AN:

I spent awhile writing this chapter. Almost a good week. Hopefully this will live up to everyone's exceptions like the last chapter did. And thanks again for reviewing. I'm really excited about this story, and how many differences it'll show as the story progresses.

Eleven Hundred Hours, Iselia- Slyvarant

"Coming through!"

As he ran, he felt the weight of his feet cause his legs to become tiresome. Eyes keen on the schoolhouse just ahead, the brunette exerted the last bit of energy he had and charged into it with brute force. Almost causing the door to fall off it's hinges, Lloyd slammed it shut and glanced around. Making his way down the short hall and into the classroom, he felt his heart sink. Had they really left without him! Sure.. he was two hours late, as always, but to leave without him! Pouting to himself, Lloyd glanced over at a random desk near him and kicked it from frustration. The only real chance he had to see the world, and he blew it from over-sleeping. Zelos had told him to be here sharply at Nine, but here he was, at the schoolhouse at eleven.

"Lloyd, is that you?"

The brunette glanced over at someone who had actually been in the room all along. He had long white hair, similar to Raine's, and wore blue clothing. Brilliant aqua eyes scanned Lloyd for a moment before the kid stood up and walked over. He was rather short compared to Lloyd, and seemed to be around twelve or so. As he walked, who this person was clicked inside Lloyd's head. This was Genis, the over achiever and Raine's brother. Right.

"Oh.. Genis, right? Why are you here?" Lloyd asked curiously, leaning against the desk he had kicked.

"I told Raine I'd stay here in Iselia and watch over the schoolhouse while she is out with the Chosen." Genis explained, then paused. "Wait a minute. Why the heck are you here? You hate school!" Genis asked, eyes widening.

"Is it that obvious?" Lloyd murmured. If Genis knew that Lloyd hated school and studying, than the whole world must have known it, seeing Genis and Lloyd barely knew each other. And for that fact, they were complete opposites. Even forgetting the racial fact. "I came here to leave with Zelos and them but I guess they left without me..."

"Raine seemed pretty mad that you weren't here. Zelos offered to go pick you up, but she cocked him an attitude." Genis grinned mischievously. Sweat rolled off Lloyd's face before he began stepping backwards. Was it just him, or was Genis a little bit... frightening this morning? "Oh. Sorry about that.. I just hate that guy's guts." Genis stammered, noticing Lloyd slowly retreating.

"Who?... Oh you mean Zelos." Lloyd countered, trying to actually catch on to the whole conversation.

"Yea. That guys pisses me off so much," Genis began but then noticed Lloyd had glared. "No offense, of course. It's just he thinks he's so smart and that he can have anyone he wants. But Raine's too good for someone like him." Genis continued, now beginning to pace around the room eagerly. "Even if he is the Chosen of Mana, he's nothing but a no-good loser who thinks he can do anything he pleases."

"You like to speak your mind.. don't you?" Lloyd stuttered, sweat continually rolling down the sides of his face.

"Any ways, since Raine didn't wait for you, what are you planning on doing now?" Genis asked, tilting his head to the side and letting his stray white locks of hair fall upon his eyes. For someone Lloyd barely knew, he sure did find it okay to share his views with everyone. Hell, he wasn't so bad once you got to know him. He was actually human enough to have a personality. Even if he wasn't technically a human.

"I'm not sure.. I'll probably end up riding Noishe to Triet anyhow. I want to be there to watch the Seals be released." Lloyd spoke, clenching his fists in determination.

"Noishe?..." Genis asked, dumb-founded at the name. A light smile crossed Lloyd's face as he took a seat at the nearest desk and signaled for Genis to also. Pausing a moment, Lloyd thought of the best words to describe Noishe. Many of the Iselia villagers had seen Noishe many times before, but not Genis nor Raine. They rarely were ever seen outside of their house or schoolhouse. And for that matter, when they did get out, they were at some educational place studying up on monsters and the latest.

"He's my dog. I've had him ever since I could remember. Dad tells me he found Me, Noishe and Mom together, and Noishe had brought me to him." Lloyd explained, starring beyond Genis with a light smile.

