Raenef the 6th: Chapter 11! Finally! This took me forever to write. Who knew that the Sword Dancer was such a hard plot point to use!
Music in the Dark: I helped with the battle scene!
Raenef: Yes, you did. Good boy! (Feeds Music a biscuit) I don't own Tales of Symphonia, Namco does! On with the show!
Speech-normal speech
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Speech-Origin speaking
(Speech) Author speaking
After the first Regeneration Journey, Lloyd learned there are few things that could disturb him nowadays. One was watching people get mistreated for their race, like the half-elves get treated. That pissed him off. Another was…tomatoes.
They're just plain creepy.
However, it was during the fight with the Sword dancer that Lloyd learned something else that disturbed him. Watching your friend's get hurt, and being unable to help. That really pissed him off.
The sword Dancer leapt towards the group and swung his first blade, from his left lower arm, towards Lloyd who dodged. The second and third blade came down swiftly after, towards Kratos and Sheena, and forced them to split in different directions. The final blade came at a wide swing horizontally, causing Raine to duck and Genis simply to nod his head. 'Being short has its uses.' He thought, as he prepared a lightning spell to stun him.
"Raine, get back!" Lloyd cried as he parried the Sword Dancer's assault as best as he could. It was taking all his strength to block the attacks. "Make sure to keep healing everyone!"
"Right!" Raine answered as she moved out of the Undead's range of attack. Kratos rushed forward and attempted to sever one of the arms by bringing his blade forward and slashing at what could be assumed to be the creature's elbow. However, the blade wasn't strong enough to cut through completely, and Kratos was knocked back by a backhand from the Sword Dancer.
"Damn! This being is stronger than I first assumed!" Kratos said as he rolled away from another swing. "We're outmatched if he keeps this up!"
Sheena moved next, attempting to at least harm the creature by Pyre sealing its leg. "Pyre Seal!" The card landed, but she was knocked away before pushing it to do any damage. "Arrgh!" She cried as she hit the ground hard.
"Sheena!" Lloyd exclaimed as he watched her fall. He immediately rushed to help her by leaping in front of her and blocking the two swords that came down on him. He held his ground as the Sword dancer pushed against Lloyd and tried to overpower him. He turned his head towards her and said "Move Sheena! Get out of here!" She quickly dashed away, giving Lloyd room to fight.
The Sword dancer swung a third blade down on Lloyd, furious that the human could hold up so long. Lloyd moved his second blade to counter it, holding it back as well. The undead roared in fury and finally used his fourth blade. This one caught Lloyd off guard and sent him flying into the air.
"Lloyd!" Colette yelled as she rushed forward. Using her wings, she landed in front of Lloyd and began to use Angel Feathers.
"Holy wings, I beg of thee to reveal thy glory. Angel feathers!" And with that, she extended her hand upward, commanding the now summoned rings of holy energy to attack the creature. Rushing forward, the attack struck its torso, making it screech in pain at the touch of its opposing element. It quickly recovered and swung a sword at the tiny angel, causing her to fly away to avoid getting hit.
Lloyd, now getting up after recovering from the assault, saw this and took action. Charging at the Sword Dancer, Lloyd swiftly dodged the blades that swung down to cleave him in two. Breaking past the defense of the undead, he aimed for the frontal part of the creature, right about the equivalent of where the human pelvic area would be.
"Beast!" Lloyd exclaimed as he slammed his body against the undead, the battle energy rippling through it. Not expecting its inner defense to be penetrated, the creature stumbled back out of shock and pain. Lloyd quickly followed up by pulling both blades back and began to swiftly jab at the undead.
"Sonic Sword Rain!" Lloyd exclaimed as the blades chipped away at the dead bones. He finally stopped his jabbing, revealing the bone to be chipped away and heavily cracked now. With one final stab forward, this one charged in the form of a Sonic Thrust, the blade broke the supporting bone, causing the Sword Dancer to fall back to the ground, for the moment.
Lloyd quickly leapt back so as to put distance between himself and the Sword Dancer. 'That may have stopped him for now, but he'll get back up soon. We need to figure out a plan!' He turned to the group to see how they were each faring. He was relieved to see no one was seriously harmed, and any minor injuries were already being tended to by Raine.
