Manage to update on time this week. Thank you all for the reviews, favorites, and hits. I am happy to know that you are enjoying the story despite the current slow pace. I also want to thank my beta, zealousfreak27, for checking this chapter despite the fact that she had no idea what is going on. My poor beta is completely lost since she knows nothing of Tales of Symphonia.
Anyway, onward to the story.
Chapter 4: Marble
It was the last thing he had ever expected. When he came down from Derris-Kharlan he did so to ensure that the Chosen would be safe. Mithos was certain this was the one. The one who would finally bring Martel back to them. With her return, the worlds would find order again and the Great Seed would finally be awakened.
He had started his mission not even three hours ago and things were already complicated. Could the Lloyd he saved at the temple be his Lloyd? He had the features of his son; the brown hair that was like his mother's and the eyes that were a mix of Anna and his own mom.
It was still impossible to say for sure, however. Brown hair and eyes were common for a human and he could no longer remember what his son's mana felt like. He had intentionally blocked many of his memories from that time period.
But the Lloyd at the temple wielded two blades, a trait that was passed down to everyone in his family except him. His son was born ambidextrous and had the ability to learn the two-sword style. The move set Lloyd used, although very sloppy and uncontrolled, was very similar to his father's style. It couldn't all be a coincidence.
"Are you okay, Mr. Kratos?" Colette asked gently.
Kratos quickly cleared his mind. "Forgive me. I've allowed myself to become distracted."
They were now away from the temple grounds and were on their way back to the village. The two boys would be fine since the flow of monsters had slowed since the Chosen had received the oracle. The monsters were attracted by the mana flowing out of the temple and that had stopped when the link from Derris-Kharlan was broken. It was all a part of Mithos' plan to ensure that the Chosen was always in danger.
"You've been quiet ever since we left the temple," Colette noted.
"I find it better to work in silence," Kratos stated.
Colette said nothing for a moment. "Thank you for your help. Not just with the trial, but for saving my life against the Desians."
"I was just doing my job," Kratos said neutrally.
"I don't understand why the Desians attacked and killed all the priests," Colette said with her head down. "We have a treaty with them."
"The Desians would be destroyed if you succeed on your journey," Kratos answered. "Which is why they would want to kill you. They most likely made that treaty to lure you into a false sense of security and make you easier to kill. The Desians are experts in mind games and mental torture." He knew both from personal experience.
Colette frowned. "But with the priests dead, who's going to help me on the journey? I can't go by myself with the Professor."
"The Professor?" Kratos questioned.
"Oh, you haven't met her," Colette said with a big smile. "She's our teacher. She came to the village about seven years ago. Genis is her younger brother."
Kratos nodded. "I see, so she's a half-elf."
Colette shook her head. "No, both Genis and the Professor are elves."
Kratos stared at Colette for a moment before he nodded. "I see, my mistake. I must have misread that boy's mana."
He didn't think the Chosen would care whether they were elves or half-elves, but he didn't want to reveal their secret. It was their story to tell and no one else's, especially with the stigma that the Desians gave the half-elf race.
"Why is a school teacher chosen to protect you?" Kratos asked. "The Journey of Regeneration is a long, dangerous quest, not a school field trip."
"Well, she can use healing magic," Colette said in a cheery voice. "She's also well versed in the angel language and the Church's history."
Kratos nodded in understanding. "Makes sense." He then scanned Colette's clothes. "Do you have a special outfit to protect you on your journey?"
Colette lightly pulled on her clothes. "This church outfit is made out of a special fiber woven by the Church itself. It highly resistant to most magic and some physical attacks."
"So, the legendary armor of Martel does exist," Kratos said.
The fiber was a common material back during the Kharlan War. It was used nearly exclusively by noblemen to protect themselves and sold highly on the black market.
Colette nodded. "Yeah, all the priests' robes are made out of this material. It's said this material is nearly indestructible."
"Nothing is indestructible," Kratos warned.
The rest of the trip was uneventful as they reached the village. With the danger past, several people were there to greet them. They all immediately gathered around Colette.
"Chosen One, did you get the oracle?" one asked.
"Has Cruxis accepted you?" another asked.
Kratos stepped between Colette and the crowd. "Give the Chosen room."
"Who the heck are you?" one of the people demanded.
