Woo, hot damn, chapter nine already. Well, I'm kinda really extremly tired! Yay! Sorry if this chapter is uber long! I didn't mean for it to be! I was like...holy shit! 8 pages...no one would want to read this, but hey, the last chapter was what...six? I dunno anywho, enjoy chapter nine of Blue Skied Symphony, and give me lots of reveiws! Reviews equal free cookies :D
"Everybody makes a mistake or two in their life, not knowing the consequences of their actions. Mistakes bring about hatred, and hatred brings about distrust. But, people can learn to forgive those that have made the mistakes. Sometimes though, the consequences are irreversible. These are the ones, which produce war, fear, and hatred. Bloodshed because of one-mistake, lives lost because of one distrust, and what was it all for? This in the end brings about a pure evil, which lives in back of everyone's heart, darkness consumes them, and they truly become evil."
Sheena Fubayashi
:Snowy City Flanoir:
The storm from the night before had died down, and in its wake left a fresh undisturbed layer of snow. The people of Flanoir though, used to this stepped outside their warm heated houses and took on the cold, in the everyday battle of the natural coldness which was produced up in the snow covered north. Children ran through the pearl white streets laughing and screaming, as various sized snowballs were thrown back and forth. Large mounds were made to protect, but they crumbled from the onslaught of the snow. Vendors, who sold fresh fruit and firewood, lined the streets and called out to the people who passed by hoping that they would buy their goods. The wooden house near the temple of Flanoir, known as the hospital, housed the ill and injured.
Lloyd yawned and stretched as he got out bed, he rubbed his eyes, and looked drearily about the room. He noticed the sheets on Genis's bed were neatly back in place and the various pillows put in their proper lodging. He walked toward the window and looked out into the sparkling winter wonderland. He sighed, and turned around as a knock, and a voice called out.
"Lloyd! You up? Come on breakfast is ready!" the voice belonged to Colette, one of Lloyd's childhood friends. He sighed and turned his head toward the door.
"I'll be right there!" he responded, and heard Colette's footsteps descending down the hall. He sighed again and looked back toward the glass window, images of the night before flooded into his mind. He still felt the cold tip of Zelos's dagger at his throat. Zelos…I wonder what's wrong with him…he never acted like that before.
"Oh well, no use in worrying about it now. It's breakfast time!" Lloyd smiled stupidly and got dressed. He walked out of the room toward the kitchen of the hospitals guest quarters.
"Give it back! I had it first!"
"No, I did! Give it to me! Stupid chosen!"
"Grrr, well you're a little shrimp!" Zelos yelled back at Genis, both of them were stretched over the table; each had their fork in a piece of bacon. Regal and Presea just sat and watched by the nearby window, and Regal had a smirk on his face. Colette was busy making Lloyd's breakfast, and Raine and Sheena had not yet awoken. They both glared evilly at each other and Genis in one quick movement grabbed his kendama, and fired a fireball spell at Zelos, who looking surprised, ducked mere seconds before the balls of flame almost hit him, but they burnt only a few strands of the chosen's bright red hair, and the rest crashed into the door, in back of him. Zelos blinked and looked behind him, at the now charred door…a figure opened it, where it immediately fell crashing to the ground with a loud boom. Zelos turned away but was stopped short by a hard knock on the head.
"OW! I didn't do anything my beauty!" he cried out and dropped his fork holding his now throbbing head, where Genis snickering, grabbed the fork with the bacon on it and shoved the last piece into his mouth, smiling at the glowering Zelos. Zelos mumbled some incoherent but rather foul words, under his breath and sat his arm crossed over his chest. Raine sighed and rolled her eyes as she walked over to Genis and hit him too he immediately began to protest.
"R-Raine! What was that for?" he whined, this time Zelos snickered, hiding just so he wouldn't face the wrath of the silver haired professor.
"I swear Genis, where ever did you learn your table manners. And what did I tell you about casting spells at the dinner table!" Raine said sitting down, and Colette put a steaming hot plate of bacon and eggs in front of her.
"Thank you Colette."
