The Sage of Spirits: Finally chapter 1... You know, I really love the intro to this chapter for some reason.
Lloyd: Oh? Why is that?
Me: I don't know. I somehow got the idea - but I disclaim it, as the idea came from FFXII... n.n"
Tana: Huh?
Me: Oh, nothing... Disclaim please. n.n
Lloyd: Sage owns nothing.
Me: Sorry, it's a bit shorter than normal... You see, what I had, it was going to be shorter than this, so I added on to the scene... n.n' Please read!

The One Better Off

Chapter 1: Time of the Oracle

It has been fourteen years now since I have seen my daughter, Tana, on that fateful day – I am afraid to say that she is with my beloved Anna… However, her older twin brother, Lloyd, is alive; he came with me to Derris-Kharlan, where he became a part of Cruxis. As my son, he became an elite member of Cruxis, as it pertained in his birthright. He soon became the replacement to Martel, taking her place as one of the Four Seraphim.

I have raised him as best as I could, and he turned into a fine young man, a strong twin-swordsman. Why he had chosen to wield twin swords, I will never know, but he enjoyed using them nonetheless. However, he is now merely a servant for Cruxis… His heart had closed off to all except Cruxis, Yuan and myself – I have to wonder if he still thought of his deceased sister, least of all remember her. I cannot mention her in front of him, for I do not know how he would react – he loved her dearly before they were separated, and he was most protective of her.

Today, the time had come for the young Chosen to go on her journey, and we were to accompany her on the journey; Lord Yggdrasil did not want to leave this particular Chosen to chance – as he normally did – for she may be the very one he had been searching for. I must take Lloyd with me during these times, as I want him to get an in-depth learning experience on the planet of Sylvarant, the Waning World.

It is time for me to go; I must fetch Lloyd, and be off – I am to sacrifice an innocent girl to Martel.

Memoirs of Kratos Aurion
The Day of Prophecy

Kratos closed the book and placed it in his safe place, knowing that no one would be able to find it. He then walked out of his room to head to his son's room, which was adjacent to his own; he decided to check up on the boy, to see if he was ready to go. He walked through the metal doorway, into the red and white-painted room. Lloyd's wingpack was sitting on the bed, his red covers folded neatly. In the corner sat Lloyd, looking at a photo of some sort on his desk. Kratos walked over and mentally gasped.

"Lloyd, that picture…" Kratos said as he saw the picture of his three-year old daughter together with the three-year old Lloyd. "So, you do think of her?" he asked, looking at the brown-haired teen.

"Yeah. Not everyday, but once every so often; I haven't thought about them in years actually. I normally think of her and Mom at the same time, and I thought that before I left for the journey I'd think about them for a bit. Are you ready to go?" he said, his eyes becoming stern, a smirk growing on his face; he had been waiting for this moment ever since he knew he was being given this assignment alongside his father.

"Yes, I am. Let us go then." Kratos said, handing the boy his wingpack; within moments, they warped down the Tower of Salvation onto the grounds outside of the pearl-white structure.

With their destination set and their plans laid out, they took off for the western skies toward the Village of Oracles. Within two hours of flying, they reached the village. Kratos turned to the boy, who nodded.

"Remember Lloyd, do not call me 'Dad' or you will give us away from the very start." he told him as a conniving smirk grew on the boy's face.

"Of course… Sensei." Lloyd replied back as he descended down to the village, Kratos flying toward the temple; he landed in the fields, the foliage providing him cover from curious eyes as he hid within the trees…

(--The Schoolroom…--)

"Alright, today we are going over the History of the Kharlan War." The teacher said as she walked to the chalkboard; all but three moaned at the lesson of the day: a young boy with silver hair – hair identical to the teacher, a girl with long blond hair and lastly another girl with long brown hair. Raine sighed into her hand; of course those three would enjoy it… "Alright, someone tell me where the treaty of the Kharlan War was signed." she said, turning from the chalkboard to the class.

The brown-haired girl raised her hand in a hopeless attempt to be called on; she knew the Professor would try to get class participation, but she liked to try anyway. The Professor mentally banged her head on her desk as she took her seat, seeing the only two hands that could recall the information. "Tana, where was the treaty signed?"

Tana stood up, shocked at these turn of events. "The treaty of the Kharlan War was signed at the Grounds of Kharlan." She said, sitting down when she finished her answer. Raine stood up again, raising her hand to her chin; she knew a question that would get every hand in the school to go up at once…

"Alright, who was the one that organized the meeting?" she asked, hoping to see that her efforts to teach the class were not in vane; this time three hands went up – a slight improvement she thought.

