Moving Forward

"Dwarven Vow # 32: Grief shared is half grief; joy shared is double joy"

Author's Note – Just to let everyone know, I'm really sorry for waiting this long to update but FFN has been giving me problems with uploading and only now have I been able to give you all the chapters I've work on all this time. So I'm sorry for the wait, but thanks for your continued support! Sybak

Zelos and Sheena, with Carbuncle sitting happily in her mistress' lap, waited patiently in the lobby of the inn as Regal checked them out. Things were still quiet between the two, but what occurred the night before would be the beginning of something beautiful. Now they were no longer uncomfortable with each other and even exchanged smiles when no one was looking. Though neither had said anything about their new relationship as of yet, Carbuncle looked up and snickered to herself, knowing the truth. Her mistress was happier and that's all that mattered to the little blue guardian.

The door to the inn opened up and Vicky came walking in. As Regal joined his companions' side, he gave a warning glance to Zelos and faced the delegate. "Representative Vicky, the city is well in order I assume?"

Looking annoyingly off to the side, the woman cursed under her breath. "Yes, and as it is unofficial that you and your friends were the cause for the attack, Sybak owes you its gratitude for fending off the dark angels."

Regal, as well as Zelos and Sheena, was shocked by the admission and slowly nodded his head. "Your welcome. Perhaps this hospitable arrangement between us can remain secured during the next world council meeting?"

Vicky's head shot up and she glared at the president. "Absolutely not. I will do what is best for Sybak and if that does not suit well with your ideals or plans for the new world, then I will always stand against you." She raised her nose into the air and spun on a heel to quickly leave the inn.

"I think that's as much of a good mood as we're ever gonna see her." Sheena commented with a half-smirk.

"I suggest we make our leave while she is in this…good mood." Regal motioned an arm to the door.

Zelos sighed and placed his hands behind his head smiling. "I still think we can expect trouble from her and her twin (meaning the head scientist from the Research Academy) at the next meeting."

"That's why you're going to keep quite and not aggravate her." Sheena poked his arm warningly.

"I never said I would." Zelos said in his own defense, but a bright glimmer shined in his eye, making Sheena sigh in defeat. Taking care of Zelos was going to be a handful.

"Um, Mr. President? This message just came in for you." The innkeeper handed Regal a note that was probably jotted down from the Morse Code Communications System (MCCS).

Sheena frowned and looked over Regal's shoulder. "What's it about?"

Reading it, Regal himself was disturbed by the choice of words. "Presea and Genis are at the Renegade Base at Triet. Lloyd's going to meet her there with Colette and Kratos, so we are to go as well."

"That's it? That doesn't sound too bad." Zelos remarked.

No it doesn't. Regal thought. But it doesn't say anything about Raine…

Asgard

As Colette made her farewells to the half-elves of Asgard and Kratos assured them that he would accept the responsibility of representing the small cliff town at the next world council – their previous delegate having been one of the first casualties – Lloyd himself stood just beyond the entrance's overhand, staring intently at a particular spot on the ground. It had been here that the half-angel had struck down the leader of the mob from the night before. He held feelings of both regret and pity for the bloodshed. It had always been in self-defense, his previous struggle against Mithos, as a fight for the greater good. But as his steel ripped apart the man's flesh, and Lloyd smiled in elation, he had crossed the line and truly lost any innocence he still held.

"Do you know why they appear as children? Because children are the very essence of innocence…untainted from the cruel harsh realities of the real world. But you, Lloyd…You are anything but innocent. Well, not anymore."

Clenching his eyes shut, Lloyd knelt down on one knee and placed a flat palm against the red stained soil. Nothing he did, and no amount of apology would get the man's family to forgive him. He knew if Kvar had apologized for his inhumane actions against Anna, Lloyd would find it hard to forgive him too. Just like Presea found it difficult to forgive Regal. It just seemed strange to be on the opposite end of the atrocity.

"Do you remember what I told you before at Lake Umacy? About surviving life's trials?" Kratos asked from behind Lloyd.

"What's important is we make it through." Lloyd recited. "I know, but I still wonder if I could've been stronger…and resisted the darkness."

Kratos completely understood, having wondered himself if there had been a way to save Anna and Lloyd that fateful day. "Unfortunately, even with the Eternal Sword, we cannot change the path of people's lives. Though the man could've survived the night, he would still be susceptible to the swift judgment of the fates. You cannot remain trapped in the past Lloyd…"

"Or I will lose sight of the future." Lloyd stood up and faced his father. "I know, but I…"

"Lord Kratos?" One of the villagers asked timidly from behind the angels.

