Chapter Seven- Escapades and Reunions (Part Two)
Um...
Can we say, whoops..?
But I didn't dare speak at the moment. The silent fury of the mercenary before me just down right frightened me. Hey, he could be twice more intimidating in real life then the game.
But before I could get in a word to my defense, Kratos tightened his grip on my arm to the point his knuckles turned white, and began to pull me along with him as he made his way down the hall. I mentally had to watch my footsteps because, at the gait he was walking, I was very liable to stumble. And I was pretty sure anything I did was going to piss him off.
' LET GO OF MY MISTRESS!!!'
For the several time, I heard the child's voice echo and ring across my mind, this time it sounded like an angry screech. Was this child somewhere nearby..?
My unasked question was answered soon enough; Kratos halted abruptly before we were even anywhere near the base exit, body tense as a board. Then suddenly, I heard the man chant the words, " Guardian!"
The familiar green wall of defensive magic circled around the two of us in a protective sphere, and not a moment to soon. For seconds later, an onslaught of scorching white flames barreled into the shield, making it ripple like water from the effort of protecting us.
' That's hot..!' I couldn't help but think, raising my free arm to shield my face from the unbearable heat. Who or what on earth could attack with this level of fire power?! It felt like I was sticking my face in a oven!
That was why I didn't hold back my sigh of relief when the flamethrower ended. But the singing of a sword being pulled from it's sheath put me back on edge, mentally scolding myself for relaxing too soon . But that didn't stop me from peeking around Kratos. My curiosity always was a weakness for me.
' What the..?!' I found myself openly gaping at our so-called-enemy. It was smaller then I thought, no bigger then an average sized male adult cat. It's reptilian body, which was a nice green shade with serpentine wings and all, gave away it's identity. ' Is that a.. Dragon?'
Indeed. The little creature in front of us looked a lot like a baby dragon, which I only heard and saw of in mythological books back home. Currently, it was using it's wings (which looked a little too big for it's body) to keep itself airborne, all the while trying to look intimidating at us (or rather Kratos) with it's blood -red eyes.
Despite the fact that this little fledgling had just tried to burn us to death, I didn't at all feel any hostility or fear towards the dragon. In fact, I felt just the opposite: relief, and.. Joy?
But I had temporarily forgotten who I was with. To Kratos, a creature that had just attacked us and looked nothing at all humanoid, was a monster. And all monsters needed to be destroyed. Because in this world, it was either kill or be killed. I managed to snap myself back to reality when I saw him begin to move out of the corner of my eye.
" Wait!" I protested, throwing an arm out in front of the mercenary.
Kratos stopped, refraining the name of his selected attack from slipping out of his mouth. The next moment later, I saw the man shift his body ever so slightly, and tilted his head to glance at me over his shoulder. His annoyed expression clearly saying, ' What now?'
I made my way around the angelic mercenary, still keeping a cautious arm out incase the man changed his mind and flat out attacked.
" What are you doing?!" I heard him hiss, clearly irritated that this girl kept deifying at every turn. And now she was stepping out of her protection to confront the beast? Madness!
I ignored the irate man that was currently steaming behind me and continued to slowly advance towards the small fledgling. If my hunch was right, this little dragon wouldn't raise a fing–err, I mean a claw, against me.
I stopped when I was within mere feet of the baby draco, and for several moments just stood there. As if I was in a staring contest. Finally, I raised my arms in a slow motion. And with a deep inhale of breath, spoke softly, " Come here, Azra!"
Instantly with what sounded like a squeal of pure delight, the fledgling flapped it's great wings so that rose a couple of inches in the air before flat out diving , right into my outstretched arms. But the baby dragon had used so much momentum to reach me that I was knocked clear off my feet.
' Mistress, Mistress! I'm so glad you're alright!' While her voice spoke to my mind, on the outside the little dragon let out a coo of contentment and snuggled as deep as she could into my arms. ' I was so worried those mean humans had done something to you!'
