Disclaimer&Extraneous: You know the drill by now

Author's Note1: Hello again, everyone! Just to let you know, I'm going to be trying something a little different at the beginning of the next few chapters. Enjoy!

The Oricaltos insulted Chiasmus,
and then the battle was joined.
It was long, and brutal, and twisted,
especially when several Surts arrived,
courtesy of Corbin. The battle came
to an abrupt end when Chiasmus
made a fatal mistake: he tried
to kill Lamington. Poitrenne removed
the Apostate's head, and that was the end of it.
Prophecy di luce e di ombre: Lines CCXIV-CCXXII

Chapter 9: The Chroma and the Oxide

On Ivoire:
Ivoire is a large cluster of islands, surrounded on all sides by ocean. It is home to a variety of creatures and spells that can be found nowhere else in the multiverse. The islands play host to Chromas (monster hunters), Chroma Oxides (those who take the pay meant for the Chromas without doing the work), and Phantoms (wandering spirits). It is said that once-in-a-generation, someone will be born who can communicate with these wandering spirits. They will also have the ability to summon these Phantoms into the material plane, and he or she who controls these abilities will be able to save Ivoire from a horrific foe...

Following Saito&Co: Pram's Study: Hall of Prophecy: Zetta's Netherworld
Time: Two-and-a-half hours have passed since we last left our heroes

Saito was resting with his back to the wall, contemplating the ceiling. He was busy thinking about the most recent turn of events, but was yet distracted by a problem that he wished no one else would ever figure out. Nearby, Trenia was playing with the Saber Kitty who was her constant companion. She looked up, slightly startled, when Saito cursed. "Damn that stupid Terror Demon! If only he had stayed dead," he muttered, sadly shaking his head. "What's wrong, Saito?" Trenia asked, slightly concerned. He almost never acts like this, unless he is trying to hide something that is really bothering him. "It's nothing, Trenia," the Oricaltos answered with a sigh. "I just can't believe that Sulfur managed to survive the beating he received at my hands." However, he was avoiding Trenia's question, and she instantly knew that he was trying desperately to hide something.

So, she decided to get right to the heart of the matter. Placing her tiny companion on the floor, Trenia rose to her feet and stretched lazily before walking across the room and taking a seat next to the hybrid. "There's something that you're not telling me," she bluntly stated, and Saito jerked his head up to look at her. Am I really that transparent, Trenia? No, it's just that it is incredibly easy to tell if there is something bothering you that you have no wish to talk about. Remember, I am the former spirit of the Tome. The Oricaltos rolled his eyes once before speaking. "You're right, of course, but I want to see if you can figure it out on your own," he replied, and Trenia rolled her eyes once in response. "Does it have anything to do with the Alternate Overlord, the Oracle, or both of them?" she asked sweetly, and Saito hung his head, resigned. "Both," he whispered softly, and Trenia gently smiled. "Tell me what's wrong, and I might be able to help you."

The Oricaltos heaved a heavy sigh before explaining his problem. "It's kinda hard to put into words..." "You love them both, right?" another voice called from the doorway, and the hybrid looked up, startled to see that Salome had entered the room without alerting him to her presence. She closed the door and gently smiled before gesturing for him to continue. At that point, the mage shot Trenia a rather angry look. "What did I do?" she asked innocently, and the hybrid's eyes narrowed to slits. Who else knows? Saito demanded, and Salome briefly looked at the ceiling before meeting the hybrid's eyes. "No one outside of this room knows, Saito," she stated, and the mage's shoulders visibly slumped in relief. "Thanks, Salome. It's just one of those secrets that I want to remain secret." "Don't worry, Saito," Trenia stated with a grin. "Your secret is safe with us."

Saito nodded his thanks before laboriously rising to his feet. "Well, it looks like it's time that we get going," he called loudly, and the door of the study opened once again before Asagi poked her head into the room, grinning. "I was about to say the exact same thing, Oricaltos. Let's get to Ivoire. After all, we've got a lot of work to do if we are going to defeat Sulfur." The hybrid nodded once in agreement before heading out the door, closely followed by both Salome and Trenia. It was time to go to work once again.

While Saito and the others are finishing their preparations, let's go see what the situation is like on one of Ivoire's central islands...
Southern Beach: Phantom Isle: Ivoire

A portal appeared south of the lone, man-made structure on the island. Then, a man poked his head out before looking around. Crimson eyed with pale skin and ocean-blue hair, the man (or Phantom, to be more precise) had a rather ghostly appearance. "It looks clear to me, Marona," he called over his shoulder before exiting the portal, he then turned around and raised an eyebrow as his young charge emerged. She was about Flonne's height, with lime-green hair and eyes. She blinked at her guardian innocently. "What is it, Ash?" she asked, and the Phantom shook his head, a minor frown crossing his features. "Did we have to go through all one hundred floors?" he whined, and Marona grinned at him. "Don't you think that it was worth the trip?" she asked sweetly, and Ash rolled his eyes once before replying. "Yes, I'd say that it was worth the trip," he grudgingly answered, tapping the sword at his left hip.

