Chapter 11
Wings
Welgaia was a peaceful place. Naturally, this was exactly Mithos his intend when he had it build. It had to be a city and base in one. Functional and a good place to work from, as well as a nice retreat.
The cold steel, electrical workings and emotionless, mindless Angels gave no warmth. If you had asked Lloyd, he'd say the place was dead, despite all the people being there. It was cold and never would feel like home, to him at least.
But to Mithos, it was. This was the only home he knew. The one place he was accepted, even where he ruled. It felt good. He couldn't wait to show this to his sister, to share it with her as they will enter the era of lifeless beings.
Not long now, sister. Be patient, finally you will with me soon. You will have your wish. This world will be perfect, no one will ever persecute us ever again.
As he walked through the base, he looked up to the seed high above his head. That, the Eternal Sword back in the tower, and all the summon spirits at his command, Mithos couldn't help but feel powerful. He grimaced at himself; he had truly become a god.
He stopped at the holding cells. They were empty, except for one. Well, there was no one in there anymore, it used to be Lloyd's cell after all. But it was still a mess inside. That boy was not like his father in that regard. Even with what little the boy had, he had managed to clutter it all up.
Blankets everywhere, some books, lots of papers, some colored, most of them folded into shapes. The bed was a bunched-up mess of clothes and again more blankets and pillows. Mithos rose a brow as he stepped closer and went to pick up what he spotted.
A small, white and green plushie of a dog with big ears. The tag had Kratos his nicest handwriting: Noishe. Of course. Mithos slightly smiled to himself as he stroked the soft plush with his thumb. Sentimental old man. He'd never admit it, but Kratos had a big heart. It was something that reflected back in his son. Behind that stoic face and demeanor, was a caring man. He'd know, he was his mentor after all.
"Mithos, what in the world do you think you are doing?" An unusually agitated voice sounded from behind him.
Snapping out of his reminiscing, the leader turned around to see the blue haired face of his comrade. There was a rare mix of anger and disbelieve in Yuan's face, as his teal colored eyes remained their cool, staring him down.
Tilting his head slightly, Mithos looked him over curiously. "You have to be more specific, Yuan."
Annoyance flickered in those teal eyes. "Don't play coy. What did you do with the boy? Why did I... see him around with the Chosen instead of Kratos? Why wasn't I informed?"
"Ah, that." Strolling back out the cell, Mithos was still holding on to the plushie, absentmindedly petting it. "You are a busy man, Yuan. I didn't want to disturb you in your hard labor with something so insignificant."
"Insignificant?" Yuan echoed. It was clear he was holding back, trying not to lash out. He balded a fist as he continued. "The boy is wearing the Exsphere of his mother, taking on the role of his father. You call that insignificant?"
The blond man shrugged. "The roles have nearly shifted. Kratos himself suggested this, you know."
This staggered Yuan, taking a moment, blinking and losing some of his demeanor. "What?"
"Did you not hear me? Kratos offered his son as the next test subject. He suggested the boy would take his place so that he could focus on the tasks around the journey. To ensure everything will go according to plan. We all know how important this one is. This will be the one. Martel will finally be back with us. We will finally be a complete family again. Isn't that what you want as well, Yuan?"
Mithos did his typical stance of holding his arms wide and leaning back a little. As a child, he would instead lean forward, that was the one difference. Still, it looked a bit silly, when the great Cruxis leader was still holding on to a plushie. But he refused to let it go for some reason.
No matter how much more grown up you make yourself look, you are still a child. This was the thought that went through Yuan's his head. He shook that thought off, staring Mithos down again.
"You have been saying that for almost four thousand years. Do you really still believe that?"
His stance diminished quickly, the confident smile going along with it. There was sadness, then it was followed by anger. And then finally, when he brought up the dog plushie to look into its beady eyes, there was just loneliness.
"To tell the truth, I'm tired. I'm tired of living. And yes, that's not something people should say. But you know... I think what I'm doing may be wrong. And now that I've started to think that, I can't help but feel there's no meaning to life."
