Got another chapter out this week. I'm on a roll! Thank again to all my assumed readers since is still glitched.

Now, to the story.


Chapter 64: Sword Dancer Returns


It was nice to feel fresh air again and see sunlight. From the position of the sun, they were in the mine for a good two hours at least. It would be late evening by the time they reached Ozette.

Despite accomplishing their goal, no one really spoke, not even Zelos. Most were reflecting on what Vharley said and what to make of Regal.

Genis walked close to the older man, trying to find the right words to say. Given how he treated Regal, he wasn't sure what to say. "You've...killed a human being." He decided it was best to be blunt.

"That's correct," Regal answered.

Genis lowered his eyes. At least he knew it wasn't a hate crime against half-elves. And, he seemed too remorseful for it to be on purpose. Or, maybe he learned to regret his actions in prison.

"I apologize," Regal suddenly spoke. "I imagine it's not easy traveling with a criminal. I hope you can tolerate me for a short while. Just long enough for us to save Presea from the curse of her exsphere."

"I...I'm a murderer too," Genis stated bluntly.

Regal was startled by this. "What?"

"I've hurt countless people in order to protect myself," Genis said, remembering all the Desians he killed during the Journey of Regeneration.

They did many evil things and hurt and killed countless people, but...they were still his kinsmen. Raine kept telling him that the Desians were no one's friend, but now that he knew that the Desians weren't some evil force of nature he began to wondered if he was really different from them.

What made half-elves become Desians? Was it the discrimination they suffered? Was Sylvarant just like Tethe'alla before the world declined and the half-elves became Desians to pay the humans back for years of suffering? If that was the case, could he become a Desian? He killed just like them and...

"I don't know what it was you did, but I won't tell you to leave just because you've killed people," Genis finished, not wanting to complete his own thoughts.

"I see," Regal whispered.

"Because, we're all the same," Genis said as he looked over the group. They had all killed, except for maybe Raine.

"Thank you," Regal said softly.

Genis narrowed his eyes. "But that doesn't mean I like you, understand!?"

Regal couldn't help but chuckle. "I see."

They made it to the pier without incident and they began the long sail back to Gaoracchia Forest. There wasn't much to do outside playing cards with Sheena who brought a deck to helped past the time. Although even that quickly got boring since Zelos kept beating everyone no matter what game they played. The guy was apparently a game master and had a poker face that rivaled Kratos.

Once they reached shore and Raine stopped shaking, they were back in Gaoracchia Forest.

There, Colette suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong Colette?" Lloyd asked.

Colette looked around. "I...I hear it again."

Lloyd tilted his head. "Hear what?"

"The call for help," Colette answered.

"Is it your angel sense?" Genis asked.

"Well, maybe," Colette said. She hesitated. "But I've heard this plea before. It feels the same as the one from Ossa Trail."

Lloyd's eyes widened. "Ossa Trail?"

"You mean the place where I first met you?" Sheena asked.

Colette nodded. "After you left, we went into the mine you fell into. In it was a poor skeleton creature."

"That 'poor' skeleton tried to kill us, remember?" Genis asked in a deadpan voice.

"What are you guys talking about?" Zelos asked, completely lost.

"We fought an elite demon from Underworld," Raine explained. "It was way back when we first started the Journey of Regeneration."

"Elite demon from the Underworld? Does such a thing exist?" Regal asked.

"They do and we fought and beat it," Lloyd said. "Besides, it can't possibly be the same creature. It was in Sylvarant and we're in Tethe'alla."

"Maybe it's a different creature that needs help," Colette said with urgency. "We need to find them."

"But Presea needs us," Genis argued.

"Well...this person needs our help too. I can feel it," Colette said.

Genis turned towards Lloyd. "Please talk some sense into her."

Lloyd hummed. He didn't think it was the same demon they fought before. How could it crossed into another world? And even if it was a different creature, if this demon was anything like the last one, they would be ungodly powerful. It was best to just keep moving.

But...he knew Colette really wanted to help it. Plus, they did grow more powerful after defeating that Underworld elite creature. Still...such a risk and, he hated to admit it, none of them were as strong as Kratos.

