1Hi again! Are you all ready for Chapter 15? I hope it's everything you could want and more! I actually thought of this while taking a walk, go figure! Anyways, thank you to everyone who reads this story and an extra special thank you to everyone who reviews it. I really hope you all enjoy reading this because I really enjoy writing it, when I get to the computer to do it. I also hope that everyone's questions will be answered soon. I haven't completely decided when exactly Storm's identity will be revealed but I have a pretty good idea of when I want it to be. Okay, so enjoy this next piece of the story.

Author Note: During the fights I like to use anyone and everyone who is able to fight just because that's the way it would be in reality. Who says I have to stick with how the battles work on the game? My story is different from that!

Chapter 15: Conflicting Thoughts

Pronyma immediately rushed the group as Collette, Genis, and Raine began to chant while Lloyd, Zelos, Sheena, Presea, and Storm distracted her. Even though she had quite a few people attacking her at once, Pronyma proved to be a formidable opponent. Even though she was able to defend herself, Pronyma decided it was best to call in her reinforcements. Three angels flew down and began to fight with Lloyd, Presea, and Zelos. This left Storm open for an assault from Pronyma.

"There are more of these angels," Lloyd asked as he battled an angel with a little help from Collette.

"It would appear so," replied Presea in her monotonous voice.

Storm was listening to Lloyd and didn't see Pronyma moving towards her, but she did feel her as Pronyma tackled her, knocking her off balance.

"You know you shouldn't turn your back on an opponent, Storm," Pronyma laughed as Storm landed on the ground.

As Storm regained her composure, Pronyma prepared to attack again. This time though Storm was ready and dodged her attack and countered it with a slice to Pronyma's shoulder. Pronyma let out a shrill scream as blood began to flow from her injury.

"Why...you little..." Pronyma said.

"If I didn't have to hold back, you would have been dead already," Storm growled at her.

Pronyma then attacked using a Agarasium attack throwing Storm into the air. Storm tried her best to land on her feet but was immediately slammed to the ground with Pronyma's Leonasium attack. Storm laid stunned on the ground and tried to lift her head up to find Pronyma but the world seemed to be spinning. All of a sudden, she felt a sharp pain in her side as Pronyma kicked her.

"You little mongrel, I would kill you right now if Yggdrassil would let me, but believe me he will let me beat you for your attitude," Pronyma said as she prepared to attack Storm.

Storm braced herself for another attack when suddenly Pronyma let out a blood-curdling scream. Lloyd had taken the opportunity to stab Pronyma in her side while she was distracted. Pronyma flew up in the air, holding her side from the pain.

"Leave her alone!" Lloyd yelled as he pointed his sword at the powerful half-elf.

"You...you got away this time, but believe me we'll meet again soon," Pronyma said as she gathered up her injured angels and prepared to head back to Derris-Kharlan.

He saved me? He didn't have to save me, but he did. But why did he? I thought that all humans only cared about themselves? Maybe they really aren't as bad as they seem. But, then again he doesn't know who or what I am. I bet he would hate me if he knew. I bet he would kill me if he knew, Storm thought as she got herself off of the ground.

Lloyd stared at his next opponent, Yuan. The Renegades just couldn't seem to leave him alone. But why did they need him? It didn't matter, the only thing the group knew was that they would have to fight him off too.

Lloyd and Storm drew their swords and prepared to fight, when suddenly, Kratos flew out of the sky, interrupting the battle.

"Kratos, what are you doing here?" Lloyd asked the seraphim.

Kratos ignored Lloyd's question and looked at Yuan. "Yuan, Lord Yggdrassil has requested your presence immediately," Kratos told the blue-haired half-elf.

With this comment, Yuan glared at Storm afraid she had blown his cover to Yggdrassil and broken their deal. Storm shot him a reassuring look. He hesitantly began to fly off towards Derris-Kharlan. Before leaving, Kratos looked over at Lloyd and Storm and wave of relief seemed to flood over him. He followed close behind Yuan leaving the rest of the group to decide what to do next.

"Now what?" Genis asked.

"Well, we're stuck now. The Renegades stole our Rheiards!" Lloyd said angrily.

"Lloyd, it doesn't really seem fit to say that the Renegades stole the Rheiards from us when we're the ones who stole them first," Storm pointed out.

"Yeah, I suppose but we still have nothing to travel with," Lloyd said.

"Why don't we go to the Elemental Research Lab in Meltokio? They may have a way for us to get around," Sheena suggested.

"I'm up for just about anything. We're pretty much out of options at this point," Raine replied.

"So, we're going to Meltokio," Lloyd cheered as the group headed towards their new destination.

Later that night...

"Hey Lloyd, can I talk to you for a moment," Storm asked hesitantly before sitting down next to Lloyd after the small nod he gave her.

"What's up?" he casually asked.

"Well...I just wanted to say...thank you for saving me today. No one has ever cared about me that much," Storm said.

"Hey, no problem. That's what friends do, right?" Lloyd replied as he smiled at her.

"We're friends?" Storm asked with a shocked look on her face.

"Well, of course dummy! In fact, I can't imagine you not being on this trip," Lloyd said to her.

Tell him...tell him the truth. He'll probably hate you but at least you won't have to hurt him. The worst that could happen is that Yggdrassil would totally kill you, but at least I would be free.

"Thanks, I've really grown close to everyone here too," she replied.

"Don't ever think you're on your own, we've always got your back," Lloyd said as he got up to go and talk with the others.

I wish I could tell you the truth, but what if Yggdrassil is right? What if the only way to save you is by sacrificing Collette? It's worked for this long so why wouldn't it be the right thing to do? Storm thought as she wandered deep into the surrounding woods.

"Storm, you've done well protecting the Chosen although she has returned to her normal state," Yggdrassil said through the hologram projector.

"Sorry, my lord, I had no idea that that Key Crest would be able to contain the power of the Cruxis Crystal," Storm replied.

"It can't and that's why I need you to return to Cruxis soon," Yggdrassil replied.

"Why now, don't you need me to return the Chosen?" Storm asked.

"No, I believe that she will return to us on her own. Once that Key Crest is unable to hold the power of the Cruxis Crystal anymore she will begin to get very sick. The only way they can save her is by gathering certain materials, one of which is a Mana fragment form Derris-Kharlan. They'll bring her to us and we'll be ready," Yggdrassil replied.

"Alright, when would you like me to come back," Storm asked.

"All in good time my dear, for now stay hidden. You've done a fine job. As a reward I will let you kill the Chosen's group when the time comes," Yggdrassil said.

Kill Lloyd and the others? I...I don't know if I can do that. Maybe I won't have to. Maybe Lloyd will understand, Storm hoped.

"Yes...my lord," she replied.

"Good, now return to your duties. I will contact you later," Yggdrassil said the holographic image disappeared.

Storm sadly walked back to camp to join her friends for the night. She thought that everyone was back at camp waiting for her, but one member of the group had been watching the conversation very intently. Zelos quickly returned to camp so Storm would not know about his eavesdropping. Unfortunately, what he had heard sounded very promising to him, he wanted to know more about Storm's group.

Okay, well, how was it. We're getting closer to what everyone is waiting for but I think it will still be a little while before her identity is revealed. Sorry, but I'm trying to make it good. Suggestions, comments. Please review. Please!