A silence set in. Mithos lowered the plushie, instead looking straight at his companion. "Do you not feel the same? Do you not just want to get this over and done with? They.. Those people, those inferior beings took away the one you loved. The one you wanted to marry. Are you not angry with them? Don't you think this is what they all deserve for how they treated us?"
Yuan his mouth was a thin line, it was hard to read what he was thinking, like it was most of the time. There used to be a time that he agreed. He was infuriated with them, with the whole world. It just wasn't fair. Martel tried her best to make everyone happy, only for her to get caught in the crossfire.
Long ago, he was as hopeful as Mithos was. That they really had a chance to bring her back, to make it all right. He didn't care how it all worked, as long as she could come back to him. But over the many, many years, seeing and feeling all the pain and suffering...
Yes, he was tired too. All three of them were. They lost sight of things a long time ago. Things have spiraled out of control. Yuan didn't even think things could ever be fixed. Still, he could hear Martel's voice in the back of his head, saying she had faith in people.
"There are still good people in this world. Times have changed. Maybe you should go and see for yourself, before you push this through. It's not like you to lose hope."
Mithos let out a heavy sigh, nodding. "You are right. I'm sorry. Forget what I said just now. It wasn't like me. Maybe I will have a look, gave them one last chance. But if I am betrayed once again, they will feel my wrath!"
As his eyes lit up, Yuan couldn't help but step back a little from the Cruxis leader. He hated to admit it, but he was stronger than him, and thus to be feared. That was the one development that changed Mithos his core for the worst. And no matter what they tried, that boy wasn't the same anymore. Maybe some subtle pieces of him were still there, which was apparent with just that little talk. But it was buried in so many negative emotions.
Bowing his head, the blue haired said: "I will be on my way again. I have taken up too much of your time already."
"Very well, Yuan. Go play your part. I promise, it will all be worth it in the end."
Yuan gave a nod and turned around, so that the leader wouldn't see him biting his lip as he teleported of the comet. There was another man he needed to talk too, and he was expecting that talk to be just as frustrating, if not even more so.
The sun was still low at the horizon as the small group set out towards the east. Raine had heard some stories about the ruins there, and she was going on about the legendary tale of Efreet while they were walking there.
"Ugh sis, do you have to talk about fire while we are in a desert? It's hot enough already!" Genis complained.
"But it is just so fascinating! A summon spirit, so powerful. I would love to get the opportunity to study one up close."
"Here she goes again."
Genis sighed, seeing the glistering stars in his sister's eyes. It will only be worse once they arrive at the ruins. Before they could get close, however, Lloyd stepped ahead of them, drawing his swords.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Monsters!" Colette called out, a pair of elementals appearing before them, already charging up their magic.
Genis and Raine were mostly caught off guard, but luckily Lloyd was well prepared and Colette could back him up with her chakrams. A few good throws and trusts from his swords, brought one elemental down, as the other was done casting and launched its magic straight at Lloyd.
The teen crossed his swords upright and a barrier appeared, protecting him from most of the impact. After that disappeared, he uncrossed his swords, sweeping down the elemental with a hard hit.
With the danger dealt with, Lloyd sheathed his swords and turned to Colette first. She gave him a smile. "I'm fine. Professor, Genis, are you both alright?"
"Uh, y-yeah. But what was that?"
"Just another part of the trial..."
"No, I don't mean the monsters, what Lloyd did. He blocked that magic attack."
Raine stroked cupped her chin. "Yes, that was very interesting. Can you show us how that works? Is it something you can do with the Exsphere?"
"Please teach us, Lloyd. It would be so useful and I don't want to put all the fighting on just you. That would tire you out." Colette added, folding her hands together as if she was pleading to him.
The teen glanced at her for a moment. It was interesting to Raine, to see his demeanor change around Colette. It was very subtle, but it was there none the less. It seemed the girl had some good influence on him.
