Meep! Omg I so sorry for not updating fast...at all. So...many...things, dying! Ugh as you can imagine I have been...extrememly busy with school just starting...last wednesday to be exact, and you know I just celebrated my sweet 16 party last saturday, even though my birhtday was like June 4th...but I digress. I just wanna tell you all that the sword names, Solastia, and Lunastia and pronouced (Sol-ah-stia) and (Lun-ah-stia). Because I sometimes make names that are hard to read and...and...augh, confusing? I dunno they're pretty though, I wish they were in the game, even though I just made them up...But, anyway you all, if you haven't already, should go see Spamalot it rocks! XD I heart Monty Python, anywho, sorry about the lack of updatage, oh yeah if you like the little quotie thingies, they'll be back next chapter when I finally get to writing it...heh, that'll take awhile...So! Enjoy chp 17 de Blue Skied Symphony :D Adios! I'M SO SORRY IT'S SO LONG! Please review! It makes me happy...and thankyou faithful reveiwerrrs like Kratos addict:D
"YOU IMBECILE I AM MITHOS!" Those words echoed through Lloyd's head, as a pounding throbbing erupted through his entire body, racking him limb from limb with pain.
"How…how can he be…Mithos?" Lloyd thought to himself, his vision was black, and as he opened his eyes the scene before him shook him to his very soul. There, standing beside his throne was Phanos, with the air of frightening nobility and yet crazed vengeance. Lloyd didn't understand how one side of this man was Mithos, the one whom Lloyd and his friends had killed not too long ago. The young swordsman's eyes darted back and forth; everyone lay sprawled on the cold purple cobbled ground of Kharlan. Phanos let out a generic laughter mixed with both his and Mithos's voice. Lloyd's exsphere throbbed on his hand; he winced as he cradled it to his chest.
"What the…why is my exspehere…hurting?" a groan nearby made the brown haired boy heads dart up Regal got to his feet, his face defiant, Lloyd saw a stream of red crimson blood coming from the ex-convicts head. Phanos laughed.
"What's this? Still alive are we? Trying to protect these insolent children from their already determined destiny of death?" Phanos asked his voice cutting through the silent air.
"No ones…destiny…is determined…not even BY YOU!" Sheena said jumping up and throwing a barrage of cards at her foe, the cards merely passed through Phanos's image and hit into the golden throne, Phanos reappeared in the same spot unscathed, and Sheena clearly shaken. Phanos let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders.
"Is that all you're going to do? My god do you not learn anything? I'm all powerful you can't stop me!" Phanos stated holding out his hand as a black sword materialized it's hilt laying in his outstretched hand, a white sword then appeared as well in his other hand. The man smiled both eyes gleaming with joy, as the swords fitted perfectly to his slender hands. He raised the black blade with its red blood colored hilt, and black onyx stone in it's center above his and everyone else's head, those who were awake looked up or stared at Phanos his face twisted into a malicious smile, to dark pit less void which surrounded Kharlan and in an almost godly voice he said.
"Lunastia, the blade with the eternal power of the moon. In which no being can over come its eternal darkness." And then he lowered it and raised the white sword with a golden hilt and a sky blue ruby in its middle. Sheena stared horrified, she turned her head to Regal, and the man's face was etched with concern and puzzlement.
"Solastia, the blade with the eternal power of the sun. In which no being can stand its over powering light." Phanos lowered the white blade and stood there leering down at the only two of the party who were awake. A groan from behind her made Sheena spin around, she saw Colette in her white tattered garments run over to a body draped in red clothing.
"Lloyd! Lloyd wake up!" the former chosen cried out, shaking the boy gently but with force. A groan escaped his lips, Phanos eyes narrowed in anger.
"Still alive you wretched, boy!" Phanos flew forward with his different colored wings beating the air furiously, his sword extended out behind him, Sheena spun around just in time to dodge out of the man's way but, drawing another card cut his left wing, causing black red tipped feathers to fall to the cold stone floor. Phanos hissed in agitation and spun around abruptly, catching Sheena off guard.
"DIE INFERIOR HUMAN!" He cried out slashing downward at the Mizuhoian girl, Sheena jumped out of the way rolling across the stone floor, she felt rocks embed themselves in her neck and back, as she straightened, looking at the monster before her. Phanos wrenched his black sword out from the stone ground sending shards every which way; he turned to her, and smiled.
"What's so funny you freak!" Sheena cried out. Phanos chuckled and pointed with his sword. Sheena turned her head to the right, just enough so Phanos was still in her view, horrified at what the man was trying to say.
"You're cornered." Phanos stated he lunged forward catching Sheena by surprise as she tried to keep from falling off the ledge of Kharlan and being skewered by the man's sword. The black blade cut into Sheena's right arm and an inconceivable pain shot throughout her entire body, she gasped as Phanos wrenched it out of her shoulder, the blade glistened with her crimson blood. Sheena cut through thin air with her left arm, as Phanos jumped backwards, spinning his black sword between his left and right hand, his white sword laid at his side, tucked into his belt. He brought the gleaming blade up to his face, and the dulled blue eye of his Mithos side was reflected in the blades onyx flat surface. Sheena grasped her shoulder trying to stop the blood flow, which had already made its way around her right arm, and was now a neat pool beneath her, she gasped and glared at the man before. I won't die by him…ever. I can't…everyone is…counting on me.
