A Tale of Symphonia

by FORD B

Same story as the game, with a OC character added. Please try it if you loved the game as much as I did.

1. Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

LONG AUTHORS NOTE ALERT!

This is a fan fiction site, meaning, the authors or authors are writing about things they do not own, unless they add to it, such as OC. Even then, no profit is made, and for legal issues, I do not own the rights to Tales of Symphonia, as much as I wish I did, nor am I making any profit in writing this story. That being said, I say again, I do not own this and Tales of Symphonia belongs to the respected groups, affiliates, etc. I am only writing a story, not re-writing the game. I only wish they had also brought the Anime of the game over to America.

The OC in this story belongs to me, along with his weapon, and a necklace he has. Beyond that, I don't plan on adding much more, though if I do, I'm still not making profit on this. I'm doing this for fun only, like my other stories. Some thing will be made up for those who have played the game and don't recognize things I add, like other people and their past. And, for those of you who have read my other stories, I DID NOT make this character some mighty Marty Stu, which I did with my 8th Chevron one.

For those who have played this game, there is many things in it that really don't happen, though do, such as getting gold off enemies, so I'll make a few things up here and there. My OC starts with a 1000 attack power on both slash and thrust and will only climb to 1200 later on in the story. When I beat the game a second time around, Lloyd was 2000 something on the slash and 1900 something on the thrust. The third time around, all my characters were well over the 200 level. This story is being made based off my third play through and while the story line doesn't change, my characters are much stronger and such due to exchanging well over 9000 grade for added benefits for another play through.

As for everything they get along the way, I want to address that, but can't think of any way to do so, because seriously, I can't come up with any idea how they'd carry all that stuff anyway in the game much less here. So, they have things, but where, you're as clueless as me. Here and there I will address them getting new equipment and possibly even describe it, but if I don't and you've played the game and know what they should have by then, that's probably what they have. Most of the game conversations are in here as well as the many skits I found.

On a further note, for those who have played this game and or got most of the conversations, skits and read or saw the other talking moments in the game, mostly dealing with Lloyd, the creators of Lloyd decided to make him the most DENSE teenager in the history of game characters. You'll find out later while reading this story why I say this.

In order to see a picture of the sword, you'll have to go to my space and put this name in to look for. Because of some rule and program, you cannot add web links to any stories. Here is the name to look for on my space, below. Do not space the name, it is all together.

generalfordbreaker

INTRO: Once upon a time, there existed a giant tree that was the source of mana. A war, however, caused this tree to wither away, and a hero's life was sacrificed in order to take its place. Grieving over the loss, the goddess disappeared unto the heavens. The goddess left the angels with this edict: "You must wake me, for if I should sleep, the world shall be destroyed."

The angels bore the Chosen One, who headed towards the tower that reached up unto the heavens. And that marked the beginning of the regeneration of the world.

Two years before the start of Colette's journey to be the Chosen of Mana…….

He had been wandering for awhile, not really sure of what he was going to do, much less what he really wanted to do or where he wanted to go. After getting sick of the desert for several weeks, and staying at Triet with little prospects other than making money as a mercenary of sorts to help people get out of the desert, or in sometimes, he didn't think much about the future. Mostly because he was unsure of his past, other than bits and pieces, and so far, he had no clues to who he was, as did no one else. Sure, his name was different considering it was usually a rank, but it was all he had to go on. Last thing he remembered was waking up in some bed in a, House of Guidance, as the lady said, where people came to worship and praise someone named Martel, which he was still rather clueless about but had mixed feelings on. He was brought in, badly injured, by some people doing a pilgrimage, who found him sitting against a tree with several dead monsters nearby, to which he had little recollection of fighting or the place when he was shown the location later.

So, a couple months of travel lead him to where he was now, where he was making money to pay a dwarf up north near the ocean to help fix his sword. One blade worked as intended, the other, didn't as much. But he was still able to fight with the two very easily. Having accumulated what he was sure to be enough, since he had a vague recollection of building the blade himself and paying quite a lot to get everything including some help to finish it, he set off. After that fiasco two months ago with something the locals called a, Super Worm, or something like that, he was rather sure of his financial situation was well. Sure it took him two weeks to recover from the fight, where he did win in the end, but was the only survivor to help in the defense of the city. And in the end, he only took half of what they offered as the reward for saving them all since they did go out of their way to help him recover. So, not sure of the map, mostly because many people said to stay away from some ranch in the forest nearby the town of Iselia, he entered the town around 9'ish in the morning.

"Oh man, that was some walk." he grumbled while stretching.

"Can I help you sir?" a guard at the front gate asked.

"Yeah, an Inn if you have one here. I need to eat, and rest before heading to a dwarf nearby to get my sword fixed." he said rubbing his face tiredly.

"Ah, you must mean Dirk. Lloyd could take you there later if you like. The guy is his father." the guard suggested.

"Cool. The people in Triet weren't all that forthcoming and said something about staying away from a ranch nearby. I don't know what they meant…" he said brushing off the guards comment seconds later. "Sorry, but I'm so tired, I'll probably wake up and wonder where the hell I am since I've been sleeping on the ground for over a week now."

"Yeah, you'll want to wash up first." the guard said while pinching his nose.

"Sorry, can't help it. Only found enough water here and there to drink, not much else. And had to fight well over a dozen monsters and such to even get here." he said shaking his almost empty water flask and then shaking the mans hand afterward. "Sorry again, even being this tired, I shouldn't forget my manners. My name is General."

"General you say? That sounds familiar." the guard said while thinking.

"Really?! Anything you can tell me would be great! I lost my memory sometime ago and haven't been able to figure out what happened or anything other than my name, which is wrote on my blade." the General said somewhat excitedly.

"Sorry, I and a few others here heard the name from some traveler who came through here awhile back and talked about…um, some battle I think it was." the guard said unsure. "A big one too. Your name is so, different it stood out clearly."

"Oh, that." the General said in disappointment as he groaned with a sigh while hunching. "Yeah, I just helped save the town from a large monster attack."

"Well, that's a good thing. Saving lives is always honorable." the guard said.

"Yeah, but it didn't get me anywhere near the truth of who I am. Oh well." the General grumbled and then sighed tiredly.

"Nice pendant. Where did you get it?" the guard asked. "My wife would love something like that."

He looked down at the 1 inch octagonal, brilliant blue jewel around his neck that hung on a sturdy but thin silver chain. Whatever the metal and jewel was made of, he was unsure, other than he knew his mother gave it to him, but not why. He also knew the metal was special along with the jewel because someone tried to steal it from him once during his trip, only to fail when the chain didn't break as the man ran past and grabbing it with the intent to rip it off and run. All the man ended up doing was dragging the General to the ground and choking him with the chain as he tried to still rip it off and fail as several towns people and the guards stopped the robber. As for the jewel, he knew it was special because someone did almost steal it later after knocking him out and not being able to take the necklace off, and awaking later finding the dead robbers who were trying to pry it out, only evident by the tools, and apparently got shocked enough it fried them and was bright enough most of the people in Treit saw the flash. Since those two incidents, he'd been keeping a better eye on it and no one else tried to take or touch it.

"Sorry, I only know my mom gave it to me, some years ago, who got it from her grandmother. Not sure where grandmother got it, nor do I remember ever seeing her, and with my memory trouble, I'm not even sure if she, my mother or my father are even alive anymore." the General said sadly.

"Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it will come back soon." the guard sympathetically.

After getting directions, he got cleaned up, ate and then went to sleep in the Inn. As Lloyd was heading out for the day to go home after school, the guard told him about some guy looking for Dirk, and though they tried to wake the General, he stayed sound asleep. Lloyd didn't worry about it saying he'd be back tomorrow for school anyway so he could catch the guy then.

Morning came and the General was so content with the warmth, comfort and relaxed feeling that he didn't feel like getting up, even with the jewel around his neck digging into his chest somewhat from laying on it. Once he heard and smelled food though, and nature calling, he got out of bed and remembered some of yesterday, and was unsure if he had a dream of some young lady washing him, or if he did it himself.

"Ah, so you're awake. We were beginning to wonder if you were going to get up today." a nice young lady said as she came in with new bedding. "We weren't going to bother since you paid for several days to stay here."

"Oh, thanks." the General mumbled as he rubbed his tired eyes.

Even though the lady before him looked very much like the lady in his dream, he was pretty sure he only dreamed about her helping him wash when in fact, he did it alone as it came back to him. She only was there taking his clothes away as he was getting ready to get into the bath, and asking if he needed anything else last night. Getting dressed, in clean clothes again, he grabbed his sword, got something to eat and then walked around the village, taking in what he saw with interest. A few people looked at his sword, commenting on it and wondering what he was doing, and after word got around he wasn't a threat and what his purpose for being there was, what fear was going around went away. Seeing as he was going to be in the village for awhile, depending on what happened with his sword, he felt it better to know the people better and the place. Hearing that this Lloyd he needed to see was in school until later that day, he put his sword back in the Inn where they assured him it would be left alone, and then made his way to the school, to at least look in the windows for a moment.

Looking in the windows discreetly, he noticed different aged children in the room and the person he was looking to find to see Dirk since the boy he was looking for stood out rather well with the outfit he had on. Turing his head to movement, everything left his mind as he was instantly smitten by the incredibly beautiful teacher. Instead of moving to touch and look closer, or drop to his knees as he almost did, he went with something else as an idea came to mind.

"Hello, sorry to interrupt." the General said.

The teacher, a young half elf by elven standards but an adult by human ones, named Raine Sage, turned from the chalk board as did the students as the General poked his head into the room.

"Yes, how can I help you?" Raine asked politely.

"This is going to sound strange, possibly, but it is the truth. I, um, lost my memory sometime ago. So, a lot of things aren't very clear to me. I'm not even sure what this Martel thing is really or who they were." the General said with obvious confusion. "Even with being told a few times about it. Not even sure what a Chosen is either."

"Oh, you're that guy here to see Lloyds father." Raine said as she remembered being told yesterday about the guy wanting to see her student.

"Oh yeah." Lloyd said. "We did try to wake you. Dad's not busy at the moment so I can take you there after school."

"Thanks Lloyd, but it's no rush." the General said then turned back to Raine. "I was walking by when I heard you talking about, some history I have no clue of, and was wondering if I could sit in here and listen. I promise to keep quiet. I got to relearn a lot anyway, best place would be a school and no offense, I really have nothing else to do."

"In that case, you are definitely welcome. No matter what age, you're always learning." Raine stated while holding up a finger as some people in the class groaned.

"I like that saying." the General said.

"Thank you. At least someone in here listens closely. So, as long as you don't disrupt the class, I don't mind then." Raine said with a nod.

"Thanks." the General said with a bright smile that she returned as he took a seat near the back of the class.

Two years later……………

Time passed as it always did, the General was still going to school and after the first month of being there, he decided to do the assignments with the class, which she liked a lot, though she did excuse him from any field activities or stuff involved with nature, like collecting objects that she named for the class to find. Whenever activities outside took place, mostly that involved being outside the village, she had him come along to help since having another adult with the group, other than calming the parents, he was also a good fighter to help protect if anything happened, which was rare seeing as they were careful.