"This is the person who saved the Chosen from the hands of the Desians," Phaidra said as she walked towards the crowd. Frank was next to her with a blank face.
The crowd stared at him in awe. "He saved the Chosen?"
"Back away!" the mayor ordered as he pushed his way through the crowd. "Receiving the oracle was only the first step needed to save our world. The Chosen must prepare to leave on her journey."
The crowd broke away and allowed Colette to walk to her house. Both Kratos and Frank shielded her to ensure that she wasn't mobbed again.
"I don't know who you are, but I owe you our thanks for saving my daughter's life," Frank said gratefully.
Kratos turned towards the man and nodded. He wasn't sure what to say since he was going to lead the Chosen to her death anyway.
They kept walking until they reached Colette's house and gathered inside the kitchen.
The mayor was with them as he took a seat. "Phaidra told me what happened at the temple," he said, getting straight to the point. "How much do we owe you for your service?"
"I would hold up on payment for the moment," Kratos said. "Considering that you may have to pay me again."
"What do you mean by that?" the mayor demanded.
"Before I arrived, all the priests who were to escort the Chosen on her journey were killed," Kratos said bluntly. Colette lowered her head and looked to be near tears. Frank put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I know," Phaidra said somberly. "They were many dear, long time friends."
"The Desians that attacked were ill prepared this time, but they won't be the next time they find the Chosen," Kratos continued. He had to thank the Renegades for making his job a little easier. "If the Chosen goes on her journey as things stand now, she will be killed."
The mayor glared at him. "We still have the guards in the village who can escort her."
"And who will guard the village?" Kratos questioned. "They have already broken the treaty and may return to raid the village once the Chosen is gone."
The mayor paled at the thought. Kratos knew he had struck a nerve with the man.
"There is not much we can do," Phaidra said as she shook her head. "The Chosen can't go alone and Professor Raine is not equipped for combat."
"Which is why I advised you to hold off your payment for me," Kratos said. "For the right price, I will escort the Chosen through her journey."
There was a very long pause as everyone stared at him.
"You?" the mayor asked in disbelief. "You're a mercenary. How can we be sure to trust you? You could sell the Chosen to the Desians as far as we know."
Kratos had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. "Considering that I just killed Desians, I doubt they would want to work with me." It was partly true.
Phaidra folded her hands. "He has a point and we have little choice now. The Chosen's safety takes priority over everything."
Frank nodded. "Colette will also face more dangers than just the Desians. She will be tested by Cruxis as well. Besides, Professor Raine will be with them and she is very protective of all of her students."
The mayor gave a long sigh. "I don't like this. I only allowed that elf to go because the priests would keep an eye on her. Now, I have to depend on her to watch this mercenary."
Kratos narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Very well," the mayor said as he looked up towards Kratos. "We shall entrust the protection of the Chosen to Kratos and Professor Sages."
Kratos nodded. "I have no objections."
At that moment, the door to the house opened. Kratos looked from the corner of his eye to see Lloyd and Genis walking in. They seemed to have made it back intact, but the boy, Genis, appeared to be walking with a slight limp. It seemed he had hurt his backside. Lloyd on the other hand was rubbing his stomach like he had bruised it. What kind of trouble did they run in to?
"Ohh, you're back," Phaidra said as she gave them a small smile. "Thank you for your assistance earlier."
Lloyd blushed slightly and Genis gave a cocky grin.
"Thanks, Phaidra," Lloyd said with pride. "Say, were you talking about the world regeneration journey just now?"
Phaidra nodded. "Yes we were."
Lloyd a bright smile appeared on his face as he stepped forward. "I want to go, too! I wanna see Colette regenerate the world!"
Genis nodded in agreement. "If Raine's going, I want to go too."
"No, you will just get in the way," Kratos said without thinking. His voice was much firmer than usual, which surprised even him.
He didn't want to baby-sit some kids during his mission and subject them to the mental trauma they would suffer if they knew the Chosen's true fate.
Lloyd glared at the older man. Kratos could feel him trying to burn a hole in his head. "What!"
Kratos casually shifted his hair out of his eyes. "The battles at the chapel were nothing compared to the journey that awaits us." He then turned to look directly at Lloyd. "Children need to stay home."
Before Lloyd could argue further, the mayor cut him off. "Kratos is absolutely right. Besides, what does a heathen like you care of the Chosen's journey?"
