A/N: …wow…wow… WOW! 40 reviews for one chapter:squeals in delight: Thank you so much! I worked so hard on that last chapter and I was so afraid that it was going to suck. Looks like it even exceeded my expectations for the first copy of that chapter that I had. You are all far too kind Anyway!
Now that their last day of relaxation is over, Lloyd, Sheena, and Kratos must finally set out to once and for all free the world from the clutches of Nebilim, the demonic overlord of Niflheim. Fearing that those who are leaving and those that are staying will never see each other again, the two sides try to console one another as they say farewell… at least, for now…
Although I had to go back and delete all of my previous responses in other chapters, I decided to keep this specific reply up. It was in response to a bit of an outcry for a sex scene in the chapter.
Rock Raider – I always appreciate your reviews, and I thank you for the great review for the last chapter. However, I want to make one thing clear to everybody without sounding like a jerk or whatever: I will NEVER resort to lemon (sex between heroes for those not in the know) in my fics. If I can't make a good story without resorting to sexual situations, then I'm not going to write a story. UL has gotten 353 reviews (so far) without putting sex in the story. Sex may sell, but not in this case. Lloyd and Sheena share a very special relationship in which they were attracted to each other, not by the others' bodies, but by their hearts and souls. Sure, Lloyd thinks Sheena is beautiful and Sheena finds Lloyd to be very handsome, but the number one thing they see in each other is their hearts. Having said that, this doesn't mean that they won't engage in sexual activities in one point in their life (that is, if Nebilim doesn't kill them…) but last chapter was neither the time or place for it. When and if we ever go to the point that it is appropriate, only light reference will be made to it. Besides, sex shouldn't be had in desperation, right? When they finally "get together" for the first time, it should be and will be the most special time of their lives. The most special time of their lives should not come as they are worrying about Nebilim. I'm sure you've been waiting for this for a while, and I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't want to use sex to sell UL. Forgive me. As for Tales of Kingdom Hearts, yes, I promise to read it eventually. I always keep my promises. Just been super busy lately.
Also, I want to thank Snowcrystal for, not only reading my fic, but for plugging it in the wildly successful "Tales of Fanfiction" Now then...
Tales of Fanfiction by SnowCrystal. Read it. Now. No, really, now. Come back to UL later!
Anyway, on with the show!
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Chapter 25: Into Hell
Sheena opened her eyes as the first rays of sunlight began to pour into Lloyd's room. Her sleep had been peaceful, her dreams filled with visions of a world where her and Lloyd were together forever. Was it really just a dream? Perhaps it was visions of the future. After all, all they had to do to make this dream come true was…
She rolled over and saw that Lloyd was still lying next to her. It looked as if he had been awake for quite some time now. He smiled and kissed her. "Good morning Sheena."
She smiled back and hugged him as tightly as her morning-heavy arms would allow her too. "Good morning Lloyd. How long have you been awake?"
"A few hours now."
Sheena's face immediately turned red. "A few hours? W-what about your rest?"
He shook his head. "Angels don't have to sleep to get rested, y'know. Besides, I felt more energized by just looking at you as opposed to sleeping."
The red on her face deepened as she giggled. "T-that's so sweet Lloyd. Thank you."
He smiled again and turned to his window. "I guess today's the day, huh?"
"Yeah… we have to fight Nebilim today."
"Nervous?"
"Yes. You?"
He laughed. "I'm scared out of my mind to be quite honest. But y'know… if we fight together, I really think we can win. All we can do is try our hardest. Besides, we'll have my dad with us. No way he'll go down without a fight."
She nodded. "Yeah. With wonderful people like you and… dad around, I don't feel nearly as scared as I probably should be."
He turned back to her and grinned. "Dad, huh?"
Her face was filled with crimson once again. "Ah, I-I asked him if he wouldn't mind if I called him that. "After all, h-he's been like a father to me."
Lloyd laughed and hugged Sheena. "No no, I'm glad to hear you say that. I'm also glad that he accepted you."
