Yet again, sorry for the late… I'm very busy during Easter…yes Flicker's Owner is a heavy Christian. I played role as Maria back then -.-;
The Tethe'alla chapter of Symphonia anime had arrived! =D more awesome suspense when Kratos faced dilemma will he defend Lloyd when Yggdrassil attack or he just standing there? T_T
I want to thank you personally for tiger002 for beta reading and correcting the half early chapters.
Then, to SymphoniaFreak to first and last chapters.
"So are we heading to the Otherworldly Gate now?"
"No, we should make preparations for the trip first."
"I agree, Emil if you're really resolved to guard the Ginnungagap… Emil?"
Just because Ratatosk had been sealed didn't mean he wouldn't disturb Emil. Ever since his first encounter with the red-eyed doppelganger, Emil had submerged within Ratatosk's mind. Slowly he had seen Ratatosk's ideals, emotion, and memories; all ten thousand years of his existence. There was so much piled up in his head that Emil was in an almost catatonic state. The information was too much for him. Unlike the humans who would forget, Ratatosk would remember everything.
With all the information that had been sealed away pounding in his head, Emil failed to hear what his friends were saying.
"Emil!" Zelos called his friend's name for the second time.
"Uhm…what?" The blond boy shook his head. He realized that everyone was staring at him.
"Are you all right?"
"Y-yeah! I'm fine! I'm sorry that I spaced out, really…it's no big deal." He stammered, pushing the thoughts to the back of his head.
They were silent. It was a sign that they weren't convinced.
Zelos looked at him with concern, "I said… if you're really resolved to guard the Ginnungagap, then I think it's important for you to say goodbye to all the people who've helped you in your life."
Emil blinked for a while, pondering whom he should thank.
"Yes, you're right." Emil agreed.
"I'm sure we all have matters we'd like to tie up before we go. Let's split up for now."
"Let's agree to meet back in Altamira. Until then…"
Everyone went their separate ways until only Marta remained. Emil felt happy when she smiled at him. Not only that, but Ratatosk seemed to be bottling his emotions towards her. Emil knew that he liked Marta; even the day she mistook him for someone else. But this feeling was doubled when he met Ratatosk. Of all the memories Emil had, the ones of spending time with Marta where the best. And it wasn't because those were the recent; considering there are memories of other friends and Emil's fake childhood memories.
There was something special about her…and Emil hadn't seen it at first. But now, when in a matter of days his life might end or turn in a different direction…
"What are you going to do?"
"I think-"
Random images passed through Emil's mind, but then he remembered his uncle and aunt.
"-I'll go to Luin." Emil finally said. They were the first two people who helped him, and even though they didn't want him there, they were the ones who raised him after his parents' deaths. He remembered in an instant Lloyd's words…perhaps it wasn't too late to talk with them, after all this might be his last chance.
Marta looked bashful as she said, "After I've checked on Daddy in Altamira, I want to spend the rest of the time together with you." She looked down with both of her hands behind her back.
"You look stupid." Ratatosk spoke in Emil's head, "But then again, you sort of look adora…oh god…did I just said that?" There was a slight warm feeling and a hissed inside his head. Ratatosk didn't seem happy…or he was annoyed that it was only Emil she was talking to?
"Oh sure. I guess that would be fine."
"Really? Okay, then let's meet in Altamira, tonight!"
"Sure, got it."
"See you then…"
All of Emil's friends were scattered around in this new, unified land. One by one, they told him their final thoughts. This made Emil feel bad because they all thought he was going to die. The last person he saw was Lloyd, saying that he didn't want to kill a friend again. At that statement, Emil felt even worse about his decision. The next person he ran into…gave him an idea.
"Kratos…?"
The stoic man turned to see Emil. A while ago he didn't notice the boy's presence, because his eyes had been fixed on the far horizon. Of all places in the world, Kratos chose Hima; standing with his garnet eyes glued to the horizon, up on the highest peak of Hima's mountain.
"I didn't expect you to be here."
"If you want my honest opinion, I would prefer looking for Lloyd. But he had other things to do… And you?"
"Oh, I was out here seeing the world…before my last."
"I see." Kratos replied, and in a rare moment, his expression slightly changed to sympathy. "Well, have you…by any chance seen Lloyd?"
