A/N: Hello everyone and welcome to the sequel to 'A New World Rises'! If you haven't had a chance to read that story, please do (otherwise you might be confused starting this story). For those of you already familiar with the story, I hope you enjoy the first chapter! Please review and let me know what you like :)

A/N (05/15/17): And we're back! If you haven't read these first few chapters, welcome to the sequel of 'A New World Rises'! If you have, please re-read as I've edited them a bit (though the plot content hasn't really changed).

His time was coming. He could feel it.

The resistance was breaking down, slowly but surely. In the darkness, he cautiously pushed the boundaries, extending his reach inch by inch whenever he could. He had to be careful and wait until he was sure he couldn't be felt in the black. That he wouldn't be observed destroying the ability to keep him caged. It was slow, but it was progress regardless. Soon, he wouldn't need to sneak around. Soon, he would be in control.

Freedom.

If he were able to scream, he would have. Rage threatened to swallow him up; the anger was so old. He'd forgotten what it felt like to not be constantly angry. But the freedom he desired. It was so close. So unbearably close, he could almost taste it.

But he knew he had to wait. He was eager, but he was also sensible. Years and years spent in that cage taught him that patience was key. It was clear to him that if he had waited this long, a little longer would be bearable. He would bide his time until the opportune moment.

And then he would be free to find them.

Find them and make them suffer.

Approximately two months since the Half Elf Equal Rights Act passed in the Convention of Sylvarant, Raine found herself in Iselia for Colette's birthday. It was already half past seven, and the sun had fallen under the horizon just minutes ago. The full moon slowly rose in the sky, casting its silverly light onto the path in front of Raine as she walked towards the Brunel residence. It had been a long time since she'd walked down this path, much less visited the town. Despite the fact that she retained ownership of her home in the village, Raine spent the majority of her time in Arkylia, due to the responsibilities of her position as Chair of Sylvarant. As she walked along, she tried to remember the last time she'd visited. It must've been…the mayoral election. That had been a little over a year ago. A whole year…she shook her head. So much had happened since then. It felt like a lifetime ago.

A flare of pain shot through her back and the half elf slightly stumbled, catching herself quickly. Sighing, Raine wondered when it would go away. Digging a tiny bottle out of her pocket, Raine opened it, put a tiny pill in her mouth and swallowed. A wave of anger threatened to overtake her optimistic mood, but she mentally pushed it aside. Not tonight. Tonight was for Colette.

As the half elf neared the cottage, the sounds of merriment reached her ears. There must be quite a crowd, she inferred. It was to be expected: Colette was turning 18, the age when a child legally became an adult. It was traditional to have a party with friends and family to celebrate the coming of age. Depending on one's social standing, the guests may also include politicians, foreign dignitaries, or members of the clergy. Colette had many friends, so it made sense to the ex-professor there would be many attendees.

The whole event felt ironic to Raine. In her eyes, Colette was already an adult, even if the law didn't recognize her as one. The young woman had carried the weight of the world on her shoulders from such a young age as the Chosen of Sylvarant, and now she led the newly-revived Church of Martel, all before the age of 18. This arbitrary placeholder was a way for others to confirm what Raine already knew about the young woman. Colette matured at an early age, and carried that wisdom and grace with her through childhood and adolescence.

Upon walking into the home, Raine's vision was filled with moving bodies. It seemed everyone Colette had ever met was here. Frank's house was filled to capacity. To classify it as overwhelming was an understatement. Raine felt her inner introvert cringe. Perhaps she wouldn't stay that long: say hello Colette and any of their other friends, spend a half an hour with them, then take her leave. There was a new treatise about the latest archeological finds twenty miles north of Flanoir resting on her night stand at home that she was eager to start. Or she could get to the election paperwork she'd avoided drafting all week done. Besides, the half elven woman probably wouldn't have a chance to spend an ample amount of quality time with the birthday girl. With so many guests, Colette's attention would be pulled from one guest to another in the span of minutes. Which was fine with Raine; she much preferred the idea of taking Colette to breakfast or tea, when it would just be the two of them. Yes, Raine would suggest that to the blonde when she saw her.

The half elf weaved through the crowd of attendees, taking note that many were priests and priestesses from the churches spread across Sylvarant. Occasionally, Raine ran across a former student or a student's parent from her teaching days and she exchanged pleasantries. Finally, Raine made it to the kitchen, and she caught sight of Frank, Colette's elderly foster father.

"Frank. It's wonderful to see you." She embraced him.

"You as well, Miss Sage." He gave her a spritely grin.

"How are things?"

"I haven't had this much excitement in years! So many ladies and gents, and they're all here for my little girl."

