A/N: I own nothing Tales of Symphonia. It belongs to Namco and all the creators and blah blah. Anyway, this story is only my second Dawn of the New World fanfic, so please bear with me. Also, sorry for not updating my other stories for a while. My job keeps me pretty busy, and I have an unpredictable schedule at times.

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

Vanguard's Bitter End

Chapter 1

It was a fairly clear day, just a few days after Emil had returned to Marta in Palmacosta unexpectedly, when the two walked into the small village of Mizuho. They had come to the unique town to catch up with Sheena and find out what their friends were currently up to.

Lloyd happened to be there as well, taking a small break from his Exsphere Journey with Colette. He was the first to greet the two teenagers, both surprised and happy to see the blonde-haired, green-eyed boy again. He told them, "Hi, Emil! Hi, Marta! How are you two doing?"

Marta answered first, never one to remain quiet for very long, "I'm fine, Lloyd. How is the journey going for you and Colette?"

Emil responded, "I'm doing great, Lloyd. Thanks for asking. Yeah, how are things between you two?"

Lloyd blushed almost as red as his shirt and answered, "Oh, umm…they're fine. We're married now if you didn't know. It was about…two days ago."

Sheena spoke up from behind them, having been listening to the small conversation. She told them, "Yeah, it's too bad you two missed the wedding. It was really a beautiful ceremony, although, it was small and private with only friends in attendance." She sighed all dreamy-like then cleared her throat to regain her composure.

Not long after that, the redhead Chosen of Tethe'alla, Zelos, walked up and asked Lloyd, "So Lloyd, how is it to be married to Colette? The sex good?"

Lloyd's blush deepened and he shouted at Zelos in response, offended by his questioning, "None of your business!" He then calmed down a bit and turned to Emil and Marta. He asked the two of them, "So…is everything okay with you two?"

Marta smiled and answered, "Never better, Lloyd. Thank you for asking." She snuggled up against Emil's chest, then stood on her tiptoes and planted a chaste kiss on his mouth, eliciting a blush from the blonde boy.

Emil responded, "Y-yeah, things are…really great."

Lloyd asked, "Emil, if you don't mind my asking, how are you back anyway?"

Emil sighed, "It's a long story, and I'd like to spend some time alone with Marta before she turns herself in if you don't mind."

Sheena blinked, "Well, we don't mind, but…why would Marta need to turn herself into the authorities?"

Marta sighed and told them all, "Well…I was with the Vanguard for a while and…"

Lloyd sighed and told her, "Marta, we can vouch for you to the authorities that you always opposed the Vanguard. You may have been with them at one time, but I think you probably had good reason for that. Don't go throwing away your freedom out of a sense of guilt for what your father did."

Emil nodded, "I think Lloyd's right, Marta. You don't have to do this."

Zelos added, "Yeah, what they said, and children shouldn't have to pay for the mistakes of their parents. I already told you that, Marta. So why is it that you insist on turning yourself in for your father's actions?"

Marta replied, "I…"

Emil said, "I think I understand where Marta's coming from. She's lonely and misses having her father around. Am I right, Marta?" He questioned, glancing down at the girl.

Marta responded, "Well…yes." She couldn't hide the truth. She missed having her father around because he provided a sense of security and family that she really couldn't get from Lloyd and the others…at least, not yet.

Emil told her, "You don't need to feel lonely, Marta. I'm here for you." He said, speaking his mind boldly without worrying about what anyone else said. This was a far cry from what he had been like when they first started out.

Marta managed a small smile and nodded, "Yeah, that's true. I guess…I still feel a little guilty for killing Alice too."

Lloyd spoke up, his voice a little shaky as he remembered the time he had to kill Marble to protect himself and Genis, "Marta…I don't know the details of what happened, but I'm sure you had good reason for taking her life. Otherwise you wouldn't have."

Sheena walked up to Lloyd and placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him as the memory replayed itself in his mind. When it passed, Lloyd shrugged her off and looked at the two, "Well, what are you two going to do now?"

Emil answered, "We're going to head to the Gaoracchia Forest actually. I heard that it's a really interesting and creepy place."

