Nice, longer chapter. Enjoy! ^^ Oh, and please consider leaving a review, thank you.
Chapter 9
Breaking the silence
Even though the boy would not speak, he did work. No task seemed to much or heavy for him. This gained respect and appreciation from the people of small town Iselia.
And every day, Colette would either cross his path or spoke to him. She didn't mind he didn't answer; he didn't seem to mind it much either. She felt like he even liked to company, someone really talking to him. The teen didn't show it of course, but she just had that gut feeling. Maybe, when he was more comfortable, he'd open up.
"You don't give up, huh Colette?" Genis said to her one day, when she waved to the brown-haired teen like she always did.
He never answered it. The girl just kept her smile. "Everyone is worth the effort. Life should be about helping each other, sharing in the beauty of the world and make it better together."
"True words of a Chosen." He said with a cheeky smile.
When Genis looked to her, he could spot one of her typical fake smiles, but he wasn't one to point this out, not with her. Colette had always excepted him, from the very beginning, unlike any other humans. And still, he was afraid to tell her the truth, afraid that it would chase her away. Even though he knew she had a good heart and had a good relationship with his sister. The lie ran to deep; they dug themselves in to deep and now it will only hurt people if the truth were to come out.
"Hehe, I suppose." Colette said, not aware of his inner thoughts and still waving.
Shaking his head, the elven boy shook off those thoughts and looked toward the working teen. To his utter surprise, he raised his hand. It wasn't a real wave, but it surely was something. Colette's fake smile turned into a real one because of this.
Looking up at her again, tilting his head slightly, Genis took note of this. Maybe he should take more of an example from her instead of his sister. She could be cold and calculating, never really trusting anyone but him. Colette was the complete opposite of this. Maybe even a little to the extreme; not everyone who seemed nice actually were. They could just be putting up a show to take advantage of you.
Again, Genis shook his head to lose these dark thoughts. That was his sister talking again. And it reminded the boy he should be going home to start cooking before Raine did. Saying goodbye to Colette, he ran off.
Sadly, his sister was already busy in the small kitchen. A small blessing was that it was only the salad. Genis could still swoop in to make dinner.
"Sis, I'm not trying your experimental cooking, you know that."
"Don't be like that, Genis. Just try a bite." Raine held the bowl in front of his nose. He quickly shook his head, the odd smell and mix of color hitting all senses wrongly.
Ticking on the roof started off softly, getting more intense by the second. Rumbling could be heard in the distance. "Seems a thunderstorm is about to roll in."
"Well, at least we have a roof over our head." Raine placed a hand on top of her little brother's head. "That used to be quite different."
"Yeah..."
For a moment, the half-elven siblings listened to the rain coming down on their roof. Genis looked outside, the thick raindrops falling down with such intensity it almost blocked sight. He narrowed his eyes then.
"What the... Oh, geez. Hold on, I will be right back."
"Genis? Where do you think you are going, it is pouring out there!"
Confused and worried, Raine watched her little brother run outside. She stood on the front porch, under the wooden cover, trying to see what in the world got into his head all of the sudden. The answer came quick, when he came back, pulling along a teen by his sleeve. He didn't seem to resist, just calmly walking along.
Raine recognized the boy who'd been working around the town lately. No hurry was in his footsteps, even though he was completely drenched, his usually spiky hair now brought down and sticking to his face. A stoic, totally unbothered face, seemingly not even noticing or minding all the rain coming down.
"Oh dear. I will get a fire going. Let's warm him up and dry him off."
Her motherly mode kicked in, opening the door for the two of them. The teen was ushered in, and brought in front of the fireplace. Raine lit it up, while her little brother got some towels to help dry the teen off.
"Foolish boy, standing out in awful weather like that. That can make you seriously ill, you know that? What were you-"
"Save it, sis. He doesn't really... I don't know, I can't really explain it." Genis shook his head.
"Genis, we are the last ones to judge people. You should know better, because you know what it feels like." Raine looked at him for a moment, with those typical teacher eyes. She held out a towel to the teen, still standing the same, not moving and not blinking. "Dry yourself off."
The tone of her voice told anyone she wouldn't take no for an answer. While Genis looked to the ground guilty, the teen just took the towel, starting with his hair. His look was void, distant almost. Raine let it be for now.
"Yeah, I know. Colette said something similar." Genis said with a sigh.
