Hey... I'm back, yay... Sorry for the fantastically long amount of time without any updates. School has been occupying my time in consuming amounts. But enough about that... Please enjoy. Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with ToS or Bandai.


After a slow day of training with Tetsusaiga, Lloyd's new armor was finally finished. It sat upon the stone table, both Altessa and Rael smiling. The small dwarf looked quite proud, his assistance required for a great craft. Walking up, he took a seat, marveled by what was lying before him.

"So, ya like it?!" Rael was excited. It was his first blacksmith project. Lloyd couldn't say a word, he was speechless. The boots and gloves, although almost identical, were inforced with a thin layer of Adamantium, the color a dark black. A new chest plate sat, the stained black color meshing well with everything else. It was light, yet sturdy, the armor made of Mythril. The pants were made of strong leather, tempered to take sword blows. Greaves were built underneath them, the thin metal adding more protection. The final article, a dark cloak, was the icing on the cake. Composed of magical cloth and animal pelts, it offered great defense and allowed extreme agility.

Lloyd donned the armor, the metal fitting perfectly around the armor he wore beneath his clothes. Altessa helped him with the cape, the dwarf strapping it around his neck and shoulders. The hood would shroud his entire face, a dark silhouette the only thing remaining. The outfit was about as large as his old clothes and they only subtly resembled them.

"That's great craftsmanship, Altessa. This is, by far, the best work I have ever seen you work on. Are you sure that I don't need to pay. I mean, these are rare metals..."

"Naw. Don't worry about it." Rael was staring at Lloyd, the amazing armor an eye catcher. "My young apprentice helped too. He contributed quite a bit, as it is."

"Thanks, Rael. You're incredibly skilled for being so young."

"Ya don't even know ma age! Don't go 'round sayin' things like that!" He crossed his arms, the smile still on his face. In his mind, he graciously accepted the compliment. "I do have lots of talent, don't I?" Altessa nodded, feeding the young one's ego.

"Well, where are you heading out to first? You told me your story, but never where you were headed."

"Honestly, I don't know. Probably, I'll check some town and ask around. Somebody's bound to know something."

"If that's the case then I would recommend visiting Symea. Ozette is tucked away, nothing big ever happening. They seldom hear big news like that, too."

"Oh, okay. Sounds good." The hood was lying against his back, Lloyd impatient to wear it. "Thanks again, you two. I guess I know who to come to for something like this."

"Haha, if it keeps me in practice, keep coming. Don't be a stranger." Lloyd waved, his quite step progressing him towards the door. Altessa suddenly remembered something. "Where's your friend, what's her name? Sheena. I thought you two were hanging around after the whole Mithos thing."

He rubbed the back of his head, him suddenly finding the floor very interesting. "...Um, we, I didn't feel she was safe traveling with me. I left her..." The worlds sluggishly fell out, shame filling his voice.

"I see. Sorry for bringing that up-"

"So, yer not enough of a man to fight fer her? How sad. Just get outta here, you understand?" Rael stood defiantly, his presence interrupting everything. Altessa looked at him, daggers in his eyes.

"Hold your tongue, Rael! You have neither permission to speak nor the place to do so. Now, leave at once. We will talk later!" Rael stomped of, the cruel dwarf smiling smugly as he looked at Lloyd's devastated expression. "Lloyd, ignore the whelp. He doesn't know what he speaks of."

"Too bad he's right. Dammit..." "It's okay. I-I should get going. I have a few things to do." Putting the sword on his back, he opened the door and proceeded outside. Altessa cursed, Rael reentering the room.

"It could help if you'd learn some tact, you know." The small dwarf shrugged, waving the incident off as if nothing. A small drop of liquid stained the floor when Lloyd stood, a tear which fell from his face. Altessa cradled his head.

Lloyd wiped his face with his new gloves, the small tears darkening the cloth. He was constantly beating himself up because of the whole Sheena thing and it was starting to show. Clenching his fist, he quickly dashed up the ridge overlooking Symea. He dove down the side, driving his new sword into the cliff side, slowing his descent. The limestone wall crumbled away, small rock debris pelting his armor and reflecting off. He landed and twirled Tetsusaiga, sheathing it. He rose from the ground, the rising sun reflecting off his armor, it having an iridescent sheen and appearing a light gray.

