Rising Shadow: A Fanfic by Gyppy
Summary: The Dark Lord Nebilim is spreading the fog of death through the land; a swordsman by the name of Abyssion goes out to find out how to stop this miasma, and also to avenge the death of his parents.
Along the way, he stumbles upon the Eternal Swordsman, Lloyd, and his group, and they work together to help defeat Nebilim and restore peace and tranquility to the land.
Author's Note: This is in an Author's Universe, which means that the storyline has nothing to do with the storyline of the game. There may be a bit of out-of-characterness, and lastly, this is a crossover fic (the concept of miasma is from Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles). There may be a few Original Characters, which are characters the author came up with to put in the fanfic.
Also, there will be some hints at pairings in this fic (sometimes a little more than hints ;) ): the most notable will be LloydxColette, and there'll also be sprinklings of ZelosxSheena, GenisxPresea and, later on, maybe a little KratosxRaine. I won't spoil the rest for you.
There'll be plenty of game spoilers in this fic, however, it is in an Author's Universe, so much of the spoiler content will have to do with relations and such.
Thank you for the review(s).
Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia, Namco, Final Fantasy or Squaresoft/Square-Enix. All I own is this storyline, this story and my pathetic, writer's-block-afflicted mind.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Chapter 5: The First Seal: Flames of Hell
Third-Person P.O.V.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The group progressed westward, crossing the ocean to the first continent. There, they continued to head westward until they reached Triet.
They stopped for a while in Triet to stock up on supplies, then they headed on westward to the first seal.
abc
"This is it, guys," Lloyd said as they entered the dark temple carved in the mountain. "We can't turn back now. We're going to break all seven seals and fight Nebilim... and we're going to defeat him."
"One can not always be sure of victory," a deep, familiar voice said. "As a matter of fact, your opponent is likely more powerful than you could ever hope to be at this point."
"Wow, that's the most I've heard him say in one breath," Genis remarked, glancing over his shoulder. "I don't think he's ever stated the obvious before either."
The others in the group immediately turned, and came face-to-face with the blue-eyed convict they had met so long ago.
"Regal," Lloyd said. "I was wondering where you went."
"I came to inform you of Nebilim's new plans," Regal said calmly. "The Desians have decided to chase after you in an attempt to subdue you and prevent you from finishing your journey. Cruxis is sending out reinforcements to prevent your destruction."
"So this is the one you spoke of in Meltokio," Abyssion said quietly. "I've never seen him before. May I ask what his significance in this party is?"
"He's the president of a very important company," Lloyd replied. "Most of the time he's occupied with it, so he has little time to do anything else, but he comes to help us every so often."
"I see," Abyssion said. "Well then, let us proceed."
"I shall take my leave as well," Regal said. "I have to assist somebody... but I promise I'll return to you someday."
Lloyd nodded and waved goodbye to the convict, who left swiftly.
"We have an arduous journey ahead of us," Abyssion said. "We should watch out while we're in the temple."
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The group progressed rather uneventfully, and after a time they came upon the seal. Encased in a crystalline sphere floating above the altar was a peculiar card, like those that Sheena wielded.
Lloyd attempted to progress, but he was knocked back forcefully by a force field that conveniently happened to appear around the seal.
You possess pure souls, a voice said. You cannot take this weapon.
"I guess this means we'll have to fight," Zelos said, shaking his head. "Well, I wasn't really expecting this to happen, but I guess we're gonna have to do it one way or another."
"You knew we'd have to fight the seal guardian," Abyssion said. "If we don't, we can't release the seal."
"Yeah, but I hoped it'd be easier," Zelos said. "I mean, come on, we have to fight left and right day and night. It's just not fair."
"There's no time for that," Lloyd said, drawing his swords. "The seal guardian's attacking!"
As everyone drew their weapons, there was a massive burst of flame, and the room's temperature increased. The group began to step back as a massive creature began to materialize before them; only after it had fully materialized were they able to discern just how hellish this being was.
The general shape of the creature was rather feline; its head and body were like those of a lioness, and it had a long tail that lashed back and forth. Out of its back and neck rose towering crystalline spikes, and blades of steel rose from its tail. The creature's claws were long and sharp, perhaps long enough to impale a full-grown man and rend him asunder. The creature's entire body was blood red, with empty black eyes that seemed soulless. Wings of pure fire rose from its back, flapping slowly and unleashing a torrent of flame upon the room.
