Chapter 1.
Together with Lloyd, I walked back into the village. Right away, we were greeted by Genis.
"There you are, Colette. I've been looking for you!" He approached, holding a plate with a towel draped over it which he pulled away to reveal a batch of cookies. "I've baked cookies. Happy birthday!"
"Oh jeej, thank you!" Genis his cookies really were the best, so I took the plate and couldn't help sneaking a bite.
"Mmm, so good."
"Hehe, thanks." He itched under his nose, a gesture he made when he was shy. "Hey, is that the necklace you made for her?"
"It sure is." Lloyd said with a proud smile.
"I'm surprised you finished it. You always tend to forget things."
"Heeey." Lloyd huffed at those words.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll bring these home for a moment, be right back."
Quickly, I brought the plate with cookies inside to save for later. I've already had birthday pancakes that morning, but I had no doubt I'd still snack on them if I took them into the classroom. Raine wouldn't like that for sure.
That day had a very double feeling for me; on one side, it was my sixteenth birthday and so I was happy to celebrate. However, this also meant the oracle was to come and I had to set out on my journey.
How do you say goodbye to your parent, to the people who've cared for you all your life? Of course, both of them had known a long time, but still I had noticed it was especially quiet between us that day.
We have had long talks about it already. We didn't want to call it a farewell, even though... it was.
With that at the back of my mind, I joined back with the boys as we headed towards the school. There was just one classroom because there really was no need for more. Because Iselia was a small town, there were not many students; us included, there were about ten. We mostly had varying ages, but Raine was still able to make it work.
The professor was waiting outside the classroom for her students and her eyes set on me. Quickly, she pulled me into a hug.
"Happy birthday, Colette. I have a present for you, dear."
"Thank you, Raine." I smiled as I answered her hug. "You really shouldn't have."
"Nonsense. Here you go." She let go of me and then handed me a wrapped box.
I opened it up, to find a pair of brand-new chakrams! Their golden coating shined beautifully in the sunlight that came in through the window.
Though I didn't like fighting, I was told it was a necessary thing during the journey. If it weren't monsters, it would be Desians. Because of that, I was taught to fight by the priests. I picked chakrams because they were ranged weapons and easy to carry. And I also thought they were pretty and elegant.
"There are beautiful, Raine. Thank you." I said to her with an endeared smile.
She answered it for a moment. "You are welcome." Her eyes went sharp then, as they set on Lloyd. "Have you done your homework, Lloyd Irving?"
"Ah, uh hehe, about that..."
"So help me- Go inside to the corner and pick up the buckets."
"But professor, I was busy..."
"No excuses, young man. Inside now."
Genis just shook his head at the display. "Honestly. He just seems to be a glutton for punishment."
"That's not true!" I exclaimed. "He goes through the forest every day to learn. That isn't easy, you know."
"I don't think he does it to learn."
"Huh?" I blinked, not understanding Genis his remark.
"Never mind. Let's just get inside and take our seats."
"Actually, you go do that, Genis. I need a moment with Colette."
"Okay sis." He went on ahead without struggle.
Raine looked me over, a serious and yet worried look in her eyes. "You are certain you want to do this?"
There was no mystery what she was talking about. She rarely asked me this question, out of respect for my choices. I showed her the smile I used to show courage even though I wasn't really feeling it. It was hard to pull off because I was feeling nervous and a little scared.
Because she knew me very well, Raine could immediately tell my smile was fake, giving me a scholarly look.
"Yes Raine, I really am sure." I still reassured her, dropping the mask. My believe in Martel pulled me through, I had absolute faith.
"Very well." She dropped the subject. "Please take a seat inside."
We walked inside and I took my seat behind my desk as the professor went to her place before class. I looked back for just a moment to see Lloyd standing in the corner, a bucket of water in each hand, mumbling to himself. I gave him an apologetic smile.
"Good morning class. Let's continue with our history back, shall we? Nina, please pick up where were left off."
"Yes, professor Raine."
As she started, I did notice in the corner of my eyes that Lloyd was already nodding off. He always had trouble keeping his attention, but he seemed rather tired today. Had he been working at my present all night?
