Second chapter already, wow. But seriously, I really wanted to upload this chapter since it's one of those informative and emotional reflective chapters that I enjoy writing. As always, thanks again for reading this story. You don't know how grateful I am that people are still interested in this decade long odyssey.
Now, to the story.
Chapter 71: The Seaside Paradise
It took a little over thirty minutes before the group sat comfortably at the table, each with their own cup of tea. While the blend was wonderful, everyone was too anxious to hear Altessa's story to enjoy it.
"Cruxis is an organization made up almost entirely of half-elves," Altessa started, getting straight to the point. "There are a large number of dwarves besides me involved as well since the ability to create key crests are dwarven technology."
This got Lloyd's attention. "Dad told me that exsphere were originally dwarven technology that was stolen."
Altessa looked at Lloyd. "Your dad is a dwarf, right? Well, he's half right. Cruxis Crystals existed before dwarfs learned how to make them. Or more specifically, they learned how to copy a Cruxis Crystal that was found. Exspheres were originally nothing more than a byproduct of failed Cruxis Crystals, but they were still valued since they greatly increased a person's combat capabilities."
"A byproduct?" Raine repeated.
"Indeed, exspheres were an accidental creation in the attempt to create Cruxis Crystals," Altessa explained. "The process of creating a Cruxis Crystal is extremely time consuming and requires a large amount of mana. Enough to power a city for an entire month. And you're lucky to get one since only about one out of one-hundred will become Cruxis Crystals."
Zelos whistled. "That's a lot of mana just for a chance to get a Cruxis Crystal. No wonder Rodyle is so desperate."
Altessa nodded. "Which is why research into creating a Cruxis Crystal from a host body is so valued since the only known method to make one uses so much mana and is extremely impractical."
"But that doesn't explain how the Desians make exspheres," Lloyd pointed out.
"During the Kharlan War, a group of half-elves found a way to successful create powerful exspheres using human hosts," Altessa replied. "Humans have a vast amount of untapped mana since they barely use it, making them the perfect hosts for the exspheres to feed off of. It was later discovered that exspheres grew even stronger when stimulated with negative emotions."
Genis closed his eyes. "Half-elves…"
Lloyd lowered his eyes. "Negative emotions. Is that why…."
"Do know what is Cruxis' goal?" Raine asked, getting back to the main subject. As interested as she too was about the making of exspheres and Cruxis Crystals, they had to keep their minds on the task at hand.
"Their objectives are to begin the Age of Half-elves and the revival of Martel. For that purpose, they make use of the Church of Martel and try to fuse the Chosen with Martel's consciousness," Altessa stated.
"But if that's true, then why do the Desians try to kill the Chosen?" Genis questioned.
There was a long pause from Altessa. It looked like he was in pain. "Exspheres and Cruxis Crystals awaken when stimulated by people's fear and suffering. Also by their combat instincts. That is why the Desians disrupt the declining world. In order to facilitate the angel transformation, they deliberately put the Chosen in danger."
Genis paled when he heard this. He quickly reached the same realization as Lloyd. "So….that's why the Ranches make people suffer so much." He unconsciously touched his exsphere.
"Yes…" Altessa spat in shame. "The Ranches were designed to create the maximal amount of suffering among its prisoners without killing them to stimulate the growth of the exspheres, and to put the Chosen into a constant state of horror to stimulate their Cruxis Crystal."
"And that is also probably why they built a Ranch right next to the Chosen's home. All to fortified that fear without even touching the Chosen," Raine surmised.
Collette looked sick upon hearing all of this. To think….the people of Sylvarant were made to suffer so she could become an angel faster.
"And how does Rodyle fit into all of this?" Regal asked.
"He wishes to revive the Mana Cannon," Altessa answered. "He obtained the plans to the Mana Cannon somehow and is constructing it in Sylvarant. He's also the master of his own Ranch. It's likely he's using his captives in the construction of the cannon. Once it's complete, he probably intends to build his own empire."
