Chapter 11 of CttH. Nothing new to say. :)


That was well over two days ago. Her languid, pale features now watched him with unfaltering eyes, glossed over. Her once beautiful irises had driven back into her head, the whites around her eyes encumbering the look. A window was open and a light breeze floated in, small white crystals dancing their way in. The cold hardly seemed to faze him, with almost nothing changing his permanent scowl.

Nobody was in the large inn. Few people even walked the streets, the lamps glowing dimly as snow fluttered by. Everything had a hazing look, almost as if a thick mist floated into the town during their visit. A small shadow stood overlooking the town, its head hanging down. He shut the window, turning around to blow out the sporadically placed candles.

Thoughts had been circling his mind ever since, even up to the point of hallucinations. A vivid dream kept him up, taunting him. It had even cropped up the second he had killed her.

"Love", she said, the thing swirling around her head. Bloodied trees and the clearing vanished, morphing into a tall field of rose. Every color wavered in the wind, crimsons, midnight blues, and glossy blacks. The sky cycled through sunsets, daybreaks and overcasts; rain started to fall but stopped half way, reversing itself.

"Lloyd", she said, moving slowly up behind him. It surprised him, changing the world as he turned.

"Sheena." Her face was beaming, her personality beyond what it should have been. Everything about her was the same as it had been. Wearing the classic purple outfit, she held an arm behind her back, smiling widely.

"It's great to see you, to talk to you…again." A single tear streamed down her face, the weather changing. Rain started to fall down, washing many things away.

"You too." He moved forward, slowly. "Um, Sheena." She looked perfect, but then she started to twitch. And she was another form. Suddenly, she held both blades, the ones he use to own, and a large wound perforated her chest. Blood dripped from everything, him watching as the ground started to become an open abyss.

She rushed ahead, the willful smile she often wore holding rock steady. Blades angled, she rammed into him, the swords, both of HIS swords, ripping and slicing into his chest. Yet, there was no pain.

"I'm sorry, Sheena." She pressed on, the blades digging deeper. "Sheena, no…no." He wiped his face, expecting tears, However, only blood ran from his eyes. The world changed once more, the field of roses returning. They were taller than normal.

"Don't forget me, not ever. Okay, Lloyd?"

"I could never…" Mana started to well from her body, Lloyd watching as she slowly became transparent to him. She called his name once more, turning into a small purple rose that landed in his hand. But, the dream replayed in his head every time he tried to close his eyes.

Then he looked at her; pacing around the blood stained body lying on the table, Lloyd though back to what had happened.

He was back in the hellhole forest, watching the entire event play out like some sick cabaret show with melodramatic actors performing their roles. Enter Sheena… She slowly closed her eyes, smiling as she did. It more than surprised him, his expression a wide exasperated look of trepidation. Yuri stood behind him, shouting something. It passed over his head, the screams and commands shooting by as he exchanged looks between her body and confused Genis.

"Lloyd!" The small half-elf, tears falling from his eyes, was rocking himself slowly, watching the black-haired man violently snarling at them.

"Lloyd, what the hell do you think you're doing?!" Yuri grabbed his blade and angled it towards him, slowly edging his way towards the two. Second Star glimmered interestingly, a blue light emanating around the tip of the blade.

"How…h-how could just kill her?! I thought-"

"Shut up, both of you!" Lloyd jumped up and flashed out Tetsusaiga, swinging it wildly at Yuri. However, he dodged and brought his katana up on Lloyd, making slight slashing motions. None connected with the warrior; Yuri did feel a strong force lodge into his back, forcing him into the ground. "Yuri, get the hell away from me, you sonofabitch!" Saliva spat from his mouth, making most of the words almost unintelligible.

"So, you honestly think you can take me?! And what, just to defend your friend?! Where does that put us?"

"You couldn't come close to my power!" And with that, Lloyd started emanating fulsome energy; the white winds lashed out in every direction. One large wing sprouted from his back, it emulating a large bird wing. Another shot out of his other side, this one a large black bat wing. Both of his eyes were different colors, almost as if his mind was fighting a mental battle between good and evil. Yuri was blown back, surprised at this form that Lloyd held unbeknownst to the graceful fighter.