Marta smiled, "And really small and private too, so…yeah, we're going in there to spend time alone with each other. See ya later Lloyd, Sheena. Come on, Emil!" She grabbed his hand and began to drag him away from Lloyd and Sheena, but he stopped her from dragging him and the two walked hand-in-hand.

Lloyd looked like he was about to say something, but by the time he was going to say it, the two were already in the forest.

Zelos spoke up, "Hmm? Something wrong, Bud?"

Lloyd responded, "I guess you didn't hear the reports from the Mizuho scouts, but…supposedly there are a few Vanguard members left that are camping out in Gaoracchia Forest. I was going to warn those two, but they left before I got a chance to tell them."

Sheena got a worried look on her face when she heard that.

Colette walked up just then. She noticed the concerned expressions on everyone's faces and asked, "Lloyd, Zelos, and Sheena, what's going on?"

Zelos answered, "Emil and Marta just went into Gaoracchia Forest, where there's supposedly some Vanguard activity. Sure hope they know what they're doing."

Colette replied, "I'm sure they'll be fine. Emil's really strong."

Lloyd spoke up again, "Maybe…but if they're outnumbered they could still get hurt." He began to walk towards the archway leading into the village, keeping an eye out and an ear open for anything that seemed out of the ordinary.

Colette followed him, determined not to leave his side.

Sheena went back into the chief's house, getting changed out of her chief outfit and into her battle outfit just in case Emil and Marta did need help.

Meanwhile, in the Gaoracchia Forest, Emil and Marta had found a clearing with a single tree to spend some time alone in.

Emil was, for now, listening to Marta talk about how happy she was for Lloyd and Colette, and express how much she was looking forward to her own wedding one day. As he listened, the blonde swordsman thought he heard the sound of a snapping twig and stood to his feet, cutting Marta off. He asked, looking around the glen warily, "Hello? Is someone there?"

Marta blinked, "Emil…what's wrong? Did you hear something?" She snapped to attention and began to look around as well, wondering what could have caused Emil to just suddenly jump up like that.

Kylie, a young girl of about 18 with long black hair and deep blue eyes, stood in the single tree above the pair. Not wanting to get caught, she backed up against the trunk to stay hidden from view. She muttered, "Come on kids…nothing here to see." She would have to wait until Emil and Marta were once again engaged in conversation before continuing with her plan to kill the girl who had formerly been on their side.

Once Emil realized that there was nothing there, he gave a bit of sigh and turned to Marta, "Sorry for interrupting you, Marta…but I was sure I heard something."

Marta responded, "Maybe you're still a little on edge from having Ratatosk inside you for so long."

Emil smiled and gave a little nervous chuckle, "Heh, yeah…that must be it. Anyway, what were you saying?" He asked, looking back at Marta, waiting for her to continue.

Marta told him, "Oh, umm…" She thought a moment, then nodded, "I was just saying that I think any kids that Lloyd and Colette have will be really cute. Don't you think so?"

Emil smiled and nodded, "Yeah, really cute. And when they grow up, they'll be really handsome, or really pretty, depending on if they're boys or girls." He chuckled a little, nervous about what Marta might say next.

Kylie, noticing that Emil and Marta were distracted again, began to edge her way out onto a branch that hung just above Marta. She was getting poised to attack the girl. She muttered to herself, "So perfect…just keep talking like that, yes."

Emil thought he heard her again and looked around, "What's that?"

Marta asked, "What's what, Emil? Do you hear something again?"

Emil shrugged, "I don't know. I thought I heard a voice…but I could just be hearing things." He looked around and asked again, "Hello?"

Kylie stayed quiet and as still as a statue. She couldn't afford to get caught, not when she was so close to completing her revenge for Alice.

Emil sighed, "Well, I guess it was just my imagination again. Sorry, Marta."

Marta laughed, "No, that's all right Emil. You don't need to apologize."

Kylie smirked, "All right, perfect. Here I go!" She muttered to herself as she sprang onto a lower branch, getting ready to pounce on Marta.