Zelos almost scoffed at the idea of Rodyle building an empire. It would take more than a cannon empowered with a Cruxis Crystal to challenge Cruxis. If it was that easy, Cruxis would have fallen millennia aga.
"How can he make everyone suffer for such a thing?" Presea asked, horrified at everything that she has heard.
"Say, then, is it true that Yggdrasill made the two worlds?" Sheena questioned.
"Well, that's how I heard it. That he anchored the two worlds, which are never to come in contact, via four mana links, and placed the Great Seed in the center between them to guard it," Altessa answered. It was obvious by his tone that he didn't get it all himself.
"The Great Seed?" Lloyd repeated in wonder. "Where have I heard that before?"
"It come up in the stories of the hero, Mithos. That's what people called the Soul of Mithos, who died on the Holy Ground of Kharlan after the close of the Ancient War," Mithos answered before Raine could speak up.
"Wait a minute. That's true, but…why does the same legend of Mithos from Sylvarant also exist over here?" Genis asked, utterly lost. "I've been wondering about this for a while now. There are two Holy Grounds of Kharlan, two Towers of Salvation, and now the legend of Mithos is the same too?"
Altessa stroked his beard. "It seems it's possible to travel between the two worlds at their poles. I don't know where those poles would be, but perhaps that person we know as Mithos used that to travel between the worlds?"
This new information shocked Raine. "Bipolar…yes…that's it…" she whispered to herself in what sounded like an eureka moment.
"Professor, what is it?" Zelos asked in concern.
"This is my theory," Raine answered. "Perhaps the Ancient War was in fact a war between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant, and the hero Mithos arranged the truce that ended the war."
Lloyd pounded one of his fists into his open palm. "And so that would be why the legend of Mithos exists in both worlds."
Mithos let out a small hum, but said nothing.
Raine stood up from the table and began to pace. "Yes. And if we assume that one of the two poles is the Holy Ground of Kharlan, then we can understand the meaning of the existence of two Holy Grounds. That's the door between the two worlds."
Regal nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, that makes sense. I've heard many ideas regarding the bipolar structure of the worlds, but yours works from a logical standpoint."
"What other ideas have there been?" Raine asked. Her voice could barely contained its eagerness.
"There is a legend passed down in Altamira about something called the Otherworldly Gate. Some say that, that is a pole," Regal stated.
Raine became visibly pale. "The Otherworldly Gate…." Suddenly, the memory of what she saw weeks ago came rushing back.
"So what is the Great Seed?" Colette asked for everyone, unaware of Raine's change in demeanor.
"I don't know that either," Altessa answered honestly. "But Lord Yggdrasill said that it was more important than his life."
Lloyd rubbed his head. This was too much too soon. "I can't wrap my head around all of this stuff at once."
"It's all so overwhelming," Genis muttered. It was like his head was on fire. Even more truths that he used to believe was being ripped apart.
"You all must be tired by now. Why don't you rest here for the night?" Altessa offered before he turned towards Mithos, who seemed lost in thought. "Mithos, right? If you don't have anywhere else to go, you should stay here at my place for a while."
Mithos was taking off-guard by the offer. "Are you sure that's okay? I'm a half-elf…"
Altessa gave a sad smile. "The only ones living here are Tabatha, who I made, and me, a dwarf."
This got Colette's attention. "You made Tabatha?"
"Yes. Tabatha is an automated doll," Altessa explained. "So having a half-elf here isn't a problem at all."
"Tabatha is a…doll…" Colette repeated in disbelief.
Lloyd stared at Tabatha, who was refilling everyone's tea cups.
He has heard of such things from his dad a long time ago, but he never laid eyes on one. Making any kind of automated doll was considered one of the highest forms of craftsmanship according to his dad that only a select few could even attempt it. For Altessa to build one who was so 'human' was nothing short of remarkable.
As much as he hated to admitted it, Altessa's skills blew his dad's out of the water. He was tempted to ask if he could study under Altessa.
Mithos still didn't look too comfortable with the idea of staying with Altessa, but he eventually nodded his head. "Okay."