"I should probably get a few things, first…" he said to himself aloud. A small dust devil followed close behind him, the earth settling behind him.


Both Sheena and Genis set sail from Symea in the EC Lloyd had left behind. After a quick deliberation, they decided that their destination should be Sheena's village, Mizuho. The village's reconnaissance network would be immensely helpful in finding Lloyd, and besides, it was better than the two of them mindlessly wandering the world, looking for him themselves.

Genis sighed, resting his head on his hand. The trip was a lot less lively, especially since Lloyd had ditched the two. "So, how are we going to get to Mizuho? You did say that they had relocated since…"

"Obviously, otherwise we would have been standing in the town." She crossed her arms, frowning. Sheena was also constantly angry at something since Lloyd had left.

"Exactly. That's kinda why I asked…" His tone was one of exasperation. Genis had seldom changed. However, Sheena's attitude was starting to wear thin on him.

"Well, I honestly don't know. I've only been there a few times since the relocation. I'm not very familiar with that region, especially considering it's off in Sylvarant."

"You're kidding, right? You haven't even given it that much thought? I hope you realize that the nearest dock to Luin and that area is the Thoda Geyser dock. From both places, that's quite a long trek… Besides, you should at least know a little about the area." He looked at her skeptically, shaking his head violently, just to emphasis his point. Sheena wasn't pleased.

"Hmm? Why is that?"

"Well, in case you've forgotten that we hung out around there quite a bit, and if memory serves, didn't you stay with Pietro before joining us? He lived in Luin, right?"

"Of course he lives in Luin. You were with us, if memory serves." Genis was starting to become a bother. "If you must know, I'm not in the mood. I'll get us there, just sit down and shut up."

"Well… If we're going to that area, why not take the new airship they just created? You've heard of it right, the Valley Lili?"

"Why won't he be quiet?"" Yes. I have. Think about it, though. Do you honestly believe that we have that kind of gald on hand?" Genis was silent, thinking for another solution. "No? Exactly. Great idea, Genis. Just shout if you have another." He sat down and thought for a minute. Then it came to him.

"Well, we can't rule flight out of the situation, yet."

"Well, what do you propose?" Her face was stern. Sheena had had quite enough of this discussion.

"The Rheiards. We can use them to get to Luin twice as fast. Beside, we're near their base, over by the Flanoir archipelago."

Surprised by the remark, Sheena said, "Actually, that's not a bad idea. I don't want to deal with Yuan but we could probably just stop in and leave in a sec. He owes us anyway. However, what will we do with our EC? They both won't be able to fit inside our wing pack…"

"We'll just give the Renegades the Ec. They can put it to good use."

"Hmmm. That's quite the idea. And it's the best solution for us, too. Well, I guess we should turn this bucket around."

"Then it sounds like we're off to the Flanoir area. See? You just have to listen for a change. I could also help if you were a little nicer."

"Heh. Don't push it." They both exchanged skeptic smiles and Sheena disappeared into the cockpit of the ship. Slowly, it started turning directions and soon they were heading East towards the frozen islands of Flanoir.

"Oh, Sheena?"

"Hmm? What?"

"Why are you carrying both of Lloyd's swords?" She looked at her back, both of Lloyd's shortswords placed in a combat position. She shrugged. "Well, if you were me, you wouldn't?"

"I'm not saying that… I just find it weird. Are you going to change your fighting style or something?"

"Does this answer your question?" She grabbed a few random cards from her pocket and tore them into small shreds. Following this, she threw them into the wind, the cool breeze sweeping them into the world behind them. Smiling, it felt as if a small weight had been lifted from her chest, yet, another replaced it as memories of Lloyd flooded into her mind.

"Sheena…" The sky suddenly turned dark as ominous cloud consumed the blue, clear sky. Both decided to move into the cabin, where they could watch the sky from the port windows.

"So, I assume you've been casually training with them."

"Yes, I have. I am trying to emulate an old ninja style and Lloyd's style, kinda. Mine's a little different; I think it will work out, however."

"Interesting. I'll have to see how it turns out."

"So, you're going to critique me on my sword play, especially considering that I have barely started using them. Perhaps I won't use them at all."

