So much for updating every week. I'm really getting into this so I'll probably update several times this week. I may decided to throw a few flashback/filler chapters of Aurora's past. As for pairings, I haven't made up my mind yet. I was hoping maybe you guys would choose. I'm pretty much open to anything, yaoi/yuri I'm all for it. The only thing I will not support is KratosxRaine and KratosxLloyd. Just... no. Anyway please review and tell me what you think!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tales of Symphonia
Chapter Two: Hello Again
The three children were at the House of Salvation asking everyone if they had seen the Chosen's group. All the people they had asked said no and were about to give up when they finally caught a lucky break. One man had told them that the group had headed into the desert. The kids thanked the man and quickly went on their way. Aurora was deep in thought. What did she just get herself into? Seeing that monster the other day brought back memories she wish she could erase. Along the way there was a very awkward silence that was driving Lloyd crazy. When he finally couldn't take it anymore, he decided to say something.
"So. . . What's your name?" Lloyd asked.
Aurora looked at the boy, her face hidden by her hood.
"My name is Aurora." she answered.
"My name's Lloyd. And this is Genis." Lloyd smiled.
"Lloyd? No way… He can't be the little boy, can he?" Aurora thought, her eyes widening in shock under her cloak.
Another awkward silence fell upon the group.
"You're not much for conversation are you?" Lloyd questioned.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to having people around me." the girl replied.
"Oh. . .So could you tell us a little about yourself?" the brunette asked.
Aurora tensed up a bit. She couldn't tell them who she really was. She had to make up a story. . . and quick.
"Well. . .I travel the world by myself. I don't really have a real family. Umm. . .That's about it." she said.
"Oh…uhh.. ok." Lloyd said.
They continued walking when they realized they were now entering the desert.
The group was slowly making their way through the hot sandy hell. Lloyd had long since stripped off his jacket and gloves. Aurora just looked like she was accustomed to the hot weather. Poor Genis was lagging behind due to not really being able to cool himself off in any way. Aurora looked back at the boy.
"Are you alright Genis?" Aurora asked.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that? You're still in a cloak. Anyway, I'm fine." Genis spoke.
Aurora sighed and the others continued their walk through the hot and sandy desert.
The sun was long past set but the group continued on. After what seemed to be hours, the kids came across a campfire. Lloyd squinted and realized it was Colette, Raine, and Kratos. The Chosen looked back and saw the group. Her face immediately lit up as she ran to Lloyd, glomping him and knocking them both onto the desert floor.
"Lloyd. . .I'm so happy you came for me. . ." Colette said as a tear of happiness fell from her eyes.
Genis and Aurora walked over to the campfire where Kratos and Raine sat. The auburn haired man glared at the girl.
"You're the one that attacked us at the temple." the mercenary stated coldly.
"I didn't attack you. . . I was merely defending myself." she retorted back just as harshly.
The group sat around the raging fire. Nobody was really talking except Lloyd, Genis, and Colette.
"Aurora, you can take your cloak off now. It's night." the silver haired boy said assuming the small girl was just sensitive to light.
"I. . .I can't. . .I have a scar. . .I'd rather not have anyone see my face." Aurora said pulling the hood of her cloak down even further down hiding more of her face.
Then suddenly, Colette walked over to Aurora, smiling as usual.
"Can I talk with you alone, just for a little bit?" Colette asked.
"I would strongly advise against that Chosen. We know nothing about her." Kratos warned.
"Humph." Aurora immediately took offense.
"Please Mr. Kratos, she's just a little girl. I'm sure she means no harm." the blonde begged.
Kratos sighed in defeat.
"Hmm. . .Alright. But if I sense any sort of danger. . ."
"We'll be fine." Colette said dragging Aurora off behind a sand dune against the poor girl's will.
"What do you wish to talk about?" Aurora asked.
"I wanted to get to know a little about yourself. You were really quiet by the fire so I guessed you're really shy around a lot of people." Colette smiled.
"That's…rather accurate." Auroa said slightly surprised and giggled softly.
"So. . .is it okay for me to see your face. . .? I don't care if you have a scar. I like people for who they are. . .Please?" Colette asked staring at Aurora with pleading eyes.
"I. . ." Aurora sighed. "I suppose. . .But please do not be alarmed." she said, slowly pulling down the hood of her cloak.
Colette gasped. "You look just like Mr. Kr-" a hand silenced the chosen before she could finish.
"Shh!. . .Please don't say anything. . .I don't want anyone to know. Not now." the girl scolded.
"Wait. . . Where's your scar?" the blonde questioned.
"This girl isn't too bright is she…?" Aurora thought as she face-palmed.
"I don't have a scar. That was just an excuse to hide my face." she explained.
Suddenly, a faint red light emitted from the girl's forehead.
"What was that?" Colette asked.
"That. . .was my cruxis crystal. . ." Aurora said hesitantly.
She lifted the hair from her face and showed the cruxis crystal to Colette.
"You have one too? Wouldn't that mean you're a chosen too?" she questioned.
"I'm not sure. I've had this on my head ever since I was. . .born." Aurora stated pulling her hood back up. "Please don't tell anybody what you saw."
She couldn't explain it but she trusted Colette, perhaps it's because she could relate to her. Or maybe it's because she had an idea about what the girl was about to go through. She heard the angel transformation was unpleasant but never actually had to go through it herself since she was an android. Aurora pitied the girl in all honesty. She knew the chosen was destined to die. Question was, did she want to try and stop it or aid Kratos in the girl's death? Some part inside Aurora was to loyal to her creator. She would have to come to a decision sooner or later. Suddenly without warning, Kratos appeared behind the two girls. Aurora cursed under her breath for not noticing sooner.
"I think it's time for you two to return to camp." Kratos said.
The girls got up and began walking back to camp when suddenly Aurora felt a hand on her shoulder causing her to jump slightly.
"I need to have a word with you." Kratos said as emotionless as ever.
Something had took Aurora that he had been eavesdropping on their whole conversation. It made her wonder if Yggdrasill ever told the man of her existence. Not wanting a confrontation now, the girl made up an excuse.
"Could we talk in the morning?" Aurora asked. "I do not wish to talk right now."
Everyone returned to the warmth of the campfire. And after a bit of arguing, Aurora volunteered to be the night watch which Kratos didn't seem to happy about. Several hours passed uneventfully but Aurora still kept her guard up, not seeming the least bit tired. Everything was quiet when a voice started speaking in the girls head.
"You must get to the seal before the chosen." the voice said.
Aurora recognized the voice, it was Remiel. She needed to get away from everyone. But how?
"Lloyd?. . .Lloyd." Aurora whispered shaking the boy gently.
"Hmmn. . .?" the swordsman groaned as he woke up.
"I need you to take the night watch for a little bit. I'll be right back." she explained.
"Uhh. . .okay. Be careful." Lloyd replied, his mind still hazy from sleep.
Aurora walked off, Lloyd not knowing she wouldn't be returning anytime soon. She ran when she was over the sand dune. If the girl kept up her pace, she should reach Triet by dawn. Lloyd began getting increasingly worried as time passed on. Should he wake someone up? At first Lloyd decided against it and waited a little longer. Ten minutes passed and there was still no sign of Aurora.
". . .Kratos!. . .Kratos, wake up!" Lloyd whispered.
"What is it, Lloyd?" Kratos questioned as he woke up.
"It's Aurora. She's run off. . .!"