Hi there! I'm krisl91, but on this fan-fic, I will be known as SANGOCHAN!
Just to let you know, this is my first Tales of Symphonia fan-fiction, so please don't soul cut me. This pretty much follows the story of the game; except…yes we do…WE HAVE A HEROINE! But Lloyd is still one of the main heroes. Also, there have been several alterations so I could fit our heroine in the story line. Just to let our Kratos fans know, he does have an extremely important roll in the story. I won't say… I won't give away spoilers. ;)
Angel of Vengeance
By, krisl91 (a.k.a: SANGOCHAN)
Prologue: The Giant Tree of Mana
Long, long ago there was an enormous tree at the world's center, the source of the life-force Mana. Sadly a terrible war caused the tree to wither and die. Mana began to seep out of the world, and a hero's life was sacrificed in order to restore the Mana.
Unable to bear this the goddess Martel left into the clouds; leaving the angels with this:
"Wake me for if I should sleep, the world will be destroyed."
Chosen's began to appear in the world to break the seals and climb the Tower of Salvation to restore Mana to the world. The only way to recognize the current Chosen of Mana was if they held a Cruxis Crystal at birth.
In the world of Sylverant the Desians began to appear and caused the people to suffer in their Human Ranches each controlled by a Grand Cardinal. Then many years later the new Chosen of Mana was born in a village called Iselia.
Our story begins in the city of Palmacoasta, where a young Elf woman named Yoku lives…
Chapter One: Hired
It was just another typical evening at the inn's pub in Palmacoasta, that is; if you go to the Palmacoasta Academy, serve in the Governor-General's rebellion against the Desians as an assassin, and get hired for five jobs in a row to assassinate the Desians(In one day!).
Yoku, a seventeen year-old Elf sat at a small table waiting. The time for the Chosen of Mana to receive the Oracle was coming near; she could sense the Mana in the air decreasing steadily. Taking a sip from her mug she began to talk to herself.
"Grandma always said I'd get to meet the Chosen One. I wonder who it was last time…If I go with whoever-it-is; I'll be able to avenge Mom and Dad. And my whole family…"
Anyway…the reason she was here was not only to finish her homework (the bartender always helped her) but also to wait for a client. Yes…Yoku had a feeling someone would want to hire her. Looking at her reflected silver-grey eyes in her Exsphere-which was in the shape of a crescent moon- she didn't notice that someone had entered the inn.
A robed man walked quickly up to the bar. The bartender turned to greet the newcomer.
"G'evenin sir, how can I help you?" the bartender said cheerfully.
"I need to hire an assassin." The man said.
"Ok…that depends on who you're talking about."
"I need someone to assassinate the Grand Five Cardinals of the Desians."
Everyone in the vicinity both choked on their drink or food and turned in their seats; Yoku jerked her head up, this was the person she was waiting for to hire her!
"Well…there's only one lassie in the city up for the job."
"Where is she?"
Wow…this guy almost sounds desperate…Yoku thought.
The bartender chuckled and said, "She's behind you at the table in the back, and…it looks like she heard you."
"Thank you."
"No problem sir. After all that's what I'm here for,"
Yoku knocked all her homework into her backpack making room on the table. A good first impression always makes a difference. Tossing her mahogany ponytail over her shoulder she sat up straight waiting for her new client. He sat down across from her. Most of his face was concealed by a scarf wrapped around the bottom half of his head, plus the hood. But she could tell by the eyes that she could trust him and she also figured he must have very handsome facial features.
"How can I help you?" she asked.
"I want to hire you." the man said dropping a very heavy bag on the table of what must have been Gald.
"Um…ok…the Grand Five Cardinals right?"
"Yes, I'm paying you 800,000 Gald."
"And uh…why exactly are you hiring me to do this? Do you have a good reason? (I'm rather picky)" Yoku asked a little stunned.
"Yes," and suddenly Yoku noticed he sounded a little sad, "It was about fourteen years ago Kvar…he killed my wife and I lost my only child…"
"He did? But…if that's the case…I'll do it free of charge. You shouldn't have to pay me for this."
"Really, I'm paying you for this!"
"All right! All right! I'll take it." Yoku said.
"There's also one more thing," the man said, "If you meet anyone in the Iselia Region named Lloyd Irving, please…protect him from the Grand Cardinals, especially from Kvar."