The only reason Raine knew of the General's fighting abilities was she found him, on more than one occasion, practicing his sword skills against a imaginary opponent, and depending on the weather, he'd wear all his clothes and large coat, or on hot days, only had his pants and boots on. Several people actually watched on and off and Lloyd started joining him, showing his own skills, after the second month of the General being there and Dirk helping repair the unique and very interesting weapon. Dirk also, after looking the jewel over, informed him it was enchanted and the silver was actually Mithiril which was why it was so strong and looked to be crafted by elves. What the jewel did or was, he couldn't say and since the General never saw it do anything, much less protect him from harm on any scale, it was obvious the jewel did something else, aside from the fact he couldn't take it off his neck.

The General, after hearing about the Church of Martel and what, plus who, the Chosen was in better detail, understood what it all was and why it had to happen, after spending a few different days with Raine in the classroom, alone since it was one of the few days the children had off from school, learning about the subject. Even after hearing it all, something he couldn't put a finger on told him something wasn't right with all of that, and even after telling Raine, he wasn't able explain why he thought that. Raine thought for a moment it might be the reason why his memory was gone, or mostly, seeing as he thought against the church, but after hearing about him getting injured and found by pilgrims and them helping him, she just shrugged and said it could be nothing other than a bad experience his body remembered but his mind didn't or didn't want to. Even with his feelings towards the subject, he did agree to help the Chosen on her journey, especially after finding out it was a sweet and innocent little girl that was in the class named Colette Brunell.

So, two years later, the two had talked on and off a lot, and though they didn't do anything special together other than a dinner here and there, they did do some things together, usually involving work Raine did dealing with archeology and a few other things. Her brother, a young half elf boy of sixteen possibly, Genis, said a few times that the two would made a cute couple, which Raine would bop him on the head for, but didn't really contest what Genis said, especially after the General told her he didn't care that she and Genis were half elves.

"Just because more than most of a race of people cause hell for everyone, doesn't mean all of them are bad. It just means that the more brighter ones realized bigotry doesn't do anything except cause trouble and make wars." the General said.

He told her and Genis after hearing Genis say that to Raine one day in the class room as everyone else had left for the day, not noticing the General was in hearing range and still in the room, and heard Raine telling Genis to shut up.

"I both consider you great friends even with what you are. Actually, I'm happy you are half elves because I can tell people, whenever they start bad mouthing half elves, that I know two people I can trust, even with my life, that are half elves who mean no harm to anyone and one of them is a incredible teacher who cares for her students no matter what race they are." the General said.

"I'm happy you feel that way, but not everyone will accept that view." Raine said both happy and sad.

"Tough luck on those people. Unless you tell me otherwise, if anyone tries anything to harm you two because of what you are, I will defend you. Besides you both being great friends, I won't deny I do like you, a lot." the General said as Raine didn't say anything as she blushed. "Good evening Genis, Miss Raine."

He bowed slightly and then walked out with a smile, not hearing much of what Genis started saying, nor what Raine said, which happened just over a year ago.

"Good morning Colette." the General said as he left the small house he made, in the village, somewhat close to the backyard of the house Colette lived in.

He had his boots on, dark blue pants that were a lot like the design Genis had with a red and black stripe at the bottom of the cuff, a white button up shirt with a dark blue vest and his long red coat, one of four different colors, that had a one inch rise for a collar that could close like Lloyds coat collar did.

"Morning General!" Colette said with a happy smile and wave as she skipped over finding him by one of the vines that grew food in the middle of the village. "How are you today?"

"Doing great. How about yourself princess?" the General asked with a smile.

Colette giggled at the title he gave her back when he learned of what she was to be, which was out of affection and because she was pretty like one, which he told her.

"Great!" Colette said with a bright smile. "Do we have a test today or is that tomorrow?"

"I think it is today." the General said unsure as they headed for the school seeing others already entering. "Worried?"

"Not really. Genis said he was helping Lloyd try to study, but I saw him out there last night sword practicing." Colette said.

"Genis asked me to help Lloyd, and I have been trying, asking him questions I know Raine would during out practice, and though he usually gets them right then, he seems to blow it when it comes to taking the test at school." the General said with a sigh. "He's got the talent to be a great fighter, but otherwise, he's less than average when it comes to school work."

"I'm glad you are trying to help General." Colette said hugging his arm as they went in.

Raine saw the two come in, usually being the last sometimes, but never late seeing as they did live in the village like most of the kids. She smiled at them, but there was a bit more to it for the General as he smiled back and took his regular seat in the rear near the door. That was only the constant in case he had to leave, which did happen a few times with the mayor and several others asking his help with hard labor, or if a monster got to close and they needed his help, which was kinda rare.

"Good morning class." Raine said.

"Good morning Miss Raine." everyone said.

"Today we have a test. Did everyone study?" Raine asked.

Most groaned, including Lloyd, as Genis was excited and Colette nodded with a smile.

And the story goes on as the game starts the next day………

"Lloyd Irving, wake up!" Raine yelled.

He didn't awake as he should have considering where he was.

"Lloyd!" Raine shouted yet again with a grimace. "Sorry General, but can you help here?"

"Ow!" Lloyd exclaimed as he woke up from being bopped on the head, where he was at the back of the class near the window holding two buckets and standing asleep. "What was that for?"

"You fell asleep in class, again." the General said shaking his head.

"Despite how irritating it is when you do that, I am still surprised every time. How do you manage to sleep standing?" Raine asked as she walked up.

"Oh, um….not sure. I just do. Is class over then?" Lloyd asked as Raine groaned while rubbing her face with one hand as the General hung his head with a sigh.

"You are almost hopeless." the General said.

"No Lloyd. Genis can you answer the question, even though I am sure you won't get it wrong?" Raine asked as she went back to the front passing the front right desk Genis was in.

"Yes Raine." Genis said standing. "Mithos, the hero, brought about the end of the Ancient War in the Holy Ground of Kharlan."

"Correct. Afterwards, Mithos, the hero, formed a pact with the Goddess Martel, to seal away the Desians who caused the war." Raine said.

"But the Desians came back and are now causing everyone to suffer!" Lloyd stated.

"Yeah, and the reason why Colette is the Chosen is to seal them away again." the General said from his seat.

"Yes. We covered that in the last class. It is just as the General said." Raine said.

"Right, I knew that. I just forgot for a moment." Lloyd said as Raine resisted the urge to sigh but couldn't hold back on rolling her eyes.

"For those who do remember, today is the Day of Prophecy. It is a very important day, which the Chosen of Mana will receive a oracle from the Goddess of Martel." Raine said. "Now, Chosen One….Colette."

"Yes ma'am." Colette said as she stood and smiled.

"Please, tell us about the journey of world regeneration." Raine said.

"It is a journey to seal the Desians." Colette said with a small explanation of what she had to do dealing with restoring Mana to the world.

"Correct, I suppose we should expect no less from the Chosen herself to answer that one." Raine said. "Mana depletion is the current reason for food shortages and droughts. It is said that this occurs because the Desians consume vast amounts of Mana in their human ranches. The Chosen's journey has two purposes, to revive Mana as well as defeat the Desians. Now, for the next question…"

A flash of light that seemed to come out of nowhere made everyone look around or out the window.

"What was that?" Lloyd asked surprised.

"It's here." Colette said.

"Settle down. It would seem that the time for the Oracle has come." Raine said. "I will go check on the chapel. Everyone, stay here and study on your own, understood?"

The class more of less nodded.

"General, watch them for me till I get back, okay?" Raine asked.

"Sure Raine." the General said giving her a two finger salute as she was walking out.

"Professor, I'll go with you." Colette said getting up.

"No Colette. If it is the Oracle, the priest will come here for you." Raine said. "Wait here with everyone else."

"Yes ma'am." Colette said.

"Can I put these down?" Lloyd asked.

"Part of me isn't surprised you've held them that long and part of me is surprised you have, even with being asleep. Go ahead though, but don't leave the room." the General said as Lloyd sighed as he set the buckets down. "So, who can tell me something about this light and the Cruxis Crystal?"

A few of the other children said different things to which the General nodded or shook his head before looking at Lloyd who tried to come up with something yet said nothing.

"When the Oracle comes, the Cruxis Crystal enshrined in the altar shines. So that light must have been emitted by the Cruxis Crystal at the temple." Genis stated.

"Lloyd, you really need to start paying more attention." the General said as he nodded to Genis as that was the right answer.

"Oh, leave me alone." Lloyd grumbled as he crossed his arms.

"When the Oracle occurs, an angel comes down from heaven, right?" one boy asked.

"That's what we've learned." the General said.

"Wouldn't that mean that Colette's real father is an angel then?" the same boy asked.

"Maybe. You could probably ask when you meet the said angel." the General said as Colette looked a bit more happy.

"I will!" Colette said.

"Can anyone tell me where the temple is?" the General asked.

"It's that building outside of town a bit north of here near the shore." Lloyd said.

"Wow, I'm impressed Lloyd." Genis said.

"Lloyd is better at geography that certain other subjects." the General said.

Several minutes went by with a variety of questions asked and answered before the General began looking at the door.

"You're worried aren't you?" Lloyd asked.

"Yes. The rest of you stay here, I'll be right back." the General said stepping out.

"Lloyd! Where are you going? The General and Raine said to stay here! You know Raine will get mad if you sneak out!" Genis said as Lloyd went for the door moments after the General left.

"I'm really curious to find out what really happens to Colette when she receives the Oracle. Besides the fact Raine will probably tell us about the experience and test us on it, I want to see if this angel is Colette's father too." Lloyd said. "They always talk and we learn about the Chosen of Regeneration and the Day of Prophecy, but no one tells us what really happens."

"We were told to stay, but as much as I can't believe what you said, my sister will probably tell us about it in extreme detail and then test us on it. You'll probably remember it better if you see it than hear it." Genis said shrugging.

"It is researching." Lloyd said.

"Rather lame excuse to leave, but you're obviously going to leave anyway." Genis said sighing.

"I knew you'd come along. We're best friends after all." Lloyd said smiling. "Colette, you coming along?"

"Um, yeah, okay." Colette said walking over. "So, where to?"

"Where else?! That light! You're directly involved in all of this." Lloyd said. "Aren't you curios?"

"Hmm, are you curious about it?" Colette asked.

"Of course! Why do you think I am going?" Lloyd said.

"Okay, then I'll be curious about it, too." Colette said smiling.

"See? Dwarven Vow#4: Don't depend on others. Walk on your own two legs." Lloyd said. "Okay then! Let's go to the temple!"

"Ah, not the Dwarven Vows again! You always use them when you need an excuse!" Genis exclaimed. "Man, I wonder if Raine is going to be mad at us."

"Relax, all we have to do is get back to class before she does." Lloyd said.

"But wasn't Professor Raine going to the temple too?" Colette asked.

"What are we going to do if we run into her?" Genis asked.

"Um….ha, ha, ha." Lloyd said nervously. "We'll be fine, probably."

"The General will notice we are gone." Genis said.

"He already noticed you're trying to leave." the General said behind them standing in the door making them jump.

"Um, we…um…" Lloyd began.

"Geez, you three are almost impossible." the General said scratching his head as he picked up his sword from by the wall just outside the classroom. "Let's go already."

"Wait, you're not going to tell us to stay?" Genis asked.

