The game certainly did not do the Martel Temple full justice.
I gaped in awe at the grand atrium of the temple. It wasn't anything special, but damn, it was big. The old stone created a tapping sound as Gabe's feet and mine walked across it, me following his lead. I decided to call him Gabe, now, by the way. It's much shorter and friendlier. We walked up the steps in the middle. There were two other paths to the side, and I idly noted the lack of a slight cave-in at the left path that was in the game. Yeah, sue me. I remember little things like that! Upon reaching the top of the small flight of stairs, I looked around for the inevitable teleporter, but instead, only came across more stairs. I suppose that such technology would be rather out of place, anyway.
"We have to walk up all those stairs?" I asked, rather plaintively. Stairs are so annoying.
"Well, of course we must," Gabe's creepily perfect smile flashed at me. "You travelled all this way, I assume you can travel a little longer." I groaned at that, causing him to chuckle a little. Is he teasing me? Gah, how annoying. We continued up the stairs, which had begun to spiral around a support beam, all lit by little lanterns casting away shadow. It felt like the light was judging me, it hurt my eyes. No matter. I gripped my bag a bit tighter and continued.
I took a minute to catch my breath as we reached the shrine, or whatever it's called. Place of worship, or something. At the least, I found out where all the priests were. They were all kneeling down, in prayer or something, in front of the altar. Gabe sidled up to me, and half-whispered in my ear, "They're praying for the Oracle. It seems you've arrived just in time, too. There's a spot for you right there." He pointed to a small opening around a ring of priests, between a skinny, pale one and a wider one. I nodded and walked over, kneeling over like they were, and clasped my hands together. I really have no idea what I'm doing. I probably should have sat with Phaidra until Micah showed up or something.
…My nose itches. I really really want to scratch it, but wouldn't that be disrespectful or something? Auuuuugh, it's really itchy! Maybe if I'm super quiet, nobody will notice if I move my hand a bit.
…
Almost there…
Wah!
Before I knew it, a bright light assaulted my eyes as I fell backward, along with skinny and heavy priest next to me. Did I do something wrong? Oh shit, is Remiel going to smite me? Covering my eyes with one hand and squinting upwards, it looks like a beam of light had just flown up out of nowhere from the shrine's core, into the sky. I faintly heard the gasps of awe from the priests over my own heart, but it was beating really fast out of surprise.
Then, as suddenly as it came, it simply left. The bright light blinding everyone around the room, dissipated, and the priests muttered in shock. Before long, the heavy priest who was next to me stood up and shouted, "The Oracle! The Oracle has come! Quickly, we must prepare for the Chosen's arrival!" This was met with a bunch of agreeing from the other priests as they all rushed out of the room, leaving me dumbfounded. Someone shortly helped me to my feet, and I turned my head to meet Gabe's face. I must have been surprised, because he chuckled and said, "Now, just because the Chosen is coming does not mean manners fly out the window. Leaving you here like this would be rude. Come, let us return to Phaidra. The others will have no doubt alerted her if the Oracle itself hadn't already." Aw, that was nice of him. I steadied myself, rubbing my eyes to remove any traces of sunspots dancing around my vision, and we both descended the stairwell from which we came. On the bright side, I wasn't horribly smited!
The silence, however, was murdering me. I mean, we could hear the clamor downstairs, but no conversation makes everything really awkward. In the effort to strike up conversation, I asked, "So, um, why weren't you rushing out with all those others?" He smiled.
"I thought I told you that already. I'm not one to throw manners out the window." Hm.
"Yes, but, you don't even seem the least bit excited." I pointed out. Shouldn't he be jumping around and exclaiming how the Chosen will regenerate the world?
"…Ah." He replied after an awkward silence. "I simply feel that the Chosen is ill-prepared for such a journey. She is young, younger than I, and I fear for her safety." Well, I guess that makes sense. Colette is sort of a ditz. But she'll be fine! I certainly know it.
"Maybe you should have a bit more faith in the Chosen. She'll do it, you'll see." I offer a smile at him, to which he nods towards, and simply continues downwards. I hope that was somewhat helpful.
We exited the temple shortly thereafter and began the short stroll to Phaidra's priestess house thing. Surprisingly, she was already outside, looking even shorter, somehow. She offered us a smile, and then shortly shooed off Gabriel to do, erm, priestly things, I suppose. "My, what a lucky coincidence," She began. She seemed much more excited now that the Oracle went off. "It appears that of all days to arrive, you get to witness the Oracle and the Chosen of Mana, all in one day!" I smiled. There wasn't much to say to that, really. "Unfortunately," She continued, "I will have to ask that you wait inside for the time being. It would be best to have you out of the way so none of the priests have you helping around, anyway." Now that I think about it…
"Um, Miss Phaidra," I began, "I don't mean to sound rude, but helping out with what? Don't you just have to wait for Co-the Chosen, to arrive?" Whoops, almost slipped there. But honestly, isn't that what they do? Just sit around and tell Colette to go in?