"Colette is well-loved. She always has been."

"I'm just grateful to have been the one to raise her." He gave Raine a wink and said, "You'll find the birthday girl out on the patio."

"Thank you."

Raine exited the kitchen from the opposite side of her entrance, passing through the sitting room before opening the doors to the patio. As she stepped out into the humid night, she felt the heat stick to her skin. Her choice of a simple knee length white dress had been wise. It was muggy, but she didn't mind. Arkylia was always cold and brisk. This was a welcome change, and a weather that was more suited to her constitution. Just another reason the half elf was happy to be gone from the capital city, even if for just a few days.

"Professor!" A shriek sounded through the air.

Raine swept her eyes towards the origin of the scream, and saw Colette surrounded by a group of younger people. Smiling serenely, Raine walked over and said, "Happy Birthday, High Priestess." She and Colette embraced. When she stepped back, the Chair casually studied her. The scar on Colette's left cheek was slowly fading away, while the scar on the right cheek was getting darker. But it didn't hinder the young woman's radiance. She positively glowed with happiness. Literally. Colette's face was a rosy pink; it looked like the birthday girl was taking advantage of her newfound freedom with some intoxicating beverages.

"I'm so glad you're here! I wasn't sure you'd be able to come. With the preparations for the upcoming election and all." Colette said.

"Of course I would come. They can manage without me for a few days."

"Could I speak with you later? In private." Colette blushed, her face now a bright red. "It's nothing urgent. I just...need some advice."

"Absolutely. You know you can always come to me for anything."

Colette gave her a grateful smile just as Lloyd bounded over, his eyes glassy. Had Raine ever seen her students intoxicated? Definitely not. This was a first. Oh goddess… Her mind went straight to Genis: did that mean he was bumbling around somewhere too? Inwardly, the half elf sighed, hypothesizing a long night ahead of supervising for her.

"Professssssor! It's so goooood to see you!" Lloyd grinned as he wrapped his arms around Colette's waist, giving her a squeeze. Raine watched Colette as she giggled, looked at Raine, and blushed again. If she kept blushing, she'd end up looking like a cherry tomato.

"It's nice to see you too, Lloyd. How much have you had to drink?"

"Not you too! Kratos was asking the same thing." He whined.

The sound of her former bodyguard's name made the heat rise in Raine's cheeks. Her last interaction with Kratos had been strictly professional: he had collected a small compensation package from the Convention, signed a few documents, and been on his way. The transaction lacked any of the warmth that was characteristic of the relationship they had developed. If she were honest with herself, Raine had been hurt and confused by the indifference of his countenance, but she said nothing. Instead, she let him walk out of the Convention and disappear into the world. That had been two months ago. She assumed Kratos to have gone to spend time with Lloyd, but she stopped herself from asking Genis or Colette about his whereabouts.

"Raine! Where have you been?" She turned to her right to see Genis, chowing down on what looked like a funnel cake covered with sprinkles, his eye level almost in line with hers. Her younger brother appeared to have undergone another growth spurt in the month since she'd last seen him. Now he was at her shoulder level. Just a few more inches and they would be the same size. At least it seemed he had not followed his friends' example of imbibing.

"I needed to settle a few things before I flew here."

"Election stuff? Man, they must be bummed that you're leaving."

"It's time for someone else to become the Chair. Besides, you know there are other things I want to do."

"Like what? Oh, I know! The Professor wants to…" Lloyd stared very intently at the ground before answering, "Join the Katz expeditions!"

Raine sighed and shook her head. It seemed the drink was loosening the already small amount of common sense the brown-haired boy had. "The Imperial Research Academy in Sybak has offered me a year-long residency position in their faculty. I would teach and conduct research in the subjects of my choice."

"Wow, Professor! That is so cool." Colette beamed.

"That's not the only offer she's got! Tell them about the others," Genis bragged as he stuffed the rest of the funnel cake into his mouth.

"Genis, I don't think that's appropriate right now." Raine said. She didn't want to take away Colette's spotlight. It was her party after all.

"Please, Professor! We want to hear." Colette said, as if reading Raine's thoughts.

Mildly embarrassed, Raine began to list the other offers she had received. A tenure-ship at the Palmacosta Academy, a founding member of the new University of Sylvarant based northwest of Hima, a three-year research grant with Sylvarant's Archaeological Society, and President of the Historical Society of Tethe'alla. She could see herself enjoying any one of those opportunities, and yet she had no idea which to choose.

"It sounds like you have quite a wealth of opportunities to pursue." A low voice behind her said.

