Hello, it's been awhile since the last chapter.
I didn't want there to be anymore long breaks given it was five years for that last break, but life happened to me. My precious dog of nine years passed away last year and so did my grandmom who took care of me since I was a baby less than two months later. To say the least, their passing made me not want to write or update. I still mourned them, but I finally got back into the mood to write. I does helps me in the grieving process since it has taking my mind off of things.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this long over do chapter.
Chapter 50: The Last Night
"What do you mean you can't find her?" Sheena asked Corrine in surprised.
The small summon spirit shook his head. "I'm sorry, I just can't smell her. It could be because she's no longer in this particular area."
"You mean she left the Asgard region?" Sheena asked in disbelief.
Corrine lowered his head. "Afraid so. If she was near this region, I should be able to find her."
Sheena sighed. "Just great."
Corrine's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, Sheena."
Sheena stroked her dear friend. "Hey, hey, it isn't your fault."
"We just have to search until we find her," Lloyd insisted.
"That would be unwise," Kratos said. "Given how closed we are to the Tower of Salvation, it would be best to complete the Journey of Regeneration before we look for Clara."
"Are you suggesting we just leave her as a monster?" Lloyd asked angrily.
Kratos shook his head. "Not at all. It would just be faster to rid the world of the Desians. That way, you can find Clara at your own leisure without worrying about being in danger."
Raine sighed. "I'm afraid I have to agree with Kratos on this."
"But..." Lloyd started.
"Well, before we fully decide anything, we should at least cure Pietro," Kratos cut off. "He was the one at the most danger of death."
Lloyd's shoulders slumped. He knew Kratos was right. Clara could at least defend herself. Pietro was all but knocking on death's door. It would be selfish for them to track down Clara and run the risk of him dying before they could return.
"Alright," Lloyd muttered.
Kratos looked towards the sky. "It will be a couple more hours before sunset. We can make it down the mountain before then."
For the next several days, they traveled. Raine spent her time studying the Boltzman and practicing her new healing arts. One of the spells she realized she learned was Resurrection.
She was shocked to learn this since it was an advance level spell taught to only the most gifted elf. It was a spell said to be able to raise the dead. Although, she knew better. Nothing could raise anyone once the spirit had left this world outside of creating a zombie. That was a law that not even the spirits could break. What Resurrection could do was bring back a person who was near the brink of death, even better than a Life Bottle.
She never believed she could learn it, especially given how young she was. Despite Lloyd and Genis treating her like she was an ancient, she was a baby considering the lifespan of a half-elf. Also, she wasn't formally trained to learn such powerful magic. Like Genis, all of her spells were self-taught.
To think a unicorn's horn was powerful enough to give her centuries worth of training in seconds. She felt truly honored. She would do everything she could to honor the life of the unicorn.
She smiled to herself. To think that a creature she once called a myth she would owe so much to. She supposed she owed Kratos an apology.
It was noon by the time they reached Hima. Nothing has changed within the small town. Everything was peaceful and there were only a few people walking the streets.
They walked until they entered the inn, where Pietro would most likely be resting. Inside, they saw Sophia sitting at the desk, looking quite ill herself.
"Everyone!?" she exclaimed when she saw them.
"Sophia, how Pietro?" Lloyd asked.
Sophia somberly shook his head. "He...he's gotten much worse. He doesn't even respond to my voice anymore. He just stared blankly at the ceiling." She was closed to tears. "He...he's dying. Those who passed before him were just like that before...before they just faded away."
Colette put her hands together in a prayer position.
"But we can help him now. We got the Boltzman," Genis assured.
Sophia's eyes widened. "You got the book on healing arts?"
Lloyd smiled. "Yeah. Professor can heal him." He glanced at his teacher.
"Please, take us to Pietro," Raine said.
Sophia didn't waste another moment rushing them upstairs. In a room on the far side of the inn laid Pietro. He wasn't moving at all. His eyes were opened and he stared into space with no signs of awareness. His skin was completely white, making him appear almost ghost-like.
For a terrible moment, Lloyd thought he was dead.
Raine walked over to the man and check him over. "He's alive, but just barely." She shook her head. "He's very cold and his breathing is shallow. Signs that his body is shutting down." Given how far the poison had progressed, under normal conditions he would be beyond saving even with the most powerful healing art.