Kratos nodded his apologies to Lloyd and walked over to the man. Meanwhile, Colette finished her goodbyes and slowly made her way over to the now free Lloyd. As she joined his side, she looked down at his feet and saw the reason for his downtrodden expression. She met his inquisitive gaze with an uncertain expression of her own. The night before still fresh in her mind, Colette wasn't really sure where to begin.

Surprisingly it was Lloyd who started the conversation. "You know, most of last night is still a blur, and what I do remember…I don't want to." He stared down at the bloody stains created by none other than him.

Colette wanted to say something encouraging, but as she opened her mouth to say something, it clamped back shut.

Letting out a quiet, short laugh, Lloyd shook his head. "I don't know if anything I say will make you forgive me, Colette." The comment made the angel-girl gasp. "But I just want to let you know, that I'll never do anything like that again." He looked up and forced himself to look into her shocked, cerulean orbs. "You were the one that saved me last night, even after everything I did, you still stood by my side."

"That's what friends do, Lloyd." Colette replied just above a whisper.

"Maybe…we can be more than friends someday. You know, when things settle down?" Smiling, Lloyd held up his half of the pendant, now connected to a chain. In his other hand he brought up an identical chain and handed it to her. "After all, it was you who reminded me who I really was…on the inside."

Colette beamed and happily took the chain, restraining herself from hugging him outright. Her face was flushed, she knew that, but she didn't care. Her Lloyd was back and she wasn't ever going to lose him again.

Kratos finally joined the couple and cleared his throat. "Are we ready to go?"

Lloyd sighed, nervous once more. "How am I supposed to hunt down my summon spirits and calm them down? What if they don't listen to me?"

"They must because you are our master." As the three heard Luna's voice, they looked around and watched as each summon spirit appeared before Lloyd. All except two. The Summon Spirit of Light, still sitting regally on her moon, held her scepter with a smile. "You turned away from the darkness and rejoined the light. Because of that many of us were able to keep in control."

"The only ones who weren't were Undine and Efreet, the big idiot." Celsius commented with a cross of her arms.

"Where are they?" Lloyd asked.

"Undine headed for the biggest body of water she could find." Yutis replied next to her sisters.

Sephie giggled in confidence. "But since she's usually a very calm and wise spirit, we can calm her down real easy!"

"Just give us the word!" Fairess nodded.

Celsius shook her head. "I could care less what the rest of you do, but no one can handle Big Red but me. I should go after Efreet."

"But isn't he most harmful to you too?" Lloyd asked. "You could be putting yourself in…"

"I can handle it." She met her summoner's gaze with determination and Lloyd nodded.

"Okay, you go and stop him." He turned to Sylph. "The three of you and Gnome will go to stop Undine. We'll go to the Renegade Base first to regroup, then head to the world council. Celsius, I'm counting on you. When you're done, meet us back at Meltokio Castle too."

The ice Goddess nodded. "You got it." Then disappeared.

"And…us?" Shadow asked slowly.

Lloyd shook his head. "Sorry, but I don't think any other elements will be of much help right now, but thanks." He replied. "Now, let's meet up with the others."

Triet Desert – Renegade Base

"They're here, Genis." Presea announced to the quite mage. Still lying down in bed, Genis had his back turned from the axe-girl. "Do you wish to attend?" She asked politely.

Taking a shaking breath, Genis rolled over and sat up. He nodded yet still stared down at his covers. "Yeah, I'll be there in a sec."

Presea nodded and exited the room. In the next room were all of their friends, having just arrived from all of their missions, a majority of them being successful. In Sybak, with Zaichar's forces exposed thanks to Regal's explanation, the rumors would be put to a halt as to which race was behind it. In Asgard, Lloyd, Kratos and Colette had defended the half-elves and scared off the humans for now. After the world council meeting, more soldiers would be put in order to protect the villagers. Unfortunately, Presea and Genis were not successful in their investigation, but that was of little consequence compared to their other news.

Genis came out quietly and although the group wondered why he was so down, they figured they'd find out eventually. Standing just behind Presea, Genis still refused to meet anyone's gaze as the girl began to inform her friends about their mission. "Genis, Raine and myself came to Triet to discover that some of the Renegade soldiers from here defected, or at least quit working for Yuan, after his display against Zaichar." She began. "We were admitted only after revealing the urgency of our mission."

"So it's become a human settlement?" Sheena asked.

