And we're back to Lloyd with this chapter! Hope you guys like it! :D
I don't own TOS.
((LLOYD POV))
I woke up to Noishe licking and nudging my face. "I'm up, I'm up." I chuckled, standing and stretching.
"Lloyd! How do you feel?" Genis asked.
I grinned. "Great!"
"That's a relief!" Colette said, smiling.
"There's still some left-over miso stew from last night." The Professor said, handing out portions.
I took the bowl, but didn't feel hungry. I scooped up a bite anyway, knowing that I had to eat to keep up my strength. I took the bite and my eyes widened. I swallowed hard and stared down at the bowl.
"Lloyd." Kratos said, watching me intently.
"I… I can't taste it." I said, baffled.
Everyone stared at me.
"What?" Genis asked.
"The food. I can't taste it. I put it in my mouth – and nothing. I can tell I have it in my mouth, but that's it. No taste. At all." I said.
The Professor frowned. "Perhaps it was a bland bite?"
I shook my head. "I don't know…"
"Try again." The Professor said.
My hand shook a little as I scooped up another bite, putting it in my mouth. And nothing. I swallowed quickly. "I can't taste it!"
"Lloyd, calm down. Maybe there's something wrong with your portion?" Colette suggested.
I shook my head. "I don't think it's the food. I think it's me."
"Perhaps this is part of what it means to become an angel." Kratos said.
I stared at him. "What it means…"
The Professor jerked. "Oh…"
"Professor, what is it?" I asked.
"I read a book at the Temple. I had forgotten about it… It was in great disrepair but parts of it discussed angels…" The Professor trailed off again.
"What did it say?" I asked.
"Nothing concrete, but from that text and Remiel's words… my hypothesis is that there is indeed a biological difference between humans and angels. In order to become an angel, you will lose what makes you human." The Professor said.
I stared at her. I threw my bowl to the ground, stew spilling to the desert floor. "What the hell?"
"I'm sorry, Lloyd. It's just a theory, but…"
"This is part of the trial Remiel mentioned, no doubt." Kratos said grimly.
"So I can't taste anything anymore? What else am I going to lose?" I yelled.
"Lloyd…" The Professor said.
"Now that you know the price, will that stop you from regenerating the world?" Kratos asked harshly.
"I… no. No. I have to save Sylvarant. Even if… even if it means becoming an angel. I just wasn't expecting this. Some warning would've been freakin' nice." I scowled.
Kratos nodded at my words.
"That sucks, Lloyd." Genis said, frowning, before brightening. "Does this mean I can cook with tomatoes now?"
"No! Just because I can't taste them doesn't mean I can't smell or see them! Besides, Kratos doesn't like them either!" I said.
"Oh, you're right." Genis said.
"I'm sorry, Lloyd!" Colette said, quickly hugging me.
"It's okay – not your fault." I said.
"Right. I'm sorry." Colette answered.
"Dork." I snorted, rolling my eyes.
"Let's finish eating and head out." Kratos said.
Everyone nodded and I picked up my bowl, halfheartedly taking a bite from what had managed to stay inside it when I dropped it. I swallowed before dropping the bowl again, barely managing to turn around before I was throwing up.
Finally I stopped, stomach still a little uneasy as I wiped my mouth on the back of my hand, grimacing and standing up.
"Are you all right? Are you still in pain from releasing the seal?" The Professor asked.
"I'm okay. And no, I don't think that's it."
"Hmm." The Professor said, looking thoughtful.
"Are you all right to travel?" Kratos asked.
I nodded, my stomach settling. "Yeah, I'm good."
He nodded. "All right, let's pack up, then."
It only took a few minutes for everyone to pack up. I was a little shaken, still, from the realization that I'd never taste my favorite foods again – no more of Dad's potluck stew or candy or anything.
But I have wings. I reminded myself. That's a pretty good trade off. And I'll be able to stop those filthy Desians and save all of Sylvarant. So what if I can't taste, right? I can fly.
The Professor frowned at the sun. "We won't reach Triet until noon. From there, we need to head west and cross the mountains in order to reach the coast and find a… a boat."
"There is a path through the mountains – the Ossa Trail. It leads to the fishing village of Izoold. We should be able to find a ship there. However, it is half a day's journey to the Ossa Trail, and that area is too narrow to safely cross or linger in at night. We will have to rest at Triet tonight and head for the trail tomorrow at daybreak." Kratos explained.
