Update time. Here it is.
Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.
Chapter 7:
The day was hot. The familiar sun bore down relentlessly on Triet, the heat keeping the towns people within doors. The town was deserted, the heat creating a suffocating silence that descended on its ragged and worn buildings. Kratos stared out the window of the inn, irritated. Behind him, the raucous and bolstering crowd that occupied the inn hummed in his ear like a pestering insect. His attempts to drown the many voices were for not, his keen angelic hearing picking up the slightest click of a tongue against teeth as they chattered away.
Perhaps this was why he originally avoided inns, he mused. The nonchalant clucking of women and men as they endlessly converse the week's news annoyed him. Unfortunately for him, the brunt of the gossip was directed at the Chosen's group. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, turning his gaze back into the hazy room. He was seated directly beside the stairs, attempting to dissuade any that would try and disturb the Chosen on the second floor; however, this led to more whispers and speculation on his part.
It was to be expected that Raine would request an extra day to allow Colette to rest after her earlier ordeal. Footsteps sounded behind him and without turning he knew it was one of the Sages. To his surprise Genis seated himself in a chair next to him, seemingly awkward as stares were directed at him. He kept his head lowered and eyes averted; a Kratos momentarily felt pity for the boy.
"How is she faring?" Kratos asked, trying to distract him. He really wasn't in the mood for conversation, yet he knew how it felt to be ridiculed and gossiped about, being a human that lived among half-elves and Desians.
Genis was slightly surprised by the question, "Wha—oh, Raine says that she is sleeping now and the fever has subsided." He broke his gaze and looked at his hands, intimidated by Kratos' hard eyes. "Raine says that we can leave as soon as she wakes up."
Kratos looked away, as Genis fell silent. Another few hours trapped in this crowded, dusty inn would be nothing more than a nuisance to him personally, but he was patience. Besides, if the Chosen were to die from exhaustion, it would only complicate things further.
"Kratos, can I ask you something?" Genis cut through his musings.
"Yes?"
He hesitated for a moment, considering his choice of words, "Did—Do you know Lloyd?" he asked abruptly.
Kratos froze, eyes locked on him. Lloyd… He didn't answer, and Genis immediately began apologizing, when Kratos put up his hand. He managed to keep his shock out of his voice, "What caused you to assume that?"
Genis shrugged, shuffling his feet on the hard wooden floor. Laughter erupted from the other side of the room, glasses clinking. "I-I…It was the way you reacted when we found out Lloyd was missing…" Another stream of laughter filled the room and Kratos turned towards the center of the room. Mica darted through the crowds, carrying trays of drinks and platters of food. "…I figured that you knew him…" Genis trailed off.
Lloyd…
To say that Kratos was unaffected was incorrect, though he didn't show it. Was he that obvious that a twelve year old child could discover his secret? He found himself wondering how he managed to deteriorate so much in only a few days where he had managed to survive fourteen years, and before…Anna, thousands of years.
He turned and looked out the window again, sand whipping by as wind rose and fell. Beside him Genis sat quietly, mostly likely regretting his question. But why was it such an improper question? Kratos wondered.
Because if Lloyd ever found out…
Kratos barely realized that Genis had excused himself and went back up the stairs. He frowned, closing his eyes. The clamor around him had faded away as he pondered the consequences of revealing his secret. It was too dangerous if Lloyd was to find out. More so it would lead to even more questions that were better left concealed and Kratos was unsure that it would even be appropriate to reveal such information to Lloyd's friends when they were deigned to die at the end of the journey. He needed to refrain from getting attached to any of them else he would have trouble finishing the job.
Gradually the occupants of the room diminished as the sun began to lose its midday heat and descended into the west. Kratos found himself thinking of days past with Anna and Lloyd when Mica sat heavily in the chair Genis had previously preoccupied, startling him.
She looked at him strangely, smiling, "You must have been thinking hard if I frightened you." She leaned back, folding her arms behind her head as she stretched. "I wasn't even trying this time."
"You startled me, not frightened." Kratos grunted at the young woman, unnerved at being caught off guard. He needed to stop reminiscing.
She shrugged and lowered her arms so they were propped on the head of the chair, "Whatever maintains your dignity." She watched him for a reaction, but he withheld any remarks that came across his mind. He would not lower himself so far as to banter with a teenager.
He noticed her exhaustion, realizing that she must have been working since dawn with little respite. Of course it was of no concern to him, but he couldn't help by marvel at her stamina.