Taking the necklace in my hand, I looked at it once again; it really was pretty. The red gem together with the gold really worked. Some might have called it simple, but I loved it because it was made with the utmost love and care.
I also knew that Lloyd sometimes had trouble sleeping. He only told me, but he had a reoccurring nightmare from time to time. It never made much sense to him, it was pure chaos as he said, he couldn't even properly describe it. Did he have one of those nightmares again?
Worried, I glanced towards him, as history was read out loud. When I looked back towards Raine, she was already having a piece of chalk at the ready, glaring daggers towards Lloyd. She then asked a question, of course directed at him.
When no answer, or any other reaction came, she threw the piece of chalk. It hit Lloyd square on the forehead. He only just about managed to keep standing, even while still holding onto the buckets.
"Auw! What the..."
"Lloyd Irving, no sleeping during class! How do you even manage to sleep standing?"
"Oh... Professor, is class over?" He blinked blankly.
Raine let out a sigh. "Never mind, let's have someone else answer the question. Genis, how about you?"
I watched as Genis stood up.
"Yes Raine. Mithos, the hero, was the one that brought about the end of the Ancient War in the Holy Ground of Kharlan."
Raine nodded approvingly. "Correct. Afterwards, he formed a pact with the Goddess Martel to seal away the Desians who were the cause of the war."
"But the Desians came back and are now causing everyone to suffer!" Lloyd piped up in frustration.
"We covered that in class last time, remember? When the Seal weakens the Desians reappear. Just like they have now."
Lloyd scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "I…I knew that. I just forgot."
The professor just decided to continue. "Today is the Day of Prophecy. It is a very important day, which the Chosen of Mana will receive an oracle from the Goddess Martel. Now, Chosen One, Colette."
Her eyes were on me and I stood up right away. "Yes, ma'am."
"Tell us about the journey of world regeneration."
Nodding, I folded my hands together. "It is a journey to seal the Desians. Upon passing the trials of the Goddess Martel, the Summon Spirits that protect the world awaken, and mana is restored."
"Correct. I suppose we should expect the Chosen herself to know the answer to that one. Mana depletion is the cause of the current food shortages and droughts. It is said that this occurs because the Desians consume vast amounts of mana in their human ranches."
Making sure he was still awake, I glanced towards Lloyd. It did seem he was struggling a little bit, so I shared him a worried look. He just gave me a little smile to assure me it was fine.
I sat down, still not completely sure. Even though Dirk would never go into too much detail, he did share the fact he found him as a three-year-old boy at the bottom of the cliff very close to the human ranch. Considering this, and the fact he had a very rare thing like an Exsphere fixed on his hand, I couldn't help but think the Desians were somehow involved.
Raine continued in the meanwhile. "The Chosen's journey has two purposes: to revive mana as well as defeat the Desians. Now, for the next question..."
Before she could continue, a flash of very bright light omitted the whole class room for a moment. We all needed to close or cover our eyes because of it. After that, I saw a concentrated beam of it at a small distance. I didn't have to guess where it was coming from; I knew it was the temple.
"What was that?!" Lloyd stammered.
"That's…"
"Please, everyone, settle down." Raine urged us. "It would seem that the time for the oracle has come. I will go and check on the chapel. Everyone, stay here and study on your own. Understood?"
I hadn't even noticed the shock in all of my classmates. I have been prepared for this day for so long that it was just normal to me. But for them, it was so sudden and they did not completely understand what was going on.
Raine was already halfway out the classroom. I quickly stood up and ran to meet her. "Professor, wait! Let me come with you."
She shook her head. "No Colette. Stay safe and wait here. If it's the oracle, the priests will come and get you."
Biting my lip, I still looked worried and she took my hand giving it a slight squeeze. "I will be fine, don't worry."
"Okay Raine. Still, please be careful."
She nodded to me, let my hand go and then set off. With a sigh, I turned around, almost bumping into Lloyd. He crossed his arms as he looked at me.
"You're seriously going to wait?"
"She is the teacher."
"Yeah, what my sis says, goes. Why'd you wanna go anyway?" Genis joined the conversation, mostly looking up to Lloyd.
"It's research."
"That is just an excuse!"
