Listening to Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson. So it has been a long time once again. This summer is not going as I had planned, between having to take summer classes and now struggling to find a job. But, finally found time to sit down and write. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer holidays! Thanks for everyone who sticks with this story, welcome to new readers and reviewers. Hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.
Chapter 54:
Leon wriggled in the crook of his father's arm, unable to free himself from the cradled position, but attempting to nonetheless. Above him, Lloyd scanned the area, brow furrowed, deep in thought.
He glanced over at Colette, her expression tired and strained. She was anxious, he knew. They had fought about it earlier that morning, when he finally revealed his decision.
"I don't know why we have to investigate it. You said so yourself, that it has to do with the pacts. Doesn't that mean that Sheena is handling it? It's a good thing right?"
"I don't know."
"What do you mean? Is it dangerous?"
"I don't know, Colette."
"I don't want to take Leon back over there."
"You could stay here if you wanted-"
"I don't want you to disappear either. Lloyd, please. Can't we stay just a little longer?"
He never answered that question. He withdrew, moving to one of the windows in silence. He wasn't going to force her and he didn't have to. She came to him, afterwards, her face hard and mouth tight.
"I don't like it."
"I know."
"It's not your fault. I'm sorry I yelled at you."
"It's not yours either. Stop apologizing."
She had smiled weakly and stepped into his arms, letting him hold her tightly until Leon's gurgling protests drew them apart.
She looked up at him now, trying to smile, but failing. "So where are we going?"
He hadn't really considered it. And now that he was here, he wasn't sure how to proceed. Initially, he wanted to discover the cause of the earthquakes, and what it was ultimately leading up to. He'd have to see Yuan. But he dreaded the thought of taking Colette and Leon to the Renegade Base.
"Someplace safe. Come on."
He had warped near Iselia. The isolated little town, practically forgotten now after all the years that have passed since the Chosen's last journey. It would be safer here, where news travelled slow and intruders were unlikely. Despite his convictions, the memory of the angels attacking the small town flickered in his memories. He forced them away.
Colette's face seemed to light up as she saw the little town come into view. She looked up at him, flashing a smile and grabbing his hand tightly. He returned the gesture, enjoying the contentment that seemed to pass over her.
They drew looks from the residents as they entered the town. Recognized by many, but only a few approached, women mostly, to speak in wonder about the little boy in Lloyd's arms. They never addressed him, speaking strictly to Colette, but Lloyd didn't mind.
"My goodness! I heard from Frank that he was a grandfather, but I hardly believed it. Such a darling little boy! How old is he, Dear?"
"Nearly two now."
"Two years? My goodness! Where have you been hiding the little angel? Such large eyes. He'll be a handful! Especially if he's anything like his father."
At this Lloyd received the curious speculating looks. Word had gotten around undoubtedly since the little forest wedding. Frank no doubt had been unable to contain his excitement and joy about his daughter's marriage and his first grandson.
Leon stared at the ladies in curiosity, before winning them over with a toothy grin. They cooed at him and he grinned all the more, gurgling and wriggling in Lloyd's grip, his large, dark eyes alight. Colette giggled along with the other women, sharing a few of the baby stories , already earning the boy a reputation of being adorable.
"So, who has he been promised to then?"
The question was one of many being asked, but it was the one that drew the silence upon them. He didn't recognize the face of the speaker, a younger woman, probably someone he had gone to school with and faded from his memory. He glanced at Colette, but she only shook her head in confusion and uncertainty.
"I'm not sure what you mean by that..." She smiled hesitantly, but something in her tone, told Lloyd that she knew exactly what the woman meant.
"Well, he is the son of the Chosen. Failed or not, the lineage is still there. So he should be promised to someone right?"
"He's not." Lloyd cut in smoothly as Colette struggled to respond. "Our son isn't going to be involved in the Regeneration Journey, nor with the Church of Martel."
The group of women open and closed their mouths in stunned silence. Some of them frowned, others shook their heads sadly out of sympathy or pity.
