A/N:
The adventure continues! What trials await our heroes in Tethe'alla?
Will Lloyd find a way to save Colette? Will Yuan's plan to use Lloyd succeed without Alice catching wind of it? Will Kratos ever stop being so damn mysterious? And will he and Rína ever see eye-to-eye?
At any rate, Lloyd is in for a couple of surprises.
This chapter marks the halfway-point of this story in terms of chapters – and we're currently on page 166 out of 336.
Lloyd had no idea where exactly that distortion was, but he noticed immediately when they had passed it – snowflakes were swirling through the air, and it was freezing cold – a shock after the heat in the Triet Desert.
"This way!", Sheena called over the howling wind.
She turned and headed south-east. Lloyd and the others hurried to follow her, as not to lose her in the snowfall.
Soon, the ice-lands lay well behind them and underneath spanned a seemingly endless ocean. It was still rather windy, but not as cold as before.
A strip of land appeared on the horizon and quickly grew larger. Sheena checked something on the display of her Rheaird and adjusted their course. Then, suddenly, there was a rattling sound. Sheena cursed.
"What's wrong?", Raine asked, sounding worried.
"We don't have enough fuel", Sheena replied. "Lower your altitude, now!"
"Why? What does that mean?", Lloyd asked.
"We're going to faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!"
Sheena's last words turned into a scream as gravity caught up with them. They were racing straight towards a mountain and moments later, they hit the ground.
Slightly dazed, Lloyd got to his feet and started to brush dirt from his clothes.
"Anybody hurt?", Raine asked.
Lloyd and the others shook their heads.
"We're lucky this mountain's here", Genis said. "The longer the fall, the more painful the impact."
"What about the Rheairds?", Raine asked.
"Leave them", Sheena replied. "We can't transport them, and they're useless without fuel anyway. Besides, we're headed for the capital, which is on this continent."
"What's the fuel?", Lloyd asked. "Coal?"
Sheena gave him an incredulous look. "Coal?! You've got to be kidding me... They are charged with Volt's mana. But since you've been breaking the seals in Sylvarant, there's not enough mana left for them to fly."
"Oh." Looking around, Lloyd noticed a path. "Well then, let's get going."
The descent wasn't a particular difficult one, but something was still bothering Lloyd. He just couldn't tell what it was.
"There is much more mana than in Sylvarant", Genis observed.
"You can tell?", Sheena asked.
"Yes."
"Genis and the professor are elves, so they can feel stuff like that", Lloyd explained.
"And why can they do that?"
"Because they're elves."
Sheena looked slightly frustrated. Lloyd realised it had been a stupid answer.
"Well, this is the upper half of the hourglass. Welcome to Tethe'alla."
Finally, they reached the plains. The grass here seemed much healthier than the one in Sylvarant, there wasn't a single dry plant in sight.
Since everyone apart from Colette was quite exhausted, they decided to rest for a while.
Lloyd cast a brief glance in Colette's direction. He had notice during their travels that her constitution had improved much compared to what it had been back in Iselia. Maybe this was another side effect of the angel transformation.
A sudden thought struck him, and Lloyd dug around in his pockets until he found the ring he'd picked up in Hima. He examined it closely and found that it was a plain gold band that had been engraved with what appeared to be letters.
"Lloyd, what have you got there?", Genis asked curiously.
"A ring", Lloyd replied somewhat absent-mindedly. "Say, professor, do you know what kind of language this is?"
Raine moved over and carefully took the ring from Lloyd's outstretched palm. Leaning her staff against her shoulder, she examined it closely.
"It's some form of elvish, but I can't read it", she said at length.
"Why not?", Sheena asked. "Shouldn't you be able to do so?"
"Ordinarily, yes. Lloyd, where did you find this?"
"In Hima. A man attacked Kratos and dropped it."
Raine frowned. "When did that happen?"
"During the night. I followed Kratos outside. The stranger tried to ambush him, but Kratos managed to injure him, and he fled."
Lloyd decided to keep the fact that he'd warned Kratos and might have saved his life in the process to himself.
"Hm. That doesn't help us at all. You didn't see what the attacker looked like?"
"No, it was too dark."
"I see. Well, in that case, I can only guess, but I assume that the reason I can't read this is because these letters are older than the ones I know, or use a different kind of lettering, or this might even be a different dialect. I honestly can't say."
"That's a shame", Lloyd replied as he accepted the ring back and pocketed it. "Say, do you think Alice might know?"
"Possibly", Raine replied. "And even if she doesn't, she might be able to point you toward someone who can."
"Say, Sheena, you mentioned that Alice is from Tethe'alla – where exactly is she from?", Genis asked.
"Heimdall. It's the only elven settlement in Tethe'alla."
"Heimdall", Raine muttered, a faraway look in her eyes.
"We need to save Colette first", Lloyd stated. "Finding out what's the deal with this ring can wait. So, where do we go from here?"
Sheena gave him a surprised look. "I thought you knew where you were going!"
"How should I? I'm from Sylvarant!"
"Well, you sounded like you knew where to go", she muttered defensively. "This way."
Sheena started walking into the north-eastern direction, and the others tagged along.
The next moment, Lloyd felt something – a presence. It grew stronger and more tangible every moment.
"Lloyd!"
The voice in his head made him jump so badly, he almost tripped over his feet.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
The voice was – as far as he could tell – female, and he had a feeling that he had heard it somewhere before.