Well, maybe not, seeing who the third person is… Raine thought, watching as the blonde-haired girl raised her hand among the two who knew already. "Genis, how about you?" she said as the silver-haired boy stood up.

"Yes Raine." he said, a slightly cocky smile on his face. "The Hero, Mithos, organized the treaty between the two warring kingdoms to the Holy Ground of Kharlan." he said and sat down, ignoring the looks the rest of the class were giving him.

"Yes, and upon making the pact with the Goddess Martel, he sacrificed his life to save the Giant Tree, which later died despite the hero's hopeful attempts. With the death of the Giant Tree, the mana of the world diminished tremendously, and the Goddess Martel slept in despair as her beloved world was on the fringe of life and death." she paused to catch her breath; she noticed how the other students sat there as if they were trying to act as if they were paying attention.

I give up… she sighed in her head. "The angels bear the Chosen One to awaken her from her slumber so that she may save the world she loved the most. Today is the Day of Prophecy. Chosen One, Colette." She paused as the blonde-haired girl rose from her seat. "What is the purpose of the Chosen's Journey?"

"It is a journey to awaken the Goddess Martel and to seal the Desians. By completing the trials of the Goddess at the seals, the Chosen is to head to the tower where the Goddess sleeps, and by awakening her, the world's mana is restored and the Desians are sealed away." she responded, sitting down upon finishing.

"Correct. I should have guessed you would have known that Colette." Raine chuckled, continuing on with the day's lesson. Tana sat at her seat, her elbow on her desk with her head in her hand as her brown eyes slowly closed, somehow losing interest; she suddenly sat up quickly.

What's wrong with me? Father would not be happy if I slouched like this… she thought, shifting her position so that she sat up straight. Colette looked over at her, curious as to what she was doing, when suddenly the sky flashed brilliantly; within a minute, the flash disappeared.

"Everyone settle down," Raine said as she walked to the door, "it seems that it is time for the Oracle to begin. I'm going to the chapel to see if they are ready." she said, heading through the door. Colette walked over to the young boy and started talking to him merrily; deciding not to bother the two, Tana sat at her desk, thinking about the day's lesson.

I wish I could remember more about my family… she thought, looking at the bandaged exsphere on her right hand. That jewel was the only thing she had left of her mother, who had apparently died to protect her. She could not even remember how it came into her possession; the only thing she knew was that she had it. Maybe I'll visit Mother when school let's out… she thought, until she heard the piercing scream of her younger foster sister Colette. Tana turned her head to where the sound came from and gasped.

Tana watched as she saw the rushing Colette, who had seen the white-robed priest stained with his own blood…

"Pastor!" Colette shouted, holding the man's head up so he might be able to talk slightly better. He was not to remain in this world much longer; his wounds were too grave. His chest was cut from what appeared to be a sword, where he was later stabbed; blood soaked into his white robes and continued to flow out of his wound.

"Chosen… The Desians came… and broke the treaty… They marched… to the temple… and launched an attack… The Oracle… you have to hurry…" he stopped, coughing tremendously as blood came out from his coughing. "I regret… not being able… to provide aide for you… my dear… Chosen… Good…bye…" he said, his arm falling limp and his eyes shutting forever.

"N-No!" Colette shouted, her head tilting downward as tears fell from her watery eyes. Ten minutes later, Tana saw the girl as she walked for the doorway, where she chased after the blonde-haired girl, grabbing her shoulder.

"Colette, where are you going?" Tana asked as Colette wiped the streaming tears with her sleeve.

"I'm… going to do the Oracle… Tana, I have to… If I don't the world won't be saved… And Desians or not, I'm going." she said; Tana smiled slightly.

"Give me a minute." she asked as she ran over to her desk, pulling out her knives and glaive pole. Sticking one of her knives into the pole, she placed her other knife in her special pouch on her waist. She then grabbed her bag – as well as Colette's bag – and went back to the younger girl. "I'm coming too – I promised that ever since that one day I would protect you. Come on." Tana smiled, looking over at the half-elf; he was up to something, but she did not know what.

After putting his books in his desk, he pulled out his kendema and stuck the ball and stick to his belt, grabbing his bag; he ran over to the two girls. "Hold it; I'm coming too – I'm worried about Raine. And I would like to explore the temple…" he mumbled to himself, a bright smile on his face.

"Are you sure? It will be dangerous." Both girls said at once, slightly overwhelming the boy.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." he replied; the trio walked out of the schoolroom to the outdoors, where a blonde-haired man awaited them. Shocked at their arrival, he took a while before he spoke.

"Girls? What are you doing?" he asked. "The Desians just came by here. It's not safe."