"It's good to see you, Regal." Raine turned to the tall man, who joined their circle. He looked handsome, dressed in a blue tux, with his hair styled back. "How is life treating you these days? Is the Queen well?"

"I believe she hasn't yet forgiven herself for sentencing her father to death. But Queen Hilda puts on a brave face, as she must. Since the news of King Ferdinand's experiments with exspheres, I have been tracking down, collecting and disposing of all remaining exspheres in Tethe'alla. It seems the King had quite a few stores of them hidden in different locations and laboratories around the country. "

"How are you disposing of the exspheres?"

"Yuan and Kratos are shipping them to Wegalia and using the magitechnology there to destroy them."

"I would be curious to see how that is done."

"I'm sure they would allow you to accompany them. Occasionally, Presea does as well. she could speak with you about it. She's here tonight, though I do not know where at the moment."

Before Raine could ask another question, the guests from inside of the house poured onto the patio, Frank leading the charge. The old man drove a cart, on top of which sat a large birthday cake adorned with flowers made of frosting and eighteen birthday candles. Colette's face burst into joy as everyone around her began to sing 'Happy Birthday'. Raine watched as the High Priestess smiled gleefully, clapping her hands together excitedly. Lloyd walked behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, whispering something in her ear. She smiled up at him. Raine couldn't help but smile: they were so happy, so in love.

As the song came to a close, Colette gazed at her father and mouthed 'Thank You.' He just shook his head, grinning from ear to ear. "Blow out the candles!" Someone called. Colette took a deep breath and blew, extinguishing all of the candles in one go. Everyone cheered, congratulating the birthday girl and clapping their hands in applause.

As Raine looked up into the crowd, her eyes locked with those of her former bodyguard, the last person she wanted to see.

A half an hour later, Raine walked out of the party towards her home. Sure, she'd missed saying hello to Seles, Sheena, Zelos, and Presea, but she was tired. The pain in her back had returned, and it was starting to make her irritable. What she needed was a warm bath.

Genis had said he'd be home in an hour or two, but Raine didn't expect him for another three or four hours, and told him to stay out. Her brother had always been the more social of the two Sage siblings. Which was fine by her. She would enjoy a quiet evening with her book and a cup of tea. Besides, he was growing up, and she knew she needed to let him. As long as he kept in touch, kept her in the loop, she would make an effort to stop mothering him and let go. He needed to grow into his own spotlight, make mistakes and learn the lessons.

As she rounded the corner, two voices floated to her ears from behind the bushes, just a few feet away.

"What is wrong with you?!"

"What is wrong with me? You're the one acting weird!"

Raine stopped in her tracks. She knew those voices. They belonged to Sheena and Zelos.

"It was a joke, Sheena."

"No, it wasn't. It was insensitive and mean."

"I was just having a bit of fun."

"You never say stuff like that. What's going on with you?"

There was a pause in the conversation before he responded: "Look…I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"It's like you're acting like a completely different person."

"I just haven't been sleeping well. I've been feeling pretty out of it lately." He paused and continued, "I think I'm gonna head back to the inn and get some rest."

"See you later."

"Sheena, I'm really sorry."

"I know. Goodnight."

She listened to the footsteps travel in opposite directions, slowly moving out of earshot. That was strange. That seemed different from a lover's quarrel...

"Going home?"

Raine jumped and spun around. Kratos stood a few feet from her, observing. Of course. She had hoped to avoid him after the glance across the cake. It seemed fate had other ideas.

"Yes. I thought it would be best to retire for the evening."

He walked towards her and asked, "May I accompany you?"

Part of her wanted to say no. That was the part of her that was disappointed, confused, and daresay, hurt, by the tone of their last meeting months ago. But she knew those were all ego-based emotions. Kratos owed her nothing, and neither did she to him. What good would it do to say no? None. And, as much as she hated to admit it, she was curious to know what he was up to.

"If you'd like," the half elf responded.

He fell into step next to her, silently. Out of the corner of her eye, she looked up at his blank face, trying to discern his thoughts. They continued onward in silence for several moments before he asked, "How are you?"

"Things are busy at the Convention."

"You are stepping down."

"You heard?"

He nodded.

"They were shocked that it was happening sooner than later. Regardless, I think it's a perfect time for someone with new ideas to guide Sylvarant into the next few years."

"Even with the current tenuous relationship with Tethe'alla?"

"Neither country wants to go to war. No matter who steps into this role, he or she will do their best to avoid such a perilous outcome."

"Any candidates?"

"There are some names floating about, but those interested will declare their candidacy next week." Of course, as the Chair, she knew most of the potential candidates already. But she was bound to secrecy until the public ceremony. Perhaps, at another time, she would have confided in him, but given their abrupt separation, the woman felt no reason to share the information.