It was also interesting how Lloyd went to show them to do this defense without using any words. It was rather simple really. It was very reliant on the Exsphere, as Raine had expected. These things sure were useful. Giving power and extra skills. The scholar couldn't help but think there had to be downsides to it as well.
The ruin itself gave distraction soon enough, the professor going off on the beautiful build and stone that was used, even encouraging the others to 'feel the surface'. Then she spotted the stand with the seal and went on about that very enthusiastically.
Colette looked from the professor to Genis curiously. He had taken some distance and looked embarrassed. "Does she always get like this?"
"I was trying so hard to hide it too." The boy sighed, drooping his head. "Raine is a bit of a... ruin maniac."
"Colette, please place your hand here on the in print. I believe this will open the way for us. I have to see inside!"
"Uh, of course professor." The blonde girl smiled, very willing to please. She put her hand on the slab and the big stone with her family's crest on it started to move. It slid out of the way to reveal a staircase going down into the dark.
"I don't like the look of this." Genis said, looking down this dark path.
"We will take it one step at a time. Come on, you are not alone. We are here together as friends!"
Colette gave him a wide, warm smile. Her optimism was sometimes contagious but in this case a bit concerning. He still gave in, however. He followed behind her, Lloyd forming the front as usual and Raine closing the back.
It was half expected that the stone cover would close back up behind them, but thankfully it didn't. At least, down here it was a lot cooler. But also, rather dark. Raine made the tip of her staff light up, enough for them to see directly around them. Lloyd was already ahead, seemingly having no trouble with it what so ever.
"Lloyd, please wait up. We have to stick together." Colette called out to him.
"Yeah. How can you see anyways? It's way too dark." Genis commented right after.
The teen just shrugged and said two words: "Let's move."
"Geez, what a pain."
"Genis, might I remind you, you insisted on coming along to this journey. So do not complain now or I will make sure you go back to Iselia."
"Yes sis." He gulped, knowing his sister wasn't kidding. It won't be done with a soft hand either.
"Get ready, guys. Monsters!" Colette called out, Lloyd already having jumped into the fray.
This boy, just loves to dive into action without thinking about it. The thought crossed Raine's mind as she took her place in the back, playing her usual supportive role. It could be dangerous. Then again, his senses seem to be really sharp. I still can not figure him out.
Raine was the type of person who wanted to figure people out. Most certainly those whom she had to work closely with. She needed to know if she could trust people, and she still couldn't say if she did that with Lloyd. But, for now he was useful. The professor decided to just keep an eye on him.
What was more interesting, were the treasures in the long-forgotten place. Weapons that could be useful as well as some healing items. However, with one certain chest, before Colette could lay her hands on it, Lloyd stabbed right through the lid with his sword.
Everyone looked at the teen for this, who just said one single word: "Fake."
They all frowned, but the teen walked on, so they just followed after him. The ring they needed to use in the Martel temple, was also useful here. It would raise platforms so they could reach higher places and get to the inner sanctum.
The alter looked rather similar to the one in the Martel temple, the only real difference was that the room was bigger and darker because it was underground.
"Wow, there is a high mana level here." Genis remarked, not thinking much of the glowing seal yet.
"That must be Remi- uh father's, right?" The blonde girl chimed happy, already planning to step towards the alter.
Lloyd grabbed her by her sleeve and pulled her back. With his free hand he took out one of his swords.
The red glow grew more intense the next second, followed by steam filling the room up quick. It made it harder to see everything.
"Something is in the room with us. Ready yourselves!" Raine called out to the others.
They all drew their weapons, spotting a big shape in between the steam. They could hear a growl, almost sounding like a low rumble of the ground. Then, a blazing ring of fire appeared and everything became clear in an instant.
A creature, standing as tall as a grown man and looking mostly like a tiger, was their challenger. A main made of sharp spikes ran from the top of its head to the shoulder blades. Fire and heat blew out of its nostrils and mouth. Steam and smoke came of its big paws. Its eyes just seemed to be made of a blazing inferno.