"You have been sitting their all day." She said after a moment, still watching him with dark eyes.
"What of it?" he asked slightly irritated. This girl never gave up.
"Well I find it odd that you should go an entire day with out eating, even in this stifling weather." Curiosity sparked in her eyes again, "Would you like something now?"
Kratos glared, frustrated in the way he was allowing his façade to slip and corner him. Furthermore they way this girl seemed to observe him with out him knowing. Not wanting to arouse her suspicions further he made a small order. "I will have it in my room, if you don't mind." He paused as she smiled knowingly. "Could you also bring another two orders for Miss Sage and her younger brother?"
"Of course." She flashed a grin as she rose from the chair, straightening her clothes and hair. "You know, perhaps you should take a brisk walk while it's cool, it may help clear your trouble mind."
Kratos watched her enter the kitchen behind the counter, disappearing through the slightly ajar door. The room was empty as the towns folk left to attend to their shops and homes. He hesitated, then stood and left the inn, not really knowing why. Strangely enough as he walked through the sandy streets he did manage to forget his problems, instead admiring and observing the changes that occurred through the small tourist town. Shadows fell heavily, sheltering him from the sun on his return.
Mica was no where to be seen in the common room, but he dismissed the fact, in a way relieved he didn't have her observing gaze settling on him. As he walked up the stairs he felt foolish for following the serving girl's advice, conscious that it showed how much she understood him. No one should be able to understand his predicament. The only people who ever did were Mithos and his sister, Yuan and Anna, and as far as he was concerned, no one else had the right.
He paused as he past Colette's room, hearing voices. It wouldn't have bothered him if only one of them hadn't belonged to Mica. He frowned then knocked on the door gently. He waited as they voices stopped and footsteps approached. Raine opened the door, shock on her face. "Oh, hello Kratos, Mica hear told us you went for a walk." She opened the door further, allowing him to enter.
"Raine." He nodded as he past her. He looked at Genis nodding again then turned to Colette who was seated on the bed. "How are you faring Chosen One?" he ignored Mica who smirked in amusement.
Colette smiled at him, "Much better, Mr. Kratos, thank you."
Raine came up beside him, "We may head out now while it is cool. I think her well enough to travel at a slow pace." Even as she spoke, concern filled her face.
"Very well, I will meet you in the common room once you are ready." He made to go, when Colette called for him to stop. "Yes?"
She clasped her hands "Mr. Kratos, I was wondering if Mica might join us. She said that she needs to reach Palmacosta, but needs a guide." Colette smiled.
Kratos barely controlled his surprise, noting how Mica studied him. He nearly voiced his decline when Raine intervened. "I wasn't entirely for her joining either, but she has made it clear that she will be responsible for her own well-being and that she merely needs a navigator for crossing through the Ossa Trail." Suspicion laced her words and Kratos understood her earlier concern. She was curious to see where he stood on the decision.
"I don't agree either, Chosen." Colette's face fell as Kratos voiced his opinion, but he ignored it. "It is dangerous to trust a stranger and I feel that it may endanger your life. We cannot determine her motives and whether it may just—"
"Forgive me for interrupting, but aren't you contradicting your career, Mercenary." Mica retorted heatedly. She rose from where she had been seated and stood across from him. Genis and Colette looked on in surprise.
"I receive payment for my duties. It would do little to harm my charges before and after I receive my earnings and thus ruin my reputation." Kratos answered. "It is different in the face of your situation. None of your actions would affect your career or way of life."
Mica flushed, stung by the accusation, "Do you so poorly assume that I wish to attack the Chosen. If such an action were expected of me, I would have done so moments ago with you absent." She crossed her arms indignantly, "However if your opinion of me is so, I am content to find another traveler to escort me."
Kratos remained stoic as she brushed past him, relieved and guilty of her withdraw from their company. Suddenly Colette got up off the bed, "Mica, wait! Mr. Kratos, please. I know she isn't a bad person, she only wants to find her family in Palmacosta."
Mica flinched as she stopped, and Kratos glared at her. Struggling against his personal desires to keep the serving girl away from him and to respect Colette's wishes as her employee, he closed his eyes in resignation. "As the Chosen wishes."
The room went silent as Kratos stiffly left, pushing past Mica as she looked at him curiously.
What had he gotten himself into?
--
Lloyd winced as he collapsed to the ground, fatigue and pain coursing through him. Yggdrasil sat down, a ways off. "I guess I am not nearly as good as I thought." He muttered to himself.