"We'll stay here for the night too," Lloyd said, taking Altessa up on his offer. He turned towards Presea. "Is that okay with you?"
Presea slowly nodded. "Please don't worry about me."
"THEN I SHALL PREPARE DINNER," Tabatha spoke as she stopped pouring tea and walked into the kitchen.
"Then tonight, Genis and Raine will be here too, right?" Mithos asked almost eagerly.
Genis gave a huge smile as he stood up from the table. "Yeah! Let's play together! You're the first half-elf friend I've had!"
Mithos smiled, loving the idea of having new friends.
Dinner was wonderful and the group went to bed with full stomaches. However, the night was far from peaceful. Lloyd laid awake in his bed as he took in everything that has happened today.
He thought learning the true nature of the exspheres were horrifying, but learning the true reason why Desians spread such misery to people left him feeling ill.
They tortured people to death all to make their exspheres stronger. They spread terror and fear to put the Chosen in a constant state of danger so they would transformed faster into angels and lose themselves to their Cruxis Crystal. And the exspheres themselves were little more than a byproduct of failed Cruxis Crystals.
To learned that exspheres could be made without sacrificing humans, but was done so for the sake of effectiveness was sicking. What twisted person could come up with such a thing? Did they see human lives as nothing but batteries?
As ill as he felt, he couldn't even imagine how Colette must be feeling. She put on a brave face, but to see the faith she once held dear and devoted her life to crumble even more before her eyes must be tearing her apart. And….there was nothing he could do to help.
He turned over in his bed.
Did his dad know about Cruxis? Was that why he didn't believe in the Church of Martel? He knew the truth about the exspheres and Altessa made it sound like the dwarves knew the true nature of Cruxis, which was why he could never return home since he studied forbidden arts. If he knew….why didn't he tell him?
While he mentally asked the question, he already knew the answer. He simply couldn't handle the truth at the time.
If he knew about Cruxis, the Church, and what exspheres really were, it would have broken him mentally despite his lack of faith. He would have tried to tell Colette and everyone the truth, and been rejected.
And….he simply lacked the power to change anything. Even now, he didn't have any real strength. The only reason they could now separate the worlds was because of Sheena. Without her, they would have nothing. Despite everything he's gained, he was just a speck. A speck who couldn't even beat Kratos.
He growled to himself. Why the hell did he have to think of him?
However, despite his anger at Kratos, he dearly missed talking to him. When hard and confusing times like these happened, it was easy to unload his frustrations and fears onto the mercenary and listen to his words of advise and wisdom. Like how he eased his fears and despair back in Palmacosta and Luin, and how he gave him the harsh truth about his inability to help Colette when he learned what becoming an angel meant and how he himself was motivated by his lack of belief and truth.
Lloyd narrowed his eyes.
It was a lie!
All those hearts-to-hearts were nothing more than lies to manipulate him to lead them to Colette's death. He shouldn't mourned the lost of a lie. Yet….he did. He did because it was easy to depend on Kratos and just be the rebellious teenager. It was so much harder and draining to be the one leading everyone and being the emotional support.
He sighed as he pulled the covers over his head and tried once again to go asleep. It took about an hour, but he finally slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Over in the next room, Presea couldn't sleep either as she stared blankly at the ceiling. Learning the reason why her time….her life was stolen from her left her feeling cold. Like a lifeless doll no different than Tabatha.
They used her… Rodyle, Vharley, and the Pope. They used her as a vessel to grow their exsphere and then discarded her when she was no longer useful. And the organization known as Cruxis was even more abusive. They not only stole people's lives, but they tormented them as they died.
How did the world become like this?
She thought of her sister, of her daddy, and all the people of Ozette. Daddy withered away in bed without her even knowing or caring, and she didn't know what happened to her sister. Was she still alive? Was she well? Did she get marry and have a family like she always dreamed? Would she even recognized her since she hasn't aged a day?
Alicia would be an adult while she was still stuck in a child's body. While Lloyd and the others meant well and she was forever grateful to them, they also treated her like a young child instead of the young woman she was. It was a….sobering experience.
