The next chapter is here. Sorry for taking a week break without notice. Hope this chapter was worth the wait.

Now, onward to the chapter.

Chapter 48: Maiden of the Mist

They didn't get an early start. After the turmoil, both physically and emotionally, from yesterday, no one felt like getting up early. Kratos would've giving them a day to rest, but he didn't like being in the open field and Asgard was a two day walk. It was also somewhat out of the way since they needed to return to the Palmacosta region.

"Before we start, I want to make some changing to the training I have been doing with Lloyd," Kratos spoke as they finished lunch.

Lloyd lifted his head. "What is it?"

"Genis, Sheena, you will be joining Lloyd and me in training," Kratos stated.

"What!?" Genis exclaimed.

Sheena was equally shocked. "What, are you serious?"

Raine stared at Kratos.

"As you know, we are about to make a pact with Undine. The only way that a pact can be made is by passing the test giving to us by the summon spirit. Which means, we have to fight her," Kratos explained.

Genis' eyes widened. "I've completely forgotten about that. We really have to fight a summon spirit?" The thought terrified him. He nearly had a panic attack at the thought of fighting Sylph.

Sheena sighed and nodded. A tremble ran down her body. "Yes. The spirits want to make sure they make a pact with a person worthy of their power. Unless we pass, we cannot make the pact."

Lloyd groaned. "So, it's like fighting those Guardians again."

Genis shook his head. "Much worse. We are talking about summon spirits here. They are worship as gods in the elven culture."

"Genis is correct. Fighting Undine will be much tougher than the monsters we fought during the Chosen's trial," Kratos said.

"So, you want to train Genis and Sheena to be strong enough to fight her," Raine surmised.

Kratos nodded. "Sheena, since she is the summoner, have to be on the front of the battle. As she is now, she wouldn't be able to handle it."

Sheena wanted to disagree with him, but knew he was right. Without her Guardians, she was severely weakened. If she wanted a chance against Undine, she had to be stronger.

Besides...she didn't want a repeat of last time. Despite telling herself that Undine was usually depicted as a gentle soul, she couldn't help being scared.

"We will also need Genis' power since he can do lightning spells," Kratos went on.

"Yeah. I think I can take her with Spark Wave," Genis said.

"I would like you to learn Thunder Blade," Kratos said.

Now Genis was confused. "Isn't Spark Wave stronger?"

"Yes, but in order to learn the most powerful lightning spell you must learn Thunder Blade," Kratos explained.

Raine frowned. "You mean Indignation."

This surprised Genis. "But...I'm years away from learning such an advance spell."

"I believe you are closer than you believe. Before this journey started you could only used novice magic. Now, you are able to cast several mid-level spells without wasted a lot of mana. Some of that is thanks to your exsphere boosting your natural talent, but it's mostly growth from being pushed from all our battles," Kratos stated. "You may not be able to do Indignation by the time we reach Undine, but you can set the foundation for the time you are ready."

Genis lowered his head. He had gotten stronger. Just over a month ago he could only cast fireball and an ice spell. Now, he knew all the basic mid-level element spells. But, was really ready to even think about advance level spells? It all seemed too much.

"You will also have an easier time since you have an exsphere," Kratos said, cutting through his thoughts.

"I...I will try," Genis finally replied.

"Good," Kratos said before turning his eyes towards Lloyd. "You will be working extra hard too."

Lloyd didn't complain like he usually did when giving extra work, which surprised Kratos. Instead, he could see a hard determination fill his eyes.

Then again, he's been like this for a while. Since Kvar and his determination has only grown stronger. Not only did he stop complaining about training, he practically threw himself into it.

"Okay," Lloyd said without a shred of hesitation.

"Then, we'll start tomorrow," Kratos said.

With plans made, they began their journey back towards Thoda Island. Thankfully, the trip was pleasant given that there was no more Desians in the area. Although the monster encounters increased since the weather was warmer.

During the long walk back, Kratos viciously trained Lloyd, Genis, and Sheena.