"Fireball!" a familiar voice rang out through the eerily quiet battleground, Phanos spun around his eyes wide with amusement, in a quick slash he brought his sword across him, and there floating before him was a black orb.
"Dark void!" He cried out and the barrage of fireballs sent by a white haired half elf, standing a few feet away, were swallowed up by the orb, which disappeared. Genis stared in disbelief at how easily his attack was rendered useless. Raine stood close to her brother narrowing her eyes at the man's attack.
"Sheena! Run!" Phanos turned to his left, but his vision was turned black as a man with shackled hands and steel greaves flew at him, sending him flying into the nearby rocks. Sheena ran out of her cornered position, her pink tattered ribbon trailing behind her. Presea moved forward with Regal both looking grim, as Phanos shook off the dirt and dust from the rocks, he laughed.
"Is that all you can do?" he said tantalizing.
"Sheena are you alright?" Genis asked running forward, Raine walked over to inspect the girl's wounds.
"They aren't serious but I'll cast first aid anyway, just to be sure." Sheena gave a curt nod, wanting to rejoin in the fighting.
"Is Lloyd alright?" Sheena asked looking at the Professor who was taken aback.
"I totally forgot about him! Where is he?" Raine asked, but she spun around as Genis cried out in terror.
"Raine look out!" The silver haired professor looked, Phanos was above her somehow, his sword held above his head, and he had a crazed look upon his face, as his sword came crashing down on top of her. Raine turned away. There's no time…I'm done for. A clang of metal against metal made the professor open on eye, a red clad boy stood between her and Phanos. Phanos growled as he now had both swords draw, they shook with the pressure from the young boy, Lloyd too was shaking, and he began to feel weary. Both of Phanos eyes glowed, as he pushed Lloyd back, his feet scraping across the ground.
"Insolent fool, you don't have the power to stop me! Give up, and embrace the darkness!" Phanos slashed across with his black sword.
"Black demon fang!" a burst of mana the same shape as the demon fang but only black hit into Lloyd.
"Ah!" Lloyd felt himself fall backwards, and hit the ground; he opened his eyes to find a white tipped sword pointed at his throat, and Phanos looming over him. Lloyd's eyes widened as Phanos sword came striking down with unimaginable speed, Lloyd barely rolled out beneath the man with his head still between his shoulders. Phanos let out a growl his eyes flashing.
"Get away from Lloyd! Take this Wind blade!" Lloyd heard Genis cry out from somewhere, he was too occupied in trying to keep his head, that he hadn't had time to look for his childhood friend. Phanos let out a cry of rage, and spun toward Genis, he took a step forward before green blades of air began whirling about him. Phanos held one arm up above his face.
"Obsidian!" he cried out angrily, obviously Genis interfering annoyed him.
"Damn it…I forgot all about that thing." Lloyd panted crawling up using the rocks to support his weight. A black serpentine mass formed from beneath Phanos feet, it swirled around its master protecting him with its black onyx skin, and the green blades or wind swooped in from ever direction cutting neat slices into its skin. Obsidian let out an agitated hiss, as its head turned to Genis and Raine who both, took a step backwards. The giant snake uncoiled revealing an untarnished Phanos. Its massive maw opened and its acid like venom dripped onto the stone floor causing the cobbled Kharlan floor to hiss and smoke. Phanos stroked the snake adoringly.
"I almost forgot. A little side note I forgot to mention, silly me." He said smiling looking at Raine and Genis with pure evil in his eyes.
"Lloyd! Are you okay!" Lloyd turned his attention away from Phanos and looked at a worried Colette and Sheena, her arm now complete healed. Regal and Presea walked over too, the group was divided, that wasn't a good sign.
"As you can see, I am in my true form, my other half, has a true form as well." Phanos said pointing to the gigantic snake.
"Other…half?" Raine whispered looking at the two evil entities before her, she feared what was about to happen, she looked sideways at Genis, she could tell he was shaking from fright and exhaustion, but it amazed her how well he hide it in battle.
"Indeed my other half…Obsidian." Phanos spoke his voice barely above a whisper Raine turned to look back at him, both his eyes and the snakes flashed at the same time.
"You see, when Mithos sealed me beneath the Great Tree, he split my soul into two parts. One, which is I, the other Obsidian. He thought that by doing this it would weaken me; the fool didn't realize the extent of his errors, I still took control of the underworld and Obsidian took mana from the Great Tree."
"He what!" Genis cried out in anger, he eyes gleaming with hatred, as he stared at the man, Phanos smirked.
"That's right…Obsidian and I used the Great Trees mana for ourselves, so pure, so untainted, until the anger and discrimination began once again. It was delicious all that hatred and fear, all the suffering, its as if Mithos was trying to help me escape."
"What are you talking about?" It was Lloyd who asked the question now, Phanos and Obsidian turned to the eternal swordsman. Phanos let out a mirthless laugh.