Emil's flashback:
"Lloyd? What are you doing here? Your impostor did bad things in Flanoir."
"I know…but I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not afraid."
"Does Kratos know you're here?"
"Well actually…no. You better not tell him Emil. It's not like I'm still mad at him. It's just… he'll get cranky if he finds out what I'm doing."
"I agree…"
"No, not really." Emil said sheepishly. Thankfully, Kratos wasn't looking at his face so he fell for the small lie.
"Hopefully he won't run into trouble. Even after saving the world I always had the strange feeling that he attracts mayhem like a magnet."
"Eh…heh…" Emil laughed nervously, but Kratos still didn't notice.
Fortunately, the ex-seraph changed the subject, "Well Hima has become a better place, although I'm loathed to admit that it's thanks to that impostor."
"Why are you here anyway?" Emil still couldn't suppress his curiosity as he walked to Kratos' side, joining the gaze into nothing.
"This is Hima…" Kratos sighed, "The Tower of Salvation used to be here. This was the last place we were together, before I betrayed Lloyd."
Emil looked back at Kratos, feeling surprised, "Really?"
"You could see the Tower of Salvation if you were standing right here."
"I've heard that story…. So where did the Tower used to be?"
"Over there." Kratos drew an invisible line, picturing the endless tower where it used to stand.
For a few moments the unlikely duo watched the scenery up on the highest peak. Kratos talked about how it all started, and how he and Colette shared a terrible secret without telling the rest of the group.
"I don't get it." Emil said, "Why do you want to be hated so much?"
"Because, I thought it would be for the best." Kratos said wearily, "After all, one of Lloyd's goals was to make pacts with all the Summon Spirits. To complete the last one, my life was the key."
Emil didn't understand what Kratos was talking about, as it was too complicated for him to understand. Maybe if he was a father he would experience the joy and the complexity that Kratos was. But he wouldn't experience it anyway; he was going to die.
"It was the perfect plan. Make Lloyd hate me enough to give him a reason for killing me, while watching his group's progress. But in the end, it didn't turn out as I expected. We had a duel, one to one. He won, but refused to kill me."
Forcing your loved ones to kill you… That's a good plan.
Emil blinked when he realized that he had an idea. But there was another disturbing thought that had been haunting him.
"Kratos…about the time when you thought Lloyd died."
The stoic man paused, "What is it?"
"I, uh…" Emil spoke, with hint of nervousness in his tone, "I have something to ask you…"
"Yes?" The auburn-haired man narrowed his eyes, slightly suspicious.
"Do you know why you couldn't find your son?" Emil asked, but his voice was dry, as if he wasn't the one talking.
"I couldn't feel his mana signature." Kratos confessed, even though he didn't like to mention the most terrible moments of his long life. "My logic overpowered my feelings. I always thought he was vulnerable and then he fell down to a cliff when he was a toddler. I did have a small hope that he survived and finding his mana signature was my only chance, but then…"
"Do you know why you lost his mana signature?" Emil was nervous but his tone was firm. Maybe he wasn't the one talking, and a certain, red-eyed alter ego did it for him.
"No, I have no idea why. It might have been because his foster father's house is near the Martel temple, and there is a possibility that his mana signature is unstable. Why do you ask?"
Emil locked eyes with the tall, auburn-haired man for a while, but then shook his head nervously and said, "Nothing…it's just, I found it odd when it happened."
"I should have looked harder." Kratos sighed, casting his enigmatic eyes to the sky once again, "But perhaps he was far safer than he would have been with me."
Emil bit his lip in regret.
"Pray tell, why you are interest in this subject?"
"I'm sorry," Emil said, dodging the question, "I have to leave. I need to go to Luin."
Kratos once again looked at Emil in slight confusion, but as usual, he didn't press that matter, "I've heard that's the place where your aunt and uncle live."
"Yeah, I want to say goodbye before…" he choked, and couldn't finish.
"Good luck then. Against all odds, I do believe that things will turn out good for you."
"Thank you, Kratos…"
The blond boy tried to wipe his tears away after meeting his uncle and aunt. He didn't expect them to change so drastically after he terrified them in Luin. But perhaps Uncle Alba did care, and he refused to let Emil go with Richter because he feared for his safety. Even though they did care, they were afraid of what people might have thought of them; raising a boy who possibly came from the Vanguard. So they thought of another alternative; keeping the boy in the house and discouraging him.