"You and Colette might if I enforce it, but we all know Lloyd will leave. Besides, I did catch most of the conversation. Better to see it than have her tell us and then test us based on what she saw." the General said putting his sword on his back.

Once outside, even the General seemed to be looking around like they were, feeling something was off.

"That's strange, there was a few people walking around when I went back in the school." the General muttered.

"What's going on here? It is really quiet." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, where did everyone go?" Genis asked.

"Colette!"

"That's Frank." the General said as the man was walking up.

"Yes father?" Colette asked.

"Thank goodness your safe." Frank said relieved.

"I am watching them." the General said.

"I thank you more than you know General." Frank said bowing lightly to him.

"What happened to everyone Frank?" Genis asked.

"They all went into hiding. The Desians invaded the village a short while ago." Frank said, not really surprised when the General pulled his sword and separated the blades. "We're safe for the moment though General. They didn't hurt anyone, only passing through the village to head for the temple."

"Raine is in trouble then." the General said with fear and anger.

"But why did they come here?! Iselia has a non-aggression treaty with the Desians!" Genis exclaimed.

"The Desians are causing all the troubles to begin with. The treaty just allows us to feel like we are safe until they want to do what they want. Unfortunately, this village has little in defense and just about less in offense. I'm not alone in thinking the reason they haven't came to drag off the rest of us human in this place is because I'm one of the few here capable of fighting them off." the General said.

"Yeah, even though the treaty says they will leave us alone as long as we stay away and leave their ranch nearby alone is probably just for that reason." Lloyd stated. "I'm rather surprised they didn't come after me after all these years of me walking nearby the ranch to get home and to come to school."

"I've wondered that as well, but you are really good with those swords. Not to mention over the last two years you have gotten better with me helping. And vise versa." the General said.

"Grandmother said they stay away with the treaty to protect me." Colette said. "Wait, where is grandmother?!"

"Phaidra is in the temple preparing for the ritual." Frank said.

"Wait, if she is there, and that is where the Desians are headed…" Lloyd began.

"The priest are there with her." Frank said. "There is no need to worry."

"There is every need to worry. The fact the Desians picked the same day to go attack the temple at the time Colette is suppose to go and start her journey, which is to save the world from the Desians doesn't seem like a coincidence to me." the General stated.

"He's right. We need to get there and stop them." Lloyd said.

"But…" Frank began.

"I don't care about a treaty I am damned sure they are ignoring." the General stated in anger. "They are going to attack that place and Raine is in there. If need be, assuming they say we broke the treaty, I will personally go attack and take out that damned ranch myself afterwards."

"But that place…" Frank began.

"I took out a large sandworm or whatever the hell it was that was bigger than this village. A few hundred idiots shouldn't be much trouble." the General stated. "I know I wouldn't be alone either."

"You can count me in." Lloyd said. "Genis?"

"Ugh. Yeah, I'd join you Lloyd." Genis said.

"I guess I can't talk any of you out of it. Just be careful and try to avoid breaking the treaty if you can. If anything goes wrong, get back and tell us so we can hopefully be prepared. I'll be waiting at the house Colette. Come back if anything happens." Frank said.

As they headed to go north out of the town, a monster was there waiting.

"Whoa, it's a monster!" Lloyd said pulling his swords.

"With the town watch hiding, they were able to get this close." the General said flipping the blades down across his arms.

"Wait, I thought the northern region where the temple is located was a sanctuary!" Genis said.

"It must be part of the trial. Martel's trial involves battling monsters." Colette said.

"Well then, let's make sure they understand who they are messing with." the General said.

It was no surprise when they took the undead looking creature out in less than ten seconds.

"Wow, that was easier than I thought." Lloyd said.

"Wow Lloyd! You and the General were amazing!" Colette said.

"Yeah, we've been teaching each other fighting techniques, but most of my power comes from this thing." Lloyd said looking at a object on the back of his left hand.

"Yeah, your Exsphere." Genis said.

"It's designed for combat and brings out my maximum strength." Lloyd said.

"Brings that out alright. You've knocked me down a few times." the General said. "Pity it doesn't increase a lot of brain power too."

Colette and Genis laughed.

"Oh, leave me alone." Lloyd said.

"We got another one!" the General said pointing his swords.

Lloyd, the General and Colette took out the ghoul rather quickly as Genis blew the ghost away with a quick blast of fire.

"Let's move on before more show up to stop us." the General said. "The town guards can take care of any others."

"Say Colette, what is it like inside the temple?" Lloyd said as they left the village and saw the temple in the distance.

"Unless she has been there before I arrived, then I doubt she knows other than what she has been told." the General said.

"That makes this adventure more exciting!" Genis said. "None of us have been it in then."

"I know that it is rather dark because not much sunlight makes it through." Colette said.

"I guess I have heard the same as you then." Genis said with a sigh. "I was really expecting more."

"Well, we'll know when we get there!" Lloyd said excited.

"If only you could have this much enthusiasm all the time." Genis grumbled.

After fighting several different monsters on their way, quite a few dogs, a few birds and over a dozen rabbit like creatures, they got to the temple and all doing rather well with a few bruises here and there. Once they started up the path, they all looked up seeing a bright light coming from out of the top of the temple and heading straight up so far they couldn't see an end.

"Whoa. That light is really coming from the temple!" Lloyd exclaimed.

"Not as bright as I had heard. Oh well, we're here and ready to start this journey of world regeneration. You ready Colette?" the General asked.

"Yes!" Colette said enthusiastically.

"I know you can do it Colette." Lloyd said.

"The oracle is going to be conveyed then, and she'll start being the Chosen of Regeneration." Genis said.

"Yep." Colette said. "General, what's wrong?"

"There is something wrong." Genis said seeing the General looked tense.

"Something is happening up there at the entrance. It must be the Desians!" the General said rushing forward with them following.

As they came up, a man in regal like robes came down slowly, holding his side where he was injured.
"Chosen One!" the pastor exclaimed before falling down near their feet.

"Pastor?!" Colette yelled dropping down by him.

"Hey, are you alright?" Lloyd asked.

"The Desians broke the non-aggression treaty and attacked the temple." the pastor said as the General looked at the wound. "Chosen…..quickly….the Oracle…"

"General…" Colette asked.

"There is nothing I can do." the General said sadly.

"Go Chosen…..save the world. I am….. sorry…. I will not be able….to protect you…" the pastor said before his eyes closed.

"He's gone." Lloyd said shaking his head.

"We will make them pay." the General growled as he pulled his sword again. "Colette, stay behind us."

"But…." Colette began.

"We'll get rid of them and help you get to the Oracle." Lloyd said putting a hand on her shoulder. "Dwarven Vow#1: Let's all work together for a peaceful world."

"Okay Lloyd, Genis, General. I trust you." Colette said following behind them after they nodded.

They came up to the top finding a older woman using a cane to stand, in the entrance. Three Desians along with some larger man without a helmet and spiky hair seemed to be the ring leader and was speaking to her.

"Where is the Chosen?" the man, Lord Botta, asked.

"Run Colette!" Phaidra, the old woman in the doorway yelled.

"Lord Botta, there she is!" one of the men yelled while pointing.

"Chosen One, you're life is mine!" Botta yelled.

"Never! I refuse to let you Deisans get away with anything!" Lloyd yelled as he stood in front of Colette and pulled his swords.

"Desians huh?" one of the men said laughing.

"What's so funny?" Genis asked.

"Well then, you will die at the hands of the Desians you so hate!" one of the other men yelled.

"I will show no mercy for killing that defenseless old man." the General yelled, swinging quickly and taking the head off one guy that got close.

Lloyd and Genis knocked the other two back before they could get close to Colette. Botta yelled for the other two to return as he just barely avoided the General's swing that would have cut him in two. Botta and the two men ran inside as another larger man came out holding a large hammer in one hand and swinging a large morning star in the other.

"This guy is big." Lloyd said.

"He's wearing armor as well." the General stated. "Genis, see if you can hit his helmet with a fireball. That should distract him enough me and Lloyd can finish him."

"Getting in our way was a bad move." the large man said as he swung the morning star.

Genis hit the man in the face seconds later with the attack, as Lloyd and the General avoided direct hits, just barely, or more so for Lloyd seeing as he scrambled away while the General avoided it expertly. As the man grabbed his face after dropping the morning star, the two attacked, hitting him hard, drawing blood but not killing him as his armor took most of the attack. Swinging the hammer, both managed to duck out of the way only to drop back to the ground as the large hammer slamming into the ground causing a shockwave that send dirt and ground in the air knocking them to their knees.

"This guy is really tough." Lloyd said using his swords to get to his feet.

The General moved forward and deflected the morning star while also cutting the chain off near the handle. The large man only looked for a moment at his broken weapon before bringing the hammer around, which the General could only block seeing as he was to close to move. Lloyd was about to rush in and attack while Genis was trying a different mana attack when some man in blue armor came out of nowhere and knocked the large man away from the General.

"What the…." Lloyd began. "Who are you?"

"You children get out of here." the man, Kratos, said giving them a brief look before turning back to the large attacker and the General. "You leave with them."

"Hell no!" the General yelled. "We're here to protect her and get her inside. Besides the fact I have someone important in there I plan on seeing again!"

"You will only be in my way, so leave no before I…" Kratos began only to bring his sword up as the General struck out at him.

Kratos did block the attack from above with the one sword, but failed to move or block the left hook that caught him in the face, almost knocking him off his feet.

"Idiotic fool. You just…" Kratos began as he wiped away the blood from a split lip.

With a rather loud roar of anger, the large man rushed forward with his hammer ready to make a crushing strike on the General and the their group, only to stop as the General moved forward and stabbed one of his blades into the mans chest. The General kicked the man off his blade and turned back quickly waiting to see what the unknown man in the blue armor would do as the now dead man fell to the ground backwards, only to find the said man was staring at him, but not in anger, more of surprise. The other three got beside the General and ready if the said man attacked them.

"Who the hell are you?!" Lloyd yelled.

"Dammit!" Botta yelled from the doorway before pointing at the blue armored guy. "You were all better than expected. And I never expected you to show up here either! Men, retreat for now!"

"Forgive me. I was being over cautions." Kratos said putting his weapon away. "I didn't come here to fight you and would prefer not."

The General eyed the man for a moment before wiping his swords off on the dead man and then putting them away as Lloyd did too.

"That was a powerful attack he did man." Lloyd said hitting the General's arm lightly. "Knocking that Desian back for us."

"I would have had him anyway." the General muttered and then pointed. "I think I know why he is so powerful anyway."

"Hey, that looks like an Exsphere." Lloyd said seeing a object on the mans left hand just like his was.

"Thank you for helping them save the Chosen." Phaidra said walking over. "How can we ever thank you?"

"Ah, then she is the next Chosen." Kratos said.

"That's right. I need to go and accept the Oracle before he leaves." Colette said. "Grandmother, I am going to undergo the trial now."

"Trial, what trial?" Lloyd asked.

"You really need to pay more attention in class Lloyd." the General said as Genis tried to not laugh. "She has to go through a few test, fighting monsters from what I understood, before being able to get to the top where the Oracle is. It will be that way with each location, or temple."

"Yes, there is an evil presence, monsters, inside." Kratos said crossing his arms.