"How do you know all that?" I asked, wondering if there was anything that this guy didn't know.
Kratos raised an eyebrow. "As a mercenary, I have traveled extensively."
I nodded slowly. "That makes sense…"
"Hmph." Kratos snorted.
"Another day wasted… This journey sure is taking longer than I thought!" Genis said.
"We will not waste it. We can catch up on all of your studies. I know this is the regeneration journey, but that's no excuse to fall behind." The Professor said.
Kratos nodded. "And Lloyd must train."
I groaned.
"I believe you earned yourself a more strenuous session, as well as needing to make up for neglecting to train yesterday." Kratos said.
"I was sick!" I exclaimed.
"Which is why I did not force you to train. But you will make up the lost time with today's training." Kratos said firmly.
I grumbled about how unfair it was, but I knew I wouldn't be able to change his mind.
"Cheer up, Lloyd! I thought you liked practicing with your swords?" Colette said.
"Yeah…" I mumbled.
"Didn't you vow to become strong enough to protect your friends?" Kratos asked.
"Yeah. Yeah! All right, you'll see! I'll beat you tonight! I will get stronger!" I vowed.
Kratos nodded and the Professor looked at him approvingly.
"You know just how to get him motivated." She murmured.
"I would be a poor teacher if I could not hold my student's interest." Kratos responded.
The rest of the trip to Triet was long and boring – we weren't attacked and there was nothing to really do besides walk through the sand. I was tempted to fly off ahead, but figured everyone would get mad if I did that.
"Finally!" I exclaimed.
Genis looked confused. "What?"
"We're almost there!" I said, pointing ahead to where I could see Triet coming into view.
"Are you nuts? We can't even see the city yet!" Genis huffed.
"What are you talking about? It's right there!" I said.
"Lloyd, you can see Triet?" The Professor asked.
I nodded, now confused. "You guys… can't?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Fascinating… When exactly did you realize your sight improved? Immediately following the seal or last night?" The Professor asked.
"Uh… well, last night, I could see the stars. Like, a lot of stars. They were really bright, too. And I think my hearing's gotten better…" I said.
"Amazing… angels must have more honed senses than humans…" the Professor muttered.
"Ah, right. Well, anyway. We're almost there." I said.
"Lloyd, that's amazing!" Colette exclaimed, smiling at me. "Now we'll always know when we're close to something!"
"It's no big deal." I said, my hands behind my head.
"It will be useful to avoid surprise attacks." Kratos said.
"Huh. I didn't think of that." I said.
"Hmph. As long as you pay attention and keep your guard up, we should encounter few surprises on this journey." Kratos said.
I scowled but didn't stick my tongue out at him like I wanted since he'd only make my training later even worse.
"Wow, Lloyd. You're actually useful." Genis snorted.
"Shut it, Genis!" I yelled.
"Behave." The Professor said mildly.
I glared at Genis but we both stopped, not wanting to get hit by the Professor.
It was a few more minutes before everyone else could spot Triet, and another handful before we were entering the city.
"Let's book rooms at the Inn and eat lunch before deciding how to divide up the rest of the day." The Professor said, leading us to the Inn. I walked Noishe to the side stables before heading in to join everyone else.
"All right. I managed to get the same rooms we had last time." The Professor said.
I glanced around. "Where's Colette?"
"She's in the kitchen making lunch." Genis said.
"Lunch? Already?" I asked.
"Yes, it's noon, Lloyd." The Professor said.
I shrugged. "I'm not hungry."
"Hmmm… It could be that your stomach is still a little upset…" The Professor said.
I shook my head. "Nah, I feel fine. Just not hungry."
The Professor frowned but nodded. "Well, you may skip this meal but you will eat dinner, regardless how you feel."
"Okay." I nodded. "I'm gonna put my stuff in my room."
I walked back to the only door on the first floor and went in, heading to the bed I had taken last time, plopping my pack down on it and stretching slightly. I untied my jacket from my waist and laid it on my bed, too, since I wouldn't need it here.
Heading back to the lobby, I saw Colette serving rice balls to everyone. I sat with them and eyed the rice balls. Nope, not hungry.
