Hi everyone! Here's the next chapter!
Recap: Lloyd finished the second seal at the geyser and the group made it back to the House of Salvation.
I don't own TOS.
"Welcome, Chosen One. Were you able to retrieve the Spiritua Statue?" The head priest said when we entered the building.
The Professor nodded. "Yes, we have it tucked away safely. We're heading for the Peak tomorrow."
"Excellent. May it bring you good fortune and aid your journey." The priest said.
I nodded, smiling at him, and we headed up the stairs and claimed the rooms we had stayed in last time.
Genis and Kratos got ready for bed and then the Professor and Colette were in our room with dinner. I checked my blades, but as we hadn't run into any monsters on our walk, they didn't need taking care of so I put them away.
Once everyone was done eating, the girls left with Noishe and we all lay down. I pulled out the book Kratos had given me: The Basics of Swordsmanship.
Sighing a little, I glanced out at the window at the stars. It was amazing to think there were more than 5,000 of them in the sky – I knew, I had tried counting them. Opening the book to the first page, I started reading.
I finished the first chapter – it was mostly about how to tell if a blade was right for you and how to care for your blades. I had already picked up these things from Kratos but it was still kinda interesting to read about. I glanced out the window and guessed there were still a few hours of night left.
Placing the book on my chest, I put my hands under my head and closed my eyes. I couldn't sleep, but I could rest. I just let my thoughts drift, wondering how Dad was doing, and what was happening in Iselia, and if Rix had gotten in trouble when he woke up, and where that assassin – Sheena – was now, and if Max had made it back to Izoold, and all kinds of things.
I lost track of time and Kratos was up and moving about when I opened my eyes again and sat up. I marked my page in the book and packed up my things as he woke up Genis.
Grumbling, Genis stumbled about, packing up. The three of us headed next door to the girls room and everyone ate while I played with Noishe before we headed downstairs.
Just as we entered the main area, a woman burst in looking terrified and one of the priests rushed over to her.
"The Desians! They're heading for Palmacosta!" The woman said frantically.
"What?" I exclaimed.
"I was on a pilgrimage to the Thoda Geyser – our group had just gotten to the docks when several people at the back of our group saw the Desian's filing by. They took the mountain pass – they'll reach the city by noon! I and a few others ran most of the night to get here to warn as many as we can!" The woman explained.
I cursed. "Dammit, this can't be good!"
"Relax. They have a militia, remember?" The Professor said.
"The Desian's outnumber the militia! And Magnius was with them!" The woman said.
"Magnius?" I asked.
"The Grand Cardinal who runs the ranch. I fear for the people of the city if he is marching towards it." The priest explained.
"We have to go help them!" I said.
"But Lloyd! What can we do?" Genis said.
"We have to try! At the very least, we can save some of the people." I said.
"Lloyd's right." Colette said.
"It's too dangerous." The Professor shook her head. "We need to release the seals; we cannot afford any detours."
"But Professor! What if this Magnius guy tries to take over the city?" I protested.
"We can't save everyone, Lloyd." She said firmly.
"Professor Raine is right; it is unwise to backtrack now on a whim." Kratos said.
"Fine. Then I'll meet you at the Peak, after I check on Palmacosta." I said stubbornly.
"I'm going with Lloyd." Colette said.
"Me too." Genis said.
"This is absurd." Kratos said.
"You could very well turn Palmacosta into the next Iselia." The Professor warned.
I shook my head. "They aren't unprotected like Iselia – they have a militia."
"Fine." The Professor sighed. "If you insist on going, I guess we have no choice. But how do you intend to get there in time? The Desians have a head start."
"I can fly there." I said.
"And face them alone? Absolutely not." The Professor said.
"But-" I started.
"No, it's too dangerous. If we can't accompany you, you aren't going." Kratos said firmly.
I scowled. "There's got to be some way… can't we hitch a ride or something?"
"I believe there is a merchant here planning on heading to the city – perhaps he can help you?" The priest offered.
"Let's ask him!" I said, racing out the door.
"Lloyd! You can't just run out like that!" The Professor snapped as everyone hurried out after me.
I looked around, noticing a man feeding a pair of velociraptors a few feet away. "Excuse me!" I called, going over to him. "Are you going to Palmacosta?"
"I was, until I heard about the Desians. No way am I going near that city right now!" The merchant exclaimed.
"Please! We need a ride to get there in time!" I pleaded.
"What are you, nuts? Go away, kid." The merchant turned his back on us.