"Ummm…how will I recognize him anyway?" Yoku asked.
"He has an Exsphere on his left hand and is usually accompanied by a big dog with large ears."
"Anything else that'll help me recognize him?"
"He might say: 'Give me your name, and I shall give you mine' when you ask for his name."
Yoku faked a cough, "Ok…that'll work, but there's one other thing I want to ask you…how you know this person?"
"I knew his parents, and I was also a friend of your parents too. I originally hired your mother."
"You did?" Yoku asked.
"Yes, she did owe me a favor after all and your father."
"Why?" Yoku asked. But her client only said that matters were settled and that she should get some rest for what was coming up. Then he left. An elderly man said as he passed, "Don't you worry, Yoku always keeps her promises."
Pulling her homework back out Yoku was relieved that she only had English left then she could call it a day.
The bartender walked up to her table and refilled her mug with Yum Tea and said, "New client eh?"
"Yup and he must have been desperate! 800,000 Gald…I only charge 5,000!"
Yuko finally finished her homework she stopped at the academy on her way home to tell the headmistress about her being hired.
"Well Miss Jade if it involves accompanying the Chosen of Mana, then I excuse you from all schoolwork, just tell us about your journey and that will do for make-up work."
"Thank you headmistress," Yoku said, "I'll be telling Governor-General Dorr tomorrow about me being hired for the big job."
Yoku left the school building she hoped that her new weapons had arrived from the Iselia Region. Turning on her heel she made her way toward a large house overlooking the ocean. She had once had eight other brothers and sisters until the Grand Cardinals of the Desians killed them; and the leader killed her parents, she had only her Grandma left.
"Grandma I'm home!" Yoku called out to the empty foyer.
"Welcome home sweetie. How was your day?" an elderly elf woman entered to foyer.
"Hectic." Yoku said, "I was hired five times straight and some robed man hired me to assassinate the Grand Five Cardinals of the Desians. And to protect some 'Lloyd Irving' person, dose that name mean anything to you Grams?"
"I believe I had heard that name before, when you were three years old." Yoku's Grandma said.
"That was when Mom and Dad went to the Iselia Region to warn their friends." Yoku said.
"Yes…Anna tried to convince her husband-I forgot his name-that moving to Iselia would be the best for them."
"But he thought it would be best to just stay here in Palmacoasta right Grandma?"
"Yes. But he gave in and agreed."
Yoku's Parents and a friend of theirs, Anna, were held in the Asgard Human Ranch since their late teens. Then several years later, someone had helped them escape. Anna soon fell in love with their rescuer and was eventually married with him. Yoku's Grandma painted portraits of both her parents and their friend's weddings. All what Yoku knew about Anna's husband was that he was a mercenary. From what she was told by her grandparents, her parents' friends went to Iselia. Then several days later, her mom and dad felt that Anna and their other friend were in danger. They left for Iselia to warn them but…they were murdered by the leader of the Desians.
Yoku nodded and said she was going to bed.
"Good night. Sleep well and good luck for tomorrow, oh I forgot. Your new bow and arrows arrived while you were at the inn."
"Thanks, night Grandma." Yoku said before entering her room. Yoku closed the door behind her and picked up the package on her bed. She un-wrapped the package, it was a bow complete with a quiver of arrows.
These will be useful when I assassinate the Grand Five Cardinals. Yoku thought flexing her new bow. Might as well break it in before turning in for the night, it would be bad if it broke on her during a fight. After having a little fun with the bow Yoku changed into her pajamas and settled into her bed and went to sleep.
A robed figure made his way to the forest outside Palmacoasta; checking his surroundings to make sure he wasn't followed, he continued into a clearing and approached a blue haired man.
He had an elfin face but there was Human in him too.
"Sir, I have just hired Lady Yoku." He said through the hood which concealed the bottom half of his face.
The other man nodded and said, "Very well." Then left in a flash of light; the robed man stayed in the clearing, as though lost in memories.
"I've been through so many people to help me but they were all killed. I'll have to accompany her." If he wore the robe, she was sure to wonder why he was going with her; he made up his mind, "She doesn't know my face, I'll go disguised, un-disguised. I'm sure glad I muffled my voice…" he muttered to himself lowering his scarf from his face.
