[What-if] What if Martel was Lloyd's mother? What if he was born a few years before the Kharlan War? What if Lloyd unintentionally became the next Chosen? Tales of Symphonia "what-if", partially follows the game/manga/OVA. [AU]
Ah, chapter 7! I've been giddy to visit it, and hopefully I can pull through it all in one day, in one setting. I'm sure you're all excited for this. Since I'm excited, I'll respond to reviews right now than at the bottom of the chapter. Just for this one time. *says that now and does this again in a later chapter*
TotatoPomato (Guest): How did Lloyd stay four years old for 4000 years? He was encased in Martel's mana and hidden in the IseliaForest for that duration. In a way, he was "frozen" in time, but he was still "alive" at the same time. I'm sorry if I didn't explain thoroughly within the chapters, I thought I did, though, only brushed at the surface to let other readers' imagination figure it out before it was actually spoken. Thank-you for your review.
Marina Ka-Fai: Thank-you! :D I put a lot of effort into it. Well, the other chapters had the same amount of effort xD
LeaStar: Yup! Kratos noticed that Yggdrasil was lying to him, and slowly piecing things together. Awwh, poor Remiel. xD Heh, but he'll die, we all know that. As for Kratos being with Anna; yes. I decided to at least try and get him to start on a new slate, if you know what I mean, just sans Lloyd. I'm glad you like, and I'm glad that I'm portraying the characters as well as you say. Thank-you for your review.
Ilovebleach27: Oh my gosh…someone saw that pun! I put it there on purpose for my own humor's sake. You, my good ma'am or sir, deserve a virtual truckload of cupcakes for you spotting it. Lol, good eye! Glad it made you laugh and that you love the story! Thank-you for your comment!
Now that's done, I don't own Tales of Symphonia, etc; you know the gist of it. Man, I almost typed "Tales of Sylvarant" again! *rage* Anyway, enjoy!
-x-x-x-
The Goddess's Son of Mana
Chapter 7: The Truth and The Ranch
-x-x-x-
It was well in the afternoon when Genis and Colette entered the village, with Lloyd and Kratos just behind them. The elf boy and the blonde engaged in conversation with some of the children in the village, telling them what happened in the temple when they asked. It was just like story-telling, earning cheery gasps and exclaims from them. The brunet noticed how happy they looked and reminded himself they should stay like that. The world is better off not knowing what would happen to him should he complete the journey. As long as they remained happy, smiling and peaceful, then that's all that mattered to him. Lloyd was stopped by other villagers, much to Kratos's annoyance, asking him what happened in the temple and trying to ground the poor boy with rapid-fire questions.
Somehow, Lloyd managed to answer each question in moderate detail, leaving out a few things like the oracle being his true father, and obviously his chat with Kratos earlier. When he was finished—in which Kratos half-dragged him away from the villagers—they headed to Colette's and Lloyd's house, the Brunel's. Once entering the two-story house, surrounded in beautiful flowers that were tended to by Phaidra, they were met with Frank, the teens' father. "Lloyd! You're back!" Frank exclaimed ecstatically, hugging his son tight. "Wh-where's Colette?"
"She's outside with Genis, don't worry. I made sure she's here, Dad." Lloyd said, smiling.
"Ah, okay. Thank the goddess…" Frank breathed in relief. His blue eyes caught upon the mercenary he saw before, pleased to see him again. "Thank you Sir Kratos for helping my son, my daughter and Genis. I heard from my mother the details of everything that happened at the temple and you were agreeing on a payment to protect Lloyd while he goes on his journey?"
Kratos nodded. "Yes."
"I see then." Frank pondered momentarily. "My mother came back and went for the mayor to discuss this. They should be arriving soon. In the meantime, Lloyd, why don't you get your things ready? I'll have lunch ready for everyone."
"Okay, Dad." Lloyd smiled brightly, which Kratos caught onto yet again. That smile…His mind instantly flattened an image of Martel's own with the boy's. It still scared him to see the boy incarnate sharing similarities with his dead wife. Thankfully, the brunet turned around to head up the stairs, tearing the image of Martel's mental image within Kratos' mind away. When the teen was upstairs and out of earshot, the mercenary turned to Frank.
"Sir Kratos—" The blond haired man began but the auburn cut him off politely.
"Just Kratos will do."
"All right then, Kratos… Would you like to join us for lunch?"
Despite he couldn't stomach food anymore, turning down food would be dishonorable, especially being at the Chosen's house. But, he really couldn't eat without getting some form of digestion issues, and he needed little nourishment to survive. Angels and their food problems. "I will politely decline the offer."
"Hm? Well, if you're sure. If you change your mind, there'll always be enough."
"Very well, then."
"Have a seat anywhere you like, Kratos. I'm sure Lloyd will be down soon enough. He sometimes likes to take his time, making sure he has everything he needs." Frank laughed lightly, heading into the kitchen. "That boy gets frustrated if he is caught unprepared." The auburn-haired man nodded, sliding a chair from under the table and sitting in it slowly. He kept his arms crossed as he glanced upon the house. The walls were decorated in light blue wallpaper, a flowery pattern at the bottom and dark blue lines vertically lined down in the pattern. Pictures in frames decorated the walls as well, which Kratos studied carefully.
In one picture frame hanging on the wall, there was a young woman, in about her mid-twenties, holding a child in her hands. She had long, mustard blonde hair, blue eyes and wearing a white and red dress. The boy had an equal shade of hair color, being short, and having blue eyes matching the woman's. He wore simple blue overalls and a black and white striped shirt. Kratos recognized the child as Frank when he was younger, and pieced together the young woman was his mother, Phaidra, was it? She seemed very attractive in her younger days, the mercenary had to admit mentally. Still, nothing could compare to the beauty that was his lovely Martel.
The next picture he found was an older Frank, an older Phaidra, and a woman with light brown hair, green eyes, being heavily pregnant. That had to have been Colette's mother, before Colette was born. The last picture he found his eyes upon, was of Frank, Phaidra, a younger Colette and now Lloyd was in the picture, literally. The now older Frank was standing behind his elderly mother, and in front of them was the smaller Colette holding onto Lloyd happily. The boy seemed to have held onto the girl shyly, and he looked like he was trying to smile. Kratos kept studying this picture, his eyes upon the young boy, he nearly froze. He was wearing long-sleeve white shirt, red shorts, white socks and black shoes. The image scared him as he recalled his son, last wearing a white, long-sleeve shirt similar, but only blue shorts, white socks and matching blue shoes.
The next picture, Kratos found himself staring at intently was Lloyd, Colette and Genis, them being at least nine years old, or close to it. They seemed to be eating some cake together, which Kratos began to feel strings of attachment to. Lloyd was eating a chocolate cake in this picture, having a mess upon his face, which reminded the auburn of his Lloyd's first birthday, remembering the joyful moments with his family, here in Iselia.
-x-x-x-
Kratos watched as his one-year-old son was sitting at a large table outside, Mithos behind him as he volunteered to help his nephew blow out his candle. The toddler had other things in mind, like grabbing everything his little hands could get a hold of. "Wait, Lloyd! We have to blow out the candle!" Mithos said to his nephew, who kept trying to grab at the cake. The boy babbled, still trying to reach, though his uncle kept sliding the cake's plate away from him. Everyone was laughing at the small scene unfolding.
