Not as many people reviewed as I'd hoped. But, I'm new, so it's ok! Anyway, here's the new chapter!

Vocalsama: thanks for the kind words! …That really sounded corny. Oh well. Glad you liked it!

GameCubeGirl1: Sorry to disappoint ya, but there'll be a few fluffy scenes. As the genre states, however, this'll be more action than fluff. Whew!

Mooncannon: there'll be a little bit of coupling. Basic couples apply (Colloyd, Sheelos, Gesea, maybe some Kraine.) as for action, well…just wait and see!

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia, Namco does. Lucky!

Chapter 2

Altamira was definitely not one of Kratos' favorite places to be. The "gaudy resort," as Sheena had called it, always gave him a long-lasting headache. With the current situation over their heads, however, he decided he could tolerate the place for a while.

They arrived in Altamira in the late afternoon, the day after the ambush. Lloyd was fascinated with all the bright lights and noises, and eagerly wanted to go check out the amusement park. Kratos just kept walking, and Lloyd, grudgingly, hurried to catch up, nearly knocking over a few people in his haste.

After going to the hotel to reserve the pent house, ( Regal had given them all special discounts, which lowered the price a lot) Kratos and Lloyd went to the Lazereno Company Headquarters to meet with Regal and Presea. Upon arriving, they gave their names to the receptionists, who told them to wait in the Lobby.

After waiting for a while, Lloyd asked a question that had been bugging him ever since the fight. "Who do you think that KazanJian guy was talking about?" Lloyd said, keeping his voice low so that only Kratos could hear him. Kratos closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. "I don't know. What we do know is that they knew we were coming, so they most likely have people watching us." Glancing over, he watched Lloyd Look around the Lobby, as if expecting to see a shadowy character lurking behind a column.

Their conversation was interrupted by a deep, loud voice. "Lloyd, Kratos! how wonderful to see you!" They looked up to see Regal Bryant, President of the Lazereno Company, coming towards them, a huge smile on his face.

Regal no longer wore the shackles, keeping his promise to Alicia. He also wore his "Dandy" outfit, making him seem more formal than he had before. His hair, however, was the same as it always had been, long and wild, tied into a ponytail at the back.

Kratos and Lloyd stood, smiling, expecting a simple handshake form Regal. What he did, however, was grab them both in a big bear hug, driving the wind from them both. After setting them down, he watched, highly amused, as Lloyd ran his hands over his ribs, checking for damage. "How long has it been since we last saw each other?"

"Nearly two years, too long," said Kratos, placing a hand on Regal's shoulder, "It is great to see you as well. We would love to continue talking here, but..." he glanced around the room. "...We have a matter of importance that we need to discuss with you, privately."

Regal's face grew serious. He nodded, beckoning them over to the elevator. "Let's discuss what's on your minds in my office." Nodding, They followed Regal inside.

On the way up, Lloyd, remembering the letter that Genis had given him, turned to Regal. "Is Presea here?" he asked. Regal shook his head. "She left for a few weeks to participate in Ozette's reconstruction. she said that she was also going to visit Altessa to finally forgive him after all this time."

Lloyd remembered how the dwarf had involuntarily experimented on Presea and her sister with the Cruxis Crystals. He was happy that Presea had finally chosen to forgive him. But this means I'm going to have to wait even longer to find out what Genis says in that letter! He thought, though he had a pretty good Idea what it would say.

He was brought back to reality as the door of the elevator opened, and they all stepped into Regal's office. There was a large mahogany desk in the middle, with a sofa for guests to sit on in comfort. Disregarding this, Kratos and Lloyd stayed standing, while Regal leaned on the front of his desk.

Regal looked from one to the other. "So, what's troubling you two?" he asked, a slightly concerned looked on his face. Kratos glanced at Lloyd, then began relating the event. "About two days ago, we were on our way towards Luin, when we were ambushed by a group of soldiers. They wore armor unique to anything even I have seen."

Lloyd took up the tale from there, missing the glare Kratos threw for interrupting him. " Apparently, their leader had wanted us captured, but we got away. We wanted to make sure no one else had been attacked, then try to figure out what we're up against."

Regal stood there, an apprehensive look on his face. Standing up, he walked behind his desk and started rummaging through a drawer. Taking out a piece of paper, he skimmed through it, until he found the part he was looking for. "Could you describe what the armor looked like?" he asked, looking up at them.

They looked at one another, puzzled by the strange question, then Kratos spoke. "Well, it consisted of a black breastplate and leg gear. They're weapons were similar to Yuan's, though they were also black with intricate patterns in red. The patterns were also repeated on the breastplate."

Regal reread the part that concerned him, then held the letter out to them. "This was sent to me six days ago from Zelos in Meltokio. He was also attacked by a group of soldiers, baring the same armor you described!" Lloyd snatched the letter and began reading it.