"So?" Lloyd then looked over to me. "Are you coming, Colette? You got to be curious to what's going on, right?"
"Are you curious, Lloyd?"
"Of course I am."
"Then I'll be curious too, let's go." I smiled. I may have been a little selfish; I wanted to share these last moments with my dear friends. If that meant they would witness the ritual, then so be it.
The three of us went outside, to follow the road I have traveled every day for years and years. There was one difference however. While normally the monsters kept their distance, this time they chose to be hostile.
Luckily, all three of us where armed, it was a good chance to test out my new chakrams. They flew easily and were sharp enough to keep the monsters away from me. Lloyd took the frontline, armed with his two swords, slicing down opponents. Genis stayed back, using his katana to concentrate on the spells he was casting.
"Why are monsters suddenly attacking us?" Lloyd wanted to know after they were all taken care of.
I looked down, folding my hands together. "It's my fault."
"Huh, what do you mean, Colette?" Genis came to stand next to me.
"It's part of the Chosen trial; monsters are a test of sorts, to see if the Chosen is really devoted."
"You mean if you are." Lloyd remarked, stowing away his swords.
"Right." I gave a small nod, still having trouble to accept the title for real.
He placed a hand on my shoulder, and as I looked up, he gave me one of his radiant smiles. "We are with you Colette. By our own choice. Don't blame yourself."
"Okay, I'm sorry."
We continued on, seeing the light coming from the temple. Getting closer, it looked like it came from the main tower, straight from the seal itself to be exact. But also, we all could hear...
"There is commotion going on." Lloyd said, picking up the sounds of steel hitting steel.
Dread filled me right away. The priests, and the professor. They seemed to be in danger. I couldn't help to hurry on inside.
"Colette, wait up!"
I didn't wait for the guys, no matter how hard they called. These were the people who had been looking over and teaching me for most of my life. Arriving at the top of the tower, I saw the priests going up against men in armor, and wearing concealing helmets.
"Desians! Why are they here?" Lloyd was next to me fast, readying his swords.
"Never mind that, lets help out!" Genis followed right behind.
Lloyd ran in, hacking at the first few Desians. Genis started chanting, and I armed myself again, looking at the men that were attacking the poor priests. One Desian ran in fast, going for the direct attack. A priest jumped in, taking on the sword before it could reach me.
"Pastor..." I said shocked.
"We swore to protect...the Chosen." He slumped after saying those words.
Tears fogged my eyes, mixing with anger. The Desians had a peace treaty with us, why was this happening? It just didn't make sense! We were clearly outnumbered, but I was still ready to fight, for the poor priests that were falling to protect me.
Before I could really do so, however, a man stepped in, blocking my way. He gestured me to stand down, armed with one long sword. He had deep red hair, styled to fall over half his face and reaching just above his shoulders. One eye was still visible, having an unusually equally red color. His was dressed in blueish purple.
"Master Kratos, you've come. Thank the goddess!" One of the priests exclaimed.
The man said nothing, and charged in. He was very fast and skilled, making short work of the Desians on his way. Lloyd was just knocked back and to their mercy as Kratos cut them down. Other Desians, started to circle around their new opponent. About ten, standing against one.
It didn't seem to matter. As the Desians charged in, Kratos made fast movements, aimed stabs and hard cuts. Without just a few seconds, they were all down.
One was still left on the other side and in a fit of blind rage, he charged at Lloyd. The gem on his hand started to glow, which then seemed to go over his whole body. In reflex he did a very fancy flurry, unleashing the energy, bringing the Desian down.
There was a moment of silence, as Lloyd struggled to catch his breath. Kratos his red eye was fixed on him for a moment, but then looked around to make sure all was safe, before looked over to me. "Are you hurt?"
"N-no. I'm fine. Th-thank you."
"Ugh, who are you? Where did you even come from?" Lloyd finally snapped out of it, eyeing this new man. Luckily it looked like he was fine.
"My name is Kratos, a mercenary. I was hired by the priests to assist on the Chosen's journey. You were lucky I came here early, or you would have been dead."
It was clear Lloyd didn't like this remark, the frustration was easy to read in his face. Kratos ignored him and kept his eye on me.
"Chosen, the seal."