"Father, I have to perform the Oracle today. If I don't, the world won't be saved." Colette said to the man, as if she were pleading with him to let her go. Sighing lightly, he did not know what to do.

"Genis, you should head on home. I'll vouch for you to Raine; you will not have to worry about her."

"I'm sorry, Frank, but I'm worried about Raine, and I don't want to leave them alone. I thank you for the offer though." Genis said politely, bowing his head a bit to the respectful man. Frank looked at the trio with concern for their safety.

"Excuse me." Frank heard someone say as he turned around to see the owner of the voice; the trio looked at the brown-haired teen with shock, not seeing him approach.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" The brown-haired teen looked at them with stern, intimidating red eyes, his expression unreadable to the four.

"I am looking for my Sensei. Have you seen a swordsman wondering around here?" he asked, his eyes staring as if they could pierce through the soul.

"Hmm… I do not think I have seen a swordsman around. What does he look like?" Frank replied warily to the unknown twin-swordsman. Lloyd felt the tension in the air and mentally sighed; he knew he had to lighten up slightly. His eyes' deathly gaze lightened as he began to speak again.

"Auburn hair that slightly covers his right eye; his facial expressions are rather stoic. He was last wearing a purple outfit with a swallowtail cape of the same color. He works as a mercenary and my teacher." Lloyd responded to the now relaxing man. Lloyd mentally sighed to himself again; he was too much like his father…

"I have not seen anyone like that in the village. Do you know what he was planning to do?" Lloyd had turned his head to the northern pathway, knowing full well that it led to the Temple of Martel. "Young man?" Frank asked, slightly offended.

"Huh? Oh, my apologies." Lloyd said, bowing his head slightly in respect. "My manners are usually more… refined than that. I was distracted at that pathway over there. Does it happen to lead to a temple?" he asked politely, waiting for the response of the man.

"Yes, it does. Was he seeking work?" Frank asked the young man, who nodded his head. "Then he must be there. The High Priestess, Phaidra, would know if there was any need of mercenary work. I would suggest going there." he told the boy, whose hands lay on the hilts of his swords.

"I see… Thank you, I will head there now." Lloyd said and turned toward the northern path. He was about to walk out of the village when he heard the blonde-haired man calling for him. "Yes? Do you need me to do something?"

"Yes, if you do not mind." Frank said as he ran after him; Tana, Colette and Genis trailed after the man. "First, what is your name?" he asked.

"Ah, I never said my name? I am Lloyd."

"I see… Lloyd… Since you have been training with a mercenary, am I right to assume that you know how to skillfully wield your swords?" he said, watching as the teen began to smile with slight arrogance. Lloyd removed one of his swords from his scabbard, revealing the metallic blade. "I assume this will do for you?" he said, slowly sheathing the sword as he noticed the approval of the man.

"Would you mind watching over these three? I do not want these children getting hurt while they are heading for the temple." he told the teen, who mentally groaned at these unexpected turn of events. "I can pay you for protecting them if you wish."

Remember Lloyd, you are under the guise as a pupil and mercenary… he thought to himself as he raised his hand to his chin, making out his thought process. "I do not see why not. And you do not have to pay me much for it. Is three hundred gald too much?" he asked, looking at the shocked face of the man. "If it is I can…"

"Oh no, I was surprised that you asked that low price. Most people would at least do something like this for more than double your price. I will accept your offer; if you do not mind, I will pay you when you get back. That way I will know that they were safe."

Lloyd gently smiled. "That is fine with me. After all, I could not charge much with the way things are now. Shall we be going?" he said. Colette stepped toward the teen, bowing her head.

"I thank you for going with us!" she smiled happily at the teen, bowing. "I'm Colette Brunel!"

"Yes, thank you for escorting us. I'm Tana Brunel, Colette's older sister." Tana nodded her head politely; Lloyd mentally widened his eyes, gaping. "And this is Genis Sage, a friend of ours. Shall we get going? We need to get to the temple right away!" Tana shouted, leading the way to the exit, Colette and Genis following them out of the temple. Lloyd shook his head and charged after them, hoping to get in front of the trio.

Frank watched as they left, his thoughts ultimately hoping for their safety. Good luck, all of you… he thought as he returned to his house.

Lloyd managed to get in front of the three, where he became lost in thought. Tana… It cannot be… No, it is not true… She is merely another Tana… Come on Lloyd, snap out of it before you blow your cover! he shouted in his head, when he noticed Colette running up to him.

"So… uh, Lloyd, where are you from?" she asked, smiling happily as she let go of his arm. Lloyd looked at her skeptically, wondering what she was up to.