"Wow, wish I had a pet like that." Genis lightly smiled, swishing his feet off the stool beneath him.

"Genis?"

A familiar voice called at the entrance of the schoolhouse. It was followed by several footsteps as the four familiar figures reappeared in the room. By now, Lloyd has become instantly dumb-founded and tilted his head. Hadn't Genis claimed they left to Triet? Arising to his feet, he watched as Zelos glanced over at him bearing the famous 'Look-who-finally-decided-to-get-out-of-bed' look. Raine glared over at her student then smiled at her younger brother.

"I thought you said they left!" Lloyd stammered, glaring over at Genis.

"Yea. They went out shopping before they departed. They said if you came here, to keep you busy and pretend to be interested in what you had to say." Genis grinned, flashing a smile over at Lloyd. Now feeling betrayed and played for a fool, Lloyd turned his back on them and pouted. He, Lloyd Irving, had been tricked by a twelve year old!

"Lloyd, how many times must we tell you, you have to get here on time!" Raine scolded, thrashing Lloyd across the back of the skull. A shiver running down the swordsman's back, Lloyd wheeled around and glared down Raine and the others. A long sigh escaped his lips before he noticed everyone didn't seem amused at this at all.

"We're leaving tomorrow to the Fire Seal. We decided it best to relax and get stocked up and work on training before making our way to the desert." Zelos explained, rubbing his chest proudly. Lloyd only rose an eyebrow to this action and turned to Yuan and Kratos.

"So you two are coming also?" Lloyd asked curiously.

"As I said before, yes." Kratos explained, casting a curious glance upon the brunette.

"But still! You guys seemed so set on leaving today! Why the change of heart, well besides the item and stock stuff." Lloyd asked once more, watching Yuan pass across the room and glare out the window. He wasn't really a sociable one, now was he?

"Well.. Dirk asked me if I could help him in his studies on the crafting of a Key Crest. He said it would be beneficial if I knew it for our journey and he offered to teach me today." Raine began, halting after each word. However, Zelos strode up next to her and grinned.

"And plus! I need to bid all my hunnies farewell!" Zelos chimed happily.

"They'll be all too happy." Genis spoke looking up at Zelos. A bright smile crossed his lips as he placed his hand on the boys head and patted him slightly. Genis squinted his eyes angrily and starred up at Zelos who had his eyes closed from joy.

"I always knew you were like your sister." Zelos chimed once more.

"I meant they'll be happy about you leaving..." Genis spoke as Zelos instantly stopped, starred down at Genis, and dug his fingernails into his hair. "Ow! Cut it out!" Genis whined, shaking his head and throwing off Zelos' hand.

"Hey Raine, I was thinking. Can I please come along? You might need my magic along the way and I don't trust Zelos for saving the world. Besides, I'd be worried about you.." Genis whimpered at his sister. Raine seemed benumbed by her brother's sudden care, but proud at the same time. It was her, for that fact, who raised him since he was very young.

"Well.. if you promise not to cause any trouble. I don't seem any harm in it." Raine offered, with a gentle smile.

"This isn't a field trip you know." Yuan snapped from the window, turning around to face the others. Kratos glared over at him before nodding gently. Lloyd's blood turned ice cold as he heard the man's comment. Resisting the urge to unsheathe his swords and take vengeance, Lloyd bit down on his bottom lip and starred back at him.

"You are right, Yuan, but Genis is quite a skilled sorcerer." Raine retorted.

"He's twelve." Yuan countered, disgust lingering on his tongue.

"Who are you to say who comes with us, anyhow?" Lloyd piped in, walking up alongside Raine's other side. By now Zelos had also became enraged and was sizing up Yuan from a few distances away.

"Enough. This no time for petty quarrels." Kratos warned, flashing a warning from Yuan to Lloyd. "Right now we need to get prepared and rest up. I don't want anyone doing anything foolish along the way. It is our goal to make it safely to Triet, is it not?" Lloyd looked down, a bit ashamed. "Either way... I think it's best if we go our separate ways today." And with that said, Genis and Zelos exited the building sharply.

"Wonder where they are going in such a hurry?" Lloyd wondered aloud.