She gave me a wry smile at that, which looked rather odd on a short old woman. "Well, if you wish to sum it up, that is one way to say it. But we also must make certain the trials within the temple stay within the temple." She nodded towards said temple, and I followed her gaze to see multiple priests bending down in prayer. Huh. "They, for example, are using both prayers to Martel and the blessings of a Holy Bottle to keep any demons and monsters summoned from the Oracle's trial within. It would be best not to unleash a cavalcade of monsters upon Iselia, you see." I chuckle at that and rub the back of my head. In retrospect, that does make sense. "We have also sent out a group of our people to retrieve the Chosen, so she may receive the Oracle in relative safety." Oh. Oh dear.
"Um, would that group include Gabriel, Miss Phaidra?"
"Well, of course. He is more physically fit than some of our older priests." I gulp, and realize how hard I'd been biting my lip.
"Um, excuse me, then, I'll go inside now." I briskly walk inside the house once more after Phaidra steps aside, locate a chair, and sit down.
He's going to die.
He's going to die, and I can't do anything about it. The group of priests will be ambushed by Renegades and be left for dead. One will manage to reach the school, and die at the steps, and even if it's just a game, I can't help but feel horrible. I bite my lip, and look out the window to the expanse of ocean nearby. Then the Renegades will come here and utterly destroy everyone, including me. Maybe I should…
No. I have to stay and wait for Micah. He said he'd be here, well, more or less, and I have nowhere to run. And as nice as it might sound, I am certainly not jumping out that window. I drop my bag on the table and lay my head on it, waiting for the inevitable.
It wasn't long before I heard a shout outside. It was a painful yelp, really, and then a sort of cackle. I grit my teeth before the door is shortly kicked open and the Renegades rush in and surround me.
They were terrifying in person, despite me and my friends oft making fun of their outfits when playing the game. Not that I got much of a look at them as strong arms grabbed me and I became intimately close with the floor beneath me. Ow. I'm sure I'll get a headache out of that later.
"You!" One of the voices rang out. It was rough, and vicious. I winced at his voice. I hate loud noises. "Where is the Chosen!" What a jerk. He already know my answer, anyway. If I was to be tortured, why not be witty about it?
"Hell if I'd know," I ground out. I think one of them is stepping on me because it's really hard to breathe. "Why don't you ask someone who works here, duh-" The words were shortly knocked out of me as the foot pressed down harder on me.
"Silence!" And so I was. Jerks.
"Put him with the hag." Hey! We don't call old people hags! Even when they're as ancient and decrepit as Phaidra! "Botta may wish to speak with him." I kept my face as passive as possible, although I was trembling. I know the Renegades are the good guys, but this is getting scary. I also just now felt air runthrough my lungs correctly again as I was pulled off the floor and thrown outside.
"Traveller! Are you alright?" I felt a woman at my side as I sat up and took in the surroundings. "Please, do not strain yourself. I will guard the temple." Wait, what?
Ugh. Oh, gosh. The ground in front of me seemed to be stained red, andif I looked to follow the trails I found myself look at a pile of crumpled corpses with the renegades just finishing dragging a body onto it. I swiftly turned away from Phaidra and emptied the contents of my stomach. I knew the renegades attack the Temple and all, but this is inhumane and disgusting!
"Now, then, I will ask you one last time," An English voice, deep and loud, rang out. Ah, that should be Botta, I think. I gripped the strap of my bag as I stood up with Phaidra and looked towards him. The other Renegades now flanked him, and if Lloyd and friends don't come soon…oh, god, we're screwed. "Where is the Chosen?"
He really did look much more terrifying in person. He was really tall and really, really, built, and the rather large sword he carried with him was quite imposing, despite him being dressed in some tunic dress thing. Looking more closely at said weapon, I noticed the Exsphere embedded within it, and the blood on its edge. I shuddered then.
Phaidra took a step back towards the Temple, and I followed, while the Renegades continued our dance by stepping forward. We didn't have much of an escape plan, and I looked to Phaidra to talk about it, but her eyes stared elsewhere, farther ahead, and wide with…fear, maybe?
"Run, Colette!" Ah!
I looked past the Renegades and saw our three heroes, boldly advancing! My hand moved to my heart as I noticed how loudly it was beating. Oh thank the gods, we're saved!
"Lord Botta! There she is!" One of the soldiers cried out, gaining the attention of the others as they let Phaidra and I be ignored for a time.
