Tales of Symphonia:

The Wanderer's Journey

Vampwriter

I do not own the rights to ToS. They are owned by Namco Ltd. and whoever else created the game. Shoujo-ai, sort of.

Chapter One:

Prelude to a Journey

In another world from Sylverant:

They stood in the forest, the human girl and the taller, unearthly blue skinned woman.

"Why do I have to go?!" inquires the girl.

The woman looks sadly at her young charge, "I'm sorry. I tried to dissuade them, but was overruled. The vote was unanimous, I'm to send you there."

The girl looked at her, tears brimming her eyes, "But why me? Why not someone more experienced? I don't really have much training?"

Unshed tears of her own hung in the woman's eyes. She reached down and drew the teen into her arms. "I know, but your powers are as strong as they were five generations ago. I may not like it, but I have to follow the orders I've been given." Her grip increases slightly, "What makes matters worse is that I can't even go with you. Bound as I am to this world I have to stay behind."

"You are curtain there is nothing else you can do?" tears were falling down the girl's face now.

She shook her head, "I'm sorry."

"I love you Umi." The girl says.

"And I you, Triton." Umi pulls away, silver tracks of tears running down her face. She says, "I have an idea that will make the separation a bit easier. If you are willing."

"What is it?" Triton asks.

The water goddess takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "I could take your memory away. Though it might distress you it'll give you something to focus on, and you wont miss me as much."

Triton thinks it over for a couple of minutes. If she had to resign herself to her fate it might help to not remember her beloved Umi for a while. Being knowingly separated from her for too long would hurt too much. She nodded her consent.

Umi looked slightly relieved. She didn't want the one she loved to experience so much pain while on her journey.

"So when am I to be sent?" Triton asks.

"Tomorrow evening. It'll give you a chance to say goodbye, as well as gather up a few items. And I'll have a gift or two for you as well."

Triton nods, "Right. Where should I meet you?"

Umi smiles slightly, "At my temple. Meet me there as the sun begins to set."

With a final nod Triton kisses Umi good night and heads home to pack her things and say goodbye.

Triton came to Umi's shrine early the next evening accompanied by friends and family. The doors opened and Triton led the procession in, heading toward the central room. As before the doors opened as they approached. The others stayed just inside the doorway while Triton continued on to where Umi stood with the other deities. She looked at all six of Eathearia's guardian spirits in turn before settling once again on Umi.

"Have you prepared the items you wish to take with you on your quest?" the water goddess inquired.

Triton nodded, "Yes I have Lady Umi." She tried to maintain the proper formalities when around others with Umi. Triton didn't think the others would approve of her being in love with their goddess.

"Very well," said Lord Gaia, "We will open the rift that will send you to the world of Sylverant."

The six gods and goddesses used their power to open a rift in time and space to the world she was to help save.

Triton stood there, knowing there was no way to back out of this. A hand on her shoulder made her come out of her thoughts. Umi stood there next to her with a sad smile gracing her lips.

"As I said, I have a gift for you before you leave."

Umi walked a short distance away and retrieved a pair of swords from the wall. Coming back she extended them to Triton.

"Take these with you. they will protect you."

triton stared at them with her mouth hanging open, "Wave Breaker and Tsunami!? You're giving them to me?"

There was a collective sound of gasps from the town's people. To be given Umi's fabled blades was a huge honor. To date their Lady had never found anyone worthy enough to have them.

Umi nodded, "Yes. This way a part of me will always be with you as you travel."

Triton carefully took the swords and affixed them to her sides. She ran her fingers over the well-crafted handles, tears shining in her eyes. Suddenly, without even thinking, or even caring, Triton threw herself into Umi's arms and kissed her quite thoroughly.

'What's it matter anymore, who knows about our relationship,' thought Triton, 'I'm going to forget in a few moments anyway, and be in another world for an unknown amount of time.' Another tear fell down her cheek as they kissed, 'Please, even if I forget everything else, let me remember this one moment! Even if only on my dreams!'

A tear fell from Umi's eye as she heard Triton's thoughts. She began to glow, and Triton followed a moment later.

'Your wish is granted,' Umi thought, and as she erased Triton's memory she filed away this last moment with her love into Triton's subconscious.

Triton felt herself slip away into a warm nothingness as she felt Umi carefully strip her of her accumulated memories. As this happened she could also feel the depth of her love's feelings. 'I love you Umi…' was her final thought before she finally slipped away into the darkness.

Umi broke the kiss as Triton fell asleep in her arms. She stared sadly at the young woman whom she loved so much. Umi feared she would never see Triton alive again in this world. Umi turned when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Behind her was Lady Gail.

"Don't worry, you'll see her again." Said Gail.

Umi smiled at the goddess of wind. She always was the most perceptive of the gods and goddesses. Gail probably knew about her relationship with Triton foe some time now. Thusly heartened Umi took the sleeping Triton and gently eased her into the portal.

'Farewell my love.' She thought.

Seconds later the portal vanished, as if it had never been. The people left, and the other gods and goddesses vanished as they headed back for their Realms. Umi clasped her hands together as she looked out the skylight to the blue sky beyond.

"Be careful Triton. May good fortune smile upon you."

Well that's it for this first chapter. Please tell me how I did on this first part. I promise to try my best to remain faithful to the ToS story.