Lloyd worked to perfect and create new techniques, while Sheena was worked over by Kratos. She thought he was a demon before, but she learned the hard way how much Kratos was holding back when they fought.

More than once she wondered if the man was human. His techniques, his gracefulness, and his pinpoint precision with a sword were beyond anything she had ever seen.

She was even more surprised when she learned that the man was only twenty-eight years old. How the hell did he become a master at such a young age? The way he acted and carried himself spoke of a person who was old. That was what made Kratos so dangerous. He had the wisdom and experience of a seasoned warrior, but the vitality and agility of a young man.

It was said in her village that it was impossible to have both wisdom and strength, since only age brought wisdom and strength belonged to the youth. Kratos blew that saying out of the water.

Genis also found Kratos to be a slave master.

Although Kratos was only above average in magic, he knew a lot about magic theory. In fact, his knowledge was so vast and deep that Genis wondered more than once if he was an elf.

"How do you know so much about magic?" Genis asked during one of their training sessions.

Kratos paused before answering. "Growing up, I had a half-elf friend who helped me."

Genis' eyes widen in shock. "You were friends with a half-elf?"

"Why wouldn't I be? Do you find it that strange that I would get along with half-elves?" Kratos asked.

Genis quickly shook his head. "No...I mean...it's just people never admit to being friends with half-elves given the stigma."

"I can understand. Most are not strong-willed enough to go against the crowd. I was like that once during my youth, but I thankfully grew out of it," Kratos said. "My friend helped me."

"And he was the one who taught you magic?" Genis asked.

"Yes. He taught me the basics, but I'm no master. I prefer to rely on my sword," Kratos stated.

"Your friend must be good. Most of the stuff you're teaching me are advance elven level theories and exercises," Genis said before pausing in thought. "I'm surprise he would know so much."

"What do you mean?" Kratos questioned.

Genis bit his lips. "Most half-elves are self-trained since no elf wants to teach them. Because of that, they tend not to know the basics of magic usage. Which can lead to highly dangerous situations."

"Aw, I see," Kratos replied with a nod. "It's true, my friend was not formally trained until he was much older." He stopped as if to gathered his thoughts. "He was trained by his older brother who happened to be an elf."

Now Genis was truly surprised. "Wow, really!?"

"It was indeed unprecedented, but that was how he learned advance magic," Kratos said. "Before then, he was greatly behind others his age."

Genis nodded. "Well...he was one of the lucky ones."

Kratos chose not to say anything.

"Although with all you know, even if you don't prefer it, you could use more powerful magic," Genis observed.

"Perhaps, but I already use quite a bit of mana in my sword techniques," Kratos said. "If I used my sword style and advance magic spells, I would burn through all my mana. Since I am mostly human, my mana supple is not as high as an elf or a half-elf."

"I guess even you have your limits," Genis humored.

"Despite what you all may think, I am not invincible," Kratos stated.

Genis shook his head. "It seems like it. I mean, I can't even count how many times you saved us, especially at that last trial. I mean, we were all practically dead."

"You should thank the Chosen and your sister who had the foresight to get those Life Bottles," Kratos said. "Without those, not even I could have saved you."

Genis smiled. "We owe you a lot Kratos. I mean it."

Kratos turned away from the smile. "We talked enough. Let's return to the training."

Because of all the training, it took them over two weeks before they reached Hakonesia Peak. From there, it would be another week before they reached the coast.

Raine tiredly rubbed her eyes. "I'm not looking forward to riding the washtubs again."

Sheena sighed. "I'm not looking forward to them either. It was bad enough rolling those things."

Raine looked at her. "You went to Thoda Island?"

Sheena laughed nervously. "Yeah...well it was a sightseeing thing." She could hardly tell her that she stalked them to that island to kill Colette.

Raine didn't buy it. "Right."

Sheena bit her lips as she prepared to ask Raine a question that had been on her mind for a while. "Raine, how much do you know about Kratos?"