"Naturally. Now boy, how about a bite?"
Of course, Raine would take advantage of this situation. Someone unfamiliar with her unique way of cooking, would be caught off guard. She offered the teen the bowl of salad. Her little brother rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"If you value your life, don't."
The boy still didn't move, except for still drying his hair and face. It almost seemed to be an absentminded action, while his endless gaze was set on the fireplace.
"Oh-oh." Genis spotted the stars in his sister's eyes.
The researcher in her was surfacing. The poor teen would be in for a long night. But Genis knew that once his sister was set on something, nothing would stand in her way. He felt sorry for pulling the boy out of the rain for this.
Raine would ask a lot of questions, mostly basic like 'where are your from' or 'how old are you'? No answers came, not even in the form of a nod. Finally, she gave up with a sigh and let the boy be, deciding to go clean up instead.
Dinner was made by Genis while they let him still dry at the fireplace, unmoved as ever, towel resting on his shoulder. He didn't react to the delicious smell of the young elf's cooking, which made him huff and mumble something to himself.
Clearly the young man wasn't hungry, so they just went on doing their own business. The rain outside continued, and probably would go on for the rest of the night. The professor wasn't to bothered by the boy's mannerisms and would just allow him to stay there. Genis felt a bit more awkward, but he tried to ignore it by working on his homework.
The crisping fire and the thunderstorm going on outside, combined in a nice ambient sound. Still, after a while, Raine huffed, putting her book aside and standing up.
"Something the matter, sis?" Genis asked while looking to her.
"I do not like it when someone is just standing around aimlessly."
The typical teacher look was in her eyes, directed at the teen by the fireplace. For a moment, she looked at her book, but shook her head; that was very heavy material. So, looking around, she picked up her little brother's kendama.
"H-hey!"
Ignoring Genis his call, she handed the toy out to the teen, giving him a stern glare. "Please occupy yourself."
His eyes, which she found mildly disconcerting (though she'd never show that), looked at the toy as he took it. He studied it as if he had never seen something like it before; as if he'd never seen a toy. Raine just turned away, trying to find another distraction for herself. She didn't like it when a young one didn't react to her.
Genis had to give it to him though; the teen did try. With short, stilted moves while still holding that smooth, stoic face, brows only slightly furrowed in a concentrated frown. After a while of watching him fail, he stood up and stepped closer.
"It is all in the wrist. Here, let me show you." He held out his hand.
Slowly, the teen handed over the kendama. Genis skillfully juggled the ball around, making sure he wasn't going too fast. He had done this ever since he was little after all.
"You see?" The elven boy made some intentional moves, so it was clear for him to see. "I think this really helps me concentrate. Or sometimes, it's just to get your mind of things and just have fun."
Why was it so easy to talk to this guy? Genis totally didn't get it. He emitted a distant, stoic look. But somehow, he could feel there was more. He only noticed it now he was closer. There was more going on with this silent stranger, and he couldn't put his finger on it. Colette was maybe on to something?
"Uh yeah, it's just a matter of practice." Genis finally said, handing back the toy.
The teen started to practice right away. There almost seemed to be a childlike wonder, or was he just imagining that? Genis shook his head.
"It's getting late. I'm going to bed. Night, sis."
"Goodnight, Genis."
Raine nodded to him as he walked to one of the beds and practically crashed like he always did. The elven woman just settled in, with a cup of tea and a study book. As the fire died down, it got darker and the thunderstorm outside seemed the quiet along with it.
Raine caught herself slightly nodding off and set up straight, putting her book aside. She looked at the teen, still standing by the fireplace and practicing the kendama with an almost sheer intensity.
"It is getting very late; shouldn't you get some sleep?"
His void, red eyed looked at her. It really made her uneasy, not to sure what to think of this boy. She shuffled in her chair, trying to get rid of that feeling.
"You do not eat, you do not sleep. The weather does not seem to bother you. You lift heavy things like it is nothing, impossible for a boy your age. Just what are you?" Raine narrowed her eyes, studying him.
There was of course, no answer. Just his glazed eyes, looking at her unblinking. Raine stood up.
"The rain has stopped. Please hand back the kendama and leave the house."
He just did as she asked, her eyes following his every move with distrust. It was a good thing Genis was asleep, otherwise he'd call her a hypocrite.
"Good morning!" Colette's smiling face came into direct view.