Emil was still very aware of his environment and sensed her movement. He glanced around warily, "I feel like we're being watched Marta."

Marta nodded, "Yeah, me too. I wonder who it could be though."

Emil shrugged, "I don't know."

Kylie gulped. Emil was too close to figuring out that she was there, so she jumped off the branch and was about to stab Marta. However, sunlight reflected off her short sword and Emil noticed the reflection.

When he noticed that the girl was about to harm Marta, he jumped in the way, too late to be able to block the blow with his sword but still wanting to protect Marta. Kylie's short sword went through his back and she continued to stab him. Not wanting Marta harmed, Emil shoved her away from himself as the weapon came out his stomach. He told Marta, "M-Marta…Run!"

Marta stood there in shock and worry, concerned for Emil's well-being.

He gave a rough cough as Kylie twisted the sword in his gut, a horrible squelching sound echoing in Marta's ears, and said, "You get in my way, you pay the price, blondie!" She then pulled the sword out and shoved Emil to the ground, about to go after Marta again. However, she found herself stopped by the boy, who was gripping her ankle with a surprisingly strong grip for someone who had just been stabbed.

Emil shouted, "Marta…hurry and run! P-please…" Blood flowed freely from the wounds on his back and stomach. He was afraid that he would lose her if she didn't go…and he could barely stand up now because of the wounds on his body.

Tears filled Marta's eyes and she shouted back, shakily, "B-but Emil…!"

Emil insisted, not wanting her hurt as well, "Go…hurry!" He winced as Kylie managed to kick him off of her and slashed his right side with her short sword.

Marta gulped, but nodded, "Okay, I'll go get some help! Hang in there, Emil. Please!" She took out her spinner, but then turned and ran. She was going to get Lloyd, Sheena and Zelos. Hopefully, one of them would send word to Raine to meet them in Mizuho to heal Emil from his encounter. As she got to the entrance to Mizuho, she panted hard, and was also still a little pale from the shock of what happened to Emil. She then noticed Lloyd and said, "Lloyd! Help, please!"

Lloyd couldn't help but notice the panicked tone in the girl's voice and how pale she seemed and asked, "Marta, what's wrong? What's happened?"

Sheena and Zelos had overheard as well and came running over to the girl, having picked up the distressed note in the girl's voice.

Marta caught her breath, then explained, "It's Emil! He got hurt badly trying to protect me from…some girl. I think I recognized her a little from the Vanguard. Please, you have to come help! He was hurt really badly!"

Lloyd frowned and nodded, "I had a feeling this wouldn't turn out well. All right, Marta, take me to where Emil is."

Zelos responded, "Count me in too. I kinda owe it to Emil to help him out. Sheena, can you go find Raine and tell her to meet us back here at Mizuho?"

Sheena nodded, "Yeah, I'll do that. Good luck, you guys."

Marta told her, "You too, Sheena. Let's go, Lloyd and Zelos!" She took off running into the forest, leading the two swordsmen to where Emil and Kylie were.

When they arrived, Emil was lying on the ground and Kylie was standing over him, her sword positioned for a fatal blow to Emil's heart. She was going in for the kill when she heard a metallic clang as her blade collided with one of Lloyd's. She cursed, "Damn you! You all just have to get in my way, don't you?!"

Zelos responded, grabbing Emil by the scarf and dragging him back away from Lloyd and the girl, "If it means keeping Emil safe, yeah we're going to get in your way!" He looked down at Emil now, getting a good view of his injuries. He flinched, "Geez, little bud. Didn't do much good against her, did you?"

Emil replied weakly, "I was…trying to protect Marta. Nothing mattered at the moment but that…"

Zelos smiled slightly at Emil's confession, but then picked him up and jumped back as Kylie attempted again to stab the boy. Setting Emil out of harm's way, he glared at the woman and drew out his weapon, "If there's one thing I can't take, it's people picking on my friends for no reason."

Kylie told him, "Oh, there's a reason, foolish Chosen of Tethe'alla. I was trying to kill Marta, who killed my dear friend Alice. This boy was foolish enough to try and get in my way and so he had to pay for that."

