Disclaimer: I do not own TOS.
This entire story will be written from Lloyd's perspective.
Lloyd thinking
"Everyone speaking"
"Origin speaking"
Tower of Salvation, shortly after the reunification of the two worlds.
It was a short flight from the Kharlan Tree to the Tower of Salvation. Neither of the men cared to talk during the trip, and now that they've set foot on ground before the ruins of the once-standing symbol of regeneration, they stood, awkwardly facing each other, but not meeting each others' eyes.
A discomfited wind passed between them, and Lloyd shifted from one foot to another. Finally, he spoke.
"Are you really going to Derris-Kharlan?"
Kratos hesitated a moment before giving his answer, face grim but determined. "If a half-elf of Cruxis remains here, the other half-elves will have no place to live. As the surviving member of Cruxis, I must bear the responsibility of what has happened."
At that instant, an unspoken acknowledgment passed between father and son, and Lloyd set his jaw with a sharp jerk.
"I'm going to collect all the Expheres remaining in this land."
"And I will discard all of Cruxis's Expheres into space." His father paused, then murmured, "I've dragged you into this until the very end."
"It's ok." It's alright. I understand, Dad. Really. I do.
Kratos, with one hand on the hilt of his sword, turned toward the tower where a few other half-elves stood, waiting expectantly. "It's time for me to go. Please use that sword to send us to Derris-Kharlan."
The Eternal Swordsman struggled to get the words out of his throat. It wasn't fair that he'd only gotten to know his real father for a few months, then had to watch him leave the world forever.
But I guess it had to be enough…
"Goodbye…Dad…"
With those final words, he summoned the Eternal Sword.
Origin…he felt the spirit's presence stir…you know what to do.
As you wish…the Rule of the Spirits replied.
While Lloyd concentrated his mana in the sword, he missed the pained look his father sent him. Kratos and the others faded as they felt their bodies being transported to the elves' ancestral planet, watching the hero who reunited the worlds fade away into a red speck thousands of feet below them.
It was the last they ever will see of the world they were leaving behind.
As Lloyd completed the last stretch of the transfer back on Symphonia, Origin suddenly spoke, "Lloyd…"
The swordsman's eyes furrowed. "Just a minute, Origin."
"Pactmaker, you have to stop. Something is wrong with the Eternal Sword. The mana you are putting into it is being drawn toward another source. Keep it up and you will lose your life." Origin's tone was exasperated now.
Lloyd gripped the hilt of the sword tighter. "Then what will happen to Dad?" He shouted. "If I stop now, they might die!"
"They will be fine! The gravitational field of Derris-Kharlan will be able to draw them in, and your father and his companions have wings! Now cease your input of mana, Lloyd! Let go of the sword! Now!"
Lloyd gritted his teeth, and beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead. He tried to pry his gloved hands away from the sword of legend, but his efforts proved futile. The mana being drawn into the sword was so intense that it became visible. Strings of blue energy crept along the edges of the blade, gaining intensity by the second.
"I….can't!"
The energy became blinding, and, as if the blade could hold no more, it burst forth in an extravaganza. Lloyd instinctively closed his eyes, feeling the loosened mana ripple around him. He could hear Origin's faint voice shouting, but the swordsman could not discern his words. There seemed to be a blanket of darkness for a second, but when he opened his eyes, the entire world was white. Dazed, he took a few stumbling steps forward, and rubbed his eyes.
"Origin?"
There was no answer. The white began to clear, but everything around him, himself excluded, was in black and white. The mana around him was still there, but it was stationary, as if frozen in time.
Timestop? But who? Only a handful of people can even use this technique…
"Lloyd."
The man turned around, searching for the owner of the voice.
It was the Spirit of the Kharlan Tree, but though it had only been a few days since Lloyd had spoken with her, she appeared extremely tired. Her lovely face had lost some of its color.
"Martel? What happened? Where am I?"
"…I should have known…" The Spirit's eyes were downcast and regretful.
"Known what?" Lloyd asked confusedly.
"That backlash you just experienced was the result of mana overload. I should have known it would happen." Martel's tone was weary as she continued. "The Eternal Sword had been used by Mithos to create a world, among other things, then by you, Lloyd, to reunite the worlds. Its recent usage to send your father out of Symphonia was the drop that spilled the cup, essentially, even though the energy required had been minuscule when compared with the other deeds…I should have warned you not to use the Eternal Sword ever again."