Presea nodded. "Last night, I sensed a very strong dark aura in the desert and Raine left to investigate. She left without warning and it wasn't until the morning that I…"

"She's gone." Genis croaked.

Lloyd bolted to his feet and shock and exclaimed. "What? Where? Did she run off again?"

"No, she's gone! She's dead!" Genis finally rose his head to meet Lloyd' intense stare with a tear-filled one of his own.

"H-how could that have happened?" Colette asked in an already shaking tone.

Biting his bottom lip, Genis clenched his eyes shut. "It was me. I ran off and Raine went after me. When Megami showed up, she…defended me against the dark mana, but…her own barrier…she just didn't have enough mana left…" Genis replied.

"Oh my gosh." Sheena's hand shot up to her mouth as her eyes also began to water. "So she's…"

Genis could only nod.

Lloyd couldn't believe it and felt his legs weaken, but supported himself on a nearby chair. "That…that witch!" Lloyd cursed, wiping away his own tears before they could fall.

"Those of Triet refused to give Raine a proper service, so I brought her here." Presea reported. Had she the ability to cry, she would have, but she still felt an incredible loss for her friend, as did everyone in the room at that time.

Kratos, though his heart was torn with pain, stood up and cleared his throat. "I will inform Yuan that we'll be delayed for a while and that we'll be conducting Raine's funeral here…"

"Cremation." Genis cut off the angel. "Raine…wanted a cremation."

Kratos nodded and left to make the call, as well as prepare the pyre.

Colette walked up to Lloyd's side and the two slowly embraced, depending on each other for strength. Sheena buried her face in Zelos' chest while the warrior attempted to compute the recent information. It was almost too hard to believe. Regal merely bowed his head in sorrow, his hands folded in prayer to the Goddess Martel.

Presea turned to Genis, but the boy had already returned to his room. It would take time, but she knew he had to be strong enough to overcome his grief.

Icy Plains Near Flanoir

Celsius followed Efreet's mana until she ended up high in the north in Flanoir. It surprised her that he would choose her element, but then again it was here where he could cause the most damage. Soaring over the mountains surrounding her frozen paradise, Celsius slowed her approach and found herself closing her eyes as she inhales the crisp, cold air into her lungs. It was here, in her element, where she felt most at home – her actual temple being located just South of the city of Flanoir. To most humans, the biting frost was something to protect yourself from, but for the Goddess of Ice, the weather couldn't be better.

The nostalgic feelings quickly melted away when Celsius caught wind of Efreet's Fiery Rage near the snowy town itself. Narrowing her eyes with a low growl, she sped off through the air, already formulating her berating words to her overheated counterpart. Before she saw him, she heard his monstrous laugh echo off the tall ice shelves behind the city. The sound and increased heat of the air caused pieces of the shelf to fall off and come barreling towards the human city.

"There you go again! One little ounce of freedom and you're already causing trouble!" Celsius flew down to intercept the increasing avalanche and looked up to see Efreet floating above the disturbance. "What will this solve, Efreet? Must you be so hot-headed all the time?" She shouted.

Laughing, Efreet waved a hand and a serpent of fire flew down onto the ice boulders, melting them into a faster moving tidal wave. 'I am stronger than all of you!" Efreet countered against his fellow summon spirit. "And power is what controls the weak!"

"As dim-witted as ever!" Celsius berated, throwing up her arms as she shouted, "Ice Wall!" From beneath her, a giant, thick plate of ice rose up to defend Flanoir at its mistress' call. The tidal wave rammed into the wall at the bottom of the mountainside, instantly freezing and coming to a halt. Taking a deep breath of relief, Celsius flew up – preparing to land on top the ice wall, when Efreet came and swung a might fist, shattering the wall and frozen avalanche into nothing but chips of ice. "How dare you interfere?"

Celsius gasped and barely avoided his next swing. The two elemental spirits had always been at odds with each other, but Celsius hadn't seen such anger in the Fire Lord since Mithos' decline after Martel's death.

The ice goddess always blamed Efreet for their imprisonment in the mana links. Now instead of being able to travel around in her winter paradise, she was contained to a pseudo-home within the ice temple. It was part of the reason Celsius always had a grudge against her counterpart. And I'll be damned if I let Efreet cause Lloyd to imprison us once more. Not this time. Not again. She swore.

Gathering up her mana, Celsius met Efreet's gaze and charged in.

Genis stood hands in arms hanging limply on his sides. His chin was level only for the fact that he didn't want to rest of the group to see his pain. His eyes were locked on Raine, her body laid out and covered with a clean white sheet, revealing only her serene face and eternally closed eyes. Kratos had done what he could to prepare her body, including purifying her wounds of Megami's dark mana which had begun to appear shortly after Presea and Genis' arrival at the base.