"Lloyd, what do we do?" Genis asked, rushing over to confer with his friend. None of his spells were working, mostly due to the fact he couldn't get enough time to prepare them without worry of getting sliced by a sword. "That thing's too tough!"
"Genis is right. We may wish to consider retreating now while we have the chance. We may not last if we stay." Raine said gravely as she worked to heal Sheena's leg, which had been sprained when she had been hit by the Sword Dancer.
"But if we go now, the creature will follow us, and possibly attack the nearby towns and villages. That would be a far worse consequence." Kratos countered, joining in the conversation. 'If it comes to the worst, I may have to use my angel abilities in this fight. The Chosen One, nor Lloyd, cannot die here. I will not allow it!' He thought, determined to defend his son.
"We can't let that happen! We can't let innocents get hurt if we can prevent it!" Colette stated. She wouldn't admit it, but she was horribly frightened right now. She had never met such a terrible creature as the Sword Dancer, which made her wonder just what else awaits her on this journey.
"But how can we fight it? That thing's almost impossible to hit, let alone find a weak point!" Sheena said, now standing after being healed. She had heard of the Sword dancer's ferocity from the Vice-chief back in Mizuho. It was one of the few creatures in Sylvarant that Sheena had been warned to try to avoid at all costs, yet here she was now.
Lloyd closed his eyes and thought silently. 'If it were just me, I'd use my angel abilities to take it out.' Lloyd quickly glanced at his father before closing his eyes again. 'But Kratos is here, and if I use my angel abilities here, then I'll be caught and my cover will be blown. Not to mention he'll probably kick my ass for not telling him I knew who he was all along. And then he'd ground me.' Lloyd sighed in frustration. He and the rest of the group suddenly jumped as they heard rumbling behind them. The sword Dancer was starting to regenerate his body back. They're running out of time.
"Wait." Sheena said, drawing everyone's attention. "The Sword Dancer's weakness is Light, correct?"
"That's correct." Kratos responded, wondering her point.
Sheena quickly reached into her robe, unknowingly making Lloyd blush slightly. She pulled out a knapsack and opened it. Digging inside, she quickly pulled out a small stone and held it up. "This is White quartz. It's supposed to add the element of light to one's attacks. We can use this to aid us!"
Lloyd's eyes opened with realization. 'Goddess Martel, that's it!' "Hearing that gives me an idea! Everyone, listen up!" When everyone's attention was put on him, Lloyd immediately explained his plan.
"Look, most of our attacks have been focused on its body, right?" Everyone nodded. "Then why haven't we attempted to attack its head yet?" Lloyd let the question hang on the air, to let everyone figure it out.
"If we attacked the head, it could probably be considered its weakest point and do the most damage to it." Genis stated, starting to understand.
"So if we take out the head…"Lloyd started.
"We take out the Sword Dancer! Genius, Lloyd!" Raine exclaimed, putting the pieces together. 'Wait. Genius? Lloyd? WTF?! Those words don't go together!'
"It is the best course of action. The only problem is getting to it. It's likely that the Sword Dancer is aware of this danger. We need to either disarm or paralyze him if we wish to attack the head." Kratos noted the only flaw in the plan. Everyone stopped there, since no one had a clue as to how to accomplish that. Raine suddenly stood up, a look of determination adorned on herself.
"Professor? What is it?" Lloyd asked, curious to his teacher's attitude.
"I…I can stop it. I only know a beginner's spell, but it should be enough to stop it long enough for you to get a clear shot. I'll need time to prepare it though, so you'll need to cover me until I'm ready. I'll let you know when I am ready." Raine said, her voice slightly wavering as she stood there. Raine was not a fighter, she knew this. She didn't have the courage or strength to be so bold. But she knew her magic well enough to help.
"Thank you Raine. We're counting on you, alright?" Lloyd said, showing a confident smile. She nodded in response. The mood was ruined, however, when the Sword Dancer roared again, its body fully recovered. It stood at its full height again, towering over the group.