"If you three want, you can accompany me to Dirk's House. I think the research he is doing might surprise you also." Raine offered a smile and watched as both Kratos and Yuan nodded in agreement. "And it gives you time to collect your things, Lloyd." Raine finished.

With that, the four had made their way to Dirk's House and through the forest. Across the rivers and past the Human Ranch. They had been so involved in their mission that they had completely missed Genis talking to a slave at the ranch as they passed. Once they made it to the small house on the outskirts of the forest, Raine took the lead and led them inside, as if she knew exactly what she was doing and how to go about it.

"Aye, nice to see you Raine." Dirk offered as they entered.

The room was rather a cozy fit. Made entirely from lumber and natural forest resources, it seemed to glow that homey feel. Raine smiled and took a seat next to Dirk at the table to the right of the room. Yuan glanced over at Kratos for a split second and then sat down.

"Care to chat outside for a bit?" Kratos suddenly asked Lloyd. Stunned, Lloyd glanced over at the auburn man. He wasn't sure whether to be flattered or afraid. Taking the best side of his options, he nodded slightly and followed the man outside once more.

"This is a nice place.." Kratos observed looking at the twisting river that fed it's way through the trees and in front of the home. Lloyd tilted his head in agreeance and watched the man scan the area. "What's that?" Kratos asked curiously, pointing to the gravestone.

"That's where my mom is..." Lloyd murmured, not wanting to be all that social.

"Hmm..." Was all Kratos said before he paused and took a step over. As he stood in front of it, his locks of hair gently fluttered in the wind. Moments passed before Lloyd had curiously stepped beside him, watching his intense gaze.

"What happened to her?" Kratos asked curiously.

"Dad told me she was killed by desians.. he told me not to seek revenge on them, that it'd break our Treaty Of Iselia, but I can't stand them! But still..." Lloyd sighed miserably and starred at it. "I sometimes wonder what she was like.."

"You seem not of the dwarvan blood, is your biological father alive?" Kratos continued, glancing over at Lloyd.

"Not sure... probably not. I'm betting he was killed by desians too, probably for risking his life to save my mom's." Lloyd closed his eyes and shrugged. "Or he's just afraid to come back and see that his son is alive."

"Humph interesting.." Kratos spoke, starring at it once more before taking a step away from it and placing himself on the bench a few yards away. Lloyd followed and took the seat next to him. "..I've been wondering. What is your real objective in this? You are not the Chosen after all."

"Well.. if I don't go, I know for sure that Zelos won't release all the seals and he'll screw the world up. So I feel obligated to go." Lloyd replied, watching the water flow.

".. Is there any reason besides that?"

"Well, I do want to kill the desians without destroying my home.. And figure out about my parents past and that stuff. Plus, Zelos has been my friend ever since I came here, and I can't just let him leave by himself." Lloyd smiled gently.

"Ah.. yes. Very sincere reasons I suppose." Kratos spoke softly.

"What are you and Yuan looking for in Triet anyway?" Another question loomed in the air.

"Our fallen comrade's parents live there. She was Yuan's cousin so he feels complied to go there." Kratos spoke. "And that's more than likely why Yuan hasn't been acting himself lately. Please don't take much offense to his attitude. Usually he is less... uptight." Kratos observed.

"Oh. Well, how long have you known him?" Lloyd spoke, crossing his arms.

"We knew each other for a quite a while, to say the least." Kratos replied.

"Say, what are you and him planning on doing after you leave Triet? Any adventuring plans or such? I'm pretty sure we could use both of your strengths along the way. I mean.. of course it's up to Zelos and all, but I think we'll be safer with you two with us." Lloyd stumbled.

"You may be right.. then again, I'll have to converse with Yuan about the deal." Kratos replied softly. It seemed as if his stern brown eyes had let onto a gentler posture for that very moment. Lloyd tilted his head in confusion and then glanced at the door to his house. Dirk wasn't one for long lectures, so he doubted they would be there for long.

"I'm going to catch up with them." Kratos declared, arising to his feet and entering the house. All fell silent. Questions and curiosity began to fill Lloyd as he sat there, starring up at the brilliant sky. This was going to be a long journey, wasn't it? And from the way he saw it so far, they were having a lot of unneeded help joining them. But then again, there's strength in numbers, right?