"Heathen?" Kratos questioned as he stared at Lloyd. So, he doesn't believe in Martel. Yet, he was friends with the Chosen and she seemed very fond of the boy.
"My personal beliefs have nothing to do with this," Lloyd growled.
The mayor snorted. "A nonbeliever would never understand the importance of this journey. Now, we still have things to discuss. You two should go on home."
Lloyd wanted to say something else, but he saw Frank gently shake his head. Lloyd knew that he was fighting a losing battle.
"Fine," Lloyd grumbled as he stomped out the door. Genis looked around the room for a moment before he joined his friend.
"Lloyd, wait!" Colette yelled as she ran outside after them.
"Chosen, come back!" Phaidra yelled after her.
The mayor shook his head. "I don't understand why the Chosen is so fond of that heathen."
"Those who lack faith needs salvation more than anyone," Phaidra said. "Colette knows this, which is why she tries to help Lloyd."
Kratos knew that was not the reason, but found no purpose to voice that.
"That boy could had been brought up right if he wasn't raised by that dwarf," the mayor continued to complain. "That whole society chose not to worship Martel and instead clings to their pagan gods."
"The dwarves worship only one entity and that is Origin, King of the Summon Spirits," Kratos corrected, although his mind was somewhere else. "What you are referring to is more in line with the beliefs of the elves and some half-elves who worship all the summon spirits as gods." He then turned to look at Phaidra. "However, Lloyd was raised by a dwarf?"
"Yeah, his name is Dirk," Frank said. "He raised Lloyd since he was toddler. That's why Lloyd can act a little strange at times since he had very little human contact when he was younger."
Kratos felt his heart begin to beat even faster. This boy could really be his son. But...
"Enough about that boy," the mayor suddenly said. "We still have to discuss the journey."
Kratos nodded. "Of course." Lloyd would have to wait for now.
Lloyd kicked a rock across the dirt as he vented his frustration. Stupid Kratos, who did he think he was? Just because he was a 'little' better with the sword than him didn't give him the right to push him around.
"Please, wait!" the voice of Colette got his attention. He turned to see Colette running out the house, however, she slipped on the stairs and fell ungracefully on her butt, causing both Lloyd and Genis to cringe. They were used to Colette tripping over herself, but it was still painful to watch.
Colette, as always, stood up and dusted herself off like nothing had happened. She walked over to her friends and bow her head in shame. "I'm sorry for what happened in there."
Lloyd sighed, losing his previous anger. "It's not like it's your fault."
Colette nodded. "Oh yeah…I'm sorry."
Lloyd looked at Colette in wonder for a moment. He never understood why she apologized for everything. "Listen..." he started until he realized it was a lost cause. "Never mind."
Genis decided to lighten up the awkward mood as he reached into his pockets. He pulled out a small brown bag and smile as he approached Colette. "Happy birthday, Colette!"
Lloyd looked puzzled for a moment before he suddenly remembered. He had completely forgotten all about her birthday again given today's events.
"I baked you some cookies. If I knew you'd be leaving tomorrow, I would've made something a little more special, but..." Genis paused as his eyes became downcast.
He really wished Raine had told him sooner that Colette was leaving so soon after she gotten the oracle. He thought she would be around for a couple more days. He knew Raine did it to spare his feelings, but she still should have told him. This was the last time he would be seeing Colette as a human, after all.
Colette gently took the bag from Genis. "No, no, I love your cookies!" She gave a huge grin. "Thank you very much!"
Genis had allowed himself to become depressed again and needed another way to lift the mood. He then smirked as he turned towards Lloyd. "So what about you, Lloyd?" He began to snicker. "You promised to make her a necklace, right?"
Lloyd looked very uncomfortable as he shifted in place. Genis just had to put him on the spot. "Uhmm."
Genis continued to smirk.
"Uh, it's…it's almost done," Lloyd defended himself. "Uh, I'll give it to you...tomorrow, before you leave."
Colette beamed at the news. "Really, I'm so happy! As soon as I find out when we're leaving, I'll go to your house to let you know." She then skipped her way back into her house, this time without falling.
Genis shook his head. "Liar."
Lloyd glared at his young friend. "If I start on it now, I'll finish it in time."
"Oh really?" Genis asked in a mocking tone. He soon waved his hand. "Well, whatever."