"Now." The Professor said. "While we are here, we should use our time wisely. Everyone has one clean outfit left, correct? Change into that and we'll wash our dirty clothes, as I don't know when we'll get the chance again. Also, we should restock our food supply. Genis, Colette, and Lloyd – you three will spend an hour with me studying. And Lloyd, you also have to train with Kratos."
"How about this? I will train Lloyd now while you restock our supplies. Afterward, I will take care of the cleaning while you tutor the children." Kratos suggested.
"Hey! I'm not a kid!" I exclaimed.
"Us either!" Genis yelled.
Kratos smirked. "Yes, you are."
I opened my mouth but the Professor interrupted me. "Lloyd, don't argue, especially when you know you are wrong. That sounds like a good plan, Kratos."
I scowled and Genis glared while Colette just giggled at us.
"Hey, Colette, how can you let them call you a kid?" I asked.
"Well, aren't we?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Technically…" Genis grumbled.
I shook my head. "Whatever." I stood up, noticing Kratos was done eating. "We training or what?"
Kratos smirked. "Let's go, then. We'll need to exit the town, as the alley is too small for extensive training. Besides, I want to test your flight capabilities as well."
"Be careful." The Professor said.
Kratos nodded. "We shall return in one hour."
Saying nothing, I followed Kratos out of the inn and out of Triet, into the desert once more.
Once we were far enough away from the city that no one would notice our fighting or my wings, Kratos turned to me and drew his blade.
"Draw your weapons. And take out your wings." He ordered.
I did as he said, wings bursting forth. Kratos nodded.
"Your wings can be used to give you an advantage over me. I am limited to the ground – you can literally soar over me. You can also use your wings to grant you speed and higher jumps in order to dodge attacks. Your enemies will not hesitate or show you mercy – you must use every advantage you have if you wish to grow strong enough to beat them all." Kratos said.
I nodded, my grip tightening on my twin blades.
"Begin." Kratos said, charging me.
I dodged and slashed and Kratos attacked and retreated. It was thrilling and I gave it my all.
"Good. Get under my guard. Don't allow me to take the offensive." Kratos said.
I twisted, pushing off from the ground and moving my wings, slamming into Kratos, who had to take a double-handed grip on his sword to block me. He grunted.
I twirled away and stood a few feet away from him, panting. Holy shit, I had surprised Kratos with an attack!
"Do not congratulate yourself when the battle is far from over." Kratos said, charging at me and getting under my guard, causing me to stumble backwards.
"Attack – don't become defensive." Kratos said, forcing me back step after step with his blows, my wings fluttering uselessly.
"I'm trying!" I growled.
"Try harder." He said, knocking my right sword out of my hand and sending it spinning across the desert floor.
"Dammit!" I cursed, blocking his next attack. I ducked under his arm and swept out my legs, buying myself the seconds necessary to launch into the sky. I hovered out of his reach, panting and glaring, trying to figure out how I was winning one second and losing the next.
"If I were an archer, you'd be dead. Do not stay stationary. A moving target is harder to hit." Kratos said.
He narrowed his eyes when I ignored him, since he wasn't an archer.
He held his sword out to the side and closing his eyes, murmuring something. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open and he said, "Fire Ball!"
"Holy shit!" I yelled, barely dodging the three balls of fire that hurtled at me.
"You can do magic?" I exclaimed, stunned.
Kratos tilted his head. "Healing magic is not the only spells I know."
"Goddess, is there anything you can't do?" I yelled, frustrated.
"I assure you, there are many things I'm incapable of. Now you know the dangers of hovering during battle. While it may be necessary to give a new view at the fighting or to deal with aerial enemies, remaining stationary is never wise in battle." Kratos said.
I growled but nodded, swooping down and past him, slashing at him as I went. "Good, but your aim is slightly off. You're not used to flying yet. Again."
The rest of the hour was filled with Kratos drilling my on fighting while flying. Finally, he told me it was time to stop and I landed heavily, my wings shaking with exertion.
"You will improve yet." Kratos said, sheathing his sword. Bastard wasn't even out of breath!
I said nothing, focusing on slowing down my breathing.
"Pull your wings in and we can return to Triet." Kratos said.
I concentrated, but nothing happened. I closed my eyes, trying harder, but when I opened my eyes, my wings were still there. "I can't."
Kratos frowned. "You expended too much mana in our fight."
"Yeah well, I was trying to beat you!" I growled.