She hugged back. "I couldn't meet any better pair of men in my life if I tried."
"Hehe, thanks." He turned back to the window once again and sighed. "Well… let's get this over with." He pulled the blankets off of himself and hopped out of bed. He stretched and said, "Besides…" He turned back to her and flashed her a thumbs-up. "The sooner that we beat the crap outta Nebilim, the sooner we can come back home and start having fun again."
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"I promise that this is the last time I will ask," said Raine.
Kratos brushed a stray strand of hair aside. "You know what the answer is going to be Raine."
She shook her head. "I know, I know… but I'm going to ask again anyway: will you please reconsider fighting Nebilim? It's just too dangerous."
Regal placed a hand on her shoulder and she immediately turned to face him. He shook his head. "No, Raine. He's already made up his mind. So have Lloyd and Sheena. What they're doing is extremely dangerous, true, but it is also the right thing to do. If you had the power to make a difference in this fight, could you honestly say that you wouldn't go?"
Raine wanted to argue with Regal, but she knew he was right. She sighed and turned back to Kratos. "We've already lost so many people to Nebilim. I just don't want to lose anymore."
"I understand your concern for us Raine, and I really do appreciate it," said Kratos. "However, we also must think of the ones who did not end in as fortunate of a spot as we did. If we don't do something, hunger or despair will kill more people than Nebilim already has."
"Kratos…"
"Sis, look!" yelled Genis as he rounded the corner of a building next to where Regal, Raine, and Kratos stood. "It's Lloyd and Sheena!"
Everyone looked up in the sky as the saw the purple and red angels fly towards them. Kratos merely folded his arms, closed his eyes, and grinned. "Sleeping in, huh? They must've had a lot of fun last night. Good. They deserved it."
"Are they here?" asked Colette as she rounded the corner with a limping Zelos.
Kratos nodded. "Indeed they are. Now is your chance to say your final goodbyes before we set out."
Colette nodded and walked past Kratos. As Zelos hobbled over towards the group, he said, "Final goodbyes? That's not a very positive way of looking at things."
"Chosen."
Zelos stopped in his tracks and looked at Kratos. "Huh?"
"I need to speak briefly with you."
"What about?"
"Come with me." Kratos waved toward himself and walked around the corner of another building.
Zelos sighed. "Why does he always have to be so secretive?" He shrugged his one good arm and followed Kratos.
As Sheena and Lloyd landed, the reaction from the gathered crowd was mixed. Some cheered, glad that people they know and trusted were going to put an end to Nebilim's reign of terror. Other's wept, unsure of whether or not their beloved heroes would return home safely. Others still merely smiled and clapped, not sure of what to say or think one way or the other. One thing was for sure though: Lloyd and Sheena's former traveling companions were not thrilled to see them or Kratos leave.
"Guys, are you really sure you want to do this?" asked Genis.
Lloyd nodded. "'Course. We can't let everyone in Symphonia Live in fear of this Nebilim jerk forever, y'know."
Everyone cheered when they heard this, even the ones who had wept for them before-hand.
Presea stepped forward and lowered her head. "Aren't you… scared?"
Sheena chuckled softly. "Terrified. We can't let that stop us though. The world is counting on us."
More cheers from the crowd. Colette being Colette, giggled as she moved to hug both Lloyd and Sheena. "You're both so brave. I wish you wouldn't go, but I know that you have to. I hope you guys win. I'll be praying for you."
Both Lloyd and Sheena hugged their friend back. "Don't worry Colette," said Lloyd. "Dad promised that all of us would be returning home safely. Right dad?"
No response.
"Dad?"
Everyone looked around but they couldn't see Kratos anywhere.
"That's weird," said Colette. "I just saw him a second ago. Hey wait, where's Zelos?"
Sheena walked away and said, "Stay here, I'll go find him. Be back in a sec!"
