(A/N): Alright I'm back! Sorry for the break, but since I am now on Winter Break; I can hopefully put up more chapters! So now it's time… for Chapter 5 of Symphonic Abyss!
Tales of Symphonia and Tales of the Abyss are copyrighted by Namco Bandai.
Chapter 5: The Oracle Appears!
The next day, I awoke up around mid morning (according to Lorelei) to find Lloyd putting his pants on.
"Hey Lloyd, what're you doing today?"
"Well, since school is out on Saturday and Sunday, I typically just go to Genis or Colette's house to see what their up to." He said as pulled the same red long sleeved shirt over a grey tank top. "Why?"
"Well, I decided. I'm going to protect Colette on The Journey of Regeneration." I said confidently.
Lloyd grinned. "That's great, Luke! You, me, Genis, and the Professor, assisting Colette as she saves the world! (1)" I didn't have the heart to tell Lloyd that he REALLY needed to step his sword skills to be Colette's guardian.
"Okay, so, can you bring me to Colette's house? I want to tell Phaidra that I'm accepting her offer."
"Alright! It's not hard to miss; Colette's house is the only house in Iselia to have a second story."
"Okay, let's have breakfast and get moving." I said as my stomach grumbled.
After having some pancakes, Noishe, Lloyd and I walked down to Iselia, this time without monsters attacking us. As we got to the gate, Lloyd stopped and turned to Noishe, "Alright, Noishe, I'll see you later." Noishe whined, licked Lloyd's hand and walked away.
"Why don't you let Noishe come into the village?" I asked.
"The mayor won't allow Noishe in, saying that he'll scare the villagers into thinking he's a monster." Lloyd replied in a strange tone of voice.
"Alright…" I didn't go any further because it sounded like I hit a nerve.
We walked into Iselia and Lloyd took me to a two story house with a red brick roof. He knocked on the door, and the door opened to a blonde haired girl- the same girl I saw yesterday with Phaidra. I guessed this was Colette. She was wearing the same white priestess dress, white boots, and navy blue pants from when I saw her the other day.
"Hey, Colette, how are you doing?" Lloyd asked. I was right, it WAS Colette.
"Oh, Lloyd!" She said happily, then looked over at me, and looked surprised when she saw me, "and Mr. Luke, too! Are you here about Grandmother's proposal?"
"First off, Luke is just fine. And secondly, yes, I'm here for Phaidra's proposal. Where is she?"
"She'll be down soon. She's just getting dressed. Come in, please! I'm having breakfast. Have you two already eaten?"
Lloyd answered this one, "Yeah, we ate before coming here. How long will your grandma be?"
"It should be about five minutes." The girl answered as she invited us inside. The three of us sat down at a table in the kitchen, and we started to talk.
"So Lloyd, how long have you and Luke known each other?" Colette asked us.
"I met Lloyd when I was walking out of the item shop the day I got into town." I began, "He offered me a place at his house, and after some small talk, I accepted."
"Yeah, that's pretty much it." Lloyd added.
I was going to ask Colette some more questions, but a voice interrupted us: "Colette, dear, is someone here?" It was Phaidra.
Phaidra was still wearing her priestess dress. She looked at me and Lloyd and smiled. "Ah, Lloyd, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine." Lloyd answered.
Turning to me, Phaidra asked, "And Luke, good to see you. Have you made your decision yet?"
"Yeah." I said nodding, "I've made up my mind. I'll help protect Colette during The Journey of Regeneration."
Phaidra smiled, and Colette seemed overjoyed. "That's wonderful, Luke!" Phaidra said, "It really does lighten a heavy burden. But are you sure? It's a long journey, and-"
"It's fine." I quickly interjected, "I've been traveling by myself for a year now, so I'm kind of used to it. The bigger question is if Colette is up or the journey."
"I've been preparing for the journey since I was young. I'm ready for it." Colette answered for Phaidra.
"Alright then, is there anything else I need to know about The Journey?" I asked. Considering what happened at while traveling in Aulderant, I needed to know everything I needed to know.
"Yes, there is." Phaidra answered, "First off, we need to let the mayor of Iselia know about you accepting, though he might need some convincing of your abilities, Luke." I nodded, "Also, you're not the only one accompanying Colette."
