Actually got another chapter done before the end of the month, hurray!

This chapter is a bit of a landmark since this chapter marks the point where this story crossed over the 300 thousand word mark. Like wow, so much written and we're just really getting into Tethe'alla and we still have a ways to go. That and in my draft, I finally completed Act 2 and getting started on Act 3. So a big week overall.

Thank you all for supporting this story for so long and hopefully we can finish it together someday.

Now, to the chapter.


Chapter 59: Down the Drain


As Lloyd's group walked down the mountain, they explained to Genis and Raine about Presea and her connection to Kate.

"They did what!?" Genis exclaimed when he heard everything.

"She's part of some experiment to create a Cruxis Crystal from a human body," Lloyd repeated, still disgusted by the whole thing.

Genis shook his head. "How can anyone do that?"

Raine glanced at Presea. "It would explain her state. I've never saw her condition as natural."

"But what I don't get is how," Lloyd said. "Her exsphere looks no different from a normal one, so why is it doing this to her?"

"We won't know the answer to that until we meet Kate," Raine replied. "We simply don't know enough about exspheres or the natural of the experiment to make a theory."

Colette touched her Cruxis Crystal. "To think my crystal is no different than an exsphere. All this time I was told it was a holy object….that it was the heart of an angel."

Lloyd growled. "All lies by Cruxis."

"Well, your Cruxis Crystal is special," Sheena rebutted. "I mean, unlike exspheres, they can't be mass-produced if even the Desians can't reliably make a Cruxis Crystal from a host body."

"Maybe they can, but Cruxis chose not to since they want everyone to believe Cruxis Crystals are unique," Raine countered. "Given all the angels we've seen so far, we know of at least four others Cruxis Crystals besides the ones giving to Colette and Zelos."

Genis nodded. "Remiel must of had a Cruxis Crystal like Kratos, Yuan, and their boss Yggdrasill. But...he was different from them. His wings were solid white and were like a bird. All the other angels we've seen had butterfly-like wings made of translucent mana like Colette."

Raine lowered her head in thought. "Interesting observation. Perhaps the wings reflect the rank of an angel."

"What do you mean?" Sheena asked.

"Kratos, Yuan, and Yggdrasill all hold ranks of high authority within Cruxis. Remiel called Kratos 'lord'. Pronyma, who is one of the leaders of the Desians, also addressed Yuan as her 'lord'. Yggdrasill is the ruler of Cruxis and the Desians. And since Colette is meant to be Martel's vessel, the goddess who is the very symbol of Cruxis and the core of the Journey of Regeneration, it would stand to reason that she would be in a position of supreme authority. Possibly even higher than Yggdrasill," Raine theorized.

"So, what you're saying is that wings made of mana are only given to those high in Cruxis' command," Sheena summarized.

"It's only a theory," Raine stated. "Unless we see more angels, we can't confirm anything for sure."

Zelos shrugged. "Well, there's no point worrying about such things. For now, we need to find a way cross the bridge. Cruxis and the angels can wait."

"Yeah. Let's worry about that other stuff later," Lloyd said. Truth of the matter, all this information was making his head hurt.

Colette looked at Presea, who remained unmoved about everything around her. "...I feel like I'm looking at myself from just a short while ago..."

Lloyd slowed down enough so Colette could catch up with him. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll be sure to save her. I mean, even without her heart, she helped us saved you."

Colette nodded and turned towards Lloyd. "You're right. I owe you all so much."

"You owe us nothing. Even if it meant the world, we would've never left you behind," Lloyd said.

Colette gave a sad smile.

Lloyd looked directly at her. "But my concern is you."

Colette gave him a confused look.

Lloyd sighed. "Colette...everything you believed in..."

"You want to say that everything I have come to know is a lie," Colette cut off. She didn't sound all that sad or upset.

