Sorry for being late again, but my power went out on my editing day. Either way, I hope this chapter was worth the wait and thank you all for your continued you support.
Now onward to the chapter.
Chapter 46: Seal of Light
Lloyd has never been into books, but even he was left speechless when he entered the tower.
Before him stood an opened room filled with rows upon rows of books. It wouldn't surprise him if every book ever written were stuff into this library. No wonder Raine was so excited about coming here. He could imagine either her or Genis living here.
"Wow! That's a lot of books!" Genis exclaimed with stars in his eyes. The boy just entered heaven.
"Ohh! Just think of all the knowledge contained within these books!" Raine exclaimed, closed to falling to her knees in happiness.
Sheena was completely overwhelmed. "How are we supposed to find Boltzman in all of this? It could take us days."
"Let us first break the seal. Then, we can search for the Boltzman in our own pace," Kratos advised.
Lloyd looked ahead and saw an altar not too far in front of him. Connected to the altar was a very familiar blue stone. He quickly approached it. "Hey! It's an oracle stone!"
Raine was able to break herself away from the library and rushed to join Lloyd. "It's just as written in the Book of Regeneration." She looked towards Colette. "Colette, if you would, please?"
Colette nodded. "Yes, Professor." She walked up to the altar and gently put her hand on the oracle stone.
Strangely, nothing seemed to happen. Unlike the other seals, no door or passageway opened. Instead, a dim blue light started to shine from the middle of the room. Within seconds, that one light spread to three other circles that surrounded it. Then, it was gone, and everything returned to normal.
There was a long moment of silence.
"It didn't open," Lloyd said, breaking the awkward silence.
Kratos shook his head. "No, look at that magic circle."
Raine walked over to get a closer look at it. "Marvelous! This apparatus has awoken due to the oracle stone," she observed in wonder.
Genis put a hand to his chin in thought. "So we just need to do something with that apparatus."
"So it seems," Kratos stated.
Lloyd looked between the three of them. He had no clue what they were talking about. It was like they were speaking a different language. He glanced at Sheena and she looked just as lost.
Raine spent several minutes studying the magic circle. She took notes and studied the markings on the floor. "This looks interesting." He turned towards Lloyd. "Stand on that blue circle." She pointed to the circle at the top.
Lloyd was surprised to be suddenly dragged into this. "Huh, well, okay."
Raine turned her attention towards her brother. "Genis, you go to that one." She pointed to the circle on the right of her.
Genis nodded. "Okay."
Raine took her spot on the left circle and they were soon in a triangle formation. When that happened, one of the doors to right of the room suddenly opened.
"Wow, it opened, Professor!" Lloyd exclaimed as he left his circle. As soon as he did, the door closed. "Huh, what the..."
Raine rubbed her chin. "It seems that it won't open without three people on these circles."
"Which means that three of us must remain here," Kratos observed. There was a tone of annoyance in his voice. "It's dangerous, but we have little choice."
Sheena sighed. "Well, isn't that convenience. Did the people who made this trial really believe that there would be a party of six or more?"
"Funny, until Sheena joined us, there were only five of us. Unless we count Noishe," Lloyd humored.
Colette turned and smiled at Sheena. "Then, that means it was Martel's will that you joined us."
Sheena blushed at the statement. "Well...I don't know about all of that."
"In either case, how shall we divide ourselves?" Kratos asked. "Whoever goes ahead will face great danger, especially since no one will be able to back them up. For the Chosen's safety, she should go up ahead to ensure that this isn't a trap."
Raine nodded. "Agreed." She turned towards Lloyd. "Choose another person to come with you and Colette."
Lloyd stepped back in surprise. "Me?"
"Colette has never been good at things of this nature and would defer to you anyway," Raine stated as she glanced at Colette. "And, you did a great job dividing us back at the Ranch."
Colette smiled in encouragement. "You can do it Lloyd. You're a natural at this."
Lloyd sighed as he looked over the group.
He glanced at Kratos. Taking him would be a safe bet given that he was still ungodly powerful compared to all of them put together. He was so strong that he wondered if Kratos could have done this journey by himself. But if Kratos came with him, who would protect Genis and Raine?
He looked towards the Sage siblings. If they stayed in the main room, they should be safe from any danger, maybe. This was a trial so who knew what would happen once they were split up. The room could fill with monsters or something as far as he knew. Unlike with the Ranch and Kvar, they didn't know anything about what to expect from this place. So, he had to make sure Genis and Raine were well protected.