"Why…eternal swordsman I thought you would know." Phanos stated his eyes flashing, Lloyd's eyes narrowed in aggravation at Phanos mind game.
"Just answer my question!" Lloyd cried out harsher then intended, he saw Colette jump a little at the fierceness in her friend's voice.
"You know that mana is made by a persons soul and will, well if that person's soul becomes tainted their mana does as well. Its all very simple and logical if you think about it. Thousands of human souls, tainted by anger, pain, suffering, indignation at the treatment the half-elves was giving them. Thus, killing the Great Tree, causing it to wither and die, as I grew more powerful. Plus, adding on oh, how many years? It's no wonder that I'm so powerful. For four thousand years I've been sealed under that godforsaken tree, waiting, and hoping one day someone would kill him…feeding like a wounded animal on the people's hatred, and darkness in their hearts. I was bred from Mithos hatred, and I will continue to feed upon others!" Phanos cried out, a smile spread across his face. Lloyd looked at him horrified.
"Then you're nothing more than a shadow! You're not real…" Phanos chuckled at the boy's statement.
"Oh, I'm very real Lloyd, as real as you can possibly imagine."
"That's not possible!" Sheena cried out moving forward her hands clenched together in fists in front of her chest, she looked at Phanos angrily.
"You can't be more that four thousand years old, and still be alive, it's impossible." Raine stated Phanos looked at her.
"That's where you're wrong." He whispered Raine looked taken aback but quickly regained her composure.
"No being is able to live four thousand years with out a Cruxis Crystal." Presea's monotone voice stated echoing across the now quiet room. The quietness shattered as Phanos tilted his head back and laughed.
"You fools! I had a Crystal!" Phanos said his hand going over his now shattered crystal, his eyes flashed.
"But, now isn't the time for small talk, I shall show you Obsidian's true power! Prepare to die!" A blast of black smoke shot out from beneath Phanos, Raine quickly covered Genis and turned him away from the smoke. Lloyd grabbed Colette's hand and pulled her to a nearby rock, it jutted out from the ground offering valuable protection. Regal and Presea took refuge by a rock near to Lloyd, and Sheena as well.
"Now! Prepare to face your demise!" While behind the rock Lloyd's hand throbbed painful, his sharp intake of breath made Colette look at him warily.
"Lloyd…are you okay?" she asked her eyes searching the young swordsman's face for any clue to his pain. Lloyd just nodded, and he looked around the rock. The smoke cleared as fast as it came, everyone removed themselves from their hiding spots. Raine and Genis coughed as they turned around, Genis eyes went wide in what seemed to be fear and fascination. He tugged on Raines orange coat, and she looked to where he was silently pointing. A thunderous roar erupted through Kharlan, shaking its very foundation. The smoke had yet to clear away from where Phanos stood, and it just stood there a lonely cloud of black smoke, and then black leathery wings folded out from inside the cloud, and red eyes flashed dangerously, as the scraping of claws could be heard.
"I don't like the looks of this." Sheena said, as another booming roar tore through the group shaking them. Lloyd felt Colette's hand shaking beneath his, he tightened his grip and looked at her, she nodded and smiled. It all happened fast, the cloud bursted apart send the remaining black smoke in Raine and Genis direction, the huge wings flapped against the ground sending rocky debris everywhere, a giant black head, erupted from the clouds surrounding the two half elves, Raine pushed Genis to the side, as she put up her staff to protect herself from the huge black horned head of what seemed to be a dragon, its red eyes glowing with ferocity its mouth agap as it shot forth through the cloud of black smoke.
"Raine!" Genis cried as he fell crashing to a pile of purple rocks. The dragon's teeth collided with Raine's staff, its head was massive, and not even the dark dragon they faced in Vinheim was this big. As fast as it had come through the clouds it reared back its long leathery-scaled neck keeping its head well above harms reach. Raine heard the gasp of Genis and when the smoke cleared she understood why he gasped, she almost did. Standing before them all at least a hundred feet tall was a massive black dragon, with red streaks all about its body, and two huge golden horns atop its head. It's red reptilian eyes narrowed as his nostrils flared, sending out puffs of poisonous gas. It flapped its black leathery wings send rocks tumbling over one another.
"Wow, that's a big dragon." Sheena stated, looking in awe at the grandness of the creature. Lloyd's eyes narrowed and he released his grip on Colette's hand.
"The bigger they are…the hard they fall." He stated and Regal and Presea nodded. Phanos was but a tiny figure standing alongside the dragon, at least when it was a snake he was somewhat equal, now he was completely dwarfed by the massive creature.
"This…everyone is Obsidian's turn form…Obsidian Absolute! Attack them! Kill them all!" Phanos cried extending his hand, and Obsidian's massive mouth opened revealing layers of sharp jagged teeth. Another roar escaped its throat, as its eyes darted to Genis who was backing away, his eyes wide.
"Genis!" Lloyd cried jumping in front of the half elf just as the dragon was about to strike, Lloyd barely had time to push Genis out of the way and dodge the massive head of the beast as it broke through the double golden doors of the throne room, sending them as if they were paper, across the floor of the Kharlan castle. Genis moved over to Raine.
