Disclaimer: ToS and FE do not belong to me.
Note: Sorry for the super late update! I haven't been updating any of my stories... though I just released a new one (SSBB High School). I'd like to mention that my writing style may have changed since I last posted. If it downgraded, I'd like to apologize for that.
Also... I'll try to update more often...since I'm gonna cut 3 of my stories (I honestly don't like the other ones...). I'll have more room to keep ideas in my head now! \( ; u ; )/
Question, question: If I were to pair someone to Soren (not from ToS), who would it be? I may add a pairing in here (maybe) but it definitely will NOT be with Ike (seen way too many of those). Crack pairing opportunity! XD
Chapter Two: Release,Despair
Soren awoke as the sun's rays slightly peaked from the horizon. Crimson eyes adjusted and scanned the area. The air was stiff and cold, common during early hours. The grass underhand was slightly moist, an explanation why the mage felt cold and uncomfortable. His eyes soon wandered to the sleeping forms of his new companions of the previous day. His mind was exhausted from the thoughts that plagued him during the darkest hours. Despite concealing his identity, how long would it be until someone found out? Surely there would be some type of creature, beorc or not, that would recognize his... sin. His filthiness. He shook his head, shoving those thoughts away. He had other matters to deal with at the moment.
He stood up, stretching ever so slightly, searching for the silver hair healer. At the far end of their encampment, he saw her, analyzing the tome she has yet to return. Taking careful steps not to awake the others, he approached, organizing his questions. As he stopped in front of her, the healer glanced up.
"What is it Soren?" Raine closed the Elthunder tome she was holding, careful not to damage it any further.
"I would like you to explain how you channel magic in this world and if it is possible for me to imitate such procedures."
"It should be possible, considering you use a medium for casting... Elthunder was it? We need to get you a medium that you can use. At this moment, we are heading to Hima. Perhaps a staff would suffice at the moment." The silver haired woman searched through their supplies and handed the raven haired mage a battle staff. "Although I mainly use healing artes, they are cast much like offensive magic. Genis can aid you in learning the various types of magic used, though I would like to see if you can cast magic from the world you're from." Soren nodded slowly. He hasn't tried to cast magic yet. Was it possible to cast it without the use of the tomes? He locked his gaze with Raine and requested to learn how to manipulate the 'mana' in the world.
The sun was fairly high in the sky by the time the two had stop training. Soren had achieved a excellent idea on the usage of mana and how to channel it according to his will. Raine was quite pleased to see how quickly the boy had adapted. He could also cast fairly strong healing artes, which could be very useful during the group's travel. The rest of the group was stirring. It was almost time to move.
Soren wandered to a clearing, keeping the camp in sight. The feeling he had since coming to this world disturbed him. He felt... different. Clenching his hand, he plunged into his thoughts, trying to figure out the meaning of that horrid feeling. Something about this world changed something about him, though he couldn't pinpoint what that something in him was. He reviewed what he was told yesterday, about mana and this world. Was it the mana here that was changing him? It was plausible though he had no solid proof. He had not actually tried to channel the mana through his body. Would it inflict bodily harm? Closing his eyes, Soren concentrated, allowing mana to enter his body. He could feel it flow steadily until it suddenly went chaotic. He gasped, falling to his knees and shook, the pain quickly surging in every limb.
Hot. His body felt like it was burning in a scorching flame. Cold sweat broke out on his body as he tried to control the convulsions. He told himself to breathe yet the air felt dry, creating a burning ache that tortured his lungs. The mage coughed, shutting his eyes. He needed to calm down and stop the mana that was continuously flowing into his body. Inhaling a short breath, he severed the mana flow, causing him to collapse. Panting, the mage closed his eyes, body still burning. He could hear footsteps approaching him and urge his enervated body up.
"Soren? What are you... are you okay?" Sheena extended a hand to the mage, concern quickly appearing on her face. Taking her hand, Soren got up but soon stumbled, his vision blurring. "H-hey! You... you have a high fever!"
"I'm... fine." He pushed away, attempting to refocus his eyes. The purple clad girl began to protest but Soren silenced her with an icy glare, daring her to continue. "Are... the other ready...?" "Y-yeah... at least let Raine check on you." She whispered softly, heading back to camp. "..." He soon followed her. What was going on with him?