"Trying to even it up?" The limbo form didn't retort, it just looked onward and slowly started twirling the large blade which had sprouted from Tetsusaiga. It was almost as if he carried a feather-esque claymore, but it had a distinct purple translucent blade. "The Eternal Sword… So he's had it, all along." And he disappeared, transporting himself above the pondering Yuri.

"Lowell, your dead." The Eternal Blade drove through his right arm, disabling it entirely. Second Star dropped to the ground, a metallic thud resonating throughout the thick forests. Blood erupted from the gaping wound, spraying the forest with a light mist. It stained the grounds, giving it the ominous look of a cursed graveyard. Lloyd turned to the stunned swordsman, extending his hand outward. Slowly, Yuri lifted into the air, being suspended by forces unknown. A single knife materialized before him, threatening to pierce his heart.

"Lloyd, will you truly kill me?" Yuri smiled as he said it, coughing up blood. Vomit slowly crept out, his vision blurring. Trees and silhouettes morphed together, warping everything in the outcropping meadow.

"If it comes to that, yes." Again, the voice of another entity enveloped the being of Lloyd, almost holding his soul to another.

"Don't do it", Genis said, standing up. Tears stained his black cloak. It was almost unique, almost alien. He had been part of the plot to kill them all, yet Genis would just want to drop him and turn his back as if nothing happened. Lloyd could barely understand, but it was the other being's thoughts.

"Be quite." Flying off, the small knife shot into Yuri's chest. It never reached anything vital, saving his life by only inches. Blood hardly flowed out, giving it little satisfaction. Lloyd's eyes closed and Yuri was pushed away by a strong force, launching thousands of feet away from them. After, he couldn't be found and had yet to bother both of them since. He regained his regular consciousness, leaving the forest with Sheena's body in his arms. Genis inaudibly followed on his coat-tails.

For the previous day, he had move out of Luin and to the winter town of Flanoir via their EC that had been stationed further away. But it was different from their usual outings. None of the regular annoying rigmarole that followed both of them, only an awkward silence as he casually glanced back at the questioning eyes that burned into Lloyd's back. He felt it and they were painful, the searing of an open pyre. Nothing seemed to be going any direction for them. Looks were shot, both ignoring. The world seemed to be frozen in a semblance of disgust and hatred, but for no reason.

Even the trip across the ocean had a strange feel, almost as if someone was watching them coast along the sea. He hid her body in the cabin, lying on one of the stiff cots, a few different blankets cloaking her. Only did he realize how badly everything was when they moved into Flanoir. Tempests seemed to rage at them, but it was only the crooked glances.

Sheena draped over his back did bring looks as well as odd questions, but he was silent, ignoring them entirely or giving monosyllabic responses that hardly proved sufficient. But nobody pressed on, scurrying away after the quick mention. Even the innkeeper stopped herself, biting her lower lip after they had paid for a few nights. It was their business, not some snide gossip for a forlorn loose-lip. And that was all just yesterday, a strong slap to the face.

He had been cramped up in the room, staring at her all day long. He cried, he shouted, he screamed, he cried again. Genis had the tact to stay away from him, only building up his own emotional distraught thoughts. Questions and accusations lined every word in his head; there weren't any friendly feelings remaining, no love lost between the two once tight knit group.

"Lloyd…" he said to the wind, the words being swept into the air, scattered as if he had thrown sand into the famous zephyr. Twelve minutes passed and the day was swept away, leading into the dark abyss of the early hours.

The next day wasn't much better. They had gone to Flanoir to meet someone, to ask a few questions. Both slowly walked through the streets, eyes gazing upon them from every direction. Lloyd silently growled, Genis hanging his head in shame. And they arrived at the doctor's office, pushing the other crowds out of the line. Door hinges can only withstand so much abuse. After the wind and snow weathered it down, but when Lloyd slammed it, it reached its threshold, cracks appearing in the gold metal.

It only surprised the good doctor. "Who the hell are you people?!"

"Lloyd, do you think we should have smashed the door?"