"If you compare yourself with me, then yes." Yggdrasil answered causing Lloyd to look up in surprise. How had he heard that…?
"You needn't look so surprised." Yggdrasil answered amused, his small child like hands brushing dust from his clothes. "As an angel, my senses are much more acute than those of a human." He looked up.
Lloyd blinked then looked away. An angel… The fact that everything he had learned of angels at school is nothing of what he was discovering about them now. Though he may have not paid close attention to many of the lessons, he was positive that none of Raine's classes consisted of half-elves transforming into angels.
What bothered him more was that Desians were half-elves as well and he couldn't help but wonder if there was a connection. The way Yggdrasil had acted when Lloyd spoken ill of the Desians and their Ranches.
"Lloyd." Yggdrasil suddenly spoke. He looked over to see the Yggdrasil had reverted to his previous form; wings extended allowing him to hover over the ground. "Please come with me. I have something I wish to discuss with you."
Shocked at the formalities of Yggdrasil's words, Lloyd wordlessly got up and followed the angel Lord. Originally, Lloyd would have struck out at the man's turned back, considering he still had his weapons; however, strangely Lloyd forgot that he was a prisoner and found himself curious at what Yggdrasil had to speak with him about. He had lost most of his hostility towards the angel during their sparring, his anger and frustration released through the jarring clashes of weapons. For the moment, he felt relaxed and acceptance for his predicament though it would most likely disappear later on.
They returned to the armory where Lloyd reluctantly replaced the swords and sheaths in their respective place. From there they moved through the city until their reached the mana bridges. Yggdrasil stopped and Lloyd waited, wondering why they had.
"I figured you would appreciate it more if we remained outside rather than in my castle or your room." Yggdrasil said.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, glancing around. To him it made no difference where they were on the planet, the air felt the same. There was no wind, no smell beyond the dry metallic scent.
"Lloyd, do you recall our…argument on the matter of half-elves." Yggdrasil said after a moment.
"Yeah, why?"
"I assume you understand the history of the Regeneration and its purpose?"
Lloyd frowned, "Of course." He searched for what Genis and Colette had told him about. "It is a journey that the Chosen goes on to revive the world and seal away Desians." Even as he spoke, Lloyd felt foolish for his simple explanation as Yggdrasil stared at him in amusement. What was so funny? Did he forget something?
Yggdrasil nodded his head, "That is the version that we created in order to prevent confusion and further consequences. However," he smiled lightly, "I believe that it is necessary for you to know the entire truth."
"The entire truth?" Lloyd asked confused. His old suspicion aroused, wondering whether he was being lied to, to earn sympathy.
"The Legend of Mithos the Hero told of him ending the Kharlan War and making a pact with the Goddess Martel. However, it does not reveal how the war had originated." Yggdrasil explained.
Lloyd shook his head, "That is because it lasted for what? Nearly one thousand years."
"That is correct. It was a war between two countries, Sylverant and Tethealla." He answered.
"The moon?" Lloyd looked at him indifferently. "Are you expecting me to believe that? You think I am that stupid?" he demanded angrily.
"I am not speaking of the moon." Yggdrasil calmly explained, "Mithos was a summoner; he had the ability to form pacts with summon spirits and by using their power he split the world, dividing the two countries, Sylverant and Tethealla into two separate worlds."
Lloyd shook his head, frustrated, "This doesn't make any sense. How can someone split a world?"
Yggdrasil hesitated, then spoke slowly, "I can't give you the details; however it is said that Mithos was granted the power by the King of the Summon spirits and he did it in order to prevent another war from happening."
"So where—how—gah! This is so confusing!" Lloyd frowned, trying to understand what he was being told. "So…So where is Tethealla now?" he finally asked.
"Both Sylverant and Tethealla exist parallel to one another, connected by the Goddess Martel. The Tower of Salvation is the link that connects the two worlds as it is where the Mithos met with the Kings in the Holy Ground of Kharlan. It was erected by the Goddess as a both a symbol of hope and the path of which the Chosen is to reach her."
"The Journey of Regeneration is in fact to awaken Martel, but also to manipulate the mana that exists in both worlds. Because the mana is limited, Mithos had the Summon Spirits funnel the magic through their seals between the two worlds. He constructed this to prevent magi-technology from being created and consuming what was left of the mana."
"What do you mean?" Lloyd asked.