"Lloyd there isn't enough room here! We should leave! Now!" Raine cried. Lloyd turned on his heel and nodded, a large black scaled tail prevented his attempt at the door, a gleaming silver clawed hand came swooping in from the left, Lloyd ducked and rolled to the side, he slashed at the dragons tail and hand, it let out a bellow of anger, and its eyes flashed red. Lloyd indicated to the rest that they should leave as well, and everyone gave a curt nodded, the black dragon extended its wings and tilted its head upward letting out a deafening roar. Everyone ran through the broken down opening which used to house the two golden doors, clutching their ears in pain. Sheena was the last out; she spun around as orbs of light flew out from her.
"G-Gnome! Shadow! Undine!" She cried as she realized all her summon spirits were acting on their own accord. Maxwell appeared beside her and snickered.
"Haven't faced something so strong in a long time." The old man said, straitening his glasses.
"M-Maxwell what's going on? I didn't summon you, any of you." Sheena said a tinge of anger in her voice. Maxwell turned to her and sighed.
"There are something's that we must do on our own, Master Sheena, and this…this is one of them." Maxwell said seriously, Sheena gazed about looking at her other summon spirits, they in turn were looking at her, a deep understanding in their eyes, and a deep sadness as well.
"We're sorry Master Sheena! Don't be mad!" the Sylphs cried out in unison. Sheena nodded.
"Okay…go get em' you guys, I believe in you." Sheena turned away as a gust of wind hit her back, the dragon landed right where she was standing moments before. Lloyd and the others turned around to find Obsidians head right above Sheena its jaws opened and ready to strike. The Sylphs flew across its face shooting arrows and slicing it, it just swatted them away like flies, by shaking its massive head back and forth. Lloyd stepped forward his face masked with anxiety.
"Sheena! Look out!" he cried running forward, and bright light erupted from him and zoomed forward, Sheena spun around the dragon's teeth inches from her body, she cringed as its foul poisoned breath flooded over her, she coughed but managed to stagger backwards, an outlying rock caused her to fall, she was now face to face with the dragon. A blinding light, which caused Obsidian to shut its eyes and bellow out in pain, stood before Sheena the foul poisonous gas dissipated at the lights very touch.
"Origin!" the summoner cried as Origin gave a curt nod. Sheena scrambled to her feet and continued to run as beams of light, and cries from her summon spirits were heard behind her.
Obsidian had to do what his master commanded; its eyes darted around trying to find the annoying summon of wind. Yutis shot out a dozen arrows at once they all collided with the dragon's rock hard skin, not even denting it. It roared in rage as it's tail swatted one of the Sylphs into a nearby pillar.
"Yutis!" Fariess cried out landing beside her sister. Obsidian's massive headshot downward disregarded all other attacks, Sephie flew out from on top and struck down right in the center of the great dragons head, causing it to recoil its head as it tossed and turned trying to shake sword out, blood flowed down it's face, as it took a deep breath and opening it's mouth a black fire with a purple center flame erupted from the dragons mouth. Gnome dodged out of the way, along with Celsius and her companion Fenrir. Origin surveyed the scene before him his eyes darting to the stone pillars on either side of Obsidian. His eyes narrowed, Obsidian seemed to give up as its head fell forward hitting the hard ground with a rumble.
"Volt! Shoot the pillar…quickly!" Volt responded with an unheard voice and a bolt of purple lightening hit into the pillar, a gigantic crack resounded through out the room as the hot spear of electricity collided with the pillar sending a huge crack across it's entire diameter. Obsidian shook its head it's eyes flaring open and glowing red, it let out a growl as it began to get up, rocks began to hit it though. It looked up and it's silted eyes widened. It let out a roar as the giant Kharlan pillar and half the bridge outside the throne room came crashing down upon it. After the loud eruption, all was quiet.
"Do you think…we defeated it?" Undine asked in her melodious voice Origin shook his head.
"No…but It'll give us sometime, come, I fear Lloyd and Sheena are in danger." The others nodded and they disappeared back to their masters.
Phanos stood, looking at the huge black mass in front of him, he touched its smooth surface, and as if it was one with him it pulsated as if alive. His eyes lit up with amusement.
"Soon…soon everything shall be mine, this world, and the one after that, nothing will be safe from my power!" He whispered to himself, but still out loud he turned around as the scraping of metal against stone was heard. His eyes narrowed in amusement.
"Ah, you wish to fight your friends now? Very well, it seems they've forgotten about you anyway. I shall be there shortly." The red headed chosen bowed and melted into the darkness, his black crystal giving off a purple aura. Phanos turned and began to walk to the door of throne room, the giant figure of Obsidian laid stilled, beaten, underneath the massive pile of rocks. Phanos sighed, and held out his hands a black light encompassed them as both eyes glowed brightly. The dragon bursted through the rocks sending them skidding across the floor and through nearby walls, it let out a defiant roar. Phanos laughed, as he patted its leg.
"Obsidian, don't fail me again…now go, kill them." The dragon disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving Phanos alone in the castle.
