Carbuncle perked up and ran up to Zelos' shoulder again, except this time, he didn't seem to mind.

Even though his every being told him to confess right then and there, to kiss her and show her all the love he had to give and then some, he knew her stubbornness would win out. She was gonna fight Kuchinawa no matter what he said.

At least this way, he could be there for her and watch over her until hopefully this ended up just a bad memory. Maybe on the way he'd spare with her, brush her up on her skills. If he couldn't fight the battle for her, then he could at least prepare for her for the worst. He didn't know how good Kuchinawa was, but being from Mizuho was one aspect going for him. Zelos only knew he had to make sure Sheena was better.

Gauracchia Forest

Luccia set the group down outside the orphanage and no sooner had the winds died down, than the boy Kokoro came out to investigate. He relaxed slightly when he saw it was Lloyd and Colette, but upon seeing the elven female, he was in shock. "You…have the eyes of the fire ruby and hair as black as night…could it be…?" He spoke in awe.

Luccia gave a small nod, but dare not hope yet. "Please, bring him to me."

"O-of course!" Kokoro jetted back inside, leaving the rest of the group in bewilderment.

Colette turned to Luccia and asked, "Have you been here before, Luccia?"

The elf shook her head. "No, I have not." Was all she said.

Kratos began to formulate an idea where this was going, but kept quiet in case he was wrong. On the third floor balcony, the man who had captured Colette and Lloyd ran to the railing separating him from them and visibly paled. "L-Luccia?"

The elven female broke into tears as a smile crossed her face. "Yes, Kamai. I am here." Her throat constricted, making further words inaudible.

Without hesitation, Kamai jumped from the balcony and stopped before the elven elemental, skillfully recoiling his legs to cushion his landing. The two stood mere feet apart, but neither moved. "Can it be? After nearly two decades, you have returned to me?"

Luccia clasped her hands and nodded, the tears still flowing. "Oh Kamai!" She rushed into his arms and the two embraced. Lost lovers had found each other again. Tilting her chin upwards, Kamai kissed her with a lifetime's worth of love and passion.

Colette began misting up as well at the happy sight, but Lloyd merely shook his head in confusion. "Okay, I don't know about any of you, but I'm a little lost." He admitted.

Kamai laughed and pulled away from the kiss, but refused to see Luccia leave his arms for even a moment. "I am most grateful to you for returning Luccia to me. Please allow me to explain." He offered. "Our relationship was not wildly accepted, as you can expect, and one day when I returned from Altamira with our daughter, the village elder told me Luccia had been exiled and we were no longer allowed within the borders of Heimdall." Kamai looked down at Luccia and gave her a quick peck on the top of her forehead before continuing. "I immediately went to Mizuho to seek her there…when I was attacked by another. He called himself Zaichar and he used powerful dark arts against which I could not stand a chance."

Luccia gasped, as well as everyone else. "Zaichar attacked you?" She began tearing up again. "Oh my love, I am so sorry. I am to blame for it all."

Kamai shook his head. "Nonsense. I could never blame you." He assured her. Turning back to everyone else, he finished his story. "While I was still barely conscious, he took my daughter and said she would be perfect for his experiment. That was the last I ever saw of her…"

"So you set up this orphanage in hopes of finding her." Lloyd concluded.

"B-but…there was no such baby at the tower, nor have I ever heard him talking about it." Luccia said in disbelief.

"You were with him?" Kamai questioned.

Looking away, Luccia replied, "As I said before, I am sorry. While trying to see you in Altamira, I was attacked right here within these forested walls. Zaichar saved me and nursed me back to health, promising to help me find you and our baby if I helped him…"

Kamai held her from behind and squeezed her close. "I understand, darling. Do not worry. Perhaps she still lives…" It was amazing to see how much the man had changed after being reunited with his love once again. It was understandable now why he was so secretive and sad before.

"What was her name? Maybe we've met her before." Colette offered.