"Who are you?"
She hesitated, and he sensed a faint feeling of nervousness.
"I'm your sister. We're twins."
Lloyd gasped. "I – I don't have a sister!"
"We were separated the day our mother died. And you forgot about me."
"What's your name?"
"You can call me Silmea."
"You're the one from - "
"The pendant, yes. I have the other half."
"So, Silmea's not your real name, then?"
She chuckled. "My middle name. Yours is Sári, by the way. It means 'sun'. And the half of the pendant I have is golden because of this."
"I heard you before, right?"
"Yes. During your fight with Kvar, I sent you some of my power and fuelled your hatred – to tell you the truth, I used you in order to avenge Mum, since I couldn't do that myself – I'm sorry."
Lloyd was silent for a while as he considered her words.
"I don't mind. After all, you saved my life by doing so."
"Yes, Kvar would have done anything to kill you and take the Exsphere from you."
"Why? What's so special about my Exsphere?"
"I'm afraid I don't know. But he's dead, so, you don't have to worry about that anymore."
"But there is something else. The Renegades – what do they need me for?"
"I didn't know they were targeting you!" Silmea sounded deeply worried. "Stay away from them and try not to get into trouble. Oh, another thing: you mustn't tell anyone we spoke, or even mention my existence!"
"Why?"
"Neither the Desians nor the Cruxis know that I am still alive. Should they find out, they could use one of us against the other. And I'd do anything to protect you... Anything."
"None of my friends would say a word to anyone!", Lloyd protested.
"I didn't mean to suggest they would. But the more people know about a secret, the easier it gets out – even unintentionally. Besides, angels have very sharp senses. One just needs to be within earshot while you discuss this with your friends, and they'd know... And that's precisely why I won't tell you my real name."
"I see. I'll keep it a secret."
"Good. Now, I'll go take care of the Renegades... Stay sharp, Lloyd."
Her presence faded away, and Lloyd snapped out of the trance-like state he had been walking in.
So, I have a sister... interesting.
Mikka was at his post near the entrance of the Renegade base in Flanoir. It was one of the most boring jobs available, since the humans living on the main island hardly ever went to the smaller ones. But they needed someone to watch the entrance, just in case.
Mikka had only recently been offered a position within the Renegades. He had worked for the Desians previously, but despite hating humans, he couldn't quite go along with the Desian's methods.
Mikka leaned against one of the pillars in the entrance hall and yawned. He so wished he could help in any other way than just by standing around all day. But then something happened that woke him instantly.
The doors slid open and a young woman entered. Even though her clothing was far from being typical human, and she had a strange aura, Mikka could tell she was one.
With obvious self-confidence, she walked into the room, brushing snowflakes from her long brown hair. Mikka pushed himself away from the pillar.
"Halt! You are entering a restricted area, humans aren't permitted!", he said harshly.
The woman stopped and gave him a withering look that turned his blood to ice.
"Only half-elves have that privilege, is that right?"
"As I said just now, this is a military base, and you are violating - "
That moment, another Renegade came dashing out of a side passage and grabbed Mikka's arm.
"Are you insane? If you make her angry, she'll kill you!"
"Hello, Alice."
Mikka and the other soldier whirled around and hurried to salute when they recognized Lord Botta.
"Botta. I assume that one is a new recruit?"
"Yes. I apologise for his rude behaviour. He used to be a Desian, as many of us were."
She snorted. "Better make sure he learns some manners fast, or I'll kill him for sure the next time I see him! I won't suffer discrimination from a half-elf. Oh, no."
Botta nodded. "I'll see to it. But why are you here? You have already recovered from your injuries, I see."
"I need to talk to Yuan, now. It's very important."
"This way."
Stunned, Mikka watched them leave. Botta had treated her as an equal, even with respect. And he hadn't been bothered by her lecture and outburst, either.
"Who the hell is she?", he finally asked.
"Alice Aurion."
Mikka gasped.
"Lord Kratos' daughter?"
"The younger one, yes. She comes by every now and then, and I really advise you not to behave like that around her again. She holds a grudge against the Desians and tends to go onto a rampage whenever she feels like it. She's also an angel and incredibly strong... no one knows her full potential yet, but Lord Yuan believes she's already surpassed her own father. She killed Magnius all by herself and terrorised the Desians in Sylvarant. Getting on her bad side would be the most stupid thing you could possibly do. Don't provoke her."
With that, the soldier left.
Yuan was sitting behind his desk, going over the recent events in his mind. By the time Aodhan had shown up to ask for their help in fighting Kratos, it had been too late already.
Dammit, Alice... I underestimated you.
It was more than obvious she had set this up so the Renegades wouldn't kill Colette. And Yuan couldn't quite understand why she was so desperate to keep that girl alive.
Alice's actions had forced Yuan to change his plans. Luckily, Aodhan had left Lloyd in his "care", but the boy had managed to escape. They had stolen five Rheairds and therefore, Yuan estimated they'd fled to Tethe'alla.
Yuan covered his face with one hand.
Those foolish children... They weren't even able to hold their own against Kratos. And Yggdrassil is most likely going to send him after them – I would attract too much attention as a half-elf in Tethe'alla – but that also means Mithos can't go looking for them himself, and that increases their chances of survival a little... Now I only have to find Lloyd before Kratos does.