I couldn't help be smile widely, literally feeling my mouth stretch as I gazed down fondly at the little draco. No doubt about it. As strange as it sounded, this little dragon I had in my arms, was Azra. The strange little orphan girl I had rescued at the House of Salvation.
But, something was puzzling me. Why on earth was she calling me 'Mistress' ?
However, I had no time to ponder over it (as usual). The sound of rushed footsteps echoed loudly down the hall, soon accompanied by voices.
"..That damn fledgling got away!"
" Forgive us, Lord Ryu!"
" Yes, please forgive us! That dratted–"
" Enough excuses! Just find that dragon, NOW!"
A chorus of " Yes sir!" Was heard, and soon the stampede of feet faded away, and left us only to silence again. Kratos was the first to cautiously peer around the corner, while I stood next to him with my back to the wall, Azra secure within my arms.
At moment or two later, the mercenary drew his head back and leaned against the wall. Folding his arms while looking down at Azra and I through the eye that wasn't obscured by his bangs. " We should get moving. We don't have much more time before they come around again."
I nodded in agreement and followed after the auburn-haired man, easily keeping up with his strides due to my long legs (I was about 5'7"). Funny, and usually I loathed my height, since it made me a bit taller then the girls my age...
*~*~
Fortunately enough, we managed to reach the base exit in less time I had expected. I followed Kratos out of the door and down the small flight of steps...
..Only to be latched onto be a heavy weight.
I stumbled from the sudden weight since I had not been expecting it, but managed to regain my footing before I ended falling. I didn't want a cracked head, thank you very much.
" Colette..!" I gasped, already recognizing who was almost strangling me to death with a hug. " Can't.. Breath!"
Realizing her mistake, the blond chosen released her grip on me and back up a few steps. But she never let up the huge smile that was plastered on her face.
" Really, Bev..." I heard Raine sigh deeply. I turned my body ever so slightly so I could see the elven cross her arms and shake her head, observing me with that of a disapproving expression. " I expected this from Lloyd or Genis, but never from you. I thought you knew better."
I grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of my head, while the other held Azra. I knew she was disappointed in me for pulling such a childish act, but I could tell from the tone of her voice that she was more relieved then mad that I was in one piece.
" You're not hurt, are you?" Lloyd piped up in concern, standing off to the side next to his teacher. I shook my head in answer. Thankfully, no. I had been lucky in not sustaining any injuries so far.
Satisfied that her young charge was safe, Raine turned her attention to the round crystal she had retrieved from the desian leader's weapon, and currently held in her hand.
" I have a question..." The elf began, easily drawing the attention of everyone else. " This crystalline object that was attached to the sword..." She held up the glowing charm. "..Is this one of the Exsphere's that Genis spoke of?"
Kratos, after a moment of examining the sphere in the elf's hand, answered gruffly, " It would seem so."
" Oh yeah!" The duo swordsman exclaimed, as if recovering a lost memory. He turned to the mercenary. " You use a Exsphere too."
The silent man eyed the teen in a new light. "..So you noticed."
" Well, duh." Lloyd grinned childishly.
" What are they exactly?" Professor Raine prompted, attempting to restore the conversation. Kratos shook his head, and replied that they would talk about it later once they had reached Triet. Lloyd was the first to agree and started to lead the group, the panting Noishe by his side. Followed by Colette and Genis, with the adults bringing up the rear.
I followed as well, but at a slightly slower pace. I had a feeling that Kratos still wasn't very appreciate of me at the moment, and therefore opted to stay away from the man as much as possible.
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KNOW THE ENEMY
Beginning: Kratos, Lloyd
Ending: Lloyd
(Lloyd: speaking/ Kratos: speaking)
Lloyd.
What?
About the fight earlier...
Are you going to tell me I got in the way?
You weren't bad. It's looks like you improved a little.
What..?
You need to learn more about yourself to fight the enemy more effectively. Sometimes you will fight enemies armed with poison– still other times you will find your abilities suppressed via magic. The difference between knowing and not knowing those dangers and how to avoid them is immense. Merely swinging your sword isn't enough. Don't forget learning also leads to need to learn more about yourself and your opponent. If you understand your skills, you can fight the
Kratos...
