Title: Disintegration

Author: Tenohikari

Fandom: Tales of Symphonia

Pairing: Mithos(Yggdrassil)/Lloyd, and more pairings to come.

Warnings: male/male pairings. Ratings will go up in some chapters. AU twist but with a lot of Symphonia Game/Manga/Anime spoilers. Oh yeah, the story is 100% unbetad – so it's probably littered with tons of grammar/spelling errors.

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia. I do own a copy of the game, the manga series, and some doujinshi... obsessed? Probably.

Summary: During the end of the Kharlan War, Lloyd had died before his lover and brother-in-arms, Mithos. Four thousand years later, Lloyd Irving finds himself not only on the journey of World Regeneration, but into the past he no longer remembers.

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Mithos,

Stupid? Me? Like always you wound me with your words, maybe one day you might injure me in actual duel. Don't worry about me. I can hold my own in a battle. Even the General complimented me and said I would be able to reach the Captain rank in no time. So there! Anyway, you won't be hearing back from me until we meet again, so give Martel my love, and those other two a good kick in the shins for me.

Lloyd

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Chapter 3

Today a faint memory –

Had he known he was going to die that day, Lloyd would have stayed in bed after all.

Is this real? Am I dying?

As he was able to open his eyes, he saw a huge whirlpool of red and black before him. He couldn't help but stare, fascinated, as the colors intertwined with themselves and nearly became one as the bright crimson began to fade into a dull gray. Or maybe he was going color blind? He didn't know nor care.

His eyelids were starting to feel heavy again. Sleep, he wanted to rest more than anything. Maybe it would all be just a bad dream. He would wake up and have the same boring day all over again with no Oracle or Desians in it.

'I want to wake up. I don't want to die. I'm not ready to see mom yet.'

'Are you done with your beauty sleep, Lloyd?' a voice echoed in his ears causing him to feel cold all over. The numbness was gone and he could feel a chill running through his body. 'Are you ready, to finally wake up?'

Who was speaking to him? Why did the voice sound so familiar? Gazing up, a black gloved hand extended out to him from nowhere, and Lloyd found himself cringing.

'If you refuse, they will die, your friends that is. If you want to help them, take my hand.'

Feeling returned to his arms, and Llloyd reluctantly obliged.

***

Genis felt the wind knocked out of him as a Desian maneuvered around his spells to knee him in the stomach. His small body hit the ground hard next to Lloyd who had fallen only a few minutes ago. What were thinking going against the fearsome Desians? They were just stupid children and now they would pay for their naiveté with their lives.

Lloyd…

Genis wept as he turned to look at his best friend. Lloyd's favorite color had been red and his upper torso was covered in it. There was so much blood. Not even his elder sister's healing spells could cure that kind of injury.

From behind him, he could hear Collette screaming his name as well as Lloyd's and the goddess Martel's. Genis had been trying to give Phaidra some time to get her granddaughter and run back to the village. If anything happened to the Chosen, their world would die… not that these Desians particularly cared.

"Co-Collette," he managed to wheeze as he dug his fingers through the dirt to retrieve his kendama. Rolling onto his stomach, he used what was left of his mana to try and buy his friend more time to escape. "Run away! F-Fire ball!"

His spell shot forward to strike the Desian that was headed for Collette. The spell was too weak and the soldier put out the small flame that was licking his arm without even stopping. The wooden kendama fell lifelessly from the small half-elf's hand as he stared in horror as he watched the Desian grabbed Collette by her hair, before raising his sword to deliver the killing blow.

…A blow that did not come.

His tear-filled eyes widened as a blade pierced through the Desian's torso, before ripping itself free. He heard a surprised shriek from Collette but it was her would-be killer that was spitting up blood. The half elf soldier was dead before he even hit the ground.

Standing in front of the Chosen and Phaidra, was purple-clad swordsman whom Genis was sure he had never seen before. Whoever this man was, he was strong for cleaving a Desian without so much as breaking a sweat.