"The Priest that the Desians killed where suppose to accompany and help the Chosen on her way there, but they are gone now." Phaidra said sadly.

"We brought her here, so we'll take her in and get her their safe." the General said.

"Yeah, I want to take on the job of protecting Colette anyway." Lloyd said.

"I can do it." Kratos said. "You can return them to the village, which must be where they live seeing as there is no other towns around."

"I told you, I have someone important to me in there, so I am going to matter what anyone here says." the General growled before turning calm and worried. "Let's get going. If there is monsters in there worse than out here, then Raine might be in trouble."

"Knowing her, she's beating them up and then studying them." Genis said shrugging.

"She's more a healer and teacher than a fighter." the General stated.

"Thank you General, Lloyd, Genis." Phaidra said with relief, as the others didn't see the surprised look on Kratos's face at the names. "I am glad you will be there to keep my granddaughter safe."

"Lloyd, that is your name?" Kratos asked.

"Yeah, who are you to ask my name?" Lloyd asked.

"My name is Kratos, I am a mercenary. As long as I get paid, I will also help protect the Chosen." Kratos said.

"We don't need it." the General said.

"We will pay." Phaidra said giving the others a small look. "It is very dangerous in there and any extra help will not be turned away."

"Oh, very well." the General muttered as they went in.

"I'm glad you are all coming, most of all you Lloyd." Colette said as they entered, Kratos first followed by the General and then the rest. "When your near me, I don't feel as nervous."

"Thanks Colette." Lloyd said trying not to blush.

Once inside, it was rather lit up by different fires on the walls. The center of the room lead four different directions, one leading outside.

"Huh, this is what the temple looks like inside." Lloyd said.

"Might want to remember this place well. Knowing Raine, she'll put it in a test." the General said as Lloyd groaned.

"You've been in here many times right Colette?" Genis asked. "Where do we start?"

"It seems different than usual." Colette said looking around unsure.

"Well, unless this place is extensive in the mountain, which from what I hear isn't the case, we shouldn't have much trouble getting around or lost." the General said.

"We should not let our guard down." Kratos said seeing the General remove his blade as Lloyd did the same. "There is monsters nearby."

"Yeah, we can take them just like we did the others outside and those Desians." Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, a cocky warrior usually gets killed." the General said.

"I wasn't being cocky!" Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, are your sword techniques self taught?" Kratos asked as Lloyd twirled his blades in a unusual fashion.

"Yeah, for the most part." Lloyd said. "He's also taught me a few things."

"And vise versa." the General said. "Why?"

"He doesn't seem like he has the basics." Kratos said.

"I've noticed on more than one occasion. But he makes up in it rather well." the General said.

"Here, this will help you get better Lloyd." Kratos said tossing him a small book. "If you're going to be protecting the Chosen, you should at least know how to handle your swords better."

Before Lloyd could say anything, the General interrupted.

"Just keep it Lloyd and read it. I'll probably look at it later myself too." the General said.

"Alright." Lloyd said.

"So, which way first?" Genis asked.

"Let's try right." the General said from the top of the stairs leading forward. "There is some sort of barrier blocking this direction, meaning a switch or something either direction or possibly both removes it."

"I think we need to find the Sorcerer's Ring, which should open the barrier. But I don't know where it is in this place." Colette said.

"Well, if it is in here as you say, then all we have to do is look around as we planned." the General said. "Besides, we may have to look everywhere to find Raine anyway."

Fighting several enemies in their way, some ghost and ghouls along with slimes, they found stairs down leading to a glowing floor of squares above another floor below it surrounded with water. On the far left and far right side of the room was treasures that couldn't be gotten to because there was no way to cross from the floor below to the sections of floor exposed leading to said stairs to the treasures. In the middle, there was also another set of stairs that lead up to a glowing pedestal where they all saw a ring.

"I bet that is the Sorcerer's Ring." Genis said.

"And we currently have no way to get there." the General said seeing the open sections of water between the floor below. "And I don't see any way to make a path across either."

"Hey, there is something over here." Colette said looking at one of the many different holes in the glowing floor they were on.

"It's a Golem!" Kratos said running towards it with them as it turned to attack Colette.

A short battle later, the Golem turned in on itself and became a rock shaped square.

"Wow! It turned into a rock!" Colette said.

"Well, it was a rock to begin with." Lloyd said.

"As strange as this is going to sound, I think we can all push this brick into these holes, which should be able to land them in the places we need to get ourselves to those treasures and the ring." the General said.

"Not all of the holes seem to be over the floor below." Kratos said. "Plus, some of these holes go to the water where it continues to drop."

"The other holes where there is water, there is something just under the water where I think one of these rocks would stop making a path." Genis said.

"But there is only one rock and I can see even with this one, we can't get anywhere." the General said.

"Maybe more of those rock creatures will show up again." Colette said. "I saw another couple of those slime creatures show up above when we headed down."

"That would probably be the case, so we need to keep a watch when we move this." Kratos said.

"Where should we start…" Colette began as she tripped and hit the rock, knocking it into one of the holes on the left where it landed in a recess making a path to the left side treasure, at least to one of the other raised sections until another block was dropped.

"Oops. Sorry!" Colette said as Lloyd helped her to her feet.

"And there is another Golem." Genis said pointing as the others turned seeing it at the right side of the floor opposite of their location.

Killing a dozen Golems, because they screwed up and knocked a few of the blocks off into the wrong locations a few times, they got the two treasures and then finally got to the ring.

"So this is the Sorcerer's Ring!" Genis said. "I've heard about it before. It is a holy relic of the Church of Martel!"

"We should be able to deal with most traps and obstacles with this now." Kratos said.

"Hey, let me try it!" Lloyd said.

"Try not to goof off too much." the General said. "You are suppose to be helping keep Colette safe you know."

When Lloyd put it on and activated it, it fired off a very short burst of flame that after trying it after the General put his hand near, found it had little heat affect to it.

"Huh, strange." the General muttered. "Must be just a magical key."

"Let's move on." Kratos said walking down the stairs.

"Yeah, we still haven't found Raine yet." Genis said. "But, knowing her, she's fine."

Once back on the glowing floor, they took the left stairway and found themselves on the let side of the temple where they entered, but at a cave in leaving them the only option of going back all the way they came to get back to the entrance. Only a few monsters were there which they easily defeated and found three treasure chest.

"Geez, why is there so many monsters in this temple?" Genis asked.

"This is part of the Chosen's trial. Were you people not aware of that when you started this journey?" Kratos asked.

"Of course I knew that." Lloyd said. "Otherwise I wouldn't be here protecting Colette."

"I knew there would be monsters, and even though they are relatively easy to defeat, I didn't expect so many. Then again, going to Lloyds house and coming back, there is more monsters and wildlife we have to avoid or fight that is larger than what we've seen so far." the General said opening one of the chest finally as he was able to break the lock. "Ooh, 250 gald is a nice find. Seeing as it is just us, we can split it equally."

"My part can go to Kratos." Colette said.

Lloyd, Genis and the General kept theirs as the other two chest gave them a apple gel and life bottle, which was a great item used to bring those at the brink of death back to life enough to stabilize them until they could get healed. The way back to the entrance and barrier was met with few monsters and even after calling out a few times, Raine had yet to respond.

"Where the hell could she be?" the General muttered with worry. "We would have at least came across her by now."

"Yeah." Genis said.

"What if she is in the upper room?" Lloyd said.

"We have the ring to get up there Lloyd, so unless she has some way to get pass the barrier that we don't know about….." the General said.

"Oh yeah." Lloyd said.

Once at the barrier, Lloyd fired it as some glowing object that lit up further causing the barrier to drop and the wall to part showing them it was a door to a room beyond.

"Huh. Is this all the Sorcerer's ring does then?" Lloyd wondered out loud. "I expected something more interesting."

"You get bored to easily Lloyd." Genis muttered.

They went forward finding a blue glowing platform on the ground that spun. Once they stepped on it, a blue field began glowing up from around it and took them somewhere else suddenly.

"Ah, this must be the top floor." Kratos said.

"Yes, and that is the altar." Colette said as they all saw a large platform in front of them with a glowing red light on top of it.

"That must be the shining light called the Cruxis Crystal." Lloyd said.

"That's right, they say I was born with that in my hand." Colette said.

"Hey, look at that light." Genis said as a bright light came in from outside the hole in the ceiling and changed into a man with wings.

"Wh…what is that?" Lloyd asked surprised.

"Must be the Oracle or angel here to see you princess." the General said.

"Yes." Colette said with a smile as she walked forward.

"Does that mean this person is Colette's real father?" Genis asked.

"I am Remiel, the Angel of Judgment. I am here to guide Colette, daughter of the Mana lineage, on her journey to heaven as the seventh Chosen." Remiel said.

A light rose up from the platform as Remiel came floating down and stood in front of it.

"The time has come to awaken the Goddess Martel, who sleeps as the center of the world." Remiel said.

"Awaken the Goddess Martel, just like the legend that Raine told us about." Genis said.

"Speaking of which, where is she?" the General muttered as he got on the small blue platform. "I'm going back down to look around for her."

The light went forward and touched Colette, shining brightly on her before it seemed to enter her.

"From this moment, Colette becomes the Chosen of Regeneration." Remiel said. "We of Cruxis bless this event and hereby restored the Tower of Salvation upon Sylvarant."

"Wow, so that's what the Tower of Salvation looks like." Lloyd said looking out a window nearby with the others to see a tall building that stretched into the sky beyond their view.

"Yes, and now the world will be saved!" Genis exclaimed happily.

"Colette, the Chosen of Regeneration, unlock the seals that guard the Tower of Salvation, and climb the stairs to heaven." Remiel said.

"I humbly accept this task." Colette said holding her hands together as though she was praying.

"Very good. We of Cruxis shall grant you power of the angels with each seal you unlock." Remiel said. "Once you are reborn as an angel, this eroded world shall be regenerated."

"Thank you, I swear on my life that I will regenerate the world." Colette said.

"First, head south to the Seal of Fire, and offer your prayers in that distant land." Remiel said.

"Yes Lord Remiel." Colette said. "Oh wait, please wait! I have a question I wish to ask of you."

"Yes?" Remiel asked.

"Are you really my father?" Colette asked.

"First, head to the Seal of Fire, my beloved daughter Colette." Remiel said.

"Father! So you really are my father!" Colette said happily.

"We shall meet again, at the next seal my daughter." Remiel said before ascending up and out of the temple.

"Huh, so that was the Oracle. Interesting. Raine is going to be so mad she wasn't here to see him." Genis said.

"Yeah. On the bright side, since she didn't see it, she can't test us on it!" Lloyd said with a bright smile as Genis sighed.

"And he's my father." Colette muttered. "I'm really surprised, even though I was sure he'd say yes, it still surprises me."

"Now you have something to look forward to more than just the world regeneration." Lloyd said. "Seeing your father each time we get to the sealed places."

"Yes, Colette must now go on the long journey to search for each of these seals. The only consolation is it seems that with each seal we go to, it seems that this Remiel is going to give us directions to the next location." Kratos said. "This will make our trip much easier as we won't have to spend a lot of time searching."

"Yeah, the sooner we get the world saved, the less damage and deaths there will be." Lloyd said agreeing.