When Emil left Luin, they had been afraid of him. But then, Flora realized that she had lost her sister and Emil was the only one alive. Alba had been aware that Emil was not the same person he used to know. Eventually, they came to regret their actions. When Emil returned, they had an awkward conversation. But having Lloyd on his side had helped his reputation, and the villagers no longer condemned him.
He was now standing, laughing a tiny bit, next to the small statue of Lloyd. He wondered how he used to hate that statue, as he now admired it.
"I know what you're thinking…"
Emil paused, fearing what his other-self would do when he found out his secret.
"W-what do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me. That old man was giving you inspiration to… Wait, I'm over 8,000 years older than he is…. But anyway, you're planning on being a masochist like him."
Emil unconsciously wrinkled his tiny nose, feeling uncomfortable.
"Do what you want… Your life is mine, mine yours. I cannot object to anything."
Emil closed his eyes, "I'm sorry, Ratatosk…"
"…"
Tenebrae had been silent the entire time, as he was aware that his master was having an inner debate. Emil was surprised that Ratatosk would allow him to carry out his plan and he decided to share his idea with the Centurion of Darkness. Tenebrae wasn't pleased, but as Ratatosk's servant, he could only complain. Nevertheless, he would do as the blond boy instructed.
Emil stood up as he readied his Rheaird in Luin. He had one last thing to do before he headed for the Ginnungagap. That was going to Altamira…where Marta waited.
The morning after, Emil still couldn't get over what happened last night. He kissed Marta…his first kiss.
That was…wow.
"You humans have strange ways of showing affection." His doppelganger was interfering with his thoughts. Thankfully, he didn't bother Emil last night, but he had a funny feeling that Ratatosk was nervous.
"Oh…uh… What should I do then?"
"I, uh, I don't know myself. I…saw… monsters show affection. Birds mostly touch each other's beaks…"
"Then how do Summon Spirits show affection?"
"We…don't. Although was a moment when Origin showered diamonds from a meteor to Luna."
"I thought you said Summon Spirits didn't have feelings."
"Considering we live a long life with important obligations, I guess having an affair was not suggested; we were bound by our commitment."
"But since your role has been replaced by the new tree, aren't you out of a job?"
"I'm still the Ginunggagap's guardian."
"…"
It was the morning after his private night with Marta and Emil wasn't paying attention to where he was walking. He suddenly bumped into Regal and saw the group watching another comical event. Lloyd was being lectured by his father.
"Did he…somehow find out that Lloyd was in Flanoir?" Emil whimpered, feeling guilty.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Marta shrugged, "But remember about Lloyd proposing to Paul's mom? Yeah…Kratos doesn't seem happy about it."
"Oh…" Emil blinked, slightly relieved.
"I fail to see why you had to marry that woman because you're feeling guilty about the boy."
"He just lost his father because of our mistake."
Kratos was silent for a moment, then said, "Some mistakes can't be prevented, but marrying her will not solve the problem. You can still be the boy's father in heart without marrying Lilia."
Lloyd rolled his wine eyes, "I know…"
"Honestly, if you know, then why make drastic changes? Marriage is not some mindless commitment. It is risky and will change the world and your life forever. Keep in mind that I left Cruxis and my old comrades of four thousand years for your mother."
"…"
Kratos rubbed his temples, the tension was lowered once more. "My son is attracted to older women. Where have I gone wrong?"
"All right, all right! I'm not doing it again!" Lloyd stammered with embarrassment.
The elder man pondered, slightly sluggish, "It might be my fault because you have little experience with having a mother."
"Dad, stop trying to blame yourself for everything!"
"-and goodness, that woman could be almost a decade older than you."
"Says you! You and Mom have an age difference of-what?-four thousand years?"
This time Kratos didn't complain.
"You know this really brings back memories." Lloyd suddenly told Emil when they reached Iselia.
Emil turned to him, surprised with this new topic, "I guess you're always on some kind of journey. Before this, you were looking for Expheres, right?"
"Yeah, and I still am. It's taking much longer than I expected, though."
"I knew it would take a while, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to keep my promise to my dad in time."
"Which dad did you make a promise to?"
