Sorry for the late chapter this week and for missing the update last week. My beta left the country and she did not have time to check this chapter before she left. Hope this chapter is nice and long enough to make up for the lost time.

Anyway, thank you all for the reviews, hits, and favorites. I know things are a little slow at the moment, but the beginning of any story takes some time to move, especially a JRPG.

Now, onward to the story.


Chapter 3: Oracle


Phaidra stared at Kratos. "A mercenary? I haven't seen too many of your type around here."

"I finished escorting some clients to this area when I saw the light coming from this location," Kratos said. "I wanted to find the source of the light and I found myself here."

"It was the Goddess' will that you came here in time," Phaidra said. "Otherwise, the Chosen could have been killed."

Kratos looked around the area. "Since there is no one else, I would gladly accept escorting the Chosen. As long as you can pay me, of course."

Phaidra gave Kratos a sour look before she put her head down. "Under the circumstances, I have little choice." She sighed in defeat as she looked towards Kratos. "Please guide the Chosen safely through the temple."

Kratos gave a small nod. "It's a deal."

"W…wait, I'm going, too!" Lloyd exclaimed. He didn't care for being ignored and showed up by this mercenary who came out of nowhere. Besides, what did this man care about Colette's life other than a quick payday?

Kratos glared at Lloyd with a hint of annoyance. "Lloyd, you'll only get in the way. Be a good boy and wait here."

Lloyd's entire body stiffened in shock as he stared at Kratos. He then began to shake as rage built in his body. "What did you say?"

Kratos gave him a sideline look. "Did I not make myself clear?" The question came out as almost a mock, but his face remained unchanged from his dispassionate demeanor. "You're a burden, go home."

Colette shook her head as she watched her friend's anger mount. She had seen that look on Lloyd's face before. It was the one he always gave just before he said or did something regrettable. She didn't know Kratos, so she wasn't sure if he would show any restraint if Lloyd gave into his anger.

"Um…Mr. Kratos, would it be okay to take Lloyd along, too?" Colette asked in her most gentle voice.

Lloyd's anger immediately disappeared as he stared at Colette.

Kratos looked equally surprised. "But..."

Colette began to tap her hand together nervously. "Please, I get nervous when Lloyd's not around."

Kratos' face became impossible to read as he stared between the two. A formed of realization seemed to come to him just before he turned his back on the two. "Do as you wish." He then moved towards the temple's entrance.

"Thank you, Colette," Lloyd said gratefully.

Colette just smiled as she went to join Kratos.

Lloyd then turned towards Genis who was all but forgotten. His head was down and his eyes were narrowed like he was in deep thought. "Let's go, Genis."

Genis looked up in surprise. "What, I'm going to!"

Lloyd smirked. "Of course."

Kratos let out a loud sigh. "This isn't a field trip, you know."

Colette got in front of the group as they walked into the temple. It was dark and somewhat humid. Only the torches on the wall gave any light. The temple seemed to be in fairly poor condition, which was strange considering its importance. There were many old pictures on the wall that showed angels, what Lloyd assumed to be the summon spirits, and the symbol of the Church of Martel.

Lloyd looked around in awe. It reminded him of the church that the people worship in. "So this is what the inside of the temple is like."

Genis was equally impressed as he touched the walls. "Colette, you've been in here many times, right?"

Colette nodded as she looked around worriedly. "Yeah, but it seems different than usual."

Kratos kept his back turned to them as he looked ahead. "I sense the presence of monsters. Don't let your guard down."

Lloyd gave Kratos a sour look. "We can handle a few measly monsters."

Kratos turned to face Lloyd and again gave him that look. Lloyd felt like Kratos was looking into his very being and it was not a good feeling. Kratos' eyes suddenly crooked toward Lloyd's swords and his eyes seemed to widen slightly. "Lloyd…are your sword techniques self-taught?"

Lloyd began to beam as he puffed his chest in pride. "Yeah, they are."

Kratos stared at Lloyd for a couple more seconds before he reached into his traveling bag. He pulled out a small green book and walked over to Lloyd. He then handed Lloyd the booklet.

"What's this thing?" Lloyd asked as he took the book.

