Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia, or any of its themes or characters. But, MAN would it be cool if I did!

A/N: Well, it's about time I actually got the real story going. Everyone seemed to like the Mithos/Genis connection, and I hoped you all saw the event I practically recreated (coughMartelcough). This part of the story actually takes place ten years after "Together Forever." That means that Lloyd is twenty-eight, Sheena is thirty, and Genis is twenty-three. Raine has been dead for four years now.

So you know, the following is another list of what the 'Symphonia Nine" has been up to since the funeral:

Lloyd and Sheena - married and living in Luin. Lloyd is the Governor-General of the thriving city, and Sheena is a housewife, living at home with the three kids.

Colette and Zelos - married and living in Iselia as teachers. Have been in constant contact with Sheena and Lloyd. Have two kids.

Genis - has been mysteriously absent from Symphonia. He has not been seen or heard from for three straight years. No one knows where he is, or even if he's still alive.

Regal - still works as president of Lazareno, which has been very successful. Has rebuilt over three towns, and built four new ones. Still in constant contact with all but Genis.

Presea - Works for Lazareno, but hasn't been the same since Raine's death. She hasn't talked or visited anyone but Regal for years. Recently disappeared and whereabouts are unknown.

Kratos - Still lives on derris-Kharlan, but can make monthly visits using warping technology. Has been in constant contact with all but Genis.

Also, I wanted to apologize for anyone that was upset at the death of Raine. I seem to be good at killing off characters. First Yuan, now Raine... The only reason I did that was for the obvious effect on Genis. Raine may not be one of my personal favorites, but she is definitely not one of my least. I respect all Raine lovers, and apologize to any that were upset at the last chapter. Sorry!

I want to take this opportunity to thank many people. First of all, the entire old gang. I want to thank everyone who read and reviewed my story "Together Forever." It was because of those people that my first story was such a huge success! Thank you all! Now, I want to thank everyone who reviewed last chapter—thanks!

As usual, I have a review goal. I want "Heart of Darkness" to get 100 reviews, just like Together Forever! You guys think you can do that! I want 100 reviews, so review away!

Now, on to the real story, "Heart of Darkness" chapter 1: A New Threat!

Chapter 1: A New Threat

The sun was just barely rising on the capitol city of Luin. Ever since the worlds had been combined, Luin had become the largest city in Symphonia. It had quickly been named the capitol of Symphonia, with the city now expanding for miles. And right now, the sun was just rising over the lake, peering into the window of the Governor-General's house. The most powerful man on the planet.

And right now, the Governor-General, the most powerful man on the planet...was sound asleep. Well, not sound—he was snoring rather loudly. His brown hair fell over his eyes, and he had his arm wrapped around the lady sleeping next to him. Both were naked, as their tenth anniversary had been last night. He had simply wanted to go on a night out, but of course, his wife had other plans. And he rather liked those plans even better.

His wife's black hair was slightly mussed, and let out of its usual ponytail(?). She was nuzzled up next to her husband, smiling gently. As the sun ran through the window, she began to stir. As her eyes opened, she looked at the man laying beside her. He was still snoring loudly. She grinned. She never was able to break him of that habit.

"Wake up, Lloyd," the lady said, shaking her husband violently.

""Heh? Wha..." he yawned, looking up at his wife. "So early?" he asked, grinning.

"Come on, Governor-General Aurion..." Sheena said, getting out of bed. "You have work to do!"

"I know, I know," Lloyd said, getting out of bed himself. He got on his blue uniform and black pants. He got out his red cape, but decided not to put that on until after breakfast. Sheena likewise changed into her Mizuho successor kimono. Lloyd grinned as he saw her.

Even though Orochi had become Mizuho's chief, Sheena still continued to wear Mizuho clothes. She had asked him on her wedding day whether he wanted to accept the duty as chief. Orochi readily accepted the job, glad to know that Sheena could have a normal life. Lloyd had no problem with this. He thought the Mizuho robes and kimonos fit Sheena perfectly.