"But he is the Chosen's son. It's by the will of Martel-"
"The line must be continued-"
"He's not going to be involved." Lloyd repeated firmly.
One man had been lingering nearby, a husband of one of the women, mostly likely. He drew closer, anger on his face. "How dare you try and reject it. The child is of the lineage!"
"That means nothing to me."
"Would you bring the wrath of the angels upon yourself again?! Just like they came upon our village when the failure sought refuge here?"
"I was the one that killed those angels. Let them try." Lloyd responded, putting his other arm around Colette, turning her away from the group, pushing his way through. They easily gave way, quickly moving, murmuring and frowning.
"You shouldn't have been so harsh..." Colette spoke softly.
"If they hadn't pressed the issue, I wouldn't have."
She sighed softly, but said nothing more, turning her gaze forward. Leon continued to wriggle in his arm.
Colette's face lit up once more when they found Frank, sitting in the back lawn. She rushed from Lloyd and wrapped her arms around her father before he could even register who it was. Lloyd smiled gently, keeping his distance, letting them have their moment. He looked down at his son instead, offering the child his small finger to tug and suck on. Though, it was more chew than suck now...
"And where is my little grandson-? Lloyd, my boy, don't stand so far off, come closer, you are welcomed son." Frank had risen, one hand clasping Colette's, but his bright, blue eyes on his grandson. "And there is the little Aurion."
Leon blinked, his attention drawn to the elder man before he wriggled and hid his face for a moment in Lloyd's arm. Lloyd chuckled and extracted him turning him once more to face his grandfather.
"It's Grandpa Frank, Leon. Don't be shy."
"It's alright, Lloyd. Been a while since he's seen this ragged face."
Colette smiled gently, then moved forward, taking Leon from Lloyd's arms, carrying him back over to her father. "He's gotten big since the last time you saw him."
"Indeed he has! And teeth! Is he eating foods now?"
"Yes, he always makes a mess too."
"Well he is a little boy now, isn't he?" Frank chuckled, tapping the boy on the nose.
Leon blinked, then giggled, reaching and clasping onto Frank's hand tightly, making the old man poke his round little nose again.
"Poke."
"Oh! He talks too! He is growing up so fast. Yes, Leon. Poke, poke." Frank, laughed alongside his grandson.
"Poke!"
"Yes, yes. Poke."
"Poke! Poke!" Leon shouted and then giggled, releasing his grandfather's hand and reaching up to poke the old man in the nose.
They all laughed along with the little boy, settling into the grass to let the stumbling toddler run to each and poke them in the nose.
"Poke! Poke! Poke!"
"You're back then."
"Yes."
"I was concerned."
"Forgive me. But I want thank you for aiding me in slipping away. The time away was good for Colette and Leon. They have had time to relax and escape the stress of this...whole mess."
Kratos frowned but nodded, glancing around the room. "You left them behind then?"
"And if I did?" Lloyd hid a smile.
Kratos cleared his throat. "I suppose this base is the last place you want to bring a child. And I suppose you wouldn't have known I'd be here."
"I had a hunch." Lloyd smirked. "There is not many other places you can go to escape detection from Cruxis. Not to mention the amount of resources and information that Yuan has available for you to use."
"Ah, yes I suppose. Though I hardly wish to be associated with the Renegades."
Lloyd shook his head watching his father's distracted expression. It astound Lloyd, how much his father had soften up since Leon had been born. Even after this past year, Leon was the first thing on his mind when Lloyd stepped through those doors. He really had fallen into the grandfather role...
"I left Colette to visit with her father in Iselia. I'm assuming she'll want to pay a visit to Dirk as well."
Kratos eyed him frowning. "With Frank...and Dirk? Do you think it wise to leave them there unprotected? While Dirk may be able to hold his own, Frank certainly could not fend off-"
"I assumed you'd be going over there. If not I can always-"
"Such an immature assumption on your part. Assuming I would be here and have the time to go and babysit. You have to learn not to rely so much on these expectations." But even as he scolded Lloyd, Kratos was making his way past him and towards the exit Lloyd had just come from. "Tell Yuan I will be gone from the base for a time."
Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head, making his way to Yuan's office.
"Back from your little holiday I see." Yuan clasped his hands together. "Were you found out?"
"I came back. Voluntarily." Lloyd responded, glancing around the office. This room was becoming far too familiar for his tastes. He turned his gaze back to Yuan. "I came to know about the Earthquakes. Is it because of the pacts?"
"Indeed. Unlike you, the rest of your little friends have been continuing on with their responsibilities." The bitterness wasn't hidden, but Lloyd refused to bite. He didn't regret his decision to go into isolation.
"I advised them to stop."
"So you think because you need a break, that the world simply stops as well? It doesn't work like that, Lloyd. Never has, and it never will. Not even for Yggdrasill."
Lloyd studied him, then shifted the subject. "Which pacts have been released so far?"
"They have just recently released Efreet, and Celsius before that ." Yuan eyed him curiously. "The earthquakes you speak of are a continuation from that last severed link."
"So that just leaves Gnome, Shadow and Aska and Luna." Lloyd frowned.
"Remembered your homework I see. Hard to believe any of those classes your father gave you actually lasted this long." Yuan smirked, retrieving a file from his desk. He dropped it before Lloyd before he could counter, tapping the folder. "Raine and her brother on the side, have been doing a little research into one of the spirits. Luna is at the Tower of Mana, Raine tells me you all spotted her during the Regeneration Journey without realizing it. Regardless, you cannot complete that pact until you have Aska there as well."
"Won't he simply appear when Sheena calls them forth?" Lloyd frowned.
"If only it were that simple. No. Aska is not stationary, so he must be found. Now, Raine, as I said, has done some research and she came across a caravan family that happened to spot a bird that fits Aska's description up in the mountains, near the Tower of Salvation."
"I suppose it makes sense it likes high altitudes." Lloyd pulled the folder over, skimming over the pages. "Music...high places...bright bird. How exactly does this help us? You travelled with Yggdrasill back then, you were with him when he made the pacts. How did he manage it?"
Yuan stiffened eyes narrowing, sitting back. "Such accusations. What makes you think I was present."
"Because you sit there and toy around with the idea and these facts. You either know, or you have a suspicion. So how did it work?"
Yuan stood up stiffly, walking around his chair, facing away from Lloyd. After a moment, he spoke over his shoulder. "Martel was playing her panpipe for us one night at a campfire. We were travelling through one of the mountains when Aska appeared, perching on one of the branches above her." He smirked weakly. " She didn't even realize it at the time. She just kept playing as the rest of us stared up at the bird stunned. Then Mithos of course-..." He trailed off suddenly, clearing his throat and turning about. "So yes. Music is the key. The panpipe was made from the branch of a rare tree. A linkite tree. If you can find one, you could probably carve a similar instrument and thus, summon Aska."
"Where can I find Sheena?" Lloyd spoke after a moment.
"They were on their way to the Earth Temple last I heard."
"They?"
"Zelos has been travelling with her. You honestly think she's been doing this alone?"
"I swear, if I see another one of those little...imps, I'll kick it off into the canyon."
"Zelos, just calm down. This is their home and we are intruding, asking for favors is the least of our worries." Sheena scowled. Trying to navigate through this cavern is another thing." She lifted the lantern higher, looking around.
"Babe, I was saving that potion for later, after we kick Gnome's butt. Now that little womanizing imp is laying somewhere getting drunk."
"Talking about yourself? Or the gnomelettes?" She smiled back at him.
"Good one." He chuckled, then looked around, frowning. "Do you know where we are going?"
"The last one said it was down this path, but I don't... see anything." She moved the lantern about, stepping carefully.
"Watch your step, their paths are narrow as it is." He gripped her arm even as he spoke, steadying her as her foot slid a bit.
"Thanks," she breathed, looking around. "I think this is the right way, it's angled downward."
The pair carefully descended the path until they came to a halt, Zelos growling under his breath at the little gnomelette blocking their path. "Not again."