"Chosen, you have received the Oracle as intended, it is now time for us to continue on." Kratos said.

"Oh, yes." Colette said.

"Good, we're going on ahead back to the village." Kratos said stepping on the platform and disappearing.

"Thank you Lloyd, Genis. Please stop by my house later." Colette said stepping on the platform and leaving.

"Huh, she left pretty quickly." Lloyd said.

"Well, the rumor is true." Genis said shrugging.

"Rumor? What are you talking about?" Lloyd asked.

"That Colette is the daughter of an angel and that her father Frank isn't her real father." Genis said.

"So what? Even if you're not related by blood, family is family. At least that is what I think." Lloyd stated.

"Sorry." Genis said.

"Hey, don't worry about it." Lloyd said shrugging. "Those wings were pretty cool. I guess all angels have wings."

"Yeah, just like it is written in the scriptures of the Church of Martel." Genis said.

"You know, I bet it is a hassle when they have to change their clothes." Lloyd said.

"I guess so." Genis said seeing what Lloyd meant.

"They must have to make holes in their clothes for their wings to go through. That must be a lot of work." Lloyd said.

"Have you been thinking about this the whole time Lloyd?" Genis asked with a frown.

"Well, yeah, are you curious? Do they get in the way when they go to sleep? From the way it looks, being an angel is pretty inconvenient huh?" Lloyd said.

"I suppose to." Genis said with a sigh. "Let's get going."

"Oh yeah. Oh wait, we forgot to return the Sorcerer's Ring." Lloyd said.

"We haven't even left this room yet Lloyd. We can still return it." Genis said.

"We can keep it. We'll just be borrowing it until we need to return it." Lloyd said.

"I can already see arguing with you will be pointless." Genis said with a sigh. "Just don't cause any trouble with it. We can just give it to Colette's grandmother later and she can return it anyway."

"I have to say, I'm disappointed in the Oracle." Lloyd said as they got on the platform and reappeared down below.

"How's that? What did you expect to see?" Genis asked.

"Oh, like and angel as big as a mountain coming down from heaven and sticking the tower into the ground. Something exciting." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, okay Lloyd." Genis said with a sigh. "Your overactive imagination didn't come through as you wanted, again."

"You have scared the hell out of me!" the General said finding Raine looking at the rubble in the corridor to the left of the entrance.

"General, why are you here?" Raine asked standing up.

"I came looking for you. I was worried." the General said with a sigh.

"I can take care of myself." Raine said crossing her arms. "I have been around a lot longer than you have."

"Yeah, yeah. You missed seeing the Oracle and Colette getting the blessing and all that." the General said.

"What?! I was suppose to go back and come with her! How did she get here and why?!" Raine exclaimed.

"Desians rushed through the village and came here to kill Colette, thinking she was already here. Lloyd, Genis and I brought her here, not only because Colette had to come, but also because I wasn't going to leave you having to fight a bunch of Desians." the General said pointing back towards the entrance with a calm but worried tone.

"I never ran across any of them. Wait, is everyone alright?!" Raine asked.

"Yeah, everyone is fine. Some mercenary named Kratos came along and helped us get through this place, find a ring that brought down the barrier, and then helped us go see this Oracle." the General said with a shrug. "I left before the ceremony started to find you."

"Is everyone still here then?" Raine asked.

"I think so. They should be waiting at the entrance." the General said as they walked back finding no one nor any monsters around. "Hmm, I guess they must be outside."

"Ooh, marvelous!" Raine exclaimed seeing something interesting. "This place just gets better and better the more I see!"

"Hey General." Lloyd said as he and Genis walked up from down the corridor. "Hey Professor."

"You two aren't suppose to be here!" Raine exclaimed.

"We were helping Colette get here safely and then in here because the Desians killed the priest guards that were suppose to escort her." Genis said.

"Besides, the General was coming here anyway and it was safer to go with him to help keep Colette safe." Lloyd said.

"Plus, we figured we'd better come here and look at things if you were more than likely going to make what you've seen and learned here into a lesson and test." the General said. "Well, Lloyd came up with that really."

"Well, I admit that I find that surprising to hear Lloyd. I can only hope that you remember what I will test you on when we go back to school." Raine said crossing her arms.

"Hey, were is Colette and that Kratos guy?" the General asked.

"They went ahead of us back to the village." Lloyd said.

"Then you all better go back now. I will come up with a lesson and test on what I find here so even though class is out for the day, I suggest when you return to the village, you write down what you remember to help you be ready when school starts again." Raine said.

"Wait, what about you?" the General asked. "Yeah, we cleared out most of the monsters in here, but not all of them."

"I can take care of myself as I said General. I did get here without any help and can get back alone. I was given permission from Phaidra to study this temple for a little while longer and am not going to pass up an opportunity like this!" Raine said enthusiastically. "Ordinary citizens are not usually allowed such a luxury!"

"You two go on ahead. I know you can get home without any trouble." the General said as Raine was walking off.

"Okay, we'll see you back at the village." Lloyd said.

"You better write down notes and if nothing else, look at what Genis here writes down as well." the General said. "You know she is going to really be disappointed if you fail the test seeing as you were actually here."

"Oh man, if it wasn't for Colette needing to be here, I wouldn't have come if it was going to be so much trouble later." Lloyd said with a groan and sigh.

Raine wasn't all that thrilled that the General was staying with her, mostly because he was concerned for her and while she really appreciated it, she also didn't want to admit it in some ways. But after his argument of saying he was there to help her learn and look for things, especially since it would be easier for him to write things down as she spoke them, she quickly turned to being excited. As Genis and Lloyd were about to head outside, the two stopped as they heard a maniacal laugh.

"I know we came across several different types of monsters that never made the same noise as the others, but that wasn't one I remember hearing." Lloyd said.

"It wasn't a monster, per say." Genis said with a sigh.

"You know what that was?" Lloyd asked.

"Trust me, you're better off not knowing." Genis said.

They were able to avoid fighting most of the monsters on the way back, evading them for the most part and didn't have any serious or minor injuries when they entered the village.

"If Colette is going to save the world, that means she is leaving the village." Genis said.

"Yeah, she has to unlock these seals so she can become and angel and go to heaven to awake that Goddess Martel." Lloyd said.

"That means she will be gone for a long time. And if she becomes and angel as she is suppose to, and goes to heaven as well, we won't see her anymore." Genis said sadly.

"Ah man. I didn't see it that way." Lloyd said also feeling depressed as it dawned on him.

Both were surprised that Raine and the General had already returned and those two were happy to see they were okay and also surprised they weren't back before them. Lloyd and Genis only noticed them in the village because they saw the two in the classroom when they entered the village seeing as the school house was by the exit out of the village. It was only because the General was helping Raine did she get done quickly and seeing as the General was a fast and swift fighter, they were able to return quicker by easily getting rid of any monsters that attacked them while Genis and Lloyd evaded fighting if they could on their way back.

"Lloyd, Genis, school is going to be out for awhile. But that doesn't mean you can just sit around and do nothing. I want you to both keep studying until we return." Raine said.

"Where are you going?" Lloyd asked.

"We are going with Colette to help her on her journey." the General said.

"What? Really?!" Lloyd exclaimed.

"We can't let her go by herself, can we?" Raine said. "She also asked if we would come along."

"That Kratos guy is going with, but I'm sure that Colette wants someone she can trust with her as well." the General said.

"You don't like him do you?" Lloyd asked.

"Something about him makes me nervous." the General said. "Yeah, I don't know the man, but I still get a feeling that we can't trust him no matter how long he ends up staying with us."

"Maybe he knows something about your past." Genis said. "He did keep giving you looks on and off."

"I noticed and even asked him about it, but he said I just reminded him of someone he knew, and when I tried to explain myself and what I needed to know, he said the person that I reminded him of was a woman." the General muttered. "Must be my hair."

"Probably. You are the only man I have seen with hair that long." Raine said as the General ran his hand through his rather long hair that went to his mid upper back.

"Hey, if you're both leaving, then what is Genis going to do?" Lloyd asked. "I wouldn't mind having him stay at my house, but the long trip isn't something fun to do daily."

"I know. I've asked Frank and Phaidra to take care of him until we return." Raine said.

"But Raine…" Genis began.

"Don't look like that Genis. I will be back, I promise." Raine said seeing the hurt and worried look on her brothers face. "Besides, I have the General protecting me too. Lloyd, you also look after Genis."

"That's a given. We're best friends and we look out for each other." Lloyd said.

"Please be careful Raine. Don't do anything dangerous and don't go near any ruins." Genis somewhat pleaded.

"That isn't something we can do." the General said. "Besides who knows what monsters are out there, it is obvious the Desians want to stop Colette. And you know Raine and ruins. And from what little we have gathered, this Seal of Fire is in a ruin, which probable means all the seals are."

"I'll be fine." Raine said. "I think more than the General and Kratos is going to join us. We'll have plenty of supplies to get us through too."

"More than enough." the General said.

"Why are you two in here instead of finishing getting ready?" Lloyd asked.

"I won't be seeing this classroom nor any students for awhile, so I came to say goodbye to it." Raine said. "I've been teaching for so long, it is going to be different not having to do it day after day for awhile."

"That won't stop her from taking notes and such to come back here and give lessons on boys, so be ready. I'll be helping her." the General said with a mischievous smile.

"Ah man! You just love to suck the fun out of things." Lloyd groaned as Raine only smiled while getting a few things from her desk and putting it in a bag.

The two left and decided to head over to Colette's house next as she had requested of them.

"Raine, in many ways, it would be easier to bring them with." the General said as he watched them walk away from the school.

"It's too dangerous for them to come with." Raine said.

"Come on Raine, you know them better than that. Lloyd may be rather stupid when it comes to school, but the boy has natural talent for fighting. And Genis has been getting better with his abilities. We could turn it into a field trip as well, and you'd be able to continue schooling them on the trip. Besides, I'd rather have them with us helping than people we'd be hiring for help that I have no idea who they are of what their motives might be if they are secretly working for the Desians, you know?"

"Your idea has merit, but it is too dangerous." Raine said as the General sighed.

"Lloyd only has his father Dirk and you are the only family that Genis has, so even though the village would look after them, having them with us would be a better idea for the reason I said, not to mention keeping them out of trouble." the General stated.

Raine didn't say anything further, but it was apparent she was thinking about it.

The mayor was in Colette's house with Colette, her family and Kratos, all sitting around the table talking.

"Good. We shall entrust the protection of the Chosen to Kratos, the General and Raine." the Mayor said.

"I have no objections." Kratos said.

"Hey guys. Thank you so much for your help earlier!" Colette said happily as Genis and Lloyd were standing in the house where they just came in.

"Ohh, you're back already! Thank you for your assistance earlier!" Phaidra said.

"Were you all talking about Colette's journey?" Lloyd asked.

"Yes." Phaidra said.

"Wow! Hey, I want to go to! I want to go see Colette regenerate the world!" Lloyd said.

"Yeah, if Raine and the General are going, then I want to go help too!" Genis stated.

"No. You'll both only get in the way." Kratos said.

"Wh…what?!" Lloyd exclaimed. "We were a great help back there before!"

"The battles at the chapel were nothing compared to what we will encounter ahead of us on this journey. Children need to stay at home." Kratos said as he stood and waved a hand at them.