"Oh! But the professor..."
"If you mean the woman who was enamored by this place, she is just fine." Flicking off the blood on his sword, the weapon was sheathed and Kratos gestured to the central circle that firmed the seal.
Nodding, I stepped closer and bowed my head in prayer. After just a few seconds, bright light came from the top of the tower. It made me look up as a figure appeared. It was a blond man with beautiful, white feathered wings. He was dressed in traditional Church of Martel garb.
As he descended to float before me, he started to speak: "My name is Remiel. The one who was born to preform her duties, Chosen one. I ask thee, are you prepared to embark on your journey of World Regeneration?"
I looked up, mouth open for a long moment. The question then hit me, or rather the real meaning of it. I bowed my head, thinking of the people who were close to my heart. I then looked up again, determined.
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well."
Remiel held up his hand, a small, glowing orb appearing. There was a snap and I looked down to see the necklace Lloyd had made me to fall to the floor. I wanted to pick it back up, but a strange feeling around my neck made me stagger.
After just a short moment of pain, it stopped and I felt with my hand as I tried to look down. Around my neck, an ornate necklace had appeared. The design held a big, red gem in the middle. This was the Cruxis crystal; I was born with it in my hand.
"From this moment, Colette becomes the Chosen of Regeneration. We angels bless you and grant this world the Tower of Salvation."
The angel made a gesture upwards. We could see out the window, far in the distance, it appeared; a tower that went up, up, up into the clouds.
"The last destination of the Chosen, where she must perform her duties." Raine had finally come up, most likely drown by all the commotion.
"Sis, you're safe!"
"Yes. And I do believe I told you two to stay put." She gave him and Lloyd a scalding glare.
Undisturbed, Remiel continued on. "Unlock the seals that bind the Tower of Salvation and climb the stairs to Heaven. We shall grant you the power of the angels with each seal you unlock."
Nodding, I bowed my head. "I humbly accept this task."
"Once you are reborn as an angel, this eroded world shall be regenerated. First, head south to the Seal of Fire." As the angel said this, he spread out his wings, ascending back up. "Offer your prayers at that alter and unlock the seal." He then disappeared in a flash, leaving feathers that fluttered down and disappeared as well.
Raine checked to see if she could save any of the priests with her healing power, setting down by one to help him out.
"Colette..." Lloyd had picked up the necklace and was looking at the new one that had formed around my neck.
"I'm sorry, Lloyd. It suddenly broke!" I took it back to look at it. Luckily the gem was still in one piece.
"It's really okay. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." I smiled at him before I turned to Kratos, who I caught looking at my best friend, first intently at his face and then the Exsphere that was set on his hand. "Mister Kratos, thank you for saving us."
He looked at me, it was hard to really read what he was thinking. He gave a nod. I then looked over the room, fallen priests and Desians scattered across it. I bit my lip as tears burned in my eyes. These people fell because of me.
"Colette, do not blame yourself." As if she could read what I was thinking, Raine had stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "They had sworn to protect you, and that is what they have done. Let's bring you home for now, so you can prepare."
"Yes professor." I just said it quietly as I looked down, going along in her gentle, guiding hand.
Kratos joined us and as we followed the path back to town, I looked up at the tall man. "Mister Kratos, I was wondering..."
"Just Kratos is fine. What is it?"
"Oh. Uh, were you send by the church of Martel? We've sent a request about a week ago."
"I suppose you could say that." He nodded as he kept his eyes on the road ahead.
"You had some great timing showing up when you did."
"I was already on my way. It's no secret to the church when the oracle was to appear. I saw the light and I hurried towards the temple."
"Because you knew there would be trouble with the Desians?" I tilted my head.
"Desians, hm yes. Their ranch is close and I saw them going in, heavily armed."
"I see, that makes sense." I nodded, accepting his answers. Still, in the back of my mind, I wondered why they broke the treaty.
We arrived at Iselia and I took the lead towards my home, Raine and Kratos following behind. Father and grandmother were waiting inside. She was quick to give me a hug.
"I am happy to see you safe. I heard Desians had attacked."
"I'm fine, thanks to mister Kratos here."
"I see. Thank you for your service, sir." Grandmother looked up the tall man and smiled.
