Exodus: Well, hello everyone.

Zeek: Exodus, where's Vyser?

Exodus: Well, seeing as how this chapter is all about my past, Vyser decided to take the night off.

Zeek: So am I to do the disclaimer or are you?

Exodus: I'll do it, you're not even in this chapter.

Zeek: Well, I'm off to the movies, wonder what's playing?

Exodus: Vyser does not own Tales of Symphonia or the characters that you the reviewers submitted. He does own characters like myself. I hope you all will enjoy my past.

//// -------------------- ------------ /// ----------------------- ------ /

Chapter 31: The Tale of Exodus

/// ------------------- ------------- / ----------------- --------------- //

"So many memories, many sad, many cheerful, but mostly disturbing," Exodus muttered as he looked at the mirror that was around his neck and sat down in his throne. "I might as well remember the past, to make sure I don't make any mistakes for the future."

/----------------- ------------------ // ----------------- ------------------- //

Many centuries ago, before the world was spilt, before the Kharlan war, and even before Mithos was born, in a run down village a small golden hair child was born. His parents, a young beautiful blond elf girl, Serena, and a very powerful demon in the shape of a human with purple hair, Lucifer, had a forbidden love. Many of the villagers feared and hated the demon father. The parents named their child, Exodus. Five years passed since Exodus was born, the villagers still had a deep hatred for the Demon Child and his parents. We find Serena and Exodus walking through the village market getting food for dinner. Exodus was wearing a big white shirt and black baggy shorts; he was a little taller than a regular toddler was. His mother Serena was wearing a sky blue dress; she was two feet taller then Exodus. As Serena was looking at some of the fruits, while many of the villagers who were nearby were whispering. Exodus overheard what the people were talking about.

"There's that half breed."

"I thought demons didn't exist"

"Don't talk to that child or his parents, you'll be cursed!"

"Why don't we do anything against them?"

"You nuts! We so much as raise a hand against them, Lucifer will obliterate us!"

"Anyone having to do with them must also be a demon."

"Serena could have anyone, but she chose that demon, Lucifer."

Soon, Exodus and Serena left the market, Exodus's heart sunk from what he heard from the villagers. They were heading towards a small house on the outskirts of the village.

"Mom," Exodus said as Serena looked down towards her son.

"Yes my little one?" Asked Serena as the two continued to walk.

"Why were those people talking bad about us?" Exodus asked as Serena sighed and knelt so she and Exodus could see eye to eye.

"Exodus, don't take what they say to heart, people are strange," Explained Serena as Exodus listened carefully. "When something they can't explain or fear appears, its natural for them to have hate. Just ignore them."

"Thanks Mom," Exodus replied as Serena smiled and they continued to their home.

Lucifer wasn't normally home, but when he was he would always bring Serena and Exodus clothes and food. Everything was great, until Exodus reached the age of eight. It was a beautiful evening, Lucifer decided to treat Serena and Exodus to a meal on a nearby hill.

"It's nice to actually be home," Lucifer said before he took a huge bite from his watermelon. Lucifer had golden hair that was actually purple, his body was really tan, and his clothes were black and gray robes. The only indications of his demon blood were his glowing yellow eyes and his horns sticking out from his hair.

"Yes, I'm glad you can actually be here with us," Added Serena before she drank some of her tea. "The sunset is amazing."

"A great night," Exodus said as a man wearing sage clothes and wielding a holy staff approached from behind them.

"Oh great, another idiot," Lucifer said as he stood up.

"Demon, you are the great evil that has instilled fear in the hearts of these villagers," Said the Holy Sage. "I must rid you from this world."

"I'm with my family, you any idea how many of you idiots challenge to destroy me daily?" Asked Lucifer as claws appeared on his fingers. "Since I am with my family, I'm giving you the chance to walk away and keep your life."

"It is my duty to stop you," The Holy Sage replied as he lifted a paper seal from his pocket and threw it towards Lucifer. "I'll shall aid the common man!"

Lucifer didn't even move as the seal landed on his forehead, he just laughed.

"That trick might've worked on normal demons, but I'm stronger then that," Stated Lucifer as he tried to move but a huge surge of holy energy caused him pain. "What!"

"I'm afraid that I'm a Holy Sage, my holy spells are stronger then that of a normal sage," Explained the Holy Sage as he raised his holy staff. "Now to finish the job."