The single candle was upon the cake, and Mithos lifted the toddler close to it, but not too close so he wouldn't hurt himself. Instead of the cake itself, Lloyd's eyes settled on his new target; the candle itself. As such, he tried to reach for it, but his blond-haired uncle wouldn't let him. "Lloyd, close your eyes and make a wish!" the pre-teen half-elf giggled. The boy only had his eyes closed for a few seconds, and Mithos helped him blow out the candle positioned on the chocolate cake. The smoke went out and everyone clapped happily, singing out more "Happy Birthday, Lloyd!" in unison. Mithos placed his nephew back in his chair, readily moving the candle out of the brunet's reach.
Martel and Mithos exchanged places, the young mother behind her son as she carefully cut into the cake, getting a slice for the boy. As she placed the cake upon the small plate for her son, she smiled warmly. "Lloyd, let Mommy cut it—" She paused as she watched the enthusiastic toddler grab the cake with his hands and stuff it in his mouth. The half-elf woman chuckled, passing the knife and cake down so everyone could get a slice. She whipped out a cloth from nowhere—Kratos deduced—and was ready to wipe the child down for any mess he would most likely make. The boy ate the cake, creating a mess over his face, which was submerged in chocolate matted against his face.
In one hand was the cake mashed together, which he was eating from, and took his other hand, smashed into the cake as he grabbed it and tried stuffing that in his mouth as well, saliva drooling and everything. Kratos noticed the expression on his friend's, Yuan's, face; the poor man was grimacing at the sight of his godson's eating habits. "Just watching him eat makes me feel a little ill." The blue-haired half-elf groaned out. Kratos steadied a half-glare in the man's direction as well as a frown. Yuan picked up on it as well as laughter from Mithos, shrugging honestly. "What? I'm only telling the truth. The kid's cute, but when he eats, it just…freaks me out a little." Yuan defended.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha! Yuan, it isn't that bad!" Kratos heard Mithos ball out laughing. "At least he isn't drooling over his cake and then putting it back." Unfortunately, Mithos jinxed himself as the little Lloyd had grabbed too much cake, trying to eat it, however, he drooled all over it and tried putting it back on his plate, mashed up and icky. The pre-teen groaned and grumbled at the realization of his nephew's antics. "Ugh, forget I said anything." The blond mumbled. Yuan turned to laugh at Mithos's misfortune now, rolling into a fit of it. Even Kratos was chuckling, watching as Martel was wiping the boy down of his mess.
-x-x-x-
Recalling such the joyous memory, Kratos hadn't noticed he got up and was holding the picture in his hand, staring at it. The nine-year-old Lloyd in the picture had cake upon his face as well, as he was eating with a fork. Colette was smiling and Genis was laughing. The brunet was also in good cheer, being near friends would do that to anyone. He felt he could literally hear their giggles and outcries from the photo, their childish antics and everything. Sighing deeply, he set the picture down, now trying to get his mind off the memory. It was soon disrupted by the aforementioned brunet coming down the stairs; the two noticed each other, locking gazes. Lloyd noticed Kratos had just looked at the picture with him eating his birthday cake at nine years old and lightly smiled.
"That picture is so embarrassing." The teen admitted. "But, I really enjoyed it. It was my first birthday outside the temple."
"Was it, now?" Kratos wondered.
"Yeah. On my birthdays, there would be ceremonies inside the temple, and nobody could come to it. Every year, it was preaching about how Martel was blessing my birthday, allowing me to live and other things." The brown-haired Chosen sighed. "But, when I was nine, I cried to Frank—Dad that I didn't want to go to the temple on my birthday. He asked Lady Phaidra if I could have my birthday with my friends for one time, and she accepted it. So, Genis and Frank baked me a chocolate cake that day, and Colette helped me with some decorations around the huge tree outside." He paused lightly, recalling the memory easily. "I was really happy that day. My friends were with me, and so was my family. Even Dirk, the dwarf that we got to know, came down and enjoyed a share. Chocolate is my favorite."
"I see." Kratos said, smiling internally. Lloyd's favorite is chocolate, too. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed your birthday."
"Thank-you, Kratos, me too." The boy said after, sighing heavily. "Oh yeah, I came downstairs to ask Dad if he could help me with something in my room. Uh, since he's busy, can you help?" Kratos nodded simply, letting the boy lead the way upstairs. The first room they saw obviously belonged to Colette, and the room next to it, was Lloyd's. It was simple; the walls were decorated in chocolate-red wallpaper, decorated with white, diamond-like patterns. His bed was beside the window, which the window was facing a few trees, and allowed the sunlight to enter it slightly. A desk with books was up against the left-hand side of the room, a bookshelf beside it, and a tall dresser next to the bed. His closest was the first thing next to the bedroom's door. Upon the blue carpet on the floor, was a wine-red colored rug. The bed's sheets were light red in color, obviously being Lloyd's favorite color. Upon it was a bag, being opened and having a few things in it.
Kratos memorized everything in the boy's room, watching as he fiddled with the closet's doorknob, trying his hardest not to open it too roughly.
"Sometimes I have to be careful about my strength here. I nearly ripped the door off the hinges one time." Lloyd began telling Kratos, who was patient and quiet. "And another time, I…ran into a tree pretty hard when at recess. The other kids panicked when I was unharmed but the tree was bent slightly. Heh…" The brunet finally managed to get the door to open, softly turning the knob and getting out a treasure-chest looking box. "Anyway, the reason I asked for your help is because…well, I don't know what I should be bringing on this journey, other than necessities." Kratos turned to the boy's opened bag on his bed, noticing only red was in there. Curious, he walked over and saw the boy had packed three of the same outfit as well as a jacket. He looked Lloyd's way, who shrugged.
"Dirk made them for me. They're from my fifteenth birthday. I didn't get a chance to wear them yet. May as well put them to use, yeah?"
Kratos made no comment, just sighed inwardly. "Other than change of clothes, I suspect you should get sheathes for your swords, and necessary items. There isn't much you can bring on this journey."
"Yeah, but I don't like going anywhere unprepared."
Frank was right about the brunet on that one. "Hmm, very well then." He watched the Chosen dig through the chest box some more, grumbling to himself about what he should take and what he shouldn't. He pulled out a notepad and a pencil getting an idea. He set that to the side, rummaging through the chest some more. When he couldn't find anything else to take, the brunet closed the chest box, bringing the notepad and pencil, and a large novel he took out, with him to his bag. "I guess I shouldn't bring a lot…knowing what'll happen in the end." He sighed sadly, and Kratos frowned at the recalling. "But, at least I'll try to enjoy whatever I can throughout it." He placed the small items in the bag, tying it up tightly. It honestly wasn't much though and it was simple. He left the pack on the bed, smiling at Kratos.
"I know I dragged you up here unnecessarily, but thanks for being here with me." He told the mercenary.
Kratos nodded slowly. "It's fine. I don't mind." Indeed he didn't. Just being in the presence of the boy-Chosen and his familiarity of his son's aura was enough for him.
However, a moment later, they both heard Frank's voice; "Lloyd! Kratos! Lunch is done, come on down!" How had the blond knew the mercenary was up here? Ah well.
"Well, there's our call for lunch. I hope its chicken sandwiches."
"…Can you not eat them, though?"