I've spent to much time talking. Let' s get moving. Don't dawdle.
---------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR WORLD
Beginning: Bev, Lloyd, Colette, Genis, Raine
Ending: Bev, Raine
( Bev: speaking/ Lloyd: speaking/ Colette: speaking/ Raine: speaking/ Genis: speaking)
Say, Bev.
Hmm?
What's your world like? What kind of stuff do you do there?
Yeah! Tell us!
Yes. I'm quite interested to hear about your world's culture
Pretty please?
Hm, I guess it won't hurt..
Yeah!
In my world, we live in a very advanced era. Almost everything is ran or aided by some type of machine. Or as you refer them as, magitechnology.
Really..?
How does your world survive like that? Thriving on so much magitechnology?
Ah, I can see what you're getting at. But our world doesn't depend on mana to live, like Slyverant does. We just need the everyday essentials, food and water, to get by.
No mana? Is that even possible?
I suppose. We can't expect every world to have rules like Slyverant does.
Do you go to school, too?
Of course. But it's set up in different branches, not all ages at once. Grade school is kindergarten, where toddlers start out. Then it's followed by Grades one through five. For children ages seven through eleven. Then after you graduate, you go right to Middle School. But you only stay there for Grades six through eight. And finally, there's high school. Grades nine through twelve. After that, future schooling is optional.
That's.. most impressive.
What grade are you in now?
I was in the middle of my eleventh year before I arrived here.
Wow.. You must be really smart then, Bev!
I wouldn't say that..
Interesting.. Then I hope your teachers wouldn't have any objections of I over-see your studies while you're here?
Uh, I guess not....
Speaking of which... Lloyd, Genis! Don't think for a minute now we're on the Journey of Regeneration that you can slack off in your studies!
Gah!
Uh-oh!
*runs away with Colette following*
..You miss your home, don't you?
H-Huh? Yeah.. I won't deny it. Hopefully I can find some answers soon... How I got here, and why I was even brought here in the first place. I've been having a sinking feeling it wasn't on accident.
Only time will tell. Just have paitence.
(END OF SKIT)
------------------------------------------------------------
Once everything had been taken care of and everyone was settled with their rooms, night had fallen. Despite this, the chosen and her small group of companions had all gathered in Lloyd and Kratos's room for discussion of today's events.
Lloyd and Genis sat side-by-side together on one of the beds. While Colette sat on the edge of the bunk next to theirs. I sat on the same bed as the chosen, but I had my back against the bed-board. Azra was fast asleep in my lap, chest rising every now and again to indicate her peaceful rest.
The two adults had opted to stand though. With Raine standing in front of Colette, and Kratos leaning against a wall a few feet away from the Professor, arms folded and as silent as ever.
"...In other words, these Exspheres are amplifiers that awaken are dormant capabilities." Raine murmured, then her eyes flashed excitedly at the idea. " I wonder if I can use one too–?!"
" That would be difficult." The mercenary interjected, causing the elf to pause and tilt her head towards him. " Ex-
spheres are harmful to the body without a Key Crest."
" Um.. Can't we make a Key Crest?" Colette asked timidly from her seat.
Kratos just shook his head. " As I told you before, a Key Crest is made by processing inhibitor ore. Then engraving it with a crest to control the Exsphere attached to the surface. It is said to be a secret art known only to the dwarves."
" Yeah. I can engrave that charm..er, crest." Lloyd nodded. " But only my dad can process the ore."
" Well, can inhibitor ore be found among these materials?"
I then decided to tune out the rest of the conversation, already knowing the ending and the pain Lloyd would shortly receive. Instead, I focused on my inner thoughts.
' Man.. It's been rough for the last couple of days..' I let out a tiny sigh. ' First I just mysteriously appear within within the world of Symphonia. Then I nearly get killed in that desian raid on Iselia. And now I got electrocuted and kidnaped by Yuan's guards!' I ran a hand through my already messy and matted hair. ' I'm not going survive at this rate...'
