Thorns of a White Rose's Longings

by DrippingInk

Discontinued! To be removed. Check profile. The Journey of Regeneration begins, but Raine Sage's mentality appears to be elsewhere. Will she do her duty of protecting the Chosen or wander down the path of her own longings?

1. On the Day of Prophecy

THORNS OF A WHITE ROSE'S LONGINGS
Chapter 1: On the Day of Prophecy

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Yesterday she was Raine. Today she was Professor Sage.

There she stood in the middle of the kitchen, clueless as to where she had put the frying pan the night before after washing the dishes. She looked around the room and sighed to herself. Monday mornings were her least favourite time of the week because it indicated that another lengthy week with her students was about to commence. Raine certainly loved to teach her students, but she knew that her current condition was more than likely turning them away and upsetting them. She sighed unintentionally.

Because she was one of the tallest and most intelligent elves in the village of Iselia, many children looked up to her as a role model. It made Raine feel happy in that she had achieved something, but at the same time she was unsure of whether she wanted them to chase the soles of her shoes, which had been a confusing path and one that she could not even entirely remember; was that to be envied? She had far too many questions for one human lifetime to answer and let alone comprehend, so she oftentimes kept her musings to herself and rarely confided in her younger brother Genis, whom she was thankful for having by her side. He was very wise for the age of twelve, and everybody knew he was special; however, Raine never treated him better or worse than the other students. Equality was the best solution, in her opinion.

"Raine! What are you doing now?" came Genis' voice from behind Raine. Startled, she spun around, covering her heart.

"Oh…! Genis, I'm sorry!" exclaimed Raine. She removed her hand from her heart and folded her arms. "I was just thinking. Today is the Day of Prophecy, you know. It looks like it is going to be one of the longest days of Colette's life. I hope the priests can accompany her without issue." She sighed again, and returned her gaze to the rest of the kitchen. "I really hope nothing unfortunate happens today…" She lowered her voice as she talked to herself.

Genis was nervous. "Listen Raine, since the beginning of the month, you've neglected the topic of the Chosen in class. You've been obsessively worried about someone or something and now you're talking to yourself day-in and day-out. How do you think this makes me feel? I can't ignore the fact that my sister is possibly afraid of Colette's future. I mean, at this point, that's the only logical assumption. I have no idea what else to wonder. I want you to calm down." Genis walked out of the room and retrieved his knapsack.

"Are you going to school? It's not 8:00 AM yet," Raine asked her brother suspiciously. "And did you eat breakfast? I've been standing here for a while and didn't see you eat your cereal or pancakes."

As if he was expecting it, Genis turned around to face his sister. "I told you to calm down! Really, calm down! Still I can't put my finger on what's bugging you, but you should be rest-assured that I ate my breakfast while you were staring up at the chandelier. Yes, the chandelier. The same one we've owned since I was… I don't know how old. I'm going to study with some of the guys that require some additional help before the exam on the Chosen next week. Don't forget to make it very hard, Raine."

Raine scratched her neck. "It's Professor Sage! You are not allowed to call me by my name on the weekdays. You know this."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't be late for class, professor."

As Genis started walking toward the schoolhouse, Raine peered outside the window. She knew he was right about her nervousness and that something seemed out of place. Even Raine couldn't explain it to herself and she tried to calm herself down by boiling a mug of fresh tea. Her nervous system was easily soothed following a boiling drink of her favourite beverage, and she had little trouble controlling herself for the remainder of the day. She was positive that it was going to be a good Monday, regardless of whether or not it was the Day of Prophecy, the day that the Chosen would have to accept the Oracle and begin the dangerous Journey of Regeneration. It was the legendary journey that had never been accomplished, failed seven times before by beautiful young women who had resided in Iselia. Colette would be Iselia's eighth Chosen, and she was also a carefree young woman. She was not as beautiful as the previous Chosens, though, which everybody was aware of.

In the distance Raine could see the schoolchildren gathering at the schoolhouse. It was almost 9:00 AM. Where did the time go, she had wanted to know, but had no time to wonder about ineffective considerations. Her students were waiting and there was a lot to teach on this day. There was a possibility that she would have to cancel the lunch period in order to complete the day's curriculum, even though she knew there'd be many complaints. That was not for her to deal with, and was instead the city's, so she took pleasure in to all the decisions she made. Locking her front door, Raine quickly scanned a visual list in her head. When she was finished, she ran to the schoolhouse and cheerfully greeted all the waiting students.