"Chosen One, your life is mine!" Oh, crap, wait a minute! If Botta fights them now, they'll be skewered like shish-kabobs! I have to do something!
"I won't let you Desians get away with anything!" Lloyd had shouted. So brave. Although the Renegades found it funny as one of them cried out.
"Desians? …Hahahaha!" He must be having fun.
"What's so funny?" Genis had replied, his face scrunching up in indignation.
"Well then," Another soldier said, "Die at the hands of the Desians you so hate!" And in rhythm, the Renegades and Lloyd, Genis, and Colette advanced upon each other while Botta looked on.
"While they take care of the Chosen…" He turned around to face us with an intense stare. Oh dear. "It will be simplest to take you both as hostages, I suppose. But killing you now," He raised his sword. Oh god I'm going to die. "Would be much simpler!" I cringed, shying away from the large blade and squeezed my eyes shut. I'm going to die. I'm going to die and the god damn story hasn't even truly begun yet!
I kept my eyes closed, waiting for the telltale sound of metal ripping through flesh, but all I heard was metal to metal. What? Did Phaidra suddenly get a sword or something? I opened my eyes and the sight brought me to smile.
"Hey, douchebag! Pick on someone your own size!" The ambiguous voice rang out as I looked at Micah in shock. He really came! I…also think I might have squealed there. Oh, gosh. He turned his head a tad to look at me from the corner of my eye and flashed me a grin, saying, "I don't go back on my word. Leave this guy to me." He finished before bringing his other fist to Botta's face, forcing him a good few feet back and leaving what looked to be a nasty bruise on him. He didn't seem to flinch, however, so I guess he must have cheekbones of steel.
"Hm," He managed to say, glancing over to the fight his soldiers were fighting, looking just in time to see Lloyd and co. kill his last friend. He raised his hand in the arm, making some form of signal before shouting, "Vidarr!" Holy shit! Before I knew it, I saw the hugest human being I've ever seen climb up the cliffside. He was like a mountain! Wielding an equally huge ball and chain, he jumped over Botta and landed in front of our heroes, spinning the weapon wildly.
"Do not get in our way!"
"Now then," Botta calmly replied as he turned back to us. "It appears I must deal with some underground scum." Micah grinned wildly while I backed up to Phaidra once more. She seemed to be in pain just watching her granddaughter fight.
"Even if I'm all for killing the Chosen," The oni responded. "I'm not for killing my friend. So move, bitch, or I'll move you!" What a mouth. I whispered a quick apology to Phaidra, seeing as I'm sure swearing on holy grounds is a bad thing, more or less.
And before I knew it, they were assaulting each other on all sides, Micah meeting most of Botta's sword strikes fist-on and mostly aiming for the face. Seeing as I was sure Micah would be fine, I turned to look at the other fight occurring with the monster of a man, and to my horror, our heroes were on the ground, struggling to get up while Vidarr began to spun his weapon violently. Well, not to my horror. I hate to sound terribly smug, but I already know what's happening next anyway. Haha, right about…
The ball of chain crashed against a green barrier, what I assume to be known as Guardian, and Kratos entered the scene, all within spandex glory! Well, it's not spandex, but some tight material or the other. I think I'll stop now so as to not sound entirely creepy.
"Who are you?" Lloyd inquired, finally rising to his feet. Kratos took a sidelong glance at him.
"Get out of the way." Regardless of whether they did or not, Kratos shortly clashed with Vidarr, making sharp and accurate cuts around his body, already nicked with them due to his earlier brawl. When I turned my gaze once more to the other battle, I noticed Botta and Micah were both staring at Kratos, wide-eyed and lowered their arms.
"I never thought you'd show up." Botta said, more to himself than anyone else. "Damn…Retreat for now!" As Vidarr fell with a roar, the remaining Renegades gathered around Botta as they made their escape off the cliff face. I hope one of them falls. Disregarding this, I turned to Micah.
"What's with you, anyway?" Lloyd and company were staring at us now. I wonder if I should say hello? Instead, the only response I got was a sore arm as Micah immediately rushed at me, grabbed my limb and dragged me inside the Temple at surprising speeds. "H-hey! What the heck was that?"
He didn't stop to give me a word until we took the short stairway on the left side of the temple. At this point, he let go and looked at me with wild eyes. It was sort of scary. "What the fuck do you think, idiot! That was an angel! An angel!" He waved his arms, broken chains clinking as they flailed in the air. "This is a covert mission! We can't risk being caught by Cruxis! Not now, anyway."
"But how did you know he was an angel? He looked human enough to me." I replied, pulling the 'I don't know nuffin' act over my face. It wouldn't do if Micah knew I knew what would happen and who was who. "And besides," I pointed out, "He wouldn't try anything with a bunch of kids right there. Especially the Chosen!" Micah paled even further, it seemed. He's really blowing this out of proportion.