Lloyd was surprised by how easygoing she sounded. "Well...yeah. You were taught to believe in a false goddess and Cruxis is just a giant hoax to get a proper body for Martel. They were also the ones who created the two worlds fighting over mana. I mean...I can't imagine how you feel. I'm confused and upset and I didn't even believe in Martel."

Colette smiled at him. "I will admit, I do feel hurt...even a little betrayed. But…I don't believe Martel is a bad person, even if she isn't a real goddess. I also still believe many in the Church's teachings despite its source."

"Colette..." Lloyd whispered.

"But, I owed an apology to you, Lloyd," Colette said softly. "All these years, I've been pushing you to believe in Martel, thinking that was the only way you can be saved. I gave you such a hard time..."

Lloyd gave a tender smile. "Yeah, but you only did it because you thought you were helping. I...didn't make things easy, demeaning Martel and acting like a jerk to people who believed in her. I could've….should've handled things better."

"Although it was a lie, I'm happy," Colette suddenly said.

"Happy?" Lloyd questioned.

"Well, if the Goddess Martel isn't real, that means those who don't believing in her don't go into the void. They can go to heaven where they belong," Colette said happily.

Lloyd blinked. "You really do look on the bright side of everything. Being the Chosen, the head of the Church and all, I thought you would be more...upset."

Colette was silent for several seconds. "I don't know how to feel honestly. In many ways, knowing it was all fake is a relief. At the same time to know everyone was misled for so long and helped spread those lies, including me, does sadden me. But...I also want to know how did things come to this. Why did Cruxis come to be and who Martel really is? Until I know everything, I can't completely resolve how I feel."

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah, I guess I feel the same way. Hopefully, we'll learn the truth someday."

Once they were down the mountain, hopefully for the last time, they were off to Meltokio. They stopped briefly to eat, since Colette literally hasn't eating in months. Genis made her one of her favorites, a fruit salad. To say the least, for the Sylvarant group, it was a happy time.

"Doesn't it bother you, Colette?" Zelos questioned as he watched Colette eat her first meal since becoming an angel.

"What?" Colette asked, making sure to shallow her food. It's been so long, she began to forget how to eat.

"You know, being the Chosen. It's your own life. Don't you wish you could live it the way you want to?" Zelos clarified.

Colette smiled at him. "I'm living freely. Everyone is searching for a way so I don't have to sacrifice myself."

Zelos stared intensely at her. "But what if there isn't any way?"

"We'll worry about that when the time comes," Colette answered without missing a beat. "Even if I lose my body, my heart will still be free. So I want the world to become a happy place, just like my heart desires.

Zelos stared at Colette in awe. Sylvarant was truly blessed to have such a strong Chosen. That inner strength and light...it made him feel so small. So worthless. "You're amazing, Colette. I could never be like that."

Colette lowered her head. "No. I just talk like that. If it really came down to it, I'm sure I couldn't do it." She gave a short giggle. "I'm a pretty pathetic Chosen. The only reason I've gotten this far is because of Lloyd and the others." She looked up to see Lloyd laughing and joking with Genis and Sheena. It was the happiest she has seen him in months. It reminded her of simpler times in Iselia.

Zelos saw what she was looking at and gave a bitter smile. "No, you really are amazing. Compared to you, I..."

Colette turned towards him. "I'm sure you're an amazing Chosen, Zelos."

Zelos said nothing as watched the others in the group relaxed. Despite how he was feeling, he was happy that these guys were finally happy, even if it was for a moment. He hated how gloomy they all were.

It was afternoon by the time they reached the city and it was heavily guarded. Around every corner there was a guard, armed to the teeth.

"Looks like they have the entire city on locked down," Zelos said with a note of amusement.

"Is all this because of us?" Genis asked as he lowered his eyes in guilt.

"Part of it. Although, I'm certain most of it is because of me," Zelos answered in his usual easy manner. "Being the Chosen and all, I have major influence, even if I am in trouble with the law. So naturally, the Pope wants to arrest me, ASAP."