"Isn't it a lovely Monday? Not something you'd hear from me often!" Raine cried when everybody was seated. The class emitted a tranquil chuckle. The professor smiled. "Now then, who can tell me what today is?"

Hands began to shoot into the air. Raine reacted pricelessly and said, "My, my, we've been studying quite excellently lately, yes. I am impressed. But in all fairness, I believe that it is only acceptable for the Chosen to inform the world of today's important event. Colette, please rise."

The sixteen-year-old blonde nodded and complied. Her eyes were blue and matched portions of her vest, which was also partly cream-coloured. "Today is the Day of Prophecy. On this day the Chosen of Mana must accept the Oracle at the Cathedral of Martel. Here, the Chosen will undergo what is known as the Trial. Once this Trial is completed—it is said to be very basic—the Chosen is to start the Journey of Regeneration, which will take her and a few companions on a difficult quest across the country of Sylvarant. The boundaries beyond Iselia are great and not few like some assume."

Colette returned to her seat and the class applauded her. Raine nodded to approve of her story. "You would expect the Chosen herself to be able to tell such a magical tale. Colette is right and she will have to accept the Oracle sometime today. It is not known at what time it will choose to appear—some say it is random and occurs without warning, but the most common theory is that the Oracle begins in the afternoon after a specific event. This 'specific event' has never been verified, but is no doubt still being studied today. I can only imagine the kind of philosophies and speculation the professors and scientists in Asgard and Palmacosta are coming up, especially as of late. But it is of little knowledge—and concern—to us. We will begin with today's lesson, which is an overview of the issue that is currently inflicting all of Sylvarant. Who can tell me what this is?"

Genis raised his hand, but Raine chose Megan to answer the question.

"Well!" Megan rose from her seat. Her hair was sharply red and almost eye-blinding. Her eyes were brown and she wore jeans and a plain white t-shirt. "The Desians are the critical problem in Sylvarant right now. They appeared and disappeared for reasons that were never disclosed by the Palmacosta laboratory. Suddenly, they were in Sylvarant again! Can you believe the nerve of those ugly"—her peers, including Genis, were taken back by the startling unexpected change in expression and tone—"beings and their unorthodox patterns? Sometimes I wish they had never come to Sylvarant."

"Please remain on topic!" Raine exclaimed irritably.

Megan turned to look at the professor. "Huh? Oh! Right, sorry, Professor Sage. Anyway, so the Desians have this knack—this thing—for interrupting the Chosen's Journey of Regeneration. They try and kill her and her companions and they try a bunch of other harmful things to damage the land. No Desian has any heart! From what the common people know, it appears that the goal of the Desians is to eliminate every Chosen so that the journey goes unsuccessful and salvation is not achieved! …Speaking of which, Professor Sage, could you explain once again how the Tower of Salvation comes into view? The story's more intriguing than most of what you teach us."

Although Raine became irritated with Megan's last comment, a lot of the class seemed interested in being taught about the Tower of Salvation again. At a loss of what to say, she responded, "Absolutely! I enjoy the subject myself and if it wastes some time, then we might as well get on with it. Listen carefully, here."

The class paid close attention.

"The Tower of Salvation appears after the Chosen of Mana accepts the Oracle. It is somewhat of a blessing on the world of Sylvarant. As long as the journey progresses without error or interruption, then the tower will remain defunct, but certainly not useless. As every seal of Mana is released, the Tower of Salvation grows stronger in power and begins to exude a special fragment of indescribable Mana. Most are indescribable, and even consultants and professionals have a very difficult time determining what they are. One theory even hinted that the Mana is not accessible, which attracted my attention. We can discuss this on a different day, however. Anyway, each time the Chosen has failed to complete the journey, the Tower then vanishes from the Eastern sky. From there it does not reappear until the next Chosen of Mana is legible to accept her task and the Oracle. That could be a very long time. The first seven Chosens were born within two thousand years of each other, but Colette was not born until two thousand years after the seventh Chosen's death. This totals nearly four thousand years. There have been eight Chosens in the last four millenniums."

Megan raised her hand. "Was the journey different back then in terms of geography? Was it the absolute same route taken today?" she asked.