Lloyd did not move, he did however, give a small nod to her.
"You got a moment, can you come with me?" She now asked with a softer voice, looking up at him.
He slightly tilted his head, but nodded in conformation.
"Great. Come on." Colette took hold of his hand, guiding him along toward the north exit of the village.
Lloyd didn't seem to mind any of this, either not caring or not even really thinking or noticing it. A hill was right next to the gate, a natural way up in the form of rocks acting as a stairway. Colette started to climb it, clambering up and almost getting to the top when she slipped. Before she actually fell, a hand took hold of hers firmly from above.
"Huh?" She looked up while she was pulled, staring at the brown-haired teen.
He lifted her up with ease, setting her down on top of the hill next to him. Somehow, he was there before her and saved her, yet again.
"Wow, you are so fast! You are a real lifesaver, thank you." Colette marveled with a giggle.
Lloyd just nodded in response. The girl turned, facing the view from the hill. As her home and the small town were behind her, a very different view was on the other side. A narrow road led toward a temple, set upon its own hill to the left. A large, rock wall served as its backdrop. Straight ahead, there was the grand blue, gleaming ocean, seemingly stretching on endlessly.
The wind was playing with Colette's hair, golden strands dancing around. She breathed in the salty air as a seagull flew overhead, squawking loudly. She rocked back and forth on her feet, her bright blue eyes still on the view.
"I love to come here. It looks so nice from here. A nice place to come and clear your head." She started, contend smile on her face. It faded however, when her eyes rested on the temple. "All my life, I have been stuck in this little town. My only outing has been to that temple. For almost sixteen years, I have been prepared to be the Chosen. I know my duties, my responsibilities and... my fate."
Folding her hands together in front of her chest, Colette set her gaze downward. "Tomorrow will be my sixteenth birthday. The oracle will appear and mark the start of my journey, of the regeneration of the world."
The waves below them softly crashed, filling the silence that followed. Colette looked ahead, far across the big blue stretching on and on. She tried to tuck some of her hair behind her air, but the wind liked playing with it too much.
"I love this world. I know I've lived a sheltered life. But I know it is beautiful. Just like all its people, though it might not be so clear at first. Everyone is suffering, and showing that all in their own way. I want everyone to be happy again, to be able to live life without fear, pain or hunger. A peaceful world. I'd do anything for that."
She turned to the teen standing next to her, apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to just go on and on like that. I just wanted you to know. I am leaving tomorrow, so this is sort of a goodbye. Even though you don't talk, you seem nice and friendly. You don't show it on the outside, but you have a good heart, I just know you do. I would have loved to have known your name..."
Colette sighed, catching herself trailing off once again. She shook her head and looked over the ocean once more, a short silence setting in.
"Lloyd."
It was quiet but clear. A young voice, not yet having had the voice change of puberty, or at least not completely. Whirling in shock and surprise, she turned to him, taking both his hands in hers with the widest smile on her face.
"Lloyd, that's your name?"
He gave a slow nod, looking at her hands around his. There was no guessing what was going through his head, if anything at all.
"Thank you!" Colette hugged him without warning.
Deep, deep inside dark depths of nothingness, a crack was made. Lloyd didn't move, not knowing how to react or what to do. She let him go, still smiling her most genuine smile.
"Also thank you for listening, for being here. You didn't have to do any of that, and you still did. Sorry if I kept you. I should really be going now. See you later, Lloyd."
While she turned with a wave to leave, he even returned the wave. Despite the situation, Colette was still happy, feeling she had really achieved something. Her only wish was that there would have been a bit more time.
Lloyd remained up on the hill. His gaze was set on the ocean, stoic as ever, even when the stars started reflecting on the water. Finally, he moved, if only his head, to look down at his hands. More precisely, at his left where the Exsphere was, sparkling slightly in the starlight. He stroked it with his thumb, without really knowing why.
He didn't look up when the sun rose. He only did so when a large beam of light erupted from within the temple with an almost violent shake. It was finally time.
"Get out of the way!"
Hearing Colette's voice, made Lloyd turn, looking back down to the village below. Close at the gate, there she stood, armed with a pair of golden chakrams. Genis was behind her, looking rather scared and worried. In front of them was a monster, blocking the road out the village.
"Eh, Colette. I think we should just stay put like my sister said." Genis said, his kendama in hand just in case.