"They also may want to make sure you make no contact with the king," Raine said. "Either to plea your case or to kill him."

Colette looked at Zelos. "But no one would believe you did anything bad."

"Well, I am powerful, second only to the king. But the Pope also has great influence, having his own army and all," Zelos said. "I don't think that fat bag of bones can pin anything on me, but I'm not willing to chance it."

Colette frowned. "But why does the Pope hates you? Both of you are heads of the Church."

Zelos smiled. "Awe, my sweet little Colette, my relationship with the Pope is very complicated. Let's just say we have a mutual dislike for each other."

"We can worry about the Pope later. For now, how are we supposed to get into the city?" Sheena asked.

Zelos waved his hand. "I told you, leave it to me. For my cute hunnies, I'll show you a special entrance. Follow me."

They ducked back into the bushes and followed Zelos to far side of the stonewall that surrounded Meltokio. Near the end of the wall was a giant arc way blocked by a steel gate. The gate in question was horribly maintained and broken on its side.

"Whoa, what is this place?" Genis asked as he waved his hand over his face. There was a terrible stench coming from the hole. It was enough to make him sick. He also had to bat several flies.

"The underground sewer," Zelos answer nonchalantly.

Genis recoiled in disgust.

"This is a pretty good way of sneaking in," Lloyd said in admiration.

"If you don't mind smelling like a sewer," Genis muttered.

"Well, Meltokio's gate closes at night, so I used this a lot to get back home," Zelos stated.

Sheena rolled her eyes. "I bet." She could imagine what he was doing all night.

Colette was confused. "Why don't you go home until night?"

Zelos smirked. "Hmm, if you like me to show you, I'll be happy to educate you tonight."

Raine gave Zelos a disapproving look.

Sheena growled. "You lay a hand on her and I'll smack that smile right off your face."

Zelos put his hands up. "It was just a joke! Don't' get jealous now, Sheena."

"You've got to be kidding me! Why would I'd be jealous!?" Sheena yelled.

"Why is Sheena upset?" Colette asked Raine.

Raine patted her shoulder. "You'll understand when you're older."

"Enemy presence detected. There is danger," Presea suddenly spoke.

Zelos was surprised. "Enemy, you mean monsters? That's impossible. There shouldn't be anything in there."

"With the increased monsters presence, it would make sense that some may find their way here. Especially since it is dark and isolated," Raine said.

Genis sighed. "Great. We'll get to fight monsters and smell like literal crap."

"Well, let's be careful," Lloyd said as he stepped into the sewer.

The sewer was bigger than he thought. It was more like a cave or maybe the ruins they went to during the regeneration journey. Not to mention the smell. It was a foul, sulfuric smell. He suddenly wished he had one of his dad's breathing masks.

"Why is this place so big?" Genis asked.

"What? Don't you have sewers in Sylvarant?" Zelos asked.

"Only Palmacosta, Asgard, and Luin have a sewer system," Raine answered. "Everywhere else has a public washroom that is cleaned every hour or so."

Zelos reeled in disgust. "Really? Man, that sucks. You guys really do live in the sticks."

"I have to admit, that was not my favorite part of Sylvarant," Sheena said.

Zelos tilted his head. "I'm surprised you would complain. I've heard the people of Mizuho used public bathhouses."

"That's different," Sheena countered. "In Mizuho, everyone is like family, so it isn't weird or awkward to share a bathroom."

"Honestly, I feel the same as Zelos. I never liked using the public restrooms," Lloyd said.

"What, you have a private bathroom or something?" Zelos asked almost mockingly.

"Yes," Lloyd answered bluntly, not realizing that Zelos was teasing him.

"Lloyd's dad gave him his own bathroom when he built their house," Colette explained further.

"Wow, Lloydy is living like a rich man," Zelos teased.

Lloyd blushed. "I wouldn't call it rich."

"I'm surprised though. I thought you said a dwarf raised you. They usually live in caves or other dark places," Zelos said.