Lloyd panted clearly out of breath even though they hadn't run much. He surveyed everyone in the group, Sheena looked the most worn out, but she seemed all right. Colette's outfit was no long white, but it had black stains on it, and Genis looked extremely tired, Raine was resting up against a nearby purple rock. Regal and Presea were looking around warily getting hold of their surroundings. Regals greaves were blackened with dirt and blood from their foe, and Presea's blade as well. Lloyd looked out into the black expanse. Dad…where are you?
"Lloyd…" he turned recognizing fear in Sheena's voice. They were still in Derris Kharlan, in the middle somewhere they just needed to find one more warp point and then they'd be able to fight in better conditions.
"Look…it's…its Zelos." Lloyd spun around Colette's statement getting his full attention. The chosen stood before the group a black sword in his hand, his lifeless blue eyes scanning them as if choosing who would face their doom on his black tipped blade first. Lloyd heard Sheena give a sharp intake of breath; he turned to see her clearly tear struck at the chosen's appearance. Lloyd didn't pay attention to Zelos though, he knew somewhere in the darkness, Phanos was waiting.
"Zel…os. Zelos please! Don't do this!" Sheena cried out jumping forward from the group her arms outstretched in front of her. Zelos just turned his head uncaringly toward her, his blue eyes piercing her very soul; she cringed as he bore into her. He unsheathed his sword and advanced toward the group slow at first and then with a burst of speed he appeared right in front of Sheena who stepped back in surprise at the chosen's fast reflexes. He slashed across barely missing Sheena's torso as she flipped backwards; Lloyd ran up and parried his next advancing blow. The eternal swordsman grunted with effort as Zelos pushed him backwards, close to the edge of Kharlan. Genis ran forward his eyes narrowing.
"I'm sorry Zelos…" he whispered before going into a spell. Zelos was glaring down at Lloyd who was barely standing on the walkway anymore. His hand, which was holding one of his Kusanagi blades, shook as it did battle with Zelos black sword. The Kusanagi blade thrummed with a force, Lloyd looked down in confusion. What the hell? Pain erupted through his entire arm as Lloyd's exsphere bursted with light.
"AH! What the…" Lloyd's eyes widened as he lost his footing.
"LLOYD!" He heard everyone cry, a beam of lighting shot passed Zelos and the former chosen spun around, his blue eyes blazing for what, Lloyd thought was the only emotion he had, anger. His red hair flew about him like a flame, and he ran up the purple stone steps on the walkway his target was Genis. Raine jumped out in front of the chosen brandishing her rod, Zelos sliced at her each time his swords hits could be heard clanging off the rods metal post. Genis stepped back and prepared another spell.
"Lloyd! Lloyd!" Colette cried running over to the edge where Lloyd had fell, her eyes scanned for his figure, but only darkness. The clanging stopped and was replaced by a cry of pain as Zelos stabbed his sword into Raine's shoulder.
"Ah!" blood gushed forward, falling onto the purple floor in red crimson droplets, Genis stood behind Raine who was visibly shaking as Zelos smirked pulling his sword out and with a quick flick cleaned the blade. Raine gasped and bit her lip, trying to ignore the pain, but something about the wound, Raine looked at it, her eyes widened.
"It's…poisoned." She croaked she felt dizzy. Raine is almost a daze dropped her staff; it fell to the floor with a clatter. Genis canceling his spell ran over to his siter as she slumped to the ground clutching her shoulder in pain, her head glistened with sweat.
"RAINE!" Genis cried running to her Zelos looked down with those pitiless eyes, they darted to Genis who was now by Raine's side trying to get her to stand up.
"Come on Raine! Move…please! Say something! Raine!" Zelos stared dully at the two siblings he tighten the grip on his sword handle and lifted it up above his head, never taking his eyes off Genis. A glint of light off the black blade, it fell downward through the air with frightening speed. Colette spun around and cried out in horror.
"GENIS!" The half-elven boy looked up his eyes wide. I-it's no use…I can't…I can't even summon a spell, I'm done for…Genis eyes snapped shut as he gripped Raine's arm in his, preparing for either a peaceful death, or a very painful one. Sheena from her position looked in horror. No…I won't let you, not ever, I swore…to protect.
Lloyd didn't know how long he'd been falling for, he'd shut his eyes the moment he fell backwards, but it seemed like ages ago, there was no light, there was no breeze up against his face, just a black void, a void that never seemed to end. How…how could I let this happen? Everyone, I-I let them all down, Colette…I couldn't even protect her. Lloyd let out a sigh, his eyes still closed, a brush of wind hit up against the left side of his face, he didn't bother opening his eyes, he couldn't see anything anyway. A soft grunt and he felt himself jolt to a stop, hands wrapped around his arms; it was then that Lloyd decided to open his brown eyes. Kra-
"Dad! You, you came." Lloyd whispered looking up at his father who gave a smirk.
"You got carried away again, Lloyd." Lloyd's eyebrow twitched. How can he reprimand me at a time like this?
"H-how did you…get here?" Lloyd asked staring at the blanketing darkness, Kratos thought for a moment before telling his son he had flown all the way here, he didn't want Lloyd to feel sorry for him at a time like this, the angel sighed. Lloyd looked up questioning his father's hesitance.
