Chapter 2

The three followed the road back, at first allowing the crushing waves and the calls of seagulls to fill the silence between them.

Lloyd's eyes set on the long, thin silhouette reaching beyond the clouds. Judging by the distance, he'd guess the tower was set far north.

"You know, I always thought it'd be more eventful." The teen remarked.

Genis and Colette looked over to him, tilting their heads in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

"I just expected the oracle to be a great spectacle. I'm kinda disappointed."

"What sort of thing were you expecting?" Genis inquired.

"Something amazing!"

"Like what for example?" Colette was curious to know.

"An Angel as big as a mountain would come flying down from heaven, carrying the Tower of Salvation and plant it straight into the ground!"

Sighing, Genis shook his head. "Yeah, okay. Sure Lloyd."

"That for sure would have been more of a spectacle!"

Of course, the blond girl would jump on the idea. Two peas in a pod, really. "Don't you think that would scare a lot of people?"

Her smile faltered a little at the young elven boy's remark. "Yeah, you're right."

"But hey, you've met your real father, an Angel at that!" Genis was fast to try and cheer her up.

"Hehe, it was really something." She touched the jewel set on her neck again. It was a new habit, because it was still strange to find it there.

It was not tight, or anything like that. It was just something to get used to. And to her, it signified more than the obvious. But also, it gave her very mixed feelings.

For one, it meant freedom. All of her life, Colette was never allowed to go much further than Iselia. The only outings she could go on was to Lloyd's place and the temple. Finally, she would get the chance to see the world. However, she would most likely witness it in its most delicate state, inching towards its own demise.

Secondly, there were so many people she'd be able to meet, and she was hoping to make many new friends! Raine did warn her that most of the people would not be in the best mood because of the whole situation and even to keep in mind that not all are waiting for Salvation. (Which Colette really could not understand).

And lastly, was the chance she was waiting and prepared for ever since she was little: saving the world she loved so dearly. Surely, when she did that, all would be fine and dandy again. Plants will grow, animals will thrive and people will be happy.

The cost...

Her blue eyes set on the ocean to see the crashing waves. The wind played with her hair, making her long locks dance wildly.

Lloyd and Genis noticed the girl had stopped and exchanged a look. The brown-haired teen stepped next to her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

Put up a brave face all she'd like, but being honest, Colette was terrified. She was told what the price was, what she had to do at the end of her journey, at a rather young age. Sacrifice herself, in order to save the world.

It's worth it, she thought, looking at the waves, the birds flying in the sky. The red gloved hand rested on her shoulder and she looked at Lloyd's face. Above all else, I want to save this world in which you exist.

"Hey, let's go." He told her gently, showing her a soft smile.

Returning the smile, Colette nodded and turned away from the ocean. They walked back to Iselia together.

The mayor was sitting at the head of their table. Phaidra was sat to his right, her granddaughter across and her son right next to her.

Raine sat on the other end of the table, so she could look the dark-haired man straight in the eyes. She never particularly liked the mayor. His discriminating nature was no secret, yet he was elected to his position and has kept it for many years now.

Then again, for a town that had made a deal with Desians, even allowing for their own people to be taken to the human ranch, the elven woman was not very surprised. She hated the place for it. If it wasn't for Colette, she would have left years ago.

As the mayor droned on about the plan, her eyes were on the blond girl. She was wearing her classic, polite smile as she nodded to the man's words. To say she was worried about the girl was an understatement. It was not for her healing arts or even her knowledge that Raine insisted to join on the journey. No, it was the bond between them, and the concerns for her welfare.

Even when knowing what kind of path she was walking down and having to see the very end of it. There was a small comfort in Raine that she'd at least be there for the girl, to be with her on the faithful day. It would painful, but she would not be alone.

"Professor Sage, I asked you a question." The slightly annoyed voice of the mayor shook her out of her thoughts.

"My apologies. Could you repeat that?"

Meanwhile, Lloyd and Genis were waiting outside, the teen leaning against the fence as his young friend sat on top of it, feet dangling. They were close to Colette's home and eyed it from time to time.