"Genis, quiet." He honestly didn't understand why he was there. It was almost a random thought, just something to tell him something, anything. Someone to give him pity, to let him believe there was something to do. "We're here to ask you something."

"Well, you're going to have to wait outside. I have quite a few other people lined up, with more pressing matters, I'm sure."

"Don't you recognize us?" He pushed his hair out of his face, which had been growing quite long of the past few days. Only a few features were remotely recognizable; his eyes were actually quite different, with the regular look of vivacity and life turning into one of betrayal and depression.

"No, I don't."

"What about this kid?" He pushed Genis out in front. The small half-elf had barely changed, looking nearly identical to when he had been to the small doctor's office a few months ago.

"Sorry. Too many people come by each day. I only know a few faces."

"Do you remember Sheena?" Her name had an interesting sound as he said it, not depressed, not saddened, but with out emotion, almost as if he was trying to suppress the thoughts she birthed.

"Sheena from Mizuho, right? Or is it another Sheena? I can't remember too many people with that name."

"No, I mean the first one. Sheena from Mizuho." The blue-haired doctor changed his infuriated expression to one of casual happiness at the sound of this.

"Of course. How's she doing?"

"…" Lloyd couldn't bring himself to say it. Genis looked up at him, adjusting to his feelings. He could understand where he was coming from; she was his passion, his star in life, everything that he could imagine her to be. Genis was her friend, one of her closest friends at that. She was an interesting conversationalist, and Genis held special feelings for her, although it was something different from love. It was more appreciation or adoration, something like an idol for him.

"Well, we have a question. Is it possible to revive someone from death? Or is there anything associated with that?"

"Revive from death? What do you mean?"

"To bring back from the dead, something like that. Or is it only in myths and lost artes?"

"Well, it should be obvious that a feat such as that is impossible. Even if it did exist, I doubt it would help in any way." He paused and looked around, resting his hand atop the ornate fireplace. "Why would you even ask something like that?"

"No reason, really."

"Um", cut in Lloyd. "Could you tell us anybody familiar with ancient myths or those types of artes? It would be great if you could."

"Still, a few details would suffice."

"It's not in my place to say." He looked down, watching the carpet as if suddenly interested.

"I need to know something. It's a little suspicious for two guys to come waltzing in and asking for information on necromancy!"

"Just trust us!" Lloyd was starting to get frustrated, his hand edging for the sword.

"No. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you." At that, Lloyd darted forward and unsheathed Tetsusaiga, flashing it before his face. Holding the blade up, he kept it steady and angled it across his neck.

"I swear, I will kill you and won't give it a second thought. Just tell me were the hell they are. Trust me, if you die, then others will die. And I could care less what happens to this town!" The doctor looked into his eyes, watching the irises dance about. He could feel a little of his radiating pain.

"Lloyd, don't do this!"

"Genis, shut the goddamn hell up! Stay out of this, okay?!" He pushed the sword further, watching the cold steel press up against the doctor. A light imprint was being marked into him, scaring the young half-elf.

"Just calm down. You're obviously overreacting."

"No, I'm not! Tell me. Then, we'll leave, okay?" He moved a step forward, the large sword drawing a little blood. It flowed down the sharp side, running to the hilt.

"Okay, okay! There are a few people in the Sybek Academy. They'll send you in the right path. Now, leave!" The good doctor ducked under, breaking free from the blade's grip. Lloyd's combat instincts kicked in, causing him to accidently smash the hilt into the man's face. It shattered his nose, more blood falling down to the ground. A dark puddle stained the carpet and he lost consciousness.

"Shit."

"Lloyd, let's leave."

"Right." Neither of them bothered to look back at the crumpled face of the doctor, nor did they try to hide the fact that it was them. As both left, every other person gathered around, watching the group from a distance. Sybek would be their destination, again.

"Perhaps", thought Genis, "Presea could help us out." Well, it was turning out to be one hell of a day.

Sheena was getting a little hard to transport on the Rheiards. Luckily, the first time over had been more a chance, and besides, Lloyd wasn't in the thinking mood. Dangers and concerns had barely fazed him, but not this time. He actually understood what could have happened. And so, they purchased tickets for a shuttle boat. Its destination: Sybek.

