Chapter one: Triumphant Return
AN: Well, I've been out for several months now, and I figured it's time to come back…with a vengeance. Eternal Paradox is the story that I've been promising for awhile and, while school isn't actually out yet, I figured June was a good time to start.
I've read a few stories like this one, but there are a few huge differences between mine and the others, not that I'm going to tell you yet, you'll just have to read and find out. I'll have the next chapter out in about two weeks. In the meantime, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I sincerely swear that I do not own Tales of Symphonia or any of its characters from here-on-out. There shall be no need for other disclaimers of this type throughout the updates.
….
It was dark.
Blissfully dark.
That was what registered first. Then came the feeling of the numb softness, and the smell; it was home. Not like Kratos-Dad home, but Dirk-Dad home. He had always liked the fresh, clean, earthy smell that came with living with Dirk. He'd found it hard to give up when he'd moved from Dirk's to a place of his own…
Which didn't explain why, suddenly, he was quite sure he was asleep in his room at Dad's house…
Oh! It hit him like lightning; the feeling of sleep leaving his brain and adrenaline filling his veins was intoxicating and Lloyd sat up with a jolt, looking around at his surroundings.
He was indeed in his room at Dad-Dirk's house; the wooden walls, floor, and doors made that obvious. Lloyd's plants all sat peacefully in their respective pots around his desk. The work area was filled with plans for Colette's birthday necklace. Everything seemed normal; everything was where it was supposed to be.
Everything but Lloyd, himself, that is.
The biggest difference? The fact that he was lying fully dressed in bed, his hair, disfigured by sleep, was a deeper shade of red then it had been at this same time a year ago, and his red dwarven clothing was changed into a sleeker, more adult version. Lloyd, himself, seemed older, a year older in fact. His body was better defined, shoulders broader, hair longer, voice deeper…
Lloyd sighed, realizing that, after all the work he had put in, he was here. He'd made it. Of course, that was only the beginning of what he had to do. But, for now, he had only one thing to worry about: school. Raine would kill him if he was late, and from the look of the sun outside his window, he would have to run as fast as he could though Iselia forest just to make it. But this wasn't a normal morning, so he'd have to find… other means of transportation.
When he raced down the stairs five minutes later, he was dressed in his usual buttoned red shirt, grey pants, red boots, and funny white tassels hanging from his collar. His adolescent self crashed down the stairs and landed gracelessly at the breakfast table where a bowl of porridge and a lumpy-looking dough-ball bun sat in wait for him. It looked delicious.
"Mornin' Lloyd," Dirk called from where he was bent over the small oven-like indoor forge. He had a larger, but it couldn't be kept in the small house for heating purposes. It would have been nice were they ever in need of a space heater, but the northern region of the Triet continent was very mild, so they never had the opportunity to test the theory. "You're gunna' be late fer school again."
Though a mouthful of tastelessness, Lloyd choked out something that sounded vaguely like "Don Harem, I've a basket of onions and a nose ski." He doubted this was actually what his adopted son was trying to convey to him and growled, "Chew, swallow, then talk, son."
Lloyd grinned sheepishly and painfully swallowed his mouthful.
"S-sorry, Dad; I said: don't worry, I've got Noishe and I'll get there on time."
"I don' wanta' be barked at by that teacher of yours again, so get goin'!"
Lloyd stood up, not bothering to finish his breakfast, and grabbed his packs from the table beside the door and walked into the sunlight. It was still early morning, but school started at nine and normally it took an hour's walk to make it through the forest. And that if he wasn't attacked.
"I'll see you tonight, Dad," Lloyd called over his shoulder to a surprised Dirk; Lloyd never left food on his plate. "It's the Oracle today, so I don't know when I'll be getting home."
"Since when has that Churchy crap ever made you late to dinner?" snapped Dirk.
"Dad, Colette's the Chosen, how could it not affect me?"
"Humph!" Dirk grumbled, never having understood how someone as against the Church of Martel as Lloyd, not a habit taught by the dwarf—though one that he supported—but one brought on by the boy's birth parents, could become friends with the Chosen; the very icon of the Church.
"See you tonight! Come on Noishe!"
Almost without realizing he was doing it, Lloyd wandered up the path to where his mother was buried. The stone grave-marker was kept clean and beautiful by the two males who watched over her resting place. Even Noishe, a "dog", was respectful of the area. The flowers and vines that covered the ground around the grave only served to perfect the picture.