"Guess it's taking longer than Colette thought." Genis commented.

"I can't just keep waiting here." Lloyd huffed and marched towards the front door.

Why didn't he ever think twice? Honestly, Genis should have seen it coming, but his short legs would never catch up to his friend's long strides. The door was pulled open and he was inside the next moment.

"...house of Salvation. What in the world?" The mayor looked over at the intruders, but sighed and shook his head as he saw who they were.

"You were talking about the journey of regeneration, right? I want to come too!"

"Now Lloyd, I do really appreciate the help you offered at the temple." Phaidra started.

"But the fights there were nothing compared to the challenges they will face during their travels. They will need a professional. Children need to stay home." The mayor followed up, harsh as always.

Balling his hand into a fist, Lloyd resisted to make a remark. He knew better, luckily.

"I have to agree." Raine said with a nod. "We will be a while still. I suggest that both of you go home."

Opening his mouth to argue, the professor's stern look, made Lloyd close it again. He really rather not receive another punishment today.

Hanging his head, the teen turned and went back outside, Genis quickly following.

Colette stood up and ran after them. "Wait, please wait!"

Trying to prevent a collision with them, she stopped herself short, resulting in her falling back.

Why am I so clumsy? The girl ridiculed herself as she hurriedly stood back up and dusted off her dirtied clothes.

"I'm sorry." Her voice was hushed, the feeling of guilt clear.

"Don't worry about it, it's not like you can help it. You don't have to apologize."

"You're right, I'm sorry." Colette still said, bowing her head.

"Listen… argh never mind."

"I should say sorry, Colette. In all the commotion, I forgot the wish you a happy birthday! I baked you some cookies… If I had known you'd be leaving tomorrow, I would have done something more special."

Colette smiled, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it. I love your cookies. I will be sure to savor them!"

Looking back towards Lloyd, Genis said: "What about you, didn't you promise to make her a necklace?"

Gee, thanks for calling me out! The teen scratched the back of his neck. "I'm still working on it. I will give it to you tomorrow, before you leave. I swear."

Showing a joyous smile, Colette clapped her hands together. "Really? I can't wait! I will come by your house later to tell you what time we leave."

Worry prevented the teen from answering that smile. "Isn't this journey going to be dangerous?"

Colette looked down, she did not want to lie. "Yeah… That's why Raine is coming with me. We're going to arrange a sword for hire at the house of salvation. Besides, I'm Chosen, remember? You don't have to worry."

When she looked back up, Lloyd recognized the fake smile immediately. Before he could say anything, Frank's voice called for the girl to come back inside.

"I gotta go. See you later." Giving them a small wave, Colette turned around and stepped back in her house.

Genis shot his best friend a look right away. "You liar."

"Hey, if I start on the necklace now, I'll finish it in time." Lloyd huffed, not liking being called out.

"Oh really? Whatever you say, Lloyd. Are you planning on going now?"

"I suppose."

"Can I go part of the way with you? There is someone I need to see."

Lloyd tilted his head. "I don't mind, but you know someone outside the village besides me?" This was news to him.

"Does that matter? Come on, let's go." Genis pulled on the shoulder straps of his backpack and already went on ahead towards the south exit of the town.

Shrugging, the teen followed. Still, something was on his mind. "Colette's hiding something."

"Huh?" Genis looked over his shoulder at him. "What do you mean?"

"The fake smiles, repeating she's fine. Something's up."

What it could be, neither of them knew. Though it was easy to assume it had to do with the journey.

"Genis, you'd wanna go too, right? Your sister is going. You can't be staying all alone."

"Huh? I won't be alone. Sis arranged for me to stay with Phaidra and Frank until she comes back. Besides…"

His pale blue eyes went down to the ground, he kicked a pebble away. "I'll only be in the way."

"What are you talking about? Of course you –"

"Lloyd." The boy interrupted him, still looking down. "Up there, at the Temple, I was barely able to do anything… I was shaking."