"Kratos, actually…" Lloyd turned to Emil. "We were separated because of my journey to rid the world of Expheres. I promised to collect the ones in this world while Dad collected the Expheres in Derris Kharlan."
"Oh…"
"We made that promise two years ago. I'm not sure how far he's gotten, but I also don't know when I'll finish. None of us knows how many Expheres are scattered in the world, or how long it will take to dispose of them. But anyway, I've dedicated my whole life to searching for Expheres; so no matter how long it takes, I'll see it through to the end. Dad will probably leave me again…"
"Cheer up, Lloyd." Emil smiled, "He did manage to see you again. Maybe there's a chance you will meet him again.
"I hope so." Lloyd gave a wry smile.
"Lloyd, about your Dad…"
"Yeah, Emil?"
"You know…he's not the type of person who will give his son up easily."
"Emil, you know that there's nothing I can do about his life-long obligation in Derris Kharlan. I've already accepted that fact."
"No, it's not about that." Emil shook his head, "When he thought you were dead, it was because…"
"What are you talking about?"
"I…never mind." Emil cast his eyes aside.
"Are you okay, Emil?"
"No…it's nothing, really."
Lloyd wasn't convinced by these words. Emil's personality was similar to Colette's in some ways. They had a habit of saying that things were all right when they were not. However, Lloyd was a man who respected people's rights, and if Emil chose not say anything, then perhaps there was a reason.
This journey with the Symphonians was no longer a merry one. With the possibility that they would have to sacrifice Emil's freedom, it was more like a funeral procession. To make it worse, Lloyd's reputation was still in tatters. They found this out after making the mistake of returning to Flanior.
As they entered the city of winter, Lloyd was suddenly was hit by a man who blamed Lloyd for what had happened in Flanoir. It was the brother of one of the victims and Lloyd didn't move a muscle or attempt to defend himself, unlike his friends. The bruise was visible, crossing his face, yet he was numb. He made an excuse to be alone for a while, which wasn't a good idea since some people might be wary of his presence. But, all of them agreed to let him think by himself.
So, Lloyd had gone to his favorite spot in the city: the tallest balcony where he could see the city's view. He sensed someone behind him and, as he suspected, it was his father.
"Hey." Lloyd greeted him and smiled weakly. He remembered this scene all too well.
Kratos' expression was as stoic, as usual, but his voice sounded concerned. "Are you all right?"
"Oh, come on Dad, it was just a punch."
"I am always worried about your physical condition, but it is your heart that worries me the most."
Lloyd said nothing, so Kratos walked closer and stood beside him.
"I'm okay." Lloyd brightened up a little. "I know this isn't easy but it'll be okay, eventually. You've been through things like this for four thousand years. I know that I'm not you, but since you could do it, so can I. After all, I am your son."
"If you say so…" Kratos sighed, gazing at the view of the city. "It has been a while since we had a conversation like this."
"Heck yeah," Lloyd chuckled, "It sure brings memories, huh? Remember when we talked like this in Flanoir the last time? You talked to me about everything: birth, Mom and her death… It feels like my life has been uncovered and everything has just popped out of my memories. Like a weird déjà vu."
"I'm sorry…" Kratos' eyes misted as Lloyd mentioned Anna.
"Hey, don't be sad; it's over now. We can't change the past. I really wish Mom was alive now, but you only killed her to save me." Lloyd smiled weakly.
"I still can't forgive myself."
"You will." Lloyd told him. "I had a hard time dealing with the fact that I killed Mithos."
Kratos narrowed his eyes slightly. "Do you regret it?"
"No, that's how it should have ended. He wanted it too; though there's something that I still can't shake."
"And what would that be?"
"He referred to me as his shadow. Now fragments of his life have fused with mine. Because of this, I have seen his visions, dreams, memories, and feelings. Will I become like him?"
"Indeed, both of you have the same dream. But-" Kratos slightly turned to face his son. "-no, you are very different from him. The world we're living in is constantly changing. Mithos did not accept that change; he ran away from it, and forced the world to change according to his ideals. You accept the change in the world. No matter how ill or unfairly the world treats you, you can change it. But you let the world change as well, for better or worse. I cannot say which path is better… But I know that you are not Mithos and will never be him. I have faith in you."
"Thanks, Dad. That means so much to me."