He turned his attention towards Sheena. She was strong, but could she guard two magic users? She would have to hold the front line by herself while Genis back her up with spells. If anyone made it past her, then Genis and Raine would be in danger.
It was probably best not to put them together for that reason. Which meant he would have to bring either Raine or Genis with him, and leave behind Kratos. Given a choice between the two, he would take Raine since he would undoubtedly need a healer.
So, that left him in the front, Colette in the middle, while the Professor healing them from the back. Team two would be Kratos and Sheena in the front protecting Genis, with Kratos healing if things go bad. It sounded like a good combination, but could he really leave Kratos behind?
That one question scared him.
Until now, he has been nearly completely depended on the guy. What started out as a bitter jealousy and a need to prove himself turned to him relying on Kratos' wisdom and experience to guide him. Could he really do this without Kratos?
He glanced at Colette and he knew the answer.
He had to do this. He couldn't…..wouldn't rely on Kratos forever. He swore to become stronger to protect Colette and help her carry some of the burden of being Chosen. He couldn't do that as long as he used Kratos as his crutch.
"Okay, the Professor is with Colette and me," Lloyd finally said. "Kratos, Genis, Sheena, you stay here."
Genis frowned. "Aww, I wanted to go with you."
Kratos nodded. "Very well."
He wasn't completely happy. With Lloyd out of sight, he couldn't protect him. This, however, was something Lloyd needed to do. Now, they would see the fruits of his training. Besides, there was hardly anything dangerous in here compared to the Ranch.
Sheena also slumped in disappointed. "Left behind again."
Raine was all smiles. "I finally get to study the Tower of Mana!" They could practically see the hearts floating above her head.
Sheena glanced at Genis. "Does Raine have a split personality?"
Genis blushed at the question. "I'm sorry. She's a little strange, but she's a good person at heart," he spoke quietly so Raine wouldn't hear him. He didn't feel like being hit.
Lloyd walked up to Colette, who was still standing near the oracle stone. "Colette will you be alright?"
She smiled and nodded. "Thanks for worrying about me, but I'm fine."
Lloyd frowned, not quite believing her. Would she really be alright after this? "Okay..."
With the arrangements made, Genis, Sheena, and Kratos stepped on the glowing circles, reopening the door.
Lloyd, Colette, and Raine stepped through the open door and entered a long dark hallway. It was so dark that they could barely see anything in front of them.
"It appears that this walkway haven't been used in many years," Raine observed.
"Well, given everything we had to do to even get in here, it make sense," Lloyd said. "Whoever came up with these trials didn't make them easy."
Raine observed the writings on the walls. "Interesting. These texts are as old as what we saw at the other seals, saved for the Balacruf Mausoleum. They speak of a Guardian of Light and spirit of the World Tree."
"Guardian light, you mean Luna and Aska?" Lloyd asked in confusion. "But since they're two of them, shouldn't it be guardians?"
Raine rubbed her chin. "Well, like before, neither Luna or Aska are referred to as guardians. Luna is giving the name Light of Heaven and Aska is called Flames of the Sun. They also have no connections to the World Tree."
"Huh, another mystery," Lloyd said while rubbing his hair.
"Also, spirit of the World Tree, this is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing. It couldn't be Origin, could it?" Raine asked more to herself. She dusted off the wall. "Centurion?"
Lloyd bit his lips as he remembered Kratos mentioning that the World Tree had a summon spirit in his stories of Mithos the Hero. Could Kratos' stories of Mithos be more true than the Church's version of events? He wanted to speak his thoughts out loud, but he was warned that any version of Mithos' story outside of what was told by the Church of Martel was taboo and he didn't want to get into it with Colette.
Colette tilted her head. "Centurion? What's a Centurion?"
Raine shook her head. "Not sure. One of the words written here says the Altar of Centurion Lumen. I have never heard of a Centurion."
"Huh, this place just keeps getting stranger," Lloyd said. Although, he thought he heard of a Centurion somewhere before. Like a really old story.
Raine wrote down her findings into her notes. "I must research this. We could be seeing monumental find."
Colette tapped her fingers together. "Professor. Maybe we should go through the trial first. I mean, we don't want to keep the others waiting."
Raine sighed. "You're right. But I must return here for further research."
"Between the library and now this, I think Raine wants to live here," Lloyd humored.