The group left an hour later so they could at least reach Hima before darkness claimed the light from their eyes. Their pace was moderately fast. Soren discussed with Genis the usage of mana so he could fight as well. The others chatted amongst themselves as well.
"Is it possible to channel the mana through the body?" The raven hair mage inquired.
"Huh? Well, yeah. I've done it a few time, though I usually channel it through my kendama. Why?" The short boy shrugged.
"Is there any type of effect of channeling mana through the body? Such as bodily harm?"
"Eh? I don't think so. It shouldn't cause any type of damage. Have you tried doing that?"
"... no."
"Oh. Well, it should be safe as far I know. I heard from Raine that you can use healing artes! You learn pretty fast considering that you were only here for a little over 12 hours."
"..."
"Well... do you want to practice magic with me? I could show you some spells I'm learning... I mean, if you want to that is." It only took one glance to see how much Genis wanted to have someone to practice magic with. It was quite obvious that there wasn't any other mage he could practice with. Soren inwardly sighed, nodding to Genis' request.
"Thanks Soren! How about later tonight?" The young silver haired boy grinned as Soren nodded once more.
As the boy rushed ahead, Soren exhaled softly, allowing his body to quiver. It was odd. The burning feeling from hours ago remained even though he released some of the mana that he absorbed. He flinched as he felt a hand grip his shoulder. It was the mercenary. He made a notion to slow down so they could talk without having the others listen in. The older man held his gaze with Soren. His eyes seemed to be searching for something.
"What do you want?" The mage tried to shrug off that hand but Kratos' grip was stronger.
"You... you hold hatred and fear of people. You are like him." Sadness quickly flickered in the mercenary's eyes before disappearing.
"... what I feel is none of your concern. You too have the aura of someone that is stranded in a foreign place, unable to change the fact that that is what you are."
"Some matter are to be left unspoken."
"Likewise for myself. I see no further need to continue this conversation."
"Wait."
"..."
"Perhaps it is true that the matter should be left untouched but, I wonder at times if that is for the best for the people around me. Keep that in mind." Kratos decreased his pace so he could watch the group's blind spot.
"... there is nothing worse than knowing that secret. It is only for the best that no one knows..." Soren whispers so softly, his words deafened by the wind.
By the time they arrived at Hima, the sun was sinking once more. The sky was highlighted with hues of red and orange. Soren grimaced, seeing a ruckus occurring in front of the only building in sight. Apprehension was evident in the others.
"It couldn't be... that the desians are here?" Lloyd grumbled, preparing for battle.
"Hold on." The purple mercenary disappeared in the crowd. The raven hair mage observed the reactions the crowd was displaying; confusion, awe and fear. It couldn't be a 'desian'. He followed after Kratos, the rest of the chosen's group hesitantly following.
"- do not touch me human!" Soren froze.
"A-AHHHH! Please don't kill me!" A man dove to the ground, trembling. Crimson eyes fell on the source of that fear. White feathers were scattered on the soil. A man with long, golden hair glared at the crowd, obviously uncomfortable. What a bad situation. The mage caught sight of Kratos, who was also observing. The gears in Soren's head quickly turned.
"Your divine lord, please forgive these unruly humans, who have caused your anger." Soren bowed, his voice filled with regret and fear. The 'divine lord' was simply shocked, but quickly recomposed himself.
"..." He locked his golden eyes with the raven haired mage's, before looking away. "So be it. I will let your sins pass this time. Be gone." The crowd quickly dispersed as the 'heavenly being' flew towards the sky. Soren heard rapid footsteps approach and turned.
"Whoa Soren - that didn't, err, you don't seem like the type of person who'd do that!" Lloyd commented, grinning his goofy smile.
"... it was necessary, not for your entertainment." The mage dead panned, disappointing the red clad swordsman.
"Who was that anyway? That was an angel right?" Genis joined in, confusion clouding his face.
"Do you think he's related to Remiel? Maybe he's my uncle!" Colette chirped happily. The rest of them stared at her.