Genis was so lucky that his stomach still hurt from where Raine had kicked him. It was kind of scary that Raine was smaller than him, yet she was able to send him flying across the room so easily.
Then again, Dirk was smaller than Raine and he could knock him out of the house. With all of Raine's mood swings he was surprised Genis was still alive, especially given what a mischievous little imp Genis could be and how Raine knew exactly how to hit someone to make the pain linger.
"By the way, are you going home now?" Genis suddenly asked.
"Why do you want to know?" Lloyd asked.
Now Genis was the one who looked very uncomfortable. "Can I go part of the way with you?"
That was an odd question. It was not usual for Genis to come home with him to visit, but he never asked just to go part of the way before. Lloyd couldn't think what Genis would be doing in that part of the forest.
"Sure, but where are you going to go?" Lloyd asked.
"I'm going to see a friend," Genis muttered under his breath.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you had friends outside the village besides me."
Really, Colette and he were Genis' only real friends. The other kids did play with Genis, but they mostly saw him as stranger because he was an elf and his sister was the teacher. Although all the kids, even the older ones, admired him to some extent since he was very smart and could set fire to stuff.
"Does it matter?" Genis huffed in annoyance.
"I guess not," Lloyd said slowly. It was best to drop the subject for now.
"Well, let's get going then," Genis said as he walked ahead of Lloyd.
He followed the younger boy and headed towards the village's gate. They stopped short, however, when they saw Raine in the schoolhouse from an open window. They both decided to pay her a visit before they left and went inside the school building.
Raine was looking around the room and cleaning some stuff from her desk.
"Hey, Raine!" Genis called.
Raine turned to face them. "Oh, Lloyd, Genis. Class is over for today."
"We know," Lloyd said. "I heard that you're going with Colette on the journey?"
Raine nodded; she guessed Genis told Lloyd. She knew he would eventually find out. She was asked months ago to join on the journey since she could use healing arts and had vast knowledge of the ruins that not even the priest knew.
"It's too dangerous of a journey to send Colette alone," Raine stated in a matter-of-fact voice.
Lloyd frowned. "But what's going to happen with Genis?"
"I asked Frank and Phaidra to take care of him," Raine assured.
Genis lowered his eyes. "Raine...I..."
Raine walked over to her little brother and hugged him. "Genis, I promise I'll come back, so please, don't look like that." She had to fight off her own tears as she looked towards Lloyd. "Lloyd, please look after Genis for me."
Lloyd had never heard that tone in her voice before. It reminded him of the tone Frank and Phaidra used when they told him to take care of Colette when he took her into the forest for the weekends. "I will."
Genis pulled away from his sister, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Please be careful, Raine. Don't do anything dangerous and don't go near any ruins."
Lloyd blinked at the last part. Don't go near ruins? What kind of request was that?
Raine chuckled. "I'll be fine."
Genis wiped his eyes and stared at Raine. "Promise me you'll come back!"
Raine gave a sad smile. He knew she couldn't make such a promise. "You better get home."
Lloyd patted Genis' shoulder. "Let's go."
Genis gave Raine one last look as they walked off. The trip to the gate was quiet and neither one of them felt like talking at the moment.
"Lloyd!" someone yelled.
Lloyd looked up to see the town guards trying to hold off Noishe. He seemed more jumpy than usual since he had never tried to enter the village in the last couple of years. He usually ran into the forest and only came back when Lloyd called him.
"Do something about this thing!" the guard yelled.
Lloyd ran outside the gate and gently rubbed Noishe's fur to calm him down. "Noishe, how many times have I told you not to enter the village!"
"Hey, you always have him bring you to the village! Don't talk to him that way!" Genis scolded.
Lloyd turned towards Genis. "Var tyst, liten pojke."
Genis raised an eyebrow as he attempted to translate what he said. Lloyd almost wanted to laugh. Genis may be smart, but his dwarven still needed work. Genis was usually too busy learning dead languages than the ones that were still being spoken.
"Lloyd, the mayor wanted me to ask you a question," the second guard suddenly said.
Lloyd had to keep himself from groaning. "What is it?"
"It's about the northwest forest that you go through," the guard started. "You haven't been playing near the Ranch, have you?"
"What kind of question is that?" Lloyd asked. "Why would I want to go anywhere near that place, right Genis?"
Genis suddenly became very nervous. "Y…yeah, of course not."