"No problem Professor!" Colette responded cheerfully. Lloyd hearing the commotion walked into the kitchen, smiling. The kitchen was quite medium in size, with a white ceramic floor, the first of it's kind in the mostly wooden housed district of Flanoir, and it had two windows. Off toward the right window the table was placed, everyone now seated at it. The broken down door, which lead from the guest sleeping rooms, was in back of the table. Right next to the door, there was a refrigerator, and next to that was a counter top for placing dirty dishes, a sink, and then a metal stove. Lloyd sat down next to Genis who was facing the broken down door. Colette then brought over a plate of eggs and bacon; only they were in the shape of a happy face. Genis laughed, as well as Lloyd, and Colette looked at them confused.
"So…how is Yuan?" Lloyd asked Raine, who looked at him.
"See for yourself." She said pointing in back of her since her back was turned away from the door. Yuan stood, looking out the window, and then he proceeded into the now quiet kitchen. He looked around and raised an eyebrow.
"Gee, you sure know how to make someone feel comfortable." He said sarcastically.
"Shouldn't you be resting? I mean it's only been one day." Lloyd said, looking at the blue haired half elf. Yuan laughed.
"Don't worry about me, I'm an angel remember? We heal faster than you normal humans." He said, and took a piece of Lloyd's bacon. Lloyd looked at him in surprised as the angel ate it.
"Ah, um, mister Yuan, sir. Angels don't eat, I think." Colette said. Yuan waved his hand in a casual gesture.
"For once, I actually feel hungry, isn't that odd?" everyone nodded; Raine had a serious expression on her face.
"Yuan." She said seriously. "Did you know, that thing that attacked you, did you know what or who it was?" she asked. Yuan looked at her, but sighed.
"I haven't the slightest clue. I never saw him before…but he seemed familiar." Yuan said, looking at Lloyd who was eating.
"I wonder…why would he go after a complete stranger, like Yuan?" Regal asked, Presea looked at him her blank eyes staring at the blue haired man, as he sighed and rested his chin in his shackled hands.
"I think…it's because he wanted to get to Lloyd." Presea blurted out, and everyone looked at her, then Yuan, who just shrugged his shoulders.
"It seems possible, I mean he attacked you before we called, right?" Raine asked.
"But, why Yuan? Why not one of you guys? I mean Yuan is helping us and everything, but still, you guys are more closer to me, no offense Yuan." Lloyd said.
"None taken, and I have no clue as to why he attacked me, just the fact that he actually caught me off guard, and was able to…turn into me." Yuan went silent.
"That's the other thing! What the hell is this thing exactly? I mean we've fought some weird shit, but this takes the cake." Zelos interjected and was hit on the head with Raine's staff again, he cried out in pain.
"Watch your mouth, Zelos. There are children in the room." Raine said reprimanding the red haired chosen. Zelos sighed
"So, what do we do now? I mean if something is after us, we can't continue hunting for exspheres…can we?" Sheena who was silent, and made no noise when she came in asked.
"I suggest laying low for awhile…if you continue looking for the remaining exspeheres and that thing attacks, innocent people might, get hurt." Yuan said, Zelos snorted.
"You're one to talk…protecting innocents, for all we know the only reason why this thing is even here is because of you and your crazed leader, Mithos." Zelos said with contemptment. Yuan slammed his fist on the table, sending the various glasses and plates into the air, only to crash back onto the table with a thunderous crash.
"Are you saying…that this is my fault, Zelos Wilder? Or are you blaming all half elves in general?" Yuan hissed back, glaring at Zelos. Colette not liking when friends began to fight yelled out.
"S-Stop fighting! We can't be fighting each other right now! We need to work together." Everyone looked at her, and the red haired chosen, and blue haired half elf, looked at each other, and turned away, angry looks on both of their faces. Raine sighed.
"Where do you suggest we go, Yuan?"
"I'd say, the Tethe'alla base, what ever this thing is knows of the one in Slyvarant, so that's immediately out. You should be safe there; it has the best security, out of the two bases. Nothing should get in, but then again I speak of normal things, silly me." Yuan said rising from his chair only to be shoved back down by the silver haired professor, he blinked in confusion.