"See you tonight Mom." Lloyd turned to leave, but, then, turned back for a moment to stare at the simple grave and whispered a soft request. "And… if you could, that is, help me? I'm doing this for everyone's good…"
If Lloyd wanted to succeed, he was going to need all the super-natural help he could get…
He lead Noishe across the bridge and out into the well-trod path through Iselia Forest.
…
The sunlight was growing stronger as the morning progressed and the air was heating up. The day was warming to the perfect temperature and turning into what one would call a "blessing from heaven".
Lloyd noticed none of this as he was racing though the trees, they burred around him as he rushed by. Noishe flew over the ground as though their lives depended on it. They had left the Desian Ranch behind them miles ago. And with it, all the putrid smells, screams, and shouts that it incorporated. It was terrifying having to pass by daily to simply go to school. Today, however, he felt none of the fear that had plagued him for the past fourteen years.
He was stronger now.
As they raced through the forest, the trees began to thin, and the end was in sight. Noishe only picked up speed as the town gates came into view. The large silver and green dog was panting and Lloyd could feel his sides heaving as he slid to a stop; depositing his master at the gates.
As Lloyd slipped off his ride, the creature collapsed in a hot, panting mess. Lloyd looked down at his friend and smiled.
"Thanks, Noishe, I owe you."
The glittering green eyes peered out at him from a doggish face as if to say "Damn right you do."
Lloyd turned to the gaping town watchmen. Wearing crudely made silver armor and carrying wooden sticks topped with metal tips made by Dirk himself, the only functioning part of the costume, and staring open-mouthed at the sight of the red-clad boy riding a giant silver and green dog.
"Uh… running late, Lloyd?" one stuttered watching Lloyd's movements.
"Yeah, I… overslept." Lloyd grinned. "Could you guys keep an eye on Noishe, please?"
Lloyd didn't wait for an answer before waltzing into the village, for once, having a few minutes to spare.
"Lloyd! Lloyd, you're here!" Lloyd turned to see Genis running toward him, grinning. "I can't believe you made it on time!"
"Heh, I'm not always late!"
"Yeah you are!"
Lloyd just rolled his eyes at his younger friend. "Whatever, come on, let's get to school. Raine'll skin me if I'm late again."
"She's gunna' skin you anyway for that stunt you pulled yesterday!"
Lloyd, who did not even remember what it was that he'd done, was unperturbed. "Eh, whatever. Let's go."
The two friends wandered across town, from the southern entrance to the schoolhouse on the northern side, the side facing the Temple of Martel.
"Colette!" Genis raced off and Lloyd let his friend go. It was relaxing to be back in the quiet village with his friends.
"Oh, Genis, Lloyd, you're early!"
"No, Colette, it's called being on time," Genis corrected the blond Chosen.
The two friends began an excited and animated conversation about nothing. Lloyd watched his friends; the normalcy seeming almost unreal. Thanks to his punctuality, he had some time to spare today and he intended to spend it with his best friends…
However, all too soon, his mind wandered to realms far beyond the small village of Iselia. It was a simple place, where the Goddess and her Church dictated the peoples' thoughts and actions. They knew so little. So too did his friends; it pained him to hear them speaking so excitedly of what was to come in the next hours, talking of the Oracle, the Journey of Regeneration, the Temple…
What hurt more was Colette talking of her own imminent destruction as if she was looking forward to it. Not that Genis would ever understand what was going to happen to her once she "Regenerated" the World. Not now, at any rate.
These dark thoughts were driven from his mind with the arrival of Professor Raine Sage. Her orange coat whispering around her slim form, the silver-haired half-elf stepped into the morning to greet her students.
"Everyone in, it's time for class to start," she commanded, her blue eyes glittering.
Lloyd, Genis, and Colette joined the line that was filling the entrance into the school. The still-chattering group of students quieted and sobered when they stepped into the wooden building. They knew the price of rowdiness around their teacher.
She nodded greetings to each as they entered, smiling softly. When the three friends reached the door, she smiled and greeted the Chosen and her brother, but when it was Lloyd's turn, her eyes widened.
"My goodness, Lloyd, you're on time today? To what do we owe this honor?"
"First time for everything, right?" Lloyd chuckled awkwardly.
"Hmm… I suppose. Nevertheless, you'll still be in back. One day of punctuality does not make up for years of tardiness."
