So, I've been working on this project for a while, and while it's not done yet, I have written quite a bit of it already and decided to post it. I apologize in advance if it pace is a little slow, especially in the first (next) chapter, but I promise it will pick up quick! This is canon divergence au so lots of changes coming!

Anyway, I hope you will all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. (:

Prologue

"Your Majesty."

The Pope regarded Tethe'alla's King with a severe expression that created deep creases in his forehead. "The Sylvaranti should not be allowed to live!" he declared in a strong voice, tightening his fingers around his staff. "We must dispose of them before they become a threat to us! To let them roam around freely in our world will only serve to hinder our kingdom!"

The King grimaced at his brother's words, but he saw reason in them. Although killing the young girl and her companions in cold blood made him feel uneasy, he couldn't dismiss the fact that perhaps this was the best solution.

He glanced at Tethe'alla's Chosen, who was leaning back against a nearby pillar, looking far too carefree about this discussion.

"Zelos. What do you make of this?" he asked.

If Zelos was surprised that he had been asked for his opinion, he didn't show it.

"It would be simpler if we just got rid of them," he agreed, nodding easily before giving him a careless shrug. "Their intentions appear to be honest though. Killing her or saving her—both options lead to Sylvarant's destruction in the end, right? Personally, I wouldn't want a cute girl's blood on my hands." Zelos flashed the court a flirtatious grin to emphasize his point.

The Pope shot Zelos an irritated glare and quickly sought to counter his words. "As long as Sylvarant's Chosen lives, our world teeters on the brink of destruction!" he insisted. "The risk is too high! We should—"

The King lifted one hand, cutting his brother off mid-sentence. He'd already heard all that he needed to hear already.

"…I will allow them passage throughout Tethe'alla," he decided after a moment of silence.

The Pope stilled. Zelos caught the hot flash of anger that crossed his eyes before the Pope managed to reign himself in.

"Chosen One."

Zelos glanced at the King who was considering him with a heavy frown.

"It is for your own benefit that the Sylvarant Chosen does not complete her Journey of Regeneration, and so, it will be your task to keep an eye on them."

Zelos sighed, having expected something along these lines to happen. He gave an outlandish bow, bending at the waist. "As you wish," he said simply before straightening up and turning to leave.

"There is one more thing."

The King's voice made Zelos halt. He glanced back and saw his grim expression as he gave the Pope a resolute nod.

Zelos tensed as he saw the Pope's irritated demeanor smooth out. The tale-tell smirk on his face did not bode well for him.

"Oh?" Zelos said smoothly, not allowing his apprehension to show. "And what would that be?"

"This." The Pope's smirk widened as he held out his hand. On top of his palm was Zelos' Cruxis Crystal.

"Why do you have that?" Zelos said sharply.

The Pope disregarded his question. "Now, this is just a precaution, you understand. After all, there is still a chance that the Sylvaranti are lying," he said in a too-sweet, two-faced voice.

Zelos understood the message hidden beneath them all too well. If he hadn't slighted the Pope earlier, if Zelos had sided with him instead—

He stalked forward, snatched his Cruxis Crystal from the Pope's hand, and gave him a look that threatened violence.

"Where is my sister?" he asked again, his voice low and menacing as his fingers curled tightly around the red sphere.

"She is fine, Zelos," the King assured him from his throne.

"And she will be fine as long as you release the seals, Chosen One," the Pope whispered just low enough so that only Zelos could hear him.

This time, when Zelos bowed, it was through gritted teeth that he mumbled, "as you wish."