"Dad built his house for me," Lloyd explained. "He still uses his cave to do work."

"Wow, someone build a house just for you, you must feel special," Zelos stated. He was starting to feel a little jealous.

Colette smiled. "Dirk loves Lloyd very much."

Zelos lowered his head. "I bet he does." He started to walk faster, moving away from the group.

Colette frowned. "He seemed upset."

"Maybe he doesn't have a bathroom in his room," Lloyd speculated.

"I doubt that's the case," Sheena said. "Zelos has the biggest house in the entire city. I'm certain his private room has a bathroom and probably its own kitchen."

Lloyd's eyes widened. "It's that big!"

"You have to see to believe it," Sheena said.

Because of the monster attacks, it took them nearly an hour before they reached the end of the sewer. Thankfully, they weren't anything too bad for the group. It was mostly oversized rodents.

They were approaching a staircase that led into the city when three people suddenly jumped from out from the shadows. They were dirty, wearing chains on different parts of their bodies, and barefooted. Only one of them actually had hair.

Lloyd touched his sword's hilt.

Thieves? But they seemed too dirty to be thieves. They weren't carrying any sharp weapons. Just clubs. And if these where thieves, why the heck were they in the sewer? He couldn't imagine too many people coming this way. People with any money anyway.

"What's goin' on?" Zelos questioned the assaulters.

"I sense...danger," Presea warned.

"We've been waiting for you, travelers from Sylvarant," one of the men sneered.

Lloyd glared at them. An ambushed. Well, that made sense.

"The Pope promised to lighten our sentences if we got rid of you. We've got nothing personal against you, but we need you to die!" another prisoner said.

Zelos raised an eyebrow. "Really? He sent a bunch of criminals to kill me. I feel insulted."

Colette stepped forward. "Please, we don't have to fight. There must be another way."

One of the prisoners shook their heads. "There is no other way!" He charged at Colette, his club was raised high.

Lloyd stepped in front of his childhood friend and cut the club in half with his sword. He used the hilt of his other sword to smack the prisoner on the back of the neck, sending him trembling to the floor.

The other two prisoners ran at Zelos, but were cut off by Presea who chopped both of their weapons with one swing. Stunned by the display of power, the two prisoners backed away from the axe-wielding girl.

Zelos smirked. "See. The Pope really sent you guys to the slaughter." He walked up to the two prisoners. "You're lucky my friends here have such restraint."

As he talked, Presea suddenly looked up. There was something moving from the shadows of the ceiling. Before a warning could be giving, another person jumped from the ceiling and landed on Zelos' back, sending him to the floor.

Zelos cried in pain as the prisoner dug his foot into his back, pinning him.

Lloyd rushed forward, but found no opening.

"Don't move…" the man ordered in a voice that sounded strangely refined. "If you move, the Chosen dies. Understand?"

Lloyd carefully looked the man over.

He was different from the other criminals. He was big, bigger than anyone in their group, and had muscles coming out of every part of his body. His hair was so long that it went down almost to his butt. It was also wild, much like his actually. Although, perhaps the strangest thing about his hair was that it was blue. Lloyd was beginning to wonder if the people from Tethe'alla had more unique hair colors.

Never mind the hair, by how the man positioned himself; he could easily crushed Zelos like a bug. Although, he couldn't sense any killing intent from the man and he could've easily killed Zelos when he landed on him given his weight.

"Whoa whoa whoa! You think you can get away with doing something like this to the Chosen?" Zelos demanded, trying to lift himself off the floor to no avail. He wasn't going anywhere.

The man stepped down harder. "One who plots the destruction of the world can no longer be deemed the Chosen."

Lloyd looked towards Genis, silently asking if he had any spells that could help.

Genis shook his head. He had nothing that wouldn't also hurt Zelos.

Sheena also searched for a chance to attack, but she also found nothing. The man was guarded on all sides.

Zelos glared at Lloyd. "Oh…hey, Lloyd! If you abandon me here, I swear, I'll come back to haunt you!"