"We not dare speak her true name, as per Mizuho tradition, but her other name was…"

"Attack." A voice ordered. Suddenly dark angels appeared from all sides, coming out from behind trees and out of the sky. "Lord Zaichar will not accept your failure this time. Capture the half-angel...and kill the rest."

Lloyd gasped and looked up, seeing Yuan flying in the center of the angel army. "Y-Yuan! What are you doing here?"

Already the angel spellcasters were powering up their magic attacks and Kratos withdrew his sword in preparation. "We do not have time to be asking such questions, Lloyd." He advised.

Gasping, Kamai ran towards the building. "The children! We must get them safely away!"

Luccia narrowed her eyes and they immediately turned pure white. "You foul creatures will not harm these people!" She shouted. The wind around her began to pick up and she was lifting into the air parallel to Yuan and the four angels guards around him. "You will leave now or face the consequences!"

Already Raine had her staff out and was chanting a spell. Genis had his kendama out and was gathering up his mana in case they refused.

"Why Yuan?" Colette shouted, chakrams at hand.

Not even recognizing her, Yuan raised a hand and aimed a mana blast at the angel-girl. "All those who oppose Zaichar will perish."

Lloyd grit his teeth and took to the air, his wings instantly appearing behind him as he charged with both elemental blades at the former Angel of Cruxis. "I won't let Zaichar do as he pleases! And if you've decided to side with him, then you're our enemy!"

"Lloyd no, wait!" Kratos flew after his son. He knew Lloyd did not possess the needed skills to stand up against his friend and companion. Lloyd succeeded in defeating Kratos during thier dual because the two had traveled together, learned the other's moves and weaknesses. That was not the case with Yuan and battling a butterfly sword was a lot different than fighting a single wielding swordsman.

"Spirits of Mana, create a merciless energy vortex from which there is no escape and banish thy evil spirits before me! Thunder Wave!" Luccia's eyes crackled with sparks of electricity, as well as other parts of her body, but none of it seemed to effect her as she threw her arm out in a wide sweeping motion. A wave similar to Genis' Tidal Wave flew out and threw back all four angels surrounding Yuan. The angel himself blocked the attack with a twirl of his weapon, dispersing the energy harmlessly away from him.

On the ground, Raine finished casting her spell and raised her rod to the sky shouting, "I grant thee protection behind shields of light! Barrier!" Crystallized mana shields surrounded everyone present, protecting them from harm.

Lloyd ignored his father's words and rushed into fight Yuan, not believing the angel was himself at the moment. Yuan, had risked more than he realized when he began helping the small ragtag group to overthrow Mithos. Especially when he was still working for the angel-lord. "Are you just going to throw away everything you fought for all those years? Are you going to give in to this bastard and let him control you? Answer me Yuan!" Lloyd slashed once with one blade, then spun and slashed with the other.

Kratos flew over to aide his son and began battling Yuan from another angle. Both father and son gave it all they had, but the angel blocked all their attempts. Kratos was surprised Lloyd could rationally come to understand that the Yuan they fought now was not the same Yuan they'd seen at the Renegade Base. Now Kratos understood why Kiga was worried about his leader. While he fought, Kratos could see Yuan's cruxis crystal was as black as the exsphere he'd seen on Zaichar. Perhaps one could be controlled by a darksphere. If they found a way to purify it, they would stand a chance of saving their Yuan.

Back on the ground, Genis chanted his spell against his own adversaries. "Engulf this pathetic soul! Ground dasher!" He would have preferred to use fire, but with all the trees around, it was too much of a risk. Rocks came up out of the ground and went hurling towards the angel spellcasters, but it was too late.

"End of the line! Dark Sphere!" The angel shouted before it was attacked by the rocks and knocked back.

A black orb appeared around Genis and he immediately felt his body on fire with the dark mana. "It's…just like before…" He said through gritted teeth.

"Genis! Photon!" Raine banished the attack with light magic of her own and Genis was freed. Crying out, Genis felt even more pain from the light energy than before with the black sphere. Raine came running over to him and knelt by his side. "Are you alright? Here, Recover!"