"Hm, oh." Lloyd noticed where Kratos was getting this from; the angel symptoms had taken his eating and tasting senses away, but that was partially gone. "Well, I can eat, just not a whole lot like I used to. And, I can taste a few things. I can stomach sandwiches in the very least. That's why I'm hoping."
"Hm, I see." The auburn seraph mused.
"Yeah. Just hope there aren't any tomatoes in there." The boy grimaced. "I can't stomach those and last time I ate one, I got a bad rash, and had a terrible allergic reaction to it."
Kratos froze again on the boy's explanation of tomatoes. He couldn't eat them either, due to the same thing. He nearly died when eating one the last time he had one himself. Martel had shoved tomatoes out of their eating menus from that point on after he and his son recovered from their illnesses. This Lloyd, the Chosen, also suffered the same symptoms as his son; but it was likely, as he was the reincarnate. But, would they really share all these similarities? It was true that incarnates gained things from their past lives, but this? Kratos was leaning on suspicion, putting clues together, trying to figure out what was wrong with this picture. The sad part was, nothing seemed wrong with it. Despite him figuring out Yggdrasil lied to him about the Chosen, which he brushed aside for now, he couldn't doubt anything else going on.
"Well, let's go Kratos." Lloyd said, interrupting the man's thoughts. The boy headed out the room, almost excitedly, thundering down the stairs. He was scolded by another man's voice, telling him to not run in the house, and the brunet had sighed, telling the man he was sorry. Kratos began making his way out of the room as well, until he spotted an aged, brown box, just sitting in Lloyd's closet. He knew he shouldn't be peeking into the Chosen's privacy, but it sparked his interest. Quickly, he kneeled over and pulled the box out, dusting off the lent and dust that formed upon it. Carefully, and almost daringly, he took the lid off, his heart racing for some reason. Why was he getting so worked up over some box?
However, the immediate reason why was inside the box. Kratos' eyes widened, and his heart stopped, and no breath came. Inside the box, was a long-sleeve white shirt, but it was tattered by age, and a large, tan mark was caked upon it. No doubt, it was old, dried up blood. It seemed the family attempted to wash the shirt to get the stain off, but to no avail. It had left a permanent mark, and so, it seemed they discarded the shirt. Next, were small, torn blue shorts, tattered white socks…and one blue little shoe.
One shoe…
One shoe…
Kratos paled, dropping the box, his heart rejuvenated to beat once again, his breath pounding as his lungs pumped oxygen through them once again. Never before had the mercenary trembled like this. His red eyes only focused on the clothes, and that lone, small blue shoe, that had been worn for wear, ragged and dirty. He couldn't get his mind and eyes off this revelation; the memories and the information laid out before him, in his mind. He played them all like a movie, rewinding and fast-forwarding through his brain to process everything he knew. No…it couldn't be… He replayed in his mind, and yet, here it was. Kratos saw the image of his little boy in these same clothes. He was also in them, with a missing shoe, when he was unconscious, before his mother sent him away.
If this Lloyd was here in Iselia, and he was found in the forest then… then…
"Noishe…was right." Kratos mumbled out, terrified. He found himself in tears, which he thought he couldn't shed anymore. "Noishe…he kept leading us to the forest. Every. Damn. Time." He cursed. Anger was fueling inside his heart, rage was building, but at the same time, a twinge of comfort entered.
"Kratos…Please…take care of Lloyd…"
He heard his wife's voice over and over in his head centuries before. Repeating them, telling him their son was all right, but after one thousand years passing, the man had lost all hope of ever finding the child. That, he was long since dead; after all he lacked a Cruxis Crystal to survive as long as he, Yuan and Mithos did. It was true, he was half-angel, but that wouldn't have stopped the boy from aging. But, damn it! All the clues he heard, even Yggdrasil gave him one, everything he had seen, and Lloyd's bright smile, reminding him of Martel, it was all there, right in his face! Why didn't he see it before? Yggdrasil knew this would happen. He knew Kratos would eventually find out this 'new' Lloyd was in fact his baby boy! Kratos lowered his head, allowing the tears to fall upon the old aged clothes. "Lloyd…I…found you…I…" He began but had to stop.
He realized he was condemning his son to die for his mother!
"Damn it…Damn it." Kratos snarled to himself. If he betrayed Cruxis again, Lloyd would most likely suffer. Yggdrasil knew the boy was half-angel, and could easily remove the crystal's crest. It would make him mindless on the spot, and thus, the boy's body would be already ready to harbor his mother's soul. It was that simple, so why make him go through the trials if he already experienced the angel symptoms? Something wasn't right here, and Kratos was going to find out. Very quickly. And when he did, he was going to cut his son's ties away from Cruxis, forever. "Martel, I swear, I will save him." He closed his eyes, determined.
He put the clothes back into the box, putting the lid over it, and put the box back where he had seen it. He walked out of the room, his mind set with what he needed to do. The image of Martel being stabbed replayed in his mind, watching as her blood splattered upon Lloyd's shirt in the same spot upon the one had found. He narrowed his eyes at someone in particular, despite he was not here at the moment.
It was safe to say, Kratos was deadly pissed off, a bomb that would go off the instant it was touched.
-x-x-x-
Coming down the stairs, he was greeted by the eyes of Phaidra, Frank, a plate full of chicken sandwiches, Lloyd eating one of them, and a man with graying black hair. They were all sitting at the table, having a light discussion. Frank was the first to notice Kratos coming down; however, Lloyd was the first to hear him coming. Of course, his mouth was full, so he only looked up when the mercenary approached them. "Kratos, there you are. Come have a seat." Frank motioned for him to sit. By now, the man had to seduce his anger from boiling up, suppress it as much as he could. His auburn eyes fell upon Lloyd, who he now realized was his long-lost son.
"We were just about to discuss your payment for protecting Lloyd on his journey—"
"It's unnecessary now." Kratos replied straightforward, staring at the blond-haired man that had raised his son. He was grateful such a kind person existed in this village.
"Wait…what?" Frank blinked, confused.
"I will protect the Chosen—" He scolded at himself for addressing his son in such a title, but he had to, "—without payment."
"But, we couldn't…" Phaidra began, but the mercenary glanced her way. Lloyd was even confused by his actions. What made him change his mind?
"It's fine. I will get payment from somewhere else. Right now, the Chosen's protection is priority, not money." His eyes locked firmly onto those pale-gold and brown mixed ones of the brunet's. He finished his sandwich, and appeared to be full.
"Kratos? Are you sure? Lloyd is pretty much a handful." Frank said, frowning. "I don't want him to be a burden to you."
"Me too." Lloyd agreed, even though he was talking about himself. "I mean, it's not right you have to look after me for nothing. You should at least take the payment."
Being paid to watch my own child is nothing I would want. Kratos thought, but still declined the offer. "I've had a change of heart and concluded to escort and guard him without pay. Let it be…a gift of the goddess then." The family and the mayor of Iselia exchanged glances with another. They couldn't bargain with this man at all; he seemed dead serious about his decision. "The Chosen's safety is no burden to me at all."
"Well, if you're sure. But at least take our offer for traveling funds instead. You're going to need it." Frank said.
"Dad…"
"Lloyd, you're going to need all the help you can get. If this is how we, your family, can help you, then we'll do it. We only want the best for you."