He glanced at Colette who was staring at him with those pleading eyes and he knew he was defeated.

"Let's go look for those cries for help," Lloyd relented.

Colette smiled and clapped her hands together. "Thank you, Lloyd."

Genis groaned. Lloyd was so whipped when it came to Colette.

"I'll with you. Looking for cries for help in this forest is the last thing I want," Zelos said.

"Well, you know how Colette is. She has a heart that wants to save everyone," Sheena said with some humor. Supposed it was part of being a good Chosen.

Raine turned towards Colette. "Can you tell where the calls are coming from?"

Colette looked around before turning in a direction. "This way."

She led the group, heading into the deepest parts of the forest. The trees became so thick and tall that hardly any rays of light got through.

Raine had to used her staff as a light to keep the path lit.

"Man, I've never been in this part of Gaoracchia Forest," Zelos said. "We're going to be lost in here."

"It's okay," Lloyd assured. "I have a pretty good sense of direction. We shouldn't get lost. At least, not until the sun sets."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Zelos moaned.

"This elite from the Underworld, was he strong?" Sheena asked.

"Oh yes, he was super strong," Genis said. "It took everything we had to beat it. I was forced to learn a mid-level spell in the middle of that battle just to do anything."

"Although we should do better since we have better access to light magic," Raine said.

Regal hummed. "If that's the case, I'm not sure how much help I will be."

"We don't even know if this is a demon," Lloyd pointed out. "I mean, if really could be just some person calling for help, or something."

"You're too optimistic," Genis muttered.

"It's here!" Colette suddenly exclaimed.

They looked on the ground to see a large black skeleton with horns.

Lloyd gasped. It couldn't be? How was it here?

The skeleton stared at him with its empty eye sockets. "You're...the ones...from before..."

Colette knelt down. "You're Mr. Sword Dancer, right?"

The skeleton breathed. "Indeed...you strong ones...from other world..."

"Why is it here!? We beat it before!" Genis demanded.

Raine put her hand to her chin. "So, my theory was right. Our first fight with it didn't put it to rest."

Genis glared at his sister. "You knew this would happen!?"

"It did say, 'until we meet again'," Raine stated.

"Fight...fight...f..fight...fighting...is...everything," Sword Dance gasped. "I...re...member...my...reason...to...exist. Strong...one...fight me!"

"No way are we fighting you!" Zelos yelled.

Colette turned towards Zelos. "But we have to fight him. He's in so much pain."

"Colette, my sweet angel, as much as I would 'love' to fight some demon from the Underworld, I'm afraid I must pass," Zelos said.

Regal stared at the demon. "Strangely, I also feel this creatures pain. I feel compel to help it."

Zelos turned towards Regal. "Not you too!"

"I don't know how I feel about this, but I don't want it lying here," Sheena said. "It could attack someone or something."

Lloyd sighed. "Well, we dealt with it already and it doesn't seem right to stop halfway. Dwarven Vow Number 21, always finish what you started."

"But what we started could kill us," Genis grumbled.

Zelos sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll fight it. You guys really do have soft hearts."

"I will back you up with my spells. I curious to see what this creature can do," Raine admitted.

"Well, it seems we're mostly in agreement," Lloyd said before turning back to Sword Dance. "We'll fight you."

Sword Dancer's empty eye sockets began to glow red. "Wager your life and COME!"

The skeleton bursted to life, revealing its huge body with four arms. Its swords were different from before and it now had a long scorpion like tail.

Genis' eyes widened. "He's gotten bigger!"

"Bigger!? What do you mean bigger!?" Zelos shouted.

"He wasn't quite that big. He also didn't have a tail," Colette said.

Raine ready herself. "So, the legends are true. Demons of this type grow stronger the more they fight. Or perhaps, this demon grown weaker as he forgotten himself and needs to fight to regain their former power."

"You're way too calm about this!" Genis yelled.

The Sword Dancer brought it swords down on them, causing them the scattered. The shockwave was so intense that those too closed were knocked off their feet.