Genis took deep breaths and tried to fight down his fear. W-what's happening to me…?

In the depths of the forest, red irises revealed a hidden enemy that would not be attacking today. Smirking, she raised her metal claws and licked them as she began formulating a plan. "The darkness if a powerful force one cannot fight. You will learn that in time, little Genis. You will learn…" Then she faded into the forest once more.

Mizuho

Zelos and Sheena arrived in Mizuho faster than the former Chosen expected, the ninja's pace giving them no time to spare or plan for this daring move. "Sheena," Zelos said as they approached the front gates of her home village. "You don't have to fight him right away, you know. Rest a little bit, gather your mana before going to the Isle of Decision. You won't get a second chance at this." He warned.

"He's right Sheena. You should get a bite to eat or maybe take a nap!" Carbuncle agreed.

"I know, I know!" She sighed. Pulling out a necklace she had around her neck, she looked at it sadly. It was her friend's charm of protection. He gave it to her back when they'd been marked traitors by the Pope and King of Tethe'alla. "But Kuchinawa's been waiting there a long time. I was supposed to go there right after curing Colette, but with everything that happened with you and Mithos, I never got the chance. Then we went to Meltokio and I later found out about Heimdall. Everything's been moving so fast, I just…"

"I understand." He soothed. "But you can't push yourself too hard. You'll be asking to lose if you do." And I don't want that to happen… He thought sadly.

"Thanks, but I think I'm alright. Just nervous." She forced a smile. "Come on. I have to speak with the chief and get us a boat up river." She said, then turned her back and walked to Igaguri's hut.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" Carbuncle asked the warrior sadly.

"I hope so..." Zelos stood there a moment, watching her walk away. Will I really be able to protect you from this one Sheena? Is being this 'observer' the best thing I can do for you? Zelos wondered about his decision. Please Martel, protect her where I can't seem to. Don't let her die on that island. Don't let her leave my side…ever…!

Lloyd met Yuan's eyes and thought back to all he learned about the man before him. Just as Kratos had struggled with the death of Anna, Lloyd knew Yuan had gone through the same torment with the death of Martel. He knew the passion one goes through for someone they love, recognizing it from himself and his own struggle to save Colette from loosing her soul. Yuan was not a man who would do this, turn on his friends and fight to kill them. "Yuan! Listen to me!" He said between blocks and parries. "Would Martel want you to be doing this? Wouldn't she want you to help protect the elves, humans and those souls caught in between, as per her last wish?"

Kratos gasped when Lloyd spoke these words. As per Yuan's request, Kratos had never spoken a word about his friend's love for Martel and kept it a secret, but his son had figured it out on his own. Perhaps the leader of the Renegades did not hide it as well as he thought. "Lloyd, be careful! Do not distract yourself from the battle or you will fail!"

"I won't fail! I haven't come all this way to die now!" He replied in determination.

"Capture son of Kratos. Capture the half-angel." Yuan spoke quietly. When the former Seraphim Angel of Cruxis intervened once more, Yuan raised his lower blade and its edges glowed black. Kratos tried to dodge the attack, but the tainted edges seemed to singe his wings and make flying difficult. The angel felt no pain as the wings partially dissolved as if touched by acid and tried once again to defend his son. Yuan, without showing anger of any sort, kicked his friend and Kratos went tumbling down into the forest below.

Trying to steady himself as he spun, Kratos ran into tree limps and branches that cut up his clothes and skin. Finally widening his wings, Kratos managed to slow his descent and looked up through the foliage to see his son still battling the angel. "Things cannot be allowed to go on like this." Looking over at Raine and Genis as they battled, the angel got an idea. "Raine! Fire your Photon at Yuan!" He commanded.

The half-elven scholar heard the order and nodded in compliance. As mana charged up around her, Genis thought to buy her some time. "I call upon the power of the holy blades! Prism Sword!" Almost needed no time to cast the spell, Genis released the powerful attack on three other angels behind them. Seeing them squirm and cry out under his power, Genis… smirked in elation.