Kratos shook his head. "Do not attempt something you are not able to accomplish. You are not strong enough to beat me yet."
"You're an arrogant prick, you know that?" I snapped.
"Hmph. I merely speak the truth. From now on, do not expend so much into our training. You can learn the moves and the tactics without collapsing." He said calmly.
"I'm not gonna collapse!" I yelled.
Kratos raised an eyebrow at me. "First Aid." He murmured. His mana washed over me and my labored breathing even out. Glaring, I pulled my wings in with ease.
"Thanks." I muttered, forcing the word out.
He nodded. "Let's go, Lloyd."
Dammit, at this rate I'll never beat him! I followed Kratos back into Triet and to the Inn, where everyone was waiting.
"How'd it go?" Colette asked merrily.
"Kratos here can do freakin' magic." I grumbled.
"Really? That's awesome!" Colette said.
The Professor nodded her head. "I had wondered if healing spells were the only ones you knew…"
"I prefer melee fighting, but I am capable of simple spell casting." Kratos said, nodding.
"Sheesh, Lloyd. You never stood a chance!" Genis said.
"Shut it, Genis!" I yelled.
"Enough, you two. Lloyd, go change so we can begin studying." The Professor said.
I stomped into my inn room, quickly yanking out my last clean outfit and putting it on, rebuckling my double scabbard on and bundling up all of my dirty clothes just as Kratos walked in with a bag.
"Place your clothing needing washing in this bag – while you are studying, I will take care of it." Kratos said.
I nodded, stuffing the clothes in bag and heading to the door.
"Lloyd. It will take time and practice, but you are getting stronger." Kratos said.
I half-smiled, feeling a little better. "Thanks, Kratos."
He nodded and turned his attention to his own clothing. I left and found the Professor, Genis, and Colette sitting at what I had started calling "our" table in the lobby, several books and papers spread out in front of my teacher.
"You really brought all that with you?" I asked, sitting down and staring at the large pile.
"Of course. Education and knowledge are very important." The Professor answered. "Now, we will begin with mathematics…"
What followed were the longest two hours of my life. I was barely paying attention, and several times the Professor smacked me upside the head to snap me out of my daydreams.
"Honestly, Lloyd, this is important information." The Professor said sternly.
"Sorry, Professor." I groaned.
She gave me a look but continued what she was talking about… Something about Efreet and fire, maybe?
"Lloyd." She said suddenly.
"Huh?" I asked.
Colette giggled.
"What is the name of the Summon Spirit of fire, whom I've been discussing for some time?" The Professor asked, repeating her question.
"Uhhh…" I stammered.
"Honestly, have you been paying attention at all?" The Professor asked, exasperated.
Genis snickered.
I scowled. "I have! Really! It's Efreet or something, right?"
She nodded. "I suppose knowing his name and his element are all I can ask of you."
Kratos entered the inn with the bag of clothes.
I blinked. "When did you leave?"
Kratos raised an eyebrow. "Some time ago. I finished washing and mending the clothing."
"I suppose we'll stop here, then. You can do what you like for the remaining hours before sunset, but be careful and be sure to be back in time for dinner." The Professor said.
I sighed in relief and stood up, stretching. "I'm gonna check on Noishe."
I left the Inn and heading around to the stable, smiling as Noishe whined when he saw me coming. "Hey, Noishe. How you holding up?"
He whined and I chuckled, petting him.
"I'm okay. One seal down! I hope there aren't that many more – the whole 'trial' thing afterwards is a pain." I confided.
Noishe whined again. "Yeah, but I guess I can't complain too much. I get to travel with my friends and I can fly!"
Noishe licked my face. I laughed. "Aw, c'mon!"
After petting Noishe some more, I decided to go sit by the oasis. "See you later, Noishe!"
He whined and I wandered through town, heading to the oasis. I passed one vendor after another, but a woman sitting outside a small tent caught my eye.
"Would you like to know your fortune?" She asked me.
"I don't have any money." I said.
"The first reading is free." She answered.
I shrugged. "Sure."
She nodded and led me into the tent, which was covered in brightly colored materials and only had a single table in it.
She moved to one side and motioned me forward, lightly holding my hands over the table and closing her eyes.
"You are on a great journey. This is but the first step. You will gain an unexpected companion, but your companions in turn will despair the loss of someone dear. The weight of more than this world weighs on you." She slowly opened her eyes. "That is all I see."