Around Ten Minutes Late, Dirk's House- Slyvarant

"L-loyd!"

Lloyd glanced ahead and noticed Genis had come stumbling onto scene. Blood seemed to fall from a single scratch across his cheek, and his eyes seemed to drop tears of pain. Quickly arising to his feet, Lloyd ran over and placed a hand on the panting half-elve's shoulder. Genis glanced up, and took a few deep breaths trying to maintain a constant rate.

"What happened Genis? Or are you going to lie like last time?" Lloyd dared, remembering what had happened earlier today. However, Genis continued his long and sharp breaths as he starred up into the older boy's eyes with distress.

"The.. desians! I-i was at the ranch giving Marble so-some food and well... the desians spotted me trying to break her free because she has a family an-d then they chased after me and I used magic.. and then they started mo-ving towards Iselia... around fifty of them!" Genis finished, tears falling from his face. By now Lloyd was completely in a shock wave of stun and realized there was nothing they could do expect stop the desians now.

"Genis! Do you know what you just did! You broke the Peace Treaty Of Iselia with the desians! Now they're probably going to take everyone to the human slave. Or do something crazy with the town! We've got to get down to that town now!" Lloyd urged, grabbing hold to the elves arm and begun to drag him.

"What about the others!" Genis demanded as Lloyd continued to drag him back the way he came.

"They'll be fine! We can't waste any time!" Lloyd snapped.

"What if they killed Marble?" Genis whimpered as they made their way through the woods and back to Iselia. It was as if Lloyd was operating off fear and not smarts. It would have been wise to tell the others, and risk having lost five seconds than to run in head first into the unknown. But of course, when fear comes, you go with your first instinct.

"We'll find out when we get to town! But if we don't get there in time.. Iselia will suffer." Lloyd spoke, as they crossed the river, keeping a constant running pace.

" Lloyd, I never meant for this to happen! It's just Marble was like a mother to me.." Genis whimpered, as they neared the city. By now they were on the outskirts of town. Lloyd paused for a moment before he starred Genis in the eye. For that split second, he thought he saw himself so many years ago. A boy without a mother, trying to find his place in the world. It wasn't Genis' fault that he cared for Marble.

"Genis, I don't have a mother too, if you didn't know. I know it's hard, but you've got Raine and I've got Dirk. As long as there is someone out there to watch over us, we'll be okay. And besides, friendship is almost as strong as family bonds." Lloyd offered. Genis paused for a moment before glancing up at Lloyd.

"I never knew you could be so sophisticated.." Genis grinned slightly before starring beyond Lloyd. "Wh-ha!" Genis screamed, starring at town beyond.

Lloyd spun around and starred in horror at the sight he found. Buildings were cast upon into millions of flames whilst desians marched around the town as if they owned it. Heart dropping, Lloyd charged forward along with Genis into the city they used to call home. Once inside, they noticed a large group of desians near the front of the town. The minute the two boys entered, the leader had turned around to stare them down.

"There he is. The boy who caused all this." The leader laughed. Lloyd unsheathed his sword and starred down the leader.

"Who are you? What have you done to our city!" Lloyd hollered, clutching both swords in his hands tightly. If it wasn't for Iselia, Lloyd wouldn't have his friends, or a place to call home. Just a lonely house in the forest with his adopted father.

"I am Forctystus, one of the five grand cardinals. I am the leader of the Iselia Ranch. And to answer you're other question, we are burning down the city for breaking the Peace Treaty. You humans think you can skip around the law without punishment? Ha, you are mistaken." Over his eye was an eye patch and on his right arm was a large cannon. He seemed of the half elf nature by his pointed ears, and looked oddly similar to someone Lloyd had met before. But who?

"We broke the Peace Treaty! You Desians did! Attacking people at Martel's Temple! Isn't that going against your word?" Lloyd snapped, as Genis stood by his side, watching the flames burn.

"I have no idea what you're talking about little boy. All I want is him," Forcystus announced, wagging a finger at Genis. Eyes widening with fear, Genis shook his head in misery.