"Serena! Take Exodus and leave the village!" Lucifer commanded as the Priest approached him.

"But," Started Serena.

"My love, please leave!" Yelled Lucifer as Serena quickly grabbed Exodus by the wrist and ran away.

As Serena was leading Exodus away from where Lucifer was, a huge demonic scream filled the night sky. Tears fell down Serena's face; she knew what had happened to her love. The worse was yet to come, when Serena and Exodus reached the forest next to their house. A bright light led them to where their house was. Their eyes widen as they gazed upon what had become of their house. Many villagers had heard Lucifer's scream and decided to take advantage of his death and set fire to Serena and Exodus's house.

"No," Said Exodus as he watched his house blazing in the fire.

"Hey! There is the demon child and his mother!" Yelled a villager that spotted Serena and Exodus.

"Get them!" Another villager yelled.

Exodus and Serena quickly ran into the wood so that they could escape. They would no longer live the peaceful lives that many others have lived.

/// ---------- ----- ----------------- /////////// ----------------- ---------- /

Seven years passed since Lucifer died and Serena and Exodus had to run from their home. Exodus and Serena had moved to a different town, but because they were heard by many, they had to change themselves. Using dyes they changed their hair colors and changed their clothes. Exodus had his longer hair dyed black, and was now wearing a dark blue vest over a white shirt, and black long pants. Serena also had her normally blond hair dyed black, and she usually was wearing a green dress with a black jacket on top. Exodus was usually spending most of his time reading books, some would consider him a bookworm at this stage, but his books would usually take him away from reality. One day he was walking with a book in his face, the new town he was in was bigger and had a sidewalk, just as he was turning around a corner he accidentally walked into someone, knocking them both down.

"My bad," Exodus said as he opened his eyes and saw her.

Through his eyes he saw the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had long brown hair that went down past her shoulders, her skin was clear, she had a great figure and Exodus was speechless. She was wearing a red short sleeved jacket over a black shirt, and she had brown shorts.

"Uh, I'm really sorry," Apologized Exodus as she helped the girl up.

"That's okay," The girl said as she realized whom she was talking to. "You're that new guy around here aren't you? It was Exodus, right?"

"Yeah, I didn't realize that I was known," Laughed Exodus as the girl handed Exodus his book. "Thanks, so, uh, what's your name?"

"My name is Katherine," Introduced Katherine as she shook Exodus's hand.

"Its great to meet you as well," Exodus replied as Katherine quickly left. "This feeling, what is it?"

A few weeks had passed; Exodus and Katherine were spending even more time together. Exodus still hadn't told anyone about his past. It was getting close to Katherine's birthday and Exodus was thinking off what to get Katherine. He was at home two days before her birthday, writing down what he could get Katherine.

"What to get, what to get?" Thought Exodus as Serena walked into the room. "Hey mom, what do you think I should get my friend for her birthday?"

"Her? Do you have a little thing with this person?" Serena taunted as Exodus blushed.

"Ah, uh, I just want to give her a good birthday present!" Retorted Exodus as Serena giggled.

"I'm sure you'll find something perfect to give her," Serena replied as she left the room.

Exodus finally figured out what to give Katherine, the next day he crafted a fine small mirror that had a silver outer cover with a pair of angel wings at the top that had a necklace piece that would let anyone wear it. He quickly wrapped up the present and waited for the next day to come.

The morning came too soon; Exodus quickly got up, changed into his best clothes, grabbed Katherine's present and was off. The day was semi-cloudy, Exodus was really excited. As he was walking towards Katherine's house, a purple haired man wearing dark clothes approached Exodus. The mysterious man looked like Exodus.

"Can I help you?" Exodus asked as the mysterious man didn't say a word. "Hello?"

"Prepare yourself, one day you'll find out your destiny when pain strikes your heart," Said the mysterious man before he walked past Exodus.

"That was weird," Thought Exodus as he shrugged it off and continued to Katherine's house.

When Exodus arrived at Katherine's house, he gave her the mirror. Katherine was thrilled to receive such a great present. Ever since that day, Exodus and Katherine were closer then ever.