"What will you do after?"

"The election? I haven't decided yet." She could feel his eyes on her, as if he was daring her to look at him. But Raine kept her gaze on the path in front of her. "I must consider what my goals are and see which of the opportunities presented is in alignment."

"Logical."

"What?"

"Don't forget to consider your own desires."

"I would say the same to you." Silence. She let that sink in. The half elf knew that it was a low blow; she could feel a wave of anger roll off of him. The half elf bit her lip. Maybe she shouldn't have provoked him. Quickly, she changed the subject: "I speak in haste. How are you? What have you been up to?"

There was a moment before he responded. But when he did, his tone was unemotional. "I am working with Yuan to remove the remainder of exspheres from Tethe'alla."

"And Lloyd? Have you spent any time with him?"

"Yes."

Her intuition smelled the undercurrent of uneasiness in his voice though his expression remained blank.

"But?"

"Lloyd spends a great deal of his time taking care of Dirk."

Ah, there it was.

"You should talk to Dirk."

"Why?"

"Dirk understands your place in Lloyd's life, and you understand his. You both want what's best for him, and that's all that matters. It doesn't need to be awkward, the two of you under the same roof with your son."

Kratos grunted in response.

He could be so stubborn.

"It would solve your problem if you just spoke to him."

"I will…think about it."

An explosion of pain burst through her lower back, causing her to trip. She felt his hands catch her, and wrap themselves around her right shoulder and waist. He helped her stand upright, but the pain was still there, causing her to wince. Dammit.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." She grit her teeth. She did not want him to know. In fact, the only people who knew outside of the doctors were Genis and her assistant Keira.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

"It's not nothing, Raine. Are you injured?"

The half elf sighed. There was no use lying about it. "It's from the fall off the building. The doctors say I have a pinched nerve in my spinal column. With physical therapy and medication, it can be treated over time." The pain was excruciating now; her back felt like it was on fire. Fumbling around in her pocket, she brought out the tiny bottle. As she took one of the pills, she could feel him watching her, observing. This was not how she wanted him to see her.

"I'm fine. Really." She placed the bottle back in her pocket. He nodded but didn't let go of her. The next few moments, they walked in silence; she leaned on him as they arrived at her porch. Slowly, Raine extricated herself from his hold and walked up the steps to the front door. Half turned towards him, she said, "I trust we can keep this between us?"

He nodded, but remained silent.

"I hope things work out for you with Lloyd and Dirk. Goodnight, Kratos."

"Goodnight."

She turned and put the key in the lock.

"It's good to see you."

Surprised by his words, she turned and nodded to him. "It's nice to see you as well." Then, without further ado, she went inside and closed the door behind her, her heart thumping in her chest. So much for indifference.

The next morning, Raine and Colette sat down for tea at the Flower Inn Cafe. It was a charming little place: only a year old but bustling with activity. People came from far and wide to see the birthplace of the former Chosen turned High Priestess. It as only natural that Iselia's economy would receive quite a boost from the tourism. The two women exchanged pleasantries as they were seated on the balcony patio overlooking the streets below. It was going to be a beautiful day: the sun was high in the sky and not a cloud in sight.

Their tea arrived and Raine settled back into her chair, teacup in hand. "What did you want to talk with me about?

Colette looked down at her lap for a moment before meeting Raine's eyes. "Professor…when did you know you were ready for…" She trailed off, unable to finish her thought aloud.

Raine inferred what she wanted to talk about: the blush on Colette's cheeks said it all. "Colette, is this about Lloyd?"

The blonde nodded.

"You're not being pressured, are you?" The half elf narrowed her eyes.

"N-n-no! Not at all! I just…I just wanted to know…in case…"

Honestly, Raine could never fathom Lloyd pressuring Colette into doing anything. He respected her too much, cared for her too much. And the half elf didn't think that Colette would ever stand for such behavior, especially from a longtime friend turned boyfriend. The High Priestess had evolved into her own person in the two years since the World Regeneration. And the terrorist attack on Sylvarant only a few months ago fueled that fire. The half elf briefly wondered if Lloyd was also thinking about this topic. And if he were, who he would be talking to. Either Dirk or Kratos. Maybe both? She chuckled at the thought. It would be an interesting conversation to observe from a sociological angle if both fathers were present.

"Professor?"

"Sorry. So I am going to assume that this conversation is about sex." No need to dance around the point.

Colette nodded again, her shoulders sagging a little as she took a sip of her tea.