"If you are going to use a sword, then at least learn the basics," Kratos said neutrally. He saw that fire returning into Lloyd's eyes. "You want to protect the Chosen, don't you?" he added, trying to dilute Lloyd's anger.

It helped a little, but Lloyd was still pissed at the cocky mercenary. "You think you know so much!"

Kratos deciding to ignore the last comment, knowing it was just Lloyd having a tantrum. From what he had seen, it would pass quickly. He saw that his theory was correct when he saw Lloyd scanning over the book.

"Excuse me?" Genis spoke up. It had taking him some time to build the courage to talk to the mercenary.

"Yes?" Kratos answered.

"Um, I was wondering. How can you use magic?" Genis asked. "I mean you're a human."

"That's unusual?" Lloyd asked, putting down the book.

"Humans can't use magic, unless they have elven blood," Genis said. "Even so, it becomes harder for each generation after to use magic."

"I had a good master and I do have some elven blood," Kratos said.

Genis began to frown. "But, I don't sense any from you. You feel like a pure blooded human."

"Are you sure humans can't use magic?" Lloyd asked. "I mean I can use mana like my Demon Fang and Sonic Thrust."

"Humans can manipulate mana to a point, but it takes more than that to control and use magic," Genis explained as he rubbed his head. "It's hard to explain. It's more of a sixth sense that we elves are born with."

"It is something you can never fully understand unless you're born with it," Kratos stated. "Books fail to explain the complex nature of magic or mana."

Genis nodded. "That's true."

Colette suddenly stopped in front of them.

"What's wrong, Colette?" Lloyd asked.

"The way to the shrine is shielded off," Colette said. "I don't remember any of the priests saying anything about this."

Lloyd frowned. "What do we do now?"

"There must be away to break the seal," Genis said.

"There may be a switch within the temple that controls the shield," Kratos advised. "We should search for it."

"This is a pretty big place," Lloyd noted.

Genis sighed. "We have no choice."

"Let's move on then," Kratos said as they walked back.

They moved slowly through the temple halls. Every now and then, monsters that took the form of giant spiders and strange blob like creatures attacked them. They, however, were easily dealt them with. Lloyd and Kratos acted as the main front line fighters, while Colette covered the middle and kept anyone at bay who managed to bypass Kratos. Genis generally finished any monsters off with his spells.

Genis could actually feel himself becoming stronger by the mana that was pouring through the temple. Spells that he had been having trouble with were much easier to perform.

So far, he was able to pull off Wind Blade and Stone Blast with little problem. These new skills were handy when dealing with the ghosts that would attack them. Hopefully, he could keep doing these types of spells long after they had left the temple.

After about an hour of wondering, they came across the basement. It was well hidden in the darkness, which caused them to miss it in their first pass through.

Downstairs was a room that had light blue tiles that one could see through. Strange square holes were also scattered throughout the floor, giving it an otherworldly look.

"It's beautiful," Colette said in awe.

Genis turned towards Colette. "You've never seen this room before?"

Colette shook her head. "I've never been all over the temple. Just the main shrine area."

Lloyd began to wander off as he explored the room. He looked over to where the transparent floor ended and saw something in the distance. Whatever it was, it was shiny and almost seemed to be calling him.

"What is that?" Lloyd asked. Everyone walked over to see what he was looking at. Whatever the shiny object was, it was sitting on a stone pedestal.

"I heard of that," Genis said. "I think it's an ancient treasure called a Sorcerer's Ring."

"Sorcerer's Ring?" Lloyd asked.

"An old treasure of the past," Kratos answered. His voice sounded strangely hallowed. "It has nothing to do with the Chosen."

Lloyd turned to look at Kratos. "Even so, it couldn't hurt to take a look at it. The switch or something could be over there as well."

Genis rubbed his chin in thought. "But how do we even get over there? The drop is too high for us to just fall."

"Look everyone, there's something here!" Colette called. They were so busy trying to figure out how to get to the ring that they failed to notice that she had wondered off from the group.

They all turned around to see what Colette found and were shocked to see her standing right in front of a Golem. Its red eyes bore into her as it raised its stone fist at Colette.