Yuan had questioned Kratos about their fight at the tower. Even though his friend had been reluctant to talk about it, Yuan had been persistent. Yuan now knew for certain that Kratos harboured some paternal feelings for Lloyd, even though he was good at hiding them.
Yuan had already considered using Alice for his plans, but Elerína had always kept the girl well out of his reach. And by now, Alice was strong enough to defend herself against almost every attacker. Lloyd, however – Lloyd was weak.
Yuan looked up in surprise when Botta entered.
"You have a visitor, Lord Yuan."
He stepped aside and Alice strode into the room. Yuan rose to his feet.
"Alice! What a pleasant surprise! You seem to have recovered well."
Alice took the chair in front of his desk and fixed him with her usual penetrating stare. Yuan sat back down.
"What business do you have with me today?"
"I have received reports – reports of the most alarming nature, about you and my brother."
"Is that so?" Yuan tried his best to seem surprised and look innocent. "Are you certain these 'reports' aren't just a rumour?"
Alice smiled a cold, humourless smile.
"My sources are very reliable." She leaned forward. "I won't allow you to use Lloyd against our father! Leave them alone."
Yuan smiled. "You mean to threaten me?"
She leaned back nonchalantly, an arm dangling off the backrest of her chair, and placed her right ankle on her left knee.
"No, this is no threat, but a warning. Spill a single drop of their blood, harm them in any way, and you'll get a thorough demonstration of why they call me an angel of death. I'll make you wish you were never born."
Yuan swallowed hard. That was a declaration of war. And Yuan couldn't just leave these two alone – he thought it better not to tell Alice that, though.
"I'll think about it. But what else should we do, according to you?"
Alice got to her feet. "Make sure Colette doesn't fall into Yggdrassil's hands. Prevent Lloyd from dying – and then find a way to save the worlds."
"So, you don't have a plan."
"No. But we'll figure something out – there is always another way."
With that, she turned and swept out of the room. Yuan cursed.
Sheena stopped on a hilltop.
"Behold our capital, Meltokio. The king resides there, as well as the pope and our spoiled chosen."
Amazed, Lloyd gazed upon at the tall walls and beautiful buildings. The city had been erected on a small hill with the royal palace right at the centre, on top of the hill.
Sheena took them as far as the outer wall, then she stopped again.
"This is where I'll leave you."
"You won't be coming with us?", Lloyd asked, surprised.
"No. I need to inform our vize-chief of my failure to assassinate Colette."
"Oh, I see. But – nothing will happen to you, right?"
"I'll be fine."
"Will we be seeing you again?"
"Who knows? But here – take this letter to the king – tell him it's from Sheena from Mizuho. I've explained everything that happened."
"But – won't the king try to kill Colette?", Raine asked.
"That's why I wrote him a letter. To prevent that from happening. Besides, without the king's approval, you can't get help from the research academy."
"Thank you, Sheena", Lloyd replied earnestly, pocketing the letter. "Take care."
"You too."
Sheena disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Lloyd, Genis and Raine exchanged one last look and entered the city.
Meltokio was divided into three levels, linked by wide stairs. The streets were cobbled, just like in Palmacosta, but everything was much bigger and more elegant. There were flowerbeds everywhere, and even the streetlamps were pieces of art. The streets were full of people going after their business or chatting with others.
Lloyd took lead of the group while looking around. On the second level was a big coliseum and shops selling weapons and armour; the houses up here were built in a style Lloyd had never before seen in his life.
On the top level, they finally saw the royal palace, the temple and the manor houses of the rich Tethe'allan nobility. Stunned by the beauty and splendour, the companions stopped and looked around.
Suddenly, Lloyd noticed that the people were staring at them, exchanging whispers, and realised that with their simple clothing, they looked very out of place, in addition, Colette had for some reason decided to spread her wings when they had entered the city.
A group of four girls and a young man with blue eyes and long, curly red hair approached them. Their clothes were very elegant, and they moved with a self-confidence bordering arrogance.
Colette, who was apparently not paying attention, bumped into one of the girls.
"H-hey, watch it", the noble exclaimed.
"Watch where you're going!", another one added.
"Now, now, settle down, my darling hunnies!", the young man said. Then he turned to Colette. "Hey there, my little cool beauty, are you hurt?"
Colette, of course, showed no reaction.
"Well! Master Zelos himself has deigned to speak to this girl, and yet look how she acts!"
"Just look at her! It isn't even festival time and yet she is wearing an angel costume! How stupid are you?"
"Can you believe the nerve of this hag?"
"What did you say?", Genis snapped at the girls.
"Genis, let it go", Lloyd said. "She's obviously never looked into a mirror."
"What did you say?!", one of the girls snapped.
Raine sighed. "You're all behaving like children."
"Now, now, settle down", Zelos repeated. "Are you upset, my little angel? You know, I bet you're as cute as a button when you smile."
His behaviour was beginning to irritate Lloyd.
Zelos tried to take Colette into his arms. Colette dodged, seized his arm and tossed him across the plaza. Zelos managed to turn in the air and land on his feet.
"Ah! Master Zelos!", the girls wailed.
"Whoa – wow, that was a surprise! You sure are strong, my little angel! You certainly startled me."
"Wh-who are you?", Lloyd asked.
Zelos strolled over.
"No offence, but I'm not interested in talking to guys."
"I hate this guy already", Genis muttered.
Zelos ignored him and turned to talk to Raine.
"Oooh! What's your name, beautiful?"