"Stay back and don't get in my way," he spoke briefly to Collette and her grandmother as he stepped away from them towards the remaining group of Desians standing in front of the temple. Cold, almost red eyes barely acknowledged Genis and Lloyd's bodies as he walked forward without hesitation or even drawing a shield.

The auburn haired swordsman stopped while he was a yard away, flicking the blood - of his previous kill off his blade and made an inclination with his head. Genis gasped in as he scrambled to his knees. Was this man going to challenge all of them at once?!

Apparently so, as four soldiers came at him, weapons drawn raised. Genis wished he could close his eyes, not wanting to witness anymore death; but they stubbornly remained open. The swordsman didn't even flinch when they came at him from all sides, and with one stroke of his sword (that was too fast to fast for Genis' eyes), they went down without a fight.

The swordsman stepped over their corpses and moved on to the next opponent. Only Vidarr – the giant half elf - and three other Desians remained. Despite Vidarr's massive size, he was quaking now and he had reason to be as his the Desian slayer pointed his sword at him.

Not wanting to show his fear in front of his comrades and superior, the huge warrior ran forward swinging his mace ball above his head before sending it crashing down over his challenger's. Much to Genis' growing shock, the blow was blocked effectively. Vidarr grunted and attempted to retreat to attack once more; but the chain had been severed off quickly and before he could fall back, something sharp stabbed into his belly. As blood filled his lungs, the leviathan stared down to see that it wasn't the auburn haired human to deliver the final blow.

Crouching right besides the swordsman, holding a fallen Desian's sword embedded into Vidarr's gut, was Lloyd.

***

Wake up.

Lloyd felt as if he were being lifted from the depths he had been falling, while embraced by the encompassing darkness. One by one, his senses seemed to return and he could both taste and smell the metallic tang of his own blood. The pain followed shortly.

His head throbbed something fierce. The pounding of his skull overheated the hammering in Lloyd's heart against his rib gage. It felt as if his dad had hit him with the blacksmith hammer right after twenty consecutive math drills with Professor Sage and a yard ruler turned beating stick.

It took only a second to realize that he was still breathing- still alive; and then another, to wonder if his friends were in similar states. Lloyd tensed as he could no longer feel the comforting grip of that black-gloved hand around his own and began to grope the ground to his right for something to hold on to, anything that confirmed he was indeed alive in the waking world.

When his hand felt something solid, he somehow knew it was the hilt of a sword. It was definitely much heavier, more substantial than his previous weapons; but a real blade felt right in Lloyd's hand like it was something he was something he had been without for a long time.

Forcing open one eye that had been weighted down by blood that was still wet on his face, Lloyd watched the short battle before him. A swordsman whose back was to him easily defeated a group of Desians with one swing. He watched, as if they were moving in slow motion, the man's blade easily cut through his enemies' torso, slashing their vitals directly.

Then the giant man with the mace ball appeared, and before Lloyd knew it he was now crouching. Lloyd watched in satisfaction as the Desian's devastating weapon had been blocked, leaving his mid section open once more. His heels dug into the dirt briefly before darting forward; his stolen blade ready for the kill.

***

Genis felt his jaw unhinge and drop to the ground as he stared on in disbelief. Not only was his best friend still alive, but he had actually killed the monster who took him out even in his condition. The young half-elf hadn't even see Lloyd move from the spot where he fell to the other swordsman's side nearly a yard away. From the puzzled look on the older human male's face, he too seemed confused.

Vidarr spent the last seconds of his life wondering the same thing; before topping backwards, falling dead to the ground with his allies. The group of remaining Desians who were still alive, shrank back in fear. Their attention turned towards their leader, waiting for his order to fight to the death or retreat.

"Sir?" the soldier called Elric asked hesitantly, trying to steady his trembling hand on the hilt of his sword.