"I used the Timestop spell to give you some advice before the warp creates itself, Lloyd. The warp will send those in its vicinity -you- back in time, to the beginning of your journey. It's how the Sword tries to maintain the balance of mana in this new world after that leak. I'm sorry. You went through so much to see the day the worlds are reunited, and now…" The Spirit closed her eyes as a sigh escaped her.
"So what happens now?"
She looked up and was surprised to see Lloyd, undeterred, and unnervingly unfazed by the news. However, she did not know of the temporary despair that coursed through Lloyd. All that work…gone?
"I believe Origin wants a few words with you before I end the spell. But please, Lloyd, hurry. I do not wish to hold the spell for long, lest it result in another disaster…"
With that, the Spirit of the Kharlan Tree disappeared, and in her place stood the Ruler of the Summon Spirits.
"Hello, Lloyd."
"Origin."
"You are angry, are you not?" Origin stated, rather than asked. Two of his four muscular arms were crossed.
"How can you ask me that," began Lloyd irately, "How can you possibly ask me that, despite all those sacrifices everyone made and all that we've done to have the worlds back to their original forms?"
"It's like none of what I'd ever done mattered!"
Origin waited as Lloyd heaved, seething in his rage.
"Are you done, Pactmaker?"
"What?" Lloyd bit out sharply.
"To be honest, I am a bit disappointed. I would have hoped that you'd at least use this opportunity to save more lives, with your knowledge of the future. Think of how much you can do, which mistakes not to make…the possibilities are endless…" Origin's eyes were hard, his lips a thin line. His posture practically oozed dissatisfaction, and it made Lloyd ashamed.
But his anger had not completely dissipated. "That's…" he began.
"Don't start, Lloyd. You know it to be true. I know this is cruel – I know better than most how much you've done for us. But there's no choice. Either you go back, or the backlash destroys half of the new world. You're our last hope, Lloyd."
And then, the proud Summoned Spirit bowed. It was merely a slight incline of his head, but Lloyd knew Origin well enough to know that these small gestures of respect were infrequent, if not rare. Scratching the side of his face, the swordsman replied embarrassedly, "Ah, okay okay. I get it. I'll do it."
"Thank you, Lloyd." There was a pregnant pause, then,
"Hey! You said that to make me feel guilty!"
Origin smirked, but did not deign him with a reply. "I shall have the Goddess release her spell now."
The colors slowly started to invade the scene, and Lloyd hastily squelched a momentary bout of panic.
"A few last words Lloyd. When you get back, I enabled you to retain all of your abilities, as a parting gift…I can't communicate with you until you release my seal however, so do be careful." He could hear the loud roar of the revived explosion now, as the blue of the mana quivered and crackled.
"Wait! What am I supposed to do about the Sword?" Lloyd hollered.
"I believe you will know what to do when the time comes."
The blue of the mana turned dark, and Lloyd felt himself being drawn into its mass of growing blackness in front of the Tower. He watched as his body –and consciousness- quickly disappear. Before his awareness was entirely taken away from him, he mumbled,
"Why is it always me?"
"Lloyd Irving, wake up! Lloyd!"
That voice sounds familiar. In fact, it sounds very familiar. Wait! It's-
"Gahhh!" Lloyd jerked awake as he felt an object hit his head. The closeness of Raine's displeased countenance surprised him so much that he dropped the buckets in his hand.
"How do you manage to sleep standing?" Her voice was both full of awe and annoyance. Lloyd took a moment to recover himself, trying to remember where this scene occurred.
Oh, right. Beginning of journey. Day of the Oracle. Right.
"Lloyd?"
"Ah, ha-haha…Um. Innate ability, I guess? Um, what?" From the incredulous looks he received, Lloyd had a sinking feeling that he should not have used the word 'innate'.
"You know that word?" Raine was shocked. It must be her marvelous teachings finally getting through to his head!
The red-clad teenager tried to avoid the question. "Uh, what word, Professor?"
"Innate!" She replied impatiently, suspicion creeping into her eyes.