She walked around for a bit, checking around the corners of the buildings not far from where she originally stood. Around the last corner she checked, she could see Kratos and Zelos talking. She tried listening in on them but couldn't make out what they were saying. At one point in the conversation, Kratos pulled an envelope out of one of the many folds in his suit and handed it to Zelos. Confused, Zelos grabbed one half of the envelope while Kratos kept his hold on the other half. Before he fully handed it over, Kratos said one last thing in the same inaudible tone as before. Whatever it was that he said, it caused Zelos to reel back in horror as he pulled the envelope away. Kratos turned around and walked away from the shocked Zelos. As Sheena moved away from the two to avoid detection, she could hear Kratos say, "I'm counting on you Zelos. Do not let me down."
Zelos called after him but it was to no avail. The ancient hero was already making his way towards his friends.
"I found him," said the worried Sheena as she came back to her friends. A moment later, Kratos emerged from around the corner and all eyes turned to him. "See?"
"Ah, Lloyd, Sheena, you're here," said Kratos wistfully. "I take it that you are ready to leave?"
Lloyd nodded. "Ready as we'll ever be."
"Heh, I suppose you're right. Have you said your goodbyes yet?"
"Not yet. We were just getting to that."
"Take your time. I'll be waiting just outside the village."
Sheena tilted her head. "Huh? Aren't you going to say goodbye?"
Kratos did not even broke stride as he said, "I never liked long goodbyes."
Lloyd watched his father as he walked away. Shaking his head, he then turned to his friends. "Well guys… this is it."
"Is this… goodbye?" asked Presea.
He shook his head with a smile. "Nah. Just… so long for now."
"That's right," said chimed Sheena. "This should all be over in a couple of hours."
Raine immediately went into her motherly mode. "But if you don't-" She paused and shook her head. "No, nevermind. We'll see you in a couple of hours, okay?"
Lloyd nodded. "Will do. With dad leading the charge, there's no way we can lose."
Colette smiled and hugged Lloyd. "Please come back to us safely. I'll never forgive you if you don't." She broke away from Lloyd and moved to hug Sheena. "That goes for you too."
The former assassin laughed as she pulled away from Colette. "Don't worry about us. Just get everything ready for a celebration for when we return."
"You got it!"
A slight breeze kicked up, causing the trails of Lloyd's white scarf to sway with the wind. "Time to go. Time's a wastin'." He turned around and held up a hand as he walked off. "See ya in a few guys!"
Sheena nodded towards all of her friends. "Wish us luck!" Following Lloyd's example, she walked away from her friends and followed closely behind Lloyd.
They didn't get far before Zelos came around the corner of the last building before they reached the edge of town. Both of the young lovers were surprised by his sudden appearance, Sheena even more so considering that she was still curious as to what Zelos and Kratos were talking about earlier. "Zelos!" said Lloyd.
"Hey guys," said Zelos emotionlessly. "I just wanted to say good luck to both of you."
"Thank you Zelos," said Sheena.
Lloyd took notice of the lack of emotion in Zelos' face and was wondering why he looked so. "Zelos, is something wrong?"
The former Chosen opened his mouth as if he was going to say something but merely shook his head and limped past Lloyd and Sheena.
"Zelos?"
"You've got a good dad Lloyd. Don't ever forget that."
Lloyd and Sheena watched as Zelos walked back towards the village square where the others were waiting for him. "What was that about?" asked Sheena.
"I've got a good dad?" asked Lloyd. "What brought that up?"
"Lloyd! Sheena! Let's go!" yelled Kratos.
"C-coming!" yelled back Lloyd as he and Sheena ran towards their father.
A moment later, they reached the waiting Kratos. His blue spectral wings flashed to life as he began to speak. "This is it. There's no turning back after this. Ready?"
The two young angels allowed their red and purple wings to flash to life as well, signifying that they were, indeed, ready.
"Ready to go dad," said Lloyd confidently.
"No better time than the present," said Sheena, a hint of fear in her voice.
"Then let's…" Kratos focused his gaze upon the village of Iselia. "…go…"
"Dad? Is something wrong?" asked Lloyd.