"Really? Who else is coming?"
"Colette and Lloyd's schoolteacher, Raine Sage. Raine is an elf and knows some healing magic, so she will be going with you as a healer."
"Raine Sage, where did I hear that name before?"
Returning to reality, I responded, "Okay. Anything else?"
"Just one last thing, Luke. The Journey will start in a week; one day after Colette receives the Oracle. Do you understand?"
"Yeah, I understand." I said, nodding.
"Fantastic. Now Luke, Colette, could you follow me to the mayor's house? I need to tell him that you're ready to guard Colette." Phaidra said as she started to walk to the door.
"Okay, Grandmother!" Colette said cheerfully, standing up from her chair.
"Does the mayor already know about me?" I asked.
"Yes, I mentioned you to him, and he said that he'll consider you." Phaidra then perked up, as if she remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot, Lloyd, since you're here, could you please be a dear and tell Raine to meet me by the mayor's house?"
"Yeah, no problem." Lloyd said.
(Luke earned the title: 'Guardian of the Chosen'!)
An honorable title given to those who guard the person who will restore the land of Sylvarant
Colette, Phaidra, and I then walked to the mayor's house near the middle of the town. There, the mayor gave me a hard time, saying that I was too young (Not that I blame him), but after some convincing and showing off some of my moves, he agreed, but told me that if some other experienced mercenary came with a low price, he would hire them and fire me. I said that if some other experienced mercenary came with a low price, I would still guard Colette, but allow the other mercenary to come with us for extra protection.
Sometime in the middle of the agreement, Lloyd came in with a silver haired lady who was identified as the Raine person Phaidra mentioned earlier. I was surprised at how young she was; only looking 2 or 3 years older than Guy. Raine wore an orange jacket with black glyphs over a white blouse, as well as black pants and snow white boots. When Raine was told that I was the person that was guarding Colette, she disapproved completely. It took a LOT more convincing for Raine, but we eventually convinced her that I was good for the job. What really disturbed me is that during the interview, Raine kept glancing at me, as if she was studying me. It was both creepy and distracting.
As we walked out of the mayor's house, I heard Raine's voice behind me: "Luke, could I ask you a few questions?" Not wanting to seem suspicious, I turned around.
"Sure, what's up Raine?"
With a stern look on her face, Raine asked bluntly: "Who are you exactly?" It was hard not to flinch at that question.
"What do you mean?" I answered. "I'm Luke fon Fabre, a wandering swordsman. Simple as that."
Raine stared at me with a watchful for a few seconds, and then a cunning smile appeared on her face before saying: "Well Luke, I just hope you're up for the responsibility for guarding Colette. Just remember that Colette failing could her fault as well as ours."
I nodded seriously. "Right, I'll remember that."
Raine nodded in turn, and then walked away. "That Sage woman could prove to be trouble. She seems to suspect you not being of this world." Lorelei's voice sounded throughout my mind. "According to the planet's memory, elves and half-elves can tell different species apart from one another by observing there mana signatures. Since you are from a planet without mana, she might be able to see that you are not of this planet."
"Do you think she knows?" I asked in my mind.
"Do I look like I can read minds?"
Before I could respond, Lloyd, Colette, and that Genis kid from yesterday walked up to me. Lloyd was the first to congratulate me. "Nice job Luke! Don't worry about what the mayor has to say, you'll make a great guardian!"
Colette then added: "I look forward to travel with you, Luke!" When she said this, Colette's smiled somehow looked fake, sad almost. For some reason, it reminded me of Ion when he told us back on Aulderant the darker parts of the Score and the Order of Lorelei.
Genis stared at me for a second, then said with a hint of sarcasm: "I just hope Raine doesn't drive you crazy."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"
Genis just smirked, "You'll see why."
I shot him a deadpan look before asking Colette: "So now what? Do I just wait until you receive the Oracle?"
Colette nodded "Pretty much, yes. You will have to accompany me whenever I go outside the village, though."
"I'm cool with that." I then looked up at the sky, "So, seven days until the journey begins."