Colette was fighting one of the angel warriors and spun around to deliver a blow to his face. "Leave now if you wish to spare your life!" Twirling around, she released her chakrams and controlled them with her mana. "Ray whirlwind!" The two disks spun around her, cutting up the guard multiple times until he retreated. His black feathers, falling off his wings like dying leaves from a tree, trailed behind him in his wake.

Still floating in midair, Luccia called forth another elemental and raised her hands in the air. "Mother Earth lend my thy power and crush my enemies!" Above her a large boulder formed and throwing her hands forward, she threw the boulder at an angel guard in front of her and he went barreling into the forest below. Unable to get out from beneath it, he was crushed against the forest floor.

"Okay, I'm ready!" Raine shouted, having put more power into the attack than normal in order to make it effective against the angel. "Light! Photon!" Raising her staff, she attacked Yuan high in the sky, just as the angel landed a hit across Lloyd chest.

Both cried out, but Yuan doubled over, while Lloyd struggled to stay in midair, holding his gushing wound. "Yuan! You have to fight it!" He pleaded.

Yuan cried out and threw a hand forward, assaulting Lloyd with a dark energy ball. The attack came at the youth suddenly and already wounded, he could neither dodge nor block. The attack struck him and it felt as though his body had been surrounded by a raging fire.

Kratos saw his son get injured and willed his wings to fly him up to his side instantly. "Lloyd! Are you alright?"

Lloyd grimaced with one eye closed, but nodded. "Yeah, I think I'll live." Sheathing one sword, Lloyd dug into his pocket and pulled out a golden ring band with a shaking hand. On the inside were engraved the initials: Y and M. "Yuan, you lost this a long time ago, back at Hima. I think it's time it was returned to you."

Kratos saw the ring and gasped. "Martel's ring…!"

Yuan moaned and slowly sat back up again, his cruxis crystal its natural blue one more. "M-Martel…?" Feeling Zaichar trying to take control once more, Yuan cried out. "Lloyd, destroy me! I'm not strong enough to hold out against his dark power for very much longer!"

"N-no! You are stronger than this!" Lloyd countered. "You protected Martel for almost 1,000 years and put your life on the line to see her soul freed from its prison!"

Kratos nodded, while still half supporting his son. "Martel loves you, but she knows it is not your time yet. There is still much we must do…much that we must both atone for."

Lloyd tried to fight down his nausea as he glided forward and held out the ring for Yuan. "Take it. It's proof of you and Martel's love for each other. If you don't want to live for yourself anymore, live for her - a life that was ended before it had the chance to blossom."

Yuan smiled in painful memory and reached up with an equally shaky hand as the boy placed it back on his finger. "Martel…" Doubling over again, Yuan's body jerked straight and a dark ominous spiritual cloud flew out of his body and began twirling around him.

In the smoke, Kratos could see the same face as back on that day. "It's Zaichar!" He shouted. The face wasn't of the perpetrator, but it was the reason for his powers.

Howling, the spirit flew through Lloyd - making the boy cry out in pain - and began making its escape. "The summon spirits will be mine!"

"Oh Holy One, cast thy purifying light upon this corrupt soul. Light of Judgment!" Colette called forth the light of the heavens, but the black cloud avoided being hit and disappeared into the distance.

Yuan felt fatigued, his forehead dripped with sweat while he tried to catch his breath. Feeling impossibly weak, he closed his eyes and fell unconscious in midair.

"Wind! Support this exhausted soul as he passes into the land of dreams." Luccia chanted softly. A small bed of wind formed underneath Yuan, making it so he didn't fall.

Kratos already had Lloyd's ragged body, but he had yet to sigh with relief. On the ground, Raine and Genis looked up to see what was going on, while Colette placed her chakrams back on her hips once more.

Lloyd shook with pain and bit his lip to keep from crying out.

