Sorry for the delay in update. There will be another break in follow up chapters unfortunately due to medical and insurance issues I'm currently dealing with. I apologize for the inconsistency of updates with this story. Thank you everyone who still patiently waits and reads. Once things get sorted out, I hope to sit down and write more again. Enjoy the chapter.

Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.

Chapter 65:

"Get up."

He felt the blood drip from his chin, the gentle tap as it hit the floor.

Colette

He pushed up, slowly straightening, turning once again to face the half-elf.

The crack, pain to his side of his head, the twist of the room and he fell to the floor once again.

Leon

"Get up."

He smirked, another tap of blood and once again he rose. Brown eyes meeting green. A scowl.

The half-elf hit him in the chest and he grunted; his back slamming into the wall, followed by the back of his head. He gasped sharply for breath and slid to the floor.

The steps crossed the room, away from him. The door slid open and then closed.

He breathed in painfully, leaning his throbbing head back against the wall, his eyes closing against the bright light. He lifted one arm painfully and laid it across his eyes, blocking out more of the light and sending him into blissful darkness.

He struggled to summon mana. The aoinis in his blood allowing the barest amount of concentrated mana to his finger tips and he touched them to his temple, the throbbing lessening slightly and he relaxed with a sigh, exhausted from the attempt.

He lowered his arm, looking at his hand, the bare keycrest. His exsphere had been taken along with everything else.

There was nothing but white in the room. No furniture this time. His clothes replaced with simple white shirt and pants. Yggdrasil had stripped him of everything.

His eyes focused on the droplets of blood on the floor and then touched his temple, feeling the sticky blood coating the side of his face.

"A bit of color." He spoke softly and lowered his hand. "This will do."

That was...his third visit. He glanced at the blood on his fingers and then turned, drawing 3 small lines on the wall near the floor and then rubbed the rest on his pants.

He let his mind wander; trying to distract himself and closing his eyes once more, picturing their faces. Colette. Leon.

The words echoed in his head.

She carries more inferior beings as well.

Inferior beings

Beings

More than one.

He smiled and leaned his head forward, resting his arms across a raised knee and buried his face, releasing a gasping choked chuckle.


"Colette, are you...sure you're okay?"

She kept her eyes on Leon, stroking his hair gently as he colored on the floor beside her. "I'm...doing better, Sheena."

They both stayed quiet for a moment, watching the little boy. Then Colette lifted her gaze and smiled. "Everyone has been really helpful. Dad and Dirk have been great with Leon. The others are doing everything they can to...to find everything."

Sheena held her gaze for a moment, then sighed, sitting back a bit, chewing her lip. Colette could see her struggling with the information. Sheena and Zelos had only came back earlier that day. It was a...difficult situation to explain to say the least and Colette was grateful for Raine being the one to fill them in on what happened.

She couldn't talk about it. Not really. Every time she tried, she felt the tears and the pain in her throat well up inside and she wanted to just shut down. She wanted to forget that moment, yet treasure it. His last words, the look her gave, the lack of hesitations when he just gave himself-

She shuddered.

"Mommy?"

She opened her eyes and looked at Leon's anxious expression and she forced a smile to her mouth. She rubbed his back. "It's okay, baby. What are you coloring?"

"Picture. For Daddy." He reached for a bright red, wrapping his little fist around it, adding the color to the swirls on his page.

"He'll love it." Sheena smiled and Leon grinned, focusing on his project once more.

"Thank you." Colette looked at her and leaned back, the smile fading from her face. "Did you guys finish the final pact?"

Sheena frowned and shook her head. "We found Aska. He and Luna are waiting at the Tower of Mana. But we had some...questions we wanted to ask Lloyd before we finished this, y'know?" She gestured. "We didn't know..."

Colette nodded and Sheena leaned forward. "Look, Colette. Is there anything we can do to help? I know you said Genis and Presea were going to look for a lead on the Zircon, Kratos left for the Mana Leaf Herb and Yuan is...well. I just... I want to help."