She felt that unsettling feeling again. The same one that struck her back in Ozette after it was destroyed by angels. A feeling that she now understood as anger. But….there was another….stronger emotion mixed in it. It was undoubtably hate.
She hated what Rodyle, Vharley, the Pope, and Altessa did to her. While Altessa was mournful and ashamed at what he had done, she just couldn't forgive him and she didn't think she ever would be able to. No matter how sorry he felt, nothing would bring her lost time back.
"I...really was left behind by time. Who's going to give me back my time? I want to go back," she whispered into the darkness.
In the other room where Lloyd slept, Mithos also laid awake as he listened to Genis snore.
It was all too easy to infiltrate this group. Despite the sting of Kratos' betrayal, they trusted far too easily. So far, the only one who seemed weary of him was the Chosen of Tethe'alla. However, even he couldn't sense his true nature since the Chosen has never met him in any form. And he managed to suppressed his Cruxis Crystal so much that the Chosen of Sylvarant couldn't see what he truly was despite being an angel, so he definitely knew Zelos couldn't.
He even managed to find that deserter Altessa and he unintentionally came up with the perfect cover story for the attack on Ozette. He chose that backwater hamlet purely because it was the closest town to the Tower of Salvation and he needed to make sure he got Lloyd's attention. It being a racist cesspool was just a bonus.
And as a final added bonus, he found out exactly what Rodyle was doing in Tethe'alla. That bastard tried to make a Cruxis Crystal behind his back using that girl along with the research notes that he stole from Kvar.
While extremely annoying, it seemed he failed to create one. Although, it was troubling that he managed to hide Altessa from him. Despite his hatred of the guy, Altessa's skills were nearly unrivaled and if anyone could have found a way to make a Cruxis Crystal from a human host, it was him after Kvar. No matter. Rodyle would soon be dealt with. The fool actually believed he could challenge him, the ruler of Cruxis, with a Mana Cannon.
Overall, it has been a good day.
He heard Genis mumble and he turned to look at him.
"Mithos….my friend…" Genis whispered in his sleep.
This made Mithos' heart stopped.
While his infiltration was a success, what he didn't expect was to become so…friendly with them, especially with the half-dead half-elf that he saw at the Tower of Salvation. He never knew that the boy Genis was so similar to him, all the way down to having an older sister who raised him. The kinship he felt reminded him of the feelings he used to have with Kratos and Yuan.
If he had known this before, he would have ordered Kratos to go easier on them.
But, he couldn't allow himself to become too friendly with them. He was there to keep an eye on his precious Angelus and from what sensed, Lloyd's development was going well. His mana was much stronger than what it was back at the Tower of Salvation, and his exsphere was even brighter and now fully fused with his life force.
Yes, it was only a matter of time now and the added stress he felt from talking with Altessa would further his development.
At the thought of the talk that evening, a small pang of guilt hit him. He actually felt…ashamed when the group learned the true nature of the Desians and how they purposely inflicted pain on the declining world. Yes, the process was cruel and many lives were lost, but it was all for a great cause. Those people who were sacrificed to make those exspheres didn't suffer and die in vain. They were sacrificed for the sake of Martel's revival and his Age of Lifeless Beings. An age where everyone could truly be equal regardless of one's blood.
So why did he suddenly feel so bad about it?
"Because you know it's just an excuse," a voice whispered in his mind.
Mithos was startled for a second before he remembered who it was. The voice of the Dark King was haunting him again. It had returned more frequently these last few years and it was becoming really tiresome. Even with him suppressed his Cruxis Crystal that phantom still found a way to haunt him.
A creak on the floor got his attention and he noticed that Raine was out of bed. She was so quiet that he only heard her because of his enhanced hearing.
"What's she doing up?" Mithos asked to himself as he watched Raine slowly dressed herself, unaware that he was awake.
Once she was decent, she quietly left the room and a few minutes later, he heard the main door open and shut. Not long after that, the familiar hum of the Rheaird caught his ears and soon disappeared into the distance.