"Umm, no. I don't think he's related to Remiel. Their hair and eyes are different colors and their personalities are way too different. It's like your saying that, uhh, Lloyd and Kratos are related!" Genis exclaimed. Glances were made between the two mentioned. Silence.
"Ahahaha! Good one Genis! I mean, we may have similar looks but we can't possibly be related!" Lloyd laughed.
"No Lloyd, I was suggesting that you guys can't be related because you're too stupid compared to Kratos."
"Hey!"
"I don't think personality is relevant to relations."
"But siblings and parents usually influence each other don't they?"
"That depends on who they are."
"Wait, wait. So you're implying that I could be related to Kratos? Or that Remiel might be the brother or something of that other angel?"
"Guys! I don't think that is really important. Just who is he?" Sheena shook her head, trying to get the others on topic.
"Wait on that thought Sheena. Let's reserve a room and discuss it there." The silver haired healer intervened. Genis and Lloyd continued arguing about Lloyd's intelligence as they entered the inn. Soren stopped and turned away, heading towards the peak of the mountain. He should be there right now waiting for the mage.
"Soren! Where are you going?" Lloyd shouted.
"Checking something out."
"Huh. Can I join you?"
"No."
"Oh..." The swordsman reentered the inn, deflated by the instant rejection.
Now that the others were busy reserving a room, Soren continued his trek up the slope. Upon reaching the top, the 'angel' came into view.
"I didn't think I'd meet you here." He said softly, turning to face the mage.
"...I never expected you to be here either, Reyson." Soren walked forward and sat on a large bolder near the blond man. "Do you know what really happened? At that time Shinon shot me?"
"A pool of darkness dragged a few of us down moments after it took you." The heron grimaced a bit. "This isn't Tellius is it? The energy flow here is too different."
"It's as you suspected, though you probably found out by reading my mind like you did earlier."
"Hmm." Reyson gazed at the sky.
"It will be difficult for you to travel here."
"You don't say." The heron responded dryly. "It's not like I can hide my wings."
"... I'll reserve a room. We'll discuss more there." The mage left for the inn.
The others inquired where the raven haired boy went, but left him alone seeing that he didn't want to explain. The girls shared a room while the boys shared a room. Soren managed to get his own room for the night, claiming that he wanted his privacy. As soon as he entered the room, he locked the door and turned to the window. Unlatching it, he peered out but quickly withdrew himself, leaping back from an arrow meant to kill.
"Tch."
"..." Soren retrieved his battle staff and edged towards the door.
"I know you're there twerp. Who'd thought that you'd survive from the wound I gave you at Tor Garen." The mage stiffened as the intruder slipped through his window, emerald eyes flashing. "Oh? Are you looking for the little birdie that was flying outside? Too bad I shot him down."
The mage's crimson eyes darted around the room. The door was jammed by an arrow. Great. Reyson may still be alive but Soren had to concentrate getting out first.
"Speechless huh? You're not my target but, seeing you go down will be a bonus!" Shinon readied his bow as he aimed to kill once more. Soren dived out the way, the arrow ripping the corner of his ear. He inwardly swore. He wasn't too sure if he could channel offensive magic since he didn't learn the spells that can be used in this world. Words in the ancient tongue were quickly chanted. The mage could only hope it would work. Which it did.
Thunder boomed and soon the roof split. Shinon howled in pain as he was struck. During his paralysis, Soren ran to the window and jumped.
"Why you...!" Shinon swore as he followed after the mage.
Soren quickly fled towards the top of the mountain, now knowing he could use spells from his world. There, he found Reyson wounded and unresponsive. Shinon was not too far away. As he came into view, Soren readied himself for combat. He chanted the words for Elthunder and allowed the lightning to strike his enemy. Unluckily for Soren, his enemy managed to send a few arrows in his direction, some hitting their mark. He grunted but kept his eyes on the sniper.
"Thought you'd get away again did you?" Shinon sneered.
"Enough!" A blue haired man appeared and murmured to Shinon, resulting in swearing and glares from the latter.
"Hmph. You get to keep your pretty head boy. I'll get you next time." The two warped away, the light slightly blinding Soren. He sighed as the chosen's group came into view.
He had some explaining to do.
- Chapter Two: Release, Despair END -