The females of the group, minus Presea, held each other and tried to stop the tears that had yet to cease from the time they initially learned of the healer's passing. Genis wanted to cry too, but somehow the words of the mysterious man from before made him resist. His feelings of fear had been what gave the darkness access into his heart the first time. Now his feelings of guilt threatened to do the same all over again and he couldn't afford that. Not now.

Megami was still out there. The dark elven general serving under Zaichar. She was the real one to blame and Genis swore to himself not to lose sight of that. For Raine's sake.

Genis heard Lloyd besides him take a deep breath and tried to show the courage his friends needed to see so much. "It didn't matter if you knew Raine, Professor Sage, for a day or a year, you instantly felt you had an unbreakable wall behind you, to support you when you fell. Whether it was her fierce love of learning and teaching, or her gift as a healer, she always did what she could for those around her.

"As a half-elf, she was faced with a lot of discrimination from those who refused to see who she was on the inside. As a teacher, she was admired and looked up to for her insight and wisdom. She meant a lot to all of us and we pray that the Goddess accepts her with the open arms she shows unconditionally to all her children, and may she continue to guide us as we live our lives with the lessons and teachings that are her legacy. Farewell, Professor."

Nodding to his father, Lloyd finished his speech and gave the signal for the angel to step forward with his lighted torch."

"Wait." Genis spoke up quietly. Lloyd gave him a confused look, but when the small mage pleaded with his eyes, the half angel nodded and motioned with his hand for Kratos to wait.

Stepping forward, Genis took a similar breath as Lloyd had and tried to find the right place to start. "Most of my happiest memories happened in Iselia and unlike everyone else, it wasn't because she was Professor Sage, but instead…Raine – my big sister." Genis let out a small smile and looked down in embarrassment. "Raine had to be a lot of things to a lot of people: a teacher, an elf, a scholar, and to me she was forced to be a mother and a sister. When Raine first told me to lie about being a half-elf, I hated it. I didn't understand why people couldn't know who I really was. But now I see that she did it to protect me. Even now, people who hate me for being a half elf make me mad in return, and I know I can't harbor those kinds of feelings anymore."

"I don't remember Tethe'alla at all, but what I do remember of me and Raine in Iselia more than make up for it. She was the one who taught me to control my mana and summon the elements, she supported me when I wanted to learn to cook…she even taught me to lace my shoes." Everyone smiles, remembering their own good times with the teacher. "Raine told me, that no matter what happens, I should always listen to my heart, because she'll be there guiding me. And even though Raine's the only family I've ever had, my heart's telling me…I had another one here all alone. Or maybe my family just got bigger and I'm just realizing it now." Genis met everyone's gaze and nodded. "May she guide us all in the future we encounter and aide us in our struggles."

Lloyd nodded in approval and Kratos set the pyre ablaze stop the roof of the base. Raine's body was engulfed in flame and smoke rose not as a black remainder, but as a pure white transformation into the heavens. Everyone offered their prayers to the goddess and bowed their heads in respect.

After everyone retreated back to their quarters, only Lloyd remained behind, Raine's pyre long burning away. He stood looking out over the desert, it's hot air lifting his bangs back and forth white his eyes stayed locked on the city that had refused to help a half elf. Triet stood alone in the middle of a yellow sea of sand. The lake behind it, sparkled with a clear sunlight, it's cool refreshing water providing life where normally only death would be found.

Death. Lloyd's heart sank at the thought of the word. His friends would need his help and guidance now more than ever, but lately the growing youth felt less in control of his surroundings as the situations and trouble they faced appeared way out of his area of expertise. When he could barely keep his own emotions to a simmer, how could others view him as a leader?

So enveloped by his own thoughts, Lloyd didn't notice someone come up behind him under he heard the step on the hard cement and in reaction, he spun around sword aimed at their throat.

CLANK!

"D-Dad!" The youth gasped as his sword was deftly intercepted by the older angel's own blade. Quickly sheathing it, Lloyd tried to stutter a response. "I-I'm so sorry!"

Shaking his head, Kratos smirked. "Don't worry about it. Perhaps we're more alike than we've yet to discovered." He quipped.

Lloyd's shoulders loosened and he too smiled. Turning back to the view, the half-angel felt his smile fade. "Yeah, but if that was true…" He stopped and sighed.

"Then what?"