"God, you're so difficult to deal with." He turned his back on Sheena, yet what she had said stuck in his mind. He glanced at a small charm that Lloyd had given him ages ago, days when they were still in Aselia. "Lloyd. Do you think that I know myself? What should…what should I be, become?" He slowly set the kendama down and started thinking about another weapon that would better suit him.


"Hey, boss! When we going to attack?" A feeble looking thief sat on the forest floor, his dagger twirling in his small hands.

"Shadup! We're supposed to be lookin' for a warrior; we're going to attack the city in a little, just chill and be quite."

"Sorry boss…" the minion said sheepishly. The five men had been sitting behind a large shrub, waiting for someone to pass by for hours. A storm was rupturing above them, the skies threatening with rain. Symea was full of life as people rushed inside their homes, getting out of the storm's wake. Lloyd watched the five from a distance, noting how obtrusive they were. A mercenary, wearing red, appeared with a sword raised behind his back.

"Attack!" The five criminals jumped out of their hiding, surprising the lone swordsman. Quickly, he brought the sword to his waist and got into a defensive position. The gang boss rushed him, holding the mercenary in a sword lock. "Hey, idiots! Two of you, help. The rest, rush the town." A few men ran towards Symea, but the other two joined the fray.

"What a strategy…" Lloyd edged in closer to the mercenary and criminal. The leader was exerting extreme amounts of energy yet the mercenary hardly broke a sweat. Lloyd grabbed his sword and dashed into the melee.

"Ahhhh!" The criminal was slain, blood flinging onto a nearby tree. The mercenary hardly moved, gracefully cutting through the pathetic boss before Lloyd reached them. The remaining two looked at each other and then rushed him. Holding both at blade's length, he kicked on in the stomached and spun around the other. Elbowing him in the face, the red warrior tripped the stunned criminal and drove his sword into the criminal's chest. Quickly, he thrust his large blade backwards and stabbed the remaining thief. Light amounts of blood coated his chest, the sword stained as well.

"Hey, you with these clowns?" Lloyd dove out of hiding, his blade unsheathed and angled towards the skilled warrior. "Hmm, he wears clothes that look similar to those of Mizuhoan warriors…"

"I could ask you the same." His eyes squinted, scanning Lloyd up and down. "But, now's not the time. They could be razing the city as we speak."

"I'm with you." He followed quickly behind as both ran towards the defenseless town. The three thieves that had attacked the town had gathered followers and started preparing torches and explosives.

Lloyd, running on top of the buildings, jumped down behind two criminals who had started lighting a two-story building on fire. "Hey guys. What's up?" Reacting without a word, they instantly unsheathed their blades and swung. However, Lloyd saw this coming and dodged, punching one in the face as a counter attack. The other swung wildly, and with an untrained style. Lloyd laughed as he slowly dodged the pathetic attacks. "Come on. I don't have all day."

"Mock me, will you?!" His swing got faster, anger being poured into the blade. One slashed edged Lloyd but he grabbed the dull side of the blade and pushed it back. It rammed the criminal's face, blood pouring profusely from his nose. Then he grabbed the wretched thief and snapped his neck, the blood being cut off.

"Hey kid. If you're done there, there are more over here!" The red warrior appeared with two dead criminals at his feet. Lloyd knodded.

"I've gotten a lot more violent since Sheena and I separated." He shrugged the thought away and rushed to join the other warrior. He found the four remaining thieves and jumped into the air. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the red mercenary running forwards. "Deadly Demon Fang!" He crashed the blade into ground, rocks shooting up and pelting two criminals. They quickly fell as did the others as the red warrior ran his blade through both. The rain started pouring, all the torches being quickly extinguished.

"HAHAHA!! How ironic!" Red laughed into the sky, his sword sheathed at his belt. After he calmed down, both moved the bodies of the dead and pushed them into the sea. Blood stained the water as they sank to the ocean floor. Both stopped outside the town, each rearing to speak with another.

"Thanks for the help. I owe these people and these pathetic scum need to be dealt with before they seriously hurt the towns folk." He spoke with an air of arrogance, his voice strangely familiar.

"No problem. I'm kinda an advocator of peace. I can't let something like that go even if you weren't here."

"An advocate of peace, huh?" He rubbed his masked chin, his eyes the only part of his body revealed. He wore a thin layer of armor across his body and a thin ninja mask around his head. "What's your name?"