Botta clenched his teeth, eyes narrowing at the swordsman who stood between his group and their target. The Chosen was only a couple feet away, if only so many of his men hadn't fallen earlier. He turned his attention to the human boy who was held responsible along with his companions. How was that brat even still alive after that blow to the head? The child was now the least of his problems now; he knew just what kind of opponent this new swordsman was, one, neither he nor a hundred of his men had a chance in beating.

"I never expected to see you here," he grated out, struggling to maintain his composure when those murderous eyes narrowed at him.

Stepping back, Botta gave the signal retreat. Their leader would be most displeased with this failure but would most likely understand with the circumstances involved. Botta cast another glance at the brown haired boy and frowned before fleeing with the rest of his men.

***

Once the enemy was out of sight, having fled back into the forest away from the village; Lloyd fell out of his crouching position and was taking huge gulps of air on the ground. He had been managing to hold his breath after killing Vidarr not wanting to inhale the stench of death around him in fear that, he too, would fall victim to it. Then pass out and return to the darkness once again.

"Lloyd! Lloyd!" Collette and Genis called out together as they raced towards him. He could only smile back tiredly as they fretted over him, giving him some apple gels for his headache. Genis used a weak water spell to help clean off the mess on his face and hair before it started to dry, which Lloyd was thankful for. The last thing he needed was to freak out his dad when he came home covered in his own blood.

"Oh, thank the goddess!" he barely registered Collette say over her sobs. "It's a miracle you're not dead, Lloyd!"

Genis couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah, I always knew you had a hard head!"

Scowling at his best friend, Lloyd chucked the rest of his orange gels at the mage before attempting to stand. A strong and firm hand settled on his shoulder, preventing him from falling flat on his face. Blinking in confusion, Lloyd's eyes followed the arm to meet its owner's concerned umber gaze.

"Don't push it," the stranger advised him.

The rebel inside him wanted to snap at the older man, to tell him to mind his own business; but the rational side of Lloyd was slowly taking over as he felt the gel's healing effect kick in. Nodding, Lloyd allowed himself to lean back against his friends. He was about to inquire about their health but something caught his attention very quickly when the stranger pulled back his hand.

Mounted on the back of that fingerless-gloved covered hand, was an exsphere.

***

"Lloyd, son, c'mere for a moment.'

A fourteen-year old Lloyd turned away from his sword practice at his father's call. He smiled, and plopped onto the grass beside the man who had been sanding a second practice sword at his son's request. He added the finishing touches before holding it up for the teenager to examine.

"What da'ya think?" the dwarf asked him, "is it a perfect twin?"

The human boy's innocent eyes were wide and filled with awe. He gave his father an equally large smile as he took the practice sword.

"Yeah, it's great! Thanks dad!"

As Lloyd began to practice dual sword moves, Dirk couldn't help but beam with pride; but it was short lasting as he reached into one of his pockets to retrieve a small stone that had not seen the light of day for over a decade. He found himself staring at it for a long time, until his son was tired and had been asking him about dinner. When answers fell on deaf ears, Lloyd plopped down beside his parent, confused at what was so fascinating about a piece of jewelry.

"Take this, Lloyd," Dirk spoke finally as held his hand out to his son, "it's about time I gave it to ya."

Blinking, Lloyd picked up the jewel, not very impressed since he had seen his father create statues out of finer and more beautiful stones. "Eerr… thank you? What is it?"

The dwarf 'hmphed' before getting up, dusting out of the blades of grass from his trousers before turning back to Lloyd. "That thing there is called an exsphere. When you put it on with a key crest, it'll draw out your power and fighting skills."

Lloyd took a couple seconds for the knowledge to sink in, and begin to admire the stone in a new light. "Really it can do all that? Wait til I tell Genis! We'll be unstoppable and beat up all the monsters in the forest that pick a fight with us!"

Reaching out, Dirk sighed and brought his head fist down upon Lloyd's head. "Listen up, knuckle head. Ya can't tell no one that ya have this stone, hear me?"

Rubbing his head in dismay, Lloyd frowned. "Aww come on, dad! It's Genis!"