Lloyd stared at Zelos. Did he really think that low of him? "I just had a sudden, violent urge to abandon you."

While this was happening, Presea charged forward like a bull with her axe raised.

Obviously not expecting something so small to move that fast with an axe of all things, the prisoner jumped out of the way, freeing Zelos.

As soon as he was free, Zelos got up and ran behind Lloyd for protection, actually hugging him. Lloyd wasn't amused.

While this awkwardness was happening, the prisoner got a good look at Presea. His eyes were wide and he suddenly became pale. "You're..."

Before he could say more Genis shot a Fireball at him, forcing him to jump back. By this time, the other three convicts were regrouping behind him. The one Lloyd dealt with was rubbing his neck.

"Retreat for now," the bigger man ordered.

"Damn, these guys are too strong…" one of the prisoners complained as they ran away.

Lloyd sighed. "Looks like it's over for now."

Colette clapped her hand together. "Thank goodness everyone's okay."

Lloyd scratched his head. "But who was that guy. He was different from the others."

Genis nodded. "He certainly seemed powerful."

Zelos rubbed his chin. He seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn't tell with the dim light of the sewer and being pinned to the floor through most of the ordeal.

"Well, let's get going before they change their minds," Sheena advised.

They made their way up the stairs and walked up a ladder that took them to the street above. Thankfully, no one was around.

Lloyd took a huge breath. Fresh air. He would never take it for granted again. "We finally made it into the city."

"I say," Genis replied as he smells himself. To say the least, he reeked. "I wish we could get a room so we can wash."

"I concur," Raine said.

"Now we can meet my friends," Sheena said, wiping off some of the dirt from her sleeve. She wasn't please that she was going to see her friends while smelling like sewer water, but nothing could be done about it.

"Where are your friends?" Colette asked.

"At a place called the Elemental Research Laboratory. I learned my summoning arts there. It's also where Corrine was born," Sheena said.

"Born?" Genis repeated.

"Corrine is an artificially made summon spirit," Sheena stated.

Lloyd was shocked. "What!? An artificially made summon spirit!? You guys can make a summon spirit!?"

"Well, sort of," Sheena replied, searching for the right words. "The Elemental Research Laboratory have been studying summon spirits and their powers for centuries. Recently, they found a way to created a summon spirit using data from my blood, or something like that. Corrine is by all accounts a summon spirit, but he's nowhere near as powerful as a real one."

"Still, that's fascinating!" Raine exclaimed with stars in her eyes. "When you summon Corrine again, I must examine him!"

Sheena frowned. "Corrine wouldn't like that."

"It's for science!" Raine declared.

Lloyd shook his head. Still, to think people could create summon spirits. This world was unbelievable.

"If you're done, let's get to the lab before some guards see us," Zelos said.

They walked carefully around town, attempted to avoid as many people as possible, which was fairly easy since people naturally stood away from them since they smelt so bad.

Zelos walked more in the middle of the group so no one could clearly see him. Soon they past the gates that led into a large building that was on the far side of the city.

"Sheena is that you?" someone asked.

Lloyd looked to see a red ninja standing near the desk. His mouth was covered with cloth, making him looked more mysterious.

"Kuchinawa! Why are you here?" Sheena asked as she ran to her comrade.

"I'm on a top-secret mission," he answered. "What about you?"

"Ah, I'm in a bit of trouble, actually. My friends and I need to get across the bridge," Sheena answered.

Kuchinawa looked over all of them. Lloyd didn't feel too comfortable under his glaze. "Friends? Hmm, they're not from Mizuho."

"They're from Sylvarant," Sheena said as she turned towards the group. "Lloyd, and everyone! This is a friend from Mizuho. His name's Kuchinawa."

Kuchinawa appeared to be smiling under his cloth. "Sheena and I grew up together. Pleased to meet you."

Lloyd smiled. "Pleased to meet you."