He humored going after her, but he didn't want to blow his cover. Besides, he was curious to see what Professor Raine was up to and he knew he wouldn't get an answer if he asked. Hopefully, Lloyd and the others would realized soon that had Raine left.
"Wake up! Lloyd! Wake up!" a voice shouted in his sleepy mind. Lloyd groaned, but he wasn't ready to get up. "The Professor's gone!"
This got Lloyd up as he opened his eyes. He saw Colette staring down at him with a worry expression. "Wh…what!?"
"Professor Raine is gone. We look everywhere for her, but she isn't here," Colette blurted out in a near panic.
That wasn't like Raine at all. What could have happened?
Without another thought, Lloyd quickly dressed himself and ran outside where everyone was waiting for him. Seriously, was he the last person to hear about this?
"Is it true. The Professor is gone?" Lloyd asked.
Genis frowned. "It seems Raine left a note saying she had something she wanted to investigate and then left."
"SHORTLY BEFORE DAWN, I SAW A RHEAIRD HEADED SOUTH. PERHAPS THAT WAS RAINE," Tabatha informed.
Regal's eyes widened. "South…so in the direction of Altamira."
Now Lloyd was really confused. Why would she leave so suddenly and only leave a note behind? It wasn't like the Professor at all.
Zelos folded his arms and sighed. "Her Highness was acting just a bit strange yesterday. She was going on and on about the Otherworldly Gate."
Presea turned towards Lloyd. "What should be do?"
"I'm worried about her being by herself," Genis said in concern.
Lloyd paused in thought. The Professor was more than able to take care of herself….but he didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone. She wasn't a fighter, there was no one around to protect her from an attack, and there was the rampart discrimination against half-elves that would see her executed for any crime. And if something did happened to her, they would never know about it.
"Let's go find her. It's not good for us to be separated right now," Lloyd finally said.
"Ah…um," Mithos started meekly, "will you take me with you?"
"What are you talking about? It's dangerous," Genis rebuked.
"I know that, but I'm worried about her," Mithos replied with a little more strength in his voice. "There are monsters all over Tethe'alla right now. This is the first time I've met another half-elf besides me, so…I want her to be okay."
Lloyd considered Mithos' words. It was undoubtably dangerous to bring him, especially if they run into more agents of Cruxis, Rodyle, or the Pope for that matter. At the same time, Mithos was a half-elf so he should be able to used magic to defend himself even without an exsphere if the worst happened. While risky, he didn't want to leave Mithos behind. The poor boy already been traumatized enough.
"Alright, come on," Lloyd finally said.
"Thank you, Lloyd," Mithos said graciously as he gave a short bow.
"Genis and Mithos, you ride with me," Lloyd ordered. He turned to Colette. "Sorry to ask, but do you mind riding with go with Presea and Regal?"
Colette put her hands together. "I don't mind at all."
"It will be crowded, but we'll manage," Regal said.
The group turned to leave.
"Wait!" Altessa suddenly shouted, stopping everyone in their tracks. He walked up to Presea and held his hand out. "This is for you."
Lloyd recognized right away what it was. "A key crest."
Altessa stared at the ground, unable to look Presea in the eye. "It's hardly enough to call it an apology, but I went ahead and made one. It will be more reliable than that makeshift one she has now."
Lloyd nodded in understanding. While the key crest he made was somehow holding, it was far safer for her to have a real key crest. They didn't want her slipping back to where she was before. "Presea, please accept it."
Presea glanced at Lloyd and then back at Altessa.
"I know you can't forgive him now, but you need a real key crest," Lloyd gently urged. "Not just for your own sake, but for ours too. If we have any chance at stopping Cruxis and separating the two world, we need your help."
Colette put her hands over her chest. "Please listen to Lloyd."
There was a long pause before Presea nodded. "Okay." She gently took the key crest and placed it on her neck similar to a necklace.
To Lloyd's surprised, Presea didn't remove the half-baked key crest he made.
Zelos stood silently, marveling at how far Lloyd had come since he first met him. Somehow the somber, almost pitiful boy he met nearly two months ago was truly becoming an inspirational leader.