Raine stood up. "You just have no appreciation for history."
They finally began to move again. For the most part, the walk was peaceful. It didn't appear to be any monsters in sight.
"Looks like this seal maybe easy," Lloyd said. "I mean, nothing has jumped out and tried to kill us yet."
As soon as he said that, a ghost appeared from the floor.
Raine sighed. "You had to tempt fate."
"What is that?" Colette asked.
"A Specter," Raine said as she lifted her staff. "Lloyd, your techniques won't have any effect on it."
Lloyd turned towards the professor. "Then, what should I do?"
"Keep it distracted. I should be able to kill it with a Photon," Raine said.
"Gotcha!" Lloyd exclaimed as he charged the Specter.
"Colette, I think your Angel Feathers will be effective since it is a light base attack," Raine stated.
Colette nodded. "Okay."
Lloyd attempted to slash the Specter, but his attacks faded fight through it. The ghost like creature countered by smacking him away, causing him to skid across the floor.
"No fair. I can't hit him, but he can hit me," Lloyd complained as the Specter charged in for the kill.
"Angel Feathers!" Colette yelled as the chakram hit the Specter, causing it to scream in pain.
"Photon!" Raine shouted as the sphere of light exploded on the ghost, killing it.
"Yeah, good work!" Lloyd cheered.
Their victory was short lived when several more Specters came through the floor. They also weren't alone. From down the hallway came several floating swords.
"Why are there swords floating?" Lloyd asked.
"Living swords. Legend says that they are swords possessed by ghost," Raine replied. "Since these ghosts are in a physical object, you should be able to destroy them, Lloyd. Colette and I will handle the Specters."
Lloyd growled. Now he was really regretting not bringing Kratos.
The Living Swords all attacked Lloyd at once, but he was able to block and parry them. Colette held up the Specters to keep them away from Raine while she prepared another Photon.
The Living Swords were tough, but after sparring with Kratos, they were amateurs at best. Lloyd smiled wolfishly as he decided that this was a good place to practice some of his techniques.
"Fierce Demon Fang!" Lloyd yelled as he released a vicious wave of mana that literally cut one of the Living Swords in half.
One of the Living Swords attempted to take his back, but Lloyd sensed it coming.
"Tiger Rage!" Lloyd shouted as he slashed upward into the air and viciously cut up the Living Sword.
"Photon!" Raine yelled as she took out another Specter.
One attempted to charge her, but was nailed by Colette's Angel Feathers.
Still, Raine and Colette were barely a matched since both of their attack required time and concretion to complete. By the time Lloyd finished the last Living Sword, he saw Colette and Raine were surrounded.
He ran to help them, but knew his attacks had no effect against nonphysical monsters. He had to do something drastic and something that would get him an earful if Kratos were here.
Lloyd brought his swords together and skidded them across each other so fast and fiercely that they actually caught on fire.
"Blazing Tempest!" Lloyd yelled as he jumped and spun in the air, hitting several Specters on the way down.
The ghost like creatures cried in pain as they were set on fire.
Raine was surprised by the attack, but decided not to question the insanity of what Lloyd just done. "Photon!"
"Angel Feathers!" Colette yelled as she took out another Specter.
Within a few minutes, the hallway was finally cleared of any enemy.
"Well, that was fun," Lloyd said as he put out the fire on his swords.
Colette clapped her hands. "That was amazing, Lloyd!"
"That was crazy. When did you come up with such a technique?" Raine asked with an edge to her voice.
"Well, I noticed that with enough friction you cause heat. From heat you get fire. So I figure if I cause enough friction to my swords, I can set them on fire," Lloyd explained as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
Raine blinked at the absurdity of that logic. However, as insane as it was, it did work. How or why she would never know. "That technique is still dangerous. You could have caught yourself on fire."
Lloyd shook his head. "No way. My clothes would prevent that."
Raine sighed in defeat. "In either case, we survived. I must give you credit for realizing that Specters are weak against light and fire attacks since they compliment one another."
"Oh, they do?" Lloyd asked.
Raine was stunned for several seconds. "Didn't you know that?"
"I just figured I needed an element to hit them. I didn't know they were weak against fire," Lloyd admitted.
Raine sighed again. He gave Lloyd too much credit.
"But Lloyd came through in either case," Colette said cheerfully.
"I supposed. Anyway, we should get moving. These hallways will not stay empty for long," Raine said.