Sophia sobbed hearing this.
Raine carefully put a hand on the man's chest and started to concentrate. It was time to put her skills to the test. "Resurrection!" She pushed her mana into Pietro's body, attempting to will it back to life.
She gritted her teeth. He was further gone than she thought. He was literally hours away from death. Given that she just learned Resurrection a few days ago, she wasn't sure if she could this.
She banished the thought. She already couldn't save one life with Dorr. She wasn't going to let this one slipped away without a fight.
After a few seconds, she felt Pietro's breathing steady, his color returned, and life came back into his eyes. His skin also warmed and he started to move on his own.
Knowing that should be enough, Raine pulled away. She nearly collapsed. She had severely exhausted herself.
"Raine!" Genis exclaimed as he rushed to his sister's side.
Raine gave a reassuring smiled. "I'm okay. Just tired."
Pietro groaned softly. "Where am..."
"He woke up!" Sophia cried. She nearly collapsed in tears. "Thank the Goddess."
"Sophia?" Pietro spoke. His voice was extremely soft.
She ran to his side. "Yes, Pietro. I'm here."
Pietro stared at Sophia. Suddenly, his eyes widened. "Then…I reached Hima!?"
Sophia smiled down at him. "Yes, Pietro!" She glanced at Sheena. "They… they saved you."
"Yes, I remember!" Pietro exclaimed as he sat up. He needed Sophia's help for support. "After leaving Luin, I was attacked by Desians… Then she…" He looked at the group, nearing tears. "Thank you so much!"
"Ah, don't mention it…and besides, the reason you regained consciousness is because of Raine here. If you're going to thank someone, thank her," Sheena stated.
Pietro looked at Raine, who was still unsteady on her feet. "Oh, I see… Thank you so much."
Raine smiled. "It was my honor."
Pietro sighed in relief as he leaned into Sophia's hold. "Now I can await the Chosen."
"The Chosen? What do you mean?" Sophia asked.
"The reason I broke out of the Ranch was because I have something I need to tell the Chosen," Pietro explained.
Genis smiled. "If you're looking for the Chosen, she's right here." He pointed at Colette.
Sophia was shocked. "What, Y…you're the Chosen!?"
Pietro was also very surprised. "Oh, Goddess Martel! Thank you!" He quickly cleared his head. "The Desians are trying to revive something called the Angelus Project. They're also developing a weapon called the Mana Cannon."
"Mana Cannon? Do you mean Thor's Hammer, from the Ancient War?" Kratos asked. So, it was just as Kvar said. Rodyle and him were building the Mana Cannon. Stupid fools.
Pietro nodded. "I don't know the details. They are using things called exspheres in these sinister experiments. They're also trying to bring to life something called an Angelus."
This got Lloyd's attention. "Angelus?" Wasn't that what Kvar kept calling him?
"Yes. I don't know what it is exactly, but it some kind of ultimate being. A creature who has the ability to rival the spirit themselves," Pietro went on, closed to panicking.
Raine put her hand on her chin. "Really?"
"Please, stop this Angelus and Angelus Project with the power of the Chosen, and save us all!" Pietro begged.
Genis casually waved his hand in an almost smug manner. "Relax, we defeated Kvar. And we rescued the people who were held captive."
Sheena smiled. "It's because of that jewel you had."
Pietro took a deep breath before smiling in satisfaction. "Is that true!? I knew we could count on the Chosen!"
"But I'm concerned about the Mana Cannon and this Angelus," Raine said.
Kratos did not like any of this. He couldn't let them meddle in Cruxis' affairs, especially regarding the Angelus. Given how intelligent the professor was, she could figure out that Lloyd was the Angelus.
"Yeah. But we won't get anywhere pondering it here," Kratos said in his most indifferent voice.
Pietro lifted his head. "Thank you very much." His eyes suddenly narrowed. "But, despite me being out of it, I remember what people said about Luin. Is it true?"
Lloyd's eyes became downcast. "Yes. It was destroyed by the Desians.
Pietro sighed. "I see." There was a long paused. "Then, I must return to Luin. Once I'm well I want to use this life that you saved to rebuild Luin."
"Pietro," Sophia whispered.