"Yes, thank you." Father gave me a hug as well. "I will go and get the mayor, so we can discuss matters. Will you stay, sir?"
"As long as I am paid, I will."
Mercenary indeed. Father nodded, exchanging a look with grandmother before he went out. I took a seat, next to her and Raine on her other side.
"How did it go, dear?" Grandmother wanted to know.
"Oh. Well, a lot happened." I bit my lip as I touched the crest on my neck.
"So you have met the angel."
"Yes, his name is Remiel. I still can't believe that..."
Kratos cleared his throat, interrupting my train of thought. "If I may, is this the extend of your entourage? Only the three of us?"
"Uh yes, that's right." I nodded. Odd, I thought to myself. The professor was the one who sent the letter of request with all the necessary information.
The mayor came in then, my father right behind him. He eyed Kratos up and down, never a fan of strangers.
"Thank you for coming so swiftly. As you might have noticed, Colette has received the oracle." Grandmother started the conversation.
"Yes, I saw the tower. Finally, it is happening. Make us proud, Colette."
He looked at me and I nodded. "Yes sir."
"And you are?" Again, his eyes were on Kratos.
"My name is Kratos, a mercenary."
"We have requested his service. He helped out when the temple was attacked by Desians." Raine spoke up.
"And you are prepared and able to continue this protection for the rest of the journey?" The mayor informed, looking Kratos over.
"That I am." He gave a firm nod.
"Very well then. Let's discuss the details." He sat down and we were in for a long, boring talk.
So Lloyd, I'm going on a journey to save this world where you exist.
I shook my head as I crumpled up the paper, adding to the small pile that was forming on the corner of my desk. I knew, it wasn't quite right to do something like this through a letter. To say goodbye like that. But my heart ached, just by the thought by having to face him. To see his disappointment and then he'd plead to come with and honestly, I wasn't sure I would be able to say no.
Sighing, I looked out the window, only to be surprised by the fact it was already dark outside. Normally, around this time I would meet with Lloyd on the hill and I didn't want to miss it. Even if it was the last time.
I found him lying on his back on the grass under the full moon. He seemed to be lost in thought as he was looking at the gem set on the back of his left hand. He looked troubled, so I went over to pop into his field of view in attempt to pep him up.
"Boo!"
He didn't react for a moment. Was he feeling bad?
"Boo!"
"Ah!" He scared me instead!
There was a small smile as he sat up. "Dad told me, what happened to mom." He touched the Exsphere. "How he found her, with me, at the cliff near the ranch."
"I'm sorry, Lloyd..."
"It was my own fault, for breaking my promise to dad. I shouldn't have used the Expshere."
"I'm sorry." I couldn't help but say again.
"Stop that!" He looked at me as we set next to each other on the hill, looking over Iselia bathing in the faint lights of lanterns. "Hey Colette. Do you think I could go with you?"
There it was. The question I had feared, but also expected. I looked away, biting my lip to not give an answer.
"I will convince the priests and the professor. She will join you, right? How about it? I can be of use, somehow. I... I want to defeat the Desians! Besides, I'm worried about you."
"Lloyd." I just smiled, taking the necklace he made me out of my pocket to show it to him.
He looked away in shame, a sad smile on his face. "I guess that present was given at a bad time, huh?"
"No. I'll hold on to this. That way, you are with me no matter what."
"I really want to come with, though."
I sighed, nodding. "Tomorrow afternoon. That's when we will be leaving." I stood up, making sure I couldn't see the blatant lie on my face.
"Yeah, I'll be there! Genis too! I know he wants to come with."
I didn't look back. "I should head home."
"Okay, see you tomorrow!"
"Yeah, tomorrow."
Biting my lip, I waved as I left to go back. Lying to my best friend. It wasn't something I wanted to do, but it seemed to be the only way.
Dear Lloyd,
I'm sorry for lying to you. Please understand. If you by chance were harmed during this journey, Lloyd, then going on this journey would be meaningless. No matter how far apart we are, I will always keep you in my heart. If you think about it that way, we will always be together. If I manage to save the world, please live in happiness. For being my friend all this time, thank you.
Farewell, Colette.