Finally raising his head, he looked at his friend. "You did something great, while I just stood and watched."

"Genis…" The teen walked up to him, placing his hand on his blue garbed shoulder. "You're the best spellcaster I know. Okay, you're the only one I know. But for all you know and do at your age, that's really something. I got faith in you, now all you need is to have it in yourself."

That classic wide smile. It was really hard to not answer it. His own was small as he nodded.

"Thanks, Lloyd." Genis did really appreciate his friend's words.

After a few pads on the shoulder, the teen removed his hand.

"Lloyd, do something about this… thing, your pet!" One of the guards at the gate called out.

"Huh? Noishe!" spotting the big, white furred animal, Lloyd hurried to his side, scratching behind his oversized ear. "How often do I have to tell you guys that Noishe is a dog?"

The guard regarded the beast, easily as large as some of the monsters going around, maybe even bigger.

"Sorry, he just doesn't look much like a dog. You are heading home?"

"Yeah, Genis is joining us."

"Alright, just stay on the road and…"

"Steer clear from the Ranch, yeah, yeah." Lloyd had heard it almost every day. He sighed in annoyance.

Scratching under Noishe's chin next, it garnered a pleased sound.

"Why were you trying to come into the village?" Lloyd questioned him, looking into the dog's beady eyes.

All he got were some whines. What did he really expect? Shaking his head, he ushered the animal to come along. It did not take long for them to reach the forest. Almost as expected, Noishe backed away, turned around and ran off.

"There he goes again." Lloyd sighed, watching the dog go.

"I don't get it. He's bigger than any monster here."

"Noishe is just a scaredy cat."

"He should at least take us with him." Genis complained.

"Come on, we'll be fine. We can avoid the monster if you rather have that."

Light blue eyes regarded the teen. "Is that why you're always late? Cause you purposely fight them?"

Lloyd folded his hands behind his head and chuckles nervously. That was a very clear yes. His friend sighed and shook his head. Still, he appreciated the offer and they went on carefully, avoiding monsters where they could.

"So who's this friend? Is it the one you have been giving you school lunches to?"

"Huh, you knew about that?" Genis looked up at him in surprise.

His friend chuckled. "I noticed you hiding food into your backpack."

"Yeah. She barely gets anything to eat so I feel really bad." The young boy looked down.

"I think it's really nice of you to share what little food we have. Shows a good heart."

"Ah, it's no big deal." Genis felt his cheeks burning.

"Dont be so modest! I'm sure that dog is really thankful."

His eyes went up at that, to look at his older friend. "What? D-dog? No, she isn't a dog, she's human!"

"Oh, huh. And all this time here I was thinking you were keeping a pet dog a secret for the professor."

Genis shook his head at that but noticed then that his friend had stopped moving. He looked at him with a frown.

"What's the matter?"

"She's human. Coming part of the way with me... She's at the Ranch, isn't she." His brown eyes were wide with realization.

The boy let out a deep breath. "You really should try using some of those smarts at school, you know."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? And don't change the subject. You know the rules."

"Don't get close to the Ranch. Yes, I know. It's just..." Genis sighed again, his gaze focussing on the building set among the cliffs. Its crude shape and silver-grey look made it stick out like a sore thumb. "She's like the grandmother I never had. You know how the people suffer in that place. I need to give her a little ray of hope."

"Genis..."

"You don't have to come with me. I'll be fine."

"That's not going to happen. I'm coming too and that's final."

Looking at his friend again, Genis saw he'd really leave no room for argument. "Alright. Thanks." He said it softly.

Lloyd flashed him his classic, wide smile.

"I know a path where they wont see us. Just stay close and we'll be alright."

"Gotcha. Lead the way."

Genis did just that. They went behind shrubs and trees, offering them cover. Their path went all the way up to the left side of the building, or rather, its electric fence. His eyes focused on a slightly hunched figure on the other side of it.

"Marble!" He called out to her, making sure it was not too loud.

The elderly lady turned around, spotted him and smiled. She walked up to the fence, making sure not to come too close.