"Do you have questions about the act itself? Protection practices? Or timing?" Raine set her tea cup down on the table and folded her hands in her lap. She had never given a formal health lesson to her students during her tenure as a teacher in Iselia, but had answered any questions that a few brave students had ventured to ask in private.

"I guess I wanted to talk about timing." Colette paused, then asked, "If you don't mind me asking, when did you…do it?"

Raine sighed, inwardly cringing at the question. This was not a memory she liked to dredge up in her brain. In fact, it was a period of her life she wished to erase entirely. But, looking into those terrified blue eyes, Raine caved. "I was seventeen. I had met a man while traveling with Genis. He…he was a very charming fellow, but only after one thing."

"Do you regret it?"

"Yes and no. That's a complicated question that has less to do with the physical act itself and more to do with my relationship with this person." Her stomach turned upon remembering his face. He had enchanting green eyes and sandy blond hair. It had been such a long time since she had thought about it. About him. So she changed the subject: "How do you feel about Lloyd?"

"I…I care a lot about him."

"What's concerning you?"

"He's my best friend. I just…I just don't want anything bad to happen if things don't work out."

"And why wouldn't they work out?"

"I don't know. If I did something wrong or—"

"Colette. There's nothing wrong with you. If things don't work out, it's just because the two of you may not be compatible as a couple. That doesn't mean you can't remain friends."

"But…what if it's bad?" Her face turned a bright red, reminiscent of how she looked the evening before.

"Sex?" Raine smiled knowingly. "No matter what, your first time is going to be awkward. But if you're with someone you really care about, and someone who really cares about you, then you'll get through it together. You may even have a few laughs. And it'll only get better from there. That's not something to worry about."

Colette nodded, taking another sip of her tea.

"A piece of advice. If you're not ready to say the word 'sex', you probably aren't ready to do it yet." Raine said solemnly. "How are things with Lloyd?"

"They're great. It's really…wonderful. I didn't think it could get any better than it was." A dreamy smile covered the blonde's face from ear to ear.

"I imagine it's a little bit hard though. With you traveling and Dirk's health."

"Yeah. I'm just trying to be there as much as I can for him."

"I'm sure he appreciates that."

A buzzing sound from Colette's pocket interrupted their conversation. The High Priestess pulled out her holocom and read the incoming message. "That's strange. Kratos just sent me a message to meet him at Lloyd's house immediately."

Raine checked her holocom. No new messages. That was strange indeed. What's he up to? "I'll come with you."

Without waiting for an answer, Raine waved over their waitress and quickly paid the bill. It was a fifteen minute walk to the Irving residence; Colette filled it with stories about her newfound relationship, the many sweet things Lloyd did for her on a daily basis, and the surprises she had in store for him. Young love. Raine was almost envious. But she remembered too how dangerous it was as well. How full of heartbreak it could be. She hoped that Lloyd and Colette would never go down such a road. That they would remain blissfully happy.

As the two women arrived at the log cabin, Kratos emerged from the front door. His eyes flicked from Colette to Raine. Was there a hint of anger in his gaze? A mixture of curiosity and annoyance rose within her. What was wrong with her being there? Raine questioned him: "What's going on?"

"Miguel. We've found him."

"What? Where?" A cold shiver ran down her spine.

"Welgaia."

"Are we going to go catch him?" Colette chimed in.

Kratos nodded but didn't take his eyes from Raine's. Did he not message her because he didn't want her to go? Or because he knew her injury would prevent her from going to battle?

"If he's working with exspheres in any way, we can't be sure of how strong he is now. I've alerted Zelos and Presea to meet us at the Tower of Salvation immediately."

He's only taking Angels. That definitely seemed odd to her. Why wouldn't he want all the power he could gather against Miguel? Why would he exclude Sheena, Regal, and Genis?

"Dad, are you sure?" Raine could hear Lloyd from inside the house. A second later, Dirk came out on to the doorstep, Lloyd in tow. Raine could see Dirk looked exhausted. There were bags under his eyes; his hair was graying. He walked with the support of a cane.

"Yes. Now get outta here before I kick your skinny arse." The dwarf said.

"Jeez, I just wanted to make sure you'd be okay."

"I'll be fine. Just go catch the bad guy."

Kratos and Dirk exchanged a look. Raine wondered if Kratos had took what she said to heart. Her eyes swept over to Lloyd, who had walked to Colette's side. They were whispering to each other, presumably about Kratos' mission, already lost in their own world.

Kratos looked at the pair and said, "We need to go."

Raine clenched her jaw. She knew she was not well enough to follow them, but that didn't mean she wanted to be left behind. "Let me know when you get him."

His eyes met hers; her heart thumped in her chest.

"You'll be the first."