On either side of the beast were what appeared to be human skeletons with wings; their eyes glowed with a fiery light, and their charcoal-black wings were burning with a similar fire.
"Ktugachdon and two flame angels," Presea stated emotionlessly. "Probability of success is fifty-two percent."
"This Ktugachdon seems possessed," Abyssion commented. "Most of the time they at least have some emotion, but this one seems to radiate the aura of a killing beast. Perhaps it's the Cruxis Crystal..."
He was cut off by a massive roar from the Ktugachdon; its fiery breath scorched the ceiling, and the roar shook the temple to its foundation.
"I have a feeling this is gonna be a tough battle," Lloyd said. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to try..."
With that, he rushed at the creature and slashed at it mercilessly; his fellow swordsmen Kratos, Zelos and Abyssion followed suit.
abc
"We've taken out the fallen angels, but the battle isn't half over," Kratos reminded. "We can't be too careful in this battle."
"I think we all know that already," Zelos muttered.
Both of the flame angels had fallen, and all that was left was Ktugachdon. However, the latter opponent proved much tougher than they had originally anticipated, and even nine-on-one, they were having trouble.
"I think it's time to end this," Abyssion said, leaping back. "It seems most vulnerable to magic attacks... perhaps that's due to the Cruxis Crystal."
"And that means?" Lloyd questioned.
"I think you're forgetting something," Genis said.
With that, Abyssion began his spell.
"Great waters of the ocean, come forth in torrents and crush this evil! Tidal Wave!"
A massive cyclonic vortex formed, taking Ktugachdon by force and knocking it back. For a few seconds after the vortex faded, the flame on Ktugachdon's wings was extinguished; however, the flame soon reappeared, much to the disappointment of the group.
"I sacrificed healing abilities for more powerful offensive abilities," Abyssion said. "Though I have little to no ability to cast healing spells, I can put the effort into assembling more powerful offensive spells."
"Ktugachdon is still alive," Presea interrupted. "We have to defeat it quickly, or it will destroy us with its sheer power."
"Very well," Abyssion stated. "Let us begin the main event."
Quite suddenly, a massive explosion shook the earth; Ktugachdon had prepared its most powerful attack. Summoning forth the power that was believed to be possessed only by Efreet, it loosed a massive red circle, which burned with intense fire that knocked back members of the group. Then, a massive sword of fire fell from the sky and struck the center, exploding soon after making contact. Once the attack had faded, everyone was badly damaged.
"I take it that was Ktugachdon's version of Indignation Judgment," Genis muttered. "Whatever it was, it was way too powerful."
"I don't think we'll be able to handle another attack," Kratos commented. "That... was powerful."
At the last expected moment, three arrows of light struck Ktugachdon, and it roared in pain. Lloyd turned to view the source of the attack.
Floating in the doorway that was the entrance to the seal room was a green-robed, blond-haired angel with sparkling blue eyes and beautiful white wings. He seemed to be watching Colette, and bore an expression of concern on his face.
"Remiel," Lloyd said in awe. "It's been a long time."
"It has been quite a time," Remiel said, turning his gaze upon Lloyd. "The seal guardian will not fall easily... you must continue your attack for as long as possible." Then, he turned his gaze back to Colette. "Are you alright, my daughter?"
"Oh, Father!" Colette exclaimed, turning to face Remiel. "Did you come here to save me?"
"Yes," Remiel replied. "I have been looking for you for quite some time. Right now, however, we must defeat the seal guardian."
Two angel swordians entered the room; their seemingly delicate jet-black wings fluttered ever so slowly, keeping them floating barely off the ground. Each one bore twin swords, and each of these swords bore sharp, intimidating edges.
"All is well," Abyssion said. "Let us return to the fight."
Lloyd nodded and turned around; then, he merged his twin swords into the brilliant purple glowing sword his title was named after. "This... is for hurting my friends... and for the sake of all the lives who were sacrificed for Nebilim!"
A glowing aura of pure mana encircled Lloyd as he rose the Eternal Sword into the air; the blades of light sliced at Ktugachdon repeatedly, damaging it heavily. Then, Lloyd leaped into the air, as the Eternal Sword began to shine...
"FALCON'S CREST!"