"I have no real home; I merely travel with my Sensei." he said as he led them down the path.

"Oh… I'm sorry…" she said, closing her eyes slightly.

"Why are you apologizing?" Lloyd sighed, looking at the girl. After hearing yet another apology, he decided to simply drop the subject. Within ten minutes, they arrived at the steps of the temple. Lloyd looked around as he tried to find his father; he was nowhere in sight. Where are you Dad?! he growled in his head, his mouth turning into a scowl as his hand turned into a fist.

"What's wrong Lloyd?" Colette asked, placing her hand on his fist as if she wanted to try and calm him. Lloyd turned his hand to the girl, his stern glare softening; he found that she certainly cared for him, a stranger. He lowered his head as a slight smirk appeared on his face; he could tell that she liked him.

It seems that this will be fun playing with this girl… "I don't see my Sensei around, and I hear fighting going on up there…" Lloyd said, unsheathing his swords. Tana looked at Colette, who was watching the teen as he ran up the stairs.

"Colette, do you… like him?" she said, blushing slightly. She led the two up the stairs as she noticed that Colette nodded her head slightly; she mentally sighed.

So she does like him… too… she thought sadly as they walked up the stairs. She spotted the teen as he stared at the brown-haired man that stood in front of the temple. That was when she spotted Phaidra behind the man and gasped; she ran up the stairs, Colette and Genis on her tail. "Grandmother!" she shouted; Lloyd turned around and glared slightly.

What are they doing?! he thought as he saw the three running toward him; Lloyd turned his attention to the man – he was wearing a gray robe as he stood between two other men who wore similar uniforms. These pathetic Renegades think they can stop me… I'd expose them, but that would not be the best option right now… he smirked, narrowing his eyes. I do hope they are ready to die by my hand!

"Colette, stay back! These Desians are here for you!" Lloyd shouted at the blonde, who paused in her step. Pulling her chakrams from off her back, she charged toward the teen, whose eyes widened slightly. "Colette! What are you doing?!"

"I cannot let you get hurt fighting for me! I'll help out!" she shouted back, throwing one of her chakrams at the charging "Desian." Lloyd ran towards the startled man, slicing diagonally upward across his chest; he took the hilt of his sword and rammed it into the bloody chest, causing him to wheeze with the lack of air. Tana, tired of watching (despite watching due to her slight shock), pulled out her glaive, blocking the "Desian's" sword.

"Genis, are you ready?!" she asked the half-elf boy; when she saw the fire balls flying past her, hitting the aggressive "Desian;" she got her answer. While he was stunned, she jumped back, slashing his left leg; he fell over in the pain. Botta stood there, thinking over what he should do when the thought hit him.

"Vidarr! We need you now!" he shouted to the temple, hoping to bring out the gigantic man from within. Suddenly, the ground was shaking violently as a giant man appeared from the building; he carried a mace in his left hand, an axe in the other. He slammed the mace down onto the ground.

"Do not get in our way." He said, lifting the mace again and swung it over his head. Lloyd temporarily sheathed his swords and crossed his arms; his defiant stance said all he needed to say.

This is all fun and games, but where is Dad? He's missing all of this enjoyment... he thought until he felt his presence wafting in the air. Heh, that's just like you Dad… Coming to the rescue… he said, closing his eyes. Vidarr saw the chance to strike the teen; he raised his swinging mace over his head as he prepared to strike.

"Lloyd!" Tana shouted, charging over to the teen, her glaive ready to strike. Colette and Genis kept to the backend; Colette took her stance to throw her chakram while Genis prepared another Fire Ball spell.

Lloyd quickly removed his swords from their scabbard. He knew full well that he could dodge the blow if need be, but he thought that he would give his father his chance to "save him." After all, what fun would it be to take all of the enjoyment of battle?

The next thing he heard was the clinging of metal as a smirk grew on the boy's face…

Lloyd opened his eyes to see the purple-clad mercenary standing in front of him; the giant man fell to the ground, his weapons falling off of him. Kratos turned his head to the boy as Lloyd bowed his head respectfully, his smirk saying all that needed to be said to the man.

"Sensei, I have been searching for you." he said, pounding his fists together after sheathing his swords.

"We shall talk later. We have people to defend." Kratos said; Lloyd joined the man in the front, just as Vidarr got himself straightened out…

Me: ...Heheh. n.n
Lloyd: What's with you?
Me: I'm listening to tv openings!
Lloyd: W...What?
Me: Tv openings for tv shows!
Tana: Okay...?
Lloyd: You telling me... -face palms-
Me: Time for more tv openings! n.n Review please!