"And where exactly do you think you're going?" Raine asked the perplexed half elf.
"I was um…going to go back to Slyvarant…I have a few more things to take care of." Yuan said, looking up at the professor.
"I don't think so, you're staying right there, and getting some more rest! We are not, going to go through that ordeal again, just because you needed to finish some things." Raine said, stamping her foot. Yuan sighed and hung his head in a submissive gesture.
"Now, go to bed, and get some more rest, we'll pick you up in a few more days, or two." She said looking at Lloyd who nodded and smiled helplessly.
"Fine…I don't even know why I'm listening to you people…" Yuan grumbled, and got up and left the room, everyone had a smile on their face.
"Who knew that Yuan would be such a pushover!" Genis cried out laughing.
"Or, who ever knew that Raine would be so authoritarian!" Zelos said laughing, but he received a blow to the head by Raine yet again. Genis just pointed and laughed.
"You deserved that one, stupid chosen!" Genis said, tearing from laughter. Colette who was sitting next to Lloyd, looked at him, his face was blanched and he had a look of sheer terror.
"Lloyd! Hey Lloyd what's wrong? What is it?" Colette asked looking at Lloyd in concern.
"Professor…if this thing is after me…then it'll surely be after…"
"Kratos." Raine whispered, Lloyd got up and rushed out the door, leaving a wake of silence. Raine finally sighed.
"Seems we have a bit of work to do." And with that everyone got up and joined Lloyd in getting ready to leave the snowy city of Flanoir.
:Renegade Base:Tethe'alla:
The renegade base of Tethe'alla, was nothing of its sister base in Slyvarant. Its giant double doors were the only thing to be seen, from the outside, for covered in the giant mountain was a highly advanced base. The reason for its design was mainly to house the renegades of Yuan, and Botta. But, now, it laid dormant its new task unknown to even its self. Lloyd and the group walked slowly through the metal plated hallways, various lights flashed through the walls, and ceiling. Raine was at the head of the group, she stopped in front of two golden doors, and stuck the key, which Yuan had gave, into the slot.
"Please enter access code." A robotic female voice said a metal pad with red glowing numbers folded out from beneath the card slot.. Zelos raised his eyebrow and grinned looking at Sheena, who just held up one of her cards to her neck and made a quick slashing motion, which promptly made Zelos turn away.
Uh what was it again… Raine thought to herself
"I remember now!" Raine shouted out, everyone looking at her.
"The access code is 21-11-17"
"Confirming code validity…" Everyone one wait anxiously, staring at the golden doors.
"Code confirmation complete, access granted. Welcome back Lord Yuan." The female voice said, as the two golden doors opened with the sound of air escaping them.
"Wow, Yuan even has robot chic's greeting him, what a guy." Zelos said, laughing. Everyone walked into the half-elves room; it was decorated rather lavishly, just like the room in the Sylvarant base. There was a desk, of course, with stacks of paper, and documents. A large cushioned couch, Blue crystal clear pillars where at every corner of the room, supporting it. The top rim of the ceiling was lit, making the room bright. A fireplace was also positioned to in back of the desk. Everyone looked around in awe.
"Nice place they got here, it even has a fireplace!" Genis exclaimed running over to take a peek at the now cold fireplace, only ashes and burnt out coals occupied it. Lloyd sat away from the group and closed his eyes.
Origin? Origin…you there?
Master Lloyd…what is wrong? the summon spirit responded.
I think…Kratos, might be in trouble. Do you, do you think you could check for me? Lloyd asked.
Yes of course, Kratos and I still share a small bond, I can't tell his condition, from here anyway, but I shall try. I will also go and locate him for you.
Thanks a lot Origin, you don't know how much this means to me.
Of course.
Lloyd opened his eyes, and in front of him was a girl with blonde, blue eyes, looking at him in confusion. Lloyd jumped a few feet back, and Colette giggled.
"C-Colette! Don't do that!" Lloyd said, holding his chest.