"The Chosen, too? Fuck, we need to find a way out of here without them noticing us. But they'll be in soon and we can't be found out…" He stopped to ponder, before looking at the nearby support pillars on the walls of the area we were near. "Ah, that will do." Oh crap.
Without giving any warning, Micah punched the wall directly next to him, causing it to immediately crumble under his strength, and also gave me a heart attack, or something close to it. I jumped back out of fear as the roof of the passageway tumbled down, effectively blocking off the way for anyone to follow. But still, now how are we going to get out! "There. That'll keep us safe." Micah finished, wiping his hands of any residue on his pants.
"What do you think you're doing!" A shrill voice screamed out from behind us, causing my hairs to stand on end as I stiffened considerably and broke out into a sweat. Oh god, did he seriously just trap us with…
Micah seemed nonplussed as he simply turned around to face the owner of the voice, stating, "None of your business. I just needed to break down-" The poor devil didn't even get to finish his sentence as the resounding smack of palm to cheek rang out and he recoiled backward, clutching the wound. "What the fuck is your problem, lady!" He yelled in response. The answer came with another smack, this time the sound of rod meeting head, and he crumbled to the ground.
"What have you done! You've destroyed the priceless walls of the Temple, you great oaf!" Oh god, she begins. "Do you know how long the Temple has been present in history? It has withstood siege, ransacking, fire, all manners of disasters! And you simply shatter it like none of that meant anything!" She raised her foot and stomped it down on Micah's back, causing me to wince. "And you!" Oh god. The nightmare of any Tales of Symphonia player turned to me, rage apparent in her face.
Raine was surprisingly more terrifying in person, and she looked at me with the utmost fury she could muster, holding her staff menacingly. "Why didn't you stop him? Your negligence has caused the destruction of an important part of the Temple!"
"I-I, um," I managed to stutter out before she hit me square in the face with her staff. Owww, that really hurt! It was like the fury of a thousand needles piercing your soul! Well, not really, but owww, it hurts! "O-oww…" Raine turned around, likely to quell her rage before she accidently harms the Temple. I completely forgot she was in here! Ugh, Micah, you idiot! After a few moments, Raine turned back to us, much calmer as well. Micah got up at this point, rubbing his head and feeling for the bruise that will undoubtedly be there later.
"Well," She began, raising her staff a little. The gesture did nothing more than cause Micah to jump behind my back, however, Raine ignored this and moved on. "Hm. It appears that we will be traveling together from this point onwards." Wait, what? "My name is Raine Sage, and you may address me as such. And you are…?" She left the question in the air for one of us to pick up.
"What the fuck, lady?" Micah shouts instead, getting right in her face. "So all of a sudden we're some magical happy group after you hit me god knows how many-" Smack. "Ow! Shit!" Hahah. Raine decided that it would be better to speak to me, despite me being younger, and looks in my direction.
"I apologize, would you care to explain?" I nod, and turn to Micah, who is still cowering from the blow. Wimp.
"Micah," I began, "You caved in the only exit we may know of. We have no idea where to find another one, AND," I continued loudly as Micah opened his mouth. "Unless you want to be brutally murdered, we will not be breaking down the walls of the temple. Besides," I motioned. "There's only one way to go, and that's down."
"…" Micah stood there for a minute, taking it in. The Professor began to tap her foot impatiently. "Bah! Fine!" He threw his hands in the air before pushing past Raine and I, storming down the path in front of us. Raine shared a glance with me before we followed, keeping him within sight. I gripped the strap of my bag tightly, keeping on alert. There were supposed to be monsters here now, right? I'm not really prepared to deal with things like spiders and ghosts, and Micah, although admittedly monstrous in strength, really can't just smash them to a pulp without some questions from Raine, who already seems incredibly suspicious. It's like suspicion is just wafting off her.
"Oh, right," I remembered. Raine turned her head to me as I held out a hand. "I'm Ethan. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Sage." She accepted my handshake as we rounded a corner. The Temple really is much larger than expected.
"Please, just Raine will do. If you don't mind my asking…" She looked me in the eye, seeing as we were around the same height, although I think I'm a few inches shorter, give or take some shoes. "What could you be doing within the Temple? You are certainly not a priest, nor are you the Chosen." Well, yeah, she would know. I wonder if I should tell her what happened outside.
"Hurry up, will you!" Micah shouted from ahead, as we had subconsciously slowed our pace. I hold up a hand signaling him to wait, causing him to huff.