Sheena felt the same way. It was almost like Lloyd aged several years since coming to Tethe'alla. He was almost nothing like the person she met in Sylvarant.
No, that wasn't right. Lloyd was still very much the same person, but he now had a more mature mindset. Instead of going with the flow and reacting to everything, he was taking charge and carving his own path. For some reason, that reminded her of Kratos.
Mithos stood back in silence observation, also taking note how Lloyd seemed to have rallied this misfit group of nobodies under him. Even the Chosen of Tethe'alla seemed charmed by Lloyd despite him being their spy. That could be troublesome.
With everything settled, the group boarded their Rheairds and were off to Altamira. Zelos led the way since he knew where the city was.
On the way, several dark clouds could be seen in the far distance and thunder was faintly heard causing Lloyd to unconsciously shiver.
Mithos immediately noticed this. "Cold?"
"It's nothing," Lloyd spoke quickly.
"Lloyd doesn't like lightning and thunder," Genis stated bluntly.
Lloyd side-eyed his friend. "Genis!"
"It's okay, we're all friends here," Genis assured with a smile. "We keep telling you it's nothing to be ashamed of."
Mithos lowered his eyes. "After what happened yesterday….lightning kinda freaks me out too."
Lloyd felt a pang of guilt. "Sorry for snapping like that. I just had this stupid fear for as long as I can remember. Even after I dealt with the person who caused it….I still can't help thinking about it when I see lightning."
Mithos gave a sad smile. "I'm sure it will get better eventually. You have great friends watching your back."
This made Lloyd blushed.
Genis chuckled. "Even if you're wimp around lightning, I got your back."
While Lloyd didn't care for Genis' choice of words, he appreciated the support.
After about an hour of flying, they soon reached a large island.
Lloyd was left speechless when he saw the city. Even from the air, he could tell that it was huge. It seemed bigger than even Meltokio.
"Wow, look at that!" Genis exclaimed in excitement. "I've never seen anything like it. No wonder Zelos wanted to come here so badly."
Mithos was also mildly impressed that the people of Tethe'alla managed to create such a modern city with such little mana. It seemed he let this world flourish for too long.
They landed not too far from the city and made a short walk towards the gate.
"I'm sorry, but I'm going to wait here," Regal suddenly spoke up the moment they reached the gate.
Mithos raised an eyebrow at the statement.
Lloyd turned towards the older man. "What's up?"
It felt like a stupid question to asked since he already knew that Regal hated this city for personal reasons. But he didn't think his disdained would keep him for looking for Raine.
Regal chose not to answer. He didn't even look Lloyd in the eye.
"Won't say why, huh? Well, if you don't want to talk about it that's your business," Zelos said in a dismissive tone before turning towards Lloyd. "Let him do what he wants."
Lloyd frowned, not happy about this, but he wasn't going to force Regal to do something that made him uncomfortable. "Alright. We'll catch you on the way out."
With that, they walked into the city and Lloyd was left overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Everywhere he turned, there were large buildings that seemed to touch the sky along with several different smells that overloaded his senses. It was also very warm, a striking change after being in Flanoir for nearly a week. Lloyd didn't know how to described it, but the city felt 'new', like it was built only a few years ago. While everything in Tethe'alla, outside of Ozette, was more modern than anything in Sylvarant to the point his home world felt like the backwoods, Meltokio and Sybak still had that old feeling.
Here, it felt more like they stepped into the future.
"Where do we even begin looking?" Lloyd asked as several children with balloons ran passed him. As much as he wanted to explore, Raine was their first priority.
"If I know Raine, she would be heading to the nearest library. But I'm not sure this city has one," Genis said. He doubted this place even had a bookstore since by the way Zelos described Altamira, it was one big vacation city and most people who rather be at the beach than reading. They were, of course, missing out.
Zelos hummed. "This city does have an archive, but it has been closed off to the public for years after the incident."
Lloyd turned towards him. "Incident?"
Zelos put his hand on his waist. "Yeah, you wouldn't know. About a decade or so ago, this city was attacked by a monster. While the monster was eventually killed, it murdered several dozen people."