Raine nodded. "Indeed. It may seem confusing, but even as new towns began to develop, the Chosen of Mana's primary trail hasn't changed. Essentially, as the Chosens trace the paths of the former Chosens, history is also being traced. There are four known seals that have to be released, and each is located in a different corner of Sylvarant. All are spread out and very unique. It has been passed down that the final seal actually morphed through time; I am unsure of how this could happen, of course, unless there was a huge consumption of mana. The stories are nothing but interesting for those who grew up studying them night and day. Colette will embark on the same path taken. This is because the majority of the Chosens including Spiritua were Iselia-born natives." She clasped her hands.

Genis stood up. "Professor Sage, if Colette does not accept the Oracle, what happens?"

Instantly the class began an avid discussion. This impressed Raine and she thanked her younger brother.

"A fine question, Genis!" she shouted loudly enough to capture everybody's attention. "The Oracle is a test, in reality. As Colette already mentioned, it is known as the Trial. She will have to pass this Trial to accept the Oracle from Heaven. Now it is nothing but the easiest of tests, as the priests have convinced me. Should the Chosen fail to accept the Oracle… then it will be a dark time. Colette will be banished from Iselia for being fainthearted and a failure before the Journey of Regeneration itself. However, like I said, it is not a hard test and Colette should be fine. It is designed especially to test the current Chosen and possesses somewhat of an aura that detects her personality and traditions. I would assume animals will be involved." The Professor chuckled. "I would only assume!"

Colette smiled at her teacher.

"Okay class," Professor Sage continued. "Because it is one of the most important days in Sylvarant history, I will assign no homework tonight. You are, of course, expected to study for Thursday's exam and the P.E. administration will be attending one of the upcoming town hall seminars. Yes, they are attending again. Martel have mercy on all of us." She sighed, remembering the papers she would have to sort through that evening. It wasn't easy being one of the town's only teachers; it meant a lot of community involvement, which frequently exhausted her patience. She shook her head and returned her gaze to the classroom.

"It is time for the Chosen of Mana to explain the trajectory. Most of the class should already know this quite in-depth, but it's good to hear the details from the one who will experience it up close and personally!" Raine asked Colette to stand behind the teacher's desk and use the map of Sylvarant as a guide. "Also, I'd like everyone to take notes; we might have a surprise pop quiz sometime this or next week. A shame it'd be to fail immediately following the celebrated event itself. Yes, yes. Colette, please begin." Raine took a seat at the Chosen's desk.

Colette introduced herself as the Chosen of Mana and waved at the students at the back of the class. "Okay, it begins with the trek to the south. Most people have nicknamed this 'due south' because the path is directly forward and is not interrupted unless the group chooses to travel elsewhere for whatever reason. Once the Chosen has reached the Triet Desert and the town of Triet, they must search for the Ruins. They are very big and familiar to residents of the region. I for one cannot wait to see them! Anyway, the Triet Ruins hold the Seal of Fire, which is the first seal to be released. After this, the Chosen and her group must head to the continent of Palmacosta. They get to visit the legendary city if they want to and release the second seal, the Seal of Water, near the Thoda Geyser. This is, as you all know, one of Sylvarant's leading tourist attractions. I am quite interested in seeing it myself and will take pictures for everybody." The class cheered expectantly. Raine did not say anything.

"The rest of the trajectory is not to my knowledge, believe it or not. I think the group's before us lost the remaining route and only elves could retrace it by imprinting some sort of technology into the paths. What was it called again, Professor Sage?" Colette began playing with her fingers. She looked afraid.

Raine walked up to the map. "It's called magitechnology!" the Professor exclaimed irritably. "And I really thought… I did retrace the remaining portion of the trajectory? I… why didn't it come out properly? Hmm… where's my head been at lately?" She took out a metre stick from behind the blackboard and began to analyze her data. She looked very confused and the class hadn't seen her like this in the longest of times. But Genis didn't act surprised.

"You know, you've been misplacing a lot of things lately, Rai—Professor Sage! I don't understand myself. For all you know, she might've not completed it." He sighed. "You never know, so don't be too pushy."

Raine looked at her younger brother. She was all about equality. And she knew that.