"No. Just taking in the scenery."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Let's go." Kratos spread his wings and took off into the sky, most likely into as of yet unseen world of Niflheim.
Lloyd turned to Sheena and extended his hand to her. "Let's do this."
She took his hand, nodded, and took off into the sky with him."
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"There it is!" yelled Kratos as they flew through the red skies of the hellish Niflheim. "See that large red barrier over? That must be what's covering up Shadow's Temple!"
"I see it!" yelled Lloyd. "Whoa, it's huge!"
Sheena gazed upon the barrier, awestruck be its sheer size. "Nebilim's barrier… to get through, we have to-"
"Use the Angel Arms," said Kratos, finishing Sheena's sentence. "This is it! Activate the Angel Arms!"
All three of the angels began to plunge towards the barrier. As they fell, pure strands of light began to emanate from the spheres on their right hands and wrap around their bodies. Within a mere few seconds, all three of the heroes transformed into their High Seraphim forms. With the transformation complete, their bodies streaked like holy meteors across the sky and crashed into the barrier, shattering it into millions of shards of mana. Their bodies hit the large top floor of Shadow's Temple and came to a sudden halt. Not feeling the least bit fazed by the fall, they quickly got up and tried to look around as the dust settled around them.
"Nebilim!" yelled Lloyd at the top of his lungs. "Show yourself!"
"Vazn, is that you?" said an unfamiliar voice.
"What? Vazn?" asked Sheena.
Kratos closed his eyes. "Vazn was the leader of the nine angels that defeated Nebilim five-thousand years ago. He was also the most powerful angel ever recorded in Angelic history. Perhaps our Angel Arms share some sort of link with this Vazn."
"Come out Nebilim!" yelled Lloyd again.
When the dust settled, they saw an eerily handsome man with long white hair and an elegant looking blue robe standing before them. The man stepped towards them in hopes of getting a better look at the heroes. "No, of course it's not him. Vazn has surely been dead for several millennia now. Though you are not him, his presence still surrounds you."
"What? Who are you? Where's Nebilim?" asked Sheena, confused.
"You? Ah… I see you have brought Verius with you. You must truly be a powerful summoner if you are able to control him."
"Answer the question!" yelled Lloyd.
"Hmph, fine. You may not realize it, but Nebilim stands before you."
"What!"
"Indeed. This is how I looked five-thousand years ago. Once I gained complete control over the powers of darkness, I allowed my body to become that of a demon's. As the white demon Nebilim, I am truly unstoppable."
"Not true," said Kratos coolly as he stepped forward. "The nine seraphim defeated you before, did they not?"
"Heh. Even so, what can the three of you hope to do against one such as myself?"
"Because we're stronger than they were," replied Kratos.
Lloyd clenched his right fist and shook it at Nebilim. "Not only that, but we have the Eternal Sword on our side!"
From seemingly nowhere, Sheena produced an entire hand of cards. "Don't forget about the Summon Spirits!"
"Really now?" asked Nebilim amused. "How interesting. I hope you will at least put up a decent fight."
Lloyd drew Hope and Faith and immediately pointed both at Nebilim. "Same goes for you Nebilim!"
"Bold words. Fine then…" Bolts of lighting arced across the large main hall of Shadow's Temple as bits and pieces of solid darkness seemingly sifted from everywhere at once. A bright flash of light ensued and, when the light dimmed, the white demon Nebilim rose to his full eight feet of height. He smirked as shadowy fires began to light up all around the hall. "Let the games begin!" yelled the demonic overlord.
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Now comes what many have been looking forward to: the grand battle against Nebilim! Yes, this wasn't a very exciting chapter, but I promise you that this is the last lead-up chapter in the entire story. Hope it was half-way enjoyable Stay tuned for more!
Oh, and please check out my buddy Lloyd Irving Aurion's newest fic, "ToS: An Altered Path". He's worked really hard on it, and we as readers should try to give him and the story all the support that we can give. Look for the story on my favorites list! I guarantee you'll like it