"Look out!" Lloyd yelled as he ran towards Colette. He jumped forward and hit the Golem with his swords.

The Golem was hardly affected as it knocked Lloyd aside. Colette threw her chakrams at it, but it also bounced harmlessly off the Golem's rock skin.

"Keep it busy!" Kratos order as he charged a spell.

Genis quickly did the same.

"Wind Blade!" Kratos yelled as he completed the chant. Several blades of wind descended on the Golem and struck it several times.

When that spell was finished, Genis also released his spell. "Fireball!" Several fireballs shot out from his kendama and hit the Golem head on. It screamed one final time as it changed into a big stone block.

"Wow, it turned into a rock!" Colette exclaimed in awe.

Lloyd put his swords up. "Well, it was kind of a rock to begin with."

Genis tapped it several times. "That's nice and all, but what are we suppose to do with this thing?"

"Nothing in this temple is here by chance," Kratos said. "This Golem was put here to serve some purpose."

"What could it be?" Genis asked mostly to himself.

Colette stepped forward to get a better look when she suddenly tripped. She slammed into the rock and the heavy block slid like the floor was made of ice. Lloyd jumped out of the way as the rock barely missed him. Once it passed Lloyd, it fell into one of the square holes in the floor. It fell some ways before it landed into a stone walkway. The walkway was broken in several places and the rock happened to land in one of those places, repairing the path.

Colette set up and looked dismayed on what she had done. "Oh, no!"

Genis and Kratos' eyes lit up in realization.

"I get it!" Genis exclaimed.

"I see," Kratos said in a more mild tone. Lloyd and Colette, on the other hand, were as lost as ever.

"What are you guys talking about?" Lloyd asked in confusion.

Genis began to smile. "Just give it a moment."

Lloyd looked even more confused.

A strange noise filled their ears and they turned around to see another Golem appearing out of nowhere.

Lloyd jumped back in surprise as he grabbed the handle on his sword. "There's another one!"

"We have to defeat the Golems to complete the path," Genis explained.

Lloyd shook his head. "I still don't get it."

Genis gave a loud sigh. "Just follow my lead." He began to chant a spell and cast a Wind Blade at the Golem. It turned around and angrily glared at them.

"Use the same strategy as before," Kratos ordered.

After about three more battles with Golems, they finally completed the pathway. Genis was breathing hard and leaning against the stairway. He had never used so much magic at one time. Even Lloyd was starting to look worn out.

"Man, these Golems are annoying," Lloyd whined.

"Did any of you bring any gels?" Kratos questioned.

"I only have apple gels that my father gave me," Colette said.

Kratos again reached into this bag and handed both Lloyd and Genis orange gels. "Eat up. It will help restore your mana."

Genis eagerly ate his orange gel; while Lloyd took some nips at his before deciding it was alright to eat. They both felt their mana returning when a warm feeling passed through them.

"Wow, I do feel better," Lloyd said as he sat up.

"Orange gels are still no substitute for rest," Kratos warned. "And eating too many at one time can make you ill."

"Thanks, Kratos," Genis said. "We didn't exactly come prepared."

"Even if you are not expecting trouble, you should already prepare for the worst," Kratos advised. "Especially in this day and age."

"You know quite a bit," Lloyd noted. "How old are you anyway."

Kratos paused for a second. "I'm twenty-eight."

"Twenty-eight!" Lloyd exclaimed in disbelief. "No way! You act too stiff to be that young." He then paused. "Then again, Professor Sage also acts older than her age."

"Age does not dictate maturity," Kratos said. "You can be extremely old and still make immature decisions and choices."

"Yeah, I mean just look at Lloyd," Genis said with a smirk on his face.

Lloyd turned a beat red as he turned towards Genis. "Shut up!"

"Let's get moving," Kratos finally said.

They walked down the stairs and across the now completed pathway. They were now standing by the altar where the Sorcerer's Ring rested.

"So this is the legendary Sorcerer's Ring," Genis said in wonder.

Lloyd titled his head. "What exactly is so special about this ring?"

"There are many legends around it," Genis explained. "One of them says that the Sorcerer's Ring belonged to the very first Chosen."