"Genis, it's so nice to see you again." Her voice cracked.

The two slightly came out of cover, but still made sure that no one else would see them. So far, no Desians were in sight.

"Is this your friend?" She then asked, looking the boy in red over.

"Yeah, my name's Lloyd." He gave her a flashy smile.

"I'm pleased to meet you." The elderly woman nodded, having a pleasant smile of her own despite her position.

"Marble, did you see? The oracle appeared today."

"Yes, I did." She gave another nod. "I have seen the Tower of Salvation. Now the Chosen's journey can finally begin. I hope it is successful this time." The woman folded her hands together in short prayer.

"The last Chosen failed, right?" Lloyd asked.

"Yes, I heard the Chosen was killed by Desian during the journey. Let us pray to Martel for the Chosen's safety."

Lloyd had a worried expression, nodding to the words out of politeness. He never has been a very faithful person, even when one of his closest friends was practically raised to praise Martel and everything around that.

A glint on the woman's hand caught his eye then. "Hey, grams..."

"Her name is Marble." Genis corrected him fast.

"Marble, isn't that an Exsphere?" He pointed at the thing set on her right hand.

The elderly woman lifted it up, looking at the red, orb-like object. "Is that what this is called? They placed it on me shortly after I was brought here."

Having a closer look now, Lloyd nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, that's an Exsphere alright. But there's no Key Crest on it. An Exsphere without one is dangerous."

"Huh, what do you mean?" Genis had never heard of any of this before.

"Attaching an Exsphere directly onto the skin supposedly makes you sick." Unconsciously, the teen touched his own, which he had re-bandaged up. "But ironically, it's useless unless you attach it directly onto the skin. To prevent you from getting sick, you carve a spell into a special ore and use that as a mount. That's the Key Crest."

Marble gave him an impressed look. "You are very knowledgeable."

"But Marble's Exsphere doesn't have a mount at all." Genis remarked worried.

Shaking his head, Lloyd crossed his arm. "Doesn't look like it. If the charm was the only thing needed, I would be able to carve one myself. But there's nothing I can do without the inhibitor ore that acts as the mount."

"There's got to be something you can do, Lloyd." Genis was getting riled up, turning to his friend.

"It's not as easy you think, you know. Key Crests are Dwarven technology."

"Your dad's a Dwarf! Please ask him to help, Lloyd."

"But…I don't know what he's gonna say about this." He really couldn't promise anything, however much he'd like to do so.

"Please try. Come on, you're the one that brought up the Key Crest in the first place." Genis set up great begging eyes, a look Noishe would give when he wanted a treat.

Lloyd looked away, but still was not able to refuse: "Okay, okay, I'll ask him."

The elderly woman shook her head. "Please don't trouble yourself."

"Halt!" A harsh voice interrupted them, making the boys turn to see three Desians closing in on them.

How did they even know they were here? Each guard was armed with their own kind of weapon; a crossbow, sword and a whip.

"Run!" Marble called out.

But there really was nowhere to go. Before them were the Desians, behind the wall of a mountain. As for their right, there was only a sheer cliff.

"Surrender now." One of the Desians commanded.

Don't get involved with the Desians. His father's words echoed through Lloyd's head.

This was not the end of the line. Not by the hands of these awful people, if they could even be called that.

Looking down the cliffside, there really was just one option. Genis felt an arm wrap around him and he was lifted over the red clad shoulder next.

"Lloyd? You're not going to..."

He jumped. The boy screamed as they fell down, the cliffside passing by at high speed. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the end approaching. There was the faint sound like a 'whoosh', a harsh wind seeming to blow through his hair. Then, the gentle taps of boots touching ground, not the expected crushing impact.

Slowly, Genis opened his eyes. They were at the bottom, unscathed. He looked up, seeing some far faces looking down at them.

Lloyd set him back at his feet. "We need to run."

"Lloyd, how did you..."

"Now!"

Not having any room for argument, he pulled the boy with him as they hurried along, heading towards the lone cabin deeper inside the woods.