"I'm not sure else is needed. I know Kratos said that the items are used to create a special type of crest that negates the cause of the disease by controlling the Cruxis Crystal. Originally, Lloyd was going to carve it...he had studied different crests when he...was away." She hesitated. "Kratos asked Dirk if he could do it, but he said he wasn't familiar with the crest, but was willing to try. Do you think there are any books about Rune Crests that he could use?"

Sheena looked thoughtful for a moment and shook her head. "I mean, maybe. At royal library or Sybak, but that'd be a reach. But...I have heard of a dwarf that lives in the Ozette region in Tethe'alla."

Colette blinked, surprised at this. "A dwarf? I thought Dirk was the only one?"

Sheena shook her head. "Mizuho keeps an eye on him. He apparently is a secluded fellow, used to have some connections to Cruxis according to their intel. Our village talked to him briefly after Lloyd disappeared, but apparently the guy had left Cruxis years before and had no connections that were helpful. Still they watch him carefully.

"If-if he has connections to Cruxis, then maybe he'd know about Rune crests, since they are usually used for angels." Colette grabbed her hand. "When Kratos or Yuan gets back, we should talk to them about this dwarf and see if they know him."

Sheena smiled, gripping her hand in return. "Why wait, I'll send a message to my village and ask them to talk to him for us and see if he has any knowledge or information that could help."

Colette nodded and felt a bit of relief for the first time in days wash over her.


Light.

Dark.

Light.

Dark.

He moved his arm once more, the bright light filling his vision and he grimaced, lowering his gaze back down from the ceiling to the floor.

He tapped a finger against his leg, his eyes stinging and the strange feeling of exhaustion washing over him.

Should he try to sleep again? If he slept, he could dream of them. He had started to before. The tenderness in his side reminded him of the sudden 'wake-up' call he had received after he had first dozed off however. Then another four...or was it five?

Was Yggdrasil watching? Most likely. Probably wanted to watch and see him crack.

His stomach twisted in pain, groaning in protest.

He almost laughed. Then he did laugh, realizing the irony that in the moment- day? Few days? Whatever. If was human. The most human he had been in a long time. Hunger, exhaustion, pain-

His laugh echoed back to him and then faded quickly as he stopped, followed by the silence again. He smiled, leaning his head back again, covering his eyes once more with his arm.

Dark.

Light.

Dark.

Light.

Maybe he should think of baby names...


"Do you think he'll be able to help us?" Genis glanced at her as they waited in the lobby of the Lezareno Company.

"Perhaps. He has a vast network and great influence in Tethe'alla. If anything perhaps he can point us in the right direction." Presea answered assuredy.

Genis frowned a bit and tapped his foot impatiently. He hated waiting. Apparently the guy was in a meeting and all they could do was wait until he was finished. He didn't like waiting. Not after what happened.

Genis wanted to blame Yuan for it. He wanted to place all the blame on that airheaded bastard half-elf. But he couldn't. And it was definitely not Colette's fault either. It was his. He was the one that messed up. He clenched his fists and rose from his chair, pacing once again.

"Genis. Sit down."

"I can't." He snapped and then twitched, glancing around the lobby, sighing and taking his seat, his face red as people shook their heads and muttered to each other. "I can't stand just sitting here waiting."

"What would you rather we do?" Presea asked, her voice as always, calm and collect.

"I-I don't know... just...just ... something. Anything. I know this is to help Colette and its important. But right now, no one is doing anything to-to-..."

"To help Lloyd?"

He paused and sighed nodding. "I want to save him, Presea. I want to get him out of there. I don't want him stuck there again. I can't-... I can't lose him again. It's my fault...it's my fault this time. Because of me-"

"It is not your fault, Genis." Presea, reached and gripped his arm firmly, her other hand turning his chin to face her. "You and I were both manipulated and tricked by Yggdrasil."

"But I told him stuff! I told him about Iselia, about Dirk, about Lloyd-"

"And I did nothing to stop it. I allowed him into our home. Are you blaming me as well?"

"What?! No... I'd never blame-"

"Then how can you blame yourself for the same thing. Even Raine did nothing at the time. We did not use our judgment to warn you of our suspicions, thus we are just as responsible for this as you, or Yuan for that matter."