"…And seven days until I can start the process of getting back to Aulderant." I thought sadly, but didn't let it show.
(Later that night, at Dirk's house)
March 22
Day 2
Guarding Colette
Today I went to Colette's house with Lloyd to tell Phaidra about the proposition. Pahidra seem pleased that I was accepting the offer, then after telling me a few things about the journey, we went to the Mayor's house to negotiate about me becoming Colette's guardian.
To say that the negotiation could have gone better was an understatement. It took at least ten minutes of convincing until we were able to convince the mayor to let me guard Colette, then twenty more minutes when the other person who was guarding Colette, Raine Sage, came in and also disapproved of me becoming Colette's guardian! Man… that was a handful.
Also, after the interview/negotiation, Raine asked me about who I was, which seem weird at the time, and then Lorelei told me that Raine might know that I'm not from this world, (due to the fact that those with elfish descent could trace mana signatures to tell different races apart) and that made me nervous. Thinking about it now, Lloyd mentioned something about Genis being related to Raine, which could explain why he looked at me weirdly when I first met him.
Anyways, only seven days until The Journey of Regeneration starts. I really want to get home.
-Luke
(Seven days later)
Finally, after seven day of waiting, killing monsters, and accompanying Colette to the Martel Temple, the day of the Oracle has finally come! I didn't write anything down in my diary because there really was nothing to write about.
I got up at 9 in the morning and went with Lloyd to his schoolhouse. Phaidra had asked me the day before to go to the school in case the Oracle showed up during the school day. We got there ten minutes before class began, so I went to Lloyd's classroom while he went with Colette to the school's backyard.
I walked into Lloyd's classroom and saw Raine and Genis setting up for the lesson today. Raine looked up from the lesson plan and said: "Ah, Luke. Are you going to be joining us today?"
"Yeah, Phaidra asked me to be here with Colette incase the Oracle showed up during class."
"That's alright; I think I have a spare desk, so you can sit there. Oh, and please try to pay attention." A stern look then crossed her face, "Even though your only here for today, I will not tolerate disruptions in class."
"You'd be wise to listen to my sister, Luke." Genis piped up, "Just ask Lloyd. I sure he has a lot of stories about when got caught paying attention." Raine then smacked Genis upside the head.
"That's enough, Genis." She then turned to me and pointed at a desk in the back left, "That seat over there is open, so you can sit there."
I nodded and sat where she had pointed. I sat there for about five minutes, bored out of my mind, then started to glance around the room. Various books sat on the tables, pictures drawn by some of the students were hung up on the walls, Raine was writing some lessons down on the chalkboard, about everything I've read about typical elementary schools back in Aulderant was here. Eventually, Raine saw me glancing around, and asked me: "Is there something wrong, Luke?"
"Sorry, I've been homeschooled my entire life, so this is my first time in a classroom."
"Why's that? Every child deserves a proper education."
"My mother was hesitant about letting me out of my house. I've really only been let out on my own a couple of times." I said truthfully.
"And do they know about you wandering around Sylvarant?"
"Yeah, I guess you could say that being able to go out on my own was my present for turning seventeen years old."
Raine didn't ask any more questions, and after about ten more minutes, the students finally started to pour into the classroom. There were only fifteen kids in the class, which seemed pretty small. Lloyd sat two seats to the right of me, and he flashed me a thumbs up, which I returned. After an eternity and a day, class began.
After introducing me to the class, Raine started to talk about Mithos the hero, which they had been studying for the past week. I pretended to pay attention, while getting the full story from Lorelei.
"Mithos was a hero who lived 4000 years ago, around the time of Sylvarant's creation. It is said that he sealed away the Desians, prevented a global war, and made a pact with Martel to make sure that the mana in the world will flourish. In some ways, he could be considered the first Chosen. (2)"
"…Is that all?"
"Unfortunately, that's all the planet's memory has to say."
"…Okaaay."