Colette put her hands to her month. "How awful!"
"There is even a monument here to those who died that day," Zelos said.
Colette turned towards Lloyd. "We should go there and pray to the souls of those poor people."
Lloyd gave a tender smiled before nodding. Colette, despite her faith in Martel being shattered, still took it upon herself to pray to those who have died too soon. Even long after the event had happened.
"Well, if you want to go, I can take you there. We have to pass by it anyway to reach the archive," Zelos said as he led the way. It was a fairly long walk that took them across the entire length of the city.
Lloyd got to see that the beach Altamira was build around stretched the entire length of the city.
"Is Colette always this serious?" Zelos suddenly asked, knocking Lloyd out of his sightseeing.
Lloyd looked at him. "Come again?"
"Is Colette always this serious about you know, Church stuff?" Zelos repeated.
"Oh that….yeah, she has always been like that. It's because she was basically raised by the Church since her grandmother is a High Priestess and all," Lloyd answered.
"That makes sense," Zelos said.
"Weren't you raised by the Church?" Lloyd asked.
Zelos gave a short laugh. "You would think that since I'm the Chosen and all, but I wasn't. I was raised really no differently than any other noble family." He paused. "How do I put this? While the Church is second only to the king in terms of power and influence, people's faith in Martel have waned. The terror of the Desians, Ranches, and mana shortages are all but ancient history to us. So people don't feel the need to cling to a goddess."
Lloyd lowered his eyes. "I envy the people here, although I wouldn't wish what's happening to Sylvarant on anyone. The horrors of the Desians are so embedded into us that we hardly blink an eye when the Desians come to take their quarter every season or we hear that they destroyed a city." He gave a small smile. "I didn't realize until I went on this journey that I was one of the lucky ones. Iselia had a non-aggression treaty with the Desians, so we never had to worry about raids and being carried off to the Ranch. All we had to do was turn our heads while other people suffered."
Zelos said nothing for a moment. "I can't pretend to understand how much suffering Sylvarant been through. We were allowed to live in peace while you guys got the bum deal."
"Which is why we need to separate the two worlds and end this system," Lloyd said in determination. "I don't want Sylvarant to suffer anymore, but I won't condemn this world to the same fate." He glanced at Colette, who seemed happily unaware of the current conversation. She was instead chatting with Mithos who was in just as much awe at the big city as the Sylvarant members. Apparently, he had never left Ozette until now. "I don't want anymore Chosens to suffer like Colette."
Zelos stared at Lloyd and laughed. "Are you getting sentimental on me, bud?"
Lloyd tilted his head. "I guess I do sound a little preachy. But I guess it's hard for you to understand since while you're the Chosen, you didn't have the same burden put on you like Colette. No one expected you to save the world."
Zelos lost his smile and Lloyd was startled by how dead serious he became. "That maybe true, but being the Chosen in this world isn't all roses either."
Lloyd couldn't help but wonder what Zelos meant, but something told him he wouldn't get an answer if he asked. Although, he couldn't think what could be worse than what Colette been through. Not only was to task with saving the world, but the Church conditioned her to accept the lost of her humanity and eventual death to do it.
After nearly half an hour of walking, they finally reached the monument. It was a large grey stone that rested on the very edge of a cliff. The monument was well maintained, showing that the dead hasn't been forgotten.
Standing in front of the monument was an old man wearing a red suit with grey pants. He was tenderly caring for the grave by sitting flowers down.
He turned around to see them when they got closed and his eyes widened in shock and his face went pallid the moment he saw Presea. To Lloyd, it looked like he'd seen a ghost. "Alicia! Is it really you?"
Presea gasped upon hearing her sister's name. "You know Alicia!?"
The man looked baffled as he looked Presea over. "What? Wait, then who?"
"Alicia is my sister," Presea informed.
The man stood still for a second before he nodded his head in understanding. "Ohh…I see." He looked down at the ground and his face became a mixed of shame, regret, and sadness. "Ah, of course… Alicia passed away quite some time ago. She couldn't possibly be standing here now."