They were on the move again and they soon found themselves going up several flights of stairs. There didn't seem to be an end to them as they went higher up the tower. They were attack several times by Living Swords, but Lloyd was able to handle them with little problem.
Lloyd was quite surprised by how strong he became. He was always comparing himself to Kratos to the point that he always felt small and weak. Although he was far from Kratos' league, the monsters in the tower were weak sauce to him. He managed to fight several battles without even being harm.
When they finally reached the top, they came to a giant open room that was in the shape of an octagon. There was a strange bluish light that filled the room and a single cube made of mirrors in the middle of the room.
"Looks like we've come to the puzzle potion of this trial," Lloyd said dryly.
Raine put her hand to her chin. "Interesting." She went to examine the block. "Why would a block like this be in the middle of the room?"
Colette explored the room and came to a large red curtain at the top of the room. Out of curiosity, she pulled on the curtain and a bright light nearly blinded her.
"This looks like a window to outside," Colette said.
This got Raine's attention. "A window?" She walked over to where Colette was and pulled on the curtain. "You're right. It is a window." She looked at the block again and an idea formed in her head. "Lloyd, please move that block to the center of the room."
"Huh, why?" Lloyd asked.
"A theory," Raine answered.
Knowing he wasn't going to get more than that, Lloyd walked over to the block and pushed it to the middle of the room. Thankfully, it wasn't all that heavy.
Once it was in place, Raine fully opened the curtain, allowing the light from the sun to shine in and hit the mirror block. From the block, the light went in two directions: one to the right and one to the left. There was a flash and a door suddenly opened from the left side.
"Whoa, what just happened?" Lloyd asked.
"It appears that the door was light sensitive," Raine observed.
"This place is really funny," Colette laughed.
"More like really strange. Who thought of these puzzles?" Lloyd asked.
"Never mind that, let's keep going," Raine said as they walked through the newly opened door.
When they entered, they were in a dimly lighted room with a strange compute like device on the side.
"What's this?" Lloyd asked as he touched the device.
Something on the floor lighted up and Genis suddenly appeared before them.
"Genis!?" Lloyd exclaimed.
"How did he get here?" Colette asked in bafflement.
"It's a hologram, much like the ones we saw at the Ranches," Raine stated in awe. "Marvelous!"
Genis smiled. "Ah, Lloyd! This machine is amazing! Lloyd, can you see me?"
Lloyd returned the smile. "Wow! This machine is so cool! Hey there! I can see you, too!" He waved at his friend.
Colette also waved. "How're you doing?"
"Great, although it's a little boring down here. Kratos' has the personality of a piece of stone," Genis said.
Lloyd laughed. "Tell me about it."
Genis quickly became serious. "Actually, Lloyd, the door on this side opened. Is it all right if we go in?"
This got Raine's attention. "The door opened?" She paused in thought. "I see. Go on then. Let's meet up somewhere before we release the seal."
Genis nodded. "Okay. On our way."
The communication cut off at that moment.
"So, what do we do now?" Lloyd asked.
"We wait," Raine answered. "It could take them awhile to get here. Especially if their path is different from ours."
Lloyd sighed. "I guess there's nothing else we can do."
And there they stood for what felt like hours.
Raine busied herself with exploring the area, talking about lights and something about the spirits. Colette mostly just leaned against the wall while Lloyd sat on the floor. He wanted to say something to his childhood friend, but nothing came to mind.
Suddenly, the machine came back to life.
"Whoa, something appeared again!" Lloyd exclaimed as Genis came back on.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Genis asked.
"Where are you?" Raine asked, rushing over to the hologram.
"We've made it to the inner area," Genis stated.
"Huh, so you're in a different area from us?" Lloyd asked.
Raine nodded. "Just as I though. This tower is divided into two different sections. To succeed, both teams have to work together to solve the mystery of this tower."
"Sounds long-winded if you ask me," Lloyd grumbled.
"It appears that this trial tests the Chosen's teamwork ability," Raine surmised. "Without the proper group of people strong enough to survive the trial, the Chosen would not be able to move on."
"I guess if I couldn't bring together the right people, then I would be considered unworthy to be Martel's vessel," Colette said.
"That seems to be the case. The Seal of Fire tested the Chosen's strength. The Seal of Water tested intelligence. The Seal of Wind testing reflexes and awareness," Raine said. "It also correlates with the elements. Fire is often seen as power, while water is calm and thoughtful. Wind is agility, while light represent unity."