"Well, Micah and I came here on a pilgrimage. This was before the Oracle arrived, mind. We came to offer our prayers at the altar, ironically, right when the Oracle had arrived. As such," I paused. "We were sent out to wait inside the side house for the time being. Which is, I assume, when you entered the temple?" She nodded. "Yeah, after you did, I suppose the Temple was attacked by Re-Desians!" I corrected myself.
"What?" Raine replied, eyes wide with disbelief. "But there is a non-aggression treaty between the Desians and Iselia so such circumstance would not occur!" I shrug. I can't really tell her they were not Desians, anyway.
"Either way, they um," I stopped again, thinking of a way to word it. "Ended the lives of many priests. I was dragged out of the side house and thrown next to Phaidra, who is luckily alive and well." I added, so as not to worry her. "And before they could do anything to her, these three kids arrived! Around, um, my age, I think. Maybe younger?" I posit. I think Lloyd is seventeen too, but he's likely older than I. Raine gasped.
"Please, describe these children to me." She demanded. I guess she already has a feeling that they're hers, but that would be obvious, I suppose.
"Umm…" I began. "One was a brunette in a red coat. He had swords." She nodded. "The second was a blond girl who had these ring things."
"Chakrams." Raine interjected. I kept going.
"Yeah. The last one was an elf with white hair. He was pretty short."
"Genis…" Raine muttered to herself. She looked back to me. "What happened then?"
"Well, uh, they started fighting some of the Desians while the big one went after me and Phaidra. But that's okay because Micah came out of nowhere and started fighting with him pretty evenly. Then the leader guy, I think his name was Botta, summoned this really huge Desians! It almost killed them too." I paused. "But then this cool guy came out of nowhere and saved them. The Botta person retreated and then Micah grabbed me and ran in here before, um, doing the breaking thing." I end. Raine nodded.
"Then let us hurry. I worry for the children."
"Are they yours?" I ask, causing Raine to give me a glare that sent chills down my spine. Oh, right, she's really not that old! Oops.
"No, they are not my children. I am not old. One of them, however, is my younger brother, so I worry." I notice how she conveniently left out their names. Oh well, not like I already didn't know them.
"I'm not waiting much longer!" Micah yelled. I sighed and began moving once more, Raine behind me.
As we kept moving, making twists and turns through the temple, I wonder aloud, "Is there even a way out of here? We've been walking for a while."
"If I recall, the place we were at should loop around to the right passage of the Temple's atrium." She looked like she was about to say more before we heard a loud scream ahead.
"AUUUUGH GET IT OFF ME OH MY GOD" A spider seemed to have landed on top of Micah. It wasn't some little spider, either, it was huge. I had to look away to keep from vomiting. I can't stand bugs. "DON'T JUST STAND THERE HELP ME AUGHHHH!" To be honest, he was holding off the spider well enough. His hands were holding its head back so the arachnid couldn't devour him. It was…really ugly though. It was seriously hairy and slimy and, ah, so many legs. I guess he's just afraid of spiders. Running up to the creature, I shrug off my bag, wind back, and gave the insect a good smack to the side, making it lose balance as Micah squirmed out from beneath it. It shortly regained its footing and hissed at his, spider-teeth-mandibles clacking angrily. I normally don't mind bugs, but that's if they're not facing me! I shot a glance at Micah, and he seemed to be trembling as well. …We're pathetic. I could even hear Raine sighing behind us.
"Right, so, um…attack!" I declared, and ran forward, aiming to make contact with its face. It would have none of that, however, and skittered just out of my range. Retaliating, I continued to spin around, hitting its side again. It skid back like before, and it appeared to be dent in its side. Pah, I can give people blunt force trauma, but I guess spiders are a lot harder. I need Micah to smash through the damn thing.
"DIE SPIDER!" And as if my prayers were answered, Micah literally shoved his fist right through the monster's skull before retracting, and the spider fell to the ground, its cranial contents lying around for everyone to see. "YEAH!" He cheered, throwing his fist in the air and shaking some of the gook on it around. I stepped back a few.
"Is anyone hurt?" I heard from behind me. Ah, I forgot Raine was there.
"No, we're fine. He might be a bit shaken up, but that's about it." I replied. Raine nodded.
"I-I don't like surprises, okay?" Micah flustered. "They're cowardly and mess me up!"
"…Right. Let us continue." Raine managed, seeming to fight the urge to facepalm. We were coming up on some sort of exit, at the least. The stairs seemed to be going downwards, but whatever works.
We came upon another large room with a floor underneath it, it seemed. Looking to the left, I noticed a sort of small stand of sorts for holding something. Following my gaze, Raine seemed to come to a conclusion. "That should be where the Sorcerer's Ring is. Considering it seems to be missing, we can safely assume the Cole-the Chosen and her companions have nearly completed the trials of the Temple." She keeps censoring their names. Heheh, I guess we're not to be trusted, are we? Taking in the information, we continue down the steps onto the higher platform. I noticed another set of steps at the other side.