"What does that even mean?" I asked, confused.
She dropped my hands and shrugged. "It's up to you to find the meaning. I merely gave you a glimpse of your fate."
"Right… Well, thanks, I guess." I said, moving to the tent's exit.
"May the Goddess watch over you." The fortuneteller said.
"You as well." I answered before exiting.
I walked over to the oasis and onto the small wooden dock, sitting down and leaning back on my hands.
I stared up at the sky, watching the occasional cloud float by and the sun slowly start its descent, thinking about nothing and everything.
"Lloyd! There you are!" I blinked, startled out of my thoughts, and turned to see Genis running towards me. "The sun's setting! Raine wants everyone back to the Inn for dinner!"
I looked up, somewhat startled to realize it was starting to dark, not having noticed.
I shook my head, standing and stretching. "I'm not hungry."
Genis frowned. "Raine won't like that. Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I feel fine. I don't feel sick at all, I'm just not hungry." I said, following my best friend back to the Inn.
Genis shook his head and we entered the Inn, heading over to our table, where Kratos was laying out a tray of cabbage rolls. I could smell the pork and it smelled amazing, but…
"I'm not hungry." I said.
"Lloyd, you can't skip another meal. You have to eat." The Professor said.
"I'm really not hungry!" I protested.
The Professor frowned. "Does your stomach hurt? Do you feel sick?"
"No, I feel fine." I said.
"Then you'll eat. No buts, Lloyd. You need to keep up your strength." The Professor said firmly.
I scowled but took a plate and one cabbage roll. I picked it up and took a bite, jolting a little as I expected the tangy taste of pork only to get… nothing. I swallowed and my stomach revolted. Slamming the plate down and covering my mouth, I ran outside and was sick.
Wiping my mouth on the back of my hand, I straightened when I was done and turned to see the Professor behind me.
"You shouldn't have lied to me." She said sternly.
"I didn't lie – I felt fine! And… I feel fine now." I said, shaking my head.
"You don't feel sick? At all?" The Professor asked, frowning.
I nodded. "Nope."
Still frowning, the Professor led me inside and back to the others, all of them watching me closely.
"You okay Lloyd?" Colette asked, concerned.
I smiled. "I'm fine. I promise I don't feel sick."
"Then why do you throw up every time you try to eat?" Genis asked.
I shook my head. "I don't know. I don't feel sick until I swallow."
The Professor looked up sharply at me. "Let's try this… If this doesn't work…"
"Professor?" I asked.
"Nothing." She waved her hand. She concentrated, then said "First Aid". I felt the warm light engulf me for a second and then it was gone.
"Try eating now." She said.
I nodded, warily taking another bite. And bolted outside again.
When I was done throwing up, again, I walked back inside.
"Feel okay?" Genis asked.
I nodded, running my fingers through my hair, frustrated.
"It's as I feared. Lloyd, I don't think the ability to taste is all you lost with the release of the seal." The Professor said.
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I think you lost the ability to eat." The Professor said.
"Wh-what?" Genis exclaimed.
"It makes sense. He doesn't feel sick, and only throws up after trying to eat. For whatever reason, his stomach can no longer handle food." The Professor said.
"I can't eat?" I said, sitting down.
"You're never hungry, correct? Lloyd, when have you ever missed a meal and not felt pangs of hunger?" The Professor questioned.
I frowned. She was right. "Dammit." I muttered.
"Lloyd, I'm sorry!" Colette said.
"Don't apologize, Colette." I replied.
"Still…" She murmured.
"To think, that angels and humans are so fundamentally different…" The Professor said.
I shrugged. "At least I won't have to be on cooking duty anymore." I forced a grin.
"Hey! No fair!" Genis yelled.
"It's not like I can taste-test the food." I reminded him.
"Oh. Right." He mumbled.
"And you're all right with this revelation?" Kratos asked.
"Yeah. I mean, it's not like I can change it, right? If this is what it takes to save Sylvarant, then I'll do it." I said.
He nodded. "You have great resolve."
I blinked. "Uh, thanks."
"He means you're really determined." Genis said, rolling his eyes.
"Shut it, Genis, I knew what he meant!" I snapped.
Colette giggled.
"Is everyone done eating? I will clean up – you go to bed. We leave for the Ossa Trail tomorrow morning." The Professor said.