"I understand now," Colette said. "I was always told that to become an angel I had to be as strong as fire, as calm as water, as quick as wind, and powered by the light of unity. These trials perfectly matched everything."
"Then...this must be the very last seal," Lloyd said with an air of sadness.
"At least the last one before the Tower of Salvation," Raine stated.
Lloyd lowered his head. He knew they were closed to the end, but he didn't know they were this close.
"Let's go. We must meet up with the others," Raine said, cutting through Lloyd's thoughts.
As they were talking, a bridge of light suddenly appeared before them.
"Whoa, it's so pretty!" Colette exclaimed.
"Genis and the others must have opened the way," Raine surmised.
Lloyd nodded. "I guess that our cue to move."
They didn't run into anymore monsters as they crossed several light bridges. As they walked, they could see the passage the others used to climb the tower. It appeared that had a harder road than them.
After several minutes of climbing, Kratos and the others were finally within sight. They all appeared unharmed as they waited by a platform with two blue circles on it.
"Looks like everyone made it," Sheena said when she saw them.
"Yeah, you guys didn't seem to have any problem," Lloyd said.
Sheena thumbed Kratos. "That's because Mr. Warrior God over here wrecked any monsters that even breathe our way. I didn't even get a chance to fight."
"The toughest part were the puzzles," Genis groaned. "I never want to see another light puzzle in my life."
"Since we are all here, we should go to the shine," Kratos said.
Lloyd looked around. "I don't see a door."
"I believed we have to step on these blue circles, much like what we did at the entrance," Raine said.
Kratos nodded. "That was my thought as well."
Lloyd and Colette chose to be the ones to step on the platforms. When they did, a warp opened before them.
"Looks like that did it," Genis said. "I guess that only leaves the guardian."
Raine rubbed her chin. "I wonder what creature of legend will we see this time."
They stepped through the warp and were transported to the very top of the tower. They were also back outside and the cool afternoon breezed hit them.
"Phew, man I'm tire," Lloyd said as he climbed up the flight of stairs that led to the altar.
"That's because you're always overexcited in the beginning," Kratos scolded.
"Well, to be fair, this place was a pain," Genis said.
Colette frowned. "I didn't think it was too bad."
The altar suddenly lite up and flares came shooting out.
"What's happening!?" Sheena exclaimed, getting out her paper.
Genis' eyes widened. "Just like all those other times. Powerful mana is coming out!"
From the altar, a horse-like creature came glopping out. It had wings like a demon, and a horn like a unicorn. Its body was gold and blue and had a tail that had what looked like a mace at the end.
"What is that thing!?" Sheena asked. She'd never seen anything like it.
"An Iubaris, a mystical creature from legend," Raine informed.
"Mystical creature!? I never heard of such a thing before!" Sheena yelled.
The Iubaris reared on its back legs and howled. Its horn began to glow and before anyone could react several spears of light suddenly shoot at them.
"Be careful, it's using Holy Lance!" Kratos yelled as everyone put up their shields.
"It's a light element. Does anyone know any Dark spells!?" Raine called.
Genis shook his head. "Sorry. I only know the basic elements."
"Same here," Kratos said as he rushed towards Iubaris. The horse-like creature was able to quickly dodged Kratos' attack. "It's fast."
Raine sighed. "In that case. Do not use any lightning or fire spells against it."
"Got it," Genis said as he started chant.
Iubaris saw him and attempted to ram him.
"Oh no you don't, Heavy Tiger Blade!" Lloyd shouted as he slashed upward and then downward with enough force to slammed Iubaris into the ground.
While it was down, Kratos viciously hit it with Light Spear Cannon.
It cried in pain as it reared up.
"Triple Ray Thrust!" Colette yelled.
"Pyre Seal!" Sheena shouted, adding her power to the attack.
Both by hit the Iubaris, but it showed no real damaged before it horn glowed.
"Take this, Ice Tornado!" Genis shouted as the tornado of ice hit the Iubaris several times.
It didn't stop it from completing its spell and rays of light were soon hitting the group.
"Dammit!" Lloyd yelled as he was hit.
"Field Barrier!" Raine yelled, trying to lessen the damage of the attack. As soon as the attack was finished, she quickly chanted another spell. "Acuteness!"
All their weapons started to glow as Raine enhanced them.