"Lloyd! What's the matter?" Kratos asked his son.

Luccia came over and looked concerned over the youth. "What affects him is not of this realm. He needs special treatment." She diagnosed. "You should return to Mizuho. Their healer will know what to do."

Kratos nodded. "Thank you for your help." Unfortunately for them, he doubted he'd be able to make the flight all the way to the ninja village with his tattered wings and it would be unsafe for Colette to go alone. So they would be forced to travel by land.

Nodding with a smile, Luccia lowered Yuan to the ground. "I will remain here if you ever need anything. I will also look over your friend until he regains consciousness. Perhaps Kamai and myself will be able to find our daughter...someday."

"I wish you luck." The angel replied before lowering down to the ground with Lloyd. Lloyd was not exactly unconscious, but he wasn't in any condition to travel. To the others Kratos said, "We will travel through the forest to Mizuho and rest there. With Zaichar attacking in the open, I fear his plans are just beginning to come into play. We must hurry."

Isle of Decision

Zelos gripped the rod he used to push the boat through the river and tried to fight down his nervousness as they got closer to the Isle of Decision. He knew he should have faith in Sheena's abilities, but his heart wouldn't stop pounding. Gripping the steering rod was the only thing he could to keep from protesting further. Even Carbuncle snuggled up against Zelos' leg sadly. If Sheena lost the fight, the guardian would return to the realm in which the summon spirits and guardians slept until called upon.

Sheena sat more near the bow of the boat with her knees against her chest. Coming here reminded her of so many things. Kuchinawa and herself sparring to see who was the better ninja; practicing with new techniques against each other. She'd never seen such anger in his eyes than when he blamed her for what happened at Volt's Tower. It pained her deeply that her once friend now hated her with such passion.

While she thought of her friend-turned-adversary, she also thought of the friend she still had behind her. She knew Zelos' anger was bred from his concern for her and quite honestly, she couldn't be happier. She never thought she meant so much to the 'player from Meltokio'.

I guess I should've seen it after he came back to get me at the Tower of Salvation…

Tower of Salvation

The group dashed across the abyss just as the large plant-like creature awakened to block off their path. "Whoa!" Lloyd gasped and jumped back. "This thing won't let us through!" He exclaimed.

Sheena ran to his side. "Hang on! This looks like leftovers from earlier."

"You mean…one of the Great Tree's…"

Looking at it up and down, she nodded in confirmation. Parts of the tree glowed green with the unnatural energy that had spawned it, while other limbs were a deep black - rotting from the inside out. "Yep, no doubt about it. Leave this to me." Raising her hand, she called out. "Disciple of Everlasting Ice!" With blue mana swirling, Celsius appeared in all her icy glory. "Hammer of Godly Thunder!" No longer afraid, the round, dangerous and powerful Volt prepared to serve his mistress. "Servant of Mother Earth!" Gnome hopped into action with his little shovel. "Envoy from the Dark Abyss!" Darkness appeared but remained silent as always.

Everyone stayed quite as Sheena commanded the spirits. "I command thee! Gatherest before me and unleash thine power!" Dispersing into energy, Sheena could feel the mana from the four summon spirits of Tethe'alla fill her body and veins. Her heart beat faster and she had to struggle to catch her breath, but craftily hid this from the others.

"Whoa, what are you doing?" Lloyd asked.

Already gathering the mana into her hands, Sheena forced a smile. "My impression of the mana cannon. Well, it won't be nearly as powerful, but it should be enough to take care of this thing. Lloyd! When I give the signal, run underneath it. Got it?"

"Alright, but what about you?" Lloyd asked concerned.

Sheena smiled, but covered it up. It's sweet that he's worried. "Don't worry. I'll be fine! Get ready, here we go!"

Feeling she was at max power, she pushed her hands forward together and shot the mana beam at the pulsating plant. Upon contact, it instantly retracted and shrieked in revulsion at the assault. "Now!"