Raine turned towards her. "Why do you ask?"

"Well...do you notice anything strange about him?" Sheena asked carefully.

"I've noticed something strange about him for quite some time," Raine answered easily.

"What I mean is...do you know where he came from? Where he trained and how he become so strong?" Sheena questioned.

Raine sighed. "Your guess is as good as ours. Despite all the traveling we have been doing together, we don't know much about Kratos. He literally came out of nowhere and saved Colette from Desians and took the job of guiding her on her journey."

"Out of nowhere? That does sounds odd. And he never spoken about where he came from and stuff?" Sheena continued to question.

"To be honest, I haven't spoke to Kratos much," Raine admitted. "We have a pure professional relationship. If you want to talk to anyone who may know Kratos on a personal level, that would be Lloyd."

Sheena tilted her head. "Yeah, I have noticed those two have a special bond. I can't quite explain it. It...it almost feels like a father and son type of bond, I guess."

Raine nodded her head. "I've noticed that too. Kratos has taking a special interest in Lloyd since our journey started. Next to Colette, he is the most protective of him. Perhaps even more since Colette is a job to him."

"I see," Sheena muttered.

"May I ask, why the sudden interest?" Raine asked.

Sheena's head shot up. "Oh...no special reason. I was just wondering about him. I mean...I was wondering why he's so powerful. He is a human that can do magic and has the strength of like ten men. You don't find someone like that everyday."

"Indeed," Raine said more to herself.

While Raine and Sheena talked Lloyd let out a sighed as he pulled on his coat.

"I can't believe how much hotter it's gotten around here since we left," Lloyd said.

"I think it's because we've been in the mountain region for so long," Genis commented before he looked at Lloyd. "I've been meaning to ask, how do you stay cool in that jacket? You managed to keep that thing on even when we were in a desert."

Lloyd smiled. "The material is made to breath so I never get too hot. Remember, I had to work around a furnace at home which is far hotter than any desert." He suddenly became forlorn. "I wonder how dad been doing? Hard to believe I've been gone for almost two months."

Genis also became sad. "I hope the people of Iselia are doing okay."

Lloyd sighed. "It feels like a lifetime since we've been there. When this journey is done, I hope you're allowed back. I can stay banished for what I done."

Genis shook his head. "And I keep telling you, I'm at fault too. And once the Desians are gone, the mayor and the others have no excuse for not letting you come back. Especially since you help Colette."

Lloyd snorted. "Help Colette. Help her lose her humanity and her ability to speak. Feels like I've been helping to cause her harm."

"I guess...this is just part of the trial. Maybe once Raine use the unicorn's horn, she can heal Colette along with Pietro," Genis said hopefully.

"I hope so too. Colette has suffered enough for one lifetime," Lloyd said.

After another week, they reached the House of Salvation by the bay. It was decided that they would rest there for the night before continuing fresh to Thoda Island.

Sheena stretched her sore muscles as they prepared for dinner and bed. She hasn't been this sore in a long time. How does Kratos do it? How could he train three people, walk for an entire day, and still be fine? It felt like she needed painkillers just to make it through the day.

Still, she couldn't say she hated the experience. She has gotten stronger, she could feel it. She felt like she could do this. That she could make the pact with the summon spirit. Plus, her experience had made her closer with everyone. Like...she was really part of their group.

"It feels strange," Sheena said more to herself as she took in the cool breeze.

"What's strange?" Lloyd asked, startling her.

She didn't sense him coming at all. Was she really that out of it? "Lloyd!?" she exclaimed.

Lloyd raised his hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just came out to tell you that dinner's being served."

"Well, thanks for telling me. I'll be coming in a sec," Sheena said as she went back to her stretches.

Lloyd didn't move. "You didn't tell me what was strange."

Sheena sighed. Knowing Lloyd, he wouldn't leave until she answered. "I was just thinking about how I was your enemy just a month ago, but now I'm traveling with you guys."