"All I did was give Marble food! She deserves to be treated like a human being, not an animal!" Genis whimpered, starring down the grand cardinal with brute determination.

"And by doing that, you broke the Treaty. And for that, you will pay. Genis Sage." Forcystus laughed and stepped forward so he was inches away from Genis. However, he paused when he noticed Lloyd was starring at him. Moments passed before a sly grin fell upon his face. "Lloyd Irving... what are the odds of meeting you here?"

"H-how do you know my name?" Lloyd demanded. All that came in reply was a distant laugh from the green haired man. "Answer me!"

"How does it feel to know that you two are the cause for the destruction of your city? You'll probably never be able to show your faces again here. Just because you valued the hopeless lives at the ranch. Pathetic.." Forcystus snickered.

"What do I have to do with this! How do you know who I am!" Lloyd demanded, starring angrily at him.

"Hmm.. you do bear a resemblance as Lord Yggdrasill stated. Either way, Lloyd Irving, Genis Sage, you will not meet your maker!" He declared as he rose a hand. A few desians stepped aside from their large circle to show a rather enormous and frightening monster stumbled onto scene.

It's skin was as scaly green, and it wore tattered cloths. Upon it was only one single glowing red eye. Long arms flailed in the ear as the Desians took steps away from the raging monster. Gulping down any freight Lloyd had just occurred, he held his sword tightly and starred at it. How did the Desians acquire a monster like that! It was unlike anything in this world!

"What is that thing!" Genis spoke, holding his kendama in a shaky hand.

"That, dear boys, is your executioner. Have fun." And with that Forcystus stepped aside and let the monster approach them. Shaking on his wobbly two legs, Genis turned to Lloyd, unsure what to do.

"How are we going to beat that thing!" Genis spoke. He barely knew Lloyd, and yet they were about to fight alongside the monster. Then again, why had Forcystus known who Lloyd was, and why did he blame Iselia's destruction on him too! Maybe because he was with Genis now? Or..

"Genis!"

Genis glanced around for the cause of the voice. The monster stopped a few inches away from the young boy. Startled to death, Genis held his kendama in a defensive position, afraid to attack.

"Genis! You were like a son to me, please don't let yourself be killed and tormented because of me. Run, run far away from here and the desians." The monster spoke.

"What the..." Lloyd questioned, starring at the angry creature.

"M-marble?" Genis stammered, tears welling up in his aqua eyes. Now completely confused, Lloyd starred at the monster with much concern. Had that been the old lady Genis claimed to visit? How did the desians turn a human into.. a creature like this!

"Please... kill me. I don't want to suffer anymore.. or cause harm to you too. Please, take care of yourselves and stop the desians from destroying any more lives." A single tear fell from it's face as he thrashed it's ams in the air. It seemed as if it's inner instincts were causing the destruction, and it's mind was telling it otherwise.

"..please Lloyd. I want you to put Marble to rest.. I can't bear the thought of doing it." Genis whimpered, closing his eyes. And with that said, Lloyd sighed and slashed his two wooden swords through the air at the monster. Within those split seconds, a bright light was sent through it, causing it to burst into millions of fragments of rays.

"I'm sorry..." Was all Lloyd said as he watched Genis run up to where Marble had been and scoop up her exsphere. It glowed a dim red as the young boy looked into it with fear.

"Impossible! You inferior-" Forcystus began, aiming his canon at Lloyd.

"Get away from here! You desians are nothing but heartless-" Lloyd began but a large blast of energy was sent spiraling at the grand cardinal within that second. Lloyd's gaze followed the light's path and noticed the others were standing at the beginning of the northerly path.

"Mock my words, Lloyd Irving. This isn't over yet. You'll never be safe." Forcystus growled, clutching his side from where the magic had hit. With that said, the desians gathered around their leader and began to cast a teleportation spell.

And it was over. Taking a few deep breaths, Lloyd slowly went over everything that had just occurred. Genis had befriended a human at the ranch that was forbidden, and that caused the desians to become enraged. They came down and tried to destroy Iselia, but he and Genis had stopped him. Marble turned out to be the monster, and Raine and the others had saved Lloyd and Genis from the angry Forcystus. And to think this all happened before they even left Iselia!