"Get those light spells ready!" Lloyd shouted at he charged the overgrown skeleton. Regal was right behind him. "Rising Falcon!"

He jumped and impaled Sword Dancer, causing some of its bones to crack.

"Eagle Rage!" Regal yelled, also jumping and kicking Sword Dancer in the head.

It responded by spinning around, slicing into Lloyd and Regal.

"Healing Circle!" Raine shouted, heating the damaged to the two fighters.

"Raine, we need to that combo attack!" Genis yelled.

Before Raine could response, she was nearly hit by a shockwave created when Sword Dancer slammed its blades into the ground.

"Thunder Blade!" Zelos shouted, causing a blade of lightning to hit Sword Dancer, stunning him.

"Mirage Seal Absolute!" Sheena yelled throwing several cards at Sword Dancer.

The attack barely effected it and it charged Sheena. It thrusted one of its swords forward and nearly impaled the summoner. She only survived because she was able to put one of her cards up as a shield at the very last second.

"Sheena!" Lloyd cried as he ran to save his friend. He was knocked aside by Sword Dancer's tail.

"O' holy one, cast thy purifying light upon this corrupt soul... light of judgment! Judgment!" Colette shouted, finishing her chant.

Pillars of light fell upon Sword Dancer, causing him to scream in agony.

"Now's our chance!" Genis yelled as he concentrated his magic.

"Do it, I'll handle the heals," Zelos said as he caused Healing Wing on the injured party members.

Raine finished her spell. "Holy Lance!"

"Eruption!" Genis yelled as the two spells combine to caused starts to fell on the demon.

Sword Dancer reeled back and glared at the two magic users. He charged forward to take them out, but was cut off by Regal.

"Crescent Moon!" he kicked the Sword Dancer right in the jaw. "Eagle Fall!" He followed the previous attack with a powerful downward kick that knocked Sword Dancer to the group.

"Thunder Blade!" Zelos yelled, using another spell.

Lloyd took advantage of his and struck. "Lightning Tiger Blade!" He sliced in the Sword Dancer as he being hit by lightning.

Before Lloyd could attack again, the demon's tail shot up and impaled him in the leg. Lloyd screamed in pain as he grabbed his wound.

"No, Lloyd!" Colette yelled as she concerted harder, drawing more power from her Cruxis Crystal.

Sheena was also pissed as she put her hands together. "I call upon the Maiden of the Mist. I summon thee. Come, Undine!"

Undine appeared with her sword ready and charged the Sword Dancer.

It was ready for her and engaged the summon spirit in combat. To their amazement, the Sword Dancer was able to hold her back.

"Sheesh, what is this guy fighting a summon spirit like that?" Zelos asked.

While Sword Dancer was distracted, it completely failed to noticed Colette. "Light of redemption that guides us to day break, listen to my voice. Holy prayers will be spoken for all eternity. Now, let there be light! Grand Cross!"

Sword Dancer was suddenly thrown into the air and slammed into a cross made of pure light. It screamed in agony as the spell wrecked through its body. Undine used this opening to viciously slashed him, causing him to collapsed before disappearing.

Genis was greatly surprised. "What!? When did you learn that?"

Colette shook her head. "I...don't know actually. I just felt I could do a spell like that."

"Don't drop your guard!" Regal warned as he kicked the Sword Dancer several times in the head.

The Sword Dancer swatted Regal away and growled.

Genis quickly completed a spell. "Absolution!"

Ice exploded on Sword Dancer, but its tail extended across the field and hit Genis, impaling him in the stomach.

"GENIS!" Raine, Lloyd, and Colette screamed in horror.

Raine ran to her brother's side as he fell. Blood was pouring everywhere.

"Sis..." Genis groaned as Raine knelt beside him. His eyes were glossy and his breathing was swallow. At this rate, he would bleed to death.

Raine wasn't about to let that happened. "It's okay, I have you," she spoke softly as she cast Resurrection on him.

Sword Dancer saw easy pray and made his way towards them.

"I think not, ugly!" Zelos yelled as he preformed a Light Spear Cannon.