Back up at the Ranch, leader Forcystus walked out to see what was going on. "Where are the intruders?" He asked one of the guards.

"Got away, my lord." A look was cast down below.

"Impossible. A mere human cannot make that kind of jump."

"We saw it ourselves, my lord." Another guard piped up.

Forcystus looked up then, eye setting on the device on top of the gate. "Analise the data from the surveillance system."

"Yes sir!"

Let's find out what exactly was going on.

By the time they reached the home, dusk had set in. A pale, full moon was slowly rising over the treetops, washing everything in its silver light.

Neither of them noted the beauty of it as they leaned over panting after the long, full-on sprint. Dirk stepped outside, looking at the two fatigued boys.

"What's going on?"

The boys looked at each other, neither of them really had an answer. That is, not one that wouldn't get them in deep trouble. On the other hand, they already were...

Sharp eyed as always, Dirk's focused on his son's hand. "Why isn't your Exsphere covered?"

Lloyd looked down at it, frowning to himself. He was sure he reapplied the bandage, why was it off again? His eyes then crossed with his father.

"Why is it so important that I hide it? The people at the Ranch were wearing them in the open, even the Desians."

"Huh, really?" Genis blinked at that last remark, he hadn't noticed it himself.

"You went to the Ranch?!" The deep, booming voice made the both of them flinch. "How many times of I told you-"

"Not to get involved with the Desians? More than I could ever count." Lloyd sighed.

"I-it was my idea." Genis spoke up, voice shaking. "I needed to see a friend..."

"Doesn't matter. Why is it such a big deal?" The brown-haired teen wanted to know. He had always wandered, but never got a straight answer.

Dirk sighed, be it still frustrated. He knew one day, he had to tell the lad. Just not in this kind of matter. But there was no way around it now. He owed him some answers.

"Your Exsphere is special."

"Special? Is it different from the ones the Desians have equipped?"

"I'd wager so. I don' know the details, but that Exsphere was your mother's keepsake. The Desians killed your mother in order to take it from her."

Both boy's eyes went wide at this revelation. Genis felt his guilt deepening. "Uhm, should I step out for this?"

Lloyd shook his head, recovering from the shock, his eyes still set on the dwarf across from him. "They really did?"

Giving a nod, Dirk went on to explain: "I told you about how I found you at the cliff near the Ranch, right? Though very weak, your mother was still conscious. She explained what little she could. There's no doubt about it."

Balling his fists, the teen could not hide the anger in his voice. "Why didn't you ever tell me?!"

A glint from the gem and Lloyd's eyes, caught both of their eyes. Still, Dirk felt he owed his son an explanation.

"If I had, you'd go and try to take revenge on the Desians, bringing yourself in great danger. The Tower of Salvation appeared today. Just leave the rest to Colette. That'll take care of the Desians, too."

Lloyd looked down, his tension lessened just a little bit. The gem on his hand gained back it's cool, blue look. "But still…" he said quietly.

The dwarf approached his son, to try to get him to look him in the eyes. "Don't get involved with the Desians. Your mother protected you and that Exsphere with her life. Don't go throwing either away."

Lloyd shook his head, not willing to look his father in the eyes. "I can't do that."

"They are dangerous, deadly! They will not hesitate to kill you, haven't you been listening at all?"

"Yeah, I heard you!" The teen gritted his teeth. "But you can't expect me not to do anything now
that I know!"

Ready to argue further, someone cleared their throat. Behind Lloyd, on the other side of the little bridge going over the creak flowing in front of the cabin, stood Raine and Colette. The professor was the one that had interrupted, her eyes having a very serious expression.

"I advise you to listen to your father, Lloyd."

Colette knew this was not the right approach, so she stepped forward and gently took his right hand. "Let's go up to the terrace and talk."

He could not possibly be angry at the girl he'd known ever since they were little, so Lloyd nodded timidly, allowing the girl to guide him up there. Colette pulled him into a hug once on the balcony.