"Hey there Beautiful." The little creature smiled up at Sheena. "What are you doing down here?"
Zelos gritted his teeth. The damn little imp dared to compliment his girl?
Sheena smiled. "Hello. We're looking for Gnome's altar. Are we heading the right way?"
"Sure thing, Gorgeous. You have a good sense of direction. But there are a few paths that lead off. I can lead you if you want? Wouldn't want anything happening to a pretty girl like you."
"What's the catch little Imp?" Zelos cut in quickly, unable to hide the growl in his throat.
"Mm. How about a kiss from the pretty lady once I get you there?"
"No way-"
"Alright." Sheena elbowed Zelos quickly. She turned her head back at him. "It's not that big of deal. I'll just kiss him on the cheek."
"What the hell? So when I flirt with you, it's perverted. When that little imp does it, you're cool with it?"
Sheena smirked, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, before turning back around to follow the gnomelette. "Pretty much. Now just hush up or I'll shove you off this path."
Zelos scowled, but did as she asked, glaring daggers at the little creature. Maybe he'd be able to grab it and throw it off into the abyss instead, before Sheena had to kiss him. She'd probably get mad about it though...Damn little imps.
Running a thumb over her lips, she watched the little gnomelette grin and hurry away, dodging a lazy kick from Zelos on his way back up the paths. The two called names back and forth for a moment, but Sheena ignored them, rising back to her feet, brushing dust from her legs.
"Well, this is it."
Zelos stepped beside her, laying an arm about her shoulders. "You ready, Babe?" His serious tone returned, the gnomelette forgotten. She was glad for his constant support in this. She would never have been able to do these pacts on her own.
"I just hope it doesn't end up like the last two." She looked up at him. "You have to stop rushing in and getting yourself hurt defending me."
"Hey, it's against the Summon Spirit code or whatever to kill their challengers right?"
"Volt did."
"Aw, Babe, you know that was different. No one died the second time around right? You can do this."
She frowned, but nodded. She didn't believe in that old myth. The Summon Spirits followed their own rules. Volt was an example of that, remaining in the ancient traditions while the others had adapted to the changing world.
"Corrine," she whispered.
Immediately, the little spirit appeared, the smoke settling as he clambered up her body, coming to rest on her shoulders. She growled softly at Zelos, but didn't begrudge the little scratch behind his ear the man offered as a truce.
"I'm here to help you too, Sheena!"
Sheena smiled, petting her friend before facing the altar, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's do this."
She approached the altar slowly, clasping her hands together in the proper formation and summoned Gnome.
It was not what she had been expecting.
"Yo. A new Summoner? Well would you look at that. Sorry, but I already have a pact with Mithos, kay?"
"Wh...what?" Sheena blinked at the oddly casual and laid back speech of the spirit. It was nothing like the others in anyway.
Corrine nipped her ear and she quickly collected herself. "Wait. I ask that though annulst thy pact with Mithos and-"
"Enough with the stuffy language. Way to formal for my tastes. So you want to challenge Mithos' pact, hmm? Well alright. I guess we can have a battle. Come on, show me what you got!"
Sheena's eyes widen, caught off guard, but she quickly dove to the side as the ground rumbled beneath her feet. In the same motion, Corrine leapt off her shoulder, darting towards the summon spirit from the side, growling and draw its attention.
Zelos was by her side in an instant, sword out, watching Gnome swing a little shovel at Corrine lazily before turning back towards them.
"Casual fellow, isn't he?" Zelos chuckled, then glanced at her, checking to be sure she was alright. "I'll distract him, you wait for an opening and get your cards on him." With that he took off.
Sheena gritted her teeth but took his advice, heading the other way, trying to make her way behind him.
Dust and rocks filled the plateau, making it difficult to see. Every attack Gnome sent off, built upon the haze. The miniature earthquakes made it difficult to keep on their feet and Sheena watched in despair as Zelos once more staggered, narrowly missing a swipe from the creature's shovel.
She rushed forward as it's back turned, leaping at it and slapping a set of seals on its back.