The best for me, huh? I'd want to help save the world without making sacrifices. Lloyd thought to himself, blinking his tears away. He couldn't cry in front of them. They were already doing so much for him as it was. They took him in when they didn't have to, fed him, and clothed him. The blond saw the expression his adopted son, walking over and hugged him tightly again. "Lloyd, it's all right to cry. Just be strong for us, for yourself, okay?"
Lloyd, sniffling, rubbed a few tears from his eyes, smiling warmly. "Yeah, I will, Dad."
"So…is it decided that Sir Kratos will protect the Chosen?" the mayor asked. Lloyd and Frank broke off their embrace, the brunet returning to his chair slowly.
"Hm, I'd feel comfortable if Raine went with them." Phaidra added. Kratos raised an eyebrow at the elderly woman, wondering silently who this Raine person was, however it suddenly hit him; that woman with silver-hair at the temple they met not long ago. She appeared to be a healer and a teacher, so that would make things a bit easier.
"I have no objections." Kratos said.
"Good, then we'll leave the protection of the Chosen to Sir Kratos and Raine." The mayor said, pausing as the front door swung open. Stepping inside was Colette and Genis, both curious as to what everyone was talking about, although they heard Kratos's and Raine's names pull up and something about protecting Lloyd. All eyes turned to the two children who came in.
"I'm home." Colette announced happily. Lloyd smiled at her, or tried to force one, as he saw his friends. His heart relaxed at the sight of them.
"Welcome home, Colette." Frank, Phaidra and Lloyd said in unison. "Hey Genis." Lloyd said after, recognizing the elf boy. He smiled when his name was called, waving to Lloyd.
"Ah, thank you." She said. "But, what's everyone doing here? Were you all discussing the journey of the world regeneration?"
"Yes," Colette's grandmother answered. The boy elf and blonde haired girl exchanged hopeful glances with one another, smiling wide.
"Wow! Can I go, too? I want to see Lloyd regenerate the world!" Colette piped up, Genis excited as well.
"If my sister's going, I want to go, too!"
Kratos, knowing these two were Lloyd's closest friends, would likely get hurt emotionally when the end drew near. He didn't want them to see what would happen to their friend when he unlocked the final seal—even though Kratos himself would prevent his son from doing so. The mercenary glanced their way, frowning as his arms crossed. "No." He told them, more-so at Genis. "You'll get in the way…" Genis and Colette frowned. "I would rather you both stay here where its safe." He added softly and in concern as well.
"W…What?" Genis gaped, angered.
"The battles at the chapel are nothing in comparison to the journey that awaits us," Kratos continued, closing his eyes. "You children should stay here." Colette sadly looked down, her hopes of seeing her brother leave on his journey crushed. She desperately wanted to go and knew Genis wanted to as well. They were all friends, very close, too! Why couldn't they? They would be helpful, not in the way!
The mayor nodded in agreement with the mercenary's words. "Kratos is absolutely right. Now then, we still have things to discuss. You should go home now, Genis." The elf boy sighed in defeat, half stormed out of the house. The blond watched him go and followed him outside, sympathizing. Lloyd's face burned worry as he glanced at them leaving before getting up from his seat and following them outside. The mayor looked up to notice the brunet now ushering himself out. "Chosen, where are you going? You need to be here for this."
"My friends need me right now." The boy said, hand on the doorknob.
"They'll be fine without you. Now sit down so we can finish discussing matters at hand."
"I don't need you to tell me what I should and shouldn't do." Lloyd said, his eyes narrowing dangerously at the mayor. "Right now, my friends come first."
"Your journey is more important than them!" the man snapped.
Lloyd chose to ignore him, walking outside the house with a calm, collected face. Kratos watched him handle his own self in the light argument. The boy certainly didn't allow others to boss him around.
-x-x-x-
"Ugh, I can't believe that we can't go." Genis grumbled under his breath, kicking a rock randomly.
"I know…I wanted to go really badly." Colette sympathized. The girl volunteered to walk with Genis to his house. Before they got any further away, the front door opened up and out stepped Lloyd.
"Hey, wait…" He called to them, hurrying to their side. "I'm sorry…" He apologized.
"What are you apologizing for, Lloyd? You didn't do anything." Colette said, smiling lightly.
"Yeah but…I feel like it's my fault that you two can't go." He frowned.
Genis shook his head, chuckling. "Lloyd, it's not your fault. So don't apologize, okay?"
The brunet glanced to his friends, nodding. "Right…Sorry anyway." The elf boy sighed lowly, though chose to ignore his friend's constant apologies.
"Well, while you're here, Lloyd, want to come to my house for a bit?" He looked at Colette with a grin, the girl understanding.
"Huh, sure." The brown-haired Chosen agreed.
"I'll go with!" the chirpy blond replied.
Genis smiled and waved for them to follow him. They walked side by side like merry men—and women—that had a fine day out. Heading straight for the schoolhouse from Colette's and Lloyd's house, they turned down the farthest left path, bypassing a villager who was out sweeping fallen leaves and rocks from the path to his house. They gave him a call, the man waving to the three teens as they passed by. Two minutes passed and they ended up upon a small step way that lead up towards a house situated on a small cliff. They went inside the house, closing the door behind him.
"Okay Lloyd…" Genis smirked and Colette grinned happily. "Here you go! Happy birthday!" The elf boy and girl said simultaneously as the mage opened the pantry, revealing a delicious piece of chocolate cake, readied with a fork. The brunet's eyes lit up, smiling.
"Wow! Thanks, Genis, Colette!" Lloyd exclaimed happily, taking it. The elf boy took out two more slices, giving one to Colette and the other for himself.
"You're welcome, Lloyd. Colette helped me make it. She had the exact recipe for your favorite kind of cake." Genis said, crediting the blonde beside them. She giggled and blushed in embarrassment, but nodded. "Come on, let's eat this outside where the weather's good!" The other two agreed, exiting the Sage's house, cake slices and forks ready to chow down. They found a comfortable spot near the small pond near the house, sitting beside it in a circle of each other.
"Thank you…the both of you, truly. I'm glad you remembered today was my birthday." Lloyd said, a few tears rolling down his eyes. "Nobody…else seems to remember today is my birthday. Only…ceremonies and rituals…"
"Lloyd…" Colette said, her blue eyes upon the brunet. She had never seen her brother so sad and happy at the same time.
"We're your friends, Lloyd. Of course we're going to remember." Genis added, grinning. "Don't look so sad!"
"I'm not sad. I'm really happy." The brunet admitted, rubbing his eyes with the back of his left hand.
"Oh, well, let's eat! This cake won't eat itself!"
"Y-yeah." Lloyd laughed, still having that wonderful smile on his face. The friends all carved into the cake at the same time, taking their first bite at the same time, and moaned in glee at the delicious taste and flavor it held. The brunet enjoyed every moment of this; it would surely be his last time ever having chocolate cake and sitting side by side with his best friends on a peaceful day, together. That's all the boy ever wanted, just to be by his friends. Was it too much to ask for?
-x-x-x-
After the teens finished their cakes, the mid-afternoon rolling by, Genis went inside to grab some cookies in a bag, and they headed out again into the village. However, Lloyd, the birthday boy, wanted to take care of something first. "Listen, Genis, Colette. I'm going to Dirk's house so he can make me some sheathes for these swords." The Chosen pointed to loosely opened blades.
"Oh, sure thing, Lloyd. Do you want us to come with you?"