The next day
Yoku stretched in her bed and rolled over. Then she remembered the night before, "That's right! I gotta kill the Grand Five Cardinals of the Desians! How could I have forgotten, oh…and protecting that Lloyd person whoever he is…" Yoku scrambled to her wardrobe and opened it. Inside was: her school dress, a traveling cloak, traveling garb, a gown for special occasions, and a collection of tunics complete with sandals good for running in at the bottom of the wardrobe. Yoku grabbed the blue traveling garb and red sandals. It was way too hot now for a cloak, but she would bring it anyway just in case of a cold spell. After she finished getting dressed she raced for the bathroom and began to comb her hair. 'Always have a good first fighting impression.' Is what her grandma told her as a child, just when she was learning to fight… Yoku arranged her hair into a pony tail and tossed the long sideburns in front of her shoulders. She looked cute, but she was deadly. The combo was pretty good.
Yoku finally came down the stairs with her bow and arrows and into the kitchen for breakfast.
"Since you're going to the Human Ranch today, I made a very healthy breakfast for you; can't fight on an empty stomach I always say." The old Elf chuckled.
"That's right Grandma." Yoku said cutting up her fried egg and eating it. She always said at school that her grandma made the best fried eggs in the city. After finishing breakfast, Yoku left the house saying goodbye to her grandma. Her first stop was Governor-General Dorr's office. He'd be thrilled to hear about this.
Yoku didn't notice that her client was watching her from the rooftop of a building. How he got there no one could guess. He saw Yoku receive many people wishing her good luck before she entered the government building. She was part of Dorr's army; it made perfect sense for her to inform him.
Yoku waited outside Governor-General Dorr's office door until she heard the fatherly voice say, "Come in." Yoku entered the room.
"Sir," she began, "Last night a man hired me to assassinate the Grand Five Cardinals of the Desians."
Dorr grinned and said, "I always knew someone would be confident in your talent. Well, why did this fellow hire you?"
Yoku told him, his face darkened slightly, "And he paid you 800,000 Gald when you offered to do this for free?"
"Yes. There was no way I could take money from him if that Kvar creep tore apart his family. But he gave it to me anyway." Yoku said.
"And he asked you to protect someone named Lloyd from the Iselia region?"
"Yes sir."
Dorr nodded again and said, "I will send two guards to escort you to the Human Ranch. Good luck, you're going to need it."
"Thank you sir," Yoku said and left, flanked by two guards both clad in traveling gear. The door slammed shut behind the trio and they left for the ranch.
The Palmacoasta Human Ranch
"Miss Yoku, I'll distract the guards while you get inside and go for Hsuru." The guard said. He was about her age and was quite good looking.
"Ok." Yoku said, "Then I shoot an arrow into Hsuru's brains." Hsuru was the current Grand Cardinal of this ranch.
The other guard said, "When we're in, I'll free all the prisoners."
They all nodded and got ready to strike. The first guard threw a rock toward a Desian. It hit his helm and he began looking for the thrower nervously. The guard threw more stones in the Desian's direction. Carefully, Yoku and the other guard sneaked into the ranch using the side door. Once inside they split up. Yoku, headed for Hsuru and her companion headed for the detention center.
Several security troops blocked her path, but, she made quick work of them and proceeded into the control room. Hsuru had his back turned to her, a sword in his hand.
"Yoku," he said turning around. He had an unpleasant face which reminded Yoku of a rat. A muscle in her cheek twitched. Hsuru killed her grandpa.
"Hsuru," She responded coldly, "Prepare to die!"
An arrow flew from her bow to Hsuru's torso he dodged and charged at the Elf maiden. Yoku simply stepped to the side. Hsuru crashed into the wall.
"Owwwww…" he moaned trying to get himself to face Yoku, but she shot him in the back and he slumped to the floor. Yoku planted a foot on his back. She pulled another arrow from her quiver, loaded her bow, pulled back, aimed for Hsuru's head, and fired her arrow. Hsuru screamed in pain, and went limp. He was dead.
One down, four to go. Gramps…I've avenged you…Yoku thought. She left the control room, they would find his corpse soon enough. Yoku planed on having a panic go throughout the Desians. It would weaken them, allowing her to get to the core of their evil race. They may be Half-Elves, but they're not my kin.
Yoku rejoined her compainions at the gates of the ranch. Told them she nailed Hsuru and they led the rescued prisoners to Palmacoasta.