"Er, yes?" Damn. I am sure that this conversation never happened the first time around. I have to be more careful from now on…
"Hmmm…" As the professor turned away, Lloyd let out an inaudible sigh of relief. "Getting back on topic, let's have someone else answer the question. Genis?"
"Yes, Raine." The petit mage dutifully replied. "Mithos, the hero, brought about the end of the Ancient War in the Holy Ground of Kharlan."
Raine beamed. "Correct. Afterwards, Mithos, the hero, formed a pact with the Goddess Martel to seal away the Desians whom caused the war."
At this, Lloyd almost snorted, but stopped himself at the last moment. Raine continued, "Today is the Day of Prophecy. It is a very important day, which the Chosen of Mana will receive an oracle from the Goddess Martel…Now, the Chosen One…Colette." Colette stood up.
"Yes, ma'am. It is a journey to seal the Desians. Upon passing the trials of Martel…" Lloyd tuned out the rest of Colette's response. Everyone is still so innocent…ignorant of the truth. I really don't want to…Stop. Don't even go there, Lloyd. You know you have to do this, so quit complaining about it.
He ended his musings to realize that Colette had finished her response and was looking at him. He gave her a bright smile, which she returned before she sat down again.
"Now for the next question-"
A vivid light flashed, and everyone blinked to clear their eyes. Lloyd's face visibly darkened as he realized what this would mean.
Raine, always the rational one, quickly reassured the class, "Settle down, everyone. It seems that the time for the oracle has come. I shall go check on the chapel. Everyone stay here and study on your own. Understood? Colette, stay here with everyone else. If it really is the oracle, the priests will come for you." The professor calmly walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
The students started to converse in loud, excited whispers, and no one but Genis and Colette noticed Lloyd in the back, fists clenched and a scowl on his face. As the two approached him, Genis joked, "It's okay, Lloyd. We all want to go too."
Lloyd looked away, "It's not that, Genis." Goddess knows how much I don't want to go and see Colette receive that parasite around her throat…What can I do? I can't exactly make her stay here. If Colette doesn't receive the oracle at all, there'll be no journey.
The Chosen and the mage shared a worried glance.
All I can do right now is act normal, and hope everything will work out like last time.
"Lloooyyyydd. You there?" Colette waved a hand in front of his face.
And I got to stop spacing out.
"Huh? Yeah. Hey guys, wanna go check out the temple?"
Genis gave him an annoyed look. "And you're the one who said 'it's not that.' I can't believe you, Lloyd! Raine will get really mad if she finds out!"
"Aw Genis! Aren't you curious? And Colette, don't you wanna find out what happens?" Lloyd whined, knowing the blonde will eventually give in. "Come on, Genis, it'll be just research…" He wagged his eyebrows.
The mage rolled his eyes. "That's just an excuse!"
Colette giggled as Lloyd said, "So?"
"Ugh. You are impossible, Lloyd." The exasperated spell-caster threw his hands up in the air. Lloyd grinned.
The trio exited the classroom, and right away, they stiffened. The normally cheery village of Iselia was deathly silent. Not a sound could be heard, even from the animals. Lloyd unconsciously placed a hand on his wooden blades, keeping a sharp eye out for any monsters.
"Where's everyone?" Worried, the Chosen nervously glanced around her quiet hometown. Footsteps were heard in the distance, the thumps abnormally loud, echoing against the hard earth.
The ex-Eternal Swordsman drew his blades, already prepared for battle. Genis readied his kendama, and Colette took out her chakrams.
"Colette!" A voice called out from the path behind the storekeeper's house.
The trio lowered their weapons as they saw Frank, Colette's adopted father, running towards them with a panicked expression.
"Colette, thank goodness you're alright."
The girl hugged her foster parent, then inquired, "Father! What happened with everyone?"
Frank glanced apprehensively around. "The Desians, Colette. They've broken the peace treaty and attacked the village. The villagers are all hiding."
Genis looked outraged, "Why? We didn't even do anything!"
Lloyd stepped forward, "Where are the Desians now?" Not that I don't know, but it would be weird if I didn't ask…
"They're at the Temple right now. Speaking of which, Colette, your Grandmother's also there! Phaidra was preparing for the ritual, along with a couple of other priests…"
"Grandmother?"
