Author Note: I'm sorry Van. I have never played ToP. I can only go by what I know, and that is the story of ToS. I'm very sorry it is not accurate to both stories, but I'm trying to make it fit ToS. I hope you enjoy it anyways! Thank you, and yes I also wanted Yuan to be on my team during ToS. So yay, he finally gets his chance to fight! Last thing, I chose the way were both Zelos and Kratos are still alive (that seemed to be the better deal).
Tales of Symphonia: The Releasing Orb
Chapter 6 'The Beginning of a New Age'
Lloyd couldn't help smiling as they flew through the air on the Rheairds. He had tried to talk the Renegades into letting him have one once there first journey was over, but from the crazy gleam in his eye everyone thought it best if Lloyd kept his distance from the little aircraft. He felt overjoyed to be flying again. When they arrived at Meltokio the city was empty. Everything from the inn to the church was closed. Yuan suggested they go back to the entrance to the city and question the guards.
"Hey, where is everybody?" Yuan wondered if Lloyd was always so random and informal when talking to people.
"Most of the city people have gone to the Symphonia Grand Bridge. There is a man there by the name of Kastus who is making a big presentation."
"I've heard of this Kastus. He claims that he has found ways of technology without the use of magic or the world's mana. Lloyd and Colette, I think we should go and see. I'm actually quite interested in the studies of Kastus. We will also be able to report to the king once the speech is over." The group returned to their aircrafts and made there way to the Symphonia Grand Bridge. There was a large crowd standing around it, and a man stood at the head of them all. He was built and rather strong, but there was something disproportional with his upper body. It seemed to look more bulky than what it should be compared to the rest of his muscles. He had begun his speech, so Lloyd assumed that he was 'famous' Kastus. They stopped at the back of the crowd and began to listen.
"A new age is upon us. I have devoted my time and efforts to find a way to end the use of magic, mana, and Exspheres in our everyday lives. I present to you the old Tethe'alla Bridge, now the Symphonia Grand Bridge." Kastus stepped aside for everyone to direct their attention to the structure. "This bridge is no longer controlled by Exspheres, but my very own equipment. I have created various machines that depend on a new energy, and it's created by a purifying the mineral Plastonium Hendritian. There is no need to rely on the world's energy anymore! If we continue to use us the world's mana we might over exhaust the planet and the threat of its death may come again. My technologies are environmental friendly, and they are for everyone's use! Please work with me to keep our planet alive!" With that being the end of his speech the excited crowd roared in approval.
"He seems pleased with himself. I guess there is good reason for it too. Does anyone else notice the weirdness of his body, or is it just me?"
"Quiet Lloyd, he is coming this way!" As Kastus made his way through the crowd he saw Yuan wave at him for his attention and returned the wave. He noticed Lloyd and Colette stood near so his direction then changed towards them.
"Yuan correct? Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kastus. And I have heard many tales of you two. Lloyd and Colette, am I right? It is a pleasure to meet all of you! I'm sorry I can't stay to speak with you, but I need to speak with the king."
"We have business with the king also. Would you mind if we would join you?"
"Yuan has got a new idle." As Lloyd whispered this to Colette, Yuan turned to glare at the two.
"I think that would be fine. I will show you where he is." Kastus led them through the crowd.
"Sir Kastus, I find your work extremely fascinating. I was hoping you may let me have a closer look at your machinery?"
"It would be an honor Lord Yuan. As soon as we are finished with our discussions with the king I will show you myself." They continued to wade through the crowd, and Yuan listened with interest as Kastus explained his work.
"Hey Kastus, I'm curious of what you are going to do with the Exspheres that were on the bridge. You don't plan to use them anymore, right?." If Lloyd had to walk around listening to this guy's proof of intelligence he felt he should get something out of it too.
"I assume you know what Exspheres really are?" Lloyd nodded at Kastus, "Well then, I have spent many years trying to develop a way where Exspheres would not have to be used or made for technologies. I plan on destroying them for the sake of those in them."
"Oh, that's what we are doing! We are traveling across Symphonia using a stone to get all the Exspheres, and when we are done we are going to destroy them all!" Colette's voice rose with her enthusiasm.
"Colette," Lloyd whispered, "don't say anything about the orb okay. I just don't want to go telling everyone about it."
