A/N: I know by now that every has figured out that I don’t own the rights to the game or the characters, still wish I did, but that ain’t happening anytime soon.

I might try to do one chapter to this story, but I’m not sure at the moment due to the amount of writing I’m doing on another of my stories. So, don’t give up all hope for the epilogue. ;) Hope you all enjoy this one.

A hero's return

Lloyd’s eyes opened slowly, though nothing was before them that could help him get any sort of reference or bearings. Blinking a few times to clear his vision, though it had no effect on his sight, he struggled to sit up. A sharp pain in his side stopped him, as he brought up his arm to hold the pain, a hiss of pain escaping his mouth. “Ouch…” he muttered to no one in particular, simply wanting to hear something besides the ringing silence. His voice surprised him, louder then he thought it should be yet softer then he remembered.

“Lloyd Irving.” Came a calm voice from the surrounding darkness.

Lloyd started in surprise at the voice, sending more waves of pain running through his chest. “Where am I?” he finally managed to say, the pain subsiding enough for him to speak.

“Where? On the cusp of two worlds, the world of the living and the world of the dead.” Came the response to his question, this time the voice was closer.

“Where’s my mom?” he asked, vague memories of the battle coming back to him, and the resulting chaos that had ensued. “Kuni?” he asked quietly, remembering the enigmatic young woman’s appearance and actions. He involuntarily looked around, as if to see them, only noticing his actions when it brought another spike of pain to his side.

“I am neither, they have passed into the lands of the dead. One to accept her rightful place after so many years, the other to accept the reward of redemption. Both because of you actions you undertook at risk to yourself.” The disembodied voice told him.

Lloyd could feel…something…next to him, though when he moved his hand to touch it, there was nothing there. “Then who are you?” he asked finally, drawing his legs up and wrapping his arms around them. It was chilly, though the heat of the injury brought a fine sheen of sweat to his forehead.

“You pledged yourself to return to me, I am here to collect upon that agreement.” Said the calm voice.

“Verius.” Lloyd uttered quietly, things starting to become clearer to the young man now. “I kinda lost my swords, but I still promised you.” He told the spirit, releasing the breath he held.

“It was more symbolic than literal Lloyd Irving, it was the meaning behind your promise that drew me.” Replied the summon spirit, somewhat dryly. “The fact remains that you achieved that what you said you would, and given the sacrifice of another, are now faced with a choice.” It continued, slowly becoming visible next to the young man. The light that the spirit exuded showing only the two of them seemingly floating in the midst of a void.

“Huh? You mean that thing that Kuni did?” he asked, confused about the sacrifice, “What choice did that give me?” he continued, no longer tracking the conversation.

“Kuni had the power to transfer her ability to travel to and from the void. She gave that to you, banishing herself with the void so that you might have the opportunity to live for the love that sustained you during your trials.” Explained Verius, looking at him with a cocked head. His tails swished lazily as they sat, his odd eyes warm when they looked at Lloyd. “What she didn’t know was your promise to me. That is now the choice before you Lloyd Irving. If you wish it so, you may go and join your mother and friends that have passed on, spending eternity in happiness with them and your other friends as they too have passed. This is the reward for all you have done for the worlds, the ones you love.” He offered, standing up and trotting forward as he spoke, a light appearing before him. The small speck in the darkness growing to a wide oval that shone with a supernatural brilliance, before revealing a large town of gleaming spires and lush rolling fields.

Lloyd’s eyes went wide with awe as he saw the world through the oval of light, all peoples and races together in harmony with their surroundings. Everything gleamed and shone with an inner light, radiant even from the distance he was standing.

“Or, I can send you back to your friends, to your love, but in doing so you must never pick up weapons again. You must honor your promise and forgo all weapons and their use. You must strive to make your world a better place through words and actions, not violence. The way of peace isn’t easy, nor should it be, it is one that requires discipline and devotion. In short Lloyd Irving, I ask you to become my emissary to the world. Show them that the heart is the strongest weapon they have, one that never fails them if they believe in themselves and each other. You, who have stood against odds insurmountable and won, can show all the races that it isn’t the power of the swords, but the power of their heart that can change destiny.” Verius offered, walking back behind Lloyd, a simple door appearing in the darkness made of oak with iron bindings. The door opened to reveal world he’d left, embroiled in chaos as the races rallied against the shadows as they attacked.