Lloyd chuckled. "Yeah, it's probably because you're trusting."

Sheena side-eyed him. "Looks who's talking. You're pretty trusting too."

"I think all of us are like that, except for maybe Kratos, but he's paid to be paranoid," Lloyd humored. "I mean, if we weren't, we wouldn't be on this journey."

Sheena smirked. "I guess when you put it like that." Her smirk suddenly turned into a small smile "Honestly, I have to thank you guys for being trusting."

Lloyd gave her a confused look. "Why?"

Sheena blushed and stared down at her feet. "I...I wanted friends. I wanted friends who have nothing to do with the rules of my village."

Lloyd tilted his head. "You're village sounds strict."

"Yeah, it is. It's nice to make friends with people outside my village's circle," Sheena smiled again. "These last couple of weeks...I never felt so free. Although, nothing really changed."

"You mean with the two worlds," Lloyd said knowingly. "Yeah, I can see why that would weigh heavily on you, especially being in a world you don't even know. But...I'm happy that despite everything you see us as your friends. I hated fighting you."

Sheena gave a humorless laugh. "You didn't even know me back then. I was just an assassin trying to kill the Chosen."

"Yeah, well, but I could tell you weren't a bad person. Colette saw it too, which was why she wanted to make friends with you," Lloyd said. "She thought for sure that we could all get along."

Sheena sadly nodded. "That sounds like Colette." She looked up to the sky. "I...I hope there is a way to save both our worlds. I don't want to kill Colette just to assure the safety of my world."

Lloyd lowered his eyes. "I hope there's a way too. Maybe Remiel can help, despite him being a prick."

Sheena chuckled at that.

"Come on, it's getting late and we don't want all the food to be eaten," Lloyd said with a wide smile.

Sheena nodded. "Yeah. We got a big day tomorrow after all."

Without another word, they both walked inside.

They were up early so Kratos could squeeze as much training as possible before breakfast. Once they were done eating, it was off to the bay where the washtubs awaited.

"So, how are we going to do this with Sheena here?" Lloyd asked.

Kratos turned towards Noishe. "You stay here."

Noishe whined at him.

"We won't be gone long, I promise," Kratos said in an unusual gentle voice.

Noishe whine again, but seemed to accept that answer.

Kratos turned towards Sheena. "You will ride with Genis."

Genis sighed in relief. "Oh, thank Martel I don't have to roll again."

Lloyd side-eyed the young elf. "Lucky you."

Raine was shaking like a leaf. Why, oh why, did they have to go back to sea?

After a small adventure in rolling and nearly capsizing from the rough waves, they made it to Thoda Island in one piece.

"Okay, seriously, how did anyone not die from riding these things?" Sheena asked as she jumped out of her washtub.

"I have to admit, taking the journey over here is like a leap of faith," Genis said before turning towards his sister. "You're okay, Raine?"

Raine had a death grip on Lloyd's arm and was squeezing the life out of it. "I...I'm fine." Colette walked over to Raine and gave her a gentle huge, causing the older woman to smile. "Thank you, Colette."

"I hope you all are ready," Kratos said.

"After all the training you put us through these last few weeks, we better be ready," Shears answered.

Genis flexed his muscles. "Yeah. I feel like I can really beat a summoning spirit."

Kratos nodded. "Well, if the worst happens, our lives are not in danger. Undine will stop the test once she feels us becoming too weak."

"That is if the summon spirit is merciful," Raine said once she regained her bearings.

"Undine is known for her kindness. She is by no means a vengeful spirit," Kratos said. "Despite all Mithos had done," he added to himself.

Lloyd stepped. "Well, we better get going."

Kratos as always led the way back to the ruins where the Seal of Water laid. Since they came so early, there was no tourists around so they didn't have to worry about anyone following them.

It was quite a walk to get back to the altar. Monsters attacked them, but Kratos took care of them. He wanted the group to conserved as much strength as possible.