"We're finally leaving the desert." I said with a sigh.
"We'll be leaving the continent – we will really be far from Iselia." Genis said.
"I wonder how Father and Grandmother are doing…" Colette said.
"And Dirk." Genis added.
I smiled. "They're fine! Dad and Frank and Phaidra are probably already done fixing the place up."
Kratos stood and started cleaning the table.
"Oh, I'll do that, Kratos." The Professor protested.
"Hmph. There's no need. You should all get some rest." Kratos said, heading into the kitchen.
"What's his problem?" I asked.
"Perhaps he is just anxious to leave…" The Professor suggested.
"He sure is stuffy sometimes." Genis snorted.
"But I think Kratos is nice! He's really helpful!" Colette said.
"This journey would certainly be more difficult without him." The Professor agreed.
I shook my head, standing up. "I'm gonna go sharpen my blades before he snaps at me. Again. Goodnight, you guys."
"Night, Lloyd." Genis said.
Colette hugged me. "Night!"
The Professor nodded and the three headed upstairs to their rooms while I headed into mine.
On my bed was a pile of neatly folded clothes. I blinked. When did he do that?
Shrugging, I stripped down to my shorts and put away the clothes, grabbing my sharpening stone. I had just sat down and started when Kratos came in.
He nodded at me and put away his things for the night, also sitting back to sharpen his blade.
When I was done with one blade, I switched to the other. Halfway though, I leapt up, dropping my sword onto my bed.
"I forgot about Noishe! I gotta go check on him for the night!" I started for the door but Kratos easily blocked me.
"You are hardly dressed. Stay and finish sharpening your blade. I will check on him." Kratos said firmly.
"But-"
"Noishe will be fine." Kratos said, cutting me off.
"I sighed and nodded, going back over to my bed and picking up my blade.
Kratos left and I finished sharpening my swords, putting everything away.
I was lying back with my hands under my head when Kratos came back in. I sat back up. "Well?"
"Noishe is fine and settled for the night." Kratos reported, getting ready for the bed himself.
"Thanks, Kratos." I smiled, lying back down.
"You're welcome, Lloyd. Get some rest." Kratos replied and I closed my eyes, planning on doing just that.
The next morning, I was up and dressed faster than ever.
"I've never seen you move so fast in the morning." Kratos observed.
"We'll get to go on a boat today!" I said excitedly.
"That's unlikely – it will probably be dusk by the time we reach Izoold, and sailors do not start journeys at night." He explained.
I slumped a little, but then brightened. "Still, we'll get to see the water!"
"Hmph." Kratos grunted.
We walked out into the lobby as the Professor, Colette, and Genis were coming down the stairs.
"Wow, Lloyd! What're you excited about?" Genis asked through a yawn.
"We get to see the coast today!" I grinned.
"Yay! I bet the water is really pretty!" Colette chirped.
"Yeah!" I agreed.
Resigned, the Professor urged us to the door. "Let's go, then."
We left the Inn and Kratos stopped at a food vendor on our way out, buying breakfast.
"Apples again, huh?" I asked, watching my friends start to eat.
"They are nutritious and quick, two key elements to remember on a long journey such as this." Kratos said.
"Lloyd?" Colette asked.
"Yeah?"
"Did you want to try a bite of mine? Maybe your stomach is okay today." She said hopefully.
I shook my head. "My stomach's fine, but I'll pass. I'm not hungry."
"Oh… I'm sorry." Colette said.
"You dork. Don't go getting all sad. I'm fine!" I said.
"Right, sorry!" Colette smiled.
I chuckled, shaking my head.
By now, we were well out of Triet and crossing the desert for what would be the last time in a while.
I heard something to the right and looked, stopping. I rolled my eyes and drew my blades.
"There are bandits trying to sneak up on the right. Behind that boulder." I said quietly.
Everyone stopped.
"I don't see anything." Genis said, squinting.
"I can hear them arguing over which of us to go after first." I said with a shake of the head.
"What do we do?" Colette asked.
"Lloyd." Kratos said, looking thoughtful. "Pull out your wings. It might cow them into retreating."
I grinned and pulled out my wings, the yellow of the feathers glittering in the light. I couldn't help it – I laughed. Loudly.
"Lloyd, what's so funny?" Genis demanded.