"Give me your name and I shall give you mine."
"Hey, you copied Lloyd!", Genis said.
"Now that I've heard someone else say it, it sounds kind of arrogant."
"Oh, you don't know me?", Zelos asked, clearly surprised. "Well, well, I guess I still have a way to go."
The girls, who apparently didn't like the fact that he was talking to Raine, surrounded Zelos.
"Master Zelos, let's go!"
"Oh, yes, yes. Well then, I'll see you again, my lovely lady, my cute little angel and... uh – you other people."
They turned and headed for one of the big manor houses.
"What was that all about?", Lloyd asked.
"What an ass", Genis said. "He was grinning like an idiot the whole time. What's wrong with that guy?"
"He had an Exsphere on him", Raine said quietly.
"What? No way!"
"So, that's how he reacted so fast", Lloyd realised. "Just who is that guy?"
"I don't know, but we'd better go and see the king before something else happens", Raine replied.
However, the guards at the palace refused to let them enter, telling them the king was sick, and then suggested they could go and pray for his recovery. Lloyd gave them a dirty look.
"'I'm sure there is another way into the castle", he said. "Let's look around."
They were just walking past the temple when something caught their attention.
"Ah! Presea! The prayers will be held in the king's quarters, so please take the Sacred Wood there!"
The speaker was a priest talking to a small girl with pink hair who was dragging a huge log with the help of a brace. Upon having received new instructions, she turned and headed for the castle.
Lloyd waited until the priest was out of sight, then, he hurried after her.
"Hey, wait up! Presea!"
She stopped and turned to face them. Lloyd froze. Her eyes were devoid of any emotion. Dead and empty. Then, he noticed the Exsphere on her chest.
"Yes?"
Her voice was just like her eyes.
"I'm Lloyd, and those are Colette, Raine and - "
"I-I'm Genis!"
Lloyd turned to look at his friend.
"What's wrong? You're all flushed!"
"I-it's nothing!"
"Whatever you say." He turned back to Presea. "Can we help you carry the wood?"
She gave him an uncomprehending look, grabbed the log, and continued on her way.
"Please hear us out", Raine said. "I know this sounds strange, but we need to see the king, a friend's life depends on it."
"Understood. Please carry it."
"Okay! Just leave it to us."
Genis and Lloyd tried their best, but they just couldn't move the log a single inch. Presea watched their struggle for a while, then grabbed the log again to do it herself.
"I just lost all my confidence as a man", Lloyd said.
"Me too."
They hurried after Presea. There had been a change of guards just now, and the new sentinels believed them when they claimed to be all responsible for delivering the Sacred Wood. Once inside, Presea told them to leave it in the entrance hall. Genis said it would look suspicious to send Presea back alone, and so they took her along.
The palace was incredibly big and magnificent and rather soon, Lloyd felt pretty lost between all those paintings, carpets, gold and marble. He began to doubt that they would ever be able to find the king's rooms.
They stepped out onto a balcony that formed a bridge across the throne room. Two guards stood in front of a large pair of doors.
"Halt! Where do you think you're going? These are the king's chambers!", one of the guards called. His voice sounded strange underneath his helmet.
"That's perfect, since we need to see the king", Genis replied. "We're from the lumberjack's guild. We've been thinking about raising the fees for delivering the Sacred Wood."
"Wait here. I shall ask the king whether he will see you."
The guard turned away to open the door. Genis and Lloyd exchanged a glance and attacked at the same time. With a rattling sound, the guards collapsed. Lloyd quickly bent down to check their pulse. They were unconscious.
They pushed the doors open and entered the room beyond. The King of Tethe'alla was sitting on a richly decorated four-poster. His hair and beard were streaked with grey and his skin very pale. Next to him stood a young woman with golden hair who was wearing the most elegant dress Lloyd had seen on a woman in this town. And she was wearing a tiara. Next to the window on the right stood a rather fat priest and – Zelos.
"Who are you?", the priest shouted. "How dare you barge in here like that! Where are the guards?"
"They're out cold, so they won't be of much use to you", Lloyd replied.
The priest gasped. Zelos chuckled.
"You really are a weird bunch. I would have never thought we'd meet again so soon."
"You know them, Chosen One?", the king asked.
"This guy is Tethe'alla's Chosen?", Lloyd exclaimed in disbelief.
Genis and Raine seemed to feel the same way, while both Colette and Presea showed no reaction.
"Tethe'alla's Chosen?", the woman echoed.
"Are you – from Sylvarant?", the priest asked.
"We are."
"Then this girl must be – those wings aren't a costume at all, right?", Zelos guessed.
"That's right. Colette is the Chosen of Sylvarant."
"The people from the declining world have come here", the woman muttered, seeming terrified.
"Don't worry, Princess Hilda, I'll protect you from those savages", Zelos said with a charming smile.
"Who are you calling a savage?!", Lloyd fumed.
Raine put a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Lloyd. Remember why we're here."
"You're right, professor."
Recalling one of Kratos' lessons, Lloyd took a deep breath to calm himself. That did not help, though, as it was followed by a stab of pain and a surge of hatred when he remembered Kratos' betrayal.
"We have a letter from Sheena of Mizuho for the king", Lloyd said.
"You know Sheena?", Zelos asked in disbelief.
"Yes. She tried to assassinate Colette, after all. Colette asked us not to kill her and we eventually joined forces. Sheena also told us about Tethe'alla and what World Regeneration really does. She said she explained everything in this letter."