Kratos used this extra power to plummet Iubaris with several Demon Spears. Lloyd also joined in with Sword Rain Alpha.
The Iubaris was far from done as it cast another Holy Lance, knocking Lloyd and Kratos away from it.
"So you want to play rough!" Sheena yelled as he charged the creature. "Well, try this! Cyclone Seal!"
She threw a card at Iubaris and he became entrapped in a ball of swirling wind. It was then carried into the air and slashed several times by blades of wind.
While it was in mid-air Genis saw his chance. "Freeze Lance!"
The spear of ice hit dead, causing the Guardian to screech. Still, it was far from down as it cast Ray again along with Holy Lance.
"Can't you do anything else!?" Lloyd complained.
As if answering his question, Iubaris flew at Lloyd at full speed and rammed him, sending him flying back into the ground.
"Lloyd!" Colette screamed.
"Don't drop your guard!" Kratos yelled as he cast First Aid.
Now Colette was made. "Whirlwind Rush!"
She spun rapidly and hit Iubaris several times. She then quickly followed the assault with a Triple Ray Satellite.
Iubaris was able to avoid most of the hits, but the Guardian was obviously hit badly.
"Come on, we almost have it!" Sheena yelled.
The Iubaris flew into the air and cast what appeared to be an endless assault of Ray.
Raine was forced to use Field Barrier again to keep everyone from being killed.
"Now this guy is just cheating," Genis complained. The Guardian was attacking so fast and so often that he couldn't concentrate.
Once it finished its attack, its horn glowed again. They saw a green aura surrounding it.
"It's healing itself!" Kratos called.
"Hey, no fair. Only we can do that!" Lloyd shouted.
Within seconds, all the damage they had done was healed.
"You got to me kidding me!" Sheena yelled.
"It's coming back down!" Kratos warned as Iubaris came charging at him. "Double Demon Blade!"
The wave of mana hit, but it hardly slowed Iubaris down. Before the swordsman could react, the monster viciously impaled him on its horn.
Everyone gasped in shock. This was the first time they had seen Kratos that injured.
Kratos grunted in pain and cursed his foolishness.
The Iubaris lifted him off the ground and flung him away like he was trash.
"I got you, Kratos. Heal!" Raine shouted.
Kratos felt the wound closed, but Raine's magical abilities still weren't strong enough to completely heal the wound despite Heal being a mid-level spell.
"At this rate, he's going to wear us out," Sheena said. "We need to hit it hard and fast."
"Sheena, let's try a unison attack!" Lloyd called.
Sheena blinked. "A unison attack?"
"That's when you both use an attack at the same time to do more damage," Colette explained as she hit Iubaris with a Ray Trust and Genis finished casting Wind Blade.
Sheena nodded in understanding. "I think I get it." She took a deep breath. "Okay then."
She ran along side Lloyd as they both charged Iubaris.
"Hurricane Thrust!" Lloyd yelled.
"Power Seal!" Sheena yelled as she threw her seal at the Guardian.
As soon as the seal hit Iubaris, Lloyd stabbed it, causing a giant explosion of black smoke to follow.
"Nice. Now it's my turn! Wind Blade!" Genis shouted, hitting Iubaris across its body.
"Do not let it recover!" Kratos yelled, mercilessly pelting the mystical creature waves of mana.
"Acuteness!" Raine shouted, powering everyone up again.
"Sword Rain Alpha!" Lloyd yelled as he viciously stabbed Iubaris.
"Victory Light Spear!" Kratos yelled as spiraled into the air and delivered a fierce horizontal slash.
"Keep it up, Ice Tornado!" Genis called as chucks of ice and win pelted the monster.
It quickly flew back into the air.
"Oh no you don't, Omega Tempest!" Lloyd yelled as he spun in the air and slashed Iubaris several times.
That still didn't stop its ascent and it hovered in the air for several seconds. Its horn was glowing brighter than ever.
"It's trying to heal again!" Sheena yelled.
Kratos became worried. "No. It's doing something else." He could feel the monster building up a great deal of mana within its body. His eyes widened in horror. Why does it have such a powerful spell?
"Everyone, prepared to put your barriers up!" Kratos yelled before turning towards Raine. "Get ready to case Field Barrier!"
"Kratos?" Lloyd questioned.
"It's about to do Sacred Light!" Kratos warned.
Raine froze in terror. That was one of the most powerful light spells in existence.