"Listen here Genis, we will not be insulting others in the classroom, whether it is a student or whether it is your teacher. Now please hush your mouth and do not disturb the lesson again!" The Professor was infuriated, but tried not to showcase too many signs of anger. It was not her typical method. "Colette is to embark on a very special adventure by tomorrow morning. After she departs, it will be some time before the world is saved. But as long as she is successful and the village of Iselia has faith in her, everything will be okay. We don't need a traced map in order to find the path—Spiritua almost completed the journey without losing her life. It would have made a fascinating story to tell the world. It is too bad she died in the process."

A hand rose from the back of the class.

"Yes… Lloyd?" Raine asked. She wasn't happy with her selection.

"What if Colette does complete the Journey of Regeneration?" Lloyd asked willingly. He ascended from his seat and began to use his hands as makeshifts for various items. "Will she, like, go down in Sylvarant history or something? Just imagine it now: an Iselian parade for the first Chosen of Mana! Do you think something like that could happen, Professor? Or will it be documented and that's it? 'Cuz that would be lame and no fun at all."

Professor Sage shook her head. She wasn't dissatisfied, but an even more expectant question could have been asked by Lloyd.

"You see, Lloyd… this journey has many ups and downs, and if Colette succeeds like you predict, then you're probably right; she'll be famous in her own right for a few years and maybe longer if a new Chosen is not born. Personally, I would think that a new Chosen is not born anytime following the success since 'salvation' would have to occur for a few decades first." The Professor turned to look at Colette, smiling. "I'm positive that if Colette completes the Journey of Regeneration, there would be a lot to celebrate for quite a while. For example, you would receive less homework for one month's time."

Raine laughed and proceeded to sit down in her seat. She asked Colette to return to her desk.

Suddenly, an incredibly bright light flashed in the room. Mystical sounds were radiated from it.

"Everybody!" the Professor stood rapidly. "Listen to me now: it is time for the Oracle to take place. I didn't realize that so much time had passed since this morning"—the clock read 1:30 PM—"and I would like you all to stay here and study until 3:10. When it is time, you may dismiss yourselves. I am going to go ahead to the cathedral and make sure that everything is in order. I will not return until dark, so I'll see you tomorrow." As Raine headed for the door, she looked at Colette. "It'd be preferable if you stayed here until the priests came to collect you, my Chosen. We wouldn't want you to make an early entrance, especially if the Angels are not prepared to descend from heaven. Everybody, for the time being, please protect Colette." The Professor exited the room with alacrity.

Genis got out of his seat and rushed over to Colette. "Isn't it funny to think that after sixteen years it's time for you to undergo the Trial of the Chosen? I'm so happy for you!" He hugged her and she smiled in return.

Lloyd also approached. "I'm… so happy for you too, Colette. Uh, I… can't wait 'til you regenerate the world. You're going to do a good job."

As Colette and Lloyd were about to share a hug, a redheaded girl popped up between them. "Ohhhh, Colette! This is moronically exciting, yes? I can't control myself and all I wanna do is jump all over you!" It was Megan performing her emblematic exhilaration. The Chosen smiled at her enthusiasm, but clearly knew that it was going to be more than fun and games, something she was not accustomed to. Megan continued to jump over Colette.

"You really know how to crash somebody's party!" fumed Lloyd. He had a particular dislike for Megan and her obnoxiousness. When they were paired up to complete a physical project on ancient Palmacosta, Megan accidentally "fell" onto her table and crushed the entire model. They received a very low grade for their concoction, and Lloyd was evidently vexed because Palmacosta was one of the few school-related topics that actually interested him. He insisted that they never be paired up again and Raine complied.

Megan wouldn't stop hugging Colette. She kept praising her ability to not cry whenever she fell on the ground or injured herself badly. Finally, Colette had to ask her to let go and that everybody in the class deserved an embrace from her. The redhead looked at her as though she didn't understand, but shrugged. "Well if you want it, then you get it. After all, I'm too certain that we're not going to be seeing your face around here for a long while, which will disappoint"—she spun around to see Lloyd—"most of us, dearly. She's gonna be fine." Megan walked away.

Lloyd stared at Colette blankly. "Um… why did she have to say that?" He hung his head.

"Just ignore her. You're strong, Lloyd! If there's anything that you do that's right, you don't make me nervous. I like you for that. It's like you have a gift of some sort." Colette had moved up to him and was trying her best to give the impression of being innocent. "What does Megan know? Her father probably paid her to say that!" The two of them began laughing. "Now let's get ready for what's to come. I really don't want to have to accept the Oracle—I'd rather complete my studies with you, Genis and Megan. Yes, I would."

