Author's note: This is something that I haven't seen a lot of, so I figured I would try and novelize Zelos' past. I'm getting my timeline from the Manga, so hopefully it turns out alright. I'll be taking a bit a leeway with dialogue, description, and characterization, however, it should remain close to the original. It should be a decently short story; I can't see it getting over ten chapters. Still, a good background.

Disclaimer: Mystic Yoshie does not own Tales of Symphonia.

………………

Today was a day of sadness. Or so that was what Zelos had been told. Even nature seemed to think so, as the angels' tears were shed for the loss of his father. Zelos had never really known his father that well; he had always been in and out of the house at odd hours, performing ceremonies for the Church, working, and hundreds of other things that Zelos didn't get to hear about. He spent most of his time with Mother; playing in the garden, eating, studying his lessons…

But Mother was not there today. It was just Zelos and Sebastian, the head butler. The elder man held an umbrella over Zelos' head as they watched the casket being laid in the wet earth. They were not alone on this sad day; people, most of Meltokio's high society it seemed, had shown up from all over to say their farewells to Zelos' father.

Though the ten-year-old did not know his father very well, and really could not understand what was happening, seeing so many adults crying brought tears to his eyes too. He sniffled, the salty water mixing with the rain dripping onto his face. His mussed red hair and black clothing were being ruined by the sky water, but he really did not care.

Father would never be there to offer his small smiles or gifts to Zelos, or say how proud he was when his son did well in his lessons. The house would never be the same.

"This is a dark day for the Chosen's lineage."

Zelos, standing there silently as the rain fell around him, could easily hear the conversations of the people around him. His mother had often said that if you wanted to know anything, simply listen to the people around you; they'll tell you anything you want to know without even asking. He did so now, though not really aware as to why, there seemed to be something that he was not being told. Something about his father. He listened now for the answer.

"Yes, the Chosen committed suicide; it is very hard to believe. Now Master Zelos will become the Chosen, correct?"

"That is what I heard."

The faceless, nameless people around him paid Zelos very little heed as their gossip continued. So what if he heard? What would the child make of the information anyway?

"Poor Lady Mylene! It seems that she is living in that big mansion all by herself!"

"Indeed."

The words of those around Zelos were drowned out by a flash of lightning and the rolling sounds of thunder.

"Master Zelos? Are you ready to go?" murmured Sebastian. "We should return before there is much more lightning."

Zelos said nothing, the lightning having illuminated something that he had not noticed before; a woman.

She was garbed in a plain, black dress and her blond hair fell freely around her. It was wet with rain, though most of her face was covered in a white shawl. In her arms she carried a little, unmoving bundle. It, too, was wrapped in black. As Zelos watched her, she caught his eye and he gasped slightly.

Her eyes were dark. Their color was that of a light purple, normally very pretty, however, today they were sunken in and red. She had been crying. Zelos wondered why she would cry so much for his father. Wasn't it normally family that was the saddest? Certainly Mother was…

"Master Zelos?" Sebastian's words made Zelos jump and he broke gazes with the unnerving woman.

He was glad; she scared him a little.

"Sebastian, who is that woman?"

"It is best if you do not worry yourself Master Zelos. Some things are best left alone. Come along."

As the butler led his charge back toward the mansion, Zelos heard more of the gossipers whispering amongst themselves.

"Who is she?"

"Must be an onlooker."

"But she even brought a child…"

That's what must have been in the bundle that the woman carried…

"How shameless!"

Sebastian rested one hand against Zelos' back as they retreated, leaving the nobles, the grave, and Zelos' father behind. Zelos glanced back for one last look at the grave, and as his eyes swept over the cold, hard stone, he could not stop himself from looking back at the stranger.

The blond woman was still standing there, tears now freely falling from her eyes and cascading down her cheeks. Her black dress was stained from the rain, and she seemed… gone. Like she was not really standing there, watching Zelos' father being buried in the rain, but somewhere far away. Somewhere nicer.

Zelos wished he could go too, not have to return to the cold, empty house. Not back to Mother, who would not leave her room, not back to lesson which no longer seemed important.

But, then again, we couldn't all have what we wanted.

………………

R&R

~Yoshi