:Welgaia:City of Angels:
The lone mans footsteps echoed through the deserted city. The great glass dome which encased Welgaia, showed the ever-swirling torrent of stars from the sky. Kratos placed both of his hands on his knees, and took a few deep breaths. He looked around, and then straightened. A cold, heartless laugh came from somewhere, Kratos looked around and raised one of his eyebrows. He put his hand to his face, covering one of his eyes, and he pushed back a few hanging strands of his auburn hair, and sighed.
"I think…I've been alone for too long." He said jokingly.
"Now, what would give you that idea, Kratos?" an unknown voice whispered into Kratos's ear, he spun around, but no one was there. The heartless laughter began again, and Kratos faced forward, to find a figure in all black, holding a long gleaming silver sword in one hand, laughing. The figure stopped and lunged at Kratos, who being taken by surprise used his sheath to parry the figures thrust.
"Ugh! Who, who are you!" Kratos said with effort as he tried to keep his footing, but the figure was pushing him backwards, his feet scraping against the metal plated floor.
"Hehehe, don't tell me you forgot who I am too? What a pity, its more fun like this anyway." The figure said laughing, his eyes glowing red, from under his black hood. Kratos growled in anger, as he finally had good enough footing to knock the figure backwards. The figure fell but using his free hand he pushed off the ground, spun in mid air, and landed perfectly on his feet. Kratos raised an eyebrow, and then put up his sword as he readied to cast a spell. The figure ran towards him, Kratos casted his fire attack.
"Fireball!" he yelled. But, the figure dodged the balls of flames, as if they weren't even moving toward him, he jumped into the air, sword raised, and Kratos jumped away from beneath him, the figures sword, on impact, shattered the Cities floor. The figure laughed as he pulled his sword effortlessly out of the floor, sending fragments scattering everywhere. He looked at the stunned Kratos.
"What's wrong, Kratos? Not what you expected?" the figure said laughing as he disappeared right before the auburn haired mans eyes.
What! Where…where did he go? Kratos looked frantically around, he spun around only to see all black. His eyes widened.
But…how? that was the last thoughts Origin heard as he sped toward the floating city.
"It seems Lord Kratos is indeed in trouble, after all. I must hurry." The spirit said.
The figure stood over the crumpled figure of Kratos, blood now stained his once clean silver sword. It dripped, and formed a puddle of blood beneath it. Kratos lay motionless, aside from his deep breaths, his hair covered his left eye, and he opened his eye. His vision was blurred but it quickly became clear, he saw his sword Excalibur laying a few feet away, he stretched his arm out tentatively, only to have it stepped on by the black-cloaked figure.
"What's this? Trying to get your sword are we? You fool, you should know by now that you've lost, why not give it a rest?" the figure said laughing as he pressed down hard on Kratos's arm. Kratos clenched his hand, and looked up at the figure anger filled his eyes.
"Oh, what's wrong, Kratos? Don't tell me you've given up already…your son is a much better fighter than you. But, don't worry, he'll be joining you in the after life shortly." Kratos's eyes widened.
"You…you're the one who left that letter…" Kratos whispered, a bright light erupted around the two men and the black figure cried out in surprise.
"What? Origin…how did you get here?" the figure said, as the summon spirit lashed out at him with all four armed hands sending the figure jumping backwards, and skidding to a stop. Origin stood over Kratos, who got to his feet unsteadily.
"Uh, Origin? What're you…Lloyd sent you, didn't he?" Kratos asked the spirit, who gave a curt nod in response, never taking his eyes off the now pacing black figure.
"Hehe, well, it seems I've misjudged your boy yet again, Kratos." The figure shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh well, at least I got something out of this, little meeting." The figure stated smiling as he licked the crimson blood off the blunt part of his sword.
"You will not escape, again!" Origin yelled out flying toward the figure, which in response put up his sword in defense.
"Obsidian, come to me!" the figure yelled out, and immediately a black fire exploded from beneath the figure, it was in the shape of a giant serpent like creature, wrapping him in it, the figures eyes glowed a bright red. He chuckled as he saw the summon spirit, knocked away from the black miasma.