Genis' expression darkened. "Yuan is a coward-"

"Mr. Bryant is ready to see you now." The receptionist interrupted, calling towards them and Genis clamped his mouth shut, standing quickly. Presea followed suit as they walked across the lobby, following the woman to the elevator.

As they entered his office, the receptionist announcing them and then leaving swiftly, Regal greeted them with a warm smile.

"Genis. Presea. It's a pleasure to see you again. What can I do for you?"

"D-Do you have any dealings with a material called Zircon?" Genis got straight to the point.


Mana fragments.

His mind filtered through his memory of the various store rooms within Welgaia and the path from his room.

He rubbed his eyes, rising to his feet, wincing slightly from the aches in his body. He moved his body, twisting and stretching, his cramped sore muscles. He had to move, the injuries would make him stiff and less mobile. As he stretched his arms across his chest, frowning at the blank wall ahead of him, he couldn't help but allow his mind to drift to Colette.

How was she? How long had it been already? How was her illness? How was her pregnancy affecting it- or it affecting her pregnancy? Were the others finding the materials? What was Kratos doing? Was Kratos captured? If he was, did he tell the others the information first? Yuan would know.

He lowered his arms, blinking turning and looking at the wall, his small markings near the floor dried. Seven lines. That didn't mean seven days, just seven visits. There hadn't been any visits lately. How long had it been?

He shook his head, looking away, moving to the wall, bracing his arms against it, pushing gently at first but increasing the pressure slowly, feeling his back and shoulders tighten.

They'll help her. They'll keep her safe. And Leon. He's with Dirk. He's with Frank. He listened to his mind's voice, not daring to use their names allowed. It's something different than last time. He wouldn't give in to Yggdrasil. He wouldn't verbally fight back; not physically either. He wouldn't give him that satisfaction of wearing him down again. He would accept, but quietly rebel against his expectation.

He smiled in spite of himself, a giddy feeling welling inside him as he slowly straightened once more, breathing hard and feeling the ache of his body.

He missed his exsphere. But he didn't need it. It'd take time to get used to, but he'd adjust to his new limitations, he was still physically strong than before. And mentally stronger.


The exsphere glinted on the white table and Yuan only allowed his gaze to linger on it for a second before raising his gaze to Yggdrasil.

"You killed him?"

Yggdrasil smirked and gestured at the stone with a finger. "Are you surprised?"

Yuan studied him for a moment, then bitterly returned the smile, closing his eyes. "You aren't that careless to risk Origin's Seal like that."

Yggdrasil nodded.

Yuan waited for a response, but the silence lingered. After a moment, he ventured. "Did you summon me just to show me this?"

"Have you spoken to Kratos?"

Yuan cocked his head. "Not since he failed to return to Cruxis. Are you expecting him to come to me?"

"Yes."

The single word seemed to mute the room. Yuan held his gaze, narrowing his eyes at him. "You suspect me as well?"

"Shouldn't I, Yuan?"

Yuan smirked and then chuckled, sighing, brushing his hair back slightly from his face and took the seat across from Yggdrasil. The other man watched him carefully, clearly caught off guard by his actions.

Yuan paused and then lifted his hands, resting them on the edge of the table, his right hand twisting the small silver band on his ring finger.

"Though we share...many differences in opinion, Mithos," He paused before continuing. "I love Martel."

He lifted his gaze to meet Yggdrasil's, sincerity in his tone and watched as the other man's defense began to waver.

"How could he betray her again, Yuan?" The anguish and rage in his voice twisted itself into Yuan's chest and he felt long forgot guilt rise up in him. He forced it down, but didn't break his gaze.

"He doesn't share that connection, Mithos. Perhaps...as a human he just can't...handle the time like us half-elves. Perhaps the pathetically short life span of humans makes it easier for him to move on. But we understand that pain. The pain of losing someone, especially a half-elf, too early."

Yggdrasil nodded, closing his eyes, sighing and leaning forward as well, elbows on the table. "I thought he was reminded of that pain after that woman had died."

Yuan paused, "I believe he did. He definitely changed again though...Humans are...so spontaneous. They don't have patience like us. They just react, without planning. It was my mistake to suggest Lloyd to find the Chosen in the first place. I thought perhaps she'd trust him and it'd lure her out after all this time." Yuan rubbed his face. "I suppose I was just desperate to have her found, since she was the closest."