"Lloyd."

"I thought as much…"

"What? You knew that was my name? How?" Lloyd didn't realize how famous he was.

"You're famous all throughout the world. Almost everyone knows you as the kid who led the group that defeated a god and recreated the world."

"Really? I never knew that we were that well known… Weird."

"Don't worry about it.

"Wait, you haven't told me your name", Lloyd rudely interrupted.

"Oh, sorry. I'm Yuri, an enigma of sorts. I adventure around or sell my services to the highest bidder, stuff along those lines." He paused and looked around Lloyd. "Also, the rumor often said that you traveled with an accomplished group. You don't seem to be, however."

"Yeah, I used to. I'd really rather not take about that." He quickly looked for something to switch the conversation. The sword on his back was the only visible thing. "So, where did you learn to fight? You're quite talented."

He smiled underneath the mask. His grin was one that was both toothy and cruel. "I was born and grew up in Mizuho. I learned advanced close combat and weapon techniques under the best sensei. We developed agility and accuracy at young ages."

"Sensei?"

"It just is another word for teacher."

"Oh, I get it." A stupid thought popped into his head. "Hey. Is your real name Yuri?"

"Yes", he said laughing. "I'm surprised you know of our culture, though. Our village never took well to outsiders and you look like the polar opposite of one from Mizuho."

"Thanks. Actually, I'm good friends with a girl from the village. Goes by the name Sheena Fuji-", stopping himself midway. "Sheena."

"I once knew a girl named Sheena…" Red stared intently at Lloyd, his frightening gaze scaring Lloyd slightly. It quickly turned to a skeptic and misunderstanding one. "Nevermind." He watched Lloyd's stance, noting on his weaknesses. "Where did you learn your fighting?"

"Heh, I'm mostly self-taught but I excel with fighting with two swords. I just picked this beauty up recently. It takes a little while to get use to fighting with one, especially one this large."

"I can tell." His voice stiffened, his eyes squinting. "However, it is incredibly unrefined and unwieldy."

"Excuse me?" Lloyd never took well to someone with a superiority complex, especially if they thought they excelled at swordmanship. It made him quiver to think of Kratos's training regiments.

"You take many unnecessary risks fighting the way you do. You're basically letting the sword fight instead of yourself."

"What is this?"

"I-I apologize. I was one of the sensei's I was speaking at Mizuho. For a while, I taught the new recruits and have had many pupils since I left. Teaching is something that just comes natural for me."

"Really?" "This is perfect. I needed someone to help me train with this sword." "Sorry to impose, but could you give me a lesson?'

Enigma smiled again. "Perfect." "Sure. I could help. But I have a question. Where are you going right now?"

"Umm… I am heading towards Luin, over in the Palmacosta continent. Somewhere over in that general region."

"Interesting. Well, then I will be traveling with you while we train. Tonight, you will be pushed beyond what you have ever seen."

"Bring it." Lloyd and Yuri carelessly wandered off towards the opening in the forest, both intently thinking about the training ahead. Lloyd still hadn't found a way to get over to the other continent. Yuri, however, was formulating the perfect plan.


Sheena and Genis had decided to visit Flanoir and gather supplies before grabbing the Rheiards from the Renegades. They parked the EC at a small ice plain that had been converted into a makeshift dock and both proceeded into the city through a series of intricate tunnels. The city's skyline appeared in view, the overhanging balcony easily viewable from where they stood.

Just seeing the city brought back memories, Sheena's mind being instantly swarmed with warm thoughts. The snow resembled the snow of that time a long time ago. The city peacefully slept, the scene another similarity. Both stood, talking to each other. He wrapped his arm around her, the two silently watching the snow dance and flutter. A tear fell from her eye, crystallizing before striking the ground. It shattered, like her heart.

"Sheena. Are you all right?" Genis had caught her in a daze out of the corner of her eye. She stood there, staring at the idyllic city.

She wiped her face with a purple sleeve. "Yes. I am. Just caught up in the past, that's all."

"The past?" Genis slept the same day that both met outside the hotel, watching the lazy city. He never understood what had happened between the blossoming pair. She didn't respond but Genis left the conversation alone. He knew both were in love but dared not say anything.