"It's the least I can do. To give my life purpose, after so many lives were lost," Pietro said.
"It is a worthy goal," Kratos replied. Far more worthy than the life he led.
"Yeah, and when we have the chance, we'll help too," Lloyd said as he clenched his fist. Once the Desians were gone, a lot needed to be done to rebuild the world.
"Yeah!" Genis cheered.
"We should leave Pietro to rest," Raine advised. "It will be at least a week before he will be out of bed."
"Thank you again for all you have done. I won't forget it," Pietro said graciously.
"I also owe you so much for bringing Pietro back to us," Sophia said, she was closed to tears. "The Chosen is really as great as the stories say."
With that, they walked out of the inn, leaving the couple in peace.
"Well, I'm happy that ended well," Genis said once they were outside. "We cut it kind of close."
Raine rubbed her forehead and sighed. "It would seem Martel was with us."
"Now we have to find Clara," Lloyd said.
"Actually, I think we should take a look at the Tower of Salvation," Raine suddenly said.
Lloyd looked at her. "The Tower of Salvation?"
"You can get a good view of it from the mountain in the back of this village. Let's have a good look at the Tower of Salvation and think about what we're all going to do," Raine advised.
"Going to do? We're just going to walk there, right?" Lloyd asked.
"There is no direct path to the Tower of Salvation," Kratos said. "It will take weeks, maybe even months to reach it. There are also powerful monsters in that area, far beyond your level."
Lloyd frowned. "That bad, huh?"
"We need to look for alternative ways to travel there. Although, if the worst happens, we may have to walk there," Raine said. From the way she voiced her last sentence, she wasn't looking forward to walking to the holy ground.
Genis shivered. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I've heard nothing but horror stories about the ground around the Tower of Salvation."
"Well, I guess we can check it out," Lloyd said as Kratos led them up the mountain.
It took about ten minutes before they reached the summit of one of the lower mountains. From it, they could see the Tower of Salvation in its full glory.
Lloyd was amazed that even this closed he still couldn't see the top. Maybe the tower really did reached into heaven.
"Looking at it like this, it feels really close," Lloyd said.
Genis nodded. "Hard to believe how far away it is even from here."
"You there!" someone shouted.
They turned to see a fairly big man with green overalls and a pale yellow shirt walked towards them.
"Have you ever wanted to get a closer view of the Tower of Salvation?" the man asked, not wasting words.
Lloyd was lost by the question. "What did you say?"
The man smiled. "Oh, I can see from that reaction you are interested!"
"Can you really go to the Tower of Salvation?" Lloyd asked, cutting to the point.
The man coughed into his hand before getting a bright smile. "Welcome to Dragon Tours! My humble dragons and I shall show you the way to the Tower of Salvation," he declared while spreading his arms.
Genis tilted his head, not buying it at all. "Dragon Tours? What kind of shady business is he running?"
Raine stepped forward before Genis could say more. "Would be possible to reach the Tower of Salvation from the air?"
The man kept smiling. "Of course!"
"Then, we can use the dragons to get to the tower," Lloyd stated.
The man rubbed his hands together greedily. "Great! You have the honor of being the very first customers of the Dragon Tour!" He glanced over each of them. "Let's see now, six people means three dragons, so… Here's a special price available only today! It'll be six-thousand Gald!"
Lloyd winched at the price. "That's expensive!" They could buy a couple of life potion with those.
Raine rubbed her chin. "But it can't be helped. We have to get to the Tower of Salvation and this is by far the quickest and safest way to reach it."
Looks like she needed to check on their savings. Hopefully, the money they received from Palmacosta would be enough. Although, there wouldn't be much left after this.
Genis sighed. "I guess so. It's for the world regeneration, after all."
The man gasped in shock. "Wha…what did you say?! Are you the Chosen's group!?"
Raine looked at the man. "That's right."
She could see Colette frowned, but she was in no position to say anything. If they could get a discount on the dragon rides, Raine was more than willing to take it.
"Oh, my! No, no, no, this won't do at all! I can't possibly take money from the Chosen! Please put that money away!" the man stuttered over himself.
"We haven't taken it out yet," Genis deadpanned.
"In that case, I'll ready three high-class dragons for you by tomorrow morning! Of course, I will not accept any money! However…" the man hesitated.