When they arrived, Yoku decided to stock up on supplies before leaving the city. She returned home to get her bag and traveling cloak, she left saying goodbye to her grandma and made a beeline for the supply shop-Marble's Supply store.
The bell tinkled as she entered the shop. It was run by her friend Chocolat and her mom, Caoco.
"Hey, Yoku nice to see you." Chocolat said, "Need supplies?"
"Yup, that's right Chocolat. I was hired last night." Yoku said selecting a large number of apple and orange gels along with antidotes and magic lenses.
"Who hired you?" Caoco asked interested.
"He was wearing a brown traveling robe and cloak…" Yoku said, "Most of his face was concealed by his scarf. But he hired me to assassinate the Grand Five Cardinals of the Desians. And to protect this 'Lloyd' person from Iselia and he must have been desperate!"
"Desperate? In what way?" Caoco asked.
"He paid me 800,000 Gald," Yoku said. Stuffing several sandwiches into her bag, "I don't know what exactly happened but, he said that Kvar killed his wife, and now he can't find his only child."
Chocolat gasped, "That's terrible…"
"I offered to do it for free."
'But he paid you anyway?"
"That's right."
Yoku and Chocolat were classmates at the academy and were always seen together talking. Caoco gave Yoku her change, and wished her luck.
"Good luck." Chocolat shouted from the door of the shop to the waving Yoku in the distance. Yoku then turned around and left for the docks. Setting out on her journey to Iselia…She arrived at the docks and made a beeline for Max. Max was head-over-heals in love with her but she wasn't for him.
"Hey Max, I need a ride to Izoold. I'm going to Iselia." Yoku said cheerfully.
"One boat ride coming up!" Max said happily, "Say, Yoku…how about a romantic lunch?"
"I'd lose my dignity as an assassin…" Yoku grunted. Max sighed…unrequited love…
After preparations the little boat set off west. Yoku sat on the deck staring out to the horizon. Any day now, a bright light would come from Martel Temple; she would be in Iselia, and meet Lloyd-whoever he was. Yoku examined her Exsphere; it reflected the cloud dotted sky and the sun light she chuckled as she listened to Max complain about the seagulls.
Finally, after several hours of sailing the boat docked at Izoold. Yoku hopped off after paying Max for his troubles. The fresh smell of fish lingered in the air. She would have gotten some to make fish rice balls, but now wasn't the time. She left the village, wile fighting the urge to jump into the ocean. She loved the water…Biting her lip she fought the impulse.
Getting to Iselia was going to be difficult. There was the Osasa Trail and Tiret Desert ahead of her. She probably wasn't going to run into Nova's caravan anytime soon. Through fights with monsters and four nights in the trail, Yoku figured that the Chosen would have it worse.
"Well…at least I'm getting into shape." She muttered as she entered the desert. Hoping it wasn't sandstorm season Yoku stormed her way to Tiret Village. Tired, dusty and hungry, Yoku checked in at the inn. The first thing she did was take a bath. Oh…that felt good.
The next day the Elf maiden left the desert town and boldly made her way across the remainder of the vast sandy plain. By mid-day she arrived at a House of Salvation.
"Thank Martel…" she said weakly. Now would be a good time for a nap and a meal, "I'll also pray to Martel too."
Yoku kept going to Iselia. After five days and nights, a bright flash lit the sky. Today was the Day of Prophesy. She was near Iselia now.
Several minutes before the light flashed, there was a lecture going on in the village schoolhouse in Iselia. There, many lives would change. And the Chosen's Journey of Regeneration begins.
"OUCH!" Someone had accidentally crashed into Yoku knocking her to the ground.
"Oh…I'm so sorry my fault entirely. I didn't see you I was in a hurry." The speaker helped Yoku to her feet and suddenly ran off to the village before Yoku could say: "That's alright."
"There was something familiar about him…" Yoku said to herself suspiciously. Shrugging her shoulders Yoku made her way toward the village. Maybe someone there knew where to find Lloyd.
Yoku had no idea that after her visit here, her life and everything else would be different; forever…
Not bad for a first chapter eh? I know what you're thinking? How are Lloyd's and Yoku's lives going to be affected by Yoku visiting Iselia?
Who is that masked swordsman? Sorry I forgot the part about Yoku's client being a swordsman…and I was lazy…
Please keep checking for………..CHAPTER TWO: DAY OF PHROPHESY!