At the mention of Megan, Lloyd stepped back. "You want to study with her?"

Colette chuckled. "I would rather study with her than undergo the Trial of the Chosen. You would too."

"I would?" Lloyd's eyes glittered.

Quickly, Colette turned away from him. "Wait," she whispered. She looked back at Lloyd. "I wasn't serious. No, I mean… Lloyd, I don't think you should actually accompany me to the cathedral. Oh, what would Raine say about that? You know how angry she becomes when her instructions are not properly followed." She gave Lloyd another hug. "I'm not suggesting anything, okay? Stay here and be good."

A smile came to Lloyd's face. "When did I think of it that way? Colette, you're right as rain sometimes. And sometimes you're goofy. Both make me happy. It's all part of that beloved exterior—" He was interrupted by a staggering bright light that filled the room in a similar fashion to the prior light. It glared deeply.

"That's the signal, I'm pretty sure," revealed Colette to the class. "If a second light appears after the first, it indicates that the priests are unable… to reach me." She looked worried. "Oh… that's not a good thing. Could those monsters have gotten them in the field?" Discussion broke out amongst the students and some began asking Colette questions of which she couldn't answer, the majority concerning the result of the Journey of Regeneration and others—those who did not like her much—if she would survive the crucial adventure. Taken back by their harmful words, she ran out of the classroom.

"So that's what I am!" Colette exclaimed. She sank against the wall. "I'm nothing to them but someone who will save their lives from misfortune…" She sighed and stood up again. "Well, I have to get to the cathedral. I'll be going myself, then." As Colette exited the schoolhouse, she heard voices coming from behind her. It was Lloyd and Genis, and behind them she saw Megan.

Lloyd took Colette's hands into his. "We can't let you go by yourself, especially now that the Priests aren't coming. The Chosen needs protection, like Professor Sage said."

Genis nodded. "We want to come with you. It's our responsibility to ensure that the Chosen begins the Journey of Regeneration. Is that okay, Colette?"

Smiling, Colette nodded. "Let's go."

The Martel Cathedral was large, but exuded an unpleasant aura and a sense of misjudgment. Professor Sage and Phaidra—Colette's grandmother—were relieved when they saw the Chosen and a number of her friends ascending the many stairs to arrive at the entrance, where they were waiting. Raine was slightly confused and made different faces as she realized that three of her students were with the Chosen. She sighed, but decided not to bother with them at the moment; she knew that there was a very important Trial that had to be completed, and would require the help of many. Phaidra was not surprised to see Lloyd, Genis and Megan since they were all good friends of Colette's.

"I am thankful that you brought my granddaughter, the Chosen, safely," said Phaidra almost calmly. "After the Priests were killed by the Desians… I have nothing else to say. It's a pity that some find it acceptable to refuse salvation and execute it from the lives of so many. I would appreciate it if you go into this cathedral together"—she looked at Raine—"and successfully complete the Trial. Raine, you are permitted access to all the markings and surroundings. But please, try not to interfere with this Trial."

The professor nodded. "Indeed I will not. Currently, this Trial is more imperative than what I want to study." Lloyd and Genis wondered if she was telling the truth.

"Please go from here now," Phaidra instructed. "Be aware and careful."

Upon entrance, Raine stared at Colette and her entourage. "The priests may have been attacked, and it was bold of you to escort the Chosen here… but did you think of your own place? Genis? Megan? All of you, there could be something dangerous ahead. We don't want trouble and what do you think your parents would say about this silliness? I feel guilty already. Why were those priests so careless?" She moved her gaze to the artifacts resting throughout the main room and the corridors. The structure was built from a very outstanding form of magitechnology, one that was not known to Raine.

"Suggest the thought of Colette dying in the field?" Megan asked harshly.

Raine spun around. "Do not say something like that again! How could you even think like that?" She crossed her arms and shook her head. "You need to be going now. I'm sure the Trial won't take all that long. It's not a lengthy process. Get going! Get going!"

As Lloyd guided Colette and the others down a narrow passageway, Raine started to have mixed feelings about the success of the Trial. Even if Colette accepted the Oracle from heaven, would the journey itself prove an overwhelming sensation or a disaster parallel to that of the ones from long ago? It was becoming a trend for the professor to bother herself with questions that did not require an answer; was it haste or was it mere frustration of seeking something that was forthcoming? She could not comprehend her own beliefs and thoughts and eventually shut them out of her mind. Concentrating on her studies, Raine explored the depths of the cathedral.