Lloyd inwardly sighed; he knew this was coming, but still…
"Yes Ma'am."
His footsteps filed in behind those of his classmates. He took up silent vigil at the back of the room, or so he preferred to think of it as, and grabbed hold of the wooden buckets of either side of him, one for each hand. They were filled to the brim with cold water; with great practice, a thought that did not please Lloyd, he picked up the buckets without a drop spilling or dampening his red gloves.
He had a feeling it was going to be a long day…
As always, Professor Sage started her lectures; the class settling down into note-taking position and there was little movement but to stand when the teacher addressed you and answer her questions. As she did every year, Raine was speaking on Mithos the Hero's Journey. The morning would be spent with lectures, and the afternoon an oral review.
Lloyd, knowing the information better then Raine herself, at this point was growing bored and tired. How he was tired, he was honestly unsure; he should not have felt any such thing having slept so fitfully the night before.
I guess old habits really do die hard…
Even for him, in his state, the return to these old ways was causing his mind to slip into oblivion. Even the excitement of what was to come could not keep his eyes open.
When Raine stopped speaking for a moment, and the freedom of their lunch period was granted and Lloyd set down the pails of water and stretched his sore and aching arms. He followed Genis and Colette into the sunlight courtyard; still in a daze, he sat with them, watched them pull out their food, and begin to eat.
Both glanced at him and their eyes widened. Lloyd blinked himself more fully awake and examined the surprised looks on his friends' faces.
"W-what is it? Do I have something on my face?" Lloyd ran a hand through his spiky, brown hair self-consciously.
"Oh, no, but, um… Lloyd, where's your lunch?"
Lloyd blinked; surprised that they would bring something like this up.
"Oh, I guess I forgot it at Dad's house."
Genis looked disbelieving. "So, let me get this straight, Lloyd; you're on time today and you forgot your lunch? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
"Yeah, Lloyd, it's really unlike you to forget your lunch… Are you hungry? I can share…" Colette looked concernedly at her older friend.
"Wha-? Oh, really, Colette, I'm not hungry. Don't worry about me!" A faked smile slid over Lloyd's face in his attempt to comfort his worried friends. "Trust me, you're way hungrier then I am."
"Are you sure Lloyd?"
"Please, at least take part of my sandwich!" Colette handed Lloyd part of her jelly sandwich.
The red-clad swordsman looked down at the morsel in what he hoped was a thankful face, though, in reality, the idea of putting it in his mouth was… revolting.
"Uh, thanks Colette! Though, really, you need it more than I do…"
After another second of hesitation in which both Colette and Genis looked at Lloyd expectantly, Lloyd put the half sandwich to his lips and took a nibble. He swallowed quickly so as not to have to experience the texture for more than a split-second. When his friends both looked displeased, Lloyd forced himself to take a bigger bite. This, however, meant chewing. Chewing meant texture, and the texture of sugar-soaked bread, chewed to a swallow-able mash, was disgusting. Lloyd focused on the movements of his jaw moving up and down.
When he finally was able to forcibly swallow the stomach-churning mash, his friends seemed satisfied that he would not drop dead on them, and returned to their meals.
Lloyd hated eating certain things; for one, tomatoes, for another, anything that was served simply for taste. Liquids, soft, none-chewing foods, and most meats were decent. However, mushy things such as jam-soaked bread, baked vegetables, and a variety of breads were generally off-limits.
When one could not taste but certain flavors, or feel if something was meant to be served cold, warm, or at room temperature, eating became more of a chore then an enjoyment. A way to proclaim that you were different, rather than provide bonding and enjoyment amongst peers.
Lloyd surreptitiously dumped the rest of Colette's sandwich under the bush he was seated next to. He could not handle any more of it…
Though his ponderings, he had missed the duration of another of his friend's conversations, as well as successfully dropped his guard. He mentally harassed himself for his forgetfulness; he could not put himself nor his friends, in danger simply because of half a sandwich!
"-Lloyd? Lloyd! Sylvarant to Lloyd, come in Lloyd!" cried Genis suddenly. Lloyd's eyes snapped to the silver-haired half-elf, their reddened irises boring into the silver-blue of his friend's. The child flinched at his gaze. "Whoa, did I snap you out of some big revelation?" he teased to cover up his discontentment at his friend's-there was no better word for it-glare. "Goddess, Lloyd, what'd I do?"