The king held out his hand.
"Your name was Lloyd? Give it to me."
Lloyd took a step forwards and handed the letter to the king.
"I'll read this letter now and then consult with my advisers. Please wait in the next room on your right."
Raine shooed them out of the room. The room they had been told to wait in was almost as richly decorated as the king's, and they all settled down on the cushioned chairs – except for Colette and Presea.
"And what now?", Lloyd asked.
"We wait", Raine replied. "And hope they won't decide that it would be in their best interest to kill us."
Lloyd swallowed.
"What about Presea?", Genis asked. "We shouldn't drag her into this..."
"I want to go home", Presea said quietly.
Lloyd turned his head away and concentrated hard.
"Silmea?"
There was a long moment of silence before she replied.
"Lloyd! Did something happen?"
"Not yet, but the King of Tethe'alla might decide to kill us because Colette is a threat to them."
"Are you at the castle?"
"Yes."
"Should they attempt to harm you – or even threaten you, tell him you're friends of Elerína of Heimdall. That'll make him reconsider."
"But we barely know her!"
"And they don't know that."
"Do you know her?"
"I do."
"I see. Thanks for the hint."
"Don't mention it. But I have to go now, I need to be able to concentrate here."
Her presence faded quickly. Lloyd blinked and looked around. He caught Genis' eye, who looked rather sceptical.
"Something wrong?", Lloyd asked.
"No", he replied with a shrug.
Did he notice something? Does he know what I did just now?
Lloyd thought it better not to ask.
The doors were thrust open and Zelos, the fat priest and several guards entered. Colette turned to face them, her Cruxis Crystal flashing.
"I suppose you would mind if we killed your Chosen?", Zelos asked matter-of-factly.
"Yes, but not just us. Do you know Elerína of Heimdall?"
Zelos took a step backwards. "What, you mean that crazy, human-hating, embittered and evil-hearted half-elven witch?"
"She saved my life!", Lloyd exclaimed, angered by this description of her.
"She did? Wow. I always thought the only human she cared about was her sister..."
"Elerína is our friend, and she might take offence if anything should happen to us."
Zelos turned to the priest. "So, what now, Mr. Pope?"
The priest scowled. "Sheena said in your letter that you wish to use our technology to cure your Chosen and help her regain her soul."
"Yes", Raine replied.
"But that means you would abandon Sylvarant, since World Regeneration wouldn't be completed."
"I don't care."
"Professor!", Lloyd protested.
"Lloyd, our goal right now is to save Colette, remember? We can figure out what to do next after that."
"But as long as your Chosen lives, she remains a threat to Tethe'alla", the pope said.
"As far as I know, they can only complete the ritual if they return to Sylvarant", Zelos said thoughtfully.
"That is correct", Raine confirmed.
"In that case, all we have to do is make sure you cannot return there", the pope concluded. "You are hereby given permission to travel Tethe'alla and ask for help at the Imperial Research Institute – under the observation of our Chosen One, Zelos."
"Well, that's just great", Genis muttered. "That guy babysitting us..."
The pope and his men left the room, and Colette relaxed.
"I have a couple of things to take care of before we leave", Zelos said. "Can we meet up in front of the castle?"
"Sure", Lloyd replied.
Ten minutes later, Zelos was back. In the meantime, Presea had retrieved a large axe she had given one of the guards for safekeeping.
"Yo! All set to go."
"So – you're Zelos, right?", Lloyd asked.
"Yup! I'm the great Zelos Wilder – but you can just call me Zelos. I just wrote a letter to the Imperial Research Academy in Sybak so they know we're coming."
"Not bad, Zelos."
"Ah, it was nothing. You know, whenever the great Chosen Zelos opens his mouth, His Majesty listens. Sybak is just across the sea to the east of here."
"Does that mean we have to board a ship?", Raine asked weakly.
"Not at all, my lovely lady. We'll simply cross the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge." Then, he noticed Presea. "Well, hello! I didn't see her before. Who's this?"
"Presea", Genis replied. "She helped us sneak into the castle."
"So this little cutie isn't from Sylvarant?"
"Ozette", Presea supplied.
Zelos looked shocked. "You mean that village out there in the boonies – er – the forest?"
"Yes."
Lloyd noticed that Raine was frowning.
"Is something the matter, professor?"
"I just – I just have a feeling that I've heard the word Ozette before..."
"Are you sure it's not because of Colette? They sound alike, after all."
"Maybe..."
Zelos led them eastwards. Soon, Lloyd could make out the shape of the bridge. But once they were close enough to see the details, Lloyd stopped dead. Huge Exspheres – the same they had seen in Kvar's ranch – were fused with the bridge.
"This is the Grand Tethe'alla Bridge", Zelos announced proudly. "It was built by the Lezareno Company, which is owned by Duke Bryant, one of the three grand dukes."
"What's the deal with all those Exspheres?", Lloyd demanded to know.
"They are used to operate the bridge", Zelos explained. "Part of it can be pulled up to allow big ships to pass. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Exspheres are parasites which grow by absorbing their host's life – in Sylvarant, humans are used for that purpose." He held up his left hand, showing Zelos his Exsphere. "Like my mother."
Zelos stared at him, horrified. "I – I didn't know."
"But you're using one."
"Yes. Some of the nobles got them from the Renegades."