"Ah, there! I bet we'll be able to get out if we go over there. Let's go!" I shout, running over with Raine and Micah on my heels. We make it over and up the stiars, into another corridor without incident. It's sort of eerie, weren't there supposed to be golems back there or something? Micah's been quiet as well, it's a bit odd, but I can't say I know him too well anyway, so maybe that's how he is. "…Shouldn't there be more monsters? It's a trial, after all."
"We can only assume that the Chosen has defeated the enemies, although I do agree that it is more than a little odd that there are no corpses or signs of struggle." Raine offered.
"Bah, whatever, let's just get going before he shows up again." Micah let slip before slapping a hand over his mouth.
"He?" Raine asked. Too late.
"The man in purple. He was sort of scary. I guess he surprised Micah like the spider did." I forced a laugh and Micah turned red from embarrassment.
"H-He didn't-! No!" Raine allowed herself a…chortle, I suppose, from Micah's answer. I'm not good at differentiating the states of laughter. "A-Anyway! I think I see the main lobby!" He said loudly, in an attempt to cover his insecurities as he ran ahead, chains clacking.
"I don't suppose you'll tell me why he is wearing broken handcuffs, will you?" I shake my head firmly, refuting Raine's first answer. "Nor how he has a seemingly endless wealth of strength despite no visible Exsphere upon him?"
"It's elsewhere, I think. Probably in some odd spot. I dunno." I offer. How would I know if he owned an Exsphere, anyway?
"Hm. Alright." With that, we entered the main lobby once more, where Micah was waiting at the exit impatiently. Luckily, there appeared to be no other damage other than the mini landslide Micah made, barring access to the left hallway. "Well, I must thank you for accompanying me to this point. It was a pleasure to meet you, Ethan." She held out her hand and we shook it once more. "If you don't mind me asking…" I shook my head to signal it was alright. "Would you mind if I took a closer look at your bag?" Ah, well, that's odd. I look towards Micah for an answer, causing him to shrug, so I remove it and hand the sack to Raine, who looked it over with great interest.
"MARVELOUS!" Her eyes shined, as she yelled it out. She seemed about to continue, but another voice snapped her out of it.
"…Professor?" Oh god, Lloyd, run! Raine turned and faced Genis and Lloyd, whom were just now descending from the stairs leading to the altar. The shine in her eyes were immediately replaced by fury.
"What? You two shouldn't be here! You were supposed to be studying in class!" She yelled, causing Micah to wince, and I took a step back as she dropped my back and approached them, hand in the air.
"Raine! I…I'm sorry!" I look away as Raine grabs Genis and lifts him into the air, which is quite the feat. I could not, however, plug my ears as the sound of spanking echoed and reverberated around the walls of the temple. Normally, I found this bit hilarious, but oh god it's terrifying and I'm not even watching! The sounds stopped and I turned around once more, only to see Genis on the ground while Raine turns her gaze to Lloyd, whose eyes were still closed.
"You're next, Lloyd." She paused as she raised her arm in the air. "Are you ready?" It was a terrifyingly dead serious tone. Lloyd opened one eye and flinched, turning to run from Raine's wrath. Not missing a beat, however, Raine latched onto Lloyd's ribbons, pulling him back towards her.
"Whoa, no, hey, stop!" He desperately pleaded, but there was no escape as Raine reared back and delivered the most powerful kick I've seen right into Lloyd's behind, sending him back into the wall as she let go. "Oww!" In the end, Genis was on the floor behind Raine while Lloyd was knocked against the wall, rubbing his arse. Raine looked pleased.
"Now, you two, if you've learned your lesson, go back home. There will be no class for the rest of the day. If you would also escort the two men behind you back to Iselia, I will excuse your behavior for today." Genis got up, and Lloyd looked at me, possibly recognizing me.
"But Raine," Genis injected. "There's only one person!" What? I whipped my head around and saw Micah wasn't there anymore, probably having run off. Damn it.
"Hm. No matter. I've received permission from Phaidra to study this temple a little while longer. It's not often that ordinary citizens have the opportunity to enter this place." With that, she moved past the two boys and began her ascent to the altar.
"So, um," I speak up, getting their attention. "I'm Ethan, and um, I'm from Hima, so I don't know my way too well around here. If you could help me out…"
"Yeah, sure!" Lloyd responded enthusiastically, walking ahead. "Come on, it's this way!" I blink. He's pretty hyped up.
"Don't worry, he'll get bored soon enough." Genis said, appearing at my side without my realizing. I open my mouth to respond, but…
"MUHAHAHAHAHA!" The cry rang out from above us, making me jump in shock.