"What is it?" Raine asked. There was always a 'but'.
The man tapped his fingers together nervously. "I've heard that the area around the Tower of Salvation is dangerous, so… If you could just…I mean, my cute little dragons are…"
"But they're dragons," Genis said more to himself. Outside of a handful of monsters, they could kill anything, even small dragons.
"Not a problem. When we reach our destination, we'll return the dragons to you," Raine assured. Although, this now opened the question about how they would get back. She turned towards the group. "Is that all right with everyone?"
"I have no objections," Kratos said, thankful for the lucky break. He was pondering for a while how he was going to get them to the Tower of Salvation in one piece.
Lloyd rubbed his head. "Yeah. We'll figure out how to get back when the time comes." The area round the tower couldn't be that bad, right?
The man sighed in relief. "I understand. Well then, I shall await you all here tomorrow morning. There are preparations to make, so I'll take leave."
He ran off to get everything ready.
"Well, that worked out better than I expected," Raine mused.
Lloyd lowered his eyes. "So, we're down to the last seal."
"Let's split up for tonight," Raine advised. After going through so much, they could use the rest of the day off. "But don't go outside the village. Understood?
Genis nodded. "Yeah."
"Got it," Sheena said, also looking downcast.
"We'll be leaving in the morning, so don't stay up," Kratos said as he walked down the mountain.
Genis and Sheena also left, both having their own thoughts.
Lloyd sighed and took a long look at Colette.
Was this really it? After this, Colette would become an angel and save the world. Why couldn't he feel happy about this? The Desians would soon be gone and everyone suffering under them would be free. Yet...he felt so empty.
He shook his head and walked down the mountain, joining the others.
Raine watched them as Colette walked beside her. Without warning, Colette hugged her tightly. Raine smiled and returned the hug. "You want to thank me? Don't worry about it. Despite knowing what your future holds, this is all I can do for you."
Colette snuggled closed to her teacher. Raine could feel her trembling.
"I know you're scared. Anyone who's about to do what you are going to do tomorrow would be," Raine reassured. "Just know...we're with you to the end."
Colette looked at her teacher. Without a single word, Raine knew what she was asking.
"What will happen to Lloyd?" Raine stated. "I...I honestly don't know. Out of all of us, he's taking what is happening to you the worst. He may not be able to let you go once you give up your humanity."
Colette lowered her eyes.
"I know you don't want him to go, but it is out of our hands," Raine said. "We can't just leave him behind. After all he's done, he at least deserves to say goodbye."
Colette sniffed. She would be crying, but no tears would fall from her changed body.
Raine gently stroked her hair. "Colette...go and enjoy your last night with him. Make it a memory he will always cherish."
Colette nodded and allowed Raine to lead her off the mountain.
The sun was sinking slowly over the horizon and Lloyd could only stare absently at the Tower of Salvation. Strange, despite its name he couldn't see it as anything but a tower of death. Or maybe a tower of broken dreams.
He felt so numb. Tomorrow was a day that the entire world has been waiting for. The day the world would finally be saved. Yet, here he was, moping. He was starting to wonder why he even came. What started out as a journey for redemption and revenge seemed to spiral into something more. Something bigger than he could ever dream of.
He wasn't sure what was happening, but he didn't like it. Something terrible was going to happen tomorrow, he could feel it.
Lloyd stood up and stretched his legs, which were starting to fall asleep. Sitting here wouldn't do anything. He needed to clear his head.
He walked a little up the path and saw Sheena standing by herself near the exit to the village. He looked just as lost as he did.
"Sheena," he called, getting the girl's attention.
"Lloyd!" Sheena exclaimed.
Lloyd gave an easy smile. "Hey, what're you thinking about?"
Sheena turned away from him. "Stuff."
"I know that look and it's more than just stuff," Lloyd lightly joked, trying to eased the mood.
Sheena didn't smile. She continued to stare blankly down the road. "Tomorrow, Sylvarant will be saved."
Lloyd stopped smiling. And her world would suffer, just like theirs. "What are you gonna do?"
Sheena let out a loud sigh. "Good question. The only thing I can do is believed in the Chosen." She smiled slightly. "The Chosen from this side seems to be trustworthy and all."