Once again, it roared, this time more like a clap of thunder and setting its eyes on the small people standing there. Genis gulped, feeling his knees shaking. Colette put up her bravest face, raising her chakrams. "We can do this, as long as we work together. I have faith!"
"You have my support. Show this creature what you got, Lloyd. Acuteness!" Raine casted the spell, strengthening the steel of his dual swords.
Giving a firm nod, the teen went in, side stepping a fireball coming from the creature's mouth and making two slashes towards its front feet.
Genis found the courage to start casting, concentrating with the help of his kendama. Luckily, he had learned a base water spell, surely this would work against this fire-based monster.
His sister spent her time close to him, giving buffs and heals where necessary. And Colette was right in the middle, mostly throwing her chakrams and tumbling away. There was no question that Lloyd was dealing the most damage, being in the forefront, slashing away.
The creature's focus was mostly set on the teen because of this. This was good for the spell casters, whom could freely go on and do their thing. They were chipping away at it together, and it wasn't happy about it.
Another mighty roar, forced Lloyd back. At the same time, the spikes of its main shot out, piercing his right shoulder. Colette was quick to go in, hitting the creature from the other side to get its attention off the teen.
This wasn't enough, but when Genis casted his water spell, that did it as it shifted its attention. To every one's surprise, Lloyd just jumped back up and went for a flurry of stabs to the back; sword rain. It was as if he wasn't wounded at all.
All this proved to be too much for the fire creature. It toppled over with a growl and as it hit the ground, it went up in steam. This disappeared soon after, along with the pressing heat that was present in the room.
As Genis let out a sigh of relief, Colette went to Lloyd right away. "Are you okay?"
Stowing away his swords with a simple swirl, the teen still had the same, stoic expression as he looked at her and just pointed to the alter.
"But you are bleeding. Doesn't it hurt?" Her caring, worried eyes were aimed at his shoulder.
Finally, Lloyd looked down. He raised his left hand and touched the piercing wound, his face not once shifting. He stared at the blood sticking to his fingers as if it was something alien to him.
Raine approached, a stern look on her face. "You should have kept your distance some more. Just going on the offense all the time doesn't always work. We are in this together. Learn to rely on us as well."
The light and warmth of healing came from her staff as she held it up at his wound. Most of it healed up, just leaving a small scar.
For a moment, Lloyd looked over all three of them and nodded to Raine's words. Then, he quietly added: "Thank you."
Colette smiled as she looked at her comrades. "Good job, you guys. Everyone is alright, right?"
"Yeah... I'm fine. Just a little shaken up. Just what was that?"
"I would think a guardian of this seal, Genis. I think we have to expect this sort of last stance at every seal." Raine suspected.
"That's just great." The boy said sarcastically.
Raine crossed her arms. "Do I have to give you a lecture again, Genis?"
"No, I'm good..." He preemptively covered his head, for a hit or an ear twister.
The professor chose not to do that, instead turning to Colette. "Can you offer your prayer to the alter now?"
"Yes, of course."
Walking up to it, Colette folded her hands together and bowed her head. "Oh, Goddess Martel, great protector and nurturer of the earth, grant me thy strength!"
From the ceiling, a bright light began to shine. It almost seemed to rain down, and from the light, a figure descended. This was of course the Angel Remiel. He still floated high above, looking down at all of them, but mostly focused on Colette.
"Colette, my dear daughter, you have done well." He finally spoke.
The girl rose her head and looked up to him. "Thank you, Fa-ther."
"The guardian of the seal has fallen, and the first seal has been released. Efreet will surely awaken soon. In the name of Cruxis, I shall grant you the power of the angels."
"Thank you, my lord." Colette said, bowing her head again.
Three lights swirled as they descended onto the Chosen, and then, from her back came a pair of brilliant, transparent wings, bright pink. She ascended in to the air as the new wings appeared on her and fluttered. After this, she was gently set back on her feet.