"But I can feel that there is something wrong! I am worried for the professor and the priests."
"We aren't cut out to fight all the monsters along the way. Ah, watch out!"
The monster had moved, closing in to strike directly at the girl. She lifted her arms in defense, crossing her weapons. The expected blow never came, however. Opening her eyes, Colette saw Lloyd standing in front of her, tailcoat still sweeping with the move he'd made. One of his two swords was driving deep inside the monster's stomach. The monster whimpered and Lloyd drew back his sword, making it drop down to the ground after which it disappeared.
"Lloyd! Thank you." Colette said relieved, dropping her defense.
Lloyd looked over his shoulder, flicking off the blood on his sword without even looking at it. He stored both swords, turning them once and putting them in their sheaths crossed. Then he turned fully to Colette and looked her over.
"I'm fine," she smiled at him.
"Wait, Lloyd? That's his name?" Genis asked confused and impressed at the same time. He'd barely seen the teen move in to save Colette, that's how fast it went.
"Uhu. Lloyd, will you help us? We need to get to the temple quick."
The teen just nodded, already leading on ahead towards the temple. Colette happily followed, but of course she was still worried for the people there. The feeling in the pit of her stomach was still rather strong. Genis just hurried to keep up.
"Are you sure you want to come with, Genis? It can be dangerous."
"Yeah, that's why I'm coming along. I don't want you to get hurt and I'm worried about my sister."
Colette nodded, completely understanding. It looked like more monsters were drawn out and Genis remarked this as well, curious about this.
"I think it's part of the trial. A test the Chosen, uh I have to endure. It is a sort of test of strength, in more ways than one."
"Uh, well. He's doing all the fighting."
Genis gazed sideways to the teen, who just made a cross cut towards a monster. He really was strong; it was kind of intimidating.
"When and how did you learn his name?" He looked up curiously at Colette.
"Yesterday. I sort of asked him and he told me."
"Hold on, he spoke?" Utter surprise was on Genis his face.
"Hehe, yup. And now he is helping us out. I am so happy it worked out like this."
"Uh yeah, sure." Genis still had a lot of questions. And he didn't know if Colette would be able to answer them.
The came to the outskirts of the temple rather quickly, all thanks to Lloyd's very skillful swords work. His slim, steel dual swords were completely covered in blood.
"I hear commotion." Colette said worried.
It wasn't hard to miss; up the stairway were the sounds of steel clashing.
"I don't like the sound of that." The young elven boy clearly was nervous and worried.
Colette wanted to run up the stairs, but Lloyd caught her by her lower arm, stopping her.
"Please, I have to see if they are alright," she pleaded. He slowly let her go, but not before stepping on ahead, to take the lead.
They followed the earth and wood stairway, up to the temple. There, Colette's grandmother was standing in front of the entrance. Several men were surrounding her, all dressed in the very recognizable Desian get-up.
One man was dressed differently, having short, black hair and a uniquely styled beard. "Where is the Chosen?" He demanded to know.
"Grandmother!" Colette called from the other side.
"Run, Colette!"
The Desians turned around, helmet covered faces directly looking in the blonde girl's direction. "Lord Botta, there she is."
The man turned as well, looking the young girl over. "Well, well. Chosen, your life is mine!" At his gesture, the guards closed in.
"Desians, stay away! You ruin people's lives!" Genis yelled at them angry.
"Haha. Desians huh? Well then, die at the hands of the Desians you so hate. Get them!"
The three guards went in, all armed with a rather broad sword. Colette threw her chakrams, driving one of them back. Genis started casting a spell, concentrating on it with the help of his kendama. Lloyd sliced at the other two guards simultaneously with his dual swords. Fire balls rained down on them from Genis as Lloyd went in for the final assault on all three of them.
A big build man then entered the field, wearing a horned helmet and armored shoulder pads. He swung around a big morning star. This was an intimidating figure to Genis and Colette, both taking a step back.
Lloyd however, did not back down in the slightest. He made counter attacked with the technique called 'demon fang', sending a small earth shock to the guy to topple him. In addition, he went in right after for a double slash.
The big guy, better known as Vharley, was rather surprised by this kid. But he could not allow this pipsqueak to win from him! He swung down the morning star, intending to crush the kid. Lloyd quickly rolled out of the way, swinging his own sword down to try to break the chain.