They walked to a small weapon shop built upon another house. Inside, their red faces instantly warmed up and both were struck by heat. The weaponsmith greeted both, ushering them over to check his supplies. A new weapon caught Genis's eye: the staff. He had secretly been practicing on late nights as Sheena slept. He wanted to be like his older sister. The staff she had left was his only memento and it was too precious to use in combat. He picked an oak staff, the minutia upon it greatly taken care of. He could feel the mana within it welling, his magic ability increasing as he touched it.

After picking a few extra knives, both left into the cold city. "I need a new outfit", Sheena announced to Genis. Both were starting to lighten up towards each other. He nodded in agreement.

"Hey, could you grab a new cloak for me? I need to get a few gels and some medicine from that one doctor. It could prove incredibly useful for us."

"Good thinking and I will." Genis smiled and walked in the opposite direction, the staff protruding from his back. He walked into the small, cozy office and waved down the doctor who sat in the corner.


Lighting cracked, illuminating the flitting shadows that were both Lloyd and Yuri. The sky was a brilliant white, the mauve purple electricity coiling across the clouds. A small tree was struck and burst into flames, the flames lighting the entire field. It reflected against both warriors, the flame red color giving them an enigmatic look.

"You must control your swings better! Do not, and I repeat, do not put all that motion into the swings! Don't let it carry you, control it better!" Yuri was wildly screaming over the war that waged above their heads.

"Like this?!" With strength, he quickly jabbed forward and brought three downward slashes without flailing. Both were training, his ability growing Lloyd's. His improvements allowed his repertoire to grow exponentially in a very short time. He added his hand-to-hand ability to his sword combat, creating a deadly style. He swung once again, cleaving a tree in to halves.

"That's better. But still, there is room for improvement." Lloyd nodded. "Here, this is another experimental technique that I have been wanting to try." He grabbed a thick strand of cloth and tied it to Tetsusaiga's hilt and his arm.

"What's all this?" The cloth confused him and slightly restricted some of his ability.

"It's a way of taking out those hard-to-reach opponents. Try it out."

"How?"

"Just throw it! Honestly." He shook his head and frowned at the learning Lloyd who was still skeptic about the whole idea. He did as he was told and threw it. Tetsusaiga spun across the field, cutting through tall grass and weak trees. It hit a thick, emaciated trunk and stuck but Lloyd wrenched back and the blade returned to him.

"Cool! But could I do that without the cloth?"

"Yeah, but it requires discipline and acute mana control. Sorry, but I just can't see you easily grasping it." He knew that Lloyd had immense amounts of mana but his control was yet to be seen. However, Lloyd had some of the best control in the world. "Anyway, I've imbued you was the ability but you'll need the cloth for a little while. Just a little training and I bet that you could do it without the cloth."

"Well, I guess it could kinda be like a boomerang knife."

"That's one way of thinking about it…" he said cupping his head in his hands. "Just practice it a few more times." Lloyd tried it, yet the cloth coiled around the sword and impeded his attack for part of the attack. Yet, quickly, he mastered the basic fundamentals of the attack and was able to utilize the attack to include a large amount of potency.

"Anything else I need to know?"

"Well, we should probably talk about your weapon… It's different from anything I have ever encountered and that's quite a bit." Lloyd held it out as Yuri scanned it back and forth. "It's quite the magical weapon. Saying that, it could probably channel mana, be it a magical attribute or a physical one.

"How about in layman's terms…"

"Just go to the middle of the field. You'll soon understand what I mean." Lloyd skeptically walked to the middle, the lightning crashing wildly behind him. The cliffs quivered as they were stricken, giant rocks falling among the plains. "Good. Now, raise the blade directly into the air. Feel the mana welling into the air?"

"Yeah, but isn't this a little dangerous. I mean, couldn't I get sho-"

"Just do it!" He watched as Lloyd slowly rose the towering blade into the electrically charge air. He winced as it reached its peak.

"God, this is freaking insane", he stuttered to himself. He closed one eye, doubtfully watching his blade. The air smelt acrid and burnt and his hair started standing on its ends. His pangs of regret, which were overwhelming, ended when a giant bolt of electric purple energy struck him, radiating waves of radiation from the blade. Electricity coursed through his body, yet he felt no pain at all. Tetsusaiga absorbed the electricity, sparks flooding from the holy sword.