Deciding to snap myself out of the self-pity, I gave my head a rough shake (jarring my already injured head) and returned my attention back to the scene before me. By now, Raine had finished fuming at Lloyd for calling her precious relics 'junk' and now stood off to the side, arms folded with an expression of deep thought.
' I think it's time I went to bed.' I mused, glancing at Colette just as she yawned behind her hand. ' Maybe for everyone else, too.'
" Well, I don't know about you guys–" I began, rising to my feet with Azra secure in my arms. "-But I think Colette and I should be getting to bed. It's late enough as it is."
Kratos nodded silently to show his agreement in my suggestion, then turned and murmured something to the young duo swordsman, making the teen huff in exsperation.
I made a full body turn so I faced the younger blond, and bent down slightly, offering a hand.
" Shall we?"
Colette nodded, if not a bit eagerly, and took my outstretched limb so I could pull her to her tired feet.
*~*
Once the Chosen and I had reached our room, the girl all but jumped on her bed (which was next to the door) and slid her body under the heavy covers for the comfort and warmness it offered.
I couldn't help but grin at my younger friend's action as I too, got into bed, yet remained on top of the covers. Leaning my body against the wall so I could stare out the window at the stars at winked and danced across the dark expansion of sky.
Letting out a weary sigh, I glanced down at the small form curled up on the blankets besides me. Azra.. Just who, or what, was she? I thought it was odd how monsters chased a single human child to such lengths. But I still had trouble stomatching Azra's true idenity: a pure-blooded dragon. Granted, she was only a fledgling right now. But what kind of dragon can turn into a human? None of the dragon monsters I've seen can do that kind of trick...
What was it that made Azra so special?
' Ah, forget it.' I grumbled, slouching so my back slid down the wall. All of this thinking was making my head hurt. And besides, Azra would let me know when she thought it was the right time. So all I had to do was wait like a good girl.
A soft and hesitant knock at the bedroom door drew me away from my troubled thoughts, looking at the wooden barrier that stood between me and my midnight visitor.
Who on earth could still be up at this hour?
Swinging my feet over the edge of my bed, I rose to stand up and carefully made my way across the room, not wanting to disturb my sleeping roommates.
' Should've known.' I thought dryly, as I swung the door open and came face to face with Lloyd.
Realizing that he just now might've roused me from sleep, the swordsman rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish expression.
" Sorry. Did I wake you?"
" No. I was still awake." I reassured him with a shake of my head. " Is something wrong?"
" Ah, no. I just wanted to see if you were up to talking." The brunette quickly clarified. Was that hope I heard?
Shifting my weight the other foot and crossed my arms, mentally weighing the pros and cons to my answer. I hadn't been lying when I said I hadn't gone to sleep yet. But that didn't erase the fact I was getting tired. And if I remembered correctly, going outside with Lloyd at this time of night would mean running into Kratos. I was still feeling a bit sore after being reprimanded by a character I had a mutual dislike for.
But my desire to speak with Lloyd, to get to know him, overrode all the other cons. Aah, what the heck. I could deal with the emo mercenary if I had to.
" Sounds good to me!" I answered finally with a grin.
Somewhat of a smile of relief spread across the brunette's face, making my grin widen ever so slightly. One of the main reasons I loved Tales of Symphonia so much, was because how lively the characters were. Take Lloyd and Colette for example.
" Then come on!" He urged, wearing a grin to mirror my own. The swordsman grabbed my wrist in a gentle manner, and proceeded to pull my with him as he made his way towards the staircase, enticing a quiet squeal of laughter out of me.
But a quiet click of a door halted us both before we could begin to descend down the stairs; Lloyd and I exchanged quick glances, a small nod, before we leaned over the railing of the second floor. Which gave us an excellent view of the ground floor and made it easy to spot anyone moving (or sneaking) around.
I felt a sense of dread run down my spine when I saw my least favorite person (hint, hint) walk across the lobby floor and exited through it's entrance doors.
" Where's he going to at this hour?" Lloyd murmured in question from beside me. He glanced over at me. " Let's follow him!"
