Author's note: Wow, it has been a long time. But, summer has started again, so I am here to finish what I began! I'm sorry for the long wait, and I hope the people who originally read this will still read and finish it! I'm sorry! I promise I have know the ending and where it was going, it's just school started and I lost time! So here you are, the next installment! Enjoy! Please review too!

Tales of Symphonia: The Releasing Orb

Chapter 14 'Rallying the Allies'

"Lloyd." Lloyd turned to see his father leaning against the wall in the hallway.

"Kra… dad, I thought you were going back to Derris Karlahn?" Kratos stepped from his corner and moved to Lloyd. He laid his hand on his son's shoulder and smiled. Lloyd saw a change in his eyes. It was an eerie glow that reflected pride.

"It's good to see you again. Will you walk with me?" Kratos moved and Lloyd followed in step. "I'm sorry that the first time seeing you again had to be such an arduous situation. I was worried for you, I suppose."

"Eh?" Lloyd could not follow. Kratos stopped walking and turned to him. He studied him for a moment before speaking what was on his mind.

"I'm still worried for you. Be careful of this Kane. He is suffering a severe internal struggle. A choice has been placed in front of him, and be wary of that choice." Kratos paused once again to collect his thoughts, "I must go now. I will see you when you return with Collette." Again he placed his hand on Lloyd's shoulder and gave an affectionate squeeze before walking away. Lloyd watched him until he was not in sight. He finally retired to his own room, exhausted and full of excitement.

Lloyd awoke in the morning feeling stiff. It had been awhile since he had had so much exercise and felt so stressed. He walked out of his room and found Yuan in his office.

"Good morning, Lloyd."

"What's up?"

"I will be leaving in a little while to head to Altamira to talk with Regal. You and Colette should leave as soon as possible also."

"Yeah, okay. Where is everyone? Are they already gone?"

"Kratos is in the training area of the base where he is oraganizing the armies and devising battle tactics, Genis and Raine have already left for Heimdall, and Collette is waiting for you."

"Hey, what about Kane, where is he? Is he just going to hang out here while everyone goes around doing their own business?" Lloyd felt a ting of guilt hit him as he remembered they had completely forgotten about their newest companion. However, he also recalled Kratos' warning, and wanted to keep an eye on Kane.

"I have not seen him this morning. I think I should find him before I leave for Altamira and take him with me." Lloyd figured Yuan shared the same feeling of guilt.

"Well, I'm going to go find Colette, and if it is alright we are going to borrow some Rheairds and head out." Yuan nodded and Lloyd left the room.

Yuan got up from his seat, and left his office to search for Kane. When he arrived at Kane's bedroom door he turned and spoke to the guard near by. "Has he come out this room?"

"No sir. I haven't even heard any movement." The soldier answered.

Yuan turned and walked inside. He was surprised to find the room in such a state. Everything from the bed to a pitcher of water was untouched. Yuan searched the room to find any sign that he had been there but everything was as it normally would be. Even the windows were locked from both the inside and out.

He left the room and asked that a couple guards search the base for him while he was gone. He left the hideout alone and headed south once again to Altamira.

The meeting at Altamira was short. Regal had been expecting someone to come for aid and he had already prepared for help he could provide. Preparations were already being carried out, and supplies ordered. Regal walked Yuan to the exit of Altamira to see him off and confirm their agreements.

"You do understand that I do not have an army to give you. I can only provide your troops with supplies. I'm sorry I could not do more for you."

"You have done more than enough, and we thank you. I'm heading to Mizuho to talk with the Chief, Sheena. Mizuho would be a great asset to us all."

"Yes, I agree. Thank you for coming Yuan, and I will be arriving at the Renegade base with supplies within a week."