"You are? Well it's wonderful news that I am not the only one who is trying to free the people of the Exspheres!"
"So Kastus, with all that said would it be alright if we take the Exspheres from the bridge so we can destroy them with the rest?"
"Lloyd, I would love to aid you but my men have already taken them. I believe they are destroying them today or tomorrow."
"Well, I guess it's fine as long as they are destroyed..." Lloyd was looking down to hide his disappointment.
"That's the spirit!" It was a little strange that a big man like Kastus acted like Colette every once and awhile. "Now what were you saying about a stone you are using on your journey?"
"Umm... well..." Lloyd was afraid he might have to hand over the orb to Kastus for research, but he was saved. They had finally pushed through the crowd to where the king was sitting. The king greeted them all, and Kastus allowed Lloyd to discuss his business first. Both Lloyd and Colette went into a story on what they had seen at the ranch. Both the king and Kastus looked quite concerned at the possiblility of a new threat. After some time the king finally spoke.
"If this came from anyone else I don't think I would believe it. Well, the best thing I can do now is send out scouts to watch the area. In the mean time I don't think I should drag you two into this. You have already risked your life once for us. I can't ask you to do it again."
"Your Highness, please allow me to help. This would be great training for my men. Allow my soldiers to scout the area."
"Your soldiers, you have soldiers? Why?" This greatly surprised Lloyd as Kastus gave the first impression of one who believes in world peace.
"I have trained my men to fight without the use of Exspheres." Lloyd looked at him like that was a stupid thing to claim. Kastus read his expression and smiled, "Exspheres strengthens the user's powers in great magnitudes. It is possible to learn to defend yourself without using an Exsphere. Of course they are not nearly as strong because they lack the jewel, but they still can fight."
"Still, you seem like you are all for world peace, and you have your own soldiers. It's just strange."
"I could say the same for you, Lloyd. You say you're on a journey to rid the world of Exspheres yet what is that on your hand?" Lloyd looked down on his Exsphere. He had to admit, Kastus had him there. There was really no way for him to explain himself. Kastus smiled, "I understand. But my men are working to gain money for my research. I teach them to fight, and then they go out through Symphonia and kill the remaining monsters. In return the people pay them. That money is used for funding to help me with my work to save the world and its people. It is like a cycle where everyone contributes to help one another."
Yuan seemed to be getting excited again. "We all would be so pleased if you came along with us. You would be a great asset to us." Lloyd was shocked. When did Yuan earn the right to invite people along? But he was right, Kastus's intelligence could be useful.
"I would love to, but I can't. I'm a working business man, and I have little time to spare. But you are welcome at my head quarters in Sybak anytime."
"Come on both of you. Let's head back to the Rheairds." Lloyd had to drag Yuan back. He protested because he had not been able to look at any of the inventions. It was strange to see him acting this way, but once he was away from Kastus he returned to normal.
"I can't sit back and wait for the king to take action. After what I saw I'm in this no matter what the king says."
"I think so too Lloyd!" There was rarely a time when Colette didn't agree with Lloyd. Yuan, however, was a little unsure.
"I think we should start by doing what we know, collecting the Exspheres. We have no idea what the enemy is planning on doing, and you two only saw a piece of what he is capable of. Wouldn't it be better to continue on the journey until we learn more about the enemy, or at least until we hear from Kastus's soldiers." Lloyd hated the idea of ignoring the situation in any way, but Yuan was right. They did not have a lead on the enemy, and trying to infiltrate the ranch was suicide with only the three of them.
"Alright fine. Where to Yuan?"
"How about we head to the Toize Valley Mine?" Yuan suggested.
"I thought that was closed off. Lloyd, didn't Regal close it down?"
"Yes, I heard he did. However, the Exspheres were not destroyed. Like you said he only closed off the mine. It was to stop anymore Exspheres from being excavated. I thought you wanted to collect them all and destroy them?" Yuan waited for a reply.
"Once again, you're right Yuan. Come on Colette, let's head to the mine! Yeah! Back to the Rheairds!"Lloyd ran to the Rheairds. He couldn't wait to get in the air again.
Author Note: I'm sorry if your disappointed. This was another 'information' chapter. The next chapters are written, and they are different.