"We aren't asking you to help, just give us a ride!" I angrily said.
"I said beat it!" The merchant grumbled.
"Sir, please. We are willing to try to help the people. Won't you reconsider?" The Professor said nicely.
The merchant turned back to us and glared. "No."
"This man is the Chosen of Mana and desires transportation to Palmacosta, which you will provide." Kratos said calmly.
The merchant snorted. "No way this brat is the Chosen!"
I glared at my feet. This guy was being selfish and making me feel bad about his dumb choices! Clenching my fists, I pulled my wings out, raising my head to glare at him.
"Either give us a ride or we'll take your wagon without you." I spit out.
"Ch-Ch-Chosen One, please forgive me!" The merchant begged, wide-eyed.
"Are you helping us or not?" I asked, crossing my arms and pulling my wings in, not liking the murmurs of the other people milling about or the stares.
"Of co-course, Chosen One! Please, climb in!" The merchant said, bowing to me before hurriedly harnessing the beasts, hopping up to the reins.
I nodded, glancing at everyone else. "Sorry, Noishe. Guess you have to wait here."
Noishe whined and I petted him. "I'll be fine. We'll all be back really soon, okay?" He whined again and I nodded, climbing in, my friends following quickly. As soon as we were all seated, the merchant took off for Palmacosta.
"Lloyd, you were kinda mean to him." Genis pointed out, sitting next to me.
"He was being a jerk!" I protested.
"Some people are scared of the Desians. Not everyone can be brave like you, Lloyd." Colette murmured from Genis' other side, staring at her feet.
"We weren't asking him to fight." I grumbled.
"Regardless, we will reach the city just after noon." Kratos said.
I nodded. "Good."
"Lloyd." The Professor said.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"You need to learn diplomacy. Your wings will only get you so far. You need to be kind to the people we encounter in order to gain their support." The Professor said.
I sighed, running my gloved fingers through my hair. "I know, it's just… a lot of pressure, being the Chosen One."
The Professor's gaze softened. "I know, Lloyd. We all believe in you."
I smiled. "Thanks."
The ride was otherwise uneventful, and in no time we were crossing the bridge, already half way there.
"What do you intend to do once we reach the city?" Kratos inquired suddenly.
I shrugged. "See what the Desians are doing and protect the people."
"And if it's not that simple?" Kratos questioned.
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"What if we arrive before them? Or after? What if they are only demanding money and not causing physical harm? Will you threaten the safety of the many to save the few?" Kratos asked.
"If they aren't hurting anyone… I guess we can't start anything with them, huh?" I asked.
Kratos nodded.
I sighed. "I hate the Desians." I muttered.
"Once you regenerate the world, they'll disappear." Colette reminded me.
"Yeah, I know. I just hate thinking about all the people who are suffering while we try to do that." I said.
"We would be making swifter progress if not for these detours." Kratos reminded me.
I scowled at him. "How can I save the world when I can't even save those right in front of me?" I demanded.
"Hmph." Kratos grunted.
I turned to gaze out the window once more, jolting a little as I saw the city clearly already. "We're almost there."
Everyone straightened up as the wagon started slowing down. Once it stopped, we climbed out at the outskirts of the city.
"This is as close as I'll get with the Desians in there. Be careful, Chosen One." The merchant said.
I just nodded. "Thanks."
"Is there any way of convincing you to wait for us?" The Professor asked.
The merchant paled. "Uh… my brother has a wagon, he lives in the city. Tell him Vic sent you and he'll give you a ride back."
The Professor nodded. "I suppose that will do. Thank you."
The merchant nodded before turning his cart around and taking off for the House of Salvation.
"Coward." I muttered.
"Lloyd…" Colette murmured.
I sighed. "I know, I know. C'mon, let's go." I headed for the city entrance, everyone right behind me.
"What are we going to do?" Genis asked.
"Stop the Desians from hurting people." I shrugged.
Genis rolled his eyes. "Great plan, Lloyd."
"Shut up!" Lloyd punched his shoulder lightly.
"Where is everyone?" Colette asked, looking around the deserted streets.
I glanced around, frowning. Spotting figures gathering ahead and hearing a few shouts, I cursed. "C'mon, this way!" I yelled, taking off towards the center of the city.
I heard everyone running after me but I ignored them, focusing on the swarm of Desians and frightened citizens.
Grabbing onto the arm of one man on the edge of the crowd, I asked: "What the hell's going on? Where's the militia?"