Zelos gave a smile as well, but it was forced. This guy had a shady feeling to him.

"I'll go talk to the people in the laboratory," Sheena said as she and Kuchinawa went downstairs.

They waited for several minutes, but Sheena still hadn't returned.

"It's sure taking awhile," Genis said, breaking the uneasy silence.

"Guess they're having problems finding something for us," Zelos surmised with a shrugged.

"Maybe we should check on her," Lloyd suggested, tired of waiting.

No one argued as they went downstairs.

"That's insane!" they could hear Sheena yelled.

When they reached the basement, they were in a lab that was filled with bottles, tables, and many strange devices.

"What's wrong?" Lloyd asked.

Sheena turned towards them. She was literally fuming. "Listen to this! They want us to cross the sea in an Elemental Cargo!"

Lloyd blinked. "An elemen-what?"

"Elemental Cargo, typically called EC. It's a compact transport vehicle controlled by exspheres. Its maximum load weight is 1400kg and maximum speed is more than three times faster than an upgraded exsphere-equipped carriage. They are currently used primarily by shipping companies for delivery," Presea stated like she was reading an information booklet.

Lloyd blinked again. He didn't understand half of that.

Zelos apparently did. "Hey! What are we, packages!?"

"The Elemental Cargo absorbs mana from the atmosphere and ejects it into the air, producing a counter-reaction that propels it forward. So if we use Undine for that, we get an EC that can surf," one of the researchers explained.

Raine shivered. "S...surf..." She had to go to sea, again!

"Isn't there any other way?" Lloyd asked. He may not fully understand what an Elemental Cargo was, but he didn't like being compared to luggage.

The researcher sighed. "The bridge is closed. You don't have the necessary identification to use an ocean liner. And on top of that, there are two half-elves with you."

"Not that again," Genis grumbled. He hated this world. At least in Sylvarant they let half-elves ride in boats.

The researcher gave Genis a look of pity. "That's the kind of world Tethe'alla is. We, too, hardly ever get to leave this building."

Colette lowered her eyes. "I wonder why everyone can't get along?"

Zelos patted her shoulder. "Ah, well, there's no point in getting all gloomy." He turned towards the researcher. "So will you make that modified EC for us?"

The man nodded. "If you'll wait a day, we'll have it ready."

Zelos slapped his hands together. "Okay. Well, then, let's go rest at my mansion."

Sheena folded her arms and side-eyed him. "The Pope's minions aren't going to be waiting for us there, right?"

"We're going to have to spend the night in this city regardless. So it doesn't matter where we are, it'll still be dangerous," Lloyd pointed out.

"A good point," Raine said with a nod.

Sheena sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"My mansion's in the nobles' quarter to the far right of Castle Tethe'alla. It's a conspicuously big building, so you can't miss it," Zelos said.

They bid their farewells to the people of the Elemental Research Laboratory and carefully made their way to Zelos' house. Amazedly, they were able to past by several guards without too much trouble.

During their walk, Sheena summoned Corrine to act as an extra pair of eyes, watching for anyone suspicious. The last thing they needed was a spy following them.

"On this side, you've made summon spirits into research subjects as well, correct?" Raine asked Sheena during their walk.

Sheena nodded. "Yes, in order to use mana as energy, it's most efficient to study the summon spirits themselves."

"Fascinating. In what way are these entities known as summon spirits created and what effect do they have on the world?" Raine questioned further.

Despite the summon spirits being important to the nature of the world, there was precious little known about them. The elves saw them as divine beings and never bothered to study them. Humans had a poor understanding of mana and the spirits in general, so they couldn't understand the summon spirits outside of them being a force of nature.

"I oppose summon spirit research!" Corrine suddenly declared, hopping on Sheena's shoulder.

"Oh, why?" Raine asked in disbelief.

"I just do!" Corrine nearly shouted, startling Raine.

Sheena gave Corrine a gentle pat and her eyes become downcast. "Corrine suffered painful experiences during the experimental stage."