Shaking his head, Lloyd didn't bother turning to face his father as the angel joined his side. "Dad, what am I doing thinking I can lead them against Zaichar and his forces when I'm barely been able to hold it together this long?"

Placing one gloved hand on his hip, Kratos mulled over his son's dilemma. Anna would be helping their son when he needed it the most, but as his father he had to do what he could for Lloyd as well. "I'm not sure I quite see the problem." He admitted. "As I remember, it was right after you were exiled from Iselia that you and Genis sought out Colette in order to protect her. Were you not in turmoil then?"

"Well, I guess, but it's not a simple matter of just protecting them anymore. It's much more complicated than that."

"Is it now?" The older man asked. "Strange that you should say that because when I was leading Colette and all of you to the Tower of Salvation and ultimately Mithos, all I could think about was how to protect you and how I was going to keep you from harm in the midst of all the chaos we were facing."

Lloyd finally turned in shock. "Really?"

Kratos merely nodded. "Even though I was meant to end the life of another Chosen, by submitting her to Mithos and allow him to keep control of not only Origin – against his will – but all of the other summon spirits, through all this the most important thing is what kept me focused: overlooking your safety."

The boy was open mouthed to be sure. "What that made it all easier?"

"Not exactly, but it made it…less complicated than it needed to be." Eyeing his son, Kratos asked, "What is most important to you, Lloyd?"

The answer came easily. "I don't want to loose anyone else, Dad. Not Genis, not Sheena or Zelos, and especially not Colette. They all mean so much to me and depend on me to see them safely through this." Lloyd slumped and let out a heavy sigh. "I just don't know if I'm cut out for this."

Kratos placed a hand on his son's shoulders, making the youth look up. "Just make sure all your decisions reflect your goal, and you will succeed. You have grown strong Lloyd, mentally and physically. No one can deny that. And you will be the leader they need because you've always had it within you to protect those you love and that is what makes a strong leader."

"He's right." Origin joined the conversation before materializing before the duo. "The situations we face and later overcome make us stronger."

"Yeah, that's what Dad was saying back at the house."

Origin nodded. "Therefore, it is only logical that those who face more obstacles become even strong, wouldn't you agree?"

"Well, you're stronger than I'll ever be." Lloyd reminded. "Being the leader of the summon spirits can't be easy."

"It's not and I've had my own fair share of trials and mistakes to overcome." The might summon spirit admitted.

"Mithos?" Lloyd asked knowingly.

"I believed in his words of equality but did not consider how his methods would effect all creatures born of this earth. You and Kratos have rekindled my hope in mankind and therefore made me stronger."

Kratos nodded. 'Just like those around you Lloyd, make you strong and vise-versa. It is an interdependency that flows between every living being on this world."

"So you're saying my friends make me strong and I in turn make them strong too?" The youth finally caught on.

"Exactly." Origin smiled down at his master. "Protect them and they will protect you. And because of this, Zaichar and Omega don't stand a chance."

Confidence filling his heart by the moment, Lloyd raised a fist. "Alright! After the second World Council, we'll make Zaichar see how weak he and his summon spirit really are!"

Kratos, seeing his son enthusiastic once more, nodded. "I will do ahead to Meltokio and update Yuan."

"No." Lloyd stopped him. "We go in together; as a group. The more we separate, the more chances we give Zaichar to strike. I won't lose you too, Dad. Come on, let's go get everybody else and we'll move out."

Pride filled Kratos at how well his son bounced back and respected him as a leader now more than ever. "Very well."

Fishing Village of Izoold

Gnome and Sylph stood at the shore of Izoold searching for their friend. "Maybe she's already calmed down." The digger said hopefully.

Sephie shook her head. "No, she's out there and she knows we're here too."

Yutis agreed. "And she's not too happy about it."

"Here she comes!" Fairess shouted.

Gnome, not yet sensing anything, huffed a little. "Okay, now I think you guys are just…" Cutting off the protector of mother earth was a giant funnel of water that shot up underneath the docks of Izoold. Acting quickly, Gnome dug his shovel into the soft sands beneath his feet and created a giant rock wall that shielded both himself and the Sylph sisters from the flying water and wood. Boats were demolished and planks of wood were thrown hundreds of feet into the air.

The three fairies carefully peeked over their protective wall and stared with worry at their friend, knowing she was in the center of that spinning vortex. "Undine! Calm down! It's ok, we're here now!" Yutis tried to call out.

The funnel only seemed to spin faster with Undine's growing anger. "Over the course of their planet's history, the humans have learned nothing about co-existing and living in peace!" She cried out. "Thousands of years and they've refused to evolve at all! Even now they turn on each other like rabid wolves!"