Jonas, as the small vessel was called, sat on a dilapidated pier, gently rocking as the waves crashed into the nearby shore. Small patches of exposed, dull metals sat about the hull, both time and the sea slowly eating it away. It was if she stood upon her last legs, limping along until she felt like falling. Aboard was no better. Not only did it have a horrible stench lingering around, it also leaked mercilessly. Rain pelted the world, turning to snow a few hundred feet behind them.

Lloyd and Genis cautiously walked about the deck, both waiting for the captain of the ship. Tetsusaiga seemed to growl at him, but he paid no heed to it. Cold water ran down the nape of his neck, giving him a tingling chill. A man dressed in a heavy pea-coat wandered towards them, a rough beard masking most of his features. Genis took a glance and then left, listing slowing away from everyone else.

Black was a new fad for the young swordsman. He was constantly changing his look and this new one accentuated a new style of look. Altessa's armor had been discarded, with almost nothing replacing it. He wore a thin black layer of cloth, complete with matching pants that hugged his legs. Two cloaks were draped over him: one acted as a sheath for everything, almost a long gi. The other he had wrapped around his neck, letting it fall behind him; it also covered his face, save an eye and his hair, which he had cut, leaving it short except in the front, where it covered his left eye.

"So, you ready, right?" A gruff voice preceded the sailor, yet it had a tinge of a gentle spirit.

"Yeah."

"Paid up front?"

"Yes."

"Well, okay. Let's go." He walked away, his attitude changing within seconds. Four other men gathered around, reeling in the scattered assortment of buoys and anchors. Steadily, the ship set sail, the weather roaring and gaining momentum, while the oceans calmed. Beyond the horizon, a storm was brewing, the cyclic eye gazing upon the South.

"So, what's going to happen to us, Lloyd?"

"What do you mean? Nothing's going to happen", he spat dryly, almost as if he was denying something.

"You don't sound too sure of yourself."

"Well, how the hell would I know what would happen?! Besides, it's nobody's business but ours, and even if they found out, what could they do?! Nothing, not a goddamn single thing."

"I'm sorry I even asked."

"No, you're not. You just want to push me, to break me down for what I did. Even though it was an accident! You little son-of-a-bitch! Do you not realize the hell I am going through? Do you?!"

"Lloyd, shut up! Just shut up, okay?!" And that was the straw that broke the camels back. With a limber vault, Lloyd was upon Genis in a second, grabbing the young half-elf by the neck. With gusto, he violently shook him back and forth.

"Genis! You are more than lucky that you are an old friend! God, if you were anybody else, you'd be dead!" A flick of the wrist later, Genis had been tossed away, landing in a limp pile on the deck, barely stirring. He turned and entered the small ship, taking sanctuary in the lower, rusted decks.

Two figures shadowed the cruising boat, watching and running along side the shore. Both hadn't faltered after the large distances, only pressing on as their elongated cloaked faces watched with a blank expression. Mountains, rivers, ravines… none of the physical obstacles seemed to hinder both. They worked in sublime synchronicity, launching each other past hazards, helping within battle. Dynamic team work only furthered their style, only serving to aid them as they pressed on ward. It was obvious who they were after. They had been shadows behind Lloyd for days now.

"Sybek's only a day away, on foot." A cryptic voice spoke, it impossible to tell if either of their mouths was moving.

"I know. He's been getting interesting lately… Fighting within his circle of friends, even threatening the small one."

"He's making it much easier."

"Ha. Your thirst for battle is insatiable, brother. However, do not underestimate that one. He has proven time and time again that he is more than a skilled fighter."

"So?"

"It could prove advantageous to use caution, even guile, if we must."

"Guile could also be our downfall."

"Not if we knew how he ticked."

"Exactly. Shouldn't we have more data on him? We've been scouting for days and little has come our way. Definitely not enough to come more than close to him."

"Indeed, but that irrelevant. Then, it would be wise just to engage him, soon at that."

"And you say I'm battle hungry? Just look upon yourself! Even your axe shakes with more than anticipation."