"Ah said 'no one'!" Dirk barked before pointing at the stone. "No one can know that ya have that. Ya'll be in danger if anyone knows finds outt. Promise me, Lloyd!"

"A-All right, I promise."

* * *

Automatically, Lloyd reached out to cover his bandaged hand and forced himself to look away. If the exsphere was dangerous, why was this man wearing one in plain sight? Who was he anyway?

"Thank you, stranger," Phaidra spoke up as she stood besides her granddaughter, "for saving the Chosen. We owe you a great deal."

The man's turned to look at the girl supporting Lloyd. "So you are the Chosen One?"

"Yeap! That's right!" Collette quickly stood up, resulting in Lloyd's hiss when he fell backwards against Genis. "Oops, I'm sorry, Lloyd."

"S'allright, Collette. I'm feeling a lot better now."

"Oh! wonderful!"

"Ouch, Collette, don't hug me so hard."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Genis rolled his eyes at the pair, "Jeez you guys."

"Your name is Lloyd?"

The question was so sudden; the said boy nearly fell forwards when he whipped his head to stare at the other swordsman who had addressed him. It was the same question that Desian had asked him with that hesitant tone in his voice. It unnerved the teenager for some reason.

"Yeah," he spoke unable to hide the annoyance in his tone, "And who are you to ask my name?"

Genis squeaked beside him and leaned up to hiss in his ear to keep the older man from listening. "Shh! Lloyd! Don't make him angry! He just killed four Desians with one stroke!"

Somehow the swordsman had overheard and decided to sheathe his sword before turning his attention to Phaidra and Collette.

"I am Kratos Aurion," the stranger finally introduced himself, "a mercenary who was requested by the Priest called Sayrune to accompany the Chosen to receive the Oracle."

Collette gulped as tears began to gather in her deep blue eyes, remembering the dead priest who had tried to warn them.

"F-Father Sayrune died," she spoke softly when she thought of the kind old priest, "he was attacked by the Desians."

The mercenary nodded, "Yes, I assumed that much when I saw his body down below. I have come to accept the job."

"Thank you, Mr. Aurion. We are very grateful for your assistance. Now that the Desians are gone, would you please escort the Chosen One into the Martel Temple?"

"Very well, it is why I'm here. Come, Chosen One."

"Um, okay."

"Hey wait a minute!" Lloyd spoke up before they could just walk off, "we're coming too!"

He barely heard Genis mutter something about always being roped in; while Collette looked startled and nervous. Lloyd couldn't understand why though, the Desians were gone.

"Lloyd," Phaidra began as she handed her granddaughter some spare gels, "this is not a field trip; and you've been injured and should go see the village doctor or better yet, find Raine."

The young half-elf squeaked at the mention of his sister, and Lloyd could only imagine the world of hurt they were both going to be in after this. Sure he had a headache, but it was bearable. Besides, there was no way he was entrusting Collette in some stranger's care. Steeling his nerves, he shook his head and placed a comforting hand on Collette's shoulder.

"We can't let Collette go alone, you know how much of a clutz she is… er sorry Collette."

"It's okay."

"Besides," he continued while pointing rudely at Kratos, "he's a total stranger and you can't trust your granddaughter and the Chosen to someone you just met!"

Kratos frowned at Lloyd before turning towards the temple. "Do as you like, but we're wasting time. Chosen, let's go."

"C-Coming!" Collette stuttered but smiled at her two best friends. She looped both her arms around theirs and proceeded to walk forward, make them look like entrants to a six-legged race. Both Genis and Lloyd knew it was to keep her from tripping on her own two feet as they headed into temple of Martel.

Lloyd

The brunet blinked, casting a glance over his shoulder. Strange, he thought he heard someone call his name, but all he saw was Phaidra's back as the elderly priestess was heading towards Iselia. He shook his head as if to clear it, and turned his attention back to his friends as they followed Kratos.

Lloyd, this dream will end soon. Try not to disappear with it.

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End chapter 3