He watched with a pit in his stomach, seeing the death and pain inflicted on both sides, neither giving up their designs for life. Lloyd’s mouth went dry as he weighed the words of the spirit before him, wanting to rush to his friends and help, but knowing that if he did he’d be unable to use his weapons. He flexed his hands instinctively, as if still holding the hilts of his swords, unable to take his eyes from the battles that raged through the doorframe.

“What can I do?” he whispered to Verius, feeling overwhelmed by the choice before him. “I can’t help them if I don’t have my weapons to fight with.” He said quietly, the thought of being unable to defend his loved ones not sitting well with him.

“Is that so?” asked the summon spirit, sitting once more and regarding him with a turned head. “Lloyd, your presence is what drives your friends, not your ability with a weapon. They find their strength in you, take comfort that you will always try, no matter what. How is that not helping them?” it asked pointedly, sounding uncomfortably like Raine for the man’s tastes.

Lloyd’s thoughts went back to the adventures and times he’d shared with his friends. Events, images, conversations and looks all played over in his mind, showing him the simple truth that he’d overlooked. ‘I can’t have been that clueless, could I?’ he asked himself, his hand going to the back of his head and rubbing it out of habit. He looked at the war shown through the simple door, knowing that somewhere out there his friends were embroiled in this fight too, doing what had to be done.

“Ok, I’ll give up my swords and go back to them.” He said aloud, not taking his eyes off the door, ‘I promised Sheena no matter what…’ his mind added for him.

“Indeed you did Lloyd Irving, indeed you did.” Said Verius as if reading his thoughts, or perhaps his heart. “Go now, and rejoin them. I will be with you.” He told the young man, vanishing into a swirl of purplish blue energies that orbited around him as Lloyd walked from the darkness into the battle once more.

Sheena’s House…

Raine slowly pulled the sheet over the man’s face, her eyes unfocused with sorrow as she did. Her mind was numb, holding everything back as she tried to deal with the sudden loss. Sheena knelt next to the bed, her head bowed as her hands covered her face, tears falling in steady succession onto the wooden floor as sobs racked her slender frame. The sheet billowed slightly as Raine released it, allowing it to slowly drift over the last of his body. With reverent slowness, she clasped her hands before her and knelt next to Sheena, bowing her head as she did so. ‘Martel bless and keep him…’ she began to murmur in her mind wondering if she’d even listen to the prayer.

Leaning over, the older woman wrapped a comforting arm around the shoulders of the younger, pulling her closer. “Come Sheena, the village needs you.” She whispered quietly, hating herself for having to be so cold, so rational.

Sheena’s body shook with the sorrow she felt, feeling empty and alone. “I can’t….” she whispered brokenly, lowering her hands and looking at them through the tears. They were soaked with her grief, swimming in the emotion of her eyes that still remained as she tried to focus, tried to remember her duties. ‘He’s gone…’ her mind echoed over and over, mournfully reminding her that she’d never see or touch her husband again.

Raine reached over with her other hand and placed it into the summoners, “You can and you must Sheena, Lloyd would want you to save as many people as you could.” She whispered back, feeling the woman clasp her hands on hers. She felt Sheena lean into her once more, taking deep shaky breaths, neither woman looking at anything but the other’s hands for a long moment. Finally with painful slowness, Sheena rocked to her feet, Raine assisting her as she moved upwards. “C’mon, let’s get this done with.” Sheena said dully as she turned from her bedroom, their bedroom. Her tears sprang to her eyes at the sudden thought, before her mind ruthlessly quashed the emotional response. Her back stiffened unconsciously as she walked proudly from the room to join her people in the defense of the village.