Vharley growled and pulled it back to swing it again. This time, the weapon was deflected; Lloyd crossed his swords and made for a push back. As it flew back up in the air, he made a quick cross slash, destroying the chain.
"Damn. Useless weapon!" Vharley switched to his hammer now, making a heavy swing downward, directly at the kid.
The blow was thrown off by a chakram flying by; Colette and Genis had recovered from their fear and helping out. Fire balls followed quickly after, hitting the big guy mostly on the arm.
"Why you little..."
Growling again, Vharley now made an upward swing, hurling Lloyd into the air. He skillfully recovered by making a backward flip and landing on his feet, right before the other two.
"Are you okay, Lloyd?" The blonde girl asked.
He nodded to her once, then charged straight towards the big man. His brought his swords together as they were enveloped in a glow, stabbing forward; sonic thrust. The additional blows of flying chakrams and fire proved to be too much for Vharley as he sank to his knees.
"Can't believe, I lost to a bunch of kids." He said as he fell face forward to the ground.
Botta stared at the strong man lying on the ground, then to the guards, who were also in the same position, all not moving. He was the only man left standing. In disbelieve, his dark eyes looked over the brown-haired teen. There was something familiar about him.
Lloyd took a step forward, raising his deeply red tainted swords. He could have ended it right there and then.
"No, Lloyd!" Colette called out, making him stop his movement. "He is unarmed."
Botta was very surprised, but also took this opportunity to make his exit. Colette turned to her grandmother directly, running to her.
"Are you okay, grandmother? Did they hurt you?"
"Ah, no my dear, I am alright. Sadly, I cannot say the same goes for the priests."
"Oh no..." Colette looked down, deeply saddened.
"They were tasked to protect this place and the Chosen. They knew the risks."
"What about my sister? Is she okay, where is she?" Genis asked very worried.
"I am quite sure she is still inside. I do not know much more."
"There are monsters in there, I can feel their presence." Colette said softly.
"Hah, I wouldn't worry about that. My sis will scare them off instead of the other way around."
A small smile crossed her face at Genis his remark. Somewhere she knew he was right. The professor was nice, but could also be very scary. Her punishments were nothing to laugh at.
"I have to go inside anyway, to release the seal. I'll find the professor."
"I'm coming with, it's my sister!"
"I would be uneasy if it were just the two of you." Colette's grandmother started to protest.
"Lloyd will come with us, right?" The girl looked at him and he gave her a confirming nod.
The elderly woman raised a brow at this, but then again, she did just see this young man bring down one that was easily double his size. So, she nodded.
"Very well. Please, do be careful."
"We will, grandmother. Let's go." Colette headed in first, followed by Lloyd and Genis was last.
The first room had the shape of a circle, with three hallways branching of from it. Left seemed to be blocked off by fallen rocks, while right just went around the bend as it seemed to continue. The hallway straight ahead was short, leading up to a warp point. However, a glowing blockage prevented access.
"Raine, where are you?!" Genis called out.
His voice echoed through, but the only answer he got, was the scuttling sounds of monsters.
"There is a lower floor. It's possible she is there."
"Yeah, let's go check." Genis already wanted to go.
"Hold on, don't run ahead. There are monsters around. It's best we stick together."
"Oh, yeah you're right. Sorry." The elven boy looked a little embarrassed.
Colette went on ahead again, following the right hallway. She knew the way here, so both guys just let her lead.
"That barrier blocking the warp point. Is that the way to the seal?" Genis informed while they walked.
"Uhu. The barrier is there for protection. It can be broken by the sacred ring, which is downstairs as well."
Genis nodded to this explanation, finding it rather interesting. Of course, Lloyd had nothing to add to their conversation. But he had something he still could do; there were monsters along the way, but compared to the fight outside, they were not really as much of a challenge.
Soon, they arrived at a stone stairway, leading them down on to a platform above the floor. The platform seemed colorful and transparent, filled with square holes.
"Oh-hohohoh. Amazing, absolutely marvelous!" A female voice echoed from below.
"Oh no..." Genis sagged, he already knew what this meant.
"What is it, Genis? Didn't that sound like the professor?"
"Hm, you'll probably see." He sulked, following the next stairway down to the floor itself.
Indeed, his sister was there on her hands and knees, rubbing the cool stone surface with her hand.
"This stone, so smooth and the design. Just look at..." She fell silent, standing up and turning around, stars shining in her eyes. However, they disappeared as they quickly grew stern, staring directly at Genis.