Iubaris finished its spell and soon a powerful blast of pure light filled the entire battlefield. No one could see and all that could be heard was the sounds of explosives.
When the light finally cleared, it took everything Kratos had to pick himself off the ground. Everything hurt.
What the hell Mithos was thinking giving that thing Sacred Light? Was he trying to kill the Chosen? If that spell did this to him...
His eyes widened. He looked up to see everyone scattered across the ground not moving. He felt his heart stop. No...they couldn't be... He frantically searched his senses and was relieved to find that they were still alive, although barely.
Iubaris screeched as it moved in for the kill.
Kratos quickly got up and glared daggers at the monster. "You'll pay. Light Spear Cannon!" He thrust his sword into Iubaris' horn, cracking it.
The Guardian cried in pain as it reared back.
While it was distracted, Kratos quickly cast First Aid on Lloyd. He groaned in pain, but didn't move from his spot.
They were more hurt than he thought. His healing spell wasn't enough. He needed something stronger. He reached into his bag and grabbed the Life Bottles that the Chosen got from Triet. Looked like they needed them after all.
He rushed over to his fallen son and forced the Life Bottle to his lips. "Quickly, drank this."
Lloyd groaned, but did what he was told, slowly drinking the clear liquid. After a few seconds, his eyes snapped opened. "Kra...Kratos?"
Kratos nodded. "Quickly, give the rest of these Life Bottles to the others. I will keep the Iubaris distracted."
Lloyd wasn't sure what was happening, but nodded his head. Kratos handed him four Life Bottles and rushed back into battle against the Iubaris.
After painfully picking himself up, Lloyd began the task of forcing Genis to drink the Life Bottle. It was hard at first, given that Genis were unconscious and near death, but after a few sips, Genis was on their feet, although a very weak.
"Oh, what happened?" Genis asked as he was revived.
"Don't know myself," Lloyd answered as he gave Raine a Life Bottle. "One minute I'm using Guardian, the next Kratos was hovering over me."
Genis' eyes widened. "That's right. We were all nearly killed by Sacred Light. Damn, it's a miracle we're still alive."
Raine coughed as she sat up. "Lloyd?"
"Professor, give this to Sheena. I will go and revive Colette," Lloyd said, handing Raine a Life Bottle.
It took Raine only a few seconds to figure out what had happened. "Right." She rushed over to Sheena, while Lloyd helped Colette.
Within a few minutes, the entire team was back on their feet and Raine was casting Nurse to heal the remaining damage to the group.
"Is everyone alright?" Colette asked in worry.
"We're alive," Sheena answered. "Damn, wasn't expecting that."
Raine shook her head. "If Kratos hadn't warned us, we would have died."
"Came pretty close, regardless," Genis said.
"If everyone is healed, let's finished this monster!" Kratos called. He was still doing battle with the Iubaris. "It used most of its mana on that last spell. It cannot heal itself anymore."
"Then, let's do this," Genis growled. It was pay back time. He charged a spell.
Sheena gave an evil smile. "It will be my pleasure."
"Colette, let's do this together," Lloyd said as he smiled at his friend.
Colette smiled and nodded. "Okay."
"Freeze Lance!" Genis yelled as a spear of ice impaled Iubaris.
Sheena charged in with her paper ready. "Serpent Seal!" Iubaris screeched from he attack.
Now it was Lloyd's turn. "Sword Rain Alpha!" He stabbed the Guardian several times.
"Hammer Rain!" Colette yelled as a rain of hammers fall onto Iubaris.
Lloyd sheathed his swords and caught two of Colette's hammers. "Pow Hammer!"
He slammed the two hammers into Iubaris' head. They made a comical squeak sound as they hit, but there was no doubting their power. Iubaris gave on last screamed before it dissipated into light.
Kratos sheathed his sword. It was a silly attack, but it did the job.
Stream left the altar and it opened before them. This time, however, someone was there that wasn't Remiel. In the shadows sat a woman on a crescent moon. Before anyone could figure it who it was, it was gone.
"Chosen of Regeneration," the voice of Remiel spoke. "You have done well in reaching this far. Now, offer your prayers at the altar."
"Yes," Colette said as walked towards the altar. "Oh Goddess Martel, valde patronus quod nurturer of orbis terrarum, tribuo ratio vires!" As she finished her pray, she opened up her wings and floated.