A shout came from outside the house, one that was met by another some distance off. As Sheena and Raine exited the house there was a chorus of shouts and cheers that came from around them, people celebrating as they ran towards the main entrance of the town. The women glanced at one another, then back at the scene before them, “What’s going on?” Sheena shouted at a young ninja that was running by.

“They have fled. The shadows have ceased their attacks and are withdrawing.” He responded, bowing as he spoke to Sheena, then straightening and running to join the others.

Surprise showed between them, unsure of the meaning of the turn of events, before a voice sounded quietly behind them. “I’ve showed them the future and they have agreed to cease the attacks if allowed to exist within this world.” It said, tone level and even.

Sheena whirled at the voice, card appearing in her hand as she did, arm cocked ready to throw, “Who’re you?” she asked tensely, seeing a lone figure standing before her house dressed in dark brown robes with a deeply cowled hood.

“Someone that now watches, showing the truth of the matter, the heart of it I guess you could say….and someone that loves you more than life itself.” It added softly, hands that had been hanging by it’s side coming up and pulling back the cowl to reveal the brown spiky hair and wide infectious smile she loved so much.

“I told you that I’d take care of everything, didn’t I?” Lloyd asked her softly, smiling at her with a wink. “You’d think I’d miss this?” he teased her, folding his arms over his chest as he spoke.

The summoner stood in utter shock, unable to move, barely able to comprehend that Lloyd was standing there before her. “L…Lloyd?” she whispered to him, her hands shaking as the cards she held fell from numbed fingers. She took a few hesitant steps towards him, standing so confidently before her, though in her mind she could see the still form beneath the sheet within the house. “How…Can it…what?” she stuttered, holding out a hand to the figure, that walked quickly towards her taking the extended hand.

Lloyd pulled her to him, wrapping her into his arms feeling her body stiffen in resistance, here eyes seeking his, eyes that were heavy with sorrow and doubt. “Sheena, I told you I’d never leave you.” He said quietly, reaching up his hand and running the backs of his fingers over her cheek. Her sob of relief finally broke through the cold numbness she’d felt upon seeing him.

“Lloyd…” she said through the tears as she buried her head into his chest and latched her arms under his arms and over his shoulders. She could feel his heart beating strong against her cheek, the warmth of the body underneath the robes, the smell that she’d so long associated with him filling her nostrils. “You died…I held you when you died.” She whispered releasing the ache within her heart to him, knowing that he’d make everything better.

“Yeah, I kinda did…but Verius wasn’t going to let me go that easy. He’s a stickler for promises, especially ones that you make with all your heart.” He told her softly, smiling as he spoke, feeling whole again. “He gave me the choice to come back or join my mom and everybody on the other side.” He explained, leaning his head down and enjoying the clean scent that was laced with lilacs of her hair. “I couldn’t do that, I don’t want to be without you ever again.” Lloyd said to his wife, smiling softly as he closed his eyes.

Sheena’s cries slowly softened, her tears drying before she pulled back from him slightly without releasing him. Looking up into his loving eyes, she lost her heart to him once more, “If you ever do that to me again, I’m going to kill you.” She promised him with all the love in her heart.

Lloyd’s eyes widened and he laughed at the comment, knowing the emotion behind it, “Um…ok then.” He chuckled at her, before she silenced him by pressing her lips to his, kissing him passionately with abandon.

Raine regarded them intently, having remastered her emotions upon seeing the now very much alive young man. Tears of happiness at seeing the two lovers together running down her cheeks, she turned from them as they kissed, not wanting to intrude on their reunion. Several of the village wandered closer to the trio, looking curiously at the couple, but Raine waved them back with a smile, shaking her head in warning. Heeding the woman’s warning and keeping a respectful distance, they formed a ring perimeter around them.

It was the sudden silence that finally cut through the relief and love filled world that Lloyd and Sheena had created for themselves. Lloyd’s eyes opened as her lips left his, seeing the entire village and a good number of angels looking at them with knowing smiles. “Oh, hi everyone…you been uh, standing there long?” he asked as he turned a bright red as the smiled widened and more than one laugh broke out.