"Come on, dear," Sheena said, walking over to the only half-changed Governor-General. "The kids will be up soon." As if on cue, the couple heard a large thumping noise from the rooms above them. Their kids had the three upstairs bedrooms, while Lloyd and Sheena got the one on the first floor.

The couple smiled as they heard three sets of feet running down the stairs. The first two ran down quickly, with much thumping and noise. The last child walked down slowly, calmly taking his time.

"Moooooooom!" cried a young female voice. Sheena walked out of the room as she saw her three children in the breakfast nook.

"Yes, what is it, Anna?" Sheena asked, looking at her only daughter. The girl's long brown hair was braided into a single, long ponytail. She looked up at Sheena with large, violet eyes.

"Corrine stole my cereal!" she complained, pointing at her twin brother. Despite being twins at the age of nine, Corrine looked very much different than his sister. He had spiky hair, like his father's, but it was black, like Sheena's. He looked at the two with large brown eyes.

"I swear I didn't do a thing!" he said as a box of cereal fell from behind his back. His face changed into one of surprise as he dropped it. "Uh..."

"Now Corrine, stop playing tricks on your sister," Sheena said, tugging Corrine on the ear. "And, Anna? You're a big girl now, you can handle Corrine on your own, okay?"

"Yes, Mom," the twins said, grinning mischievously. The two ran to the table and began to eat, completely forgetting their argument. Sheena shook her head. Those two were always getting into trouble. She turned to her last child.

"How did you sleep, Kratos?" she asked, referring to her red-haired seven year-old.

"Surprising well, considering I must sleep next to those two," replied the seven year old. Despite only being seven, Kratos was mature and wise beyond his siblings. Sheena was always surprised by her youngest offspring. He was calm, quiet, and wise. Just like his grandfather. He slowly walked towards the table, taking his own bowl of cereal as his siblings chugged theirs down.

Sheena walked back to her room, checking on her husband. He was completely dressed now. He smiled as she entered the room.

"Good morning," he said, kissing her. "How're the sprouts?" he asked, grinning.

"They're fine, just a little argument," Sheena answered. "Corrine stole Anna's cereal again."

"And Kratos just stood by and watched, right?" Lloyd said, grinning. "That kid is the spitting image of my father!"

"That he is," Sheena said, wrapping her arms around Lloyd as he inspected his appearance in the mirror. "And Corrine looks just like his father!"

"Yeah," Lloyd agreed, fixing his gloves. "And you and Anna could be twins."

"Except for the twenty year difference..." Sheena said, teasing him. "And the hair."

"Corrine and Anna just need to switch hair color, that's all," Lloyd said, laughing as he headed out into the breakfast nook, Sheena next to him.

"Uh, Dad?" Corrine asked from the doorway. "There's a man here to see you."

"Really?" Lloyd asked, unaware that anyone was to see him this early at his own house. "Who is it?"

"He had a red Mizuho uniform on," Corrine explained, walking towards his father. "And he won't lower his hood, so I can't see his face."

"Kuchinawa," Lloyd and Sheena said in unison. The Ninja had become the Mizuho ambassador in recent years. After returning to Mizuho, he was welcomed back and forgiven. After that, he had taken any chance to redeem himself properly. So, he became the Mizuho ambassador.

"Thanks Corrine," Lloyd said, ruffling the boy's hair. The boy grinned as he returned back to his seat at the table. Lloyd walked on to the doorway, spotting the red ninja waiting at attention.

"Governor-General Aurion," he said greeted, bowing. "Ms. Aurion," he said, bowing again. Sheena blushed as he did this.

"Please, Kuchinawa, it's just Lloyd and Sheena," she explained. "You've known us for years!"

"Yes, I am sorry," Kuchinawa apologized. "Greetings aside, I have terrible news for you," he said, to Lloyd. Lloyd's face changed into a concerned one.