The guard stared carefully at Lloyd, not quite believing him. "Really?" He then looked towards Noishe. "If so, that's fine, but...that weird animal..."
"How many times do I have to tell you that Noishe is a dog!" Lloyd asked in annoyance. This happened every time. Seriously, was it really that hard to believe that Noishe was a dog?
"Still doesn't look like a dog," the guard muttered under his breath. "Anyway, make sure he doesn't go near the Ranch, either."
Lloyd sighed. "Let's go, Genis."
They began to walk off from the village. Since Genis was with him and he was in no particular hurry, he decided not to ride Noishe.
"Noishe, why were you trying to go into the village?" Lloyd asked as he patted his dog.
Noishe whined softly.
Genis shrugged. "He was probably looking for you."
"You think so?" Lloyd asked skeptically. He didn't think that was the case since Noishe never bothered to look for him before within the village since he started school. He also seemed generally more jumpy. Maybe he was thinking too hard on the subject.
Almost as soon as they hit the forest's boarder, Noishe's fur suddenly stood up. He then gave a loud whine before he took off in the opposite direction.
"The monsters must be active today," Lloyd said casually. "I never understood why Noishe always runs since you hardly ever see monsters bigger than him."
Genis gave a small giggle as they continued on their way. The sun was bright and the cool breeze made Lloyd forget about the events at Colette's house. He wasn't going to let that jerk, Kratos, ruin his day.
Although, he still felt like he knew the guy from somewhere. Lloyd could have sworn he had seen his back before, as strange as that sounded. He was so deep in thought that he didn't pay too much attention to where he was going.
"Here's my stop," Genis suddenly said.
Lloyd stopped in mid-step as he looked where he was. His eyes widened as a giant steel gate stood before him. "At the Desian Human Ranch?"
He didn't know how he missed it. The wind must be blowing from the other direction since anyone could smell a Ranch from a mile away. However, the crack of the whip and the whimpers of pain could still clearly be heard.
"Doesn't going there violate the non-aggression treaty?" Lloyd questioned. He actually didn't care about the treaty, but he didn't want to go near the Ranch. He hated seeing the suffering and his dad would skin him alive if he knew he was here.
"The Desians already attacked the temple," Genis said with heat.
"Hmm, well, yeah, I guess that's true, but..." Lloyd stuttered. He was of two minds at the moment.
Genis lowered his eyes. "I know I'm not supposed to...but there's someone I just have to tell about the oracle."
Lloyd looked at his friend's face and saw the determination on it. Whether he liked it or not, nothing was going to stop Genis from going to the Ranch. "Alright, but I'm worried about you going alone, so I'll come with you."
Genis smiled. "Thanks, Lloyd."
Lloyd chuckled lightly. "What's a friend for."
They carefully walked towards the gates of the Ranch, avoiding the guards on post. Luckily, the guards were not paying too much attention. It was to be expected since the prisoners were already half-dead and too weak to go too far. There was also little chance of rescue since Iselia would turn in any prisoner themselves to ensure the treaty stood intact.
"Hey, stop slacking off, swine!" a Desian yelled to one of the prisoners.
Lloyd turned his eyes away as the prisoner was brutally beaten.
"Marble!" Genis yelled as he ran towards the wired fence.
Lloyd looked up to see an old woman dressed in the common rags of the Ranch, standing in front of the fence. She was hiding behind the shadows of the building and was out of sight of the guards. Unlike the other people, she was not chained by her ankles. It could be likely because she was older and couldn't keep up with the younger prisoners, but that was assuming that the Desians had any concept of mercy.
The woman was severely underweight and looked very frail. Her hair was also stringy and broken. Despite her physical weakness, however, she seemed to have an inner strength in her eyes. Unlike the others, her will hadn't been broken yet.
"Genis!" Marble exclaimed happily as she squeezed the young elf's hand. She then looked up to see Lloyd. "Is this your friend?"
Lloyd smiled. "I'm Lloyd."
This was the first time he had ever talked to anyone from the Ranch. The heartbreaking sight was too much for him and it was best not to become friends with people that you couldn't personally help.
Marble returned the smile. "I'm pleased to meet you."
"Marble, did you see it?" Genis asked excitedly.
"Yes I did. I saw the Tower of Salvation," Marble said with tears in her eyes. "Now, the Chosen's Journey of Regeneration can finally begin. I pray it is successful this time..."