This took Lloyd off-guard. "What's that mean? Is there a Chosen you can't trust?"
Sheena snorted in disgust. "Tethe'alla's Chosen. I can't stand that guy."
"I see," Lloyd said in understanding. "Tethe'alla has a Chosen, too…"
He wondered what he was like. Was he anything like Colette? Regardless, he was lucky. He didn't have to suffer the way Colette did. Well...unless they succeeded and Tethe'alla fell into ruins by their actions.
"Two words, two Chosen," Sheena simplified. "If there really is a goddess, why did she make a world like this?"
That was the question that haunted him since he learned about Tethe'alla. Why did this twisted system exist? "Yeah, no kidding. I want to kick her for doing this."
Although he kept his tone light, he was dead serious. He always wondered about Martel, but now he was almost certain that she wasn't this merciful, caring goddess that everyone kept talking about. She seemed cold and uncaring.
Sheena laughed at his statement. "Seriously, I wish I could do that myself."
"I guess we're much alike in that way. I would have been kicked just for saying that," Lloyd humored.
Sheena shook her head. "My village believe in Martel, but we don't see her as perfect. Even a goddess can make mistakes. And...I think this is one of them."
"Yeah...I feel so useless. When did things become so complicated?" Lloyd asked.
"I think...it's always been this way. We were just fortunate enough not to realize how screwed up our worlds were," Sheena mused.
"In some ways...I wished it could like that again. Go back to Iselia, go back to my dad's house, and pretend this entire journey never happened," Lloyd said.
Sheena looked at him from the side of her eye. "Do you really?"
Lloyd glanced at her.
"Do you really wished you could go back? To be the way you were before coming on this journey?" Sheena asked. "I wouldn't, even if giving the opportunity. Through this ordeal, I learned so much and...met some wonderful friends that I wouldn't trade the world for."
Lloyd couldn't help but smile. "I guess when you put it that way, I feel the same. I mean, I wish Colette wasn't suffering and we can help your world, but...I've grown so close to everyone here and I got to meet Kratos and you. So...it wasn't all bad."
"Some times, we have to take the good with the bad," Sheena humored. "I just hope...that when the times comes, the good far outweighs the bad."
"Yeah," Lloyd said with a nod.
They remained in silence for several minutes.
It became obvious that Sheena wasn't in the mood to talk more, so Lloyd took his leave. He didn't even want to imagine what she was going through. Her entire world laid in the balance while he moped about a single person. A person he cared deeply about.
"Your journey is finally coming to an end," the voice of Kratos suddenly said.
Lloyd nearly jumped. He was so deep in thought that he didn't even realized he wondered into him. He looked around and saw that he was in the burial area for those who died at the Ranch. Why was Kratos here?
Regardless, Lloyd looked at the man who had become his mentor and dared he say friend over these last months. In such a short time, they bonded in a way he could never foreseen. He taught him how to use a sword better, he told him about his lost family who were taking by Desians, and they both avenged their families. It was a bond forged in the fires of battle and the tears of heartache and hardships.
He wondered what Kratos would do once they were done. Would he just leave to find other clients who needed his sword and he would never hear from him again? Or, would he want to stay in contact? Despite himself, a part of him was terrified of losing Kratos. It would hurt almost as much as losing Colette.
"This isn't the end I hoped for," Lloyd admitted after he remained silent for who knew how long.
Kratos gave him a strange look. "Really? It's the journey you started by clinging to the Chosen. This was to be expected."
Lloyd glared at the man. "Clinging to the Chosen?" With his nonbeliever's status and half of the things he said about Martel, he found the accusing laughable.
Kratos, as always, appeared to have read his thoughts. "Don't you remember? It was you who said we have the Chosen on our side, the savior who will regenerate the world."
For goodness sake, he said that for effect.
But...he did have a point. Despite repeatedly saying that he didn't believe or trust Martel, he did say he believe in Colette. He trusted her to save the world and seal the Desians. Despite coming to protect her, she was saving them. In that way, he really was no different than the people who followed Martel. Which also made him a hypocrite.
"Yeah, that's right. I said that" Lloyd admitted softly, before lifting his head and regaining his fire. "And that's why I have to protect her."