"But for some reason, no Chosen since then has been able to touch the ring," Colette said. "Anyone who tries gets their fingers burnt."

"If that's the case, we should leave well enough alone," Kratos advised.

Lloyd walked up to the altar.

"Lloyd, what are you doing? Didn't you hear anything we said?" Genis asked. "You can't touch the ring."

Lloyd stared at the Sorcerer's Ring for a second before he reached out for it. Everyone, except Kratos, gasped as Lloyd gripped the ring. He then pulled it towards him and looked at it in thought.

"Huh, nothing happened," Lloyd said, sounding a little disappointed.

"How were you able to grab the Sorcerer's Ring!" Genis asked in disbelief.

Lloyd gave a short shrug. "I don't know, I just reached for it."

Colette began to clap her hands happily. "You're amazing Lloyd! Try it on!"

Lloyd nodded as he put the Sorcerer's Ring on his right hand. It, strangely, fit perfectly despite the fact that he was wearing thick gloves. He felt a slight tingle run through his body, but it was soon gone.

"I wondered what this thing does?" Lloyd asked as he pointed the ring towards a vacant wall and with a thought, a small fireball came shooting out of the ring.

"Wow, it can shot fire!" Colette exclaimed in excitement.

Genis shook his head. "I still don't see how you got the Sorcerer's Ring. Maybe the legend was incorrect."

"It's best not to think about it," Kratos said as he walked towards a nearby wall and pulled a switch. "The way to the shrine should be open now."

"Well, let's get going," Lloyd said as they made their way out of the basement. They were attacked a few more times by monsters, but they were all manageable. It took some time, however, to get back to the main floor.

"Man, this temple is getting old," Lloyd whined.

"I was wondering when you would get bored of this place," Genis said in a deadpan voice.

"Give me a break. We've been in here for hours," Lloyd said.

"Did you think the trial would pass quickly?" Kratos questioned.

"Just ignore him," Genis said in a dismissive tone. "Lloyd has the attention span of a two year old."

"I see," Kratos said, although there seemed to be a ghost of a smile on his face. Genis dismissed it as his mind playing tricks on him.

They returned to the hallway that was originally sealed and found that the force field was no longer there.

"Looks like that switch did break the seal," Genis said.

"The Chosen should go first since this is her trial," Kratos said.

Colette nodded. "Okay." She stepped forward and the door opened in front of her and revealed a blue pillar of light. Colette walked towards it and disappeared once she touched the warp.

"Where did she go!" Lloyd asked in surprise.

"It's a warp, Lloyd," Genis explained while rubbing his head. "It's ancient technology used centuries ago. We covered this in our history lessons."

Lloyd blushed. "Yeah, I knew that."

Kratos could feel himself sweat dropping. "Move forward. We have to catch up with the Chosen."

They all went through the door and disappeared through the warp. They were now standing in a room with a high dome ceiling with gold decorations embedded into it and arches on several walls. It was not nearly as dark as the rest of the temple since the room had several windows.

"This appears to be the top floor," Kratos observed.

Colette waited for them before she approached the shrine. It was a large circular centerpiece in the room and it had the symbol of Cruxis engraved in the middle of it. "Yes, this is the altar."

Lloyd looked towards the shrine to see a red crystal glowing in the dim light of the room. He had a strange feeling that he had seen something similar before. "Then that shining thing there must be the Cruxis Crystal."

Colette gave a strange smile as she stared at the crystal. "That's right. They say I was born with that in my hand."

The room suddenly became brighter and everyone was forced to seal their eyes. Genis was the first to regained his sight and grasped in shock. "It's..."

Floating down from the light hovered a man with short blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a robe and a hat similar to a high priest with the symbol of Cruxis in the middle of the robe. He had long white wings that appeared to sparkle in the sunlight.

"Wha...what's that!" Lloyd exclaimed in shock.

Kratos looked at Lloyd from the side of his eyes. "An angel, I assume."

Lloyd's mouth fell opened. So the fairy folk of legend did exist, but something didn't see right about him. It was like he was trying to remember something he had long forgotten.

"So, is that Colette's real father?" Genis asked, unable to tear his eyes away from the angel.