Lloyd and the group ran underneath it and past her to the other side. Putting the last of her own energy into the attack, Sheena was blown back into the wall just as the plant collapsed into the chasm below. Only Lloyd skidded to a halt to see how the summoner fared. "Sheena, are you okay?"

Gathering herself off the floor, Sheena approached the edge. "Yeah…I'm all right."

Smirking, Lloyd said, "That was amazing!"

Sheena would've felt better had her head not been swimming in pain. "Yeah just don't ask me to do it again, okay?" She took a revitalizing deep breath. "That used up all my mana. I'm gonna rest for just a…" Out of the darkness, a vine from the plant grabbed onto Sheena's ankle and yanked her downwards. "Ahh!" At the last moment, she managed to grab a hold on a root growing out of the floor.

"Sheena!" She heard the swordsman shout. "Hang on! I'll…"

Not being able to hold it in, Sheena started laughing. Just my luck…

"Wh-what's wrong with you? Why are you laughing?" He asked.

Struggling to keep her hold as the plant threatened to pull her down, the ninja replied, "No, I…was just remembering the time when we first met. It looks like I have a strong affinity for falling into holes." More than you know...

Lloyd started around the hole. "Just hang on, I'll be right there…"

"Don't worry about me. Just hurry up and go and rescue Colette." She grunted with the effort as her grip loosened.

"This is not the time to act all tough!" Lloyd replied.

"I'm not acting. It's just like the last time when I climbed up from the bottom of that pit and took you on!" She said with more confidence than she felt. "And this time, I won't miss the main event."

"You better be telling the truth." He stared at her seriously.

"Of course! You better leave me a piece of the action." She replied in strained cheerfulness.

"…okay. I'll be waiting for you, you got that?" He made her promise as he followed everyone into the next room.

Letting her smile fade, Sheena forced her spinning vision to focus. "I'm so stupid. Stubborn to the very end…I really need to start acting more feminine at times like this and let him rescue me." Then she scoffed. "Heh, that wouldn't be my style would it?" Releasing her hand and succumbing to the darkness, Sheena closed her eyes and felt herself falling. Lloyd…good luck…

A bright orange flash made her open her eyes and above her she could barely make out a silhouette and orange angel-wings coming down towards her. As the figure came closer, she made out the red hair and cerulean blue eyes and gasped in surprise. "It can't be…"

Zelos Wilder glided smoothly to the descending ninja's side and wrapped his arms underneath her legs and behind her back to steady her as he slowed her fall. Sheena knew she had her mouth hanging open, but she couldn't help it! Never before had the Chosen's mana glowed so brightly all around his form. And then the wings!

True she knew he'd accepted the oracle and received his cruxis crystal, but never began his journey of regeneration because Tethe'alla never fell into its decline. So Sheena, as close as she was to him, never witnessed his angelic wings.

"Y-you're…" She attempted over her shock.

"Shh…" He said soothingly as he flapped his see-through wings and flew them higher out of the chasm. "You did a lot back there. Let me take it from here." He held her closer as the darkness seemed endless.

"But you…"

He smiled and looked down at the girl in his arms as he softly rose back up to the top of the hole and set down once more. "I'll explain everything as we go. Right now we need to help Regal and the others." Putting her down on the ground, he looked intently into her eyes. "I'm not a traitor. I'm on your side…I always was. There's a reason for all of it..." He paused and broke his gaze. "I'm…sorry if I hurt you…"

Sheena had truly been hurt by Zelos' defection, but when he came back to save her when she needed him most, she forgave him and trusted him with every fiber of her being. Zelos would never betray his people…and he would never betray her. Zelos…I'm sorry for putting you through this. When everything's over, and if I'm still alive, I'm gonna make it up to you. I promise.

Zelos pulled the small boat up to the shore of the island and looked up to see Kuchinawa approach them with narrowed eyes. "So, you finally decided to come." He said in a mocking voice.