/// -------------- ---------------- ------- /// ------------------ ------------ /

Exodus was now 25 years old, he had grown into a fine young man. He still had his hair dyed black and moved out of his Mother's house when he was 18. He was getting extremely close to Katherine. Today he was going to ask her to marry him, Exodus had left the village to find a proper ring for his Katherine, and while he was searching the nearby forest he found a strange dark purple jewel. It was enough for him to make a ring for Katherine, so he took the jewel and using his powers he was able to make the ring fast and durable.

"Perfect," Exodus said as he lifted the ring into the air and quickly left the woods.

When Exodus returned to the village he was shocked to see someone whom he never wanted to see, it was the Holy Sage that had killed his father Lucifer many years ago. Many people were gathered around the Holy Sage, Exodus quickly hid behind a building to listen what he was saying.

"I do not wish to alarm you fine people, but a demon child that I have been pursuing for many years may be residing in this very village as well as his mother." The Holy Sage said as many of the villagers began talking to each other with concern. "The Demon child's name is Exodus."

At the mention of his name many villagers gasped and began talking about him, Serena and Katherine. Especially how Katherine was so close to Exodus. Exodus didn't need to hear anymore, he knew that he had to warn Serena and Katherine immediately. Exodus ran as fast as he could to Katherine's house. He was too late; many villagers had already reached Katherine's house. Katherine was outside trying to talk to the villagers trying to convince them that Exodus was not a horrible demon. The villagers were still saying that Exodus was not to be trusted. Exodus was about to jump out from behind a building to help Katherine, when suddenly Serena stopped him.

"Mother," Exodus said as Serena looked sad.

"I was expecting this day to come," Said Serena as she hugged Exodus. "I'll help Katherine escape, just promise me you'll live with her in peace."

"Mom," Exodus replied as he returned the hug with tears in his eyes. "I can't let you do that, I just can't."

"I was prepared for this, this is a choice I make," Serena stated as she forced Exodus back and ran to Katherine's aid.

Exodus was still watching what was happening, Serena quickly joined Katherine. First Serena whispered something to Katherine, which made Katherine quickly run inside the house. Many villagers were trying to get to the house door, but Serena quickly blocked them. Katherine quickly and quietly came out from behind the house and spotted Exodus. Katherine quietly sneaked away from the angry villagers who now knocked over Serena and entered the house. Katherine quickly jumped into Exodus's arms and they both engaged each other in a deep kiss. As soon as their lips parted, Katherine looked worried. Katherine had the mirror that Exodus gave her around her neck and had a backpack on her back.

"Exodus, is it true? Do you have demon blood following through your veins?" Katherine asked as Exodus closed his eyes.

"Yes, I'm sorry I never told you," Answered Exodus as the couple quickly left the immediate area. "Does this change your perspective about me?"

"Of course not, I love you," Katherine replied as they continued to run. "Shouldn't we go back for your mother?"

"She told me to leave with you and live in peace," Exodus said as they were heading towards one of the village exits.

Exodus and Katherine were almost near the exit when suddenly the Holy Sage and many of the village soldiers wielding bows walked in front and behind Exodus and Katherine. They were trapped.

"Why are you doing this! I didn't do anything!" Yelled Exodus as the Holy Sage smirked.

"Demons are not to be in this world of ours, we must purify this world of your demon blood, the kings also offered me much money for your head." The Holy Sage answered as the village soldiers raised their bows. "I also believe that innocent girl you have with you is possessed."

"That's ridiculous!" Yelled Katherine as the Holy Sage growled.

"Enough, lets end this kill them!" The Holy Sage commanded as the village soldiers shot many arrows at Exodus and Katherine.

Katherine cringed, expecting to have many arrows kill her. Instead, something warm covered her, when she opened her eyes she was amazed to see what had protected her. Exodus had two wings, one like an angels and one of a demon's, the angel wing managed to block the arrows without a scratch. Exodus's hair had become golden and a his eyes were glowing yellow. Exodus quickly lifted Katherine into his arms and began to fly into the air. The soldiers kept on firing arrows, but Exodus had a golden aura around him and Katherine blocking the arrows. Exodus flew himself and Katherine to an extremely safe place that was really far from the village.

"Katherine, I'm going back," Exodus said as he put Katherine down.

"No, Exodus please I don't want to lose you," Pleaded Katherine as Exodus held her hands.