"Oh, I do. Just believe me. He's a 'beast at bay', only to show his potential when cornered. It's exactly that we are looking for."

"Perhaps he shows us before a fight? What then?"

"He won't. But, if he did, then we could finish him, and that would end that."

"Your confidence is overwhelming. Anyone could easily become drunk of such words, even the most chaste of men."

"A compliment…? From of all people, you?"

"Don't consider it that. Believe it as a word of wise."

"Wise knows more than to follow you."

"You would like to think that, wouldn't you." The Demon Arm growled with him, a bone shaking screech. Yet, she didn't notice, only seeing a vanity in her brother. Sadly, it would all crash around her, soon.

Docks and piers hung in the distances, other ships occupying many of the tight spaces that stood amongst the sea fairing folk. Fishermen and their ilk moved like barnacles, chronically angry and with an emblazoned expression of distaste. That could be considered usual for the Sybek docks, only a stone's throw from the town center yet more than millions of miles, culturally. It surprised both Lloyd and Genis, a distance between both as they moved through the mundane rituals of markets and fishwives. Ahead, the academy seemed to loom over them, as if taunting them to push further.

"Sir, please buy something! We've got the best in town! Anything will do." An older lady screamed at them, but they kept walking, ignoring all discouraging talk. More followed suit, trying to flag both down, but to no avail.

"Come on, gather 'round! Everything at half-price!" Some stopped, others looked around, checking for the best of the best. Lloyd thought they were all fools, all ravenous vultures that circle some rotting carcass.

Both arrived past the market, only steps away from the large academy that cast a desolate shadow over them. Aside from the more-than-lively market, Sybek was empty, not a soul roaming the cobblestone grounds. It was, however, to be expected; the rain was merciless, gaining much momentum as the day persisted on. They pushed the steel door, opening to the large waiting room. Skeletons watched as they stopped to decide on a floor.

"Do you remember if he said which floor?" Lloyd edged towards the first floor, his hand resting upon the handle.

"…" Genis stared at the ground, trying to block everything out.

"Okay, first floor it is." Sweeping past the first couple of rooms, they continued searching for any sign of a room that remotely resembled a certain look. Upon checking the last room, they ran across a giant blackboard, symbols and random words scattered around it. Lloyd could recognize them from thing he had seen from previous ventures. Genis realized they were marks of death, capturing the look of those he had read about in his old books.

"This is it", he said solemnly, autonomously moving towards the board. He was transfixed; it was an art that more than interested him, it called to him, the master genius mage.

"I know." He moved closer as well, taking a more cautious approach. Books and other random items were lying around, giant piles heaping up towards the sky. A professor noticed them standing around and entered, a questioning look on his face.

"Excuse me. This is a private room, reserved for one of our finest researchers. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Sorry, but who room is this, specifically?"

"I can't tell you that. Sorry, but you'll have to understand. This is quite confidential and of the upmost importance, for the academy anyway."

"All right. However, could I perhaps meet with the scholar behind this?"

"You're basically asking the same thing, just wording it differently. Again, you cannot. It's more than crucial that they-"

"Okay, thank you." They ran past him, leaving the interrupted man stumbling. He turned but they had vanished, only hiding in obvious shadows yards away from where he stood. Shrugging, he locked the door and turned to take his leave. And for a long hour, not a soul wandered towards the door. The sky started to darken, a few lingering stars illuminating the lonely world.

"Lloyd, can we please go? They'll be back tomorrow, I'm sure of it."

"How sure?"

"I don't know, probably oh… 96%. Honestly, does it matter? Let's just find an inn and rest for the night."

"Don't get smart."

"I'm sorry, just please."

"Then go… I'll stay here." He rummaged through a few pockets, a metallic chink sounding as they rattled. "Here. Use this to pay for the room."

"All right." He grabbed the small pouch and scurried off, not bothering to look back at the man who was shrouded in the shadows. "Lloyd. I don't know if I can handle this… As he reached for the door, it opened before him, a small girl standing in his way.

"Excuse me", she hushed as she pushed past him, running quickly up the small staircase that stood in the lobby.