The elven boy stepped back at this. "Oh no."
"I thought I told you to stay in class." The scholar stepped closer, an almost terrifying look in her eyes.
"Professor, please don't be mad. We were worried about you. Even more so when the Desians showed up."
"You ran into Desians?! What were you thinking? You could have gotten hurt, or even worse!"
"Lloyd protected us." Colette defended quickly, even a bit intimidated by the professor's anger.
"Yeah, he is really strong. Besides, doesn't Colette need to do this? In order to become the Chosen and go on her journey?" Genis added right after.
"Lloyd, that's your name?"
Raine's cold, calculation eyes went over the young man once again. All he did was give a small nod, not backing down in the slightest.
"Trusting a boy who won't share in anything, that is what you suggest?"
"Please professor. He really means well. It just takes time for him, but you'll see." Colette put up her big, blue begging eyes.
These two kids knew right where to hit her. With a mumble, she turned her face away. "Very well, if that is what you wish." Then she glared at Lloyd again. "But I will keep an eye on you."
There was still no reaction, no backing down, no real movement whatsoever.
"So uh, what about this sacred ring?" Genis than asked, purposefully changing the subject.
There were pathways, but they were all obstructed by water, including a stairway leading up to the ring in question. Raine looked up to the platform above their heads.
"The construction is odd, even a little too specific. There also seems to be a golem walking around."
"You think that is connected?" Genis asked with a frown.
"Let's test it out!" Colette said chipper.
They all went back up to the platform, making sure not to fall down one of the holes in the process. As soon as the golem spotted them, is charged in, going for a direct attack. Lloyd jumped into the fray, crossing his swords to defend against the big, stone fist. With impressive strength, he pushed the large, heavy creature back.
Raine was staggered by this display of strength, an impossible action coming from a boy that age. Colette threw her chakrams to hit the golem, though the tough stone was only slightly chipped. Genis charged his fire spell and hurled it at the creature.
After being hit by that all, the golem still kept standing, and even closed in, twirling around its upper body. Lloyd deflected one of the hurling fists and rolled under the other, slicing at its feet in the meantime.
This made to golem topple, however it did not yet fall. A blue aura appeared around Lloyd while he crossed his blades. With a forward charge, he rammed the golem, slashed cross way at the same time and releasing the blue aura. It formed the head of a feral animal that bit at its opponent with a mighty roar; Beast.
The combination of all of this, proved to be too much for the golem. It slumped down and then curiously enough, turned into a big, square block of stone.
There was a silence, until Raine finally managed: "That was..."
"Awesome!" Colette smiled while she gave a small applause. "You're the best. Wasn't he?" She turned to the elven siblings.
"Uh yeah, that was pretty cool." Genis scratched the back of his head, not wanting to admit that he was intimidated by that show.
"Professor? You didn't move at all during that fight. Are you alright?"
Raine was staring at the brown-haired teen, as she had done for the whole fight. Her eyes had a mix of curiosity and caution in them.
"Sis, hello?"
"Huh? Oh, my apologies. Are any of you hurt?" She finally shook out of her daze and looked at each of them.
"I'm fine, sis."
"Yes, me too." Colette chimed happily.
Of course, Lloyd did not answer, instead just putting his swords away. His eyes were set on the block. All the others stepped closer, Raine studying it intently while cupping her chin. Her silver eyes moved from the block to the same shaped holes in the platform.
"I suggest we push this block, into that hole." She pointed to the top, middle hole.
"Huh? Ah, I get it! This will make a path through the water. But it looks like we need more than one, how are we going to do that?" Genis pondered.
"We'll see. First, let's..."
Lloyd already started to push block, that was almost twice his size and made of stone, with little trouble. Just what was with this boy? Raine was really curious to know. A child his age can't have this much strength or hold that kind of power. It wasn't possible. And yet, she is witnessing it first-hand.
The box dropped through, hitting the ground below with a heavy thud. Right after, a new golem showed up, across the platform.
"Well, that solves that problem. We just need to bring down that one as well." Raine remarked.
Colette seemed ready as ever, while Lloyd and Genis just nodded. This golem was easier to bring down, now they all worked together and knew what to do. Lloyd was sent down to push the block already there into the water, so it could make place for the next to come down. When the three of them pushed it in (with a bit of effort), the teen finished the job below.