"I always keep my word." Sheena replied sadly, then motioned to Zelos as he exited the boat with her. Carbuncle jumped in front of her mistress, just in case this guy tried anything. "Zelos will be acting as the observer on my behalf." She explained.

"Him? Very well." Walking forward as Sheena took her place in the clearing, Kuchinawa handed Corrine's bell to Zelos. As the observer, Sheena had explained that Zelos would hold onto the item to give to the 'winner' of the duel to do with as they pleased.

As Kuchinawa's hand touched the other warrior's, Zelos pulled him close as he whispered into his covered ear, "I swear, if anything happens to her, you can be assured my sword's gonna find it's way to your neck before her body touches the ground. Observer or not, I'm going to make sure you get a painful trip to hell where you belong." Zelos threatened, his voice low and menacing. "So go ahead, fight her. I want you to. Cause I'm looking forward to cutting up your remains and using them to feed to the sharks. You know sharks, don't you? The mighty killers of the ocean who turn on each other from time to time?"

Kuchinawa let out a small laugh as he pulled his hand away and turned from the swordsman. "Threats from the former Chosen? So unholy coming from the leader of the Church of Martel. What happened? Get lazy and take the easy way out once again?"

Carbuncle was growling, her short blue fur standing on end, but could do nothing as her mistress had yet to command her. Giving the choice, she would fry this guy into jerky.

Zelos clenched one fist, being careful not to accidentally crush the precious bell in his other hand. "For your sake, I hope she wins, because your death by my hand is gonna be a hundred times more painful."

Kuchinawa scoffed and walked over to face off with his former friend. "This is where our people's suffering ends, Sheena."

Sheena met his vengeful gaze sadly. "I don't deny the fact that the lives of those fifteen are my fault, but I was only nine years old and had no idea what I was getting into when..."

"So now you blame your age? You'll find any way to come out of this the heroine, won't you?" Kuchinawa countered. "Enough talk. I will avenge our people by offering your life to them!"

"Damn it, Kuchinawa! Would you just listen to me?" Sheena pleaded.

"No! Observer, we start this now!" Kuchinawa poised for battle.

Sheena sighed and took out her cards, nodding to Zelos.

Looking down at Carbuncle, Zelos would see the little creature was just as worried as he was. "You may begin."

Hima

Regal and Presea checked into the traveler's inn at the mountain village of Hima. They had just crossed the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge, having been held by back technicalities and chattering politicians. The former king was thankful for their assistance with Sybak and asked that both be present when the next meeting was scheduled, even if Altamira elected another representative. Reluctantly both had agreed, not exactly knowing where their current investigation would lead them.

Now Presea sat on the bed and tried to plan their next move. So far none of the people they passed had heard anything about the group of Martel followers which made choosing their next city that much harder. "Where do you propose we go next?" She asked when he locked the door behind him.

Sighing as he took a seat on the other side of the bed, Regal thought about it before answering, "Well, from here Sybak and Luin are the closest..."

"And I do not look forward to traveling to Sybak after our previous encounter..."

"Nor do I. So Luin it is." Regal agreed. "Though I don't think Sybak intentionally targeted the World Council to start trouble, it is in their nature to go purely on fact."

"But what Zelos said was fact." Presea countered. "Does hearing it instead of witnessing it change that?"

"Well, for some seeing is believing. But with what we tried to tell them, they had to believe without seeing. Those raised in the sciences find believing - even in something as Martel - as impossible without the proven facts to support it." Regal tried to put it into words in which Presea might understand better. "If I were to tell you, you could fly if you just believed you could, what would you do?"

Tilting her head, Presea responded honestly, "I do not possess the ability to fly, even with the cruxis crystal, therefore it is an impossibility."

"Yes, but if I were to merely speak in contrary to that, could you believe it if it hadn't been proven or disproven yet?" He asked again.

Presea looked down and shrugged. "I guess I would find difficulty...in believing."

Regal saw her downtrodden expression and smiled, standing up. "Perhaps some fresh air would do us nicely right about now. How about we get a bite to eat downstairs and eat it on the cliff face above?"