After a few seconds a figure appeared, but it wasn't Remiel. It was the woman from earlier except she was no longer a shadow. She had long green hair that matched her eyes. She wore a long purple dress that spilled over like a waterfall and she sat on a crescent moon. She had a specter in her hands that also had a crescent moon on it.
Lloyd's eyes widened when he saw her. He had seen her pictures from his books. It was Luna, the Summon Spirit of Light. She was as beautiful and graceful as the stories described.
Kratos was surprised to see her. Why was she here? Was she drawn to Sheena?
Raine was equally shocked.
Luna looked at them before her eyes fall upon Lloyd. "Where is Aska?"
Lloyd was knocked out of his trance. "Huh, Aska?"
Luna shook her head. "Without Aska, I cannot do anything. I cannot form a pact or a vow."
Kratos glanced between Lloyd and Luna. Did she? He looked at the Sorcerer's Ring. Did she want to test Lloyd?
"Please…find Aska…in order to restore my power," Luna pleaded before she disappeared.
Everyone was left baffled.
"What...what was that all about?" Lloyd asked, completely lost.
Sheena put her hand to her chest.
At that moment, a ball a light appeared over the altar and Remiel finally made his appearance.
He had an almost smug look on his face. "Your journey has been long. You have done well to reach this far, Colette, the Chosen one!"
Colette bowed humbly. "Thank you…Lord Remiel."
Remiel smiled eagerly, he was practically giddy with excitement. "Let us grant you our blessing."
"...Thank you," Colette said with a hint of fear.
Kratos felt for the girl. He knew what would be taking next. Remiel's attitude on the matter also wasn't helping.
A wave of mana entered Colette's body. This time, she didn't grit or shake in pain. She could no longer feel it. She didn't even feel the familiar warmth of the power rushing through her. She was completely numb.
Remiel gave a false smile of kindness. "You have taken another step closer to becoming an angel, yet you seem anxious."
Kratos rolled his eyes. Of course she would be anxious. She's losing her humanity little by little to her Cruxis Crystal. It is not something anyone would or should be happy about.
Lloyd also felt himself getting angry. Did this guy understand how much Colette was suffering? This was supposed to be his daughter yet he was so...indifferent.
"Ah, no. I'm very happy," Colette answered, which was obviously a lie.
Remiel saw right through her and frowned in disappointment. "Hmm?" After a second he forced a smile back on his face. "Now, Chosen One. Your journey is finally drawing to a close. It is time for you to rejoice. The path to the Tower of Salvation is open!" He gave Colette an almost intimidating look. It was fairly closed to a glare.
Kratos shook his head. Remiel wasn't even trying to be subtle anymore.
"Head to the Tower of Salvation and offer your prayers of regeneration! Then, you will be able to climb the stairway of heaven," Remiel all but ordered.
Lloyd wasn't paying too much attention to Remiel's body language anymore as he took in his words. "The Tower of Salvation!?"
Genis took in a deep breath. "The world regeneration is finally going to take place."
Sheena lowered her head. "Is regeneration…really going to happen?" And she helped it happen.
Colette bowed. "I shall do as you instruct, Lord Remiel!"
Remiel gave one last smile before disappearing. "I shall await you at the final seal. Colette…my daughter. There, you will become an angel, like me."
Kratos sighed as Colette descended to the floor. "The end is finally in sight."
As he spoke those words he felt both happy and bitter. He was happy that he could drop this facade and returned to Derris-Kharlan. But, he was bitter that the Chosen who had come to like and respect almost as much as his old comrades would be dead and he had to say goodbye to his son who would undoubtedly despise him if he ever learned the truth.
He hoped this Chosen was truly the one to bring back Martel. Not only for Mithos' remaining sanity, but so the Chosen's sacrifice wouldn't be in vain like so many others. Let some good come from her death instead of her being yet another body floating in the Tower of Salvation.
"Let's head to the Tower of Salvation," Kratos said as he finished that thought.
Lloyd walked carefully up to Colette. "Colette...are you alright?"
Colette gave him a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm fine."
"We better get moving," Raine said, knowing that Colette would become sick soon.
"We also have to get the Boltzman's Book before we leave," Genis said.
They nodded in agreement before they turned to leave. Despite the end being within sight, no one was really happy.
And with that, the final seal is done. That took forever. Although, we're still not quite ready for the Tower of Salvation. There is still one more task that needs to be done. Still, we're rapidly approaching the ending of Act I. Hope you all there to read it.
Until then, take care and keep safe during these trying times.