"Presea?!" Genis turned but she was gone, no sign of her anywhere. "Whatever." He stomped out of the place, heading to the College Campus inn that stood at the end of the plaza, a small flickering candle sitting in the window.

"Lloyd." Presea gentle chirped at him from atop the step.

"How cold. You just ignored him, completely."

"Now's not the time. Tell him I'm sorry, please."

"Why don't you? We're not on the best terms right now." She jumped off the railing, landing softly near the ground Lloyd stood at. "So, at least something is working out."

"Oh?" Her hand felt the small envelope in her deep pockets.

"Trust me. Nothing's been working out for me, but I'll leave it like that. Anyway, do you know who's been working in that last room, the one with all the necromancy stuff written on the blackboard?"

"So, you actually know about necromancy. That's quite a surprise." She shifted where she stood. An axe sat upon her back, the heavy steel weapon pulling her body downward. "You've changed, you know that?"

"Really? How?" His frown stuck to his face as he continued the conversation.

"For one, you've become so much more intelligent than we last talked." She watched him, biting her lip. "Well, maybe that was the wrong thing to say. You aren't as single minded, it seems, and are also incredibly aware of your surroundings."

"And you can tell all that just by seeing me for five minutes?"

"More or less. Have you even looked at yourself in a mirror lately? You've really changed, Lloyd. You truly have."

"Much has happened to me."

"And you only gave me a brief glimpse. What really happened? And, where's Sheena? Shouldn't she be tailing close behind?"

"She's dead", he said, his voice choking as he stuttered the words.

"What?"

"I'm not going to say it again." He wiped a tear away.

"My God…" She covered her mouth with a slender wrist, but she didn't seem phased by it. A handful of nuances perforated the still grounds, each darkening the last, absorbing the following into a tinge of depression. "Well, how long…?"

"Only a few days ago." He had totally forgotten about the girl's body that was sitting in the cold boat only hundreds of yards from where they stood. "She's still with us, he body, that is."

"Why did you bring it?"

"I don't know. I'm chasing the impossible, aren't I? Just reaching out for something completely out of my grasp."

"That's why you're interested in necromancy. So you can fight against nature."

"So, it was nature that wished to kill Sheena?! It was a lesson in fate? Is that what you're telling me?!"

"No, I never alluded to that. But, it is almost a crime against nature…"

"I don't care. I would easily sacrifice my soul for her own."

"Is that so?" Behind them, a voice resonated throughout the stale air in the empty hall, the large chandelier that was draped above swinging with fervor.

"Ha, we could help satisfy your desires", said a voice, almost identical to the first one that spoke. They were beautiful, yet monotonous, almost as if they were a side of colliding calamity, the calm before the storm.

"But, which one would welcome such an honor? Hmm, Brother?"

"Isn't it obvious, Sister? The superior one, but that's more importantly the question, aren't I right?"

"Indeed, only you utter such truths. Even if the true hurts."

"Oh, and how it stings, a barbed tongue eating out the entrails of the heart. Cold air would only serve to fill the void."

"We've only welcomed this void."

"Hahaha." The laugh was empty, almost as if there was no passion behind it, evil or not.

"Epitome. That is my name."

"And Epoch. That is mine." Both revealed themselves, identical twins, almost a two-faced doll with likewise expressions. Lloyd couldn't begin to describe what he was looking at; his mind could hardly fathom the enigmatic figures.

"Lloyd, get ready. These two...They're similar to those who attacked Palmacosta and Sybek, a while ago."

"Palmacosta. Kendl. That's right."

"This fight is ours, and ours alone. Stay where you are, Presea!" Speaking in unison, it gave an interesting filter sound, layering upon the air they all breathed.

"And who made that decision", she said indignantly. "I don't get the privilege to prove myself to you?"

"Funny."

"Indeed. But distractions aside, come Lloyd. We shall see why you have the group on edge."

"Presea, back me up."

"Like I would do anything else." And they fell into the fray.


Thanks for reading. Sorry. I'm not really in teh mindset for something here. Anyway, please review whenever you can. Thanks. -AMP