"Alright everyone! Remember the plan!" Lloyd exclaimed as he drew his swords. Everyone readied themselves as they waited for someone to move. The wind blew softly as both opposing forces stood there, as if waiting for some signal. When the wind stopped, a rock fell from the entrance to the mine where the Sword Dancer originated. When it hit the ground, with a loud crash, both parties moved forward.
"Drown! Spread!" Genis exclaimed, as a pool of water formed around the undead. It stopped in its tracks, unable to move against the current of the spray. Kratos followed up next with his magic.
"Take this! Lightning!" he shouted. A bolt of electricity came down, shocking the creature effectively, thanks to it being soaked by Genis' spell. It roared at the pain.
Sheena quickly assaulted while it was in shock at the previous attack. She pummeled him with a vengeance, combining a Pyre Seal with a Power Seal Pinion to lower its defenses. This made the creature seemingly slump a little, its body weakened by their efforts.
Colette quickly followed up with another Angel Feather barrage, aimed at doing extra damage to the creature by assaulting its hands. Two of the blades in its hands dropped to the ground with a loud crash, followed shortly by its hands that carried them. "I got it!" She exclaimed happily.
Raine, while everyone was defending her, was building up her mana for her turn. Feeling the necessary level had been reached, she nodded at Lloyd, who nodded back and got into position.
"Light!" Raine suddenly exclaimed, as she held her staff up. Bright light surrounded the Sword Dancer as it tried to stand up again, but was caught by the energy of the spell. Raine then brought her staff back down and yelled "Photon!" Tendrils of light formed around the undead, suddenly stiffening in the form of spears. They quickly assailed the evil being, running through its body and creating a burning, yet paralyzing sensation in the creature. It couldn't move, forcing it to leave its head unguarded.
"Now it's my turn!" Lloyd exclaimed as he applied the White Quartz to his swords. 'Since I'm using white Quartz for light, I think a name change is in order.' They glowed with a bright radiance as Lloyd charged forward. A few feet away from the Sword Dancer, Lloyd suddenly leapt into the air, and seemingly hovered there as if flying with wings. (How ironic. Someone who can fly using a technique meant to make you look like you're flying anyway.)
"Take this! RISING ANGEL!" He yelled as he swooped down, blades in front of him, ready to impale the undead being. The Sword Dancer caught a glint in his eye, and managed to shift his eyes upwards. A shadowed figure was dropping towards him swiftly, hidden by the glare from the sun. Realizing what it was, the Sword Dancer gave a deafening howl, as if to stop Lloyd. But it was all for naught.
"YAHHH!" Lloyd shouted as he swung both blades in an X formation, slicing right across the Sword Dancer's head. The swords pierced through the hard shell of the head, and dragged across the entire top of it before being pulled out by Lloyd, who landed on the opposite side of the Sword Dancer.
It gave a final roar, as the seemingly etched X in its head glowed brightly, before finally disintegrating, leaving behind a glowing object on the ground. Lloyd sheathed his swords and said to himself, "It just wasn't your day." He then plopped to the ground, due to a combination of exhaustion and loss of adrenaline. The others soon joined him. Well, except for Kratos, who opted to lean against a boulder.
"Whew, I'm glad that's over with." Genis said as he leaned back, propped up by his arms. "I almost thought we were goners at one point." 'I can't believe how strong Lloyd is, though! He's never shown this kind of ability before in Iselia! Where is he getting it from? His exsphere couldn't possibly be causing all this, could it?' these thoughts jumbled around in Genis' head.
Unknown to Genis, Kratos was thinking along the same lines. 'This is becoming rather suspicious. Lloyd's current skill level is far above what it should be. He could almost match me at this rate if I held back my full power. I need to figure out what's going on. Perhaps I can convince him to do training sessions with me. Then I can figure out where all this ability is coming from. "Yes, but we succeeded, though if barely." He said aloud, his inner emotions not being betrayed by his face.
"Is everyone alright? No one's hurt, are they?" Colette asked, concerned for the group's well being.
"No, but-wait. Where's Raine?" Sheena replied, looking for the bewitching female teacher. Everyone quickly looked around as well. That is, until they heard the well-known maniacal laughter that is…ruin-mode Raine.