Marona paused to look around when a tiny figure came flying over one of the sand dunes at a tremendous clip. Unable to stop in time, the being collided with the young Chroma before bouncing off, sending both of them sprawling. Marona struggled to her feet before hurrying to aid the smaller being. "Mocha! How many times have I told you to slow down when you come over the dunes?" The white-limbed, green-dressed Putty lowered his eyes in shame. I'm sorry, Miss Marona, but I had to find you! I'm not sure if he is going to last much longer... The Putty trailed-off, and Marona looked over at Ash. "Do you think it's possible? Could it actually be him?" she asked, and the Phantom replied with a shrug. "I honestly don't know, but whoever it is, I think we should hurry up." "Right," Marona replied before staring intently at Mocha. "Lead the way."

The Putty led the duo down to the beach before pointing at the prone figure lying face-down in the surf. Marona hurried over to roll the man onto his back, and here eyes widened in shock when she saw who it was. Softly, she whispered the man's name. "Walnut..." She then turned to Ash, and he immediately understood. The man was in terrible shape, and if he did not receive medical attention, then there was only a slim chance for survival. Ash sadly shook his head before calling several other Phantoms to help carry Walnut to Marona's house. What in the hell happened to you? Ash wondered silently, reflecting on the day that the Chroma Oxide had disappeared from Ivoire...

Begin Flashback
End of Eternity: Island of Evil: Ivoire

"For her sake, I will not fail. Rising Dragon!" As Ash's yell faded away, it became clear that Sulfur had taken the full force of the attack. The Terror Demon was incredibly bloody, but he still showed no signs of slowing down. "This is taking far too long!" Marona called, and Walnut sadly shook his head, not even bothering to argue. "It looks like we may have to force Sulfur through the portal," he mused, and the young Chroma sadly nodded. It was at that moment that Walnut made his decision, and he knew what he had to do. Abruptly, the Chroma Oxide turned and stared directly into Marona's eyes. "Take care of my sister, will you?" he asked, and she slowly nodded, puzzled by his actions. However, everything soon became crystal clear.

"SULFUR! You have caused enough pain and suffering for this generation. I will defeat you, even if it kills me!" he snapped at the monstrous being, his brown eyes shimmering with determination. Sulfur returned his glare with angry red eyes, clearly unamused with the concept that he could be beaten by mere humans. Try me! Sulfur angrily responded, and Walnut crossed his hands over his chest, preparing to unleash his magic. Immediately, his hair began to whip around as if tossed in an unseen wind, and he was surrounded by a swirling red aura. As he roared the incantation, the aura surrounding him grew even brighter. "Fire of battle, reveal my true heart! Psycho Burgundy!" He then lashed out, knocking Sulfur backwards towards the portal. If I'm going through, then you're coming with me, you pest! Sulfur thundered as he began to disappear into the Dimensional Gate. When only his eyes remained, the Terror Demon gave a hard psychic yank and dragged the blonde-haired Chroma Oxide through the portal, just before it vanished.

End Flashback

While Ash and the others are busy moving Walnut, let's head to the northern portion of the island, where Saito and the others are arriving...
Following Saito&Co: Northern Beach: Phantom Isle: Ivoire

"All clear," Laharl called before stepping out of the Dimensional Gate. Thank goodness there are no Bottlemails around, he thought with a shudder, and Saito mentally concurred. You had a bad experience with them? Yup, and I do not want to repeat it! "Me neither, Overlord," Saito reponded as he emerged, followed shortly by the rest of the group. Once everyone had arrived, Saito closed the Dimensional Gate before issuing orders. "Spread out and search for anything unusual. Laharl and I will be waiting here."

Five minutes later...

Etna's younger brother was the first one to return. "Saito, I have good news and bad news." "...Give me the bad news first, Aramis." "Well, it appears that Sulfur really has returned to this place. However, he unwittingly dragged along the man who sealed him away last time." "Really?" Laharl asked, and the Zombie Master nodded. "Then again, he was badly injured, and it appears that his chances for survival are slim-to-none if he does not receive immediate medical attention." The Oricaltos pondered this for a few moments, and then asked a rather blunt question. "Where is he?" Aramis shrugged casually. "My guess is that he is being treated in the house south of here." The hybrid looked at the Overlord and then nodded, issuing a silent command. Send Maria to join us as soon as she returns. Yes sir. "Aramis? Show me the way."