"Hey-" Gnome started.
Sheena back flipped out of the way and made the sign and then seals exploded, throwing the spirit forward onto the ground.
"Ow. Alright, now let's get serious!" Gnome chimed and raised his shovel. The ground rumbled and Sheena's eyes widen as she lost her balance.
"Ah-"
The ground beneath her shot skywards in jagged stalagmites, thrown off her feet, their rammed into her back and sides, knocking the breath from her. She landed hard on the ground, gasping for breath.
"Sheena!" Zelos shouted and she raised her hand, trying to keep him focused on the fight.
Corrine was suddenly before her. "Sheena get up! You can do it!"
She grimaced, coughing, but pushing herself up. She reached for more cards, glaring at Gnome when a streak of red rushed past the jutting rocks towards the Summon Spirit.
In an instant, Gnome cried out, jerking back, only to be slashed at by Zelos from the other side. Sheena squinted, trying to identify the stranger through the dusty haze, coughing and getting to her feet. She staggered forward then pushed, leaping to the left, dodging another earthquake and slapping another seal upon Gnome's face.
"Let's get serious," She mocked and jumped back.
The card exploded, Gnome's wail rising above it as he fell upon his back, going limp.
She panted straightening, wincing. Her back was undoubtedly bruised from that attack, but she would survive. She looked to her right and blinked, staring at stranger as he sheathed his swords.
"Lloyd!"
"The one and only." Zelos muttered, stepping forward, waving his sword. "Always with the dramatic entrances, huh?"
"It appeared like you could use a bit of help. I'm sorry if I interfered." He glanced at Zelos, then towards Sheena. "Yuan told me you would be here."
Sheena blinked then gritted her teeth, smacked him. "Where the hell have you been? Where is Colette and Leon? What gives you the right to just up and leave-?"
"Sorry to interrupt and all, but did you want to make a pact or what?" Gnome cut in, hovering once more over the altar.
Sheena spun around, cheeks flushed, throwing a last glare in Lloyd's direction."Don't even think about going anywhere."
She stormed over to the altar, fuming, but took a breath to steady herself. Corrine clambered onto her shoulder once more, keeping an eye on Lloyd behind her.
She closed her eyes, focusing on the words of her vow. As she opened them once more, the air thickened and the ground rumbled as Sylph took form above them.
Sheena blinked, having forgotten that they had once again severed another mana link.
"Hey, Sylph, how's it going? Been around 4000 years since I last saw ya! Looking good!"
"Hi Gnome!" Fairess squealed, fluttering around. "Wow, your altar is smaller than I remember!"
"It has been a rather long time hasn't it?" Sephie sighed. "The worlds it seems are becoming agitated it seems."
"Well the mana link was just ripped out." Gnome offered, glancing over at the group. "There is probably going to be a few earthquakes now because of that."
"We are aware of that." Lloyd nodded.
"Hmm, well you better know what you are doing." Gnome spun his shovel about. "I would hate to be around to find out what happens when the last one is taken out."
Zelos frowned, stepping forward. "Wait. What's going to happen, mole?"
"Mole! It's Gnome, pretty boy. And I don't know. Just something big I guess. Why else would there be earthquakes you know? Things are shifting, that's why. Big shifts leads to big change."
"Indeed." Sephie agreed.
"Well it looks like we'll just have to wait and see." Yutis added.
"I guess so! Well I'll see ya all later!" Gnome called out.
Fairess waved wildly. "By Gnome!"
With that, the Summon Spirit's vanished and the group was left within the silence of the cavern. Sheena frowned, wondering at Gnome's words. Was this a mistake? Were they going to cause more problems instead of helping the situation by removing the mana links? Maybe they should rethink this..."
"I'm going to have Yuan get further information about the situation before we sever the final link. Perhaps something has been overlooked- What?" Lloyd frowned, looking down at Sheena who had stormed back over to him.
She grabbed the front of his shirt, jerking him forwards. "You have a lot of explaining to do! But I want to know one thing first. Where are Colette and Leon?"
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