"But not all the humans dislike half-elves! Master Lloyd and his friends travel together in order to make this world a better place!" Fairess reminded her.

"But even he fell blind to the consequences his actions have taken. These humans at Asgard will return and seek their revenge on half-elves who want nothing more than to live in peace! I will not follow one so foolhardy and brainless!" Like water reflects the images placed upon its surface, Undine reflected herself and the one waterspout split into two more identical funnels.

Sephie gasped. "But Lloyd has learned the error of his ways and even now moves forward to unite this planet's people has one! You must have sensed this!"

Gnome, standing down on the ground upholding his shield, shook his head up at the fairy sisters. "Something tells me she's not in the listening mood right now."

Narrowing her eyes, Sephie said with determination that reflected in his sisters. "Then we will have to make her listen. Come on girls!"

"Right!" They replied.

Taking that as his cue, Gnome lowered his shield and the Sylph sisters flew in towards Undine. Though he would not be as susceptible to water as Volt, Gnome's abilities would be greatly hampered if he were to venture past the shore. For that reason, he was forced to stay behind.

Undine's water spouts hissed and roared upon the ocean's surface like sea serpents poised for battle. Each Sylph sister took one funnel and knew somehow they had to stop Undine's movement and get her to listen to their words of truth. Undine was not one to act irrational at any time, her wisdom allowing her to analyze each situation and find the best solution. With Lloyd's previous anger being felt in her as well, the water mistress was not presently thinking with a clear mind.

Undine's form stood still within the spinning water of her creations, but only one was truly her. Yutis pulled out her bow and arrows and aimed at her friend. Forgive me. So rarely were the summon spirits forced to fight each other and the archer did not take pride in having to subdue her friend in such a manner. "Here goes." She let the arrow fly and it flew straight through Undine, causing the water maiden no pain whatsoever. Undine's punishment was swift and the funnel bent and whip-lashed, sending Yutis back towards shore.

"I got ya!" Gnome jumped forward and caught the little fairy before she hit the ground.

"Oh no!" Fairess exclaimed as she soon found out hers was not the real one either. The funnel rushed forward and consumed her, spinning her round and round, all the while Undine taunted her for her rash actions. "The winds have no control over me, little one." As Fairess was also thrown back, Gnome and Yutis worked together to cushion her fall, leaving only Sephie to face off with Undine.

"I do not wish to face you this way, but if you will not listen to our words, we have no choice but to fight." She warned before diving into the funnel head on with her sword. The action caught Undine off guard and she barely had time to unsheathe her water blade to parry the attack. Sephie pushed down hard, but part of her had trouble staying in the air while the rushing waters continued to spin around them. Meeting Undine's even blue gaze, Sephie gritted her teeth as she spoke. "We are the protectors of the humans, so chosen by the Goddess Martel herself. Would you go against your oath and defy her?"

"Humans…in order to protect them, we would have to lock them up like the animals they are, and even then they would no doubt continue to fight amongst themselves." Undine replied. "The humans will bring about their own demise whether we existed or not."

"I won't let you continue to harm those we are meant to protect."

"You should be more worried about how to protect yourself." Undine broke their clash and swung her blade horizontally in a wide arc, causing Sephie to evade backwards. In doing so, though, the little fairy lost her balance and was caught up in the winds, being thrown end for end back into the merciless waves below.

"Sephie!" Her sisters called out from shore.

Sephie reemerged and coughed up seawater but otherwise looked unharmed. "Okay, looks like our only other choice is to stop her movement. This isn't over yet!"

Meltokio

Lloyd and the others entered Meltokio castle cautiously and with their senses on alert. Already upon entering the bustling town, they had gotten the impression that they were not exactly wanted. Passerby would glare at them, but none had had to courage to voice any accusations yet. Lloyd couldn't begin to figure out what could cause them to act that way and so was even more unnerved than the rest of the group.

Inside the castle, things were a little less tense, but the half-angel could still tell all eyes were on him whether he saw them all or not. Not having been present during the first world council, Regal assured him some of the tension was normal and that since he was the main speaker of today's meeting, all eyes would naturally be on him, though even the seasoned politician himself could tell something else was amiss.

The first to greet them was Yuan, dressed as he always was, which seemed more suited for the castle than his Renegade base. The angel shook hands with Kratos, who took point along with Lloyd, and took a step back. "I am glad to see you made it. Wait, where is Raine?" Lloyd merely lowered his head and shook his sadly. "Oh, I am sorry. I offer you my condolences." Yuan said with a bow. Looking to Kratos, Yuan asked, "And what of the other matter we spoke of?"