Bedroom: Second Floor: Marona's House: Phantom Isle

"ASH! Where are all of the healers?" "Don't you remember? You sent them to the Isle of Healing Waters so that they could get a break." Marona closed her eyes before putting her head in her hands. "Then there is no hope left for him..." she whispered, not expecting a reply. Thus, she was quite shocked when she received one. "Actually, there is hope, just from an entirely different direction," a voice called from the doorway, causing both the Chroma and the Phantom to turn and stare slack-jawed at the man who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Ash narrowed his eyes before sliding protectively between Marona and the newcomer, and in response, the figure shrugged before spreading his hands, indicating that he was unarmed. "I didn't come here looking for a fight." "Then exactly why are you here?" Ash demanded. The man's face grew serious. "I am a healer in more ways than you would probably be willing to believe, Phantom. I just came to make certain that the Chroma Oxide survives." Marona froze for a few seconds, but then her eyes hardened. "How can I be sure that your intentions aren't hostile?" she snapped, and the man sighed in exasperation before sadly shaking his head. "If I had wanted to kill you, then you would never have seen me. Anyways, I came here with a certain friend of yours." "Who are you talking about?" Ash asked, remaining wary of the man, and the hybrid sighed once. "The Overlord known as Laharl Krichevskoy."

Marona's eyes grew wide at the mention of the Overlord's name before her jaw dropped in amazement. "You mean that Laharl is still the Overlord after all these years?" she asked, and the auburn-haired man nodded. "Sorry for the late introduction, but my name is Saito Onago, and my companion here," he added, gesturing towards the Zombie Master, "is Etna's younger brother, Aramis." Marona curtsied before raising worried eyes to the mage. "My name is Marona, and the Phantom is my guardian, Ash." "Then that must be Walnut, the Chroma Oxide," Aramis responded, gesturing towards the bedridden man, and Ash nodded silently before giving Aramis a rather strange look. "If you're Etna's kid brother, then why is your hair color so radically different?" "I'm afraid that the explanation will have to wait, Ash," Saito stated. "Right now, however, we only have one priority: we need to make sure that Walnut survives." "Agreed," Marona called before bending over the prone figure and preparing to cast one of her healing spells. However, she paused when the Oricaltos raised a hand. "Don't do that, at least until I'm sure that he hasn't been cursed."

Marona was rather puzzled by this statement. "Cursed? What do you mean?" she asked, allowing her curiosity to get the best of her. Saito shook his head before beckoning the young Chroma to come closer. He then showed her the small mark on the inside of Walnut's right wrist. It resembled a small hexagon with a six-pointed star in the center of it. "Just as I expected. It's a Reverse Healing Curse," he muttered, and Aramis nearly swore aloud. "Do you think you can remove it?" he asked cautiously, and the hybrid slowly nodded. "It shouldn't be too hard. I just need to concentrate on it." At that point, Marona interrupted. "Um, what do you mean by a 'Reverse Healing Curse'?" she asked curiously, and Aramis answered without raising his head. "What it means is that normal healing spells will have the opposite effect as long as the curse remains." "Oh..." They were both distracted by the light coming from between Saito's hands, but it soon died down as the curse mark disappeared. Maria walked in at that precise moment, and the hybrid gave his cleric (and Marona) a short nod, indicating that he was finished for the time being.

"Espoir," Maria called softly, watching as the poison on the man's skin vanished. However, no matter how many times Marona cast Giga Heal, Walnut's wounds refused to close. The young Chroma looked to the mage, her eyes pleading for the hybrid to help her. Saito obliged by reaching out with his mind and running a quick scan of the Oxide's blood. What he found there caused him to swear aloud. "Dammit!" "What's wrong with him?" Marona asked, and Saito responded with his chilling observation. "Apparently, there is an unusually large concentration of sulfuric acid running through his veins." To say the least, Marona and the others were horrified. "Is there anything that I can do to help him?" she timidly asked, and Saito reluctantly shook his head. "I don't know, but I am not just going to sit here and watch this man die!" the Oricaltos snapped as he extended his right hand towards the Chroma Oxide. I really hope that this idea of mine works... "Brisingir," the mage whispered, watching as the healing blue flames leaped from his palm to the open wounds covering Walnut's body. Unfortunately, Saito was not prepared when the man's brown eyes shot open in pain.