"Kratos is absolutely right." the Mayor said. "Now then, we still have much to discuss here. You two should head on home for the day."

The two left with very apparent looks of displeasure, anger and sadness on their faces. As they started off, Colette came out asking for them to wait, only to fall as she tripped, which was usual with her klutzy nature.

"I'm sorry." Colette said.

"It's okay, it is not like it is your fault." Lloyd said.

"Oh yeah. I'm sorry." Colette said.

"Listen!" Lloyd began only to shake his head. "Never mind."

"Oh yeah, happy birthday Colette!" Genis said remembering the day it was. "I baked you some cookies. If I knew you'd be leaving tomorrow, I would have made something a little more special, but….."

"No, no! I love your cookies!" Colette said.

"Yeah, so does the General." Lloyd muttered.

"Thank you very much Genis. I will enjoy having them along the journey since you won't be able to come and make them." Colette said.

"So, what about you Lloyd? You promised to make her a necklace, right?" Genis said turning to him.

"Um….yeah…" Lloyd said nervously.

"Don't tell me you forgot." Genis said shaking his head.

"No, it is almost done! I'll give it to you tomorrow before you leave Colette." Lloyd said. "I swear!"

"Really? I am so happy! As soon as I find out when we are leaving, I'll come to your house and let you know." Colette said.

"Isn't it going to be dangerous?" Lloyd asked.

"I'm the Chosen, remember? I'll be fine, especially with Raine and the General coming. See you both later." Colette said giving them a wave as she went back in.

"You liar." Genis said.

"Hey, if I start on it now when I get home, I'll finish it in time." Lloyd said.

"Oh really?" Genis said not believing his friend. "Well, whatever. Hey, since you are going home right now, can I go part of the way with you?"

"Sure, but where are you going to go?" Lloyd asked.

"I'm going to see a friend." Genis said.

"Huh, I didn't know you had any friends outside the village besides me." Lloyd said surprised.

"Does it matter? I need to swing by my house before we leave so I can get my stuff." Genis said.

"Sure." Lloyd said as they started off. "Man, that Kratos really pisses me off."

"Because he told us we can go because we are children and would get in the way?" Genis said.

"Yeah. I see that he is strong and all, but so am I! I can protect Colette! We should be going along as well!" Lloyd said.

"Calm down Lloyd." Genis said as they entered Genis's house.

Genis picked up a few ingredients to make sandwiches because he was taking one to a friend outside the village.

"Why are you getting that stuff?" Lloyd asked.

"We can't use healing arts like Raine and don't have enough money to get any gels, or at least enough to help us. So we need the food to help us keep our strength up." Genis said.

"Yeah, apple gels aren't cheap at all. And the others just get more expensive since the apple is the lowest of them all." Lloyd said going over to a bookshelf as Genis was still getting what he needed. "Wow, these books are really tough looking. The Professor really likes these sort of books huh?"

"Those are mine Lloyd. They were all once hers and since she practically knows them all by heart, and I found them so interesting, she let me have them. And I had to read all of them anyway." Genis said with a shrug and smile as Lloyd looked overwhelmed at just reading the titles.

As they got to the gate out of the village, the guards stopped Lloyd.

"Hey Lloyd, do something about this creature of yours!" the guard said.

"What? What's wrong?" Lloyd asked.

"Your pet here is trying to get into the village!" another guard said.

"Noishe!" Lloyd said running over as the creature whined at him.

"Hey, how many times have I told you not to enter the village!" Lloyd said scolding the animal he considered a dog, yet was much bigger and really didn't look like one.

"Hey! You always bring him to the village! Don't talk to him that way!" Genis said.

"Oh, hey Lloyd. The Mayor wanted me to ask you a question before you left." one of the guards said.

"From the Mayor? What is it?" Lloyd asked.

"It's about the forest you go through. You do know there is a human ranch there, right? You haven't been playing near there have you?" the guard asked.

"Of course not! Right Genis?" Lloyd said.

"Yeah, or course not." Genis said.

"Really? Okay, if that is so. But that weird animal…" the guard said.

"How many times do I have to tell you? Noishe is a dog!" Lloyd exclaimed.

"Sorry man. He doesn't look like any dog I have ever seen." the guard said and then muttered. "Or heard of for that matter. Anyway, just make sure you stay clear of that ranch."

"Let's go Lloyd." Genis said.

"You two be careful." the guard said.

"Yeah, we'll see you all tomorrow." Lloyd said before the two plus Noishe walked away. "Hey Noishe, why were you trying to get into the village?"

"He was probably looking for you." Genis said as Noishe whined.

They got to the forest with no trouble and after entering it, but not yet climbing the short hill to continue on, Noishe whined rather loudly.

"Oh yeah, Noishe doesn't like this place." Genis said.

"Yeah, he hates places with lots of monsters." Lloyd said. "Even though you hardly ever see any monsters as big as him."

Noishe whined loudly and then turned and ran off out of the forest.

"Ah, he ran off yet again!" Lloyd exclaimed and then sighed. "Fine, do whatever you want Noishe. You always get home somehow."

"You know, I keep thinking if he is going to run away, he should at least take us with him." Genis said.

"So, who is this friend we are going off to see? Is it the one that you have been giving your school lunches to?" Lloyd asked.

"What, you knew about that?" Genis asked surprised.

"Yeah, I always see you hiding food in your school bag." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, she really never has anything to eat, so I feel really bad." Genis said sadly.

"That's really cool Genis. It is really nice that we share what little food we have." Lloyd said.

"Ah, it is not that big of a deal." Genis said.

"Ah, don't be so modest!" Lloyd exclaimed with a smile as she patted Genis on the shoulder. "I am sure that dog is really thankful!"

"What?! Dog?! She's not a dog! She's a human!" Genis exclaimed.

"What? Oh really. This whole time I was thinking that you had been keeping a pet from the Professor because she wouldn't like it." Lloyd said.

"No." Genis stated as they crested a hill that had a sign on it. "Well, here is my stop."

"At the Desian human ranch? Doesn't that go against their non-aggression treaty? Violating it would be extremely bad." Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, the Desians already attacked the temple! They want to kill Colette!" Genis exclaimed.

"Yeah, that's true. But we can't retaliate…" Lloyd said obviously worried but also anger at not being able to do anything.

"I know I am not suppose to go, but there is someone there I have to tell about the Oracle…" Genis said.

"All right. But I'm worried about you going alone, so I'll come with." Lloyd said.

Following the path, they came across the large metal wall and closed metal door that housed the building inside that was the human ranch. It angered the two to see the Desians using the humans as slaves to move heavy crates of god only knows across the ground without any help. As they moved out of sight behind another large wall inside, a elderly woman came from around corner and came over as Genis called out to her.

"Genis!" Marble said happy to see him. "Is that your friend?"

"Yeah, I'm Lloyd." Lloyd said.

"I am pleased to meet you." Marble said with a smile.

"Marble, did you see it? There was an Oracle." Genis said.

"Yes I did. I saw the Tower of Salvation. Now the Chosen's journey of regeneration can finally begin." Marble said happy. "I hope it is successful this time…"

"The last Chosen failed, right?" Lloyd asked.

"Yes, I heard the Chosen was killed by the Desians during the journey." Marble said.

"I wonder if Colette will be alright?..." Genis said worried.

"Let us pray to Martel. May she guide the Chosen on a safe journey." Marble said closing her eyes as she prayed.

"Hey, grams…." Lloyd said seeing something he didn't expect.

"Her name is Marble Lloyd." Genis said.

"Marble, isn't that an Exsphere?" Lloyd asked.
"Oh, is that what this is called?" Marble said looking at the item embedded in her right hand. "They placed it on me shortly after I came here."

"Yeah, this is definitely an Exsphere. But there is no Key Crest on it." Lloyd said. "An Exsphere without a Key Crest is dangerous."

"What's a Key Crest? And how is it dangerous?" Genis asked.

"Attaching a Exsphere directly to your skin supposedly makes you sick. But ironically, it is useless unless you attach it directly onto your skin." Lloyd said. "So, in order to prevent it from making you sick, a Key Crest is made from a special ore that is carved with words or a letter and you use that as a mount on the Exsphere."

"You're very knowledgeable." Marble said impressed.

"But it looks like Marbles Exsphere doesn't have a mount at all." Genis said.

"No, it doesn't look like it. If a charm was all it needed, I could do it myself, but there is nothing I can do without the inhibitor ore that acts as a mount." Lloyd said.

"There has to be something that you can do Lloyd!" Genis exclaimed.

"It is not as easy as you think. Key Crest are Dwarven technology." Lloyd said.

"Your dad is a dwarf! Please ask him for help Lloyd!" Genis begged.

"Fine, I'll ask him when I get home." Lloyd said.

"Alright! That is why I like you Lloyd." Genis said happy.

"Please, don't trouble yourself." Marble said.

"Hey, old hag! What the hell are you doing over there?!" a guard yelled.

"Oh no! The Desians!" Marble said turning around. "Run away you two, hurry!"

"Okay, I'm sorry!" Lloyd said.

"Don't worry, just go!" Marble said.

"I'm sorry Marble!" Genis said as the two ran off for cover.

Three Desians came up and bad mouthed her and then took her away to be punished.

"This is not good. They are taking her to the back." Lloyd said.

"But what can we do?" Genis asked.

"There has to be something we can do." Lloyd said thinking. "Let's see if we can find higher ground to see what is going on in there."

They went around and quietly to the other side away from the cliff there were near when talking to Marble. After climbing up the hill, they were able to see inside the compound. Marble was against the wall being whipped heavily by three Desians while other human slaves could only stand by sadly and watch as the old woman was beat by their cruel captors who laughed about it.

"She's…" Genis said.

"We've got to save her!" Lloyd said.

"But how?!" Genis asked.

"You attack the Desians here with your mana power." Lloyd said.

"What? Aren't we going to get in trouble?!" Genis asked.

"We don't have a choice! Afterwards, hide among the bushes and make your way back to the village!" Lloyd said. "I'll act as a decoy."

"But that will put you in danger!" Genis said.

"Don't worry. I'll head down the cliff so they don't see my face, then I'll run down the mountain in the opposite direction of the village." Lloyd said.

"Okay Lloyd." Genis said standing. "You should replenish your energy before we do this. It's going to be a long run. Have some of the cookies I had left over from when I made them for Colette."

The three Desians were rather hurt and surprised when all three were hit at the same time by fireballs to the back. As they began looking around, Lloyd jumped onto the wall, then another section before jumping to the ground and running off as they noticed him, but not his face. Lloyd kept running past the gate as it opened and a couple guards came out. Genis started away only to trip and unfortunately make himself known to the guards who turned and saw him getting off the ground nearby. Lloyd turned seeing what was going on and had no choice but to take out the Desians guards before they could call for help or report what they saw. He did so quickly and then ran off, unfortunately going towards the village and met up with Genis at the bottom.

"Lloyd, they saw your face! I'm sorry! It's all my fault!" Genis said.

"Don't worry about it." Lloyd said.

"But…" Genis began.

"I took out the ones that saw my face and the rest of them are still back on the cliff. As long as we hurry up and get out of here, they'll never know." Lloyd said.