" Lloyd, I don't think it's a very good idea to try–" But the rest of my protest died on the tip of my tongue, when I saw a flash of red run, followed by a whiplash of wind as that person ran past me. I blinked, at a lost for a moment before, realizing seconds later, what had happened.
Swearing under my breath, I pushed myself of from the railing and ran after the said swordsman, swinging my weight around the corner and down the staircase after the loveable brunette.
Thankfully Lloyd hadn't closed the door upon his departure, so I easily ran out if it as noiseless as possible and ran up the short ramp of stairs that led back to the central of town. I skidded to a short stop, raising my head as I panted to regain my stolen breath and spotted the duo swordsman just as he was making his way to the mercenary, who was standing in front of Noishe the protozoan's pen.
Summoning my last bit of reserved strength, I took two huge strides of steps and lunged, aiming for the back of Lloyd's wide collar–
–At the same time Kratos unleashed his sword, metal singing against the leather sheath as the man pulled it with lightening reflex's.
"..Whoa!"
A startled cry erupted from the brunette's mouth as he found himself yanked back in a sudden movement. When I had made a grab for Lloyd, I had fallen a couple inches short of his collar but managed to grasped the tail-end of one of his signature white ribbons; pulling back with one hard pull while I moved forward. Throwing out a protective arm.
And now currently, Lloyd was staring up at his two companions in surprise from his seat on the sandy ground, the harsh yank having made him loose his balance enough to fall. I found myself in a stalemate with Aurion, teeth clenched together and eyebrows furrowed in concentration as pushed my gloved arm against the double edged blade.
I took a spare moment to glance back at the dumbfounded boy behind me. " Like I was trying to say.." I began dryly, looking back at Kratos as a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. " I don't think it's a good idea to sneak up on a mercenary like Kratos." And with that, I lowered my arm and jumped back a foot, to put some distance between us.
" Lloyd, Evans.." The auburn-haired mercenary murmured, recognizing the two youths before him, sheathed his sword. " I'm sorry to have startled you."
Lloyd looked up at the man with a mild glare as I helped him to his feet. " Startled isn't the word for it!" He growled breathlessly.
Kratos sighed. " You'd best not stand behind me." He warned before turning his attention back to Noishe.
Lloyd and I exchanged glances with each other for the second time, shrugging in unison as we stepped up next to the mercenary.
" Do you like animals?" The duo swordsman asked with mild curiosity, after a moment of silence. He watched me stroke the protozoan's nose affectionately as he waited for a reply.
" No, not particularly." Kratos answered after a brief pause. Probably that type of question caught him off guard.
"..Well, Noishe seems quite comfortable with you." Lloyd continued, staring at the panting dog who was happily oblivious to the human's scrutiny.
" Lloyd." The duo swordsman's name came out in a sharp tone, causing the younger man to turn his body towards the mercenary with an expression of surprise.
I paused in the middle of my pampering of the protozoan, glancing over my shoulder in mild curiosity when the only thing the greeted my ears was silence. Aurion was studying the younger swordsmanwith such concentration, that all the scrutiny was starting to make the brunette fidget.
" Wh-What? What are you staring at me like that for?" Lloyd snapped defensively, uncomfortable how the mercenary's critical eye lingered on his form.
At the young man's exclamation, Kratos's unhindered eye narrowed impossibly further. " Your swordsmanship is unrefined." The auburn-haired man spoke harshly. " You should focus a little more on eliminating your vulnerabilities. If you care about your life." He added, adapting a sarcastic lit as he moved past Lloyd and I on his way back to the inn.
Only when I heard the door to the Triet Inn close behind the mercenary, did I allow my anger-tense body to relax, releasing out my breath long and slow. That man could be a real ass sometimes. No matter how good he was.
Lloyd seemed to agree with my mental train of thought, stomping a foot down to show his frustration. " Grrrr! Just because he's a little better then me, he has to talk like he knows everything!" He spotted the wry look I tossed over my shoulder at him and grumbled in admittance, " Well.. A lot better then me. Damn!"