Lloyd put his hand on his chin in thought. "The last Chosen failed, right?"
Marble's face became mournful. "I heard the Chosen was killed by Desians during the journey."
"I wonder if Colette will be alright?" Genis wondered out loud. His voice was full of worry and fear.
"Let us pray to Martel," Marble said in a hopeful voice. "May she guide the Chosen on a safe journey."
Lloyd decided to get away from the morbid subject. A glint on Marble's hand, however, got Lloyd's attention. He leaned forward to get a better look at it. "...Hey grams..."
"Her name's Marble!" Genis yelled in annoyance.
"...Marble," Lloyd corrected. "Isn't that an exsphere?"
Marble looked at her hand in shock. "Oh, is that what this is called? They placed it on me shortly after I came here."
Lloyd looked over the sphere carefully. It didn't look the same as his. Hers was a dim red instead of a sky blue. Then again, Kratos' exsphere was the same color. "Yeah, that's definitely an exsphere."
The crystal looked ugly against her pallid skin. Black veins covered her hand where the exsphere laid and it was badly swollen. He briefly wondered how such a thing could have happened when a realization hit him. "There's no key crest on it. An exsphere without a key crest is dangerous."
Genis looked at Lloyd in confusion. "What's a key crest? And how is it dangerous?"
Lloyd thought carefully as remembered Dirk's words. "Attaching an exsphere directly to your skin supposedly makes you very sick. But ironically, it's useless unless you attach it directly onto your skin. So in order to prevent it from making you sick, you carve a spell into a special ore and use that as a mount for the exsphere. That's the key crest."
Marble stared at Lloyd in wonder. "You're very knowledgeable."
Genis frowned as he looked at Marble's exsphere. "But it looks like Marble's exsphere doesn't have a mount at all."
"Nope, doesn't look like it," Lloyd sighed. "If the charm was the only thing needed, I could carve one myself. But there's nothing I can do without the inhibitor ore that acts as the mount."
"There must be something you can do!" Genis yelled in desperation.
Lloyd groaned slightly in thought. "It's not as easy as you think. Key crests are dwarven technology."
Genis' eyes lit up. "You can ask Dirk!"
Lloyd cringed at the thought. If his dad knew he was here, he would be seeing stars for a week. He didn't know about Genis, but one beating was enough for one day.
At the same time, however, he couldn't really leave this poor woman out to dry. He had a real chance in relieving some of the suffering from a prisoner of the Ranch. It could be enough to ensure that she lived long enough for Colette to finish her journey. The Desians had already broken their end of the bargain anyway, so he shouldn't be obligated to keep honoring it.
Lloyd finally nodded. "I'll ask him." Genis was so going to owe him for the bruises in the morning.
Genis smiled happily. "Alright, that's why I like you, Lloyd."
"Please don't trouble yourself with me," Marble said in worry. However, they could hear that she was truly touched by their actions.
"Hey old hag, what the hell you doing over there!" a voice yelled, causing them all to jump.
All the remaining color drained from Marble's face. "The Desians! Hurry you two, run!"
Lloyd stared at her in both shock and worry. "But who knows what they may do to you."
He knew all too well what they were going to do to her. With Marble's fragile state, she may not live through it.
Genis looked like he was going to cry, but kept himself together. "I know that, but what can we do? If the Desians find out we're here, just think about what they'll do to Marble and the people of the village!"
Marble nodded sadly. "He's right. You must go."
Lloyd gave her a sorrowful look as he grabbed her hand and gave it a short squeeze. "I'm sorry."
With that, both Lloyd and Genis fled the scene just as three Desians rushed the fence. They hid in the nearby brushes as the guards confronted Marble.
"What are you doing over here!" one of the Desians demanded. "Who said you could slack off!"
Marble lowered her head. "...I'm sorry." Although her eyes said otherwise.
The other Desians noticed the defiant look. "What's with that look?"
"Looks like someone's got an attitude problem," the other Desian said.
Marble looked up at the Desians. "No, of course not!"
"Be quiet!" the first Desian demanded. He then turned towards his other two companions. "You two, take her to the back!" He then grinned evilly at Marble. "We're gonna give her a little lesson on respect."
The other Desians chuckled in dark delight as they escorted Marble to the back of the yard.