It was warm and so comforting, it felt like all worries and troubles were being washed away. Lloyd was not one to cry easy, but in this position, he allowed it. For a few minutes, Colette just held him, stroking his back in a comforting manner.

Lloyd took a deep breath, stepping gently out of the hug. "Thanks..." he said it softly.

"Have you calmed down?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry, I didn't finish your birthday present in time."

Colette shook her head, that what was he was focused on now? Most likely it was to distract himself from the pain. "It's okay, you don't have to worry about that."

"But this sort of thing is special because you get it on your birthday." He scratched the back of his head.

"Well then, won't you just wish me happy birthday?"

Caught off guard, he looked her in the eyes. "O-of course! Happy birthday, Colette."

She couldn't help a happy chuckle, folding her hands together. "Thanks. I'm glad I was able to live to this day."

Lloyd frowned at this strange remark. "What are you talking about? You're going to keep on living and regenerate the world."

She was not able to look him in the eyes, to tell him the truth. Her eyes set on the wood boards she was standing on. "…Yeah."

"So about tomorrow. There isn't any chance I can come along with you, can I?"

"Well..." The girl started, still looking down. "It's just that the Desians will be after us and it's going to be a dangerous journey."

Lloyd balled his fists, his mouth twisting into a sneer. "Desians. Up till now, I always thought my mom died in an accident. But she was murdered by them! Now that I know the truth, there's no way that I could keep living in a village that has a peace treaty with them."

"I understand." The girl really did feel for him. Still, it was way too dangerous to let him come along. Above all else, she did not want to see him get hurt, or worse... After a moment of silence between them, she looked up at him. "We're leaving tomorrow at noon. So would you come to the village
around then?"

A wide smile came across the teen's face. His fighting spirit surfacing, he raised a fist. "Okay! You got it. Now I'll be able to see you become an angel with my own eyes."

Colette turned to look at the moon. Stars were starting to show themselves, scattering around the dark sky as some started to form their constellations.

"Yeah... I still have to get used to the fact that I'm the child of an angel."

"Does it really matter? Regardless of who your real father is, you're still you. Nothing's changed. You just have two fathers. Think yourself lucky for having more than most people do."

She looked back at Lloyd, he was sort of speaking from experience. Only he still had no idea who his real father was, if he was even still alive. The girl felt sorry for him. "I suppose you're right."

"Setting of for the world regeneration. I got to say, it's kind of exciting."

Colette showed a small smile and nodded. "Yeah. I'm going to release the seals, become an angel, then finally..."

"Finally?" Why was she pausing? He didn't quite understand.

"Um, nothing." Colette shook her head so hard her hair danced. "Anyway, we will be setting for the Seal of Fire and I'll get to see my father again. I'm going to do my best."

Lloyd showed her a smile. "I don't doubt that, you always do."

The girl couldn't help a shy chuckle. The door to the terrace opened, Raine and Genis standing there. Professor Sage looked at Colette.

"Are you ready to go?"

Folding her hands together, she gave a faint nod. "Yes, I'm ready." Her blue eyes, reflecting the star- and moonlight, set on Lloyd. "See you later."

"See you tomorrow." He gave her his classic, wide smile.

Her eyes darted down, not mirroring his demeanor. "Yeah, goodbye..."

Gently, Raine took the girl along, Genis following closely behind, but not before showing Lloyd a look of guilt. The teen shook his head it him, wordlessly telling him not to worry about it. There was a final wave as the three left the home and went on their way back through the forest.

He stood on the terrace quietly. There was a lot to mull over, yet he felt a sudden fatigue rushing over him. Sighing, he looked at the jewel set on the back of his hand. Its golden rim and blue orb were shimmering in the moonlight.

'Your mother protected you and that Exsphere with her life.' His dad's words repeated in his head. Why? What was so important about this thing? There seemed to be so many of them going around on the Ranch.

Lloyd shook his head; there was really no use trying to figure it out as there were no real answers. It was getting late and he's had a long day. Time to get some sleep. That present, he'd make first thing in the morning.