I shook my head at the duo swordsman's childish antics and turned, so that the lower part of my back leaned easily against the fence of Noishe's pen. " Calm down, Lloyd. Getting angry at the man is not going to help you."
Lloyd glared at door which Kratos had last disappeared through for a few moments longer, before releasing his breath in a angry huff and turned away to face me. " Sorry about this. The reason why I asked to come outside with wasn't to witness this."
I waved my hand in a dismissive gesture at the swordsman's embarrassment. " Don't worry about it. I've seen worse."
The brunette seemed to take my words to heart, and straightened his tall form. " To be honest. I wanted to talk to you about your world." He paused for a moment to let the question sink in. " Do you really not know how you got here in the first place?"
' Stupid, you should've seen this coming.' My mind chided, while on the outside I frowned. But quite honestly, I had not expected it to come from Lloyd. The Professor, and maybe Kratos or Regal, but not Lloyd.
"..No." I answered finally. " All I can remember, is bits and pieces." I tucked a strand of hair behind me ear, glancing over at Lloyd as he waited patiently for me to continue with my explanation. " That night, it had been raining down in torrents. The winds were blowing more harshly then usual. I really didn't think much of it. Because rain storms were natural where I lived."
I looked down, soundly finding the ground interesting. " But when I went to draw the curtains shut, I saw someone. A woman."
Lloyd frowned. " Saw someone? Who?"
I shook my head. " That's just it. I don't know. I thought it might be one of the neighbors trying to bring their cat inside. That's when I noticed how close she was to the ravine. There's a small thicket of forest that half-circles around my house. And when it's raining so hard, it's dangerous to be near the ravine. The river might be overflowing."
The young man leaned on the fence next to me. " So, what did you do?"
I grimaced, remembering exactly what I did next. " I went outside after her. Not a smart move on my part. Even if people would consider it noble."
" Why?"
" Because earlier that same day, I got a nasty sting from a monstrously huge hornet. My body has always been weak as a child. Any flu or virus going around, I was sure to be the first one to get it. So going outside in such a storm, when I was in such a bad condition, was suicidal."
I raised my hand, the one which had received the sting, and studied it. By now the wound had closed up, leaving behind only a white tell-tale scar behind. " So when I had gone outside to help the woman, it had been my undoing. I had made a grab for the stranger. But instead, my hand only closed upon air, and I found myself falling."
I brought my gaze up, locking eyes with the swordsman to my right. " I thought I had died then, Lloyd. After falling head first into an overflowing river, I honestly thought I had drowned to death."
The red-clad swordsman crossed his arms, eyebrows furrowing in thought. " That would explain why I found you in one of the rivers in the Iselia woods."
I broke the staring contest and tilted my head back, so I had a clear view of the starry sky. " The only question is, how will I be able to get home?"
" That's easy." I swivelled my head towards Lloyd again, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. But the teen just continued to grin confidently. " We'll help you! Genis, the Professor, Colette, and Kratos and I!"
For the last several moments, I just stared at the boy. Astonishment etched in my features. Finally, I composed myself and shook my head for the hundredth time. " You're impossible. Do you know that?"
Lloyd chuckled in response as I turned to look at the winking stars again. Watching his new female companion with tender eyes and a soft smile. ' I'll help you get home, Bev. I promise...'
*~*~*
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Wooo-hoo! And here's the seventh chapter of Eternal Bonds, people! Only three more to go until the double digits! Eh.. The reason I'm excited, is that this is the farthest I've gotten before.
Also– Isn't Lloyd sweet? I always thought he had a soft heart. That's what made him so loveable.
I'm almost done with the eighth chapter (four pages so far), so I should have that one up in following by tonight, or sometime tommorow. I have a good feeling on this one, so please believe me!
The reason why I'm putting up two at a time this time, is because I'll be pretty busy this week, due too the fact that it's the last week of my six week grading period, and I have to bust my butt to make sure everything's in.
Oh, one more thing! I created a poll for you guys. I can't decide which side-quest I should tie in with the story, so I need your help. It should be active in my profile (if not, let me know).
Jya ne!