"Dragon Rage," Regal shouted as he performed a sweeping kick that actually managed to knocked Sword Dancer off its feet. He then did a jump spinning kick that launched it into the air.

Lloyd was right there. "Tempest Beast!" He spun around with his blades and blasted the demon back with Beast.

Colette finished the combo with a Grand Cross, making Sword Dancer screamed.

Despite all that damaged, it got right back up and spun like a top, nearly grinding the group.

"Why won't this thing die!?" Zelos yelled in annoyance.

"Power Seal Pinion!" Sheena shouted as she released a wave of paper that weakened Sword Dancer's defense.

It extended its tail again, but Sheena was able to evade it.

Lloyd focused on the appendage. If he took that out, it should weakened it. He built the mana within his swords. "Fierce Demon Fang!"

He released a powerful wave of mana that hit the demon's tail dead center, cutting it in half.

Zelos smiled. "Yeah, that's how you do it, bud!" He ran forward. "Victory Light Spear!" He spun upwards and hit the Sword Dancer. "Now eat this, Hell Pyre!" He hit him again in midair before setting him on fire with a Fireball.

It regained its balanced and raised its sword, ready to split Zelos in half.

"Eruption!"

"Holy Lance!"

The two spells merge and Sword Dancer was hit once again by a furry of stars.

Colette performed another Grand Cross causing Sword Dancer to explode in light. At that moment, Colette fell to her knees.

"Colette, are you alright?" Lloyd asked he ran to her side.

Colette nodded weakly. "I used too much mana."

Lloyd looked at Raine who was readying another spell. "Do you have an orange gel?"

"Orange gels aren't strong enough," Zelos said as he covered them. "Use a pineapple gel."

"Pineapple gel?" Lloyd repeated.

As they talked, Regal and Sheena were holding off Sword Dancer.

"It's a more powerful orange gel," Zelos explained in annoyance.

Raine ran up to them with the gel in question. "Eat this." She placed the gel to Colette's mouth.

"Spiral Flare!" Genis shouted as he sent a twister of flames at the demon.

While it attempted to avoid the spell, Regal jumped up and delivered a powerful downward kick to one of its arms, shattering it. It arm fell onto the ground, unmoving.

"Now, to finish this," Sheena said as she chanted. "I call upon the Maiden of the Mist. I summon thee… Come, Undine!"

Undine returned and she rammed the Sword Dancer with her sword before cutting through its ribs.

Lloyd stood up and glared at the demon. "Come on. It's almost dead. We just need a big attack to finish it."

Colette also stood up. "I'm ready."

Raine nodded. "Count on me."

They both started to chant as Lloyd ran in. He once again concentrated his mana into his swords to the point they started to glow. His exsphere was also shining brighter.

"Demonic Circle!" Lloyd screamed. He swung his sword in a circle, hitting Sword Dancer several times. He slammed his blades into the ground with such forced that it created a shockwave that knocked the demon down.

"Light of redemption that guides us to day break, listen to my voice. Holy prayers will be spoken for all eternity. Now, let there be light! Grand Cross!" Colette shouted.

The Sword Dancer was lifted off the ground again and slammed into a golden cross.

"Holy Lance!" Raine shouted.

The lance heading right for Sword Dancer, but Lloyd suddenly jumped and caught the spell within his swords, filling them with light magic. "Gungnir!" He thrusted his sword into Sword Dancer's head, causing its entire upper skull to explode.

Raine was shocked. When did Lloyd get such power?

Lloyd fell to the ground hard and his knees gave on him. Before he could fall completely, Regal caught him.

"That was a powerful technique, but you exhausted yourself," Regal said softly.

Sword Dancer stumbled around as its body began to disappeared. "I...I...I...remember! I am the..." It stared at them, what remained of its eyes burning into them. "Strong ones. I...wait next time... Next time..." He vanished.

It took several minutes before everyone realized that it was really over.

Zelos collapsed on the ground. "That was too close. That thing almost killed us."

Genis rubbed his stomach. "I thought he really did kill me..."

"It's good I have that unicorn's horn along with you having an exsphere to enhanced your ability to be healed," Raine said before her eyes became downcast. "Without it..."