After a shared silence, Kratos said, "I am proud of you, Lloyd, more than I can say. Your mother's spirit is proud of you as well."
Kratos attempted to ruffle the boy's hair, but stopped midway. His hand hovered over the boy, who was taller now. Kratos feared that the gesture would annoy Lloyd. However, he silently agreed by taking his father's hand and gently pushing it down to his head. Lloyd smiled with a feeling of true contentment, which had been absent since starting the hunt for the Centurions.
Lloyd didn't feel ashamed. On the contrary, he leaned his head on the old man's shoulder. He was indeed taller, but right now it was nice to have his Dad there.
Unbeknown to the both of them, Emil sighed sheepishly as Marta came up beside him, "I was going to try to cheer Lloyd up."
"Looks like someone beat you to it." Marta giggled, "Come on, let's go."
The group had finally reached the remaining roots of Kharlan Tree, which was actually the portal to the Ginunggagap. Emil felt that he recognized this place, but of course this was supposed to be his domain; where the real Ratatosk dwells. When they entered, it seemed even more familiar to the blond boy. Dark places with giant roots everywhere; the deeper they went, the thicker the tension grew. The only light in this deep, dark dwelling was some swirly orb. Emil suspected it was the flowing mana.
"Welcome to the Ginunggagap… It's not the best place in the world, but you're welcome here."
Emil could hear his doppelganger snort sarcastically inside his head, "We used to live here?"
"More or less. I used to live on top of the tree, but my darn brother Nidhogg began neglecting his job, so I moved to the Ginunggagap to protect the gate of the Niflheim."
"You must've been lonely after our brothers died."
"Well… Not entirely. The Centurions were born afterwards, so I'm not that lonely right now."
"We'll be lonely soon, you know."
"…" Ratatosk didn't answer when Emil whispered that idea.
It was strange that this summon spirit was agreeing with Emil. But, perhaps after Ratatosk became human, he saw the world through Emil's eyes and began to understand the value of human life.
"I can't lose, no matter what. Even if it means I have to fight Richter." Emil said it loudly. It was a promise: to Ratatosk, to Richter, to his friends, and to Marta.
"Time to say you-know-what."
"Yeah, courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality."
"Give me your hand." Marta smiled, supporting Emil with all her heart, "I want to give you whatever power I can."
"Thank you-" Emil was about to clasp his hand tightly with Marta's when suddenly…
"All right! Take my hand as well!" Lloyd interfered as usual.
When Lloyd interferes, the rest always follow…
"Mine too!" Genis stated.
"And mine!" Sheena added.
Colette continued, "Me too!"
"Take my power as well…" Presea offered.
Raine joined. "You need guidance!"
"I may not have much to offer, but…" Regal lent his hand nonetheless.
"Wow, Regal. Your hands are huge!" Colette commented.
"Of all the—What are you guys doing? You remember what we're here for, right?" But Zelos couldn't resist holding one of the girl's hands.
"Dad…" Lloyd called.
His father hesitated, "This is ridiculous."
"Oh, come on, for old time's sake? I want to remember how it felt to hold your hand when I was a kid," The brunette boy pleaded.
"…very…well." He gave up, offering his hand slowly.
"You guys are killing the mood!" Marta yelled.
As I agree with one of my reviewers, we agreed that there will be no Flanoir event except Kratos, so now char bashing, stupid romance, and everyone will be happy.
Sorry if it wasn't much, but I had troubling with some part of the story, many skipping.
I try to avoid the repetitive storyline because I know that some people here can watch the game story in the youtube. So, I'll only write something that aren't in the game and spend weeks on figuring how things should turn out to be. Some reviewers requested about Alice and Decus spotlight but I'm not that enthusiast on writing them. They are interesting, but the only have most realist personality when they died.
Sadly, yes, I will make them die in the end. But I try to see from Alice views, because she will be the last to die and so was Aqua… Richter? Yeah…he's still important.
On the next chapter it will DRASTICALLY CHANGE. I warn you. Honestly the real storyline in the game (either good, bad, or normal ending) wasn't much extravagant. So I will add something that change the ending drastically. Though I will try my best to make the plot goes on the same flow.
ONLY TWO CHAPTERS' LEFT! Hopefully it will be updated, Until next time!