"You know what you must do, Colette." Said girl nodded.
"Yes. I must fulfill my duties as the Chosen."
Right. Colette. Your duty. Lloyd thought bitterly. He stepped forward. "Genis and I will accompany her to the temple, Frank. Don't worry. We won't let anything happen to her.
Frank looked doubtful, but he said, "Huh, oh, alright. But take care, you three!" The trio waited until Frank was out of their view, then headed toward the northern exit.
"I hope everyone's okay…"Colette whispered, hands clasped together in front of her.
Lloyd did not say anything, but instead tilted his head skyward, watching the white, puffy clouds move languidly in the sky.
And so it begins again...
An abrupt cry of "watch out!" snapped his head down, and Lloyd quickly jumped out of the way as the claw of a zombie swiped down.
"Whoa!"
Genis was already casting Fireball a few yards away, and Colette was busily throwing her chakrams at the same monster. Lloyd watched as a second zombie crept up behind the Chosen. Crap, monsters!
"Colette, behind you. Genis! Aim for the ghost! It's weak to magic." Lloyd shouted as he hacked away at the zombie closest to him. He growled as the first swing of his wooden blades did little but stun the undead, then proceeded to aim a Demon Fang at the offending monster.
I really need better weapons. Dad's a great carpenter, but wood can't cut!
A few Sonic Thrusts later, the zombie fell with a low wail, and sank to the ground in a heap of rotting flesh. The Ghost had been taken out long before, now pieces of ash scattered on the ground. Genis and Colette were teaming up on the last zombie, and a finishing Ray Thrust combined with another Fireball finally ended the battle.
"Yes! Dwarven vow number seven! Goodness and Love will always win!" Colette cheered. Lloyd smiled nostalgically. I'd almost forgotten how we would always spam those vows after every battle...
Genis let out a huge breath, then asked, "By the way, Lloyd, how'd you remember that magic was effective against non-physical monsters?"
"Er, well…Hey! It's not like I don't remember anything from Professor Raine's lectures! I listen…well, sometimes." Lloyd coupled the lines with a sheepish rub to the back of his head. Yes! Score one for close save!
"But I remember you sleeping that day when we were going over that lesson!" Genis quickly pointed out, smirking triumphantly.
Score negative two for me…I think this is the first time I regret having a best friend who's a child genius.
"Erg. I just did, okay!" The red-clad teenager blushed, then snapped, "Let's just go to the Temple already!" With that, Lloyd stomped out of the village, followed by an amused Genis and a grinning Colette. Then Lloyd was struck with a horrid thought.
The pastor!
He started running, ignoring the cries of his friends behind him. The temple was only half a mile away from the village, and they reached the Temple in very little time. When they got there, Lloyd was already running up the stairs, while Colette and Genis remained at the bottom, panting and breathing heavily.
"Hey Lloyd…what's…the rush?" Genis gasped.
Then he and Colette looked on, horrified as Lloyd caught a stumbling pastor halfway up to the temple.
"Pastor!" They both cried. Further up, they could hear the distinct sounds of swords clashing. Lloyd held a hand grimly to the Pastor's leaking chest wound, knowing that it was no use. Dimly, was aware of his friends' pleas for the Pastor to hang on.
Damn it…This was one life I could have saved…and who knows how many more who are up there right now…DAMN IT!
Lloyd placed the Pastor on the ground as gently as he could, then drew his blades and recklessly charged up the steps, deaf to Colette and Genis's surprised calls.
This is all a big misunderstanding…they're the Renegades, not the Desians…I can't let them kill anymore people!
As he took the final step to the Temple, he was greeted with Botta, who was questioning Phaidra for Colette.
"Where is the Chosen?" Botta asked imperiously.
Lloyd snarled behind him, "Not here, obviously. Now get the hell away from her!"
A Renegade soldier stepped up from behind Botta, "And just who might this be?" The half-elf was armed with metal plates and a shiny helmet on his head. He raised his broad sword in an offensive stance, and arrogantly approached the young swordsman. Botta, unwisely thinking Lloyd was no threat, turned back to Phaidra to threaten her, but was interrupted when Lloyd growled maliciously.
"Oh no. You people just don't know what the hell you're asking for."