"I think Lloyd needs a pineapple gel," Regal announced, putting Lloyd on the ground. He was barely conscious.

Sheena walked over to him. "I didn't know you can use that much mana without using magic."

"It is possible if you concrete hard enough," Regal stated. "Between all the techniques he used and that last really powerful strike, he nearly completely drained his mana."

Colette walked over with a pineapple gel and feed it to Lloyd.

After a few seconds, he came back to life. "Ohhh, what happened?"

"You sent that demon packing," Zelos said with a smile. "Not bad, bud. You have some real skills."

"Where did you learn that move? Demonic Circle, right?" Genis asked.

"Oh...it's something I've been working on since we came to this world," Lloyd said as he slowly sat up with Sheena and Colette's help. "I wanted...wanted something powerful. Just in case..." He didn't finished.

Raine knew what he wanted to say. Just in case they had to fight Kratos again.

"Oh, so that's what you've been doing getting up all early," Zelos mused. "Well, that's a nice move and all, but you need to conserved your mana better."

Raine looked over the group. "Is anyone else injured?"

"Most of our injures were healed during the battle," Sheena answered.

"We were very fortunate," Regal said.

Colette clamped her hands together. "Thank you all for your help. Now, that poor skeleton can finally rest."

"Poor skeleton…?" Zelos repeated.

"Seriously, that thing almost killed us, again!" Genis exclaimed.

Lloyd sighed. "Hard to believe how powerful that thing became. He was nothing like that when we first met him."

Raine nodded. "It was just as I said before. It recovers more of its former power every time we fight it."

Genis shivered. "If we do see it again, it'll be even stronger than it is now."

Sheena also shook at the thought. "How terrifying."

"What can we do?" Lloyd asked. "It took everything we had and more this time. If it returns, we will die for sure."

"Then, we just have to become stronger," Colette answered with certainty.

"That's easy for you to say," Genis grumbled.

Raine rubbed her chin. "A wandering spirit that seeks only combat... When it has fully restored its former power and if we beat it, it's likely that it will deplete itself in the fight, and its soul will vanish."

"So we have to become even stronger than its true power, and force it to give up," Lloyd said in thought.

"It does sound right," Regal said. "If it seeks combat from someone stronger than it, it won't rest until it fulfills that need."

"Then we'll keep fighting it until it's saved," Colette said in determination.

"I think you guys just like torturing yourselves," Zelos concluded.

Genis shook his head. "Enough about that demon. We have to get to Presea. She's still suffering too."

"Yeah," Lloyd said as he stood up. He looked at sky. "And it's getting dark soon. We need to get out of this forest."

"Indeed. After such a tough battle, none of us are in any shape for anymore heavy combat," Regal said.

"I wonder after we saved Presea if we can take a break for a couple of days," Zelos said more to himself as they walked. "All this fighting and traveling is not good for my looks."

Sheena rolled her eyes. "That would be your concern."

"Hey, I'm not you who have been traveling for months," Zelos rebuked. "I happen to like soft beds and a full night's sleep."

"Kinda feel the same way, honestly," Genis admitted. "Feels like we've been doing nothing but walking and fighting."

"Well, maybe we can rest in Mizuho after things are settled with Presea," Sheena relented. "Besides, we still have to wait until we locate the Rheairds."

After thirty minutes of walking, they arrived in Ozette. It was night by the time they reached the village and the fireflies were out. It gave the area an enchanted feel.

"That's them! The wanted criminals!" someone shouted, shattering the serene mood.

They looked up to see an army of Papal Knights. One of the villagers much have turned them in.

"Ah crap, not the Papal Knights again," Zelos groaned.

"Why do they always show up where we're going!?" Sheena asked in annoyance. How the hell were they tracking their movements anyway?

One of the Papal Knights chuckled. "Well, well, if it isn't Master Zelos. I trust you are well."

As he spoke, the other Papa Knights surrounded them.

Lloyd growled under his breath. After fighting Sword Dancer, no one was in top form. "Dammit!"

"Remember, capture Colette alive!" a knight ordered as they closed in.