Lloyd's eyes softened and he turned away, feeling slightly embarrassed; the nicknamed "Death-Glare" that he had inherited from his father had, along with dozens of other inherited traits, simply become second nature to him. Genis had done nothing wrong.
"Sorry, what's up, Genis?" Lloyd graced over the awkward silence smoothly.
"I was just wondering if you'd actually managed to do your homework. Normally I'd be freaked out, but you've managed to stun everyone today, I figured you might have gotten that done too."
Lloyd's face began to redden; whatever he had accomplished today, unless he'd been sleep-walking, there was no way that he could have done whatever it was that was assigned to them the day before, he had control over only so much, after all…
"I, uh… what was it that we were supposed to do again?"
"Aha! I knew the weirdness had to end somewhere! Lloyd didn't do his homework. We were supposed to read the next two chapters in our book about Mithos the Hero. Sis's gunna' get you for this one!"
However, while Genis had been laughing, a smirk had grown on Lloyd's face. Genis' amusement trailed off and his laughter died in his throat.
"So, the reading was on Mithos, huh? I think I can handle that!"
"Wha-? What are you talking about Lloyd?" Genis gapped at him. "Just yesterday, you said you didn't know the first thing about the Kharlan War, now you think you can pass one of Raine's tests without even doing the homework? How's that supposed to work?"
Even as Genis finished his statement of disbelief, Professor Sage's voice echoed around the courtyard, calling the students to return to class.
"Hey, Genis, if I were to go one-on-one with Mithos in a sword fight, who'd you think would win?"
Genis, recovering from his shock, was pulled in by the normalcy of Lloyd's banter. "Mithos the Hero; hands down."
Lloyd pretended to be hurt and clutched his heart comically.
"Your lack of faith wounds me!"
"Come on, Genis, Lloyd could beat Mithos!" Colette joined in the game. "He's really strong!"
"Only if you mistake stupidity as strength, Colette!"
"Hey!"
And on and on went their play until they reentered the schoolhouse and took up their places around the room. Lloyd, convinced that this time he was going to stay alert, stared out the window for any signs of danger, keeping his ears open for that which his eyes could not pickup.
"Lloyd! Lloyd Irving, wake up!"
Raine's voice cut across Lloyd's focus, snapping him back to reality. His eyes returned to the classroom and locked on the projectile hurtling his way. Out of sheer reflex, Lloyd slipped his hand from the bucket of water, it landed gracefully on the ground next to him, not a drop spilled, and the hand went up to block his face. The glove-covered hand snatched the chalkboard eraser from mid-air and as his fingers closed around it, he brought his arm down to the side, keeping the weapon gripped securely in his hand.
The class gapped at him.
"I-I uh… sorry? Can you repeat the question?"
A very lame ending to a very, very awesome trick; Lloyd spent a split-second mourning the loss of his moment.
"What in the world…? I-I mean, where was the Ancient War ended?"
Lloyd knew the answer to this, it was the same place that the new Tree had sprouted, where the Tower of Salvation was, the point where Sylvarant and Tethe'alla met.
"The Holy Ground of Kharlan? Mithos had the kings of the two warring countries sign a treaty. Afterward, he formed a pact with the Goddess Martel who sealed away the Desians. Whenever the seal weakens, the Desians return and cause havoc in our world. The Journey of Regeneration reseals the Desians and awakens the Goddess who sleeps at the center of the World."
It felt almost like cheating. The whole class was staring in wonder at Lloyd, the idiot, who just answered one of the hardest questions on the Professor-Sage-Evil-Oral as if it was nothing. Lloyd, the kid who was raised to know nothing about the Church of Martel had just practically recited scripture.
In reality, Lloyd, as well as all his friends, had learned to eat, sleep, and breathe this legend. He knew it inside and out, backwards and forwards, and all the fact and fiction that surrounded it. The centuries of legend wound around it were stripped away in Lloyd's mind; leaving only the burning truth. The truth that it was all a lie.
However, by now, it did not hurt. Little could hurt him anymore, and Mithos the Hero was something that he had lost long ago.
Back when he had first started the Journey of Regeneration.
Back before he had saved the world from the Hero.
Back before he returned to save his friends.
Back before he had gone back in time.
….
Insert dramatic music here. There's chapter one for you. Hope that whole thing makes more sense now. Further explanations in the next update. Until then, read and review, please!
Yours truly,
~Yoshi