"Origin…he helped get me here." Kratos lied a pang of guilt for lying to son even now, just to protect him it was always lies.
"Origin…I see, that's good…Hey look! A walkway." Lloyd cried pointing Kratos wavered from the young boys moments.
"Lloyd! Keep still or we'll both go down into that pit." Kratos stated and Lloyd sighed, Kratos brought them low enough so Lloyd could fall onto the rocky surface without hurting himself. Kratos landed with a few strokes of his wings behind his son. The young swordsman turned to his father.
"What took you so long in getting here?" Lloyd asked imploringly, Kratos smirked and shrugged.
"I had a little run in with your mother."
"What? You mean…that bastard!" Lloyd cried out angrily, he stopped as Kratos rested a hand on his shoulder, and he stared into his son's eyes.
"Lloyd you mustn't get worked up like that, it leads to failure…now." Kratos looked around, "do you know where the others are?" Lloyd sighed.
"No. I totally lost my sense of direction after I fell." Kratos let out a frustrated sigh, when a loud booming roar echoed through the place, shaking the very floor beneath their feet. Kratos eyebrow rose. A roar can't do that…something isn't right…
"Dad, come on! The others!" Lloyd cried running up ahead, Kratos sighed and followed his son.
Sheena felt fresh warm tears slid down her face, the pain, it was almost unbearable. There she stood between the sword and her friends, she'd jumped in between right before Zelos blade hit its mark. And there he stood his black blade now stained red, with blood from the one who swore to protect him, embedded into her shoulder, she shuddered as he pressed it in deeper, his eyes glowing, yet they had a watery look to them. She bit her lip, and with legs shaking moved forward, the blade cutting deeper. Everyone's eyes widened.
"Sheena!" Colette cried out, Sheena held out a hand.
"D-Don't come near me, C-Colette. Get Raine…and Genis…to safety." Every word spoken burned in her throat it hurt just being awake. Sheena stared into those cold emotionless eyes. She heard the gasp from Colette as the summoner moved closer, the blades cut getting deeper, she felt her blood flow down her arm, and land in droplets on the floor. Zelos stood there his hand gripping the hilt tighter his hand was shaking though.
"Zelos…don't do this. It's me…Sheena, remember I'm going to protect you Zelos…I failed, I failed again, another failure…I'm so sorry. Forgive me." Sheena whispered before falling forward.
"Sheena!" everyone cried running forward, but they stopped unable to believe their eyes. Zelos wrapped his arms around the fallen girl, bringer her close to him his eyes full of tears.
"No, I'm sorry Sheena." The chosen whispered Sheena gave a small smile. His grip tightened as Sheena's legs gave out under her, he laid her down on the floor. Sheena opened her eyes his crystal was still black. He raised his sword above her, his eyes going back and forth, her eyes widened.
"No!" Genis cried running forward but Regal grabbed him, Genis spun around breaking the man's grip.
"What're you doing? We have to save her!" Genis cried tears falling from his eyes, Regal looked at the young mage.
"Wait. Zelos looks like he's fighting the darkness." Regal stated Genis turned. The sound of metal hitting stone reverberated through the quiet scene; Zelos was standing above Sheena gripping his head in pain, his teeth clenched.
"Ah! Leave me alone! Bastard!" Zelos cried out falling to his knees his body was engulfed in a black light, Sheena used her last remaining strength to go to Zelos embracing him, she whispered something to him and then as if time stood still in that very moment her lips brushed up against his, his exsphere bursted out in a white light, as the seed within it dissolved. Everyone turned away from the light. Sheena heard Zelos let out a tired sigh as she looked at him, his exsphere returned to normal, she let out a laugh and wiped her eyes, hugging him again.
"Oh Zelos! You're alright!" she cried, he laughed patting her back everyone sighed. Genis turned to Raine, who was healed by Regal's Chi healer, and a panacea bottle. Raine looked at her brother and smiled.
"Thank goodness, everyone is alright!" Colette said happily, everyone's happiness was shortly lived as the loud flapping of wings and a thunderous roar exploded through Kharlan. Everyone looked around in worry and Obsidian swooped into view a few feet away from Zelos and Sheena.
"What the hell is that?" the chosen asked his face filled with consternation.
"That's Obsidian." A velvet voice from the shadows responded, Phanos materialized out of the shadows next to the giant dragons clawed foot, complete dwarfed by its size. He let out a sigh.
"What a bother, still useless as always Zelos. I knew I couldn't count on you, that's why I had Obsidian change." Phanos said smiling and patting the dragon's leg. Zelos just ignored him.
"I see your ugly snake turned into an equal ugly dragon, although you never were into looks were you?" Zelos said venom in his voice. Phanos chuckled.
"You best watch what you say chosen, my ugly dragon is about to devour you and your friends." Phanso stated his eyes glowing. Obsidian let out a roar as it's wings unfolded and, using it's muscled legs sprang into the air. It dove at Sheena and Zelos as it swooped down from its high altitude its mouth ajar.
"Zelos! Sheena! Run!" Colette cried, as she prepared for an angel attack. Phanos saw her and melted away yet again.