"It's Lord Magnius! He's come for a public execution! And the militia is out on a training exercise! Goddess, please help us!" The man pled, yanking out of my grip and rushing to hug his sobbing wife.
Shoving through the crowd, I managed to push to the center and stopped, horrified as a red-haired man lifted one of the citizens by his throat. Before I could move, there was a sickening snap and he dropped the dead body.
"This woman," a Desian said, shoving forward Cacao, who had her hands tied crudely behind her back, "defied the great Lord Magnius by denying us the gels in her shop. For that, she is condemned to death!"
"No!" Colette said behind, everyone having caught up with me.
"Those bastards!" I growled, watching as two Desians led Cacao up a wooden platform, placing a noose around her neck. I went to draw my blades but the Professor's hand stopped me.
"Lloyd! Think for a minute. You will be announcing your presence the second you act. And the militia is not here to protect these people." She said.
"Those jerks must have waited for this opportunity," Genis scowled.
"Mom!" Chocolat cried, breaking out of the crowd from the other side, rushing to her mom. She was grabbed by two Desians and the red-haired man laughed.
"Haha, pathetic vermin!" He sneered.
"Governor-General Dorr will stop you, Magnius! You can't do this!" Cholocat cried angrily.
"It's LORD Magnius!" Magnius roared, grabbing a whip from one of the Desians and slashing it at Chocolat. She flinched away, blinking open closed eyes when the blow never came.
I straightened, gripping my blades tightly, grinning at the shock on Magnius' face as my Demon Fang had sliced the whip in two.
"Now you've done it," The Professor sighed.
"How can I hope to save the world if I can't save those right in front of me?" I asked.
"You're the wanted criminal 0074, Lloyd Irving!" One of the Desians' shouted.
"Well, well. The boy with the special Crystal. Once I pry that stone from your dead body, I'll become the leader of the Grand Cardinals! Get him!" Magnius shouted.
Three Desians started to charge but skidded to a halt with yelps as fire attacked them.
Genis grinned, "Amateurs."
"Worthless idiots!" Magnius yelled. "Enough of this crap!" He made a sign and a Desian on the side of the platform pulled a lever, causing Cacao to fall and hang from the rope around her neck.
"No!" Chocolat cried, squirming her captor's grip.
A chakram flew threw the air, slicing the rope and dropping Cacao to the ground before returning to Colette's outstretched hand.
"That's enough!" I yelled, sending a Double Demon Fang at Magnius, who stumbled.
Before he could retaliate, Kratos stepped in front of me. "Let us respect the wishes of the Chosen One."
"The Chosen One?"
"Where? The Chosen?"
"The Goddess has sent the Chosen to save us!"
"It's the Chosen One!"
A great murmur went through the crowd and suddenly everyone was staring at me. I glared at Kratos' back.
"That boy is the Chosen One? Forcystus did not share that bit of news… Enough of this shit. Retreat!" Magnius yelled, slamming down a button on his wrist guard and the town watched as he and the Desians faded away.
"Low-grade transport. With that many, they are probably just outside of the city limits." Kratos said, sheathing the sword I hadn't seen him draw.
"Mom!" Chocolat ran to Cacao, untying her hands. Before the crowd could swarm me, I rushed over to her side.
"Are you both okay?" I asked.
"Yes. Thank you, Chosen One." Cacao said.
"Thank you for saving my mom! I don't know what I'd do if I lost her, too!" Chocolat said, hugging her mother.
"…Too?" I asked, feeling the others come up behind me.
"My husband died fighting for the militia and my mother was taken to the ranch." Cacao explained.
"Oh no." Colette murmured.
"We're protecting the shop for when Grandma gets back – she started it!" Chocolat smiled.
Genis jerked up at that but shook his head when I looked at him. I frowned as he stared off into the distance, absently rubbing at his Exsphere.
"Well, I gotta go now, the Asgard pilgrimage needs me!" Chocolat said.
"Oh yeah, you're a tour guide, right? Will people really want to leave after this, though?" I asked.
"People cling to faith most after events like this." The Professor said.
Chocolat nodded. "Yeah. I mean, even though I work for the Church of Martel, it's not like I believe in her or anything."
"Chocolat! Don't say that!" Cacao reprimanded.
"But Mom, how can I believe in a Goddess who ignores us and lets us suffer? Dad died and Grandma was taken away! And even now, the Chosen One and his friends save you, not some sleeping Goddess!" Chocolat protested.
"Chocolat!" Cacao protested.
"I get what you mean. But I know Martel is real." I said.