YOUCH! What in the hell is going on here? You were badly injured when you arrived. If it hadn't been for our intervention... The Chroma Oxide closed his eyes and shuddered violently. Where...am I? You are currently in Marona's house on Phantom Isle. Phantom Isle? You mean that I am back in Ivoire? Yes. Walnut sighed heavily before opening his eyes and looking around the room. He smiled weakly upon seeing Marona and Ash, but then his eyes continued to wander. Eventually, they settled on the auburn-haired young man at the foot of the bed. "Who...are...you?" he managed to gasp out, and the man smiled. "My name is Saito Onago, and I am not here to do you any harm." There was a long pause, and then Walnut spoke again. "Why...does it feel...like my veins...are on fire?" he rasped, and Saito's eyes creased slightly. "I think that might be due to the amount of sulfuric acid that the Terror Demon dumped into your bloodstream, but I'm working on changing that," Saito muttered, his brow furrowing in concentration. "What...are you?" the Oxide asked, and the hybrid shook his head briefly before replying. "I'll answer that question after you finish healing." "Okay..." Walnut softly rasped as he tried to relax on the bed.

There was a brilliant flash, and then the healing flames died down. The Oricaltos motioned for Marona to tyr her spell again, and she quickly obliged. "Giga Heal!" This time, the Oxide's wounds closed, and everyone visibly relaxed. "Well, I'm glad that it's finally done," Maria commented, not really expecting anyone to respond. However, everyone received a shock when another voice came from the doorway. "Oh my God! Is that actually...Walnut? I don't believe it!" "Neither did I, at least until I saw him for myself, Lady Sienna," the hybrid responded, turning and bowing to the slender, rose-haired woman standing in the doorway. "Or should I address you as Lady Scarlet, seeing as you are Scarlet the Brave, correct?" he asked, his eyes glittering merrily at seeing the stunned look on the face of Marona's landlady. She slowly nodded her head in amazement before responding. "It took Marona nearly four weeks to figure it out, and then you arrive and get it on the first try. I must say that I am quite impressed." This prompted a wide grin from the mage, and he gave the woman a quick nod before responding. "However, before we start discussing what has to be done about Sulfur, I believe a few introductions are in order..."

After taking the time to introduce himself (and the others, when they all arrived), Saito, Scarlet, Marona, and the other leaders sat down to discuss what could be done about the Terror Demon...
Kitchen: First Floor: Marona's House: Phantom Isle
Time: An hour has passed since the first introductions were made between Scarlet and Saito

"Well, it's been confirmed: Sulfur is definitely back in Ivoire," Laharl commented, prompting a strange look from Scarlet. "How are you so certain?" "We ran into a group of summons earlier, and our Overlord here got a kick out of destroying all of them in under five minutes," Etna replied, and Saito raised an eyebrow. "How many were there?" "Oh, I'd say that there were about twenty," Flonne answered after a moment of thought. Scarlet sadly shook her head before asking her next question. "Do we have any sort of clue as to the whereabouts of the wraith?" Alexander nodded. "We are currently pursuing several leads, but none of them are looking too promising at the moment..." he replied to the former Brave. However, before Scarlet could ask her next question, the pseudo-conference was interrupted when Sita staggered into the room, supporting a barely-conscious healer. Adell was instantly on his feet. "Sita! What happened to you?" "We got ambushed, Master Adell," she called weakly before falling to her knees. "That thing is on the Isle of Healing Waters." "What?" Marona asked, the shock in her voice clear. "Are you certain about that?" Her answer came from a rather unlikely source. "I'm not sure about her, but I am certain that Yamino is there," a voice called from the base of the stairs, prompting everyone to look over.

The man standing at the foot of the stairs was casually dressed in a burgundy shirt, a short white necktie, and white pants, belted at the waist. Over top of this, he was wearing a dark-blue trenchcoat. His long blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and his brown eyes were glittering with a look that the mage had not seen in quite a long time. There was murder in Walnut's eyes, and the Oricaltos instantly felt sorry for anything that would be forced to cross paths with the Chroma Oxide. Saito whistled lightly. "For a man who was hovering on the edge between life-and-death, you certainly made a quick recovery, Walnut," he commented, and the man briefly smiled at the mage before his eyes narrowed to slits. "That sorry bastard is going after my family, and I have a job to do." "Well, you aren't doing it alone," Marona chimed in, and everyone else nodded. Saito slowly rose to his feet before lazily stretching. "Alright, who wants to join me on a little field-trip to the Isle of Healing Waters?" he asked casually, knowing that there would be no shortage of volunteers. He then settled down to pick exactly who else would be accompanying him, besides Marona, Ash, Walnut, and Scarlet.

Author's Note2: Well, it looks like another chapter is done for the time being. Still, what awaits Walnut, Saito and the others upon their arrival on the Isle of Healing Waters? Who exactly is Walnut's sister? And what in the hell is Yamino? Things are gonna get a little hectic once they arrive, and lemme tell ya, it's gonna be anything but pretty. Stick around for my next chapter, Of Witches and Wraiths. As always, please remember to both read and review. Thank you.