Lloyd shook his head in disgust. "They're taking her to the back." That was where all the harshest punishments were dealt.
Genis was nearly completely panicked. "What can we do?"
Lloyd slammed his hand into the ground so hard that he left a hole. "Dammit, there's gotta be something we can do." He put his head down in thought. They had to get around to see what was happening. "Let's find higher ground."
They both looked around for a high cliff and found one on the other side of the Ranch. Lloyd carefully put Genis on his back and jumped up on several foot holes in the cliff face. When they reached the top, he put Genis down.
They could now look over the steel walls and see Marble. Genis gasped in both disgust and horror as he watched Marble being brutally whipped by two Desians. The lashes torn through her clothes and into her skin that now bore several red marks. Marble screamed as she pulled helplessly on the chain shackles that bound her to a long steel pole. One of the Desians oversaw the torture with impartial eyes.
"She's..." Genis couldn't finish. They were going to beat Marble to death.
Lloyd balled his hands into fists as he watched the injustice. He couldn't stand here and watch someone die. Not after he had sworn to help them. "We have to save her!"
Genis looked hopefully at Lloyd. "How?"
Lloyd thought carefully about the situation. "Attack the Desians from here with your magic."
"What!" Genis exclaimed. "Won't we get in trouble?"
"We have no choice!" Lloyd growled. "After you attack, hide among the bushes and make your way back to the village. I'll act as a decoy."
Genis' eyes widened. "But that would put you in danger!"
Lloyd gave a cocky smile. "Don't worry, I'll head down the cliff so they won't see my face. Then, I'll run in the opposite direction from the village."
Genis lowered his head. Lloyd had a good plan, but it was filled with risks. If they messed up, they would be putting the entire village in danger. But they couldn't leave Marble to die.
"Okay," Genis said in determination as he raised his kendama. He bounced the ball several times as mana built around him. "Wind Blade!"
Several blades of wind descended upon the Desians and cut them in several places.
They immediately stopped the torture as they looked for the source of the spell. "What the hell!"
Lloyd jumped down from the cliff with quick grace and landed by the entrance of the Ranch.
"Open the main gate!" one of the Desians ordered.
The gates slowly opened and several Desians ran out to look for Lloyd. He made his moved and dashed for the cliffs, making sure the Desians didn't see Genis.
Genis attempted to sneak off with everyone chasing Lloyd, but Martel was not on his side today. He was almost in the clear when he suddenly tripped and fell. He unconsciously gave a loud cry of pain.
"What was that!" one of the Desians exclaimed as they stopped chasing Lloyd.
Lloyd saw that Genis was in danger and turned back around to face his attackers. Without missing a beat, he charged the first Desians and withdrew his sword. Before the Desian knew what happened, Lloyd slammed one of his blades into his neck, breaking it.
"You little brat!" another Desian exclaimed as he grabbed his whip. He was too slow and Lloyd released a powerful Demon Fang, hitting him square in the chest. Blood flew out of the wound as the Desian crumple to the ground.
The last Desian was prepared and attempted to impale Lloyd with his sword. Lloyd parried the attack and brought his other sword down on the Desian's elbow, shattering it. The Desian cried in pain as he fell to his knees. Lloyd finished the job by bring down his sword on his chest, cutting off his breathing by breaking his ribs into his lungs.
Lloyd looked up and saw Genis had escaped during the battle. This came just in time as several more Desians came running out of the Ranch.
Lloyd turned tail and ran for the open cliff, seeing that his normal exit was blocked. Without a second thought, he jumped from the cliff and flew straight down. The Desians stopped as they watched in awe as he disappeared under the safety of the forest.
We got a bit covered in this chapter, despite the fact that we are still at the start. I've never realized how long the introduction was until I had to write it. I would merge some stuff, but than these chapters would really be long.
The scream machine, thank you for your review and kind words. I kind of accepted that none of my stories in this fandom will be review magnets. I am just glad that people do read and enjoy my work since my stories do get quite a few hits. However, I do enjoy getting feedback and hope you review again.
Kiomori, thank you for your feedback and I am glad you are liking things so far. The part about the Sorcerer's Ring is kind of explained in my first Tales of Symphonia story, Kharlan Chronicles. The Sorcerer's Ring will be explained in detail in later chapters, so there is no need for you to read that story. It will be awhile, however.
With all that said, until next chapter.