"Really?" Chocolat asked.
I nodded. "Sure. She's inside of all of us."
"Well, if the Chosen says so, I guess I can try to believe…" Chocolat said.
"Thank you all very much. If you ever need anything…!" Cacao said.
"Ah, it was no big deal." I grinned, hand behind my head.
"I gotta go. See you later, everyone!" Chocolat hugged her mother again before waving and heading for the Church. Cacao, too, smiled and left, heading back to check her shop. Thankfully, most of the crowd had dispersed, but some people were still standing around, staring at me.
"That was a very nice thing you said to her, Lloyd." The Professor said.
I shrugged. "It's easier to believe in yourself than the Goddess, right? So, if the Goddess is inside you, than you can believe in both!"
Genis snorted. "Only you would think of it like that!"
"Shut it, Genis!" I stuck my tongue out at him, causing Colette to giggle.
"I don't like that the Governor-General was not present. We should have a talk with him." Kratos said.
"Oh yeah. I didn't even think of him, really." I said.
"That's why you're not the brains here." Genis snorted again.
I shoved him lightly.
"All right, enough. Let's get going." The Professor said.
We agreed and headed to the government building, the guards immediately letting us in. I found it really weird that some guards were still here when the militia was training – why hadn't they helped if they were here?
"Ah, Chosen One. Thank you for your help." Dorr said, standing as we walked in.
"Yes, thank you!" Neil seconded.
Frowning, I voiced my thoughts, "Why didn't the guards help? If they were here and not training anyway, why not fight?"
"Chosen One, two men cannot hope to withstand Magnius' forces." Dorr said disparagingly.
"We're only five and we managed." I pointed out.
"Yes but they lack your skill." Dorr replied easily.
"How can you say that?" I said, getting angry.
"They were following my orders." Dorr said sternly. "I cannot lose my guard, not when the rest of the militia is away."
"Governor-General!" Neil protested, looking a little shocked.
"How could you order them not to help? Cacao almost died!" I said, outraged.
"What a pathetic human." Genis spat.
"Genis!" The Professor said sharply. Genis glared at his feet.
"You're the boy with wings!" Kilia said, staring up at my happily from her father's side.
"Uh, yeah." I said, smiling at her.
"Can I see, please please?" She begged.
"Kilia, do not disturb the Chosen One." Dorr said firmly.
"No, it's fine. Here." I pulled my wings out, unable to not smile when Kilia's face lit up with joy.
"Yay!" She clapped happily.
"Your system seems flawed. Why would you allow all trained personnel to abandon the city at the same time? And why would you hold back your own guard?" The Professor questioned.
"Whose idea was this training exercise?" Kratos asked.
"W-well, the Governor-General devised the plan with Ranem…" Neil stuttered.
"It's to improve their skills!" Dorr insisted.
Kratos narrowed his eyes but said nothing.
"Perhaps we could devise better ones, then, as the Chosen will not be here to keep saving you – we must complete our Journey." The Professor said.
"Yes, of course! Any help from the Chosen's companions would be appreciated!" Neil said.
Dorr gave him a look, but didn't say anything to him. "Kilia, why don't you go play in your room?"
"Aw, okay. Bye bye Chosen." She giggled, waving at me before leaving. I waved back, pulling my wings in as soon as she was gone. Colette smiled at me and I grinned back.
"Governor-General!" Daniel yelled, bursting into the room.
"Who are you?" Dorr demanded.
"Daniel?" I questioned.
He gasped, clutching his side. I noticed the blood dripping down his side. "Whoa, what happened?" I yelled.
"First Aid." Kratos said, healing light surrounding him. His eyes widened and he felt at the place where his wound used to be. "Ah-uh-th-thanks." He stammered.
Kratos merely nodded.
"What is the meaning of you bursting in here?" Dorr demanded.
"The Desians! They've attacked!" Daniel said.
I cursed. "Where?"
"The militia. We were just returning from training when they appeared out of nowhere. We tried to fight and were holding them back but then the pilgrimage got onto the battlefield and we took heavy damage trying to protect the people." Daniel explained.
"What happened?" Neil half-whispered.
"They killed most of the fighters and captured everyone who was alive, leading them to the Ranch. I managed to escape, but Ranem was captured." Daniel said.
"The whole militia… Governor-General Dorr, what do we do?" Neil asked.
Dorr narrowed his eyes, "We launch a counter-attack immediately in order to rescue them." He said grimly.
"With what forces? Your militia was just decimated." Kratos pointed out.