There were ancient scriptures on the ceiling and walls. Raine knew it was written in the olden language of the Balacrufs, wind creatures who had established their markings on the earth's soil long before the evolution of elves and humans began. It is rumoured that humans are an evolved form of the Balacruf, but researchers were unable to verify the information. The professor always believed that she was descended from this race, though Genis found it peculiar for her to suggest such an unusual conviction.

Another theory of researchers was that Angels were in fact not an individual and unique species, but something of trickery featured in magic. The cathedral emanated the same type of conspiracy. Raine found it to be suspicious, even to her career-raved intelligence and logic. There wasn't much debate she could offer because of her profession, which resulted in long hours and exhausted motivation by the year's end. Hopefully, she would prevail over her own hatred and assume affection for the occupation and the doors she could open someday. But right now, she was focused on the mysteries of the cathedral.

It wasn't long before she could hear the voices of Colette and Lloyd screaming from a basement chamber. Worried, Professor Sage made her way down a flight of stairs to find Colette, Genis and Lloyd battling an enormous ogre. Megan was standing on top of a brown block the size of the classroom desk and was shooting magic from a kendama, one that seemed more than simply distinctive to Genis' kendama. Before she had the opportunity to help out, Genis shot a multitude of fireballs at the enemy. He was obliterated within seconds and transformed into a brown block.

They must have fought a few already Raine assumed.

"I think we can attain the Sorcerer's Ring!" Megan cried. She put the kendama away. "After pushing this down to the lowest level, we can cross all the obstacles without any more problems. Come on, everyone."

The Sorcerer's Ring held enchanting magic to a certain degree; it expelled a blazing fire that could tear destroy the most terrifying momentarily. It could also convert its magic into a different element, including water and wind, two seals Colette predicted would have to be pursued on the Journey of Regeneration. With the legendary and mythical stone in their hands, it would be no issue trying to open the top-most door that would take them to the altar. There, an Angel would appear and bestow the journey's beginning on the Chosen. It was making Colette more excited by the second, though she knew that she'd have to behave appropriately before the Angel. Lloyd put the ring on his finger and commented on how stylish it was for something that had existed for over two centuries. The others—especially Megan—agreed.

"With this in possession, we can open the main room's gigantic door. This will take us to the altar… uh, I think," Colette said cheerfully. She admired the symbolic figure of the past and proceeded back to the first room. She said hello to the Professor on the way, who smiled.

It wasn't long before everybody arrived at the altar. Because Raine was present in the cathedral, she found it appropriate to experience the Trial's result. After teaching the subject for a few months, she herself was wondering if it was truly a spectacle not to be missed. She quietly followed the fellowship in their pursuit.

They teleported to an upper level.

Lloyd examined his surroundings, impressed with the statues that sat beside most of the windows. He said, "Colette… it feels so eerie. At the same time, it feels like there's a ghost or something watching us. Now that we've used the Sorcerer's Ring to get up here, what else do we have to do? I think we've reached the top floor since there's an altar right there. What do you have to do in order to call the Angel?"

Suddenly, a light started shimmering from above.

"Or it could be that the Angel acknowledges Colette's presence," Genis and Megan said together.

The Chosen nodded. "After the Trial is completed, the Angel becomes aware of this; they are soon sent down to reveal some of the path that the Chosen and her companions will embark on. The rest of the journey is… well, figured out by them with the lack of an Angel's guidance," Colette explained. She beamed at the thought of completing the Journey of Regeneration without the help from one who knew about the process.

An Angel appeared in place of the glittering light, which made everybody, including Raine, gasp. It was a three-metre tall male with a signature halo hovering above his head. As he descended closer and closer to the altar, vibrating sounds began rising in volume throughout the cathedral. The statues beside the walls were disappearing and replaced with staffs of different colours: blue, green, orange, red, pink, and yellow. A mythical aura filled the room as the Angel touched upon the altar, making everybody nervous, though they attempted not to make it obvious. It was not the same from the cathedral's other rooms; this was the only one that held an unpleasing yet spectacular ambiance. Finally, the aura vanished and the Angel began speaking in an assuring, soft voice.