Yggdrasil sighed, "For example, Sylverant is currently withering up, correct? There is very little mana in the world, which leads to crops dying and less water. However, Tethealla is currently prospering. They have no threats of droughts and disease; their cities are large and unfortunately have created a few lesser magi-technological machines and equipment."
Lloyd looked away, staring out into the dark atmosphere. Stars glimmered through large openings in the clouds. "What has any of this have to do with the Desians and half-elves?" he replied angrily. He hardly understood anything that Yggdrasil had told him, and truthfully found it even harder to believe it.
Yggdrasil relapsed into silence, gazing at something in the distance, "What I want you to understand is that unlike here, half-elves are not the same oppressive force in Tethealla. In fact, many are treated such as the Desians treat humans in their ranches. They have no rights, no respect, and most of all no freedom. Many are recruited and placed in institutes where they spend their entire lives researching and performing experiments, they are not even allowed to leave their rooms." Yggdrasil ended sadly.
Lloyd was stunned at what Yggdrasil told him. "That is wrong! How can people do that?" he demanded, enraged, no longer considering if what he was being told was a lie. He suddenly realized that unintentionally he was being confined as well though he had slightly more freedom and it felt horrible. He couldn't imagine living his entire life within a single room.
"Can you understand why Desians act as they do towards humans? They live through both eras as their lifespan is much longer than any humans. Many of the Desians have suffered similarly to the ones in Tethealla. Do you see why some choose to become angels and serve Martel as indiscriminate beings?" Yggdrasil urged desperately. To Lloyd it seemed as if the angel was worried that he wouldn't understand.
He did understand, but it didn't justify their reasons for repeating another's actions. Even if the Desians suffered through the discrimination and unfairness of humans, it gave them no right to turn around and lay it on others who weren't responsible.
Lloyd clenched his hands, fighting between what was right and wrong and was justice. He wasn't even sure if any of what he had been told was true.
"Perhaps you would like sometime to think. If you want I will bring you some information on Tethealla so as to clear your mind." Lloyd frowned, "I know this must be confusing for you, but I felt it was necessary that you understand that humans aren't the only victims."
Yggdrasil then surprisingly reached over and placed a comforting hand on Lloyd's shoulder. He flinched, but then relaxed feeling strangely comforted by the action before he shook himself and withdrew from the hand. Confused as to what he was both thinking and feeling. "I trust you can find your way back to your room." Lloyd nodded absently as Yggdrasil abruptly warped away then in a daze walked back through the city, passing angels until he somehow managed to locate his room… Strange, how he didn't think of it as a prison anymore. He entered it, standing motionless as he gazed into the room.
His head hurt, his body was sore from the fight earlier. Sleep threatened to consume him, yet his thoughts held it at bay. He caught sight of a new food tray and without thinking moved to the desk and began eating, realizing for the first time how hungry he really was.
Minutes later he sat vacuously in the chair, images of ranches and half-elves taunted him. The stack of papers that occupied the corner of the desk caught his eye, but he was too unfocused to even consider glancing through them, perhaps he would after he got some rest.
He stood, blinking. How long had it been since he had come here? Time held no meaning for him here without a sun to depict the time. Had it been days, or only hours? He wasn't sure.
Everything that Yggdrasil had just told him, he ignored it. It wasn't something he wanted to struggle over because he didn't trust the angel… yet, he couldn't just overlook what he had been told… it seemed so real…
Lloyd shook his head and made his way to the neatly made bed. It appeared as if no one had ever slept in it. Unconsciously he removed his boots and lay down on the bed. He wondered briefly what Genis and Colette were doing right now.
He was asleep in seconds, with memories fading into blackness.
--
Yggdrasil breathed deeply as he leaned against the table. Excitement and apprehension coursed through him. He had managed to twist the truth so as not to reveal his role, yet allow Lloyd the opportunity to struggle against what he had been told. But he worried he had revealed too much. It was a dangerous edge to travel and should he stray too far, he may not be able to come back.
Though to his advantage, he noticed Lloyd's weakness during his explanation. His determination to have everyone the same was the key to his loyalty to Cruxis. If he learned to sympathize with the half-elves and believe in what Yggdrasil planned, then even Kratos would have difficulty trying to convince him otherwise.
But something else concerned Yggdrasil. It was small and perhaps nothing of consequence, yet… He closed his eyes regrettably as he recalled placing a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. He hadn't intended too, but seeing Lloyd struggling with himself made him… made him feel…
He shook his head. No, if anything it may only assist in securing the boy's trust in him. It was nothing more than that.
Alright, it's finished. I hope you enjoy it.
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