On to Meltokio
Ah! I finished Chapter 2 faster than I thought. Anyways enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia, the characters, and story in any way. They are property of Namco.
As the night arrived, the group began to set-up camp. Much to everyone's dismay, their food bag was nearly empty and consequently everybody ended up with half-filled stomach.
It was when everyone was settled around the poorly made camp fire (for nobody was quite in the mood to feed the fire) that Lloyd called to everyone's attention.
"Umm," he grimaced, unsure of what to say, "I'm sorry for well…what happened today."
Silence.
"But it's ok," he smiled, "I got an idea." He grinned openly, like a schoolboy who had just solved a particularly difficult math problem.
"Don't worry about it Lloyd, it's too late anyways," Raine said, "We'll think of something." The rest of the people nodded in agreement. As easily as they were to be anger they were quick to forgive.
"No, no!" Lloyd elaborated, "I really do have a plan. Let's go to Meltokio tomorrow and I promise I can replace the money I lost."
"You're right!" Genis piped up and turned to Zelos, "Aren't you the Chosen?"
"Well done Genis. How long did you take to figure that out?" Zelos retorted sarcastically.
"Then you can fund us! You must be rich, being the second most important person in the Tethe'alla." Genis exclaimed.
"What?" Zelos said, surprised. Then squinting at Genis he said, "No! No way! I got my money saved for something else! Keep your scrawny paws off them."
"Fine cheapskate," Genis grumbled, pouting.
"WHAT?" Zelos roar so loudly that people beside him jumped.
"For your information I've got big plans for them." Zelos eyed Genis up and down, "Far bigger than your puny little brain can imagine."
"You—," Genis began, but was interrupted by Raine, who smack him on the back of his head.
"I didn't remember raising you to become a beggar, Genis," she scolded sternly.
"But Sis—."
"Not buts," Raine drilled harshly, "Now you will do well to remember that or else it'll be more than a smack on your head." Genis, unable to retort, sulk disparagingly away, his mouth muttering something inaudible.
"So what are you planning to do with your savings?" Sheena asked Zelos out of curiosity.
"I plan to spend them with my hunnies," shouted Zelos gleefully, "We'll buy all sort of nice stuff and then at night we'll—."
"Psh, yeah right," Genis dismissed, "I bet you never spent a cent of it. I overheard your 'hunnies' arguing on who to pay for your dinner bills last time at Meltokio."
"I-I…" Zelos flustered, but became indignant almost at once, "It's true!! I did save up for them. There's some for Hunny #1, Hunny #2, Hunny #3…" He began going over the list in his head. He tallied with his face screw tight, like a child who had too many toys to account for.
"And you never bother remembering their names," Sheena snorted, "Some dedication, well, not that I expect you to have any."
"Don't worry, I didn't forget you," Zelos turned towards Sheena, his face stretched into a broad grin, "You're Hunny #13, the most unlucky and violent of them all!"
There was a smack then a small explosion as Sheena used her pyre seal to blow Zelos away.
"Who want to be your hunny?" she shrieked, staring menacingly at the now cowering Zelos, "Screw your head back properly you idiot Chosen." With that, she turned swiftly on her heels, and stormed away, her pink ribbon whipping past gracefully.
"See? That's why she's Hunny #13," Zelos whispered to Lloyd, who by now was the only one listening (the others had already dispersed upon turning bored at Zelos's list), "She's violent."
Despite the initial complaints ("It's too far," Genis cried), the group decided to make their way to Meltokio, although each member had their own intentions. Zelos obviously wanted to reunite with his many lovers. Sheena needed to visit the Elemental Research Laboratory to report on Corrine's death. Genis want to go to the Meltokio library again.
"You know that time when we found that book written in ancient elven text?" Genis spoke excitedly, "I gonna get Raine to teach me."
Raine was naturally delighted.
"Excellent choice, Genis," she smiled, "But I would rather visit the Temple of Earth. There are still some parts of it that we haven't yet explored. We must excavate the place at once." She had a maniacal grin on her face. Her light blue eyes were suddenly large and dilated as she began laughing to herself.
"C'mon, let's leave her alone for a while," Genis ushered everyone away, his face turning red.
"Muhahaha. Marvelous. Ohhh, I can't wait," Raine squealed in anticipation and delight.
As for Regal, he felt compelled to visit a friend he met in prison.
"To get some new techniques," he muttered absentmindedly.
The only person who had no plan was Presea, who remained passive, carving a new wooden charm that resembled an oddly shaped cat.
"What are you making?" Lloyd asked her, intrigued.
"It's a charm to attract money," answered Presea calmly, not taking her eyes off her work.
"I see…"
"I'll make one that helps improve intelligence later," Presea informed him monotonously.
Meltokio was, as usual, in its full state of grandeur. The high entrance archway looms over the group and the castle beyond tower over them. Nearby, wandering bards played cheerful melodies. They tipped their hats as passersby paused to drop a few coins.
"Now everyone," Lloyd said as he stopped the group at the entrance, "Just follow me, I've got a great idea."
Zelos groaned, "Oh, not now. I'm just getting ready to meet my cute darlings. Can't you wait?"
"Just what sort of plan do you have in mind," Genis eyed Lloyd suspiciously, "Getting us bankrupt was bad enough." This statement was followed by a mummer of agreement.
"Let's give Lloyd a chance," Colette urged the rest, "I'm sure it'll work out…" But her voice trailed off as she caught sight of something furry between her legs.
"Eek, it's a DOG," she squealed jubilantly, bending down to pat the animal, "Aww, you're so cute and furry. I think I'll call you Fluffy."
"Looks like you just lost your only ally," Genis comment to Lloyd.
"Shuddap and follow me," grumbled Lloyd, who began marching up the wide stairs ahead towards the castle.