"Oh, man! I wish you guys could hear them! Jeez, I think they peed in their pants!" I laughed.
"Are they retreating?" Kratos asked.
I wiped at the tears leaking from my eyes. "Yeah, they're gone."
He nodded. "Good. Let's continue."
We resumed walking and I sheathed my blades, still chuckling a little. "Lloyd, um… Can you put your wings away? They're really pretty, but the sparkles hurt my eyes." Colette said.
"Oh sorry." I said, pulling them in.
"No, I'm sorry!" Colette said.
"You shouldn't walk around with them out. They paint a target on your back for our enemies and the wind might pull you up into the air if they are always out while we walk." Kratos said.
"I hadn't thought of that." I frowned.
"Hmph." Kratos sighed.
"That's not surprising." Genis snickered.
"Shut it, Genis!" I smacked his arm.
"That's enough." The Professor said mildly.
We stuck our tongues out at each other before laughing, Colette giggling too.
"This isn't a field trip, you know." Kratos stated.
I rolled my eyes.
Just as the sun was reaching its peak, the Ossa Trail came into everyone's view.
"Is that it?" Genis asked.
"Yes – those two stones mark the entrance." Kratos said.
We hurried towards it, walking between the two large stones and looking around.
"Grass! And a tree! Finally, we are outta that desert!" I said with a grin, looking around. Suddenly, there was a flash of purple from above.
"Whoah!" I jumped back as a girl landed in front of us. She had on some kind of purple and black material that I've never seen before and a pink sash, her black hair piled atop her head messily.
She looked us over, finally leveling her gaze at me.
"Is the Chosen among you?" She asked.
"Uh, yeah. That's me." I said, putting a hand behind my head.
"Prepare to die!" She yelled, rushing me with paper in her hands. Paper?
Kratos drew his sword and I put my hands up, stumbling backwards.
"Wait!" Colette yelled desperately, stepping forward but tripping and falling down. There was a low humming sound and then large metal doors in the ground opened up right in front of this strange new girl. Unable to stop her momentum, she fell through.
"Damn!" I cursed, rushing to the edge, staring down into the darkness. "Think she's okay?"
"Hmmm… Calculating her gravity constant and weight… The drop shouldn't have been fatal." Genis said, staring down into the hole as well.
"I don't care how you figured that out, but she's okay, right?" I asked.
He nodded. "She should be."
"We should be thankful Colette found the maintenance door when she did." The Professor said.
"Did you know her, Lloyd?" Colette asked, standing up and brushing herself off.
"Huh? No, why?" I replied.
"She was looking at you like she knew you." Colette said simply.
"Maybe she's seen those Desian posters." Genis snickered.
"Shut it, Genis! That's not funny!" I snapped.
"We shouldn't linger." Kratos said.
"Shouldn't we try to figure out who she was?" I asked.
Kratos shook his head. "I told you before, this trail is extremely narrow. We should proceed cautiously."
I nodded. "Okay, let's go then."
We wearily walked along the path, which sloped uphill. It was still hot, but not as bad as the heavy heat of the desert, which was a relief. As we meandered single file and neared the top, I heard people talking.
"There's some people on the peak. Sounds like campers or something." I said.
Kratos nodded.
"Why didn't you hear the girl who jumped at us?" Genis asked.
I shrugged. "She was really quiet and I wasn't looking up."
Genis rolled his eyes. I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Oh, hello. We've yet to run into anyone here. My name is Nova and this is my family. I'm a traveling zoologist. Who might you all be?" This Nova guy said when we reached the peak.
There were three girls packing up blankets and such who stopped what they were doing when they heard him speak.
"A zoologist? How marvelous!" The Professor said.
"We are on a pilgrimage." Kratos said.
I glanced at him but didn't say anything. Instead, I asked: "What's a zoologist?"
"I travel the world looking for and documenting rare and exotic animals." Nova explained.
"That's kinda weird." I said.
"Lloyd! Persuing knowledge is an admirable profession." The Professor said.
"Ah, I just like seeing the different species." Nova said with a smile.
"We even saw a glowing bird once!" One of the three girls said.
"Oh, forgive me. These are my daughters." Nova said.
"A glowing bird?" Genis asked.
"Hmm… That could have been Aska, the Summon Spirit of Light." The Professor said.