Lloyd responded haughtily, "Alice was a vindictive, manipulative person and you say you're her friend? Somehow, I doubt she saw you in the same way."

Kylie replied, "That's enough talk! Time for some more action!" She launched herself at Zelos, slashing at him relentlessly.

Zelos blocked each blow easily, glaring, "Is that all you got? Cause if it is, it won't be enough." He blinked, then moved his head to miss a blow meant for his face. He said, "Not the face!"

Lloyd charged in to help Zelos, slicing at Kylie's back. Normally he wouldn't resort to such a tactic, but Emil needed help badly and the last thing they needed was to waste time fighting some low-level Vanguard grunt. He told the girl, "Turn yourself in and I might let you live." These weren't things he would normally say, but they were in a desperate situation and desperate times called for desperate measures.

Kylie winced as his sword cut into the muscles near her spine. Seeing she was outnumbered and no alternative other than to run, the girl replied, "Fine…I give." She sheathed her short sword and walked away, heading to Meltokio to turn herself into the authorities, supposedly.

Emil was barely conscious now, but relieved to see that the girl who had been giving him trouble had finally given up. He told Lloyd and Zelos, "Thanks…you guys…"

Lloyd nodded, "You're welcome. Let's hope she doesn't show up again later. She was kind of annoying." He walked over to Emil and noticed how badly injured he really was. Flinching at the sight of the boy's injuries, he helped him to stand and told Zelos, "We should get him back to the village. Hopefully, Raine will be here soon."

Zelos nodded, "Yeah, I hope so too. Kid looks pretty bad."

Emil began to feel really weak and light-headed. He had lost a lot of blood from the injuries inflicted on him by Kylie. He nearly collapsed to the ground, but Lloyd caught him on his arm, the blonde boy's chest lightly bumping into it.

The red clad swordsman told the boy, "Come on let's get you back to Mizuho. Just hang in there…" He slung Emil's arm over his shoulder and put his arm around the boy's waist, holding him up.

Zelos said, "I'll lead the way if that's all right with you, Lloyd." He glanced at Emil with a concerned expression before turning around and beginning to lead the way to the small village.

Lloyd nodded after Zelos and followed. He told Emil softly, trying to keep the boy conscious, "Emil…I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you and Marta."

Emil looked confused, "What do you mean, Lloyd?"

Lloyd responded, "I knew that there were a few Vanguard in there because I had heard the reports from the Mizuho scouts. I should've told you and Marta before you left." He held a guilty expression on his face, feeling bad for not having mentioned it to them.

Emil shook his head, "It's not your fault Lloyd. We didn't really give you the chance to tell us that. You don't need to feel bad for this." He placed a hand on his forehead, not only feeling dizzy but also getting a headache. Could the sudden throbbing in his forehead have to do with his connection to Ratatosk?

Lloyd asked, "Emil, are you okay?"

Emil responded, "My head hurts…and I'm feeling really tired, thirsty and weak…but apart from that…I'm okay."

Meanwhile, in the Ginungagapp, Richter was kneeling on the floor near the gateway to Niflheim. He clutched his stomach and cringed at the pain in his back, feeling every ounce of the pain that Emil was in because of the fact that he had the core on his forehead, "Ratatosk…do you feel that?"

Ratatosk answered inside his head, Yes, I feel all of the pain that Emil is feeling right now. I hope that the saviors of the World Regeneration can help him in time. I can only guess that he was attacked by something or someone.

Richter nodded, "That was my thought as well, Ratatosk. The only ones whom I can think would want to harm him are those in the Vanguard…but I already disbanded the Vanguard, and Marta's father is in prison…so who?"

Ratatosk asked, Did Alice and Decus have any friends inside the Vanguard?

Richter thought a moment then gasped, "Yes…they had quite a few friends actually. There was one girl who considered herself particularly close to Alice even though she was just a grunt. Her name was Kylie. She was from Palmacosta, and she joined the Vanguard not too long after Marta."

Ratatosk told Richter, This Kylie girl sounds like a plausible candidate to have attacked Marta, not Emil. Then again, he is very protective of her.