"Why, what is wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"There is trouble brewing," Kuchinawa said, holding out his hand to give Lloyd a piece of parchment. "Recently, many of our people have gone missing, presumed kidnapped. The same is happening in other cities as well. We, however, have been suffering the most."

"Do you have any idea who is behind it?" Lloyd asked. Kuchinawa just stared at him.

"Read the parchment," he said. Lloyd slowly unraveled the paper and read it off. It read:

People of Mizuho—

You have surely noticed the missing people of your village.

It has been demanded that you move your village,

for the land is needed in my new world order.

Your people are my captives, my prisoners.

If you ever want them to return, follow my demands

and leave your land. It belongs to me, now.

As ordered by his supreme majesty,

The Half-Elf Emperor

"The Half-Elf Emperor?" Lloyd asked, looking at Kuchinawa. "Who is he, and what does he mean by 'new world order'?"

"I do not know," Kuchinawa answered, shaking his head. "The parchment you hold is the only evidence of the so-called Emperor. However, Mizuho is not the only city in danger. Towns such as Ozette, Altamira, and even Meltokio have received such warnings. This 'Emperor' is planing something, and it is not for the good of Symphonia."

"Agreed," Lloyd said. "But what do you suppose we should do about it?"

"My brother, Orochi, has requested your presence in Mizuho," Kuchinawa said. "He has also asked that Sheena accompany you. We fear there is war coming, and we want to settle this now."

"Indeed," Lloyd said. "Very well, We shall come. We can be ready in a few hours."

"Very well, I shall wait for you at the city's gates," Kuchinawa said. He threw down a card of some sort, and a thick cloud of smoke enveloped everyone. Then, he was gone. Lloyd looked to Sheena.

"Well, you are coming, are you not?" he asked. She smiled.

"Of course. If Mizuho is in danger, I'm there."

The two entered their house to pack. Within an hour, they were ready to go. They informed their children that he would be leaving on a diplomatic trip. The three children would remain here, under the care of the Assistant Governor-General, Pietro. Two hours later, the pair was ready to leave, and waiting at the city's gates with Kuchinawa and Pietro. The kids were at school for the time being.

"I'm leaving the city in your care, Pietro," Lloyd informed him. "I'm sure you'll do just fine."

"Thank you, sir," Pietro said, shaking Lloyd's hand. "I hop you have a safe trip. I don't want to hear you've gone and fought this Emperor. Remember what happened at the Plandria uprising?"

"I told you that wasn't my fault!" Lloyd argued. "I killed that leader in self-defense! He was coming at me, I have three witnesses!"

"I'm just joking, Lloyd!" Pietro said, laughing. "I'll see you soon."

"Good-bye, Pietro!" Sheena said, waving as she boarded her Rheaird. Lloyd got on after her, holding her waist.

"Let us go, then," Kuchinawa said, boarding the Rheaird that Lloyd and Sheena had lent him. "We must deal with this threat right away."

"Like he said," Lloyd said, hugging Sheena tighter as she started the throttle.

"We're off to Mizuho!" she said, taking off. The couple grinned as they took off into the sky, following the red ninja.

A/N: Sorry if not much happened in this chapter, but I had to start somewhere. I hop you all enjoyed meeting the kids. For those of you that want to know the kids full names, here they are:

Corrine Dirk Aurion, Anna Fiona Auion, and Kratos Yuan Aurion.

That's right, the kids are all named after relatives and dear friends. I thought that was appropriate, knowing Lloyd and Sheena. The real actuon/adventure stuff will start next chapter, don't worry. This story will probably be about eight to ten chapters long, it depends. I already have about four or five chapters already planned, and more to create.

Now, I want to mention that this story has priority over my other stories. However, I still won't be able to update as quickly because of this. I have three other stories to write. Not to mention that I'm currently writing a novel, as those of you that have read my profile know. SO, I have to balalnce my summer writing fanfiction and writing my novel. But, I'll do my best to update quickly and regularly!

Remember: 100 reviews! So, Review away!

PEACE OUT!