"MARVELOUS! SIMPLY MARVELOUS! Truly, a wonderful specimen!" Raine cackled as she hovered over the small artifact dropped by the Sword Dancer. She recognized it as one of a set of three. This item was known as the Yata Mirror, and was quite valuable. "And it's mine. Muhahahaha!" Raine laughed maliciously. She suddenly remembered where she was, and looked at the group, who were now sweat-dropping heavily. "What?"
"Never mind her. I want to figure out who that mysterious man was! What's his deal?" Genis exclaimed, now focusing on Lloyd, remembering he had somehow indirectly caused this to happen. "And how does he know you and Kratos, Lloyd?" This affixed everyone's attention from Raine, even Raine herself, to Lloyd and Kratos, who both gulped nervously under the curious stares.
"I honestly haven't a clue." Kratos shook his head. Lloyd mumbled out a ditto, which only scorned the group to try again.
"He said he knew who you and Kratos were! He knew Kratos' last name! He even said that you created him! You've gotta know something! Anything!" Genis exclaimed. His curiosity had been perked by that statement, considering he only knew one way in which a person could be created, and he knew for certain Lloyd was too young and too dense for that possibility.
"I'm curious as well. What's his relation to you, Lloyd?" Colette asked, tilting her head towards Lloyd's direction.
Lloyd simply shook his head and answered "I honestly don't know who he was. For all I know, he could be some crazy gay ninja that stalks 12 year old little boys."
Orochimaru suddenly sneezed. "Someone's talking about me again. I hope it's Sasuke!"
"The point is, I don't know who that was, and nor do I care. We simply need to watch out for him and be careful about him." 'They don't need to worry about him. But how did he know who I am? How does he even know Kratos? Ughh, this is confusing. Maybe when I see Yuan again, I can ask him about it.' Lloyd stood and dusted himself off. "We need to get moving now; we're not totally out of danger yet. Let's get to Izoold and then we can rest." He started to walk off, leaving the others to catch up and in their own thoughts. Unknown to Lloyd, the group had shared a glance behind his back; one that said they knew he was hiding something, and they need to find out what.
Kratos stared at his son as he walked.
The group reached Izoold soon after leaving the Ossa Trail. By that time, most had forgotten about the incident and pushed it back in their minds, their own selves focused on wanting to rest. They quickly checked into an inn, most ready to fall into sweet unconsciousness. Save for the two angels, Lloyd and Kratos. Lloyd, because of the mysterious being he now suspects stalks them, and Kratos, because of the worry and gloom he senses from his child.
Night came, and the world found most of the party asleep soundly. Lloyd, however, sat up in his bed, propped against the headboard. His mind would not calm itself, no matter what he tried. He decided to go for a walk to clear it. Donning his clothes, he left his room silently and proceeded outside the inn.
Stopping at the front of the inn, where they had conveniently built a deck for whatever reason, he rested at the fence-line built there. Staring at the moon, he began to think the thoughts that occupied him.
'I just don't get it. Why am I so worked up over this whole thing? We defeated the Sword Dancer; we're all alive, so why am I still so worried? Is it because of that strange person who summoned it? Arrgh, I'm too confused on what to think.' He sighed in frustration.
"Having trouble sleeping as well, Lloyd?" a voice whispered, causing Lloyd to jump and suddenly turn to face the voice. It revealed itself as Kratos, who joined Lloyd, and was surprisingly unarmed.
"Heh, you scared me. You couldn't sleep too?" Lloyd asked.
"Yes. It happens often to me when I am troubled or worried about something. I assume the same has happened to you?" Kratos replied, eyeing his son.
"You could say its something like that. I was thinking about a lot of things, all the things that's happened so far." Lloyd said, closing his eyes.
"Hmm." Was Kratos' simple reply. Silence reigned between the two as they stood there, the sound of crickets and other nightly creatures overtaking the conversation.
"If you wished Lloyd, I would be willing to listen and offer advice, if you wished for it." Kratos broke the silence, drawing his son's gaze away from the grassy plains. Lloyd thought about it as Kratos waited. Kratos hoped his son would answer correctly to his test of words. It would help to gain his trust.