"A Summon Spirit? That would explain why we haven't seen anything like it before or since." Nova said, nodding.
"Where did you see him?" Colette asked.
"Last time we were here!" A different girl answered.
"Maybe we'll get to see him, then!" Colette said excitedly.
"I don't think he comes here anymore. The Linkite Tree is gone, so the music is gone." The oldest of Nova's daughters explained.
"Linkite Tree?" I asked.
"Yes, it is a tree known for its nuts. They make beautiful music when moving in the wind, but are extremely rare. The tree that was here before is gone, and the glowing bird only appeared when the music carried on the wind." The daughter explained.
"Ahhh, okay. Maybe we could find another tree then! Thanks for telling us." I said with a smile.
She smiled back. "My name is Sarah. These are my sisters May and Alduin. And you're welcome!"
"Wow, Lloyd. I'm surprised. You made a new friend." Genis sneered.
"Shut it, Genis!" I growled.
The Professor frowned. "Linkite Trees are thought to be extinct. It won't be easy to find one…"
"I'd think you'd have to look someplace not accessible by foot." Nova said.
"Why do you say that?" The Professor asked.
"We've been everywhere else." Nova replied with a shrug.
May ran up to Colette. "I picked some of the nuts that day. You can have one, if you want."
"Really? Thank you so much!" Colette said, taking the small nut from the girl, who ran back over to her sisters.
Colette shook the nut lightly and it made a musical sound.
"Maybe we could grow a new tree?" Genis asked.
"Well, it's something to consider, anyway. Thank you very much for the information." The Professor said.
"You're quite welcome! Please, won't you stay with us for lunch?" Nova asked.
"Thank you. I suppose we could…" The Professor said, glancing at Kratos, who nodded at her.
"I'm gonna take a look at the view." I said, heading to the viewing platform a little higher up than we were, at the very peak.
"Be careful." Kratos murmured.
"I will. C'mon, Noishe." I said, leading my dog up to the point. The view was amazing – the sky was a beautiful clear blue with hardly a cloud in the sky and from here, I could just make out Triet, although I'd think normal people probably couldn't see that far.
"Normal is boring, anyway." I muttered, petting Noishe, who whined just as I heard footsteps approaching.
I reached for my blades but stopped once I saw it was Sarah.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." She said, blushing a little.
I grinned. "It's fine."
"I brought you some lunch, since you left before we could offer you any." Sarah said, extending a sandwich to me.
"Ah, thanks, but I'm not hungry. You eat it." I said.
She frowned. "Are you sure? It looks like you've been traveling for a while."
"I'm sure. Thanks." I said, turning back to gaze at the desert.
Sarah walked over to stand next to me. "It's a shame the higher peaks block the view of the water from here."
"Yeah. It'd be cool to spot it from way high up!" I grinned.
"Have you ever seen the water?" She asked.
I shook my head. "Maybe when I was little, but I don't remember it."
"I see. Well, I hope you enjoy the view when you do get to see it." Sarah smiled.
"Thanks." I said.
More footsteps approached and Noishe whined. I turned to see the Professor.
"Lloyd, we need to be going." She said.
Sarah smiled. "Good luck on your pilgrimage. May the Goddess smile down on you… Lloyd." She blushed and ran back down to her family.
The Professor studied me. "She seems like a nice girl."
I shrugged. "Yeah."
She walked over to stand where Sarah had been a moment before. "How far can you see?"
"To Triet." I answered.
She glanced at me sharply. "I see…"
I smiled at her. "It's great! I'm getting stronger and stronger – I'm going to protect everyone!"
The Professor shook her head with a smile. "You always have the clearest outlook, don't you?"
"Professor?" I asked, not really understanding.
"It's nothing. Let's get going." She said, heading for the path back down.
"Okay." I said, following her along with Noishe.
"Thank you again for your hospitality and good luck on your research." The Professor said.
Nova smiled and his daughters waved. "If you ever see us again, be sure to stop and say hello!"
"We will. Thank you." The Professor said, leading us past Nova's caravan and back onto the narrow path of the Ossa Trail, this time the rocky track sloping downward.
I glanced up, noting the sun's position as it started it's downward path, and grinned. According to Kratos, we'd make it to Izoold by nightfall, which meant it wasn't that much further!
Well, what did you think of Sheena and Lloyd's first interaction? Thanks to everyone reading and please review! :D