Yggdrasil nodded thoughtful. Then he'd studied Yuan and placed his finger on the exsphere, pushing it slowly across the table.

"I want you to take this, Yuan. I want you to show it to Kratos. Lure him out. Show it to his comrades if you can. Talk about the angelus project, spread rumors across both worlds." His tone rose with every word and his eyes once more sparked with that dangerous light. "I want them all to hear about it. I want them to know about it. Break them. Eventually, Kratos, wherever he is hiding, will show his face. Remind him that we have his son."

Yuan stared at him, then nodded slowly reaching forward and lifting the small stone. "I will. But, do you think he already knows? How will this motivate him?" Yuan pressed. "And I doubt it'll be easy to locate any of his...comrades since his capture. They have gone back into hiding.

Yggdrasil smiled, leaning back his chair. "Yes, he probably does. But it'll be...motivating. And use Zelos. He was quite useful with his information about Luin and then later Genis. I'm sure with a few well placed threats on his new...obsession, will be more than enough encouragement."

Yuan blinked, realization hitting him. "Zelos?"

Yggdrasil nodded. "Yes. I didn't tell you before. Trust issues, you can understand. But he has agreed to...work with us again, though his motivation for doing so has changed." Yggdrasil smiled. "You were right in your observation, Yuan. Humans are spontaneous and so...easy to flip sides. One little threat was all it took."

Yuan forced a returned smile. "Impressive work. I'll be sure to have a talk with Zelos regarding this matter."

Yggdrasil nodded and Yuan left the room. His expression darkened, a muttered curse under his breath as he walked swiftly across the city. This just made a complicated situation that much worse. How much did Yggdrasil know? How much had Zelos told him?

He contemplated his original goal, his glancing in the direction of the room he knew Lloyd would be. His hand closed tightly around the exsphere, his mind racing and then pocketed the stone, turning and heading for the teleporter.

Lloyd would be fine. Lloyd could handle a bit longer, he told himself. He needed to find Zelos.


"So this is where tha' elves live, is it?" Dirk twisted his head, nodding his head in appreciation.

Kratos nodded, glancing at the dwarf. "It is. Though, as I reminded you, I could find the plant on my own."

"I don't doubt tha', Kratos. And I kno' ya could find it faster. But if ya expect me to craft this keycrest for ya' I need more information about it and tha' Yuan guy said there was an elf that knows a lot of stuff. So here I am, doing my part."

Kratos sighed, remembering the irritating suggestion that Yuan had put forth. How the half-elf actually believed an elf would have knowledge regarding dwarven created key crests was beyond him. But then again, Yuan had always had a better relationship with the storyteller than Kratos had, so perhaps he knew something Kratos didn't.

Dirk matched his pace as they walked through the tranquil forest, the wooden walk ways dipping slightly into the water from their weight as they walked.

"I'm just as worried about him as ya' are. He's my son too." Dirk spoke after a while and Kratos nodded.

"I'm sorry, Dirk."

"He was gone for seven years. And I kno' ya were with him and ya did your best, I'm sure. He's definitely smarter and all tha'" Dirk smiled weakly, his cheeks making his eyes crinkle slightly. "But I see how it changed him in a poor way too."

Kratos remained silent, taking the admonishment he knew he deserved.

"I sat back and did nothin' for those seven years. I ain't making the same mistake again. I'm a gonna help my son in whatever way I can."

"I failed him, Dirk."

"Aye, ya did." Dirk nodded. "But we all make mistakes, Kratos. Even really angels and dwarves, aye?"

Kratos glanced down at the short man. "I'm proud that he grew up under your care. You made him stronger than I ever could."

Dirk returned his look, raising a bushy eyebrow. "A person can be strong in more than one way. I think we both had a hand in tha', wouldn't ya say?"

Kratos smirked weakly and nodded. "I suppose so."

Dirk nodded and then gestured ahead. "I suppose tha' gate there is the village? I'll let ya' do the talking. I don't kno' too much about elves and I wouldn't want ta offend them."

Kratos chuckled. "Yes, I think that would be wise."

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