"If you want, I'm not going to force you."
"Hm, I actually have somewhere to be, too." Genis said. "In the forest, I mean."
"Okay, I'll go with you then, Genis, if you don't mind, Lloyd?"
The brunet shook his head. "I don't mind. I'll meet up with you guys later." He told his friends. They began making their way to the exit of the village when the guards spotted them first, making them stop momentarily.
"Hey, you three. Where are you going?" one asked.
"We're going to Dirk's." Lloyd replied.
"Ah, I see, then. Sorry, Chosen." The first apologized.
"It's all right, you mean no harm."
"Say, you three know about the ranch on the way to Dirk's?" the second guard asked them, the three nodded in response. "Well, you haven't been playing around there lately, have you?" Colette and Lloyd looked at one another, shaking their heads.
"No, of course not." Lloyd said.
"We know about the treaty that's in place. We wouldn't go there, right Genis?" Colette asked, her blue eyes finding the boy mage's own.
"Y-yeah, o-of course not." The silver-haired boy stammered out urgently in agreement. "We know better…"
"Okay then. Just stay away from the ranch, got it?" the second guard said, letting the children leave the village. "You be careful, now."
"We will thank-you." Lloyd called out from over his shoulder. When they were far out of sight and heading into the IselianForest, Genis let out a comfortable sigh. Just the mentioning of the ranches got his spine chilled. The children stayed on the simple path ahead, somewhat avoiding monsters but when they couldn't along the way, they were struck down easily by their combined power. Ten minutes passed when the friends found themselves at the halfway point of the forest, coming to a 'T' intersection. One way lead towards Dirk's house, the east path lead to the human ranch they were forbidden to go to, and the southern path, which they had taken, lead back to Iselia. Lloyd frowned, remembering this place barely. He came here alone sometimes when going to Dirk's, but this place was where he had been found by the Desians. Their leader of the ranch, Forcystus, had saved him from a Desian's attack despite being one too.
He spared his life and the village's leaving him in the care of Iselia. He didn't have to, but the half-elf man seemed determined about it. What were that man's intentions, anyway? Discarding the memory, Genis headed in the eastward direction, surprising both Colette and Lloyd. "Well, here's my stop." The elf boy said, plainly.
"Wait, at the ranch?" Colette blinked. "Are we not supposed to go there?"
"Yeah, but they broke the treaty first." Genis defended himself rather weakly, but his friends knew it was true regardless. The two adopted siblings exchanged glances for a brief moment before the Chosen himself sighed.
"Genis, I don't know what you're going to do here, but I can't let you go alone."
"I'll go with you, too." Colette added.
The boy mage blinked, looking at his friends with a surprised expression. "But, you'll get in trouble…I don't want you guys to get in trouble because of this."
"Then, we'll all get in trouble together." Lloyd tried to justify. "What are you going to do here, anyway?"
"Well, the cookies I grabbed from my house, I baked them for a friend of mine. She's at the ranch… She hardly gets any food, so I sneak some in when I can. And, I have to tell her about the oracle, too."
"I see…That's really nice of you, Genis. Even if you're risking yourself." Colette said, smiling.
"Y-yeah. Well…we uh…s-should go, huh?"
The other two nodded, carefully walking down the east path that led to the intimidating structure known as the Iselia human ranch. It sounded like a factory, but only a factory where humans are taken and enslaved with harsh labor. They ducked down as low as possible to sneak around a few Desian guards, using the bushes as cover. They also had to crawl and sidle upside the metal building to avoid further detection. When it was safe, they looked up, watching through the wired gate. Men in red and armor with whips cracked them at humans, forcing them to push giant rocks forward. A few of the humans were out of breath, but the Desians shouted loudly at them to continue with a threat.
"Keep moving, you pathetic human trash!" One Desian roared.
A young woman panted, stopping suddenly. She was out of breath, out of energy, and couldn't go on anymore. Another Desian spotted her, growling under his breath. "Wench! Get back in line!" He shouted, cracking his whip at her back painfully. She screamed in agony, falling to the ground, tears falling out of her eyes. Seeing this as an act of defiance, more Desians rounded up on her, scowling. "Did you not hear the command, wench? I suppose we'll have to teach you a lesson!" With this, they dragged her away by her hair, the woman yelling for someone to help her, but it was all for nothing. Silently, the children shuddered at the sight of such brutality.
"…This is…I can't believe this…" Colette gasped, light tears rolling down her face.
"Yeah. It makes me angry…seeing the Desians do this." Genis growled under his breath. "Desians are half-elves, right?"
The blonde nodded. "Yes, they are. They're…very mean and bad people, apparently. I don't know why they do this to other people. It's not right." She looked at Genis who had a rather sorrowful expression upon his face.
"Yeah, I mean, I don't know why they do this, either."
"I don't think all half-elves are Desians." Lloyd spoke up quietly, garnering the attention of his two friends. "I mean, the ones that hurt others for no reason are bad in my eyes, and those are the ones I have to stop when I go on my journey."
"Yeah…" Genis added softly, feeling slightly better. In the moment of this, his eyes found an old woman, with graying hair tied in a ponytail, dressed in a ragged dress. She was looking off to the side, watching the atrocity befall her humankind. She closed her eyes, saying a small prayer, and had her back to the children behind the wired fence. "Hey, there she is. Marble!" Genis called out, hopefully she was the only one who heard. The old woman heard her name, and noticed the three teens.
"Genis…?" She wondered, approaching the gate, seeing him clearly. "Oh, it is you." She smiled warmly.
"Marble, here." The elf boy said, handing the cookies quickly through the gate for the old woman to take. "I baked them just for you."
"Ah, thank-you ever so much, Genis." Marble smiled again, taking the cookies and hiding them under her dress as much as she could. "Are these your friends, Genis?"
"Yeah. This is Colette and Lloyd." He introduced, smiling. Colette said her hello as did Lloyd, then Genis continued. "Hey, Marble, did you see the oracle? The Tower of Salvation appeared and everything!"
"I saw it, yes. Now, the Chosen can finally go on his journey and restore peace to the world. I just hope the Chosen will succeed this time…" Marble said, her hands clasped together in hope. Colette smiled now, looking at the old woman then to Lloyd. "The last Chosen failed, right…?" The girl asked, now curious. Marble nodded to her question, sighing sadly.
"Yes…The last Chosen was killed by Desians…" The three gave worried exchanges to each other, the younger two more worried about Lloyd now. Would he be all right on his journey? Would Kratos and Raine keep him safe? Regardless of their thoughts, the brunet turned to the older woman.
"Ma'am, I'll be sure to complete my journey and save you and everyone else that suffers." The brunet said with a determined grin. He got her attention, her eyes wide.
"Y-you're the Chosen, young man?"
"I am." He nodded, pointing to the Cruxis Crystal that was around the base of his neck. He only buttoned up to the second button after receiving the oracle earlier, letting his neck expose only slightly. He wanted to keep it covered up just in case any Desians showed up. Marble gasped in delight and shed a few tears of joy. "O…Oh my. I hadn't know the Chosen himself would come here and grace me with his presence. Oh, I've been blessed with such a miracle." Lloyd, Genis and Colette smiled, looking to each other, and sympathized with Marble. She had every right to know. However, one thing caught Lloyd's attention; a red jewel was situated on the old woman's right hand, and he recognized it right away.