"Kid, break it off!" Lloyd's eyes squinted as he tried to push the sword down. Wrenched both arms, he slowly and forcefully broke it off and threw it down, accomplishing his task. "Good, now concentrate and launch the energy!"

"Damn… This is going to be it!" Closing his eyes, he thought of a vapor turning to a full blast of heat, electricity surging from every well in the world. Electricity sparked out, then released a full blast, the ground, cliff walls, and nearby trees exploding from sheer power. A thought, one of a smiling Sheena, drifted into his head as the electricity backfired, launching him tens of feet backwards. He instantly fell into an unconscious state.


Genis came to the inn and checked into a room. He watched as the snow started to pick up, a blizzard almost forming. Sheena walked into the room, two sets of clothing in her arms. Setting both down, she sorted out her ninja garb and newly repaired and reinforced chainmail and Genis's rare cloak. Around her belt, knives, shurikens, and small bombs sat, ready for use. Around her right arm was an Admantium pauldron running to a thin gauntlet. A small grappling hook launcher sat upon it, primed and ready. The metal was flexible yet strong and could easily maneuver around. Lloyd's twin swords were attached to her new clothes, Sheena yet to try them on.

She walked into the room, Genis still standing on the balcony outside. Small potions were littered about the room, the ones that could only be purchased from the doctor. She smiled. "Maybe he isn't that unreliable…" A staff, almost identical to one of Raine's, sat among the other items. She had been there when he got it but she hadn't paid attention.

Genis came in, the cold air blowing in behind him. He instantly glanced at the cloak, the beautiful cloth work hypnotizing him.

"Genis, thanks for the other supplies."

"Yeah, it's all good. Thanks for the cloak." She nodded in acknowledgement.

"So, how's the staff? I didn't know that you were practicing with it. If I recall, Raine used one too."

"Exactly. That's one of the reasons I have been using it. It's a good way to remember her, and it helps me gain a larger physique. Also, I can concentrate mana better and I wont be twiddling with a game either."

"Hehe. I can't exactly see you with rippling muscles and all that. Don't get me wrong and don't let me dissuade you, I am just saying."

"I know, I know."

"Genis, I'm sorry I've acted so cold towards you. And for almost no reason at all, either. Lloyd's disappearance has just rattled me, especially after the bond we just formed. I was just looking for an easy outlet for my emotions."

"You suck at apologizing. But, I get what you mean and I accept it. I know what you mean and besides, you're going through those "lovely" years." This caused her to blush. It was the first time that the two had warmed up towards each other. A friendship evolved with Sheena having someone to confide in and Genis, one to trust.


Lloyd woke in a daze, the world around him contorting and spinning in multiple fashions. Lightning continued to berate the sky with harsh thunder. Apparently, he had only been unconscious for a few minutes. As he readjusted his bearing and balance, slowly getting off the ground, he happened upon something peculiar.

"Hey Lloyd! You okay?" Yuri was moving over, albeit taking his time. Lloyd checked himself out. Not only was his armor undamaged, he was also unscathed, too.

"Yeah, surprisingly." He rubbed his head, but couldn't find his blade anywhere. "Where's Tetsusaiga?" Yuri had reached him and glanced around.

"Over there." He pointed to a large metal rod sticking out of the ground. It was charred a dark jet black, its beautiful luster gone. He walked over to it, slowly wobbling on his way. Reaching for it, he realized that it contained the energy that it absorbed. Electricity pulsed periodically around the hilt. He dared not touch it.

"Well, that's certainly interesting…" Yuri said has he clasped his hand on Lloyd's shoulder, a term of endearment. However, a fist flew and punched Lloyd directly in the face. He was quite surprised, considering that he had just recovered from quite the ordeal. "You could have killed yourself with that, and more importantly, me! You should have directed it up, not randomly into the ground!"

"Hey, don't start with me! You told me to do it and I listened. It's your fault too, and besides, I have too much on my mind to worry about you, let alone myself."

"Too much on your mind? Like what?" Yuri was interested, but not in pointless and pedantic excuses.

"I told you earlier about a Sheena. Well, both of us separated, mostly because of my skill, or my lack thereof. I couldn't…I just wasn't strong enough to protect her at all times and we-"

"You left, like a pathetic worm. How sad."