"Oh, okay." Genis said.

"Just do my homework for me, okay?" Lloyd said smiling.

"Okay!" Genis said.

"Alright then, I am going to head on home. You should head back to the village." Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, thanks for helping Marble." Genis said.

"Hey, that's what friends are for right? Besides, I couldn't leave someone that needed my help, especially an old lady like that, to mean people like them." Lloyd said.

They spilt ways not knowing that the Desians ranch had cameras that saw who they were and heard what they said the whole time they were at the ranch.

Only having to deal with the normal monsters that he encountered daily on his way home and on his way to school, Lloyd got back to his house with no further troubles.

The first thing Lloyd did when he got back was went and said hi to his mother's grave nearby the house and then went inside the house after feeding Noishe in his pen nearby.

"Welcome back my boy." Dirk said.

"Hey dad. Say, is there any chance you could make me a Key Crest?" Lloyd asked.

"Why would you need a Key Crest all of the sudden?" Dirk asked.

"I met someone today who has a Exsphere but no Key Crest." Lloyd stated. "An Exsphere without a Key Crest is bad for you, right? Or is it already too late once you have an Exsphere attached to your body with no Key Crest."

"Ah, not at all. But even removing an Exsphere that lacks a Key Crest is still dangerous. So, the only thing to do is, make an accessory out of inhibitor ore and carve the charm into that, making it into the Key Crest instead." Dirk said.

"Hmmm. And then it would be okay. Then, can you make me a bracelet as soon as possible?" Lloyd asked.

"Just a minute boy. This Exsphere with no Key Crest, who has it?" Dirk asked suspicious.

"Huh, oh, um, a traveler." Lloyd said lying. "A traveling mercenary."

"Baloney! Exspheres are basically only used by Desians. If he took one from a Desian, it should already have a Key Crest on it." Dirk stated.

"Uh, well…" Lloyd said nervously.

"Dwarven Vow #11: Lying is the first step to the path of thievery!" Dirk stated as he walked over to Lloyd. "Now, tell me the truth. Why do you need a Key Crest?"

"I met someone at the ranch today who had an Exsphere without a Key Crest." Lloyd said.

"You went to the ranch?!" Dirk exclaimed.

"I'm sorry! A bunch of stuff happened, and…." Lloyd said.

"You didn't let the Desians see your Exsphere did ya?" Dirk asked.

"No, don't worry. I made sure. But why is it so important to hide this thing?" Lloyd asked. "The mercenary that came to the village today wore his right out in the open."

"Your Exsphere is special." Dirk said waving a finger.

"Special? Is it different from the ones the Desians have equipped?" Lloyd asked.

"That Exsphere is your mother's keepsake." Dirk stated. "The Desians killed your mother in order to take it from her."

"They did?" Lloyd asked surprised as anger started to boil in him.

"I told you how I found you at the cliff near the ranch, right? Your mother was still conscious at the time, so she explained everything. There is no doubt about it."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?!" Lloyd yelled in extreme anger.

"If I had, you'd have run out and tried to take revenge on the Desians. The Tower of Salvation appeared today. Just leave the rest to Colette." Dirk said. "That will take care of the Desians too."

"But still…." Lloyd began.

"Don't get involved with the Desians! Your mother protected you and that Exsphere with her life. Don't go throwing either away." Dirk said.

"So, will you make me the Key Crest?" Lloyd asked.

"Lloyd! Have you been listening at all?!" Dirk exclaimed.

"Yeah, I heard you! But you can't expect me to not do anything now that I know!" Lloyd exclaimed, and was surprised when Dirk went to smack him, jumping out of the way in time. "Hey! You don't have to hit me!"

Dirk only shook his head as Lloyd ran out. Night time had came but there was still a little light left, just enough to see. Lloyd looked up surprised, seeing Raine, the General, Colette, Genis and Kratos standing outside.

"Oh, let me guess, you all heard that just now?" Lloyd asked, a bit embarrassed.

"I'm sorry Lloyd. Because of me, you…" Genis began.

"It's okay Genis. It's not your fault…" Lloyd said shaking his head.

"Lloyd, you need to speak to Colette before we leave." Raine said. "We'll wait here."

"Yeah." Lloyd said.

"Let's go up to the terrace." Colette said as Lloyd nodded and told her one moment. "I'll be waiting by the bench."

"The Desians are half-elves right? Does that mean half-elves are responsible for your mothers death?" Genis asked as Lloyd walked up to him.

"Well, not all half-elves are Desians." Lloyd said. "I don't care if they are half-elves or not. The General has told many people, just as there is bad elves, there is good ones too. The same goes for half-elves and even so for humans."

"Yeah, that's right." Genis said remembering. "Lloyd, that Kratos guy is by your mothers grave."

"Yeah, I just noticed." Lloyd said walking over. "What are you doing by my mothers grave?"

"I was wondering who's it was." Kratos said turning around. "Anna was her name I see. Is your father alive then?"

"I don't know. I never learned who he was. Dirk is my dad and has been since I was a baby." Lloyd said.

"Yes, I see. That was a careless thing for me to ask. Sorry." Kratos said sympathetically as he walked off and headed across the bridge where Raine and the General were talking to each other.

"You know, Lloyd and Genis are probably going to end up following along anyway and come up with an excuse to end up coming along instead of returning back to the village." the General said as they watched Lloyd head over to where Colette and Noishe were.

"It wouldn't surprise me. Hopefully that won't happen. And if it does…" Raine said as the General opened his mouth. "We'll deal with it then."

"I'm sorry for not finishing your birthday present in time." Lloyd said as they stood on the terrace on top of the house.

"It's okay Lloyd. Don't worry about it." Colette said.

"But this sort of thing is special because you get it on your birthday, you know?" Lloyd said.

"Well then, just wish me a happy birthday, okay?" Colette said with a smile.

"Of course, Happy Birthday Colette." Lloyd said.

"Thanks! I was glad I was able to live to this day." Colette said.

"What are you talking about? You're going to keep on living and regenerate the world." Lloyd stated.

"Yeah." Colette said.

"So, about tomorrow. I can't come along with you, can I?" Lloyd asked.

"Well, it is just that the Desians are after us and it is going to be a dangerous journey." Colette said.

"The Desians." Lloyd said with distain. "Up until now, I always thought that my mom was killed in an accident. But she was murdered by the Desians! Now that I know the truth, there is no way I can keep living in a village that has a treaty with them!"

"I understand Lloyd." Colette said trying to comfort him. "We are leaving around noon. So, can you come to the village around then?"

"Okay, I'll see you then!" Lloyd said smiling. "I'll be able to see you become and angel with my own eyes."

"Yeah." Colette said looking at the moon. "Remiel is my real father. I'm the child of an angel."

"Does it really matter? Regardless of who your father really is, you're still you. Nothing's changed. You just have two fathers. Just think of yourself lucky for having more than most people do." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, I guess you are right." Colette said.

"Kinda of exciting this world regeneration thing you're doing." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, releasing the seals, becoming and angel and then finally…" Colette said trailing off.

"Finally?" Lloyd asked.

"Um, nothing." Colette said shaking her head. "Anyway, when we get to the Seal of Fire, I'll see my father again. I'm going to do my best."

"Yeah, me too." Lloyd said enthusiastically.

"Are you ready to go?" Raine asked as she, Genis and the General came out the door.

"Yes, I'm coming. See you tomorrow Lloyd." Colette said.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow." Lloyd said as he watched them go. "Now, time to make that present."

Once they got back to town, they all packed everything they needed and got some supplies ready so they could be off when they needed to go. When the General found out what was going on the next morning, he was rather angry about it, and Colette was upset about hearing it from Kratos as well.

"We can't do that to Lloyd." the General said while they were in Colette's house talking the next morning. "Colette promised…"

"The Chosen did nothing of the sort." Kratos stated. "She only said she'd see him today, but not promising it. We need to leave and get moving quickly, hopefully before the Desians notice we are gone."

"Who made him the leader?" the General asked.

"We are paying him to help Colette on her journey, and as such, he is in charge." Phaidra said as Frank agreed.

Though the General disagreed greatly saying he would be able to more than protect her along with Raine, the fact that no one from the temple was going to be able to join Colette as intended, meant that the more help Colette had, the better, meant that Kratos was in charge seeing as Kratos said they left as he said they would or he was taking his payment and walking off. The General muttered a few words that Kratos didn't like, mostly concerning taking Lloyd's side if the boy ended up following them at some point before he went off to his house for the night.

The next morning, Lloyd had the present finished and was ready to leave, but needed to talk to Dirk first. Not finding him in the house, Lloyd went outside seeing Dirk by the grave.

"Dad, about yesterday, I just…" Lloyd said.

"Here, that is the Key Crest you wanted." Dirk said handing him the item. "You can use it however you like. Just remember what I told you and that I did try to stop you."

"Thanks dad!" Lloyd said.

"Dwarven Vow #2: Never abandon someone in need. I'm just going along with the teachings." Dirk said.

"Dad, I'm going on a journey. I am going to help Colette regenerate the world so I can avenge my mom." Lloyd stated.

"Yeah, figured you were going to say that." Dirk said. "The General told me last night while you and Colette were talking that that mercenary Kratos didn't want you or Genis to go with, nor did he want the General going either. But, if you and Genis did follow, he would make sure you did come as did Colette."

"Yeah, he's a really great friend like Genis." Lloyd said. "I can trust him."

"I know. He's a good man. Now here, I've put together some things you'll need for your trip. Be careful my boy." Dirk said.

"Are you forgiving me then?" Lloyd asked while putting the items in a pack he had with him.

"Yeah, but remember Lloyd, this is your home. You're still my son, regardless of blood." Dirk said giving Lloyd a hug. "Come back here anytime your tired or need something."

"I will dad. I love you too. Wish me luck." Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, don't ever forget Dwarven Vow #7." Dirk said.

"Goodness and Love will always win, right?" Lloyd said. "That is such a cheesy line for anyone to be saying these days. Don't worry, I won't forget it."

"Good boy." Dirk said.

"Let's go Noishe! It's time to regenerate the world!" Lloyd yelled, surprised as not only Noishe but Genis ran up. "Hey Genis, what are you doing here?"

"Lloyd, you're still here?!" Genis asked in surprise.

"Yeah. Hey, I got dad to make a Key Crest for Marble." Lloyd said.

"That's great and all, but what about seeing Colette off?!" Genis asked.

"Oh yeah, I decided to join her. We planned on meeting at noon when she was about to leave." Lloyd said. "I want you to come along and figured you'd be going anyway."

"Yeah, I wanted to go too and figured you'd be going no matter what anyone said. But they all left earlier this morning!" Genis exclaimed.

"What?!" Lloyd asked.

"I came looking for you because you never showed up. But now that I know why since you said you were meeting her around noon, I can see why that Kratos guy made them all leave early to keep us from trying to come with." Genis said.

"Ugh! That guy really pisses me off! Bad enough he wanted us to leave Colette in his care when she was going to see the Oracle, and now he's trying to make sure we can help on her journey!" Lloyd said.

"Lloyd, get to the village, quickly! Hopefully you can find out where they were going first and catch up!" Dirk said.

"Knowing the General, he probably left a message for us in his house." Genis said.