Everything Raine taught us Lorelei already told me, so I just looked like I was paying attention and occasionally glanced around the room. Great minds must think alike, because Lloyd did the exact same thing. After about 2 hours, he got caught sleeping in class twice (which earned him a smack upside the head), and for not paying attention (Raine got angry and threw a piece of chalk at his forehead, knocking Lloyd down with his chair [3]), and was eventually punished by having to stand up while holding two buckets full of water (one in each hand) in the back of the class, and not drop the two buckets. Somehow, Lloyd managed to fall asleep STANDING UP, which caused Raine on throw an eraser at Lloyd's forehead.
About a minute after that, though, a bright light suddenly engulfed the classroom, temporarily blinding everyone.
"Settle down." Raine silenced the class, "It appears that the time for the Oracle has come. I'll go and check on the chapel. Everyone, stay here and study on your own, understood?" As she turned for the door, she then looked at me and said: "Colette, if it is the Oracle, the priests will come here for you. And Luke, whatever you do, don't let Colette out of you sight."
"Yes, ma'am." Colette responded.
I nodded, and she left.
I sat back in my chair and put my hands behind my head, and watched amusedly as Lloyd tried to sneak out of class, but was stopped by Genis. After having a small discussion that left Genis mad, Lloyd turned to Colette and called out to her, and then for some reason, they all tried to sneak out of class. I got out of my seat and walked over to them. "And just where are you three going?" I asked with mock annoyance. I jumped and turned around, with looks of horror and guilt on their faces.
"Um, well, Luke…" Lloyd began.
"Hey, I trust you guys to take care of yourselves, but Raine told me to keep an eye on Colette, so if she's going with you guys, then I have to go along with you, alright?"
Lloyd then perked up and grinned, "Alright! Thanks Luke!"
Colette smiled happily, and Genis muttered "I just hope Raine doesn't kill us for this."
Then we headed out.
(Lloyd, Colette, and Genis joined the party!)
Skit: Clumsy Colette
Luke (Confused): Hey guys, what was that hole in the wall near the entrance of the classroom?
Colette (Flustered): Um, well…
Genis (Cheerful): Colette tripped into the wall while moping the floor last spring. We never got around to fixing that hole.
Colette (Embarrassed): I'm sorry, I'm just incredibly clumsy, that's all.
Luke (Normal): Hey, it can't be that ba- (Colette [surprised] moves closer to Luke quickly, bumping sound effect heard) Whoa!
Colette (Flustered): I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry!
Luke (Tired): I spoke too soon.
Genis (Grinning): Yup.
(End Skit)
As we walked out of the schoolhouse, it was surprisingly empty out. Almost no one was outside.
"Hey, where is everyone?" Lloyd asked.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Lloyd." I said.
Then, a voice called out to us. It was Frank, Colette's father, who I had gotten to know when escorting her around. He came running up to us, and was out of breath when he got close.
"Father!" Colette said worried.
"Frank!" Genis and I said at the same time.
"*pant* Thank Martel you're *pant* safe." Frank said tiredly.
"What happen to everyone, Frank?" I asked.
Catching his breath, Frank responded: "They're all hiding. The Desians passed through the village a short while ago. No one was hurt, thankfully, but the Desians are heading to the temple!"
"What! But Iselia had a non-aggression treaty with the Desians!" Genis cried out.
Suddenly, I realized something: Raine was at the temple, and the Desians were heading now!
"Wait, Raine! Raine's in trouble!" I shouted.
"What are you talk-?!" Genis begun before realizing what I meant.
"Wait, what's wrong? Lloyd asked.
"Lloyd, you moron! Raine's at the temple! The Desians are heading there! We need to help her!" Genis shouted at Lloyd.
"Grandmother's also there preparing for the ritual!" Colette shouted frantically.
"Let's get moving." I said. Then I said to Frank: "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to Colette."
"I know. I trust you Luke. Bring my little girl back safely." Frank said with a serious look on his face.
As we left the village, we were stopped by a zombie blocking our path. Angry that something was getting in our way, I quickly drew The Key of Lorelei and shouted at the zombie "Get out of our way!" Before the others could say anything, I rushed towards the zombie and cut it clean in half with a horizontal slash. After picking up some of the gald it dropped, I turned to the others and said "Let's go." The others quickly nodded, and we were off.
Skit: Raine in Trouble
Lloyd (Angry): C'mon! We gotta hurry to the temple!