"Hey, you wouldn't even understand, let alone know who she is!" His retorts were full of anger, full of passion.

"Is it Sheena Fujibayishi?" His words were bitter, a cruel dagger stabbing Lloyd repeatedly. It cut his connection to the world and he fell into a heartless, loveless oblivion of hell. But he was back.

"Y-y-yes it is. How-"

"We knew each other growing up", quickly answering his question. "Let's just leave it at that…"

"Agreed…" He slowly regained mental control and fled from the depressing husk of a heart that he traveled to.

"We have some training to do", he said solemnly. Lloyd gave a soft groan, one to lighten both of their spirits. Yuri grinned on the inside. He was great at manipulating Lloyd. "Don't worry. We won't try the lightning thing again."

"All right. Bring it." Lloyd instantly pushed off the ground, flying feet away from Yuri. The cloth had fried during the lightning yet Lloyd threw the blade. "Meet Wild Raven!" The holy sword coiled and spun, drawing closer to Yuri. It hit his cloth, slicking it and flew back to Lloyd. He hadn't realized that the cloth was gone.

"My god. To master such a skill in that little amount of time. He has power…" Yuri muttered to himself.

"WELL, since you're not moving, I'll help you out!" Lloyd dashed in, holding the sword up against his chest. He stop inches before Yuri and swung, his hand barely moving. Quickly, he stopped the swing and spun the sword around his body, dicing the grass and parts of Yuri's attire. He recoiled and Red brought his katana up to counter.

"You get good, quick. I'm quite amazed."

"You don't know the half of it", he said with a snide smile. Lloyd brought the sword directly into the earth, the ground rupturing. Forcefully and with grace, he ripped it up and created a large shockwave the size of his entire body. "Doom Fang!" Yuri dodged and threw a kunai, the small knife jettisoning towards Lloyd's face. A small rope was attached to it and started coiling but Lloyd jumped out of the way. Yuri threw another, this one flying into the tree behind them. He jump on it and slid towards Lloyd, the blade twirling in a rapid fashion.

"You're finished", taunted an overconfident Yuri. Nonetheless, Lloyd cut the rope and Yuri fell near Lloyd, his sword out of hand. Lloyd held it in his other hand, pinning Yuri to the ground with it.

"See. You tend to showboat way too much."

"I'm artistic, not a showboater. Besides…" Yuri grabbed his blade, kicked off the ground, and disarmed Lloyd in one fluid motion. "You have your guard down."

"Not quite." The blade that had disarmed was flying in an arc, on heading directly for Yuri. He smiled and jumped on top of it, diving behind Lloyd. The blade, still in the air, arced for Lloyd as Yuri held him in a chokehold. Lloyd smiled and elbowed Yuri's stomach, dropping to the ground. He kicked away and caught the blade, inches before Yuri's face mask.

"Hehe, you've improved, monumentally."

"I'm one of the best."

"You're lucky I went easy. I could have dealt with you silently and efficiently. Like a ninja, if you will."

"Say, that reminds me. Why did you leave Mizuho?" The entire fight, the question had bothered Lloyd.

"The rules were too restricting and we seldom did anything that challenged my, mentally and physically. Even the exceptional students eventually succumbed to weakness."

"Huh. I actually kinda predicted that answer. You just seem like the power hungry type."

"And you're not?" Lloyd smiled. "But I digress."

"So… What are we going to do next?" Lloyd needed to get to Luin but he needed a conventional method for doing so.

"How about Luin? I just need to know why you need to get there so badly."

"I honestly couldn't tell you." He spoke with an uneducated air. His words were hard to grasp yet easily understandable. Yuri couldn't believe that this kid had one-uped him. "I just have these dreams that are of Luin, but there's an evil aura radiating from there, I can just tell." Lloyd didn't feel like elaborating on his current situation, the one involving the magical beings that often attacked him.

"Well, I guess that's better than nothing."

"Why? Do you have an idea on how to get down there? If you did…"

"Well", Yuri said as he rummaged around inside a small pack that was hidden across his belt. He found the items, however, and held them up. The red warrior flashed two tickets at Lloyd. In turn, the young warrior was confused.


Well, yeah. Sorry for not updating in ages. School and all that...