Sheena turned and regarded them shyly, a light blush on her cheeks, though she still hadn’t relinquished her hold on her husband. “Are they gone?” she asked Tiga as the man stepped from the crowd towards them.

“Yes, they have departed peacefully. We had been coming back to inform you when…” he said, then smiled with a short bow. “It is an honor to see you up again Lloyd Irving.” He said to the man in her arms, greeting Lloyd’s return.

“It’s good to be up and about again, thanks Tiga.” He replied to the Vice Chief. “Where’s everyone else?” he asked, not seeing any of the other companions present. His question was answered a moment later by the sound of a body slamming into the ground nearby, and a chipper voice calling out, “Ouch. I’m ok.”

Everyone laughed lightly at the arrival of the blonde haired chosen, turning to see her come running, her white outfit now slightly muddy and grass stained from her landing. “LLOYD!! You’re ok!” she shouted, rushing over to where he and Sheena were standing. With no warning she threw her arms around the two of them, holding them both closely to herself in relief. “I was so worried about you two.” She said, tears of happiness in her eyes as she spoke finally, looking at them.

“I’m glad to see you’re ok too Colette, but could you warn me next time before putting me in a headlock like that?” he said to her, rubbing the back of his neck where she’d grabbed him.

Sheena hugged her emotional friend tightly in return, laughing as she did. “You had me worried to ya know, it’s good to have you back in one piece.” She said to the younger woman.

Raine finally walked over to the group, her smile warm as she regarded the reunited friends, “Lloyd, I…” she began, her eyes tearing up as she considered her words and finding her emotions surging forward to drive the normally logic driven statement away.

Sheena looked at her friend, seeing her stumble as she too came to grips with Lloyd’s return, “We know Raine.” She said simply sparing the woman from having to try to find the right words. Looking back at Lloyd, she saw not the normal look of confusion but one of understanding at what the woman was going through. ‘Looks like Verius effected him in more than one way, wonder what else has changed…’ she wondered idly.

“It’s alright Professor.” He told her, smiling at the woman. “I wanted to thank you too. You took care of Sheena when I was away.” Lloyd said to the Professor, giving her a warm look. “You’ve always done what you had to do, even when it wasn’t popular. I hadn’t noticed before, but with this new outlook on life I’m seeing things in a different way. Thanks for always being there for me Raine.” He said to her, using her name instead of her title for change, his face showing a wisdom unusual for him.

The woman gave him an odd look, chuckling at him, “Why Lloyd Irving? Could it be you’re finally growing up?” she teased the man, raising a finely arched eyebrow at him. She laughed brightly at the man’s sudden blush, but was impressed by his look of understanding that he showed.

The people of the village finally started to step forwards, giving the couple encouraging words and receiving them in kind from them. As the crowds finally thinned and the repairs and recovery operations got underway, Lloyd and Sheena found themselves alone once more inside their home.

Lloyd smiled widely at his wife, unwilling to break the silence between, content to lose himself in the beauty of her exotic features.

“So, what exactly is going to happen now?” she asked him, pulling his hands before her as she walked backwards towards the bedroom. “I mean, you said the Verius made you keep a promise and all, but what does that mean?” she said, pausing as they entered into the door way.

“What it means Summoner, is that he is now a living embodiment of my powers. I refuse to have a master as do the other spirits, in fact it was you that showed me the power of the heart to begin with. However, I am not adverse to having someone show others what it means to take faith in yourself and those you love.” Verius told her, sitting on the bed as he looked at the two young people that had entered.

Sheena almost crushed the fingers of her husband from the surprise of having a voice behind her. Releasing Lloyd’s hands, she turned quickly to face the spirit, her eyes wide with shock. “Verius! DON’T do that!” she almost shouted at her friend.

It was difficult for Lloyd to tell, but he could swear the spirit was smiling broadly at her outburst. “Thanks Verius, it was worth it to come back.” he told his spirit, placing reassuring hands on his wife’s shoulders from behind as they regarded him.

“Yeah, thanks. I don’t know how I would have managed with him.” Sheena admitted quietly, lowering her eyes.