"Oh, that's right, Corrine is a man-made summon spirit," Raine said. There was a light paused before he eyes lit up. "Fascinating!"

Sheena knew that look. "Run for it!" She ran away from Raine.

"Come back here this instant!" Raine yelled, given chase.

Genis sweat-dropped as he watched. His sister just had to make a scene.

After a few more minutes of walking, they reached Zelos' house and they found out he wasn't exaggerating about it being conspicuously big. The house was huge. It took up nearly an entire block.

"Wha...is this all your house!?" Lloyd exclaimed incredulity.

"It's so big," Colette said in awe.

Zelos smiled. "Only the best for the Chosen."

"My house in Iselia doesn't even come close to yours," Colette went on.

"Most cities in Sylvarant doesn't compare to this," Genis said. "I mean...who needs this much house?"

Zelos laughed. "I have to admit, it's a bit much. They actually expanded it a few centuries ago. According to the old stories, during the time of the Kharlan War, this house belonged to an old, famous war general. They say he was murdered by his son."

"Sounds like quite a story," Lloyd said.

"Yeah, but who knows if it's true or not," Zelos said in a dismissive tone. "Even if it was, that's a four-thousands years old story. Anyway, let's go inside."

He led them into the house.

"Welcome home, Chosen One," a man wearing a fancy suite greeted. He wore white gloves and had a thin brown mustache.

"Yo, I'm back. Anything happen while I was gone?" Zelos asked casually.

"I was instructed by the Pope and an emissary of his Majesty Tethe'alla the 18th to report as soon as the Chosen returned," the man informed bluntly.

Zelos nodded. "You can ignore that."

The man bowed. "Yes sir." He looked towards Lloyd, who was standing ahead of everyone. "Ahh…and who is the guest with the two swords?"

"My bud," Zelos answered before turning towards Lloyd. "Just make yourself at home."

"If there is anything you need, Sir Bud, please speak to me," the man said as he walked out of the room.

Lloyd fumed. "My name is not Bud!"

Genis snickered. He already like the old man.

The group scattered across the house, enjoying being indoors again after camping for several days.

Lloyd looked around the huge living room.

This was by far the biggest house he had ever been in. He could also tell by the architecture that the house was indeed very old. Older than even the Grand Church in Sylvarant. There was also an aura of….familiarity around the house. Not that he's been there before. More like a strong connection.

He walked until he saw Sheena, apparently sniffing flowers that were in a large vase.

"Mmmm, it smells nice," Sheena said before she noticed Lloyd. She frantically pulled away from the flowers. "Wh…what? Is it weird for me to be looking at flowers?"

Lloyd quickly shook his head. "No, no, not at all. You just never struck me as a flower person."

"Why, because I'm a tomboy?" Sheena asked defensively.

"What, no!" Lloyd exclaimed. "Well...maybe a little."

Sheena puffed her cheeks. "Just because I'm a ninja doesn't mean I don't like girly things. It's perfectly normal for girls to like flowers."

"Okay, I'm sorry," Lloyd said quickly. "I'll just get out of your way." He swiftly got out of Sheena's range. What was that all about?

He nearly ran into Raine, who was looking at a portrait of a beautiful blond-haired woman wearing a long flowing red dress. She looked to be too old to be one of Zelos' women.

"Mylene Wilder? It seems this is a portrait of Zelos' mother," Raine noted, sensing Lloyd's presence.

"Zelos' mom?" Lloyd asked as he stared at the portrait.

She was pretty. He could actually see where Zelos got some of his looks. He had his mother's face and eyes. Which explained why Zelos was so...pretty himself. He wondered what happened to her. He could ask, but he didn't want to pry.

Lloyd looked over and saw Zelos standing by a table overloaded with presents and other items. It looked like someone threw a birthday party.

Zelos noticed Lloyd and smiled. "These presents are tributes from my hunnies. Oh, it's so hard being popular!"