"Now, now Origin, you'll get plenty of opportunities to kill me again, I am after all going after your master." The figure said, as the serpent coiled more tightly around him, hissed and it's red eyes glowed.
What the hell…is that? Is that a monster…?
I'm afraid not, Lord Kratos, that is the summon spirit of Destruction, Chaos, and Evil.
I never heard of that before.
This is no time to discuss this; I must get you back to Lloyd, immediately.
"Obsidian, what do you say we kill this annoyance?" the figure asked the black gaseous serpent coiling around him. The serpent hissed in response, and became a solid creature. The figure laughed as the snake rushed forward, meeting Origin's four sword attack, with dexterity, as two blades came from the top, and sides, the summon spirit of destruction, became but a gas, where the blades simply passed through, and collided with the floor, sending the metal plates flying in various directions. The figure now clashed sword against sword with Kratos, who still recovering from the attack was pushed backwards. Blood dripped onto the clean metal floor, and Kratos panted with exhaustion, as the figure slashed back and forth, only to be deflected by Kratos's sword. The figure laughed as he kicked Kratos's right side, in which Kratos blocked with his arm.
"This will sure bring your son, to me…the perfect plan." The figure whispered into Kratos's ear, and Kratos spun around only to slash air.
"No…you planned this all along then?"
"Indeed, Mr. Angel I did, lovely isn't is? You'll be the one to kill your own son, because of your weakness. Reminds you of something doesn't it? Just like…"
"Shut up! I don't want to hear anymore of your insolent words…you bastard." Kratos ran forward, and slashed across, but his attack was deflected.
"Lloyd…don't come, it's a…trap." Kratos thought as a loud boom, made him turn toward where the two spirits were fighting. A black whirlpool of toxic gas, flooded over him, paralyzing him, and making his vision clouded, then black. The last thing he heard, was Origin's callings.
Kratos! Kratos! Then silence consumed him.
:Renegade Base:Tethe'alla:
All the summon spirits at once formed in the small room, crushing the people within.
"Ah! H-Hey! What the heck is the matter with you guys? I didn't summon you!" Sheena cried as, Efreets massive wings pushed her against the nearby wall.
"Something is wrong." The melodious voice of Luna responded. Aska screeched as both heads looked around, and it outstretched its wings.
"Yeah, I don't like the feeling of this…" Sephie said holding her sword in a defensive position. Everyone looked at one another, Lloyd avert Raine's piercing gaze.
"Yep, yep, one of us…is in trouble." Fariess replied.
"Lloyd…I think you might know, what they're talking about." Raine said, everyone looked at him, including the summon spirits. Lloyd not working well under pressure gave in.
"Okay, okay…I sent Origin, to find Kratos in Derris Kharlan, but he hasn't come back yet, and I think that's who might be in trouble!" He blurted out, and realizing what he said, covered his mouth. Raine nodded and looked at Maxwell who was smoking a pipe, and reading one of his many books he was the calmest looking one of all the summon spirits. The spirit sighed and glanced at the half-elf, knowing their kind to be persistent.
"Yes, it is Origin, but not to worry, we'll pay him a visit, if our Master would allow us?" Maxwell said turning to Sheena, as well as all the other summon spirits.
"Ah, well, um, sure?" she said shrugging.
"I'm going too!" Lloyd cried out, but Raine glared at him.
"Lloyd if Origin is in trouble what makes you think you'll be of any use?" Raine asked heatedly.
"I just…want to make sure, Kratos is alright…this is all my fault." Lloyd said hanging his head.
"Don't worry, we'll get em' back in one piece, or piece's…or whatever is left!" Gnome the earth spirit stated, twirling his shovel. Everyone looked at him with expressions of anger he stopped and coughed.
"Alright, you all should come, anyway, another force is at work here, one which we can not fight unless summoned." Maxwell stated.
"But how are we going to get there? The portal to Kharlan is sealed, and it's too far away." Genis said, his voice sad.
"Nonsense!" the sylphs cried out, and they formed a circle around everyone. The other summon spirits did as well, they all began to glow, and they turned into orbs of light, Lloyd stared in amazement, his vision becoming all white.
"Hold on dad, I'm coming."