"Kratos..." Lloyd said softly once the latest batch of monsters was dealt with.

"What?" Kratos asked, cleaning off his sword.

Lloyd hesitated for a second. "Have I grown stronger?"

Kratos sheathed his sword and started to walk. Lloyd followed shortly behind him. "Your sword skills have certainly improved."

From where Lloyd started, there was a night and day difference. Given the short time that has past, even he was impressed. It took him months to learned as much as Lloyd. He was certainly a fast learner once he put his mind to something. He would go as far to say that Lloyd had more latent talent with a sword than him. His father would be proud.

"However," Kratos started.

"However?" Lloyd urged.

"You have to realized that alone is not enough, have you not?" Kratos asked, although it was more of a statement. "That is why you felt complied to ask."

Lloyd remained silent. How could Kratos read him so well?

"What strength you seek? What path you seek? No one but you know the answers," he went on.

Lloyd sighed. "Yeah...I guess you're right."

"However, there undoubtedly still remain even more fighting techniques that you do not know. Continue to fight alongside your comrades and defeat your enemies. You may find answers along the path," Kratos advised.

Lloyd nodded in understanding. "Alright. I'll trust that one day I will find those answers and in the meantime I will start with what I can do now." He blinked for several seconds. "Wow, that didn't sound like me at all."

Kratos gave a rare chuckle. It really didn't, but Lloyd had matured along with his sword skills. Going on this journey has made him grow up. Maybe a little too fast.

While they were talking, Sheena had summoned Corrine to keep her company. It was also her way of comforting herself as she prepared for the task ahead.

"Sheena, are you scared?" Corrine asked gently.

Sheena had her head down in thought. "Yes...I may fail again."

Corrine smiled. "Don't worry. If it looks like you're going to fail, I'll save you!"

Sheena gave a smile and stroked Corrine's fur. "Thank you."

It was another twenty minutes before they finally reached the altar. It was still glowing blue and mana freely flowed out of it.

"Sheena, please do that pact thing," Lloyd said.

Kratos folded his arms. This brought back memories. If he closed his eyes, he half expected to see Mithos, Yuan, and Martel here.

Colette put her hand together in excitement. She would be cheering if she could.

Raine was equally excited. "I must admit, I'm interested as well."

Sheena sighed. "Okay. I'll do my best... Although I'm a little scared."

Corrine smiled. "It's fine, Sheena. Remember I'll right here."

Sheena gently put Corrine down and walked towards the altar. As soon as she got closed, the room began to shake and the blue light began to take a form.

In a flash of light, a woman appeared. She had long blue hair, red eyes, and a fin on top of head like a fish. She wore a long blue dress that had green highlights that seemed to merge into her very skin. Her skin was also blue.

Genis gasped. This was the summon spirit, Undine. She was just like the books described.

Lloyd was also left speechless. To think he would see not one, but two summon spirits in his life.

Raine had to fight the urged not to take notes.

Undine looked at Sheena with interest. She then glanced up and looked at Lloyd. Like Luna, she noticed the Sorcerer's Ring. She turned her eyes towards Kratos giving him a cold glare before returning her attention back to Sheena.

"You who possess the right of the pact. I am one who is bound to Mithos. What is your name?" Undine asked in a kind, smooth voice.

Everyone, saved Kratos, was shocked to hear this.

"Mithos? The hero of the Kharlan War?" Lloyd asked in surprised.

Genis' mouth dropped. "Not only was Mithos a swordsman, he had the ability to summon as well?"

Kratos closed his eyes. "Yes he did. That's what made him so powerful along with his Cruxis Crystal."

"Mithos is a common boy's name. It's not necessarily Mithos the Hero," Raine stated.

"Well...that's true. It couldn't be the Mithos." Genis said.

"I am Sheena! I seek a pact with Undine!" she said.

Kratos glanced at her. That was an interesting way to talk to the spirits. Very formal.

Undine stared at her. "As things stand now…I cannot."

This flustered Sheena. "W...why?"