Richter answered, "Yes, he is. It's likely that Marta was the target and Emil just got in the way to protect her. He did that once before."

Ratatosk responded, Yes, I remember. In the cavern near Lake Sinoa, you were trying to kill her and Emil intervened. I was shocked when he told me about it.

Richter replied, "Yes, it was a bit of a shocker at that time considering how much of a wimp he was then. He rarely stood up for himself, but didn't hesitate to stand up for others. It was an endearing quality that Aster had too." He sighed as he thought of his former friend.

Ratatosk frowned, still feeling badly for having caused so much pain to the redhead, "I'm sorry, for what it's worth."

Richter shook his head, "It's all right, Ratatosk. You didn't know how much Aster meant to me. You can't have known, since you were hibernating when we were friends."

Ratatosk replied, "Very true, but it still doesn't erase the fact that I took a life without cause." He flinched as he started to feel really bad, "Ugh..."

Richter felt the same and told him, "Emil must be in pretty sorry shape. Hopefully their healer will arrive before he bleeds to death." He thought he heard Emil faintly trying to talk to them and looked confused, "Why would he...?"

Emil spoke weakly using the connection and said, "You two...just shut off the connection. I don't wanna be the reason that the Ginungagapp doesn't have a guardian."

Richter answered, "No, Emil. Right now, this connection is probably one of the few things keeping you alive. Have Lloyd and the others sent for a healer?"

Emil responded, "Yeah, Sheena went to get Raine. Hopefully she'll get here within...the next few hours." His image faded from the telepathic connection as his body grew weaker from blood loss. He went pale and lost consciousness as he was taken inside of the Chief's hut, where Sheena was staying now.

Sheena came back to Mizuho about 3 hours later, Raine and Genis on her heels. She went into the room where Emil was, Marta sitting there with his head on her lap and using some healing magic to keep him alive. She also had tears in her eyes and was quietly sobbing. In a shaky voice, she told Raine, "Please...help him. I don't think I could stand to lose him again...it would break my heart."

Sheena told Raine, "I'll take care of Marta while you heal Emil." She went over and put both hands on the thin girl's elbows, pulling her out from under the blonde-haired youth. "Come on, Marta, let's go talk to Tenebrae. I'm sure he has an update for us on how the Centurions and Ratatosk are handling having part of their leader half-dead."

Marta gasped, "I didn't even think about that! I hope everything's okay in the Ginungagapp!" She left the room with Sheena and Tenebrae appeared soon after to give them an update.

In the meantime, Raine began pouring healing magic into Emil, adding on to what Marta had already done. She told him, "Emil, you must survive. Marta and the rest of us still need you. You're just as important as Ratatosk, if not moreso." She seemed relieved when the wounds began to close. Although she didn't quite fully heal them, they were healed enough that Emil would heal normally on his own as long as he didn't overexert himself. He was still pretty pale and it seemed he would be painfully weak for a while, but at least he wasn't bleeding out anymore. She sighed in relief and bound his injuries with bandages before walking out of the hut to report his status to the others.

Marta was the first to ask, "How is he, Raine?"

Lloyd then asked, "Yeah, did you heal his wounds? He looked pretty bad off when Zelos and I got him here."

Raine responded, "He'll be just fine with rest and plenty of fluids."

The rest of the group let out a sigh of relief. Colette asked, "Is he up to having visitors?"

Raine nodded, "Yes, Colette, but only one of you at a time. I don't want to overwhelm him."

Zelos told her, "Then Marta, you go in and see him first. You mean the most to him." Like the rest of the group, he had picked up on the blossoming romance between Emil and Marta.

Marta blushed and nodded, "Okay. Thanks, Zelos...and everyone, for helping us out today. I was...so scared I would lose him again." Her eyes brimmed with tears as she hugged them all, one by one.

Lloyd got a little embarrassed, but returned the embrace anyway, and after he released Marta, he added, "Marta, you and Emil are part of us now. We're not gonna just sit around while someone tries to kill you. Anyway, you're welcome."