Lloyd looked over the presents again. "These are all from your women?"

"Yep, I usually get stuff like this daily," Zelos said happily. "Seems despite being wanted, my hunnies can't stay away from me. Or perhaps, being wanted has made me more desirable since women love bad boys."

"It's amazing how different this world is. In Iselia, most people weren't even allowed to touch Colette. Here, everyone who wants to be near you can," Lloyd said.

"Oh, really?" Zelos asked.

Lloyd nodded. "They were really strict with who Colette could be around. They wanted to make sure she remained pure and stuff. If Colette didn't fight for it, I wouldn't have been allowed near her. Especially since I am a nonbeliever."

Zelos folded his arms. "A nonbeliever, huh? I must admit, your type isn't very common even here. But I don't see why that would put people off."

"In Sylvarant, everyone is really devoted to the Church of Martel. They run everything from government to the orphanages. Not believing in Martel is nearly unheard of. I was giving a hard time and often called a heathen," Lloyd explained.

"That's interesting. We aren't nearly as strict over here," Zelos said. "You can say you don't believe in Martel in most people won't blinked an eye. I supposed the different being is that your world is under seized, so people cling to the Goddess more."

"Yeah. When times are bad, you want to believe in something bigger than yourself," Lloyd said. "At least, that's what my dad says."

"But despite the hard time you may of had, you're still lucky," Zelos suddenly said. "You have a dad that loves you enough to build you a house and several friends who believe in you." He glanced at Colette. "And you even have someone who truly cares for you. Most people would kill for what you have."

Lloyd smiled. "Yeah. This journey has really helped me put many things in perspective."

"And you get the satisfaction of knowing that you were right," Zelos said, becoming lighthearted again.

Lloyd stared at him. "But aren't you upset? I mean, weren't your beliefs crush?"

Zelos shrugged. "Despite being the Chosen, can't say I really believed in Martel myself. So learning the truth about Cruxis doesn't really affect me."

Lloyd could only stared at Zelos. He was more than Colette's opposite than he thought.

Zelos stretched. "Well, it's been a long day. I think I will retire until dinner. I think tonight's lobster night." He smiled. "Something to look forward to." He walked away and climbed the mountain of stairs.

"Sir Bud," the man from earlier said, startling Lloyd. "If you want, I can show you to your room."

Lloyd was going to asked why, until he remembered how freaking big this house was. He would most likely get lost getting to him room. "Sure."

"By the way Sir Bud, I forgot to introduced myself," the man said with a bow. "Sebastian."

Lloyd smiled. "Nice to meet you, but really my name isn't Bud."

Sebastian turned around. "This way, Sir Bud." He walked away.

Lloyd scolded. "Didn't you hear me?" He walked after Sebastian.

After climbing up what had to be several flights, they reached the top of the house. On his way to his room, he saw Genis, sitting in a chair next to Presea.

"Presea I…I…I…I…I…" Genis stuttered.

Presea paid no mind to him.

"You're...p..p..pretty..." Genis managed to spat out. He was blushing like a tomato.

Presea turned towards him. She seemed confused. "P…p…pretty? What is that?"

Genis' face became even redder. "I…I…I'm…I'm complimenting you!"

"I see," Presea said before pausing for several seconds. "Then you are p…p…pretty too."

Genis had nothing to say to that.

Lloyd chuckled before continuing to follow Sebastian.

He was taking into a large room that was at least twice the size of his bedroom at home.

"I hope this room is big enough, Sir Bud," Sebastian said.

Lloyd blinked. Why did he think this was small? If this was his room, Zelos must have an entire floor to himself.

"I will be back to get you for dinner, Sir Bud. Until then, please relax," Sebastian said before closing the door.

Lloyd stood still as he kept staring at the room. He would never get used to this world.


Slowly moving the plot along and more culture shock for our Sylvarant crew. We also get unofficially introduced to Regal.

Until next chapter, take care.