"The Chosen of Mana… you are the Chosen, the next Chosen that will venture over harsh mountains, deep oceans and rancid sandstorms to bring about salvation in the world of Sylvarant. It is time for it to begin, to embark on the journey to save the world, virtually one way or another." The Angel raised his hands in the air. "A physical challenge and definitely an emotional experience. This will be a task, and it's something the Chosen of Mana has been training for all their life. And this time, it is Colette… the girl who was born with the Cruxis Crystal in the palm of her hand." He spoke quickly and in an almost overly-terrifically tone.

Colette was slightly perplexed. Did all Angels speak this way?

"I am the Chosen of Mana who will succeed in the Journey of Regeneration!" she introduced herself. "I am hoping to make you proud as you direct us through all of Sylvarant. Please place the blessing of everything, to the people the sole resemblance of recovery—the Tower of Salvation—in the centre of the world." Genis and Megan turned to look out the window, and almost seconds later, an everlasting stronghold appeared in the most dangerous part of the world. It extended into the sky and demonstrated no signs of peaking. It amazed even Raine, whose gaze was stolen by the tower.

"Chosen… you will begin your journey by heading to the south, where sandstorms rage and the heat is overwhelming. You must take care of yourself," the Angel explained. "Release the Seal of Fire, where you will obtain the power of the Angels—not all of them, but some. If you reach the pinnacle of this journey, you will become a true Angel, Colette!"

Some discussion broke out amongst Genis and Megan. Lloyd asked the Angel, "I have a question. Is it true that you're Colette's real father?"

Immediately, Colette's eyes looked into the Angel's. "Oh yes, that's right. I'd forgotten to ask that of you. I've always really wanted to know if that's been a rumour all these years or… the truth," she said uncomfortably. "Are you really my father? Are you the motivation… well, that probably sounded harsh. I'm sorry. But are you the reason I became the… Chosen of Mana? And is it true that you're also the father of the first Chosen, Spiritua? Everybody knows her name." She smiled and awaited a response.

The Angel smiled. "My name is Remiel… head for the south where you will find the Seal of Fire… Colette, my beloved daughter."

Colette's eyes perked up. "F-father! …So you really are my father!"

However, Remiel disappeared a moment later.

Megan turned to Colette and screamed. "Oh, oh my! I can't believe after all these years you've finally discovered who your father is! What was his name? Remiel? Yeah, Remiel! Isn't this simply the best moment of your life? You must feel flattered to have met the man who was responsible for your birth as the Chosen of Mana!" She took her shoulders and began to press on them unintentionally, as she screamed, "I can't believe that I was in the presence of an Angel! This is one of the best moments of my life too!" Megan danced around the room and made her way onto the altar, which was still shimmering, but there was no reaction to her measures and what she was doing.

"This is something, I'll say," Genis said reluctantly. "I think we should be returning to Iselia now. It's almost dark and there's supposed to be a meeting at Phaidra's house tonight, isn't that right?"

Raine looked at her younger brother. "T-that's right. Let's be going."

Still mesmerized by her encounter, Megan didn't exit the room for another few minutes. Eventually, Raine had to threaten her with a magic spell in order to make her move to the lower level. The rest of the group found this humorous since the professor rarely used her magic to command somebody, especially one of her favourite—and frenzied—students. They exited the cathedral hastily.

"Now that we're outside," explained Raine, "I'd like to comment on the success: all of you did a splendid job, though some of you shouldn't have been here." She glared at her brother, Lloyd and Megan. "But that is above the point, I guess. You did good, all of you. Colette, I'd like you to head home and once you reveal your accomplishment to Phaidra and everybody else, prepare the meeting with the Mayor. Megan, please head home and I will see you tomorrow morning. Lloyd, please head home and I'll see you tomorrow too. Finally, head home Genis. See you in a while, okay?" Raine was being demanding without realizing it.

Megan nodded. "See you tomorrow professor." The others said goodnight and went on their way.

"I'll arrive at your house shortly, Colette," Professor Sage said to her student. "I need to retrieve some materials from my home first. Then I need to lock up the schoolhouse for the evening. I'll be there after."

Raine sighed. How would she tell the village of Iselia that she would have to close the schoolhouse for a couple months? Additionally, how would she tell them that she was going to join the group of the Journey of Regeneration?

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AUTHOR'S NOTES: My first story in the Tales of Symphonia section. I hope it's successful and that you liked this chapter. More to come soon.