The Cosplayers of Ratatosk

Hey everyone, thanks for coming back for another! A fast update, because the first few chapters are all half written.

The story is just starting to begin, so lets start the chapter! Also, I know that going by the time difference, almost everyone in the ToS world would be dead. So therefore, I'm just gonna say that Origin made it so that they went back to when Dawn of the New World happens. Don't ask me why. I really don't know myself, although I may eventually.

And a super special thanks to The one who writes the ones for reviewing!

Chapter two: out of the black space

Lauren opened her eyes. Am I blind? It's all black... this is all that idiot's fault! I swear, I'm gonna get him for this... swinging her arms in front of her as if to punch the air, she noticed something. Wait a minute. I can see my arms, so I'm not blind. But then ...what is this? Am... am I dead?

Now worrying, Lauren was starting to panic. Oh man, I can't be dead! I wanted to finish school, fall in love, and be happy! Oh, this is just great!

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"...lp...help me..."

"Who are you?"

"...protect...cores...safe...marta..."

"Marta? Wait, do you mean like from tales of Symphonia? I can't keep her safe! She's in a video game! Besides, there's already a girl for me..."

"...believe...self...do it...faith..."

"Fine, I'll do it. I can't turn back on someone in need. But who are you?"

"...darkness..."

And then everything went black.

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Lauren was thinking. The prospect of death didn't seem so bad now, simply because it wasn't so scary here anymore, just quite dull. She was more worried about Aaron than anything else. And she felt like she hadn't heard anything at all for what seemed like an eternity! Suddenly, there was a poof, and a bit of a bang noise.

"The amazing wonder chef has arrived! Prepare for landing. Next stop: Palmocosta!" Grabbing her hand in her stupor, he rushed off,dragging her behind.

"Hey," Lauren protested," you do realize that you're dragging someone behind you, right?"

"No time now, we gotta dash to make sure you two land at the same time. Don't worry, you'll meet up quickly!" He laughed with a smile.

"Wait, you two? Do you mean Aaron? And how are we supposed to get to Palmocosta? It isn't even real!"

"Like this!" A wink and a leap later, everything went white.

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Well, what now? I'm stuck in darkness with no one to talk to. If only that voice hadn't left, then I could at least entertain myself. A sigh. Ah well, at least it couldn't get any worse...

The same white light flashed blindingly, and the figure disappeared. All that was left were his last thoughts, a message to a fleeting shadow.

I promise you. No matter what, I will protect Marta. I made a promise, and I've never broken one before.

Far away in the abyss, the shadow moved. This so-called 'darkness' smiled, she would be safe now.

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"Arta... Lady Marta! Please get up now! The commander wishes to speak to you!"

"Yes mom... just five more minutes..."

"Oh, please don't do this now Lady Marta! Commander Brute will skin us alive if you don't come now!"

Lauren bolted upright. Wait a minute. Marta? Brute? Oh. My. Gosh. I can't believe that the wonder chef was right! Or that was really the wonder chef? I'm in Symphonia?! Oh man, have I finally lost my marbles? But wait. That would mean that I'm... I'm Marta! This can't be happening.I'm not an actor! Oh man, how am I going to act in front of Brute? I can barely stand my own parents half the time! Well, I guess I should call him Daddy... I just hope he doesn't realize...

"Lady Marta, are you all right? You have an odd look on your face..."

Lauren turned to the soldier in question. "Oh yeah, I'm coming. Just give me a moment to get dressed."

"Yes lady Marta." The Vanguard saluted and left. Alright Lauren thought, eyeing the wardrobe. Now how to get this on...

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"Oh man, my head hurts... what was that?" Aaron sat up in a daze. He brought a hand up to scratch his head, but froze. "Why is my hand black? And why does it look like a... paw?" Aaron jolted up. As accepting as he was, this was pretty weird. And being unused to having the body of a magical cat/centurion had its drawbacks. Like, you know, accidentally launching yourself six feet in the air.

"Aw, what the heck is going on? This... this is AWESOME!"

Well, it turns out it wasn't to weird for him.(and the narrator is not too surprised) Getting into the mood, whatever it was, he started flying around, trying to figure out how it all worked. "Wheeeeeeeee!" By this point, Aaron was floating around like he was on cloud nine,dipping and diving with suprising accuracy(maybe it comes from reading too much? He certainly wouldn't get those skills anywhere else.) "This is even better than I hoped! I don't just get to meet someone, I get to be someone! Even if it is just an old grouch." As he was 'dancing', for lack of a better word, a small glowing red orb that he hadn't noticed fell from his tail/ hand. "Is this...Ratatosk's core? Then that means... Oh crap, I better find Marta quick!" He sped off, the small core pulsing in his grip.

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After about half an hour of trying to figure out how to get her clothes on, Lauren was finally out the door, walking down to Brute's office. After a brisk walk with some very boring guards they arrived. Brute was sitting at his desk, and somebody that Lauren couldn't make out was in the corner.

"Marta dear," Brute started," I have created a marvelous plan. I'm afraid I can't tell you all the details, but Richter here has given me the information necessary to destroy Tethe'alla and restore the Sylvarant dynasty!"

Well, I guess Brute's not one for subtlety. Just like the name. Lauren snapped out of her thoughts.

" That's insane!" 'Well, I can't really say I know how Marta felt, but how could she love someone who has become like this? I just don't get it.' Lauren was starting to panic.

"Daddy..." Lauren regretted using the word. "How could you think something like that? It would never work! Destroying Tethe'alla? The Church would crush you! "

"Oh, that's what you think Marta dear. But Richter told me just what I'd need to get the power- this!" And with that, Brute pulled out the core. "Marta dear, tonight will be the beginning of our revenge!"

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(A/N) well, how was that for y'all? Love it? Hate it? Angry that it's a cliffy? Please, tell me! I'll even take flames, 'cause there great for making toast. Well, until next chapter!