"Phanos disappeared again." Regal stated annoyance in his voice, Presea walked forward but stopped and spun around abruptly slash at the darkness with her ax, the sickening sound of blood falling onto the floor was heard. Phanos came out of the darkness a huge gash along his stomach, he growled with annoyance.
"So annoying!" He cried out jumping into the air as the Solastia materialized into his hand, he swung downward but Presea blocked his attack. He jumped away and spun around blocking with his free hand Regal's kick, he threw the man to the side and ducked as Presea swung yet again. He spun on his left leg, his right leg extended and knocked the girl off her feet, Genis ran to her aid, helping her up. Phanos stood up looked around and the spotted the girl, he smiled as he began to walk over to her, Genis stood up his body was shaking with fear but he had to help his friends.
"St-Stay away from Colette you…monster!" Genis cried out pointing his kendama at Phanos, who indeed did stop and turned his head, so that the Mithos part of him was looking at the half elf. Genis eyes widened.
"What's wrong Genis? Are you really going to kill your only half-elven friend? Especially when times are so…difficult." His voice sounding like Mithos, Genis stood rooted to the ground staring at Phanos. The man smirked.
"You're not Mithos! It won't work on me…" Genis said looking away. Phanos ran forward with lighting speed, before anyone could help him Phanos grabbed Genis by the throat with icy cold fingers.
"Perish." Were the only words Genis heard the man mutter, his eyes burning with hatred, Genis gasped, since he couldn't cry out, he couldn't breathe either. He tried prying Phanos off him but he was getting too weak from lack of air. Phanos smiled at him maliciously.
"You'll die just like that other half elf fool. I gave you a chance to join me Genis, to help me but, I guess you decided living isn't all that big. I thought you were different, but no you're all the same!" Phanos stated an emotion of pain on his face Genis had a bad feeling that the other fool he was talking about was Yuan. No! Yuan can't be dead… Phanos grip got tighter Genis head was spinning. I need…to…get out of his grip. But, how?
"Genis!" a familiar cry, and Phanos spun around as a sword flew through the air and land with a thump into his chest. His eyes widened as he looked at the sword then at the figure of red that was running toward them, his other sword in his left hand. Genis gave a small smile. Lloyd…I knew he wasn't dead.
"How! How can you be alive!" Phanos cried tossing Genis to the side, Presea broke his fall, as he coughed rubbing his throat. Phanos stared defiantly at the eternal swordsman; he ripped the sword out of his chest without so much as a flinch. Phanos let out a hiss, a loud crack made him look at Obsidian, green blurs were flying around its head, and a large bolt of lighting shot out and hit it in the chest, Obsidian let out a roar as its claw swiped volt to the side, only to have Aska fly at it. The two head bird dug its talons into the dragons flesh, its black skin not helping it very much, the giant bird pecked at the dragon's wings trying to immobilize it. Phanos glared at the summon spirits.
"Lloyd." Phanos turned the voice of a familiar figure catching his attention.
"You…you're alive as well, heh I'll kill you both! Then you can have a family reunion!" Phanos dashed forward Solatia in his left hand he jumped into the air and came down above both Lloyd and Kratos.
"In Hell!" He slashed downward at Lloyd and Kratos who jumped to opposite sides, Phanos spun on Kratos slashing at him, the white sword grazed the angel's arm, Kratos hissed in pain. Kratos parried the rest of his blows with his sword the metal clangs were dulled over the summon spirit battle. The darkness was illuminated as Sheena commanded Efreet to use his fiery attack. Lloyd, running to aid his father picked up his sword from the ground. Lloyd slashed at Phanos with all his power but the man blocked it easily amusement in his eyes at the boys pitiful attack, Phanos spun kicking Kratos in the stomach sending him down and he grabbed Lloyd's sword, the blade cutting into his hand, he showed no pain as the floor shined with fresh blood.
"What…" Lloyd whispered as Phanos smirked, he slashed at Lloyd who was still holding onto the sword, which Phanos held, and using his free sword parried the man's blows. Phanos jumped away suddenly surprising Lloyd who fell forward. Obsidian was still fighting the summon spirits, Aska had huge claw marks across it's chest and Luna was by it's side. Colette, during the battle had used angel feathers and cut into Obsidian's arm doing minimal damage.
"How the hell do we beat this thing?" Zelos panted as he was aiding in the fight, he looked at Sheena who was in the same state cards drawn. Phanos laughing made them look up he was standing on a high platform. Arm raised to the black expanse above them, his face was contorted in a sinister smile.
"You all shall die! Face the wrath of four thousand years of hatred!"
"I have…a bad feeling about this." Sheena stated looking up at Phanos, Zelos turned to her then he too looked at the man.
"Danger…is coming." Presea whispered as both she and Genis moved to the group of Regal, Raine, Colette, Lloyd, and Kratos.
"Unholy Gods, grant me thy power, so that I may cast judgment upon these sinners, those who in a world of darkness shine with light, cast onto me a darkened heart and power. A darkened light." Kratos realized something frighteningly similar to this spell, black and rainbow feathers were falling about Phanos, and he was glowing with black mana. Kratos eyes widened. Judgment…
"Lloyd! Get down! Now!" Kratos cried jumping in front of his son. A surge of mana came forth from Phanos.
