Crystal Feathers: A Fanfic by Gyppy

Timeline: Based 2 years after 'To Kill An Angel'

Summary: After Niflheim was sealed, Lloyd thought the evils of the world to be dead. The group split up, expecting peace and quiet to reign around the world.

However, they were all in for a big surprise. Two years after Niflheim was sealed, the rising shadow that once concealed the world began to rise again... and now, Lloyd and the others must go on a journey to uncover the cause of the Rising Shadow and seal it away forever.

Pairings: LloydxColette and ZelosxSheena primarily, with some MithosxOC, YggdrasillxPronyma and GenisxPresea. There will also be hints at SelesxOC, YuanxMartel and KratosxRaine.

Author's Note: For the sake of keeping true to the storyline of Rising Shadow, there will be (as probably expected) very few hints at KxR. This is primarily to avoid offending all those random purists out there. I know that most of the purists will end up hating this story because of a few other pairings, but KxR seems to be the most hated of them.

As you all probably know, I'm a big fan of KxR. It's an official pairing in this storyline, though it will be rather rare. This fanfic will mostly focus on the action, though there will be some fluff inserted here and there.

This fanfic is based two years after 'To Kill An Angel', four years after 'Rising Shadow'. Therefore, Lloyd is 21, Colette is 20, Zelos is 26, Sheena is 23, Genis is 16, Presea is 16, Raine is 27, Abyssion is 27, Leviathan is 20, Seles is 18, Allurya is 8, Mithos is 16 and Karina is 15.

I might introduce more Tales of Destiny 2 characters later on.

Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Destiny/Tales of Destiny 2, Namco, Final Fantasy or Squaresoft/Square-Enix.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Chapter 6: Betrayal of Wind and New Forces

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

It was hard to believe that there was even an end to the vast cavern that stood before them. The cavern stretched out far and wide, seemingly re-entering the cave they had started in. But somehow, they knew they had entered yet another dimension... a much more vast one, with many more twists and turns than even the dimension they knew so well.

But where was this incredible evil radiating from? The further they pressed on into the dimensional shifts, the darker the aura of their location seemed. The endless overlapping of dimensional planes seemed to grow even darker with each passing layer.

Lloyd was disturbed by this immense abyss he was entering. The cavern he was in now was lighted by dimly glowing crystals attached to the cave walls, as well as stalactites with a similar light aura. However, now he was traveling alone, as Judas had split off to investigate another part of the cavern.

The two tunnels quickly met, and the two swordsmen encountered each other yet again. They decided to stick together from there on out, since it would be safer to do so.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

The abyssal dimension was wide and deep, and the creature that now floated in it was determined to exit it. The wings of the creature were long and wide, feathered brilliantly with blue and electric-yellow streaks, and a pair of smaller 'winglets' were set between the main wings, bearing the same coloration. The rest of the creature appeared to be half human and half bird, with a humanoid body leading down to birdlike feet with talons, and a brilliantly feathered tail. Its head was small, with a long and thin beak that was curved slightly, coming to a slight hook at the tip.

This dimension was one that the creature had to exit quickly, as it had to assist its sworn ally with their quest through the shadowy dimensions.

And its wings glimmered with a magnificent light, like the light of mana, as it swiftly entered the next dimension, with the crystal on its chest glimmering faintly in the cavern's distant light.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

So far, Lloyd and Judas hadn't encountered any foes in this dimension. However, Lloyd kept his eyes open, as he didn't want to be surprised if they were indeed attacked.

Judas suddenly turned his head in a direction that neither of them had expected to be looking in. A shrill cry emanated from the distant depths of the cave, and seconds later, an Iapyx suddenly rocked out of the shadows, its wings ablaze with mana energy.

"What the?" Lloyd's exclamation echoed through the cavern as he glanced quickly in the direction of the cry.

"It's an Iapyx," Judas said. "That much should be obvious. I think it's an angelic Iapyx, though."

"So I noticed," Lloyd muttered. "So, what's up with you? Are you our first opponent since the last dimension?"

Actually, I'm here to help you, the Iapyx said. You probably need help sealing the abyssal dimension... ah, that's the one that's up next. I'll help you along.

"Another traitor," Judas said. "But... why is it there's such a revolt against the shadow?"

Because Nebilim treated us inappropriately, the Iapyx replied. I'm one of those who was given a Key Crest for my crystal. I am Kaze-Tenshi.

"Kaze-Tenshi..." Lloyd's eyes widened. "So... so you're a spirit of wind?"

Yes, the Iapyx replied. I am one of the greater spirits of wind, second only to the three Sylph... and to think I was captured by Nebilim...

"Don't worry," Judas said. "We'll help you, as long as you help us."

I will, the Iapyx said. Just... don't be too reckless, okay?

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Symphonia's dimension also happened to be full of surprises; Zelos had been out fighting in the plains near Sybak when he had encountered a pair of odd humans.

The first one, who was obviously the younger of the two, had spiky blond hair and blue eyes; he introduced himself as Kyle Dunamis. His companion, who appeared to be much older, had similarly unkempt silver hair, though his hair was much shorter, and silver eyes; the older one was Loni Dunamis.

Zelos suspected that the two were hiding something, but he didn't want to be too rude and interrupt their private thoughts. However, he didn't think that it was that much of a connection.

Kyle said he was related to Judas; however, Loni would not divulge any information on his relations.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Author's Note: Okay, I'll admit... I am REALLY lazy. If you want to know what Kyle and Loni look like, just look up Tales of Destiny 2, got it? They're very distinctive, so it shouldn't be too hard... well, you might confuse Kyle with Stahn, but that's beside the point. :p

And yes, the guy's name is Loni. Don't ask me why. Though I much prefer 'Loni' over the anglicized 'Roni' for obvious reasons, it's still a bit strange...