Nodding his head once, he met the gazes of the people before him, “It was an honor to be able to give you something back Sheena. You have given much of yourself along with him, it was the least I can do. There is much to be done for the both of you however, another journey that must be undertaken.” he said to them, hopping gently off the bed and striding towards them.

“There is still much for all races to learn here. I charge you, my emissary, to show them that which they lack. Give them a reason to hope, to love...to live with each other.” he told Lloyd, sitting before Sheena and looking up into the man’s eyes.

Lloyd nodded solemnly, a feeling of peaceful understanding filling his heart as if the spirit had given him a physical part of itself with the charge.

Lowering his gaze to Sheena, Verius paused, as if assessing her in the depth of his eyes. “Do not worry Summoner, your days with him are not numbered. Origin has something to say about the line of Summoners.” he told her cryptically.

Sheena looked over her shoulder at Lloyd, then back to the spirit before her, “Huh? What do you mean?” she asked, unsure of what he was referring to.

Verius started to fade from sight, a chuckle preceding him, “You will soon see. Lloyd, show the fallen chosen the path of his heart. He is lost the way and needs to see what is before him.” was his last words to them before departing from the home.

Turning to him, she placed her hands on his hips, giving him a confused look, “Do you know what he’s talking about?” she asked him directly, having had her fill of surprises for one day.

Smiling softly, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Yep, sure do!” he told her happily, chuckling at her narrowed eyes in response. “Call Origin, he’ll explain it to you.” he said hastily seeing her legendary temper begin to flare.

Setting her lips into a firm line, she regarded him for a moment before stepping back. “Ok, but this had better be good.” she told him. “Source of Heaven, Earth and everything in between, Ruler of All, I summon thee, Origin.” she called from the center of the room.

There was a blinding flash and before them appeared the powerful ruler of the spirits. “Master Summoner, it is good to see you once again. Greetings to you Lloyd Irving, welcome to our ranks.” he said formally, folding one set of arms across a massive chest and nodding to the man.

“HUH? Wait just a minute! What do you mean by that?” asked Sheena, walking closer to the summon spirit.

Smiling benignly at her, “Lloyd, by taking the mantle of Verius is in effect an avatar of his. Able to call upon his spirits power at will. Thus, making him an immortal and a brother of sorts to the fellow spirits and I.” he explained to the stunned woman.

“Immortal?” she whispered slowly, eyes wide as she regarded the man she loved.

Lloyd smiled at her and walked closer, taking her hands into his again, “It gets better, ain’t that right Origin?” he told her, looking up at the spirit.

Origin chuckled at them, but nodded once more. “Yes, it was due to your actions that the spirits were allowed to awaken from their years of slumber. You have proven a worthy Summoner, one that is superior to those before you. Your heart was your guide, not your ambition, something truly remarkable. As such, I have decided that you too will hold your position until such a time that you wish to hand this honor to your children.” he explained, causing both of the young people to blush slightly with the reference.

“I am bestowing upon you Sheena Irving immortality, so that you might stay with your husband and share in his mission. It is a most worthy cause. One day, when you both are ready, hand down your powers to your children, and come join us in the afterlife and partake of your rewards.” Origin told her, smiling broadly at her stunned expression.

“I need to sit down for a minute.” she muttered, feeling strange to hear that she would live forever. She could feel Lloyd’s firm embrace supporting her as her knees buckled slightly, walking with him to the bed and sitting down together.

“Be well Sheena, we are proud of you and serve you willingly.” Origin told the shocked woman, then disappearing in a flash.

Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he felt her lean into him, “You ok?” he asked quietly, getting lost in her dark eyes as she turned her face up towards him.

“Kids?” she asked softly, realization dawning her to the full implications the spirit had told her.

Nodding, Lloyd felt his face burning slightly, “Uh, yeah, kinda. Well, more than kinda actually.” he responded, giving an embarrassed chuckle.

She smiled at his response, slowly wrapping her mind and heart around the idea of having children with the wonderful man beside her. Her hand reached up and grasped the back of his head, pulling his lips to hers in a gentle yet probing kiss.