"…What was that?" I asked warily. Genis paused, the expression on his face looking as if he was caught with a cookie from a jar in his hand.
"…You're better off not knowing." With that, he continued ahead. Dropping the subject. I followed, seeing as walking somewhere in groups is better than alone. Still, where did Micah go? I'll have to confront him about that if I find him again.
The walk back was quiet and relatively uneventful. I'm not the most social person, and I didn't really know what to say, while Lloyd kept looking at me, trying to make sure if I was the person he dragged back to Dirk's house this morning. The silence was really getting to me, seeing as most monsters were recently slain by the group on their way here. "Um…" I begin, grabbing the two boys' attention. "Where are you guys going after we reach Iselia, then?" Lloyd smiled.
"We're going to go see Colette! She told us to come to her house after she got the Oracle!" I did my best to look blank. I don't really know who Colette is, technically.
"Colette is the Chosen." Genis said, giving me the quick answer. I nodded.
"It's right up ahead!" Lloyd shouted, before running to the school visible in the distance. Genis sighed, before moving his short legs to catch up while I did my best to keep pace. We don't have exspheres like him, after all. Regardless, we caught up to Lloyd at the entrance. He looked at me once more. "So where are you going now?" Hm, I don't really know, do I?
"Um, can I come with you guys?" God, I'm such a sue. "It would be nice to meet the Chosen while I'm here." Genis and Lloyd share a look, I guess whether to deny me or not.
"Yeah, why not?" Lloyd finally says. "Come on, her house is over this way." They begin walking down the left road, and I follow for a minute or two, before they stop at the house on the corner. That was pretty fast. "Come on, let's go in!" He exclaimed, before running up to the door. Genis paled.
"L-Lloyd, don't invite yourself in when it's Colette's house!" He protested, embarrassed at his friend's actions.
"It'll be fine!" He replied, smiling. Genis sighed, and followed him in as they entered, and I kept the trend, entering shortly afterwards. I took a peek inside over Lloyd's shoulder, which wasn't hard, being that I was a tad taller than him, and noted the company. Seated at the table were Phaidra, Kratos, Colette, and who I assume to be the Mayor and Frank, all looking at us due to our sudden intrusion.
To ease the silence, Colette blurted out, "Thank you so much for your help earlier!"
"Ohh, you're back! Thank you for your assistance earlier!" Phaidra added. I'm sure she was supposed to say something else, but maybe I'm just a bit confused.
"It's no problem." Genis waved off.
"Say, were you talking about the world regeneration journey just now?" Lloyd added, cutting to the chase.
"Yes." She answered. How blunt.
"Wow! I want to go, too! I wanna see Colette regenerate the world!" He said, getting quite excited. Maybe he should calm down for a moment? Bah, I'm not Lloyd's keeper, only his creeper.
"If Raine is going, I want to go, too." Genis added, not one to be left out.
"No, you'll get in the way." I stifled a snicker there. Kratos' flat-out refusals always struck me as incredibly funny, especially with the deadpan voice he has going on.
"Wh...what!" Lloyd balked.
"The battles at the chapel were nothing compared to the journey that awaits us. Children need to stay home." He answered coolly.
"Kratos is absolutely right. Now then, we still have things to discuss. You two should go on home." The duo looked about to press the matter, but the Mayor's cold glare made them turn around to leave the house. Not a moment later, Colette ran out to follow them. Once more, it was silent, and I stood there for a good ten seconds before I noticed everyone was looking at me this time. Whoops.
"Uh, hi." I gave a little half-wave. Silence was my reply, so I continued, somewhat uncomfortable. "Um, I was at the Temple during the attack." Phaidra seemed to finally recognize me just then, and her eyes widened a little in recognition.
"Oh, yes, you were the one who had come to offer his prayers at the temple! I must apologize that you had to witness such a terrible event." She said.
"Ah, ah, I'm sorry I couldn't be of more use!" I replied.
"Such a nice young man. Is there anything we can do for you?" She said, and I froze. This could be my way in! The big chance to join the World Regeneration group! But my fanboyisms aside, it IS a dangerous journey, and I really could die out there. I don't have any artes, I don't know where Micah is, and my weapon is a bag. So in reality, it would be best if I simply ask for directions to Lloyd's house, to at least return the supplies I owe Dirk. I had forgotten about them.
"I was thinking maybe I could accompany Colette on the World Regeneration journey if I could, at least until we reach an area near Hima, as I would like to get home posthaste." My words tumbled out of my mouth before logic could stop me. Phaidra's lips tightened, the Mayor sighed, and Kratos appeared a tad bit more annoyed. Oops.