"Marble, ma'am, on the back of your hand, that's an Exsphere." Lloyd pointed out.
"Hm? Oh is that what this is called?" She wondered curiously, earning a nod from the brunet. "They put this on me when I first came here. Ever since then, I've been feeling very differently…"
"I see, and it doesn't have a Key Crest, either…" Lloyd observed. The others looked at him quizzically, prompting the red-clad boy to continue. "Attaching an Exsphere directly onto the skin supposedly makes you sick. Ironically enough, it's absolutely useless unless you attach it directly onto the skin." He explained as carefully as he could. "In order to prevent it from making you sick, you have to carve a spell into a special ore and use that as a mount for the Exsphere; that's what's called the Key Crest."
"Oh, you're so knowledgeable, Chosen…" Marble smiled.
"Hm, it doesn't look like Marble has one of those mounts." Colette said as she looked closer at the old woman's hand. Lloyd took a glance for himself, nodding.
"Yeah, she doesn't have one, it seems." The brunet frowned slightly. "I could probably carve one myself. But there's nothing I can do without the inhibitor ore that acts as the mount…"
"Wait, so it's bad if it stays like that on her without a crest?" Colette asked, worried.
"Isn't there something you can do, Lloyd?" Genis asked next.
"It's not as easy as it seems. Making Key Crests is dwarven technology, though." Lloyd began, "I'm sure Dirk would help with this. I know I learned a little about it from him during my visits, so it should be okay."
"Thanks Lloyd, you're the best!" Genis chirped happily.
"I hope Dirk will make one." Colette added, smiling. The brunet nodded to his friends, seeing Marble's expression of gratitude.
"Oh, Chosen. Thank-you for caring about this old woman. I hope I live to see the day you regenerate the world."
"Don't worry Marble. I'll do everything in my power to complete the journey. Just hang on a little longer."
The woman nodded. "I'll hold on as long as I can…"
"Hey, old hag! What the hell are you doing over there?!" Uh-oh, it was a Desian's voice! Marble and the children gasped in surprise, the three ducking down to avoid being seen. The elder lady turned to them, worried for them. "Hurry, you three, run off before they see you." She said urgently.
"But Marble…" Genis protested.
"What about you?" Colette added, frowning.
"I-I'll be fine," it was a lie, "Just please, hurry, get away while you can! Please!" Her old eyes stared at Lloyd, hopeful. "Please Chosen, please…" The brunet growled in fury, closing his eyes. He couldn't let this nice old lady suffer. He was right here, right in front of her. He should just demand the Grand Cardinal to release the prisoners, every single one of them, if he was the Chosen. He had that power, didn't he? He could save himself but couldn't do a thing for these people? What kind of Chosen was he?! "I…I…" Lloyd breathed out, unable to leave. "Marble…"
"Go!" She urged her voice hesitant as the Desians were growing closer. "…Please go!"
"…"
The three reluctantly dived behind a bush, their breaths held as they listened, or in Lloyd's case, secretly watched, as the Desians rounded up on Marble, angry. "Hey you, who told you could slack off?!"
"…I…I'm sorry…" Marble apologized sincerely.
"Hmph! I don't like your tone of voice or your attitude!"
"…W-what ever do you mean? I…" Marble wondered, looking sorrowful.
"Hey, take this old lady to the back and teach her lesson about respect!" One of the Desians snarled, two of them grabbed Marble roughly by her arms, dragging her around the back of the facility. They all cleared out from that small area, gathering the rest of the humans and forcing them to watch as whips cracked against flesh, and an old woman's cry rang out. Once they were gone, the three teens stood up from their hiding spot, overhearing the cracking of the whips, and more importantly, hearing a person's shallow cry with it. The silver-haired elf mage turned to his friends, his heart thudding against his chest in fear for the worse. "…W-we have to see what they're doing to Marble!"
"But, how?" Colette wondered.
"We'll need to get to higher ground to see." Lloyd said. At times like this, he wished he could use his wings and fly up. However, with his friends here, he couldn't do that. He trusted them, yes, but with the knowledge of his previous pains and the knowledge of the angel wings, he wasn't sure if they would be able to believe it with their own eyes. They left their hiding spot, coming around to the front of the ranch's facility. Colette soon spotted a climbable cliff, pointing to it. "Look, there's a cliff here! Wouldn't that be high enough?" The two boys noticed where she was pointing at and agreed.
"Yeah, that should be high enough." Lloyd said. "Let's go."
With help from the Chosen, Genis and Colette climbed up the cliff to its highest point, with Lloyd standing with them. They peeked over carefully, remaining hidden, but saw everything. The prisoners watched, horrified as two Desians cracked whips at Marble's back, while two others were holding her down. The woman cried out as each wave of pain lashed against her tattered, old back, stinging like fire. Genis, Colette and Lloyd looked on, cringing every time the whip lashed. "She's…" the boy mage gasped, unable to finish.
"I-I can't believe this…!" Colette breathed out, covering her mouth with her hands.
Both turned to their Chosen friend, worried. "Lloyd, we have to do something! We can't let them do this!" Genis urged, his eyebrows furrowing in rage. Lloyd glanced at the old woman, her pained cries reaching his sensitive hearing. He couldn't take it anymore; if it risked him getting caught by saving Marble, then so be it.
"We are. Genis, use your magic from here, use Fire Ball and hit them from here." He then turned Colette, "Colette, use Ray Thrust and combine it with Genis' Fire Ball. Aim it at the Desians backs."
The younger two nodded to each other. "What will you do, Lloyd?" the blond-haired girl asked.
"I'll distract them so you two can get away safely."
"But, they'll see your face." Genis objected.
"It's okay. I'll make sure they don't see my face." The brunet assured them.
"…A-All right then." Genis and Colette gave in, taking out their kendama and chakrams respectively. They hid behind a rock upon the small plateau of the cliff; Genis began chanting silently his incantation, gathering mana while Colette focused on her targets. There were two Desians hitting Marble, and those were the ones she needed to hit. Lloyd concentrated on the metal pillars of the ranch, coordinating where he would land so the half-elf brutes would notice him jumping from the top, preventing them from seeing his two friends. Genis nodded to Colette, having assumed the mana he needed for the spell. The girl responded with a nod of her own, silently moving as she reared her chakrams back.
"Flaming Thrust!" the two chimed together, Colette chucking the bladed discs while the fire magic enveloped them. The chakrams spun, one cutting into a Desian's backside and the second spun, cutting the other in the leg. The two roared in pain as fire licked their bones the same time the chakrams connected. The spinning discs returned to their recipient, prompting Lloyd to make his move. The brown-haired Chosen jumped upon the top portion of the ranch, garnering attention of the Desians inside. "There he is! Get him!" They shouted in unison, the gates opening. Lloyd barely glanced back to see Genis and Colette helping one another down the cliff carefully and silently, then turned to keep the Desians busy. He had to make sure they escaped or at least, got out of sight. The red-clad swordsman landed to his feet, keeping his back turned. The half-elves were running around the corner, whips in hand, growling about an intruder.