"And what about Presea?", Genis asked.
"I don't know", Zelos replied. "Little one?"
Presea made no reply.
"She's so talkative."
"Well, from the way things look now, Cruxis is behind all this", Raine said quietly.
"Yeah, the Renegades told us a couple of nasty stories about them."
Lloyd tried hard not to look at the Exspheres as they continued on their way.
Crossing the bridge took them about an hour. Sybak lay to the north of the eastern end of the bridge. It was a very lively place, with students and teachers bustling about.
"This is the academic city, Sybak. Everyone who wants to study comes here. There is another academy in Meltokio, but that focuses solely on researching Summon Spirits and the summoning artes", Zelos explained.
"Did you go to that institute?", Genis asked.
"I had private tutors. But I had to do the exams here. I was always top of my class."
In the time that had passed since the battle at the Tower of Salvation, Kratos had come up with a plan. Actually, it was more an idea than a plan and a crazy one on top of that, since too much hinged on coincidence and luck.
And all of it was only possible because Lloyd had survived. But before Kratos could execute his "plan", he had to gather information and make preparations. And that would be difficult – especially since Kratos had a feeling that he was being watched.
Mithos probably fears I'll side with my son. And he may be right.
Kratos could hear the horse even before he saw it. He first thought of Alice or Aodhan – he was relatively close to Heimdall, after all. But he was wrong. Elerína was approaching, her white horse cantering across the plains.
Noticing him, she slowed the horse to a trot and stopped a couple of strides away. The horse pranced nervously.
"Well, well. Look what we have here. A little Cruxis angel, all alone."
"You look a lot better than the last time I saw you", Kratos quipped.
"We have excellent healers in Heimdall."
"So, it's safe to assume that Alice has recovered as well."
"That's right. Disappointed?"
Kratos shrugged. "What about Lloyd?"
"I haven't seen him myself, but I've just been to see the human king on his behalf – I reminded him that having me as an enemy is not a good thing."
"Is he all right?"
"Yes, according to Alice." She tilted her head to one side. "You're actually worried about your little son! How touching."
"You know?"
She inclined her head. "Everyone in Heimdall does. It's not exactly a secret, you know."
Kratos was surprised – and somewhat alarmed - to learn of this. He hadn't realised that anyone outside of Cruxis was aware that he had a son – but then again, both Alice and Aodhan had known. Somehow, the information must have leaked.
"Don't tell Lloyd, I'm begging you."
Elerína snorted. "Of course not! We're not as callous as that. Besides, who would like to have someone like you as a father?"
That was a pretty low blow, but Elerína was far from done.
"It is, after all, not surprising that your own daughters want nothing to do with you!"
The next moment, she clasped her hands over her mouth.
Kratos' heart missed several beats, and he was pretty certain he'd stopped breathing, too. A tidal wave of emotions threatened to drown him.
Trying to regain some semblance of control, he took a deep breath before blurting out, "My daughters?! You mean to say they're still alive?"
"I didn't say that."
"Where are they? Tell me!"
"Weren't you listening?! They don't want anything to do with you! And stop bothering me with your questions! You are the last human in this world I would ever do a favour – though I'm not certain I would be doing you a favour by telling you."
"Does Alice know?"
Alice – no. It can't be her – she's from Tethe'alla. I don't know how old she is – she's an angel, after all. I probably imagined that her eyes look like Anna's because she has similar character traits. And – Elerína is her sister. She can't be my daughter. Not possible. My baby girl would never say something so cruel. She would never try to kill me.
"Alice has a habit of knowing everything. But don't you dare bother her with your issues! Stay away from my sister!"
Not waiting for his reply, she made the horse rear and turn. Then, she nudged the stallion into motion.
Kratos stood rooted to the spot for a long while, torn between elation and devastation.
Zelos led them to the main building of the university. One of the professors asked if he could help them.
"Yo! You should have received a message from Meltokio."
"Ah, Chosen One! Yes, we have. Please, come this way."
He took them to see some researchers, who were very interested in Colette's condition and abilities.
"Upon receiving report of Colette's symptoms, we focused our attention on research data regarding the Cruxis Crystal of our Chosen."
"Well, now. So my crystal was useful", Zelos observed. "When Colette returns to normal, I have to make sure she thanks me generously."
"Cruxis Crystals are thought to be evolved forms of Exspheres", the researcher continued. "Both Exspheres and Cruxis Crystals are lifeless beings."
"What did you say?", Raine exclaimed.
"What's that?", Lloyd asked.
"Hm, how to put it? Basically, Exspheres are alive, but not in the same way as we are."
"Yes", the researcher confirmed. "Both crystals are like parasites fusing with other life forms."
"Not a very pleasant thought", Lloyd muttered.
"When this happens, the mana within the body loses its balance and goes out of control without a Key Crest."
"So that's why Exspheres without a Key Crest turn people into monsters", Genis concluded.
"Exactly. In other words, since Exspheres and Cruxis Crystals possess the same qualities, we surmise that Colette is suffering from a parasitical infection by the Cruxis Crystal."
"I see", Raine said. "In this case, the ritual of releasing the seals may be promoting the fusion with the Cruxis Crystal. Fascinating..."
"Professor, don't keep talking like that after all the bad things that keep happening to Colette...", Lloyd admonished.
"Then, if she'd have a Key Crest, she should return to normal, right?", Zelos asked.