"Yeah, he did that usually when he had to go to Triet or was telling me where to meet him for practice later after school." Lloyd said.

Avoiding many of the monsters, they made it to the village rather quickly.

"Hey Lloyd, how does Dirk and you make your livelihood?" Genis asked as they made their way to the village.

"Livelihood?" Lloyd asked.

"You know, make money to live and stuff?" Genis said trying not to say anything about the fact Lloyd should have know what that meant, but then seeing he knew Lloyds grades.

"Oh, that. People make request of him to make things. Sometimes swords or other weapons. Sculptures or figures, that sort of thing." Lloyd said.

"Oh, that makes sense. The General did go to him when he first arrived to get his sword repaired. I should have realized that before." Genis said shaking his head. "That must mean he is famous since the General came from somewhere far away to get his help."

"Yeah, he says he is very well known." Lloyd said proudly.

"Lloyd, Phaidra is looking for you." the guard said as the ran into the village.

"Oh, thanks!" Lloyd said running past. "No wonder Colette seemed to be hiding something when we talked last night. She must have already known she wouldn't be able to be here at noon but was unable to say anything."

"I would have said something if I had known Lloyd." Genis said.

"It's not your fault. When we catch up to them, we'll make sure that Kratos guy understands he can't boss us or our friends around." Lloyd said as they entered Colette's house.

"Oh, hello Lloyd, Genis." Phaidra said.

"Why did you let Colette and the others leave without us?" Lloyd asked. "Genis and I were going to go help her."

"I'm sorry Lloyd." Frank said. "Colette wanted you to have this letter."

"Dear Lloyd, by the time you read this, I will have already left on my journey. I'm sorry for lying to you. The world regeneration journey is full of danger and peril, and many Chosen have failed. So many that not even on 800 years has one made it to save the world. I care about you too deeply to want you to get involved even though I want you to be by me side. I am going to do my best to stop the monsters and Desians! So please live a happy and peaceful life in the regenerated world. Thank you so much for your friendship and kindness all these years. I am really lucky to have met you. Farewell, Colette." the letter read.

"What the hell is this? It sounds like a will." Lloyd said shaking the letter.

"Yes Lloyd, you could call it that." Frank said.

"What do you mean?" Genis asked.

"Lloyd, Genis, there is something we have hid from you and everyone in the village." Frank said.

"Even the General did not know until we told him yesterday." Phaidra said.

"It was good that Raine was here, otherwise I shudder to think how it would have turned out when he blew up. Especially after Kratos was rather brusque and rude about how it had to be done." Frank said. "Colette, no, the Chosen is already…."

A loud explosion made them all jump. Lloyd and Genis rushed out side quickly to find the village under attack and some of the buildings already burning.

"The Desians!" Lloyd yelled in anger as he rushed forward with Genis.

The two Desians saw them and moved away from the burning house along with the General's, attacking them. The battle didn't last long and the two boys didn't get injured at all. Going to the school, they found a couple more trying to kill a man with a pitchfork that was guarding the school that had the children inside where the Desians wanted to burn down. Surprise attacking them, Lloyd and Genis took them out quickly.

"Damn Desian bastards!" Lloyd yelled as they made their way to the plaza which was the front of the village.

"Why do they do such horrible things?!" Genis exclaimed.

"We can figured that out later. Right now we need to get the rest of the village to safety and drive these murders out." Lloyd said.

When they ran by the Sage house, Genis almost cried.

"No! Out house!" Genis yelled seeing the entire place burning to the ground.

"We will make them pay Genis." Lloyd said with a clenched fist.

"Damn! And this place looked like it might have finally been somewhere we could call home…." Genis said sadly.

"Huh, what does that mean?" Lloyd asked.

"N…nothing! Let's hurry and save the others and get rid of the Desians!" Genis said in anger.

Once they got to the plaza, they found the mayor and three other villagers in a group that was surrounded by several Desians.

"Lloyd Irving! Come forth!" the lead Desian yelled.

"You've come to attack the village again! I've had enough of you evil bastards!" Lloyd yelled pulling his swords as he stood in front of the villagers with Genis.

"What are you talking about?" one of the Desians asked confused.

"He speaks nonsense." a man with a large long metal object on his left hand said. "Listen up inferior beings! I am Forcystus! One of the Five Desian Grand Cardinals. I am a superior half-elf who rains supreme over the ranch that cultivates you inferior humans."

"Half-elf." Genis muttered.

"Lloyd, you, a human, have been found guilty for the crime of violating the non-aggression treaty!" Forcystus said pointing at him. "Therefore, I bring judgment upon you and this village!"

"You violated the treaty too! You tried to kill the Chosen!" Genis yelled.

"Us, kill the Chosen?!" the leader said with a hearty laugh. "I see now, they must be after the Chosen."

"They? Are you saying you aren't the ones that attacked Colette?" Lloyd asked.

"I have no need to explain myself to the lies of you. The only thing that matters is that you, Lloyd Irving, have been in contact with the host body F192, and attacked one of our guards." Forcystus said.

"What have you done?! How many times have we told you to say away from the ranch?!" the mayor yelled in Lloyds face.

"I'm sorry." Lloyd said.

"We've prepared a appropriate opponent for your crime." Forcystus said as he waved a hand.

A large and unknown creature of rather great size entered the village wearing a shirt and some red collar. There was no face other than what looked to be a red dot that must have been an eye.

"What is that thing?!" Lloyd yelled.

"Now, receive your punishment!" Forcystus said with a laugh.

It took a good minute, but the two took it down much to the surprise of everyone.

"Lord Forcystus! It is just as you thought! That boy has an Exsphere!" the leader yelled.

"It must be the one from the Angelus Project that we have been searching for!" Forcystus exclaimed. "Give it to me!"

"No!" Lloyd said waving his swords at the Desians that came close in rage. "This is a memento of my mom's that you filthy Desians murdered!"

"What are you talking about? Your mother was…." Forcystus began when the creature they thought they defeated got up and grabbed Forcystus in a unbreakable hold.

"Run…away…..Genis….Lloyd…." it said.

"What….what was that voice?" Genis asked with grief and sadness and confusion. "That….sounded like….Marble."

"It can't be!" Lloyd said.

"Get away….hurry!" Marble said as it grunted in pain. "Genis, you were like a grandson to me. Thank you, goodbye…"

Everyone was surprised when the creature started to glow and then exploded, doing major injury to Forcystus. A small glowing object fell at Genis's feet and he picked it up finding it to be a Exsphere, the one that Marble had on her.

"No! Protect Lord Forcystus!" the Desians yelled gathering around him.

"Lloyd, we will always come after you as long as you possess that Exsphere." Forcystus said before he was helped off the field.

One they had left, the villages came out to put out the fires as the mayor was yelling at them.

"What have you done?! Look dammit! Look at what has happened to our village! This is all your fault!" the mayor yelled. "And you think you can fix all this by apologizing! The Desians have marked you as their enemy! As long as you are here, this village will never have peace. Do you understand?"

"Wait a minute! You're going to exile him?!" Genis exclaimed standing by Lloyd.

"Yes!" the Mayor yelled.

"That's not fair! He didn't do anything wrong! He just saved Marble…" Genis said.

"Any involvement with the ranch is forbidden! There is no exceptions!" the Mayor yelled.

"So it is okay for people to die at the human ranch as long as this village is safe?!" Genis yelled.

"The people at the ranch are just going to rot there anyway!" a older heavyset lady yelled.

"Yes. Had you not done something so stupid. They'd have been the only ones who died." the Mayor said.

"You humans are all the same." Genis said.

"That's enough Genis. This is my fault." Lloyd said. "I'll leave."

"Mayor, surely you can't be so strict on a child…" a younger lady nearby said.

"What are you saying?! Do you realize how many people died here because of him?!" a man nearby the young lady yelled.

"It's not Lloyds fault! I'm the one that took him to the ranch, so it is my fault!" Genis stated.

"But is it Lloyd the Desians are after." the Mayor said. "And besides, Lloyd isn't from this village either. He's an outsider, raised by a dwarf."

"Then I am leaving too! I'm just as guilty as he is!" Genis yelled.

"Fine then, by the rights invested in me as mayor, you two are banished from the village, never to return to Iselia." the Mayor said as the pointed with the other villagers and yelled.

"Get out!"

"Lloyd, please catch up with the Chosen and help protect her." Phaidra said. "If in doing so, the world will be saved and everyone will change their minds about you."

"For I'm sure Colette would want that as well." Frank said.

"Yes, I will atone for what I have done." Lloyd said. "I swear to protect Colette, for the sake of those that have died because of me."

"I'll follow you Lloyd. It's my fault you were banished, so I promise to stick by you always." Genis said.

"Say Genis, why don't you use that Exsphere? That's Marbles memento. I know she would want you to use it to save others from her fate and to stop the Desians than them using it for their evil purposes." Lloyd said.

"Yeah, you're right." Genis said.

"I'll explain to you how to use the Key Crest later, after all, it looks like it is going to be a long journey." Lloyd said.

"The Chosen and her group went to Triet. If you hurry, you may catch up to them there, or at the House of Salvation if you are lucky." Phaidra said.

They took off down the trail heading for the House of Salvation first since it would be about night when they got there and praying they made it in enough time, they could get up early and head for Triet with hopes they made it to there with Colette and the others still there.

Along they way, they stopped when Noishe suddenly ran off and then came back.

"Hmm? What is it Noishe? What do you have in your mouth?" Lloyd asked.

"Lloyd, your bag is open. You probably dropped it yourself." Genis said.

"Oh, thanks Noishe. Let's see….it is a letter from dad." Lloyd said reading it aloud.

"Dear Lloyd, did you read the travelers guide? It has the seven most well known Dwarven Vows as well as the knowledge necessary for your journey written in it. Make use of this information to protect Colette. 14 years have passed by since I found you and started raising you. You were barely able to walk. I remember how you were scared of me and always crying. An now, you've grown into a strong swordsman. I'm grateful for you calling me, a non-human, your dad. Someday, when you are a full grown man, I have a gift for you. Keep that in mind as something to look forward to as you go out there and fight. Love dad." Lloyd said with a smile. "Hmm, what's this? P.S. It's not written in the Travelers Guide, so I'll write in here about how the Exsphere's work. Read it carefully and reference it as needed."

"Glad he knew something about them to help us." Genis said.

"Why do Desians even exist?" Lloyd asked. "If they didn't exist everyone would be able to live happily together."

"I wonder if everyone would be able to live happily…" Genis muttered.

"What?" Lloyd asked.

"Yeah, Desians are the cause of everything that is wrong." Genis said.

"Well, duh. Or course." Lloyd said.

"Hey, there is the House of Salvation." Genis said pointing.

"I guess we are making better time than I thought." Lloyd said. "Let's rest for awhile and then head out as night approaches."

"Why so late?" Genis asked.

"The General said it is easier to go across the desert at night because you can wear more clothing to keep from getting cold and have to drink less water where during the hot day, you'll get to hot wearing so much and caring whatever you have, plus drinking all your water rather quickly."

"You remembered that?" Genis asked.

"I'm not stupid Genis. I'm just not that good with school work." Lloyd said.

They got there pretty quickly, ate, got some rest and had the people there wake them as night came and took off as planned.