Presea went pale. "Passed away!?"
Lloyd quickly stepped forward. "What happened?"
The man couldn't bring himself to look at them and kept staring at the ground. "Alicia came to work in the service of the noble Bryant family, but she was caught up in an unfortunate incident that resulted in her death."
Lloyd noticed a shiver in his tone. It sounded oddly like guilt.
"How did she die?" Colette asked as she put her hands together.
The man shook his head. "I dare not speak of the details. Please forgive me." He paused for several seconds. "Alicia's grave lies in the Sky Terrace of the Lezareno Company headquarters. Please stop by there if you have the time. Alicia would surely be pleased to receive a visit from her younger sister." He reached into his coat pocket and took out a card. He walked over and placed it into Presea's hand. She stared down blankly at it. "If you show this to the receptionists, they should let you through."
With that, the man began to walk away, leaving the group in a moment of silence.
"Younger sister?" Genis repeated in confusion. "I thought Presea was the older one."
Zelos rubbed his chin. "That's strange. Presea said she had a younger sister."
Given the experiments Presea went through to make a Cruxis Crystal, he had an idea about what was happening. But he chose not to voice such thoughts since it would bring up several dozen other questions.
"Oh, I know! Maybe there are three sisters in all!" Colette reasoned in excitement.
Zelos stared at Colette in wonder.
Presea said nothing as she turned to walk away.
"You're going to the Lezareno Company, right?" Lloyd asked, although it was mostly a statement.
Presea turned to face the group. "I know we came here to look for Raine, but….I want to visit my sister's grave. I will meet back with you all here."
Lloyd shook his head. "We're coming with you. You…shouldn't have to go there alone."
"But…" Presea started.
"Lloyd's right. We're all here to support you, Presea," Genis cut off. "You shouldn't be alone."
Presea looked at each of them and knew that they were no changing anyone's minds. "….Thank you."
"Well, I guess the question now is where is this Lezareno Company," Lloyd said.
Zelos grinned. "No worries, I'll led the way. I know this entire city like the back of my hand."
Sheena rolled her eyes. "I bet."
Without another word, they followed Zelos to an outdoor elevator that led to some sort of trans boat. Zelos said it was called an elemental railway. A railroad of sorts that connected the Lezareno Company to the resort section.
"Where do you want to go?" the conductor asked the group. Luckily for them, there were the only ones on the trans. "The Lezareno Company or the amusement park?"
Lloyd's eyes widened. "You can take this to get to an amusement park!?"
Zelos smiled. "Yep. Altamira is actually divided into three islands. This is the main island that have all the resorts and beaches. The amusement park has its own island, and the Lezareno Company itself lies on a small island east of here."
"Why does a company have its own island when they already own an island?" Lloyd asked in confusion.
"Because the Lezareno Company is extremely secretive. It's easier to make sure no spies or overly curious tourist sneaks into the company," Zelos explained.
"The Lezareno Company's security is top notch. Even with our information network, we don't know much about what goes on there, especially in recent years," Sheena stated.
"You mean the monster incident, right?" Genis asked, although it was more of a statement.
"Yeah, the same year that monster attacked the city, the Lezareno Company all but closed itself off from the world. Which is why the archive was closed off," Zelos said. "We got a real lucky break running into that old man, otherwise we wouldn't have been let in." It was almost divine if Zelos was being honest.
Genis lowered his eyes. "I doubt Raine is there since she couldn't have snuck in if what you say is true. Especially if it requires crossing water."
"I don't know…" Sheena humored, "when Raine is in her Ruin Mode, there's no stopping her, even when there's an ocean in her way."
"Anyway, we better get going," Zelos said as turn towards the conductor. "To the Lezareno Company, my good sir."
The man nodded as he turned on the engines. Within minutes, the group was riding the ocean and heading towards a tiny island where the Lezareno Company laid.
We moved the plot and we even get to enjoy some easter eggs from Kharlan Chronicles and even Tales of Father and Son, for anyone who remembers those stories.
Until next time, take care.