Yuan nodded to Regal and they parted with a swift, business like handshake. Yuan left Altamira to search for the hidden village of Mizuho. He flew to the forest near Ozette and close to the southern edge of the forest. After he landed he stepped off the aircraft and studied his surroundings. After consideration he pulled out his weapon and moved quietly through the twisted forest. His keen sense of hearing made it hard to catch movement in the quiet forest. He smelled the heavy rank sent of blood in the air. As he moved along the path he kept notice to all his surroundings. Shadows formed across the trees, and the wind stirred the delicate leaves. He walked slowly and acted as if he was unaware of the figure creeping behind him. He stopped a moment and waited for it to come up close enough to him. When the time was right he swung around ready to slash at the bloody skeleton that stood only a few feet away with its own sword raised. He heard a funny wisp noise to his left. Before he could strike the skeleton, a card flew out from behind a tree and hit the undead creature causing it to finally end its prolonged life.

Yuan watched as the skeleton's head rolled off its body and the bones toppled carelessly onto one another. He turned to the tree that had spat out the little card and saw a beautiful woman dressed in robes waiting patiently for his attention.

"Sheena," He greeted her with a smile. He noticed a significant difference just by the way she presented herself. Being the chief had clearly made an impact on the woman's life.

"Is anyone else here with you?" She had gained a superior air about her.

"No. I am here alone. We have all gone on separate missions to acquire allies against a growing force." He could see the slight disappointment in her eyes. He wondered who she was hoping for.

"It's not safe here. Let's head back to the village where we can talk without watching over our shoulders." She moved quickly through the forest and he followed. They arrived at the hidden Mizuho village, and went straight to the Sheena's chief house where Tiga and Igaguri were waiting.

"Welcome." Yuan nodded to the two men. The former chief, Igaguri motioned for Yuan to sit. When Sheena had found her place in the center of the two men in second command, Igaguri continued, "Our technology has told us of the happenings of late. We know why it is you have come here."

"Is there anything you wish to say before we give you our answer?" Tiga looked intently at Yuan, waiting his response.

"Erm…" Yuan cleared his throat. He felt slightly unwelcome. He had known that the people of Mizuho were now people of peace, but he had not expected complete resistance. He now wished that he had brought someone along to bear the uncomfortable silence with him that he knew not how to break.

"Tiga, Igaguri." Sheena was the first to break the silence. Her softer voice sparked a small hope in Yuan. "We are all friends here. Let's stop with the formalities, Yuan, you are welcomed here. Relax, I do wish to hear what it is you must say."

"Alright… as you know, there is a growing threat. War is on the edge of every leader's tongue and vibratingthrough every soldier's sword. I ask you for your help, the Ninjas of Mizuho would be a great asset to us. Sheena, you once fought alongside of Lloyd Irving, I ask that you will join him and I once again to fight for our shared beliefs." Yuan sat back and waited as he watched the contemplation roll through Tiga and Igaguri's minds. When he chanced at Sheena, their eyes met and he saw she was free from doubt. The fiery spirit of the female chief was ready for action.

"Yuan, I personally support you. However, to my people this is a tough decision to make. We have adopted the ways of peace. Such a transition to war won't be easy for them to grasp. We will consult one another, and we will report to you within the week. I for one am with you on this." Yuan nodded to Sheena. He stood and gave respecting nods to the others and stepped out of the Mizuho house. As he walked back to his Rheaird hidden in the forest he prayed for the support of the skilled Ninjas. He stepped onto his aircraft, but as he turned he stopped to find Sheena standing before him.

"Uh, before you leave… I had a question for you…" The demeanor of a chief seemed to have slipped from her. "Has… well…" she seemed to be struggling with the question. Her cheeks were blushed; finally she found the right question, "Who all has joined you as of now?"

"I have only spoken with Regal earlier in the morning. Genis and Raine are speaking with the elves of Heimdall, and Kratos had returned to Symphonia." He wondered who she was hoping for. She did not offer an excuse for her curiosity, she simply nodded and turned to leave.

"I will contact you before the ending of this week." She gave a final wave as she disappeared in the dense forest. Yuan sighed and made his way back to the base.