"I'm sure you heard the answer given to Lloyd and Genis, dear," She began. "We cannot allow you to accompany Colette for the very same reasons."
Before the Mayor and Kratos could continue to party poop on my idea, I raise my hands up in defense and wave them a bit, shaking my head. "Ah, no, no, I understand. It was a long shot, anyway. Could you at least tell me how to reach Dirk, the dwarf's, house? I managed to get here from there, but I can't rely so much on my own directions when it's getting late."
Phaidra smiled, her face crinkling somewhat. Like bubble wrap? Ah, no, that was an odd way to say it. "That, I can do." She stood up and rummaged through a trunk of items behind her. it was a small room, and house, after all. After a moment or two, she turned around with a yellowed parchment in her hands. "It's a bit old, but this map of Iselia Forest should do." I nod, and begin to reach for it, before Phaidra pulls back a little. "Ah, yes, give me a moment." She placed the map on the table and removed the quill from the small ink bottle that was also situated there, and marked a large black X on about a quarter of the map. "Right there," She pointed, "Is Desian territory. You would do well to avoid it." I smile in response, and take the map. Not that it would help me a whole lot in the end. I can't read maps. But something is better than nothing.
"Thank you very much, Phaidra!" I say on the way out, and as I reach for the door handle, add, "Do have a nice-BUAH!" Before I realized what was happening, the door opened in my face, knocking me to the ground, and above me stood a very embarrassed Chosen.
"Oh my gosh! Are you okay? I'm sorry!" As she bombarded me with apologies, I grabbed her outstretched hand, using it as weight to pick myself up.
"Um...right. It's fine." I take a moment to brush off anything on my pants before continuing. "I...am going to go now. Have a nice day, Chosen." The fall didn't really hurt, but I can say with the utmost confidence that it was incredibly embarrassing, so before anyone can say anything, I promptly march out of the house and right out of town through the guards, towards the forest. The guards might have said something, but my face felt incredibly red and I refused to look any way but forward.
The trip back through the forest wasn't all that bad, honestly. It was still pretty quiet, and on the way through, I spotted some cut up corpses and other burned ones. It figures Genis and Lloyd were ahead of me, by such sights. I wondered if maybe i should follow them to the Iselia Ranch, where they met Marble, but my gut knots up at the thought of seeing an actual human village. I'm fairly certain this one doesn't actually just have them push around blocks all , I follow the map to the letter, and keep my eyes peeled for monsters, and before I knew it, I had made my way to Dirk's house. I sighed in relief; in retrospect I have a pathetic amount of fighting experience. Beaning bees and spiders in the head with a bag doesn't count. I made it a point to knock on the door as I awaited Dirk.
I didn't have to wait long as he opened the door shortly with a grin on his face. "Aye, ye made it back, eh? Good, now I don' afta worry about ye running off with me gald, then!" I responded with an uneasy smile. How ironic that I had been planning to do so, but it appears Micah is nowhere around, so I suppose it's okay to do this. He led me in and sat me at the table as he went back to smashing something or the other on his iron board with a hammer. I'm not all that well, or remotely versed in the art of blacksmithery, so I take to looking out the window. "So, 'ow was the trip?"
"Oh, ah, it wasn't all that exciting." I waved it off. Lloyd can tell him about it later. "I do have your supplies!" I pull the requested gels and other such assorted wares out of my bag and push it towards him, which he gladly accepted and put to the side. I move to get up from the table before a sharp pain jabbed into my stomach and I doubled over. "Ah-!" Oh, gosh, don't tell me I have to...
"Are ye alrigh', lad?" Dirk rushed over to my side, but I held up a hand to tell him to back up. This is so embarrassing...
"Yeah, I'm, uh, fine. Uh..." I pause, slowly standing up again. The pressure is still there, but regardless. "Do you guys have a bathroom?" Dirk looked at me for a second, his expression incredibly grave. Right before he burst into laughter that is. "H-Hey!"
"Ruh-Right outside, lad! Hah! Ahahahahah!" He was holding his sides now, and I could feel my cheeks beginning to flush. Right outside? I briskly exited the main room and walked the perimeter of the house, but all I saw of use was Noishe's pen, the gravestone, and trees. just a bunch of trees all over. Wait...
Oh god, they don't have a bathroom.
"What the hell are you doing around here, you idiot! When I said Martel Temple, I meant we still go back to the god damn Temple!"
And Micah is right behind me, isn't he.
Hello everyone! I have been thrown through a bunch of stuff and so the story got thrown to the back burner and that is so embarrassing. I had to do college applications, my term paper, and we also dropped through a whole family emergency, so it was just a mess!
This chapter was also half done a while ago, so some issues apparent in Chapter One may still be apparent. Sorry! I enjoy criticism, though!