"Yes. She should be able to freely control the Cruxis Crystal if she had one", the researcher replied.
"Do you have any Key Crests?", Lloyd asked.
"We don't stockpile them, but there may be some lying around somewhere. Feel free to have a look."
Lloyd, Genis, Raine and Zelos started searching while Presea watched on and Colette didn't understand what was happening.
"Yo, Lloyd, I found one!"
Lloyd took a closer look at the Key Crest Zelos was holding.
"It can't be used the way it's right now, but I can fix that", he replied. "I just need better light."
He walked over to one of the windows, took out his tools and started to carve the spell anew.
"Hey, I thought this technique was only known to dwarves", Zelos said in surprise.
"Lloyd was raised by a dwarf", Genis explained.
"What, no kidding? But why – I mean, you must've had some relatives apart from your mother."
"I don't know", Lloyd replied. "I was still very small, so I don't remember my parents. I don't know who my father is or if I have any siblings... I don't even know if they are still alive. I mean, if they were, they would have come looking for me, wouldn't they? It's been 14 years, after all."
Lloyd fell silent again as he continued his work.
Well, I do wonder why Silmea waited 14 year before contacting me...
Lloyd pulled out the necklace he had intended to give to Colette. He had been working on it during their trip, and it was almost finished. Now, he fused the Key Crest into it.
"Done", he said, walking over to Colette. "I've made the Key Crest into the necklace. It's a bit late, but this is my birthday present for you. With that, you should be able to return to normal..."
Lloyd put the necklace on and fixed the Key Crest in place. Everyone waited, holding their breaths, but nothing happened.
"Colette? Can you hear me?"
There was no reply.
"It doesn't work, but I'm sure I didn't do anything wrong!"
"How about asking Dirk for help?", Raine suggested.
"But Dirk's on Sylvarant", Genis pointed out. "And the Rheairds are out of fuel..."
"Maybe the people here at the academy might know a way", Lloyd mused.
"Hey, hey, hey, wait just a moment!", Zelos interjected. "Aren't you forgetting something? I'm here to keep tabs on you! I can't just let you return to Sylvarant!"
"Well then, just come along with us, oh compassionate Chosen One!", Lloyd suggested.
"What? Are you serious?"
"You're kind to girls, right?", Raine asked.
"Yeah, it's to save Colette. You'll keep quiet about it for us, won't you?", Genis added.
Zelos looked pretty annoyed. "Great, how am I supposed to snitch after hearing that?"
"Okay then, all we need now is fuel", Lloyd said.
While discussing what they could use and how to obtain it, they stepped out of the building. Lloyd blinked into the bright sunlight – and froze when he realised they were surrounded by knights.
"Hey! What the hell are you doing? Lower your weapons!", Zelos ordered.
"Chosen, we heard of your plans. We hereby declare you and your companions traitors attempting to destroy Tethe'alla."
"Well, that was perfect timing, Mr. papal knight", Zelos replied dryly.
"It's by the pope's orders. We are to watch you for suspicions of plotting against the throne."
"Heh, now that's amusing. So I'm the one who is plotting against the throne?"
"Restrain them and take a sample. Don't touch the angel. If you approach her carelessly, she'll kill you."
The solders took out syringes and approached Presea, Lloyd, Genis and Raine. They didn't dare go near Colette.
"Ow! What the hell are you doing?", Lloyd shouted when one of the solders drew some blood.
"Criminals undergo biological tests before they are arrested", Zelos explained. "It's because of the caste system here. Some half-elves don't look any different from humans. It's necessary to detect them."
"S-sir! We found a match!"
Lloyd whirled around. "Genis! Professor!"
She had put a protective arm around Genis and was glaring at the men out of eyes filled with hatred.
"So you're half-elves!", the commander exclaimed.
"Is that true?", Zelos asked in disbelief.
"Yes", Raine replied. "Lloyd, I'm sorry for lying to you all those years."
"Raine", Genis protested weakly.
"There's no point in trying to hide it now."
"These pathetic half-elves have engaged in shameless caste deception!", the commander boomed.
"What did you say?!", Lloyd shouted at him. "The professor and Genis are far better people than you! Who cares if they're half-elves?!"
"I don't know what it's like in your world, but over here, half-elves are at the bottom of the caste system", Zelos explained.
"Half-elves guilty of crimes are all executed, no exception!", the commander said.
"That's insane!", Lloyd protested.
"Take them away."
"Professor! Genis!"
"Wait! Half-elves can use magic, so we must keep them under heavy guard. We'll need the whole company to guard them. As for the Chosen and the others – just lock them in the basement or something."
Some soldiers made Lloyd and the others go back into the building, while the others stayed with Raine and Genis.
"No! Let us go!"
Despite Lloyd's protests, they were dragged down a corridor and down a flight of stairs. The knights opened a door and pushed them into the room beyond.
A young female researcher with turquoise hair wearing glasses turned to face them.
"What's going on?!", she demanded with a mixture of defiance and fear.
"Don't speak to us, half-elf. Be quiet and continue your work."
"They are criminals. Hold them here until we return for them."
The guards left and bolted the door. Lloyd started banging with his fists against it.
"Dammit!"
"Criminals", the researcher said quietly. "If you've had the good fortune of being born humans, don't go throwing it away like that."
"We – we haven't done anything!", Lloyd protested, turning to face her.
"Well, you did try to get back to Sylvarant", Zelos pointed out.