"I'll go. I'll save them." Daniel said firmly.
"It's an impossible task alone." The Professor shook her head.
"The pilgrimage…" Colette said. "Was a brown-haired girl leading it?"
My eyes widened. "Chocolat!"
"Yes, she was the leader. She was taken to the Ranch, too." Daniel nodded.
"Chosen One, please. You must help me." Dorr pleaded.
I turned to glare at him. "I'm going to save all of those people and take out that whole Ranch!"
"Thank you, Chosen One, thank you!" Dorr said.
"Don't thank me. I'm doing it for them, not for you. It's your fault this happened." I snapped at him.
"Chosen One, please…" Neil said hesitantly.
I sighed, looking away.
"I'm coming with you." Daniel said.
"You could get hurt." Colette said.
"It's too dangerous." The Professor agreed.
"I'm coming with you." He repeated stubbornly.
"If you want you come, then come." I shrugged.
"But – " The Professor started, but Kratos interrupted.
"He can fight decently. And while we are taking out Magnius, he can free the prisoners." Kratos said.
"Are we really going to destroy a whole Ranch?" Genis asked.
"This is madness! It's impossible!" The Professor protested.
"We have to try! This whole town will be destroyed if we don't do something!" I said.
"Lloyd…" The Professor murmured.
"I won't let another Iselia happen. We have to stop them." I said firmly.
"I still don't agree with this – I think we should continue the Journey of Regeneration. But… I'd be too worried to let you go alone."
"Professor… thanks!" I grinned.
"If we can get to the House of Salvation before nightfall, we can rest there before heading to the Ranch. It'll only put us a few hours behind them, too." Daniel said.
Kratos nodded. "Very well. We need transportation then."
"Would either of you happen to know of a man with a cart able to carry us? The man who brought us here, Vic, said his brother was in the city somewhere…" The Professor said.
"Ah, yes! Jim can help you." Neil smiled.
Daniel nodded. "I know him."
"Very well. Let's go then." Kratos said, heading to the door.
"Good luck, Chosen One. You'll need it." Dorr said as I left.
"…Thanks." I said, getting a weird feeling in my gut at his words.
We followed Daniel through the city.
"Are you all right now?" Colette asked him.
"Ah, yes. Thank you. I was… healed." Daniel said.
I grinned. "Kratos doesn't like showing off but he's a decent healer."
Kratos grunted.
"Right." Daniel said, looking at Kratos strangely.
"So how do you know Jim?" Genis asked.
"Ah, well, he's helped cart supplies to the militia encampment." Daniel said.
Genis nodded. We kept walking, slowing when Daniel paused at an intersection, looking around for a bit before continuing off in one direction.
"Is it much farther?" Colette asked.
"Nope. We're here!" Daniel grinned at her, pounding onto the door of the house we were in front of. "Jim! You there?"
A man peeked his head out. "Who is it? What do you want?"
"It's Daniel. We need a ride." Daniel said.
"Scared me. Thought it was Desians." Jim said, opening the door wider. "Where you all heading?"
"We need to reach the House of Salvation by nightfall." Daniel said.
"Hell, that's a day's journey and it ain't exactly morning now! What's the rush?" Jim asked.
"The militia was attacked and taken to the Ranch. We're going after them." Daniel said.
"Chasing the Desians!" Jim exclaimed, looking nervous.
"Your brother gave us a ride here. Vic, right? He said you'd give us a ride back." I said.
"Normally I would, but…" Jim hesitated.
"We're trying to-"
"But we have to-"
Daniel and I both stopped, looking at each other. He nodded slightly and I continued, "We have to save them. We have to at least try."
"You'll all be killed!" Jim said, shaking his head.
"Please, sir!" Colette pleaded.
"We can't just abandon them – they need us." I said firmly.
"Fine. I don't like it, but I'll take you. Let's go." Jim said, leaving his house and slamming the door behind him.
"Thank you!" Colette grinned.
"Thank you. We'll try not to get in the way." The Professor nodded.
"You sure about this?" Jim asked Daniel.
Daniel nodded and grinned. "Let's go stop the Desians!"
"Yeah! No matter what, we have to rescue everyone and destroy those bastards once and for all!" I agreed.
Annnnd they're off to the Ranch! After this plotpoint, we move off of this part of the continent! Yay!
Also, the next chapter is a special one, seeing as it's Ch. 30. It's a little snippet of someone else, meaning it's not in Lloyd or Sheena's POV!
I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday! :D