"The angel transformation will not be without pain. Yet, it is but for one night. Be strong and endure."
Nodding, Colette said: "I humbly accept this trial."
"The next seal lies far to the east, across the sea. Offer your prayers at that altar."
"Yes, Lord Remiel."
As the angel disappeared into the bright light, his voice could still be heard: "I shall await you at the next seal, the Chosen of Regeneration, my beloved daughter, Colette."
With a burst, the light disappeared, just leaving some white feathers dwindling down on the alter. A silence filled the room.
Finally, Genis spoke up. "Wow, Colette has wings!"
The girl giggled. "Uhu, and look, I can put them away too."
The pink wings disappeared from her back right away, as if they were never there to begin with.
"Wow, that is so cool!" Genis seemed to be really enthusiastic about it.
His sister had more of an analytic look and Lloyd, well he had just the same, stoic look. Colette let her wings appear again, flapping them, demonstrating she could really use them, sharing in Genis his enthusiasm.
"Hm, he said the next location is across the sea. We would have to sail on a ship. I wonder if there are any ships sailing with the way things are right now." Raine said, mostly still in thought.
Lloyd seemed to glance at her, but of course he said nothing. "Well, in any case we should head to the coast and assess the situation there. Alright, you two, that is quite enough."
At this, Colette finally stopped playing around with her wings. "Alright professor."
"How does it feel, Colette? Do they hurt?" Genis still was curious.
"No, not at all. Hehe." She chuckled as she let the wings disappear. The girl did notice the stare Lloyd gave her. It almost felt like he was on to her. She decided to shake the thought of for now.
"Can we finally leave this place?"
"Yes Genis. Let's head back to Triet for now and get some well-deserved rest."
The others nodded and the small group proceeded to leave the ruins. As they stepped out, the sun seemed to be setting again; they had spent most of the day inside. At the very least, it wouldn't be a discomfortable walk back in the heat.
All of the sudden, Colette fell to her knees in the soft sand. The others were at her side right away.
"Colette, are you alright?" The professor informed.
"I'm, I'm fine."
"You don't look fine at all! Your face is completely white! It's all my fault. I got carried away and kept making her pull her wings in and out." Genis looked very guilty.
"Now's not the time for that! Her lips are turning purple. We must get her to a doctor in the city immediately." Raine spoke up. Before she could move to do so, however, Lloyd raised his hand and shook his head.
Narrowing her eyes, the professor glared at him. "What are you doing? She needs help."
Shaking his head again, Lloyd spoke one word, or rather name: "Remiel."
"What are you..." Trying to stoop her annoyance, Raine actually thought back. "The angel transformation process. It requires her to overcome a trial."
"This is part of that?" Genis asked shocked.
His sister nodded to this. "Rather than taking her to a doctor, it would be best to let her rest here."
"I'm okay." Colette struggled to say. "I'll be fine after a little rest. I'm sorry to cause so much trouble…"
"Do not apologize about things you cannot help." Raine said to this, shaking her head.
The blonde girl let out a sigh. "You're right. I'm sorry."
The elven siblings both sighed at this and just let it go for now, instead getting to work on setting up camp. Colette could have sworn she saw Lloyd giving her look. It was hard to place what kind of look it was, but there was something there, instead of the usual void.
Camp was set up quick, because they kept it simple. It was just a campfire, with a cooking pot set up above it. Next to that, they had spread out their sleeping bags around it and that was that. Genis was busy cooking, stirring the food in the pot.
Luckily, after having set down and having rest, Colette looked better. She was no longer as pale and her lips turned back to their natural color as well.
Filling a bowl, Genis offered the steaming dish to her first. "Here, its chilly."
"Oh. Uh, no thank you."
"Huh?" He blinked; his food is never refused! "Are you still not feeling well?" Now the boy was looking guilty again.
"No, no! I am feeling better. I just, don't have much of an appetite now. Sorry."