"Do not worry, I plan on returning," Exodus replied as he handed Katherine the ring he had made. "This ring will be my promise, and when I return it will represent a more meaningful promise to you."

Katherine understood what Exodus meant by his words, Exodus quickly flew his fastest to return to the village. When he finally returned he headed where he saw his mother, in front of Katherine's house. No one was around when Exodus landed, he saw blood on ground near where his mother was standing. It was wet, his mother might still be alive, and at least that's what he hopped for. He quietly searched the village, but he couldn't find a trace of her. He returned to where he left Katherine, where they locked each other in a long hug. A single tear escaped from Exodus's eyes as the sun began to set.

/ ---------------- --------------------- ///// -------------------- ----------- ////

Three years passed Exodus and Katherine had a secret matrimony and had a daughter named Eve. Eve was two years old and had golden hair like Exodus. The three were living in a small house in a forest away from any city. Exodus kept his hair golden and kept his demonic powers in check. Katherine still managed to look her best as the years passed. Exodus would go everyday to hunt, get firewood, and water. One day after claiming a deer for food, he was heading back to his house when suddenly a familiar person appeared in front of him.

"It's you," Exodus said as the purpled haired man smirked. "Who are you and what do you want?

"I'm known as Keritos and I've come to warn you once more," Replied Keritos as Exodus just raised an eyebrow. "Your inner darkness will soon awaken and will be stronger than you can ever image."

"You were right once before, but how did you that event would come to pass?" Exodus asked as Keritos began to walk pass him.

"All will be known in time," Answered Keritos as he disappeared into the woods.

Exodus shrugged off what Keritos said, and continued to head towards home. When Exodus returned home, he saw Katherine sitting in a chair rocking Eve in her arms. Katherine still had the mirror that Exodus gave her.

"Katherine I'm back," Exodus announced as Katherine stood up.

"I take it that you did well in your hunting," Said Katherine as Exodus smiled.

"Yeah, I suppose I did," Exodus replied as he headed for the house with Katherine behind.

"How was your day?" Asked Katherine as Exodus hanged the deer up.

"The same as usual, except for the fact that I met a new person today," Answered Exodus.

"Do you think that this means trouble?" Katherine with a worried look on her face.

"I don't think so, besides, I can handle any thing that can comes our way," Exodus replied. "Now you go relax, I'll get dinner ready."

Night soon came and Exodus, Katherine and Eve were asleep. Around midnight, another familiar person came near Exodus's house. It was the corrupted Holy Sage, behind him were many soldiers, half armed with bows and arrows the other half with swords.

"Well now men, we'll finally deal with this demonic half-breed," Said the Holy Sage with a wicked smile. "Now first to get him out of the house, Archers prepare your flaming arrows!"

As Exodus was enjoying his dreams, a knock on the door woke him up. Exodus quickly grabbed some of his clothes, put them on and quickly answered the door.

"We don't want anything," Exodus tiredly said as he rubbed his eyes.

"Well, it appears the demon is as stupid as usual," Said the Holy Sage as Exodus quickly realized who was at the door.

"You!" Exodus yelled as the Holy Sage quickly jumped backwards. "You're going to repent for what you've done!"

Exodus quickly jumped in front of the Holy Sage, an evil smirk quickly appeared on the Sage's face.

"I'll finally be able to get revenge for my parents!" Exclaimed Exodus as the Holy Sage began to laugh. "Was there a joke?"

"There's joke, you don't get it because its on you," The Holy Sage chuckled as he snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, many flaming arrows were shot out of the forest and landed on Exodus's house. Exodus quickly turned to see his house was on fire. Memories quickly filled Exodus's head, but he quickly got those out of his head and quickly ran to get back to his house. All of a sudden, a surge of holy energy quickly stopped Exodus in his tracks. The Holy Sage used a talisman to stop Exodus. A group of soldiers wielding swords quickly surrounded the door. Katherine quickly opened the door with Eve in her arms. The soldiers quickly lifted their swords towards Katherine forcing her to not go any further.

"I see you've gotten a family," Said the Holy Sage as Exodus was seriously getting angry.

"You better leave them alone!" Exodus yelled as the Holy Sage snapped his fingers.

"Kill his family," Commanded the Holy Sage as the soldiers quickly took Katherine and Eve away.

"No! They haven't done anything!" Exodus yelled, as he could the soldiers take his only family into the woods.