"I am already bound by a pact. I cannot form two pacts at the same time," Undine explained, sounding a little sad.

"You mean your pact with that Mithos guy?" Sheena asked in disbelief. She turned towards the group, looking closed to panic. "What am I supposed to do now!? They never said anything about this at the research institute!"

Lloyd rubbed his head. "Um…hmm. Can't you just get her to cancel the old pact?"

"How!?" Sheena demanded. "We don't even have any idea where this Mithos person is!"

Kratos glanced at Raine, who didn't seem to have an answer. Looked like he needed to step in. "A summon spirit pact requires a vow. As long as the pact-maker upholds that vow, the pact remains valid."

"That is correct," Undine stated, knowing full well that Mithos' vow was long since void. She just couldn't say it given the contract between mortals and the spirit.

Sheena gave Kratos an annoyed look. "I know about that. The summon spirit approves the pact-maker's vow and agrees to the pact."

Kratos nodded his head. "Exactly. Therefore, all you need to do is follow Lloyd's advice and request the annulment of the previous pact and form a new one. It's possible the previous pact-maker has broken his vow. Or he may have…already passed away," he added quickly.

Genis turned towards the older man. "Is it really that simple?"

"I suppose you could call it simple, but if the previous pact-maker is still alive and hasn't broken his vow, then there's nothing we can do about it," Kratos stated, feeling complied to say that.

Sheena nodded. "Okay, I'll give it a shot." She turned back turned Undine. "Undine! I am Sheena! I ask that thou annulst thy pact with Mithos, and establish a new pact…with me."

Undine had a ghost of a smile on her face. "Before I can allow the formation of a new pact, I must test your worthiness as a pact-maker. Only three others may assist you."

"What, so we all can't fight at once?" Lloyd asked in surprise.

"The summon spirit have the right to create the rules of engagement," Kratos stated. "Undine has set her terms."

Sheena turned back towards them. "Well, since we've been training for it, I guess I'll take Lloyd, Genis, and Kratos."

Raine nodded. "A wise choice." She turned towards Colette. "Let's step back and give them space to fight."

Colette nodded and walked back.

Sheena looked down at Corrine. "You're ready?"

Corrine nodded. "Always."

Sheena turned to face Undine and took her paper out. "We are ready."

Undine nodded. "Let it begin!" She jumped down from the altar and formed a sword out of water.

This was their cue to attack.

Kratos decided to start out strong as he finished chanting his spell. "Thunder Blade!"

A sword of lightning landed on Undine, stunning her.

Lloyd ran and hit her several times with his swords. Sheena did the same as she cut Undine rapidly. Corrine also joined in on the attack and bit Undine several times.

Despite the ruthless assault, Undine recovered quickly and started a spell on her own.

"Spread!" she shouted.

Before they could react, Sheena, Lloyd, and Corrine was washed away from by the rush of water.

"Thunder Blade!" Genis yelled.

Undine saw this coming and was able to dodge the blade, although she was still hit by bits of lightning.

"Power Seal Absolute!" Sheena yelled as she hit Undine, hopefully this would help even the odds by lowering her defense.

Lloyd decided to use the techniques he's been training on for the last few weeks. "Demonic Trust!" He swung his sword forward, sending a shockwave along the ground. Once Undine was hit by the shockwave, Lloyd stabbed her, pushing her back.

He still wasn't done.

"Raging Beast!" He did a spin slash across Undine, his attack taking the form of a lion's head.

Undine was unbalanced, but swiftly recovered and charged Lloyd. Soon, the two of them were locked in a sword duel.

Lloyd was quite surprised how good Undine was. Her attacks were both strong and extremely graceful.

Corrine rushed in to help Lloyd, but was knocked aside by Undine's hand.

While this was happening, both Kratos and Genis finished their spells and two Thunder Blades came right at Undine. She cried in pain as Lloyd jumped up.

"Lightning Tiger Blade!" Lloyd yelled as he hit Undine several times.