Cheering up, Presea nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a good idea."

As the two came down the stairs, they heard the proprietor and his daughter speaking amongst themselves behind the counter. In the man's hands was a bag clinking with gald and on his face was a wide smile. "You know, usually those of Martel carry little with them during their pilgrimages, but this group was loaded!"

"Where are they now? They only stayed one night." His daughter asked.

"They went up above to use the dragons. Who cares where they're going next as long as they've paid us." The owner shrugged.

Exchanging looks, Regal and Presea walked smoothly passed the counter and outside. Presea looked back and forth trying to catch sight of the group, but they were nowhere to be seen. She had her ax on her back, but she would not withdraw it pointlessly in front of innocence travelers. "Do you think we are too late?"

Narrowing his eyes, Regal looked up to the high cliff still above them. "No, let's go to the top and see if they have yet to depart." Running around the inn, Regal and Presea rushed to catch up with the 'followers of Martel'. Once they rounded the corner, they ducked behind one of the boulders and tried to listen to anything the group said.

"Such missions are below us, are they not Megami?" One woman's voice asked.

Another of their group growled and an off metal scrapping could be heard. "Such words are likely to get you killed, naïve one. I would watch your forked tongue lest I relieve you of it."

The person from before bowed. "I am sorry, Mistress." They apologized.

One of the males of the group asked, "How long will we have to keep this up? Most of the humans and half-elves we've spoken to believe us unconditionally."

"This is true," The one called Megami replied. "Which is why we will be returning to the castle to tell Lord Zaichar of our progress."

"Soon all the lower forms of this weak planet will bow to us!" The male exclaimed.

"Tis a pity we must rely on their kind for transportation, though." The woman from before mentioned.

"Agreed." Megami shrugged.

Presea now took out her ask and nodded to Regal. "Now?"

"Now." Both jumped out from their hiding places and faced off with the cloaked group. "What does this Zaichar intend to do by spreading such foul rumors across the land?" Regal demanded.

There were five in all and only the center one turned towards the duo as she unveiled her hood. Presea and Regal gasped when they looked upon her face. Her eyes were bright silver and her skin as grey as ash. As she raised her hands amused, there were five metal claws attached to each finger, which she licked with a smile. Her ears revealed her race…she was elven! "What we speak of are not lies. We only wish to spread the truth so that all can see that Martel is no goddess. Would one with such power as she, leaves us to our fate? Would she turn the other cheek…if a war were to break out?" Her cheeks and the sides of her eyes were streaked with black paint, giving her a ghoulish complexion.

Presea shook her head. "The Goddess Martel does exist. How else do you explain the Great Viscus Tree visible even from way out here?" She challenged.

Megami laughed and threw her head back as her companions snickered amongst themselves. "A tree proves her protection? Nonsense! A tree is no more invulnerable to the darkness of the human heart than those deemed different. Does your hope truly lie in a weak symbol such as that?"

"It is not weak! It's what provides everything with life!" Regal countered. "Even one such as yourself cannot deny that."

"And what do people do with the life they are given? They spend it spreading hellish rumors and turning against their neighbor out of fear. Weakness is everywhere and only one who is strong can control the populace." Megami flexed her claws. "Do two lowly humans like you plan to stop the Great Zaichar all by yourselves?"

"It seems fate has predestined our meeting. We will stop you here unless you promise to cease these malicious lies!" Regal did not want to openly fight this shady group if it could be avoided. The best battle was the one that could be avoided.

Megami opened her arms, revealing dozens of gold and silver bracelets on each wrist. "The damage is done. We need not do any more. The darkness will creep into every heart on the planet and they will turn on each other of their own accord. That is their fate."

"We will not allow that to happen!" Presea swore. "We will protect this land, our home, with all of our will and strength!"

"Then let us see where your power of will takes you…" Megami smirked and beneath her, mana began charging up as she chanted in the ancient language of the elves.