"As much as I appreciate it Kratos, I do not wish to bother you with my problems. It's not you, it's just…" Lloyd trailed off, unable to finish. He was unsure of how to explain himself. It made it especially difficult since this was his father, someone he was supposed to be open to.
"Are you that afraid to trust me, Lloyd?" Kratos said softly, hiding the pain in his voice. However, before Lloyd could reply, Kratos continued.
"I know you have your secrets, Lloyd. Just as I have mine. I'm not going to force you to speak them if you don't want to. You probably assume that they are problems that I shouldn't bother with, simply because I'm a stranger of sorts. But that doesn't mean you can't trust me."
Lloyd turned to Kratos. "I consider you more than a stranger, Kratos. You're a friend, someone who helps me and protects my other friends. I couldn't ask for any less. It's just-" He was interrupted by Kratos.
"If you consider me a friend, Lloyd, then treat me as one. Do friends keep secrets from each other? Some do, yes, but true friends share the secrets, the worries, the concerns, all because they trust the other person. You may think that by holding it all in, you protect your friends, but in doing so, you only set them up for a greater fall when it is revealed, especially when the secret is a painful one." Kratos stopped and looked at Lloyd again.
"What I'm trying to say, Lloyd, is that you don't have to bear it alone. We are here with you, and that is what matters most. But if you feel that the burden would truly be too great, then perhaps it is best that you keep it away, so as to save your precious people from harm." Kratos turned to walk away.
"If you don't need me anymore, I'll retire now." He started to walk off, but Lloyd grabbed his shoulder softly.
"Please wait, Kratos. Please stay here." Lloyd said softly, his eyes brimming with tears long held back. Kratos turned back, and Lloyd blinked the tears away. "I'm sorry, Kratos. You're right; I'm not treating you as a friend. You showed that to me, and I thank you for it. I'm just worried about that mysterious person we met back at the trail. He said those things, and they've got me worried."
Kratos almost grinned. Almost. You could see the corners of his mouth twitching to do so. 'Is that what's got him so worked up?' "I wouldn't be concerned with it Lloyd. That person is likely to be delusional, giving us little reason to believe what he said. Tell me, hypothetically speaking if his words were true, do you remember ever 'creating' him, so to speak?" Kratos stated.
Lloyd racked his mind, and finding no memory of it, replied "No, I don't."
Kratos continued. "Then why worry? If you know you didn't create him as he claims, then you've nothing to worry about. We merely must be cautious of him, as he seems to seek both you and me out. He has obtained great power to do this, if he was capable of summoning such a creature as that for such a purpose. Focus on the journey for now, Lloyd."
Lloyd smiled and nodded. "Thanks Kratos. I needed that. The way you said it makes it sound so simple. I think I can rest now. Good night, Kratos, and thanks again." He walked off, leaving Kratos to watch him leave.
Kratos smiled serenely. 'Grow strong, Lloyd, and let nothing stand in your way…' Kratos looked at the moon. '…even if that obstacle is me.'
As Lloyd walked back, he was smiling. '
Then next morning soon came, greeting the party with a bright new day, with a few clouds in the sky and a soft breeze blowing to comfort them. Each person awoke refreshed, the effects of the previous encounter worn off. After eating breakfast, which was quite a spectacle since Raine tried to cook and almost killed everyone off; they proceeded to the docks to secure a ride, where they met Max and learned of his predicament.
After agreeing to give the letter to Aifred (Is that the guy's name? I couldn't remember), they soon left and set sail for Palmacosta where the next seal awaits them.
Author's notes: Well, there you go. Sorry for the late update. Halfway through writing it, I had my wisdom teeth removed, so I couldn't do anything for a week.
If you didn't like the battle scene with the Sword dancer, I'm sorry. I had nothing to go on but my own imagination and creativity and that's what came out. I also thought the Kratos and Lloyd scene was touching; (Looks to Music in the Dark) didn't you?
Music: (Sniffling) I thought it was great… (Sniff)
Raenef: Are you crying?
Music: (Wipes away tears quickly) Of course not! I am a man, and men don't cry! Besides, there was something in my eye.
Raenef: Where have I heard that before? Oh well, read and review please!