Kratos nodded, knowing Yuan meant the situation with the summon spirits. "It is being dealt with as we speak."

Yuan seemed surprised by this, but after so many years of being a double agent, he had long learned to cover up his emotions. "I see. Then please, follow me into the main hall. The delegates are convening there as we speak." Turning on his heel, Yuan lead the group to the second floor of the castle and as they entered the door, the two guards parted the double doors and allowed them entrance.

The Arbitrator, upon seeing them, smiled and rushed to meet them. "Lord Yuan and Lord Kratos! And I see you've brought Lloyd with you as well! Surely now we can get everyone to come to an understanding about these horrific rumors and battles being fought at random all over the land."

Kratos cleared his throat. "Have you heard from the town of Asgard yet?"

The older man nodded knowingly. "Yes, and I approve of the substitution. I welcome you to World Council, Lord Kratos. Your wisdom will no doubt be of great service to everyone present today."

Kratos bowed in respect. "Your confidence is overwhelming, Arbitrator."

"Let us just hope today's meeting is more…fruitful than the last."

Kratos look over to Lloyd. "That will depend on their generation, I believe."

As the Arbitrator went up to the podium and attempted to quiet the whispering delegates, Kratos took his seat behind a small plaque that read "Asgard". Looking down towards the stage, he knew Lloyd was beyond nervous, but his son did a good job keeping his composure and made sure his friends behind him did the same. Yuan stood present but off to the side where he could listen and interject as needed.

"Quiet please." The Arbitrator asked one last time. "I know many of you wish to voice your concerns about the recent conflicts but you must first be recognized if we are to come to a working solution."

The representatives finally quieted and the older man took a deep breath. Looking up, he saw Neil raise his hand. "The floor recognizes Palmacosta."

Neil, still uncomfortable with his new position, cleared his throat and tried to calm his breathing as he stood up. "We at Palmacosta have recently experienced…attacks by elves. So far no one has been seriously injured, but it does beg the question…are these elves those from Heimdall?"

"Yes, I wonder why Heimdall has yet to sent a representative to these meetings." Vicky commented calmly.

The Arbitrator nodded. "The villagers from Heimdall have all gone missing. Their village is deserted, leaving no trace as to their whereabouts, but I assure you, those who ransack houses and cause petty rivalries between the humans and half-elves could never be the calm, wise elves we all came to know of in Heimdall."

"But how can we know for sure?" The new representative for Altamira interrupted.

"Who will be attacked next?" Ozette's delegate followed up with, the village itself always having a problem with outsiders, let alone half-elves.

"Please! If you would all remain quiet, Lloyd Irving and his companions have come here to explain everything."

This instantly silenced everyone and Lloyd slowly came up to the podium as the Arbitrator stepped aside.

Lloyd looked over the delegates and as most glared at him impatiently, the youth froze up and couldn't find his voice. Then from behind him, he heard a quiet "Go for it!" and a "You can do it!". Turning around, he saw Colette and Genis smiling. It reminded him of those times he could be forced to speak in Professor Raine's class. His friends would always be there supporting him when he froze up. Thanks guys. He thought with a smile.

Turning back to the representatives, which also included his dad, Lloyd found the courage he need to say what he'd come to say. "The attacks, both angelic and elven, have been the work of one man…and his name is Zaichar." Holding the podium on both sides, Lloyd said this next part carefully. "Any rumors you heard were started by agents of his, generals who wanted us to turn on each other so they could benefit from the chaos."

"Then the evil elves, dark elves really, they we've seen were created by him?" Triet's representative asked.

That's a tough one. If I answer yes, in a way I'd be lying. But if I tell them it's the elves from Heimdall, the elves will be blamed for all the reparations Zaichar has caused. In his indecision, Lloyd met his father's gaze, and the angel simply stared back calmly, showing his son he trusted his judgment. "Yes, he's created an army. One he plans to force us into submission."

Concern broke out and voices slowly rose into arguments. "That is why we must stand together, supporting one another instead of worrying about who's to blame!" Lloyd shouted.

In an show of anger, the man sitting next to Vicky, the head scientist from the Institute shot to his feet. "Who says we have to worry about who's to blame? The answer's standing right in front of us!" This made everyone gasp as he pointed angrily at Lloyd.