Raine was in awe of their teamwork. Not only did their power go up, but they were attacking in perfect unison. It would appear Kratos' training has done them well.

Despite the vicious attack, Lloyd was hammered by an Aqua Laser that sent him flying.

Sheena quickly stepped up and hit Undine with another Power Seal Absolute. She quickly followed it with a Mirage Seal Pinion.

Before she could attack furthered, she was slashed across the stomach by Undine's water sword. If she didn't dodged at the last possible second, the summon spirit would had gutted her.

Colette gasped in horror at the scene and Raine had to fight to urged not to cast First Aid, knowing that it would void the test.

"First Aid!" Kratos yelled, healing most of Sheena injury.

Undine glanced at Kratos and charged him.

"No you don't, Thunder Blade!" Genis shouted

Undine dodged the attack and kept charging towards the older swordsman. Within seconds, they both were locked sword to sword.

"Aqua Laser!" Undine shouted and shot Kratos point-blank, sending him trembling back.

Before she could follow up, Lloyd was on her. "Rising Falcon!" He dived right into Undine, stabbing her in the back. "Beast Sword Rain!" He viciously stabbed Undine multiple times before slamming her with his mana.

Undine didn't go down peacefully and stabbed Lloyd with her sword. Luckily, his chainmail kept it from piercing too deeply.

"Thunder Blade!" Genis yelled, but Undine dodged again. "Dammit! Stand still and let me hit you."

"Power Seal!" Sheena yelled.

Undine blocked the paper with her swords and started a spell. "Spread!"

Sheena was washed away from the attack, but she was refused to go down that easily. "Life Seal!" She threw the paper and managed to hit Undine, healing some of the damage.

"Super Lightning Blade!" Kratos shouted, hitting Undine with powerful trust that sent a volt a lightning shooting through her.

She gave a short cry and attempted to stab him with he sword. Kratos blocked it with his shield and nailed Undine with a Demon Spear.

Undine quickly had to retreat and cast another Spread, which forced Kratos back. She started to chant and glow brightly.

Kratos knew she was doing her most powerful spell. "Get back!"

Undine finished her spell. "Tidal Wave!"

A giant swirling vortex of water covered the battlefield, threatening to shallow them whole.

"Should have figured she could do that!" Genis yelled as he attempted to escape the attack.

While he was distracted, an Aqua Laser was heading straight for him. He had to swan dive to avoid damage.

"Healing Stream!" Kratos yelled, healing everyone with his area.

This surprised Raine. How did Kratos know such an advance healing technique? It seemed with almost every battle, he reveals a new technique or spell. Was it from training? Or, was he holding back this entire time.

Now that she thought about, it was like Kratos was always matching them. Staying just above them in strength, but with few exceptions, never to the point of being overwhelming until they managed to catch up with his current level. The question was, if he was holding back, by how much?

Colette watched the battle with her hands clamped together. She knew her friends were strong, but the summon spirit was proving to be quiet powerful. She wished she could help, but no matter what she couldn't interfere with the test.

As she watched, she started to notice something strange about Kratos' back. There was also a weird shift in his mana.

Since she lost her voice, she noticed that she was beginning to sense things that she couldn't before. Like a sixth sense. She wondered if she was sensing mana like Raine, Genis, and Kratos. If she was, what she was sensing from Kratos wasn't a human's essence. It also wasn't an elf either.

Her eyes widened. It couldn't be...

"Hunting Beast!" Lloyd shouted, slamming into Undine.

"Power Seal Absolution!" Sheena yelled, cutting Undine in several places across her body.

Corrine ran in and did a rollout like attack, hitting the summon spirit in the face.

"Thunder Blade!" Genis shouted.

"Super Lightning Blade!" Kratos cried.

Both attacks hit and Undine was knocked to the ground.

"Time to finished this. Let's go, Genis!" Lloyd yelled.

Genis nodded as he prepared another Thunder Blade. After this, he was seriously going to need an orange gel.