Colette and Genis made it down the cliff safely and began tip-toeing around a bush, watching the Desians' movements, and being careful to not make a sound as to not get seen. Unfortunately, Genis tripped over his feet, falling down and Colette collided and tripped over him as well. "Owww!" they both cried out, alerting the Desian guards. Lloyd, with his enhanced hearing, hissed under his breath as he charged at the guards, swords drawn to steer their attention on him. "I think your fight is with me." The Chosen called out to the half-elf soldiers. They spun around, noticing the brunet and scowled.
"Damn human bastard!" One shouted.
"We'll teach you not to mess with us!" the second roared.
Lloyd simply raised his swords challengingly, waiting for them to take the bait. The soldiers growled, charging at the brown-haired teen, obviously biting the bait. Lloyd frowned, dodging to the left as one cracked his whip at him. He evaded to the right when the other attempted to hit, and was met with a punch from the teenager. Having recovered from their stumble, Genis and Colette watched as Lloyd fought off the Desians that spotted him, worried. How could they help him? He was outnumbered. However, they saw the growing fury in the brunet's eyes; he locked gazes with them in the mere seconds he could gather, telling them to "get out of here!" with his expression. The two understood, running off before they could be spotted. "Your days are numbered, inferior being!" one of the Desians barked, continuing to slam his whip at Lloyd.
The Chosen simply deflected the whip lash with one of his blades, slashing horizontally with the other. The half-elf groaned and fell dead, landing to the ground with a crash. The second Desian growled, narrowing his eyes at the human scum before him. "Damn inferior being! You'll pay for that!" He roared, lunging forward. However, it was in vain, as Lloyd spun rhythmically, his own irises burning hatred into the half-elf's.
"You picked the wrong guy to mess with." Lloyd spat icily, swinging his second sword towards the soldier. The Desian had no chance as his chest was slashed like his cohorts; he fell as he hollered in agonizing pain, right next to his dead comrade. Finished with this, Lloyd heard siren alerts and more guards shouting. This wasn't good. "I have to get out of here." He mumbled, rushing off towards the cliff, not thinking. He jumped, flipping acrobatically as he landed upon one cliff's edge and then kicked off to jump down further. The sheer height of it all prompted Lloyd to use his wings, but his eyes found the running forms of Genis and Colette—that'd have been a terrible move. With all his might as he neared the ground, the brunet ducked and rolled as he landed, making sure to keep his swords far out as to not hurt himself.
"L-Lloyd!" Genis called out as he saw him first.
"Are you okay?" came Colette's voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine." The Chosen replied. "Are you two okay? You both took quite a fall, if I recall hearing…"
"Y-yeah, that was my fault." The elven boy admitted. "I'm sorry Lloyd…They saw your face and it's my fault."
"Don't worry about it, Genis. I killed the ones who saw me, so there's no way they'd be able to tell." Lloyd assured them, smiling. "The rest are up on the cliff anyway. You two should get home though… There's enough damage done and you two shouldn't be involved in it anymore than you already are."
His adopted sister blinked. "But, what about you?"
"I'll be home before dark, Colette. Tell Dad, okay? I'm just going to get Dirk to make me some sheathes, and that Key Crest for Marble."
"A…all right…" She relented.
"You two stay together on your way back."
"We will. And hey, Lloyd. Thank-you."
"No problem, Genis. You just owe me some homework, if you don't mind?"
The boy mage shook his head, smiling lightly. "I don't mind, Lloyd. Well, we'll see you later. Be careful!" The two waved him off, Lloyd remaining behind as he watched his friends leave the forest. When they were out of sight, and out of his ear-shot, he quickly traversed through the forest again, keeping the hilts of his swords gripped tightly. For sure, the ranch would be on security lock-down or something like that, but the whole risk was worth it. Treading carefully when he reached the 'T' intersection again, the red-clad teen hurried off, making sure he wasn't seen by anyone. However, deep down, he felt bad; he felt he betrayed Forcystus' trust in him, the man who spared his life as a child.
"…All I wanted to do was help…" Lloyd reminded himself as he made it to the exit of the Iselian forest. Dirk's house wasn't far from here.
However, upon the top of the cliff, stood a man with short, aquamarine hair, a scowling expression on his face. His eyes narrowed as he stared down the edge, which had been more than a hundred foot drop. Desians stood around him, waiting for anything the man to say. "Analyze the data from the surveillance cameras." He ordered. The soldiers saluted, hurrying back inside the ranch as other soldiers ushered the human prisoners back into their cells. The half-elf Grand Cardinal tapped his foot impatiently, closing his eyes. "How could a mere human jump from this height? It makes no sense." He muttered to himself. Forcystus stood by his lonesome, absorbing the mana he felt around the area, still fresh from several minutes ago.
He caught the mana "scent" of three people. One was a human's, another was a fellow half-elf's, and the other was a familiar, diluted pulse of a half-elf descent. He only knew one person with this mana and frowned deeply. "…Lloyd…You stupid child… I told you to stay away from the ranch." Forcystus murmured to himself, glaring angrily at nothing in particular. The boy violated the treaty, and yet, he was someone the grand cardinal couldn't touch. He was the Chosen, and a fellow half-elf. He would never harm anyone of his kind, let alone someone in Yggdrasil's plan. His men would want to seek vengeance however, and that was something he wouldn't ignore, either. Being involved in this in more ways than normal was frustrating the half-elf man.
"This is what happens when you slightly babysit a boy… Forcystus, you're stuck in a tight spot…" He growled to himself, face-palming. How would he do this without harming Yggdrasil's precious Chosen? He would be summoned and killed if he even tried to lay harm upon or try to attack the brunet his head lord needed. This was becoming quite the complicated mess and a chore.
-x-x-x-
By the time the two friends made it to Iselia, the early night was rolling in. Unfortunately, they were met with two familiar faces. "Where is the Chosen?" Kratos asked as Genis and Colette entered the village, both panting from running. They were surprised to see the mercenary appearing from nowhere, and now Raine was with him. The two children paled lightly, looking down. Kratos half-glared at them, but remained stern. He couldn't get upset at his son's friends, or else he'd break whatever trust he had with him. He needed the boy's trust, if anything else. But if anything happened to his child, he would surely run insane. "Lloyd went to see Dirk to make him sheathes for his swords." Colette said through her labored breath, making Kratos sigh internally. At least the brunet was safe. "W-we ran back here though because…well…"
"What happened? Why were you running, anyway?" Raine asked, her blue eyes hardening on them.
"…Uh…you see, we had a run-in with…the D-Desians…" Genis admitted, gulping. The silver-haired woman's eyes widened when her brother spoke those words, scowling afterwards.
"What? You went near the ranch?! You knew about the treaty—"
"B-but they broke it first!" Genis defended. "They tried to kill Lloyd at the temple earlier!"
"What?" Raine pressed.
"It's true, Professor. They came at the temple earlier, and then tried to kill Lloyd and us. S-so it's not—" Colette began but was interrupted.
"You two know better!" The woman snapped, frowning. "I can't seem to fathom why you would want to go near the ranch."
"Well, I-I had a friend there." Genis started. "I wanted to tell her about the oracle, and that the Tower of Salvation appeared. I just…she was trapped in there, Raine. I needed to tell her because it was her hope. I couldn't let her down… I-I'm sorry, Raine."
"Genis…" Colette frowned.