The angel smiled down at them. "I am Remiel. I am an angel of judgment." He looked over everyone in the room and his eyes stopped for a moment on Kratos. It only lasted a second, but Remiel's eyes narrowed a little before he turned away. "I am here to guide Colette, daughter of the mana lineage, on her journey to heaven as the seventh Chosen."

He came down a little more to get a closer look at Colette. She in turn humbly bowed her head before him. "The time has come to awaken the Goddess Martel, who sleeps at the center of the world."

Genis looked like he was close to jumping up and down. This was an event that he would never be witness again if all things went well. He wished Raine were here to see this. "Awaken the Goddess Martel. It's just like the legend Raine and the Church taught us."

Genis glanced at Lloyd to see his reaction. Even a nonbeliever like him must be truly touched by this moment. Perhaps this was the Goddess' way of opening Lloyd's eyes. It saddened him to think that Lloyd wouldn't be with him and the others in death and he would be sentenced for all eternity to the void, a place where all nonbelievers, regardless of virtue, went.

The Cruxis Crystal appeared in Remiel's hands. "This crystal was once the heart of our kinsmen who served Martel more than anyone. With his death, he became a part of Martel and the symbol of her power, grace, and mercy. That power now belongs to you."

The crystal disappeared from his hands and appeared on Colette's neck, right above her collarbone. Colette fingered the crystal in awe. She could feel its power flowing through her.

"From this moment, Colette is the Chosen of Regeneration," Remiel said in a booming voice. "We of Cruxis bless this event, and hereby bestow the Tower of Salvation upon Sylvarant."

The ground suddenly began to rumble and a long shadow appeared from the window. They all looked out to see a giant tower now standing in the distance. It was so tall that it was impossible to see the top.

"So that's the Tower of Salvation!" Lloyd exclaimed. It was like what the books depicted.

Genis was closed to tears again. "Now the world will be saved!"

Colette and Kratos were still staring at Remiel who was watching Colette carefully. "Colette, the Chosen of Regeneration. Unlock the seals that guard the Tower of Salvation and climb its stairs to heaven in distant lands," Remiel commanded

Colette bowed meekly. "I humbly accept this task."

Remiel smirked in pride. "Very good."

Lloyd thought he heard a slight change in his voice, but it was gone by his next sentence.

"We of Cruxis shall grant you the power of the angels with each seal you unlock. Once you are reborn as an angel, this eroded world shall be regenerated," Remiel said as his wings flared up.

"Thank you," Colette said as her voice hardened. "I swear on my life I will regenerate the world."

Remiel smirked before his face became neutral again. "First head south to the Seal of Fire. Offer your prayers in that distant land."

"Yes, Lord Remiel," Colette said.

With his task completed, Remiel started to ascend back to the heavens.

"Uh...wait! Please, wait!" Colette suddenly exclaimed. Remiel stopped to stare at her. "I have a question I wish to ask." She began to tap her hand together as she mustered up the courage. "Are you my real fath..."

"First head towards the Seal of Fire," Remiel interrupted. "Understood?" He then suddenly began to smile warmly. "My beloved daughter, Colette."

Kratos physically flinched when he heard the declaration, but quickly regained his composure.

Colette's head shot up in surprise. "Fa...father! So you really are my true father."

Remiel's smile grew brighter. "We shall meet again at the next seal, my daughter." He then disappeared in a flash of light.

Genis had a goofy smile on his face. "So that was the oracle."

Colette looked down at her feet. "I can't believe Remiel is my father."

"Colette," Lloyd whispered worriedly.

Kratos stepped forward, breaking the moment. He gently grabbed Colette by her shoulders and broke her out of her thoughts. "You've received the oracle. Then let us leave now, Chosen."

Colette gave Kratos her best smile. "...Oh, yes."

Kratos looked at the other boys. "We're going ahead." He then turned around and took the warp back out.

Colette went to join him, but turned around to face Lloyd and Genis. "Uh…thank you, both of you." She then looked over them carefully. "Please stop by my house later." She then took the portal and went to join Kratos.


Finally finished with the temple. Things should get interesting next chapter.

Until next chapter.