"Genis, are you all right?" Raine yelled, running up to his side. Draping her arms around her younger brother, a single tear fell from his face as he clenched the exsphere tightly in hand.

"Iselia... everybody is.." Lloyd starred in horror at the burning buildings. No one was out wandering the streets in fear. All was silent except the gentle weeping of his new younger friend. Had everyone just died at the hands of the desians? Everyone that Lloyd grew up to know had disappeared within that second...?

"Dead." Yuan declared, alongside Zelos and Kratos. Shaking his head angrily, Lloyd dropped his blades on the ground in denial.

"No! It's not true! It's not true!" Lloyd spoke, starring ahead at the three swordsmen. Each bore a different expression. Zelos seemed to be overcome by grief and shock, whilst Kratos appeared to be stunned by the desians actions. However, Yuan bore that same serious look as before. It was as if he had no soul.

"Lloyd, you musn't be angry with yourself. You had no other option than to protect yourself and Genis." Kratos spoke, pointing to Raine and Genis. Breaths quickening, a single tear fell from Lloyd's face before he glanced up at Zelos.

"I'm sorry..." Was all Lloyd said. He had just let Zelos' hometown be destroyed. Even though it was the Chosen's' job to fulfill the oracle and destroy the desians, Lloyd felt it was partly his fault for letting this happen. Hell, this town as all that Zelos had left.

"Let's just get going to the Fire Seal..." Zelos grumbled, looking downward and passing over to where Raine and Genis were. "It's going to be okay Raine, Genis. As long as we continue onwards as a group, I'll be sure to protect both of you." Zelos smiled lightly. "The Great Zelos won't let his friends be slain, promise."

With that said, Kratos also passed over to the three. He sat down beside Zelos and begun to explain the importance of releasing the seals. And that left Yuan starring coldly at Lloyd. It was as if Lloyd's body dropped twenty degrees when he saw the look upon the other man's face.

"Lloyd, come here for a moment. "

Stammering with thoughts, Lloyd walked over to the blue haired man. By far this had been the most awkward moment of the journey so far. Glancing up at his emerald eyes, Lloyd noticed they were actually filled with the same grief as the others.

"As you can see... desians need to be stopped at once. If they don't more people will die because of them." Yuan explained, bearing the same sassy voice as before. But now even he could hide the concern in his own eyes.

"I understand.. I'm going to help Zelos destroy them all and cleanse this world of evil once and for all." Lloyd declared.

"But don't you think it'll be harder than that? Didn't you hear what the man told you? You're probably wanted among all the desians now. How can you continue onward knowing that you are going to be putting yourself in danger?" Yuan asked, crossing his arms.

"If I stay here, I'll only be running away from my problems. No matter where I go, they'll continue to hunt me down. Even if I stay here. I don't know why they all hate me so much.. but I hate them just as much." Lloyd stuttered, watching the wind gently whip Yuan's strands of blue hair. A slight smile passed Yuan's lips for a moment.

"You're just like him..." Was all he said. Lloyd tilted his head in confusion.

"Just like who?"

"Never mind." Yuan said sharply, gathering his thoughts back once more. Turning a deep red, Lloyd crossed his arms and bit down on his lip.

"Who am I just like! Tell me!" Lloyd persisted but Yuan glowered down at him with much annoyance.

"If you want to stay on my good side, I suggest you forget I said anything about that and continue along with your goal." And with that Yuan passed abruptly to the others to converse.

"Geesh, what's got him so uptight?" Lloyd sighed.

Within moments the six would be making their way to The Fire Seal and Triet. What ever obstacles lay ahead there was anyone's guess. So far countless lives had been destroyed because of the desians, and more friendships were made. Genis didn't seem all that bad after all, and Zelos actually seemed concerned about the future and not himself. And Kratos and Yuan.. they were as determined as ever to make it to Triet to pay their respects. As long as the burning desire in Lloyd remained, he would stop the desians no matter what.

AN:

Different than TOS? Yup. Any ways, the next chapter will continue to have many more differences. Trust me. Well, I'll update soon and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! And I might be adding an OC in a few chapters. Not sure yet any opinion on that?