A makeshift bridge made of stone blocks now opened the way to the stairway leading up to the sacred ring. The four of them followed it and all looked on the small thing floating above a pedestal.
"So, this small piece of jewellery can break the barrier in front of the warp point?" Raine informed with a frown.
"Yup, that's what I've been told." The blonde girl said, nodding.
Carefully, Raine took the ring and studied it up close. Its red stone glistened in the light of the torches that were all around. She did note the small inscriptions of magic around the shank.
"Fascinating."
"Oh boy. Sis, try to focus. We aren't here for that." Genis rubbed his temple.
"Right. Then at least allow me to try it out."
She slipped the ring on her finger and held it in front of her. With a bit of concentration, a small ball of fire came from the ring, shooting straight forward. It didn't go very far before it dissipated.
"Let's go, before she gets all excited again." Genis sighed, going ahead.
Still, his sister would be fascinated, totally enamored by the ring while they walked back towards the blockade upstairs. Most monsters along the way were even more of a breeze now with Raine's supportive spells.
Raine was very excited to use the ring again, looking at how the barrier broke because of it. And she had no clue what was even waiting at the top of the temple. Everything that transpired there, just complete threw her off. A legend was coming to life before her very eyes! She wanted to ask the Angel that appeared so many questions, but she held it in, for the sake of Colette.
It was no surprise the girl still asked the one question herself; if the man floating there was her real father. The confirmation was not too much of a shock to Raine, it was in the books after all. Still, Colette was blown by the fact she was the daughter of an Angel.
The appearance of the tower, was also the start of the Chosen's journey, each of them knew that. But only the girls knew all of it. It was a heavy burden to bear, but Raine wanted to do it for the sake of Colette. That girl was really close to her heart after all.
"Let's take you home, Colette. There is a lot to be discussed and arranged." The elven woman suggested, resting a hand on the girl's shoulder.
They had all exited the temple, and looked at the tower that reached up on to the heavens. Well, Lloyd didn't. He even didn't seem to spare the Angel a second glance when it appeared. As if it was all normal to him. Or did it just not register?
"Yes. Oh, can Lloyd can too?" Colette looked from the professor to the teen in question.
Tilting her head, Raine followed her gaze for just a moment. "Why? I admit he has been really useful here. However, I do not think he should be involved, just like Genis will stay right here in the village."
"What?! You are leaving me behind?" The young elven boy called out, clearly distraught.
"You will stay with Frank and Phaidra, that is for the best."
"Nu-uh!" Genis stomped his foot on the ground. "We've always been together. I am coming with, if you dare leave without me, I will just go after you!"
"And Lloyd is very useful and strong! He helped us out and I trust him. I rather have him then some random mercenary we pick up on the road." Colette chimed in.
Raine was being pushed from two sides, figuratively speaking. She let out a deep sigh and shook her head. She knew her little brother was very true to his words; he would just follow behind her. If that were to happen, and he would get hurt, she'd never forgive herself. She let her gaze rest on the brown-haired teen.
"For the record, I do not trust you. But if the Chosen wishes you to join, then who am I to oppose? Do you intent to join us on the journey of regeneration?"
Lloyd instantly gave a firm nod, no thought, no hesitation.
"Do you swear to protect the Chosen?"
Another nod.
"And will you see it through until the very end?"
Nod, nod.
"I want you to give us your word."
"Professor..." Colette started to protest softly. Those calculating eyes, shortly gazing at her, made her quiet.
"He has a voice. I want to hear it; I want to hear him swear it." Cold eyes staring directly at Lloyd.
Genis and Colette looked on in anticipation, his void eyes just staring back, ever unblinking. It seemed for a moment he wouldn't budge. But then finally, in a firm yet toneless voice: "I swear."
"Oh, wow. You did it." The elven boy was rather impressed, but by who or what, was unclear. "Hold on, can I come with or not?"
"Yes Genis. You will just follow behind anyway, right? In that case, I rather have you close." Raine sighed, but couldn't help show a very small smile.
He gave her the widest smile and a hug for good measure, only just reaching up to her chest. She cleared her throat and he let go.
"Let us go to the village, there is some preparation to be done."
And so, they did, the professor leading, with her little brother next to her. Colette smiled at Lloyd and took his hand, giving him a thankful nod. He just gave a very neutral one in return, allowing her to pull him along.