Lloyd smiled before his lips met hers, then lost himself to the passions they’d been suppressing for too long during the past days.

Meltokio...

Zelos walked dejectedly around the mansion, feeling the loneliness he’d never realized existed within his home.

“You’re finally beginning to see aren’t you?” came a quiet voice from within the room he’d been looking in.

“Who the hell are you?” asked the red haired man, his tone tight, upset that someone was in his home without invitation.

Lloyd stepped from the shadows, lowering the cowl of his robe as he did, giving the man a wide smile. “A friend I thought.” he quipped back at the man.

Zelos smiled back at the man, rushing to him as the men embraced fondly, “Lloyd! You dog, how ya been buddy?” he asked happily, feeling the weight lifting from his shoulders.

“Good, really good. I see you’re still trying to figure things out huh?” he asked, giving the man a serious glance as they sat at the small table within the room.

Zelos didn’t know how to address that, looking down at his hands for long moments, trying to sort his mix of feelings. “It just feels...empty.” he admitted to his friend.

Smiling at Zelos, “Lemme try something, ok?” he asked, waiting for the man to nod before reaching forwards and placing his hands on either side of his head.

The man’s eyes widened with the touch of Lloyd, images and emotions slamming into his mind, showing him the truth of situations, giving him rare insight into the mind of someone that loved with reserve or thought of gain. Tears came unbidden to his eyes, rolling silently down his face, unnoticed by either man.

Finally releasing the redhead, Lloyd leaned back slightly wearied by his efforts. “Now do you understand what you’re feeling?” he asked him quietly, looking into the man’s eyes.

He could only nod in response, the sharp images of his emotions brought to the front by Lloyd. He could see and feel what he’d done to Colette, how he had truly felt about the whole situation and how badly he screwed it up. “She has to hate me now...hell, I hate me right now.” he told his friend, his head hanging again.

Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head, “Nah, Colette don’t have it in her to hate anyone. Just be careful with her Zelos, treat her like the treasure that she is not like one of the floozies that you normally associate with and things will be fine. Oh, yeah, by the way...if you hurt her I’ve given Sheena permission to take it out on you. No pressure or nothing.” he added, with a smirk.

“None whatsoever, what ever could you mean?” Zelos responded with a chuckle, knowing full well he wouldn’t survive that encounter. “I’ve got a trip to take, wanna go with?” he asked hopefully, looking for all the moral support he could get.

“Sorry buddy, I’ve gotta get back to my wife. Don’t worry so much about it Zelos, just be YOURSELF for a change and things will be fine.” he advised him, taking his feet.

Nodding, Zelos gave the man an appraising glance, “When’d you get so wise in years huh? I thought you’d be observant as a stone for the rest of your life.” he chided the man as he also stood.

“Change of heart I guess.” Lloyd said with a knowing smile. Waving he walked back into the deeper shadows of the room and vanished.

Zelos whistled in surprise, “Wow. Now that’s neat trick. Wonder if he’d show it to me?” he asked himself, walking with a renewed sense of purpose back to his room to pack for a trip to visit a certain young blonde.

Iselia...

Kratos held Raine close as they stood near by Dirk’s house, both had relieved smiles on their faces. “I was unsure that you would still be here when I got back.” he admitted to her.

Raine shook her head, looking up at the man, “You’re not meant to always be alone Kratos, haven’t you learned anything during your adventures?” she asked him, her tone going automatically to that of a teacher.

Raising an eyebrow at the woman, he smiled, “Am I to be schooled then Professor?” he asked her teasingly.

“If it takes me the rest of my life to show you, then yes, you can consider this to be a learning experience. I warn you Kratos, I’m a stickler for studies.” she told him playfully, her hand touching the side of his face.

“PROFESSOR! Ouch...sorry about that Noike...” came a sweet voice from the back of Dirk’s house that had been accompanied by a yelp.

Raine sighed, but smiled at the girl as she came running into sight, a wide smile on her face. “Yes Colette, what is it?” she asked her.