"Your child has demon blood, and your wife has given birth to that demon child," Replied the Holy Sage as an aura surfaced from Exodus's skin. "What the!"

"You leave them alone!" Exodus yelled as his aura destroyed the talisman on him.

"I'll still destroy you!" Exclaimed the Holy Sage as he threw more talismans at Exodus but Exodus's aura quickly burned the talismans before they even cam close to Exodus. "Here's trouble."

"I don't have time to deal with you," Exodus said as he made his wings appear and he flew to where the soldiers took Katherine and Eve.

I'm out of here," Muttered the Holy Sage as he began to run towards the forest.

Exodus found the soldiers, but their blades were drenched with blood. Katherine and Eve's bodies were on the ground. Exodus was speechless, shock filled his eyes, and the soldiers raised their swords about to kill Exodus.

"You ruined my life, now I'll take yours as repentance!" Yelled Exodus as a small orb of white and dark light appeared in his right hand. "Now perish!"

Exodus quickly shot the light and as soon as it hit the soldiers, small explosions engulfed them. When the explosions died down, the soldiers' charred bodies were all that were left. Exodus then quickly knelt to see Katherine and Eve's bodies, Katherine still had the mirror around her neck, and only a huge crack went through the mirror. Tears escaped from Exodus's eyes, the only thought racing through mind was to destroy the so called Holy Sage. Quickly, Exodus grabbed Katherine's mirror made his wings appear and flew through the air, after which Keritos appeared from the bushes and looked at the dead bodies.

"All's going according to my plan," Keritos thought as he bent down.

/// ----------- -------- -- //////// -------- --------- ----- /

Exodus finally found the Holy Sage and landed right in front of him. Anger was flaming in his eyes.

"Hey, you don't want to hurt me," Said the Holy Sage as he took a step back.

"You said you were to kill me for the demon inside," Exodus said as his hair turned dark purple and two jagged horns shot out of his head. "Well, I'm going to give a taste of what you've been trying to kill!"

All of a sudden, Exodus transformed. He became 10 feet tall, he had huge curved black horns, dark skin, purple hair around its head, his head looked sort of like a lion. He had black claws on its fingers and toes. His wings became two bat wings; his clothes opened up and still weren't ripped. Around Exodus's neck was the mirror that he gave Katherine, Exodus snarled and scared the Holy Sage.

"Please! Have mercy!" Pleaded the Holy Sage as he fell to the ground.

"Did you have mercy when you killed my father?" Exodus asked as the Holy Sage gulped. "Did you have mercy when turned the villages against my Mother and I? And did you have mercy when you commanded those soldiers to kill my true love and my only child? I think not!"

"I'm not the one you want! The kings of the world commanded me to do this!" Exclaimed the Holy Sage as Exodus closed his eyes.

"I see, but," Exodus said as he flexed his right arm. "You must still repent for all that you have done!"

Exodus then thrust his clawed hand straight through the Holy Sage. Blood shot from the Priest's back from where Exodus's claws had pierced. Blood came out from the Holy Sage's mouth as Exodus removed his blood-covered claws from the Holy Sage. As soon as the Holy Sage fell to the ground dead, Exodus returned to his normal form.

"I've finished this priest, but what is the price?" Exodus said as he quickly looked at Katherine's mirror. "I promise on my blood, I'll change this world so that nothing like this will happen to people like me!"

// ---------- --------- ////// ------------ /

-Back in the present-

A knock on the door quickly got Exodus out of his trip of memory lane.

"Who is it?" Asked Exodus as Vex entered the room and knelt before Exodus.

"Master Exodus, we've gotten a report from our agent," Vex said.

"Good run it by me," Exodus replied.

//// ------------------ -------------- // ------------------------ ---------- //

Exodus: Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Vyser: Yeah, and now I've got a prize for Gijinka Renamon for noticing the fight scene last chapter. It's a Mime plush doll! And for treekicker, it's a Mime robot that can do all that Mime can do, for Jet.

Exodus: That's cheap.

Vyser: Hey, you may be strong, but I can take that power away from you with a little typing.

Exodus: Fine, now I'll say the announcement. Reviewers! We need you to choose one of the following four words. Fire, Forest, Ice, or Water. Why we ask you? Well, you'll just have to find out by reviewing.