"Sh-shut up."
The half-elf noticed Presea, who backed away instantly.
"Ah – get away..."
"Presea? You are Presea! Why are you here?!"
"You know Presea?", Lloyd asked.
"Ah – I – she's..."
"A half-elf working at the research academy is acquainted with a human child? That's strange", Zelos observed.
"Why?", Lloyd asked.
"I told you half-elves are treated like garbage in this world. The half-elves working here never leave their labs – ever."
"That's insane...", Lloyd repeated.
"But it's true", the other researcher said. "Take Kate here, for example. She's one of the best researchers the academy has, but since she's a half-elf, she gets locked up in here."
"Let's put that aside for now. How does a half-elf who can never leave here know Presea?", Zelos asked.
"This child is my team's research sample", Kate explained.
"What kind of research?", Lloyd asked.
"Research to manufacture Cruxis Crystals in a human body."
"You can make Cruxis Crystals?", Lloyd asked in disbelief.
"Yes. Theoretically, they are no different from Exspheres. By allowing them to slowly feed on a human body - "
"What?! That's the same way the Desians made Exspheres!"
"Wh-what are you talking about?", Kate asked, confused.
"I'm saying, how can you treat people that way?!"
"I could ask you exactly the same thing. How can you humans treat half-elves the way you do?"
"I treat them the same as everybody else. We met a half-elf called Larkin in Luin, and he was a very kind person – he hid the villagers from the Desians and helped us out. There's no difference between the lives of humans and half-elves!"
"He isn't from Tethe'alla."
Lloyd and the others jumped when Sheena materialised in front of them.
"He was raised by a dwarf, so that's probably the reason why he doesn't care about race."
"Sheena! How did you know - "
"I'll explain later. Genis and Raine are being taken to Meltokio. If we go after them now, we should be able to save them!"
"Are you planning on running away?", Kate asked.
"Are you going to try and stop us?", Sheena challenged.
"He's going to save his half-elf best friend", Zelos said. "What are you going to do, Miss half-elf?"
"I – I won't let you trick me. There's no way a human would save a half-elf!"
"But Kate, I did hear that they arrested two half-elves earlier", her colleague said.
Kate hesitated.
"There is no time. If you're not going to let us go, we'll have to fight you!", Lloyd urged.
"Fine. I'll let you go if you promise that once you have saved your half-elven friends, you will return here. If what you said is true – then I'll release Presea from the experiment."
"You promise?"
"I swear upon the name of the Goddess Martel."
"All right."
"Then – come over here. There is a hidden passage."
Kate pushed a hidden lever and one of the cupboards slid aside.
"You can get to the surface through here."
"Thanks."
"Hurry! We need to head for the bridge!", Sheena said.
"By whose orders was the experiment on Presea carried out?", Zelos asked.
"I can't say."
"The pope, then."
"Zelos! Come on!", Lloyd yelled.
"I know, I know! Sheesh..."
A/N:
Props if you spotted the Lord of the Rings and the Pride and Prejudice quote.
Kratos just went into full denial mode – he's been in denial about Alice before, but this is a tad more extreme now. Though Kratos wouldn't have that many issues with accepting that Alice is his daughter (after getting off the self-loathing train for having treated her horribly and probably getting real paranoid that she hates him given how much she apparently knows) – no, the problem is Rína. He just can't deal with the fact that she might be his daughter, and refuses to even consider the possibility. He will, therefore, not accept any evidence pointing towards the fact that these two are his daughters.
Trivia:
Zelos is the Greek god/daimon of eager rivalry, emulation, envy, jealousy and zeal. He is the son of Pallas, the titan of warcraft, and Styx, the goddess of hate. Zelos and his siblings (Nike, Bia and Kratos) are the winged enforcers of Zeus. Kratos was, by the way, the one who chained Prometheus. Kratos is unable to feel friendship or pity, and only accepts the value system that has been imposed by Zeus. The justice of Zeus is the only possible justice.
I can't get over just how aptly these two characters were named.
Girlfriend Commentary
The voice was – as far as he could tell – female and he had a feeling that he had heard it somewhere before. (Well, no shit)
"I didn't know they were targeting you!" (Oh shit, Yuan is in trouuuuubleee)
"Good. Now, I'll go take care of the Renegades... Stay sharp, Lloyd." (Poor Yuan)
"What, you mean that crazy, human-hating, embittered and evil-hearted half-elven witch?" (Something tells me he tried to flirt with her and it ended rather badly)
"I had private tutors. But I had to do the exams here. I was always top of my class." (Only cause Alice wasn't in it, I assume)
Elerína snorted. "Of course not! Who would like to have someone like you as a father, anyway?" (Ouch. Fucking ouch)
The next moment, she clasped her hands over her mouth. (That moment when you're so intent on hurting your father, you blabb about yourself still being alive… I expected better from you, Rina)
"I didn't say that." (Face, meet Palm. You'll be good friends from now on)
"Does Alice know?" (Okay, Kratos, I am currently extremely worried about your math skills… How hard is it to put 2 and 2 together? HER NAME IS ALICE YOU ABSOLUTE DUNCE)
"Stay away from my sister!" (Just in case I haven't given you enough hints: here's the info that my human half-sister, whose name is ALICE is a person you must under all circumstances stay away from)
"What, no kidding? But why – I mean, you must've had some relatives apart from your mother." (Ouch, Zelos right away going there,ouch)