“LLOYD! He was just here!” she cried happily, clapping as she slowed next to them. “Guess what? Zelos is going to come here to see me!” she said, her enthusiasm exuding from her pores.

Kratos gave a sigh of irritation at the mention of the fop’s name, but held his tongue as Raine glared at him.

“Is that such a good thing Colette?” she asked gently, not wanting to break the girls hopes by reminding her what he’d done to her previously.

Shaking her head, her blue eyes sparkled, “Don’t worry about that, Lloyd promised me he took care of something that would make Zelos see what he’d done and apologize. Can you believe it?” she giggled, blushing slightly with the news.

Raine gave Kratos a knowing look, “It would appear as if your son is taking his new duties rather seriously.” she said to the boys father.

“So it would appear.” he agreed, giving her a smile. ‘He has done more for us then he would know, or perhaps he did all along.’ he thought, wondering how much his son knew.

“I’ve gotta go get ready, he’ll be here tomorrow!” said Colette, once more running towards her house at full speed, not tripping over anything this.

Raine and Kratos had to leap aside as Noike decided that he was going with the blonde chosen, barking happily as he followed her into the forest.

Holding each other as the sounds of the girl and Noike faded into the early night, Kratos leaned forward and kissed Raine softly, remembering where they’d been before being interrupted.

Great Tree...

Lloyd stood at the base of the tree, smiling at Martel. “It’s gotten bigger hasn’t it?” he asked her.

Martel smiled at the man as he stood admiring the tree. “Yes, since you convinced the shadows to cease their attacks, it has resumed it’s cycle of growth once more.” she told him.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to face her, “I’ve got a favor to ask you. I need to allow the shadows to come and pay homage to the tree. I want them to take up as it’s guardians against all that would come here to harm it. That way they regain the life they so desire and the tree will have the protection it needs from those that would come to harm it.” he told her.

Martel looked at him for a moment, indecision on her face, “How do we know that the shadows won’t simply take the tree’s mana for themselves?” she asked.

“Simple. By making them pay homage to the tree they’ve linked their existence to it’s well being. Kinda like one of those symboaties that the Professor always talked about.” he told her confidently, then looked at her strangely as she laughed at him. “What? What’s so funny?” he asked, confusion evident on his face.

Waving at him, she shook her head, “Nothing Lloyd, it’s good to have you back.” she said, stifling the laughter. “Are you certain the unified worlds are ready for this?” she continued, knowing the dissension amongst the races that still existed.

“I’ll handle that.” he told her confidently, his smile wide.

She grinned back to him, “Very well than Lloyd Irving, I shall allow them to come. May the blessings of Martel be upon you and your family.” she intoned, holding her winged staff over his head.

The man blushed heavily, “How does everyone know we’re gonna have a family?” he muttered quietly, fading back into the shadows.

Mizuho...

Lloyd stepped from the shadows silently, smiling as he saw the lump in the bed that was his wife. Tip toeing over to her, he held his hands out ready to tickle her awake when a leg swept his from underneath him, sending him crashing to the bedroom floor.

“And exactly WHERE were you Lloyd Irving?” came the quietly serious voice of his wife from behind him.

Looking up he smiled at her, “Um...hiya Sheena...I can explain...really.” he stammered seeing the harsh look she gave him.

Her face split into a wide smile at her husband as she reached her hand down to him. “Don’t worry about it, besides, I’ve got an idea how you can make it up to me.” she said, helping him to his feet.

Her short night gown was gossamer, showing her fabulous body to dance amongst the shadows that played along her figure. He wrapped her gently into his arms, smiling at the woman he loved more then anything. “I love you Sheena, more than I can ever tell you.” he said to her, his voice heavy with emotions.

She smiled up to him, encircling him with her arms, “Then why don’t you show me Lloyd?” she whispered, kissing him deeply as her hands explored the muscles of his body as she kissed him.

Pulling her back, he fell on the bed with her atop him, both of them laughing. “I can do that.” he affirmed to her, kissing her once more, his hands going to her silken black hair, running down her back.