"Thunder Blade!" he shouted once the spell was completed.

Lloyd charged in for the finisher. "Lightning Tiger Blade!"

Undine was hit dead on, but to Lloyd's surprised, she still wasn't down. She stood back up and prepared another powerful spell.

"Tidal Wave!" she shouted.

Lloyd was swept in and consumed by the wave of water.

"Lloyd!" Kratos yelled as he ran to save his son.

Sheena also saw the danger. "Let's do this, Corrine!"

"Right!" Corrine exclaimed as he ran as fast as he could and leapt towards Undine.

Before she could turn around, Corrine slammed into her face again, blinding her.

While she was blinded, Sheena threw all the seals she knew at her. She kept going to the point sweat was pouring down her face.

Sheena wasn't sure if minutes or hours went by before she completely collapsed in exhaustion.

"Sheena!" Genis yelled as he ran over, ready to give her an orange gel.

"I am impress," Undine said as she floated back to the altar. Despite the heavy battle, she didn't seem winded or hurt at all. "The test is over. I admit defeat."

Lloyd coughed up water as Kratos cast First Aid on him. "Well...that wasn't...too bad."

"You should be thankful that Undine is so gracious," Kratos stated.

He knew Undine could go much harder than this, but Sheena's all or nothing assault much have greatly impressed the summon spirit. That and she was most likely wanted to get out of her vow with Mithos as soon as possible.

"Splendid," Undine continued complimented. "Now, swear your vow. Upon what vow do you form our pact?"

Everyone gathered together around the altar.

Sheena walked towards the front of the group to make her vow. "Right now, at this very moment, there are people who are suffering. I vow to save those people."

Kratos nodded. Simple and to the point.

"Understood," Undine replied as she glanced at Lloyd. "I pledge my power to you, Sheena and the friends that helped you."

Kratos raised an eyebrow. Was that her roundabout way of acknowledging Lloyd?

A blue light appeared in Undine's hands. The light floated until it reached Sheena. "This ring is the symbol of my power. Take it as proof of your vow."

Sheena reached up and grabbed what appeared to be an aquamarine ring.

Without another word, Undine disappeared in a flash of light.

Sheena released a deep breath and smiled. She did it. She succeeded in making a summoner's pact. Maybe...she wasn't such a failure after all.

"Sheena, you did it!" Genis cheered as she walked down from the altar.

Colette rushed towards Sheena and grabbed her hand. She wrote on her palm.

"Wow…Congratulations…" Sheena translated. She smiled at the words. "Thanks, Colette. But I couldn't have done it alone." She looked at Kratos, Lloyd, and Genis. "Thank you."

"The person you should be thanking is Kratos," Genis said, pointing to the older man. "Without him drilling us for weeks on end, that summon spirit would had murdered us."

"I may have assisted, but it was your own will and determination that allowed you to prevail," Kratos said. "You all did very well."

Lloyd gave a wide smile. "Now we can finally meet the unicorn to save Pietro, Clara, and maybe we can get Colette healed too."

"Yeah!" Genis cheered.

The youngest of the group began to leave, high off their victory over a summon spirit.

"I told you, you could do it, Sheena," Corrine declared at he perched himself on Sheena's shoulder.

Sheena cuddled her friend. "Couldn't done it without you."

Corrine smiled. "Of course. I said I would save you."

As they were leaving, Kratos and Raine lagged behind.

"Kratos, you have an impressive array of knowledge," Raine noted.

Kratos glanced at Raine. "I had acquaintances who knew a bit about summon spirits, that's all." It was true. He did learn everything he knew about the sprits from Yuan, Mithos, and Martel.

Raine was quiet for a moment. "I see..."

Kratos was proven himself to be big mystery. Just what was he? After everything he had done for her and her students, she wanted to see him as a friend. But...something told her that wasn't the case.

We're quickly approaching the big chapter and Kratos' secrets are building up within the group.

Until next chapter, please stay safe and healthy.