"Lloyd and Colette came with me. And, it's my fault that they saw his face. Even though he beat them, I'm still worried. I-it's all my fault…"
The blond shook her head, placing her hand on the smaller boy's shoulder. "Genis, we're all at fault. Not only that but Lloyd risked his own self to help out, too. We're in this together, okay?" The elven boy looked up from his sorrow, still frowning, but tried to keep his composure.
"Yeah…you're…right, Colette."
The professor shook her head, sighing heavily. "…Fine, I see now. But you three knew better, especially Lloyd. The village went through so much trouble to protect him with a treaty and now…he endangered not only himself but Iselia…"
"It cannot be helped." Kratos stated. "Let's check on the Chosen and bring him home safely."
"Right, we can at least do that." Raine added. "Come on, you two. Let's go."
-x-x-x-
"Dirk?" Lloyd called out.
"Aye, come in, boy." The dwarf said from inside, allowing the teen to come inside. Lloyd opened the door and went inside, smiling lightly. The dwarf was busily working on hammering away on metal, most likely making a weapon from a request. "Ah, Lloyd. What can I do fer ya, boy?"
"Dirk, uh, I was wondering if you can make me two sheathes for these swords here." The brunet nodded to the pair of blades he was holding. "If that isn't too much to ask."
"No, it's not. I'll make it tonight and it'll be ready for you tomorrow mornin'." The dwarven man said, grinning. "So, I be seein' that ya received the oracle today?"
Lloyd nodded. "Yeah. I'll be starting my journey soon, probably around tomorrow morning, ironically enough. I want to be prepared for it." Dirk understood, preparing iron to start on the sheathes the teen needed. "Also, another thing, if it isn't too much to ask for…"
"Hm? What'cha be needin'?" Dirk looked at him questionably as the teen spoke.
"Could you make me a Key Crest?"
"Eh? Why ya be needin' one so suddenly, boy?" Dirk asked.
"I met someone today who has an Exsphere without a Key Crest." Lloyd explained, hoping to avoid exposing his dangerous attempt at the ranch earlier. "An Exsphere without a Key Crest is bad for you, isn't it?" The brunet paused, coming to a sudden realization of fear. "Or…don't tell me that it's too late once you've attached an Exsphere without a Key Crest to your body…?"
The dwarf man shook his head, chuckling lightly. "Nah, not at all, Lloyd." He said, turning from his work. "However, removing a Key Crestless Exsphere is dangerous. The only thing you can do is make an accessory out of an inhibitor ore and carve the charm into that, making it into a Key Crest instead." Lloyd nodded, smiling. There was hope for Marble after all. Now, if he can just get the dwarf to make it…
"Is it possible for you to make the bracelet as soon as you can?"
"Hm, just a moment, Lloyd." Dirk paused. "Just who is this person without a Key Crestless Exsphere we're talking about?" The dark eyes of the dwarf saw right through whatever lie Lloyd would bring up. "Lloyd, remember. Dwarven Vow #11: Lying is the first step to thievery." Well, now the boy couldn't lie under the vow. "Tell me the truth now…You're the Chosen, I know, but it's no reason to lie to me…" The brunet frowned, sighing sadly.
"Okay…I…met someone at the ranch that doesn't have a Key Crest, and she looked very ill…" He began, noticing Dirk's furious gaze burning upon him.
"WHAT?!" The short man bellowed. "Why'd you go to the ranch, boy? You know the village has a treaty with them to protect ya, and ya went anyway?!"
"I-I'm sorry, Dirk… But I just couldn't…!" Lloyd tried to defend himself.
"Ya didn't let them see yer face, did ya?"
"N-No, I made sure they didn't."
Dirk sighed. "Lloyd, you know I only treat you like a son, regardless of where ya came from, but don't get involved with the Desians now. Just do what'cha 'ave to do and go on yer journey. That'll rid of them Desians. Just focus on that now." The brunet shook his head furiously, despite he couldn't actually feel the emotion bubbling inside him.
"Dirk! How can you expect me to be the Chosen when people are dying and suffering before my very eyes?" The boy asked, half rhetorically. "I know I can save everyone by going on the journey, but this! I can't ignore this! It's my duty to protect and save those I meet, isn't it? Then this is something I can't let go. I can't let others be sacrificed for me, or become the object of torture just because of…those Desians…!"
"Lloyd! Calm yourself down!" Dirk instructed aloud, hoping the teen would calm down.
"Why can't I save even one person before me? The priests at the temple died because Desians were after me. What kind of Chosen am I if I can't even do one thing right?"
"Lloyd…"
"…Never mind, Dirk. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted at you. That was…very…un-Chosen like of me to…"
The man shook his head softly. "Nah, you were right in yer own way, Lloyd. There is…no need to apologize…" He rubbed his chin, his beard and sighed. "Go home now, Lloyd, it's getting late. Your parents will be worried about ya being out so late. I'll make ya the finest scabbards for yer swords, so you can 'eave them here." The Chosen nodded silently, putting the weapons down beside the table, turning to leave the house. Dirk watched him go, sighing again.
As soon as Lloyd exited the dwarf's house, he was met with Raine, Colette, Genis and Kratos, all staring at him worriedly. He paused momentarily to gaze back before falling into a frown. "Sorry…You all probably heard that, didn't you?"
"It's all my fault, Lloyd… You and Colette… you both came with me and…"
"Genis, I said it was okay." The brunet said with a forced smiled. "What are you guys doing here, anyway?"
"We came here to find you, Lloyd." Raine stepped in. "When you weren't with Colette and Genis, they told us you had gone to Dirk's to get sheathes made for your swords."
The boy Chosen nodded. "Yeah, that's right, I did."
"Well, in any case, we're glad you're all right. But please, be careful. You had us worried." The professor said softly.
"I'm sorry…I'll…I'll try my hardest." Lloyd apologized.
"Lloyd, apologizing so much doesn't suit you…" Colette smiled warmly. The adopted brother laughed lightly, agreeing. It really wasn't like him to, knowing his usual character. "Come on, we're going home. Father will be worried about us." The girl took his hand with hers, leading him from the dwarf's house. "You'll miss dinner." The others followed behind the two, carefully weaving their way through the dark forest again. However, during the trek, Kratos found his eyes on the boy again, and the words he spoke earlier, about his discovery. He told him Forcystus had found him in the IseliaForest, and he noticed upon crossing over a certain ditch in the area, the brunet seemingly shuddered visibly. The mercenary heavily noted this and searched around for the spot his son disliked. The group walked ahead as he stayed behind to observe. He walked around a small looping corner, his sharp eyesight looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Unfortunately, he didn't find anything that led him to wherever Lloyd had been "hiding" all those years ago. Regardless, it didn't truly matter—the seraph had somewhat reunited with his lost child. The only thing now was to prevent him from knowing until it was the right time. But, when was the right time? How could he tell his son that they were both over four thousand years old, and that he wasn't the reincarnation of the Angel Lloyd, but rather he is the same Lloyd spoken in the 'fake' and falsely made legend? The weight of it all would be heavy, and Kratos wasn't sure if he could handle it all. "…This is becoming more of a chore…" The auburn muttered to himself, walking on the regular path to catch up with everyone else. This was also going to be long night.
Galdr: Yup, I pulled an all-day I mean, I sat in one position and typed all this in one day like I was shooting for. Go me! Sorry if this is enormously long, I think I went overboard. Oh, and they'll be out of Iselia next chapter, I promise. So much altering of the story, it's so fun. Review if you like!