"UNHOLY JUDGMENT!" He pointed down at Lloyd's group as black beams, which would've been white, fell at Lloyd and the others. Lloyd heard everyone cry out in surprise as the beams hit into the floor taking huge chunks out of it.
"Damn it." Lloyd swore as he dodge a beam he tried to make it to the top of the platform where Phanos was standing idly watching everyone below with amusement, trying to dodge his attack. Lloyd growled with annoyance, and then a sharp jolt caused everyone to fall to the floor, including the summon spirits. Lloyd fell and with a sharp pain landed on the hard floor, he looked up and Phanos was now floating his angel wings unfurled. The black spacious clouds, which covered Kharlan, were then suddenly, dispersed as bright beams of light filtered through. And there now in everyone's view was a blue cloudless sky, and a grassy field below, which harbored tons of people of both worlds.
"Symphonia…" Lloyd whispered in horror, as he looked up at Phanos a smile on his pale face.
"You're going to crash Kharlan into Symphonia, aren't you!" Lloyd cried out trying to stand, the entire palace shook with the impact into the world's atmosphere. Phanos looked at Lloyd.
"Oh no, Kharlan will never make it to the ground, as you can see…it's burning up, falling apart, it'll be but tiny bits by the time we get to the ground." Phanos stated smiling. Everyone looked at each other.
"Damn, this isn't good." Origin stated jumping out of Obsidian's toothy reach, the dragon's jaws made a loud snap as they closed on nothing but air. Origin swung downward his swords colliding with the dragons head, but the golden horns protected it from harm, Obsidian's red eyes glared up at the summon, and it swung it's head into him, causing him to fly toward Lloyd.
Lloyd…you and the others must leave! There is no protection for you here. Lloyd heard Origin speak to him in his mind, the loud rumbling of Kharlan made it impossible to hear anything else when spoken.
But Origin…what about you, and the others?Do not concern yourself about us; this might actually be our destiny. Another jolt as Kharlan hit another wave of it's downward turbulence, Lloyd looked up and saw that Phanos was gone, he heard Genis cry, and looked to see Phanos, his wings tucked behind him diving toward the bottom most platform in the area.
"Damn it." Lloyd swore as he got to his feet shakily, rocks and debris were falling everywhere causing loud crashing, and spitting of debris. Origin disappeared in a burst of light and continued the assault on Obsidian. Lloyd ran down the spiraling walkway to the others; everyone was keeping each other up.
"We have to get to Phanos!" Genis stated.
"I agree but we'll never manage like this…" Regal stated keeping his balance as another terrific jolt sent everyone flying; Colette unfurled her wings and flew about helping everyone, as was her way.
"Thank you Colette." Raine stated as the young girl held the professors arm.
"Look at that!" Genis pointed up, a huge black mass was descending from the still blackened sky of Kharlan, the sun from the outside lands glinted over it, giving it a metallic look. Kratos squinted and then his eyes widened.
"It…it can't be." The angel stated Lloyd looked at his father, reading his concern.
"Kra…Dad, what is it? Do you know what that thing is?" Lloyd asked Kratos turned to his son.
"Lloyd…we have to stop that thing from reaching the ground no matter…" Kratos was cut off as a giant black dragon slammed into the connecting point of the platform, completely severing it from the rest of Kharlan. The group immediately began to fall; Obsidian flapped its huge black wings and charged at Sheena and Zelos, who was using fire spells.
"Sheena! Zelos! Quickkly! Jump on!" Lloyd cried out running to the broken edge of the platform, bits and pieces of it were breaking off. Zelos…he's back to normal…but how. Lloyd soon realized the answer to his question as Obsidian swooped up in front of Sheena, Zelos jumped in front of her protecting her from the dragons silver claws. Zelos turned to the boy, and gave a smirk.
"Don't worry bud, I won't let this overgrown lizard hurt my hunny." Zelos stated receiving a halfhearted slap from Sheena as he smiled giving Lloyd a thumbs up.
"But Kharlan! It's breaking up! You'll never make it!" Lloyd cried out, Sheena held out her hand, as she was now looking down at the young swordsman their platform clearly falling faster then the rest.
"It's alright Lloyd, the summon spirits are with us." Lloyd sighed. He looked up.
"Be careful." Both Zelos and Sheena nodded turning back to the fight, and running out of the young boys view. Lloyd turned back to the rest of the group, and there in front of them was Phanos, everyone was in defensive positions.
"You're all such a bother sometimes, but, it won't matter…soon…soon everything shall be mine." Phanos said as he jumped off the edge of the circular platform as a lighting spell from Genis hit the spot where he was standing.
"I sense danger." Presea stated looking around, the black object floated down nearby. Raine looked at and notice that it was in a seed like shape.
"It! It can't be!" Raine gasped taking a step back.
"Professor!"
"Raine!" Raine spun around hearing both Genis and Colette's cry of distress, she looked down and the platform beneath her feet broke apart the purple rocks shattering underneath her, she didn't remember much just Genis running forward and then…nothing.