Hey Regal,

What've you been up to, man? Haven't heard from you, or anyone, for that matter, for a while now. It's been really boring here, not having the Church around to reform. My hunnies still come and go, though even their undying adoration has gotten a little old.

Maybe it hasn't been all that boring, now that I think about it. A few nights ago, this group of funky-dressed fighters tried to ambush me. Can you believe that! Someone actually trying to attack the great Zelos Wilder? They were all wearing the same black armor, toting around these huge double-ended swords with weird red marks on them. They said that they're master person ordered my capture. Isn't that nice, someone goes so far outta their way just to meet me!

I put them through their paces, though, and sent them running like Lloyd to a meal, though not without getting my best vest ruined when one of them fell in a puddle. I'm might hafta have Sebastian look for a stain-remover's store in the area.

I might be able to come see you guys in Altamira sometime soon. Say hi to Presea for me, and give a shot out to all the hunnies there!

Former Chosen,

Zelos Wilder

P.S. If, for some reason, those people that attacked me come looking for you, you might wanna let me know. It might be more serious than I thought. Then again, it could just be a hunch.

Lloyd handed the letter to Kratos for him to read. He didn't really mind Zelos' wisecrack at him, though he'd probably get him back for it sometime. "I guess this is more serious than any of us thought," he said, a worried look an his face.

"Yes. I'll send messengers to each of our friends, warning them of the dangers. Hopefully, none of them are too busy to come here so we can discuss this a little more." Regal noticed how tired they both looked. "It's late, we can talk more tomorrow. Why don't you go on to your room and get some sleep, I'll come see you in the morning." Nodding graciously, they said their goodbyes and departed the building.

About two hours after midnight, Lloyd awoke to a funny sensation on the back of his neck. Looking around the dark room, he noticed, just like in the forest, how everything was too quiet. Looking over, he saw that Kratos was also awake, staring at the ceiling. He looked over at Lloyd, his eyes reflecting the same thoughts as Lloyd's.

Both of them had gone to sleep that night with their weapons close at hand, should anything happen. Slowly drawing the swords, so as not to make any noise, they pretended to still be asleep. Listening hard, they heard the squeak of leather on the floor of their room, and the light rattling of armor.

When it seemed that their "guests" were in range, they sprang up, swords drawn, to face the intruders. It was the same party they had encountered in the woods, once again led by KazanJian. There would be no words this time, though.

As the soldiers swarmed at them, they slashed out with their swords, slicing through the armor and into the soft skin beneath. Amid screams of pain and rage, Kratos saw Lloyd cast fireball at KazanJian. He smiled, proud he had done it right, then charged the captain, taking down anyone in his path. Not to be outdone, Kratos summoned angel feathers again, sending them right into the chests of the remaining soldiers. They fell with a thud onto the marble floor.

Finished, he faced the captain, who Lloyd had pinned against a wall, with the Flamberge to his throat to discourage any movement.

"nice to meet you again, KazanJian," Kratos said, "sorry that our last meeting ended so swiftly. Now that you're here, I'd like to ask you a few questions." The Captain spat at him, and Lloyd pressed a little harder with the sword.

"To start with, I'd like to know who your leader is, and why this person is so intent on capturing the heroes who reunited Symphonia," Kratos said, as though nothing had happened. KazanJian laughed, though it was strained due to Lloyd's sword at his throat.

"I'm surprised you don't know," he said, looking at Kratos, "for my master certainly knows you, and the others as well. He says that you took everything from him, and plans to pay you back full!" with that, he kicked Lloyd away, ran to the balcony, and flung himself over the ledge!

Kratos ran over to the balcony to see if he fell all the way, but he had vanished. Casting a disgusted look at the ground far below, he went over to Lloyd to see if he was ok. "I'll live," he grunted, "though I'll probably be in pain for a while. He must've had steel toe boots or something."

Nodding, Kratos turned to tie up the soldiers left behind. However, they, like their Captain, had vanished! Kratos looked high and low, but he couldn't find any trace of them.

"It looks like we won't be bothered again for a while," Lloyd said, standing up painfully. Kratos eyed him with concern. "Even so, I'll stay awake to make sure they don't surprise us again. You should get some sleep." Lloyd grunted his approval, and got into bed, wincing with pain.

Far away, in a remote mountain range, a mighty stone fortress loomed out of the swirling snow and fog. The stones were pitch black, and they stood nearly as tall as a man. This was the base of the Omkulei, warriors of the darkness.

High up, in the tallest tower, an obsidian throne stood in front of a projector. A tall man stood in front of it, watching as Kratos sat in a chair, ever observant to any sound. Being an angel, he didn't get tired as easily, so he would be able to stay up all night.

He didn't know that he was being watched… but he would know soon enough.

Ooh, I hate cliffhangers, except when I'm the one in charge. Who do you think the tall dude is? Haven't fully decided, so tell me whatcha think. Hope to get more to you soon!