Lloyd brought the sword down on Ktugachdon, lighting up the entire seal room with a brilliant flash as the sword summoned forth its own blades of mana to attack. The attack concluded with an explosion, then Lloyd leaped back, once again separating the Eternal Sword into two.
Ktugachdon staggered, beaten and bloodied from the attack. However, it managed to rise again and deliver a blast of flame, which was enough to knock Lloyd into the wall... and out.
"We'll win this battle yet," Genis said defiantly. "If we lose now, we'll betray everyone!"
With that, the remaining fighters attacked as a group; Kratos used Hurricane Thrust and Zelos used Light Spear Cannon, while Colette used Torrential Para Ball and Sheena used Cyclone Seal. As Presea used Eternal Devastation, Genis loosed Spread and Raine cast Ray, while Abyssion unleashed Freeze Lancer.
Once the attacks had all faded, Remiel launched his light arrows at Ktugachdon, and the angel swordians finished it off with a combined attack.
"That was rough," Abyssion commented once Ktugachdon had fallen. "We need to do something about Mr. Eternal Swordsman here, too." He glared at the unconscious Lloyd.
"Oh come on, anyone can handle that," Zelos said, using a Life Bottle on Lloyd. "We all know that items exist for a reason."
Lloyd slowly awoke, and shook his head repeatedly before asking, "What happened?"
"You were knocked out by Ktugachdon," Raine replied. "We attacked Ktugachdon together and managed to take it out. The seal should be released soon."
Lloyd looked up just in time to watch a spectacular sight; as the seal was released, the crystal sphere that held the card shattered. Once the seal had been released, the card floated down in front of the altar. Sheena stepped forward and took the card, finding it perhaps just as usable as her regular weaponry; she pocketed it for later use.
"Well, it seems we've released the first seal," Lloyd said. "That means we need to find the next seal, right?"
"Yes," Raine replied. "However, it would be best if we rested here for the night."
"Outside the temple, you mean," Kratos said, chuckling slightly. "It would not be practical to stay in the temple."
One of the angel swordians glanced at Lloyd and tilted her head, then proceeded to exit; the other soon followed.
"Yes, it would be best to stay here for the night," Remiel said. "Let us leave the temple... to be perfectly honest," his tone changed, "this place gives me the creeps."
Everyone else grinned at that last comment; they had never before heard Remiel say something like that.
The group then proceeded to leave, being careful to avoid opposing monsters as they exited. Once they had left the temple, they set up camp, and some quiet conversation ensued.
It was decided that Remiel was to stay there for the night with them; then, he would return to Vinheim with the other angels. After all, they figured, he still had some things to do in Cruxis before he could accompany them.
However, he made a final promise to Colette: if she were ever in trouble, he would come and save her from any harm.
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Author's Note: Alright, let me clear up a few things for you. First of all, weapons equipped:
Lloyd has the Material Blade,
Colette has the Angel's Halo,
Genis has the Southern Cross,
Raine has the Crystal Rod,
Presea has the Bahamut's Tear,
Sheena has the Asura,
Kratos has the Last Fencer,
Zelos has the Gladius,
Abyssion has the Excalibur.
Don't ask why Zelos has one of the weaker weapons in the game, or why so many of the characters have their Coliseum weapons (most notably Abyssion).
Regal isn't exactly my favorite character, so don't expect him to be featured much. However, do expect more angel swordians. I love angel swordians. And their Derris-Kharlan/Vinheim counterparts, but that's beside the point.
I know that isn't what Lloyd says when he uses Falcon's Crest, but I don't particularly care. It sounds cooler than "Divine Justice" anyhow.
Lastly, I like Ktugach. Ktugach and Iapyx, actually. They're my two favorite seal guardians in the game. Ktugach because it looks cool and Iapyx... because it looks cool, duh :P I don't particularly like Adulocia or Iubaris, and I HATE fighting Remiel.
And yes, Ktugachdon (the EVOLVED version of Ktugach, bwahahaha :) ) learns hi-ougis too. But only the fire element version of Indignation Judgment. If you're having trouble picturing the attack, think of a cross between Raging Mist and Indignation Judgment. Really cool. 8)
Well, I hope this long chapter (and even longer Author's Note) will keep you occupied for the present. I've been experiencing some technical difficulties as of late and may not be able to update for a while.