Genis (Angry): If those Desians lay ONE hand on her…
Luke (Serious): Guys, let's try to avoid the monsters if we can. We don't need any distractions or delays.
Lloyd, Genis (Angry) and Colette (Worried): Right!
Lloyd and Genis exit
Colette (Worried): …I hope grandmother is okay. I don't want her to die because of me.
Luke (Serious): Don't worry, Colette. She'll be fine. Now come on, we need to get moving.
Colette (Worried): Alright.
End Skit
Since I already knew the way to the temple after escorting Colette there so many times, we arrived at The Temple of Martel in record time (Not counting all the times Colette tripped due to us rushing to the temple). We stopped at the bottom of the stairs to catch our breath, and stared at the bright light emanating from the top of the dome roof.
"Whoa, that light really is coming from the temple!" Lloyd said in awe.
"The Oracle is here. Colette's going to be the Chosen of Regeneration." Genis added.
"It's really, really bright!" Colette said, giving her opinion.
After sweat dropping/face palming at Colette's cluelessness, I said "Guys, let's stay focused. If the Desians really are here, then we're going to have to do some fighting." I reminded them.
"Right!" They all said in unison.
After that though, we heard what sounded like a fight going on near the front entrance of the temple. A priest who I assumed worked at the Temple then staggered down to us, clutching a wound on his chest. He then collapsed when he got to us. I caught him before he hit the ground and laid him on his back. The three of us then bent down on our knees, and I head his head in my hand.
"Pastor!" Colette cried.
"Hey, are you alright?!" Lloyd asked.
"What happened?" I inquired.
"The Desians, ugh, broke the… non-aggression treaty… mph, a-and attacked the temple… uggghh." He then looked to Colette, "Chosen one… quickly… the oracle…"
"I know." Colette said reassuringly.
"Please… ugh, be careful."
"Don't worry, were going to…" I began.
"No… I'm going to die anyway. My only regret is that I… will not be… able to… pro… tect… the Cho… sen…" Those were his final words before death.
"Hey! Stay in there! Hold on man, were gonna get you some help!" I began shouting.
"It's no good. He's… gone." Lloyd said sadly.
"No!" Genis and I shouted at the same time.
"…After Colette receives the Oracle, we should bury him. He deserved it. …Lloyd, help me get him out of the way."
After me and Lloyd moved the body out of the way of the stairs, Colette stared up at the temple, and said simply, "…I'm going." and started walking up the stairs. I unsheathed The Key of Lorelei and followed her up the stairs.
"Guys, wait, there're Desians up there!" Genis called out after us.
Me and Colette stopped, turned around, and I said: "So what? If there are, we'll just beat 'em down!" I then turned around again, but kept my head looking at Lloyd and Genis. "I don't want anyone to continue to sacrifice themselves for Colette's sake. We're going up to the Oracle. If you don't want to go, go back to town. I'll tell Raine that neither of you left class." I turned my head too Colette and asked: "Ready?"
Colette nodded and we both continued up the stairs. Then, Lloyd shouted: "Hey, wait up! We're going with you!"
Colette turned around while I stood still, and asked: "Are you sure? It's dangerous."
"Dwarven Vow #1: Let's work together for a peaceful world." Lloyd responded confidently as he and Genis walked up to us.
I smiled, and thought to myself: "Never abandoning someone in need, always sticking by their friends. Lloyd and Guy have a lot more in common than I thought."
"I'm worried about Raine, so can we please get moving?" Genis asked worriedly.
After mentally kicking myself for forgetting the main reason I rushed out to the temple, I said in a confident voice: "Alright, let's go!"
"Thank you, both of you." Colette said to her two friends.
Annnnnd, that all, folks. Okay, NEXT chapter will have some action, I promise! I was going to have the fight scene at the temple be included in this chapter, but with it the chapter would have been WAY too long, so I split the chapter into two parts. On the bright side, this means next chapter won't take as long to write! Anyways, feel free to write a review! I always appreciate it!
(1): Anyone who's seen Sanity Not Included knows the reference I was trying not to make.
(2): Did I get this piece of Mithos's 'official' Sylvarant history right? Cause I don't want Lorelei to spoil a certain something.