"Jonathan!" Vicky berated. "What are you talking about?" After Regal's actions in Sybak, Vicky had slowly become a supporter of the group, if even in the littlest of ways.

"My informants have told me that even now, Lloyd Irving and his group have been found attacking humans who seek to reclaim their homes. The destruction they cause will cost those towns thousands of gald and on top of that…" Jonathan crossed his arms smugly. "Lloyd's summon spirits are acting under his order and attacking Izoold and Flanoir as we speak!"

"What?" Lyla stood up. "I haven't heard any such attacks!" She exclaimed.

Flanoir's representative frowned. "When did you hear this?"

"Does it matter? Why listen to a boy who performs such atrocious acts behind our backs? Can we even trust him?" Jonathan met Lloyd's shocked gaze. "Do you deny it?"

Lloyd grit his teeth and was trapped behind the man's words and he knew it.

"Unfortunately," Yuan stepped in. "We cannot confirm your…sources claims until further investigation can be conducted."

"Even being here, this Zaichar could be learning our every plan through the traitorous boy right now!" Ozette exclaimed.

At that moment, everyone broke out either supporting Lloyd or acting against him. Lloyd kept his eyes locked on the man responsible for the uproar and instantly saw the dark black and red aura swirling around him. Dammit Zaichar. You just won't stop will you? Having found the weakest link in the council, Zaichar had probably found a way to control the man and meant to create even more friction within the leaders of the known world. There's no other way he'd know about my summon spirits and about Asgard so soon.

Kratos, Yuan, and the Arbitrator did the best they could controlling the group, but it seemed impossible.

How can I rectify this? Lloyd wondered.

They wish to question your loyalty and power. Show them you are not as weak as they believe you are. Origin advised. Show them you have not been swayed as the representative Jonathan has been.

Lloyd nodded and looked within him where the King of Summon Spirits lay dormant. "Origin come forth!" The rush of wind and appearance of the great summon spirit made most of the delegates rush to the back of the council hall.

"You see!" Jonathan shouted. "With his identity revealed, he has no choice but to be rid of all of us!"

"Listen to all of you! You're all so busy yelling at each other, you can't even hear the your neighbor's voice. What's worse…you can't even hear your own voices."

"What's important is that we don't listen to your lies!" Jonathan challenged.

Lloyd stared calmly at the man and said, "Origin."

The summon spirit nodded and disappeared. When he reappeared, he was behind Jonathan and the representative was lifted into the air by Origin's power. "Now, look at what truly is not to be trusted." Making it so even untrained eyes could see the darkness controlling Jonathan; a black hideous shadow appeared from behind Jonathan, making many of the women delegates shrieking in fear. "Corruption has indeed infiltrated this world council, but it is not in Lloyd."

"But can we do about this? We can't stand up to a force like that!" A random voice shouted from the crowd.

"What you have to ask yourself first is this: have the leaders and mayors of the villagers resorted to surviving off of rumors?" Lloyd asked the council.

Origin, performing a simple exorcizing spell, vanquished the dark shadow, freeing the man into a much needed unconsciousness. The man fell limp and summon spirit laid him gently on his desk.

"You turn to others to fix the problems, while you all just sit back and watch." Lloyd addressed. 'You know, I used to think just like you do. I used to think that following and protecting the Chosen of Mana was the only way I could save the world. And just like you…I was wrong. I wasn't helping at all; I was depending on her because I thought she was the only one who could save the world. If you want to change anything, you must first change yourself."

"Salvation didn't come from one person alone. It came form nine: A lumberjack who learned to make her own decisions. A man who moved forward from a pain past in order to make a better future. A ninja who realized the true power within her. A scholar who…" Lloyd throat constricted a little, but he forced himself to continue. "A scholar who discovered blood doesn't dictate who we are…we do. A Chosen who learned the value of his own life and another Chosen, who learned to live life to the fullest with the one they were given. A little mage saw with his own eyes the courage it takes to stand up to your fears. A human who recaptured his humanity in order to save his son…and a son who discovered, he had a family all along. It wasn't an angel, a half-elf, a single Chosen, or even a human. It was all of us."

By the end of his speech, the room was silent with understanding. "And now we need all of you to work together to solve this problem and save the world once again. Not for yourselves, but for your neighbors and your children. If we give up now, and civil war breaks out, Zaichar will have his choice of victims to control and manipulate." He raised a fist. "We can't let that happen!"

A cheer broke out between the delegates and what followed will go down in history as the Great Compromise. Where everyone agreed they would not be tricked into fighting one another. They would stand together as one and fight with their combined power against one foe: Zaichar.