Sheena quickly took out her paper. "Mirage Seal Pinion!" She threw the paper and used it to cover the knights' eye holes.

"Dammit, I can't see!" one of them yelled.

While they were distracted, Regal ran forward and kicked a Papal Knight in the gut, denting the armor and causing the man to collapsed.

Lloyd heading for the captain, who parried his thrust and he was nearly hit by the captain's backhand.

Colette threw her chakrams at the several of the knights. She aimed for their helmets so when the rings hit, it made their ears ring.

"Thunder Blade!" Zelos yelled as he took down the knights Colette distracted.

Genis finished his spell. "Ground Dasher!" The stalagmites slammed into several knights, sending them flying into the air. He huffed. He was getting tired from using all these advance spells in such a short timespan.

Lloyd was really struggling against the leader. He was just too worn out from fighting Sword Dancer to give his best.

"Is that all you got!?" the leader mocked as he knocked Lloyd away and hit him with his axe. Thankfully, Lloyd was able to avoid it just enough so it only damaged his jacket sleeve.

Regal saw the trouble Lloyd was having and ran in to help. He jumped and slammed both feet into the knight leader, grinding him into the ground.

"Thanks, Regal," Lloyd huffed.

Regal nodded. "Think nothing of it."

Lloyd looked to see that everyone had dealt with Papal Knights. There were bodies scattered all over the ground. "We managed to win..."

Genis wiped some sweat from his face. "That was too close."

"I'm so sorry everyone," Colette apologized. "It's because we fought Sword Dancer that everyone's so tired." She lowered her eyes. "And they're after me..."

"There's no point worrying about that now," Raine said.

"Besides, they're after my life too," Zelos pointed out. "The Professor and Genis are wanted because they're half-elves. Sheena is from Mizuho, now considered a village of traitors. And Regal is considered a traitor as well."

Colette put her hands to her heart. "Thanks."

"Stop thinking everything's your fault," Lloyd lightly scolded.

She lowered her head again. "I'm sorry, Lloyd."

Lloyd sighed. "You don't need to apologize for it."

Without warning, Colette suddenly collapsed. She was on her knees, just crying in pain.

Lloyd was shocked. Colette never screamed when she fell. In fact, she hardly ever cried no matter how much pain she was in. "Colette?! Professor! Colette's..."

Raine knelt down in front of her student. She put a hand to Colette's forehead and nearly recoiled. "She's running a fever. But what could be causing this much pain?"

Could it be a flu? Muscle aches were a common symptom, but it shouldn't caused this amount of pain.

"Move…please leave this…to me…" a voice ordered.

They turned to see Presea walking towards them.

Raine stood up to looked at the girl. "Presea?" Something felt off about her, more than usual. "A…alright."

Presea walked up to Colette, staring down at her for several seconds. Suddenly, she took her axe out and spun, nearly hitting everyone. As they jumped back, Presea smacked Colette with dull side of her axe, instantly knocking her out.

"Good work, Presea," someone praised.

The group looked to see the strange man who was with Presea earlier at her house. He smiled smugly as he walked next to Presea.

Before anyone could react, the sounds of several flaps reached their ears. From the sky, a pair of bluish-purple dragons landed next to the man.

Sheena quickly summoned Corrine.

The small summon spirit ran forward and tackled Presea before she could walked off with the man. He couldn't help Colette, however, who was grabbed by one of the dragons and taken into the air.

The man was also on one of the dragons, laughing victoriously. "I am Rodyle! The most cunning of the Desian Grand Cardinals! I hope you don't mind me taking the Chosen One."

Lloyd looked up at the Desian, shaking in rage. A Grand Cardinal? Here? So the Desians were in this world too?

Rodyle kept laughing as he flew away with Colette in toll. Soon, they were out of sight.

"COLETTE!" Lloyd screamed, unable to do a thing to save her. He had failed again.


After all this time, I bet you forgot about Sword Dancer and I think he integrated well into this chapter. And we lose Colette just as soon as we're closed to a full party. I kinda hate this section of the game.

Until next chapter, please take care.