"Well, alright then." Genis sighed. "But you really should try to eat something."
"Yes, nutrition is important." His sister chimed in, while she was reading a book.
"I know." Colette said softly. "I'll try later."
The elven boy nodded and dropped it for now. He instead handed the bowl to his sister. Remembering Lloyd did not really seem to eat, he just took the next bowl for himself to start eating. In the brief silence, a low rumbling sound could be heard.
Colette, Raine and Genis all looked right at Lloyd. Again, the distinct sound of an empty stomach came from the teen.
"Uuhm, you want some?" Genis finally asked, holding out his bowl to him.
Slowly, Lloyd took it, looking down at the food. The spoon he brought to his mouth in just as slow motion as he took a bite. Just for a second, his eyes seemed to widen and he started to ladle in the rest of the bowl very quickly.
The elven siblings couldn't help but stare, Colette just smiled. She even hurried and offered him a cup of water when he choked on some food.
"You shouldn't eat too fast. I know Genis his food is delicious, but try to slow down and enjoy it."
Lloyd nodded, taking the water and gulping it down, after which he continued to eat, now at a somewhat slower pace. He even went in for seconds, scooping it out of the pot.
"Have you…been starving yourself?" Raine asked with a raised brow.
"Why would you ever do that?" Her little brother was shocked at this suggestion.
Of course, the teen said nothing, and just kept eating. Genis supposed he could see it as a compliment.
"Doesn't it taste like it is missing something?"
Lloyd just rose a brow for a moment, not saying anything again. Raine tilted her head as she took a little longer to really taste the food.
"Hm, I'd add some cucumbers."
"Sis, you manage to ruin everything." Genis complained.
After that, the evening proceeded normally. It was just quietly agreed that Lloyd would take night watch. Raine made sure her little brother was nice and warm in his sleeping bag.
"I'm not a little child anymore, sis."
"Hush and go to sleep, Genis." To add to it, she stroked his hair and he grumbled.
Raine then looked for Colette, who was standing a small distance away, seeming to be staring off up to the stars. She, along with Frank and the Chosen herself, were the only ones who knew of her fate, truly. The mere thought was haunting, but she had promised Colette to keep the information to herself. The poor girl had to risk her life, sacrifice it for the world. She supposed there was comfort in the thought, that the world will be saved.
"Don't stay up to late, Colette."
The girl looked over her shoulder, showing a smile. "I won't professor. Good night."
"Good night." After a look towards the teen, who just had set his gaze on the distance, slowly scanning it all for danger, Raine crawled up in her own sleeping bag.
The crisping of the fire, sounds of wildlife and monsters were the only sounds for a while. When the campfire got low, Lloyd stood up, grabbing a stick and poked it to keep it going. The blond girl watched him do so, glancing to Genis whom was just slight shivering in his sleep.
Colette smiled to herself and figured it was about time to turn in herself. Coming closer, she was surprised when the teen held up a bowl of leftover chilly, reaching it out to her.
"Oh. No thank you. I still don't seem to have much of an appetite."
She was still smiling, but Lloyd stared at her, almost intensely. He still held up the bowl, so she softly pushed it away.
"I'll be fine, really. Thank you for looking out for me. Sorry for worrying you." Colette said it all in a hushed tone.
Setting the bowl down, is seemed like Lloyd shook his head, if only just slightly. She took both his hands and squeezed softly. "Really, thank you. I'm so happy to have you with me as a friend."
Deep, deep inside dark depths of nothingness, another crack was made.
Did she spot the smallest of smiles, just for a second? It was there and gone in an instant. Colette really hoped so. She hoped she was right about him, and that he was finally starting to open up.
"I'm going to get some sleep. Goodnight, Lloyd. Thanks for keeping watch."
Lloyd nodded to her and watched the girl curl up in her sleeping bag. The ambient sounds filled the silence yet again. He poked the fire some more as he watched the surroundings. No one could see, that his movements were just a bit less stilted as he did this.