Kratos gave him a hard look. "If relying and depending on the power of the Chosen at the most crucial time is what it means to protect her, then the meaning of the word 'protect' must have changed significantly from my understanding. And now the Chosen is trying to resolve everything by sacrificing herself."
Lloyd was taken back. He never saw it that way. How was he protecting Colette while preparing her to lose everything? It seemed like an oxymoron.
He looked at Kratos again and his expression hadn't changed at all. It was almost like he was testing him. Seeing what he would say or do if pressured. Dammit. He hated these stupid character's tests Kratos puts him through. If he does leaves after this, this was one thing he wouldn't miss.
"What are you trying to say?" Lloyd came close to demanding.
Seriously, what did Kratos suggest he do since he liked to act like he knew everything.
Kratos folded his arms. "Lloyd. Don't make a mistake."
Real helpful. He was certain Kratos was trolling him now. Don't make mistakes, a kid could have told him that. Maybe this was some kind of game. That would explain that extremely odd advice.
He sighed in frustration. "Fine." He glanced at the man. "But, if I make a mistake, can't I just do it over again?"
Kratos snorted, although he could have sworn he was closed to laughing. "Do it over. If it's something you can do over again, then…feel free."
Maybe he wouldn't miss him so much after all.
"I'll give you a final lesson," Kratos suddenly said, snapping him to attention.
Final lesson? He supposed this would be the last one. After this, Kratos would have no more need to train him, with the world at peace and all.
"Yeah." Lloyd took his offer. He might as well enjoy the time left with the guy, even if he drove him crazy.
"Let's change locations," Kratos said as he began to walk.
They walked until they came to an isolated part of town. There was literally no one around, not even wildlife. It was sorta creepy.
"We won't be disturbed here. Take out your swords," Kratos ordered as he unsheathed his own.
Lloyd did just that and within minutes, they were on each other. For the first time since the day they first started training, Lloyd could actually see and feel the difference in himself.
When they first trained, Lloyd couldn't even take a hit from Kratos and the man pushed him aside because of his poor stance or awkward footwork. Now, Kratos actually had to work to catch him off-guard, hit his blind spots, or hit him with a random spell. He was able to see and predicts his movements and even countered him.
That wasn't to say, he was Kratos' equal. No, the man still handily beat him and caused enough harm to force him to used First Aid. At least now, however, Kratos had to heal himself now and then. It proved he wasn't some warrior god since he could bleed.
His endurance also went up. After only an hour, he used to be tired and drained. Now, he could keep up with Kratos for hours without feeling even a little bit tired.
It was amazing how much he improved. How he was steps closer to being a true master swordsman and he owed it all to Kratos. He showed him things he never knew and was able to break through his arrogance and build him right back up to his current form. Despite the issues he had with the man, he would be forever grateful. And, he would use his newfound skills to serve this world. He would protect everything with his blades.
As they finished their spar, Lloyd fell to his knees before Kratos and lowered his head. "Thank you, master."
The gestured took Kratos completely by surprise. "Why all of the sudden?"
As long as he had known Lloyd, he had never humbled himself before any one. Lloyd's pride was both his greatest weakness and strength. He also never called him master. Not even Mithos called him that when he was his student.
"Well, I never thanked you this whole time," Lloyd said, still keeping his head down. "And also...you're like my teacher."
Kratos shook his head. "I do not have the right to be called that." Especially since he was leading an innocent girl to her death tomorrow.
Lloyd shook his head. "No, you do. I was able to fight this far because of you and the others."
Kratos stared at his son.
So, he understood the most important lesson of all. The power of companionship. It was something he learned and lost so many years ago. The bonds that existed between Lloyd and his friends were the same that once bounded Yuan, Mithos, Martel, and him. He prayed to any spirit that existed that when the time came at the Tower of Salvation that they wouldn't fall apart as they had.
"Do not forget what I have taught you and protect your companions and yourself," Kratos said. "Don't become like us."
Lloyd lifted his head and looked directly at Kratos. "Yeah... Ah, I mean, yes master."
Kratos gave a gentle smiled as he held his hand out to him. "Stand up. One should never kneel before me."
Lloyd took the pre-offered hand and was helped to his feet.
Without another word, they walked back to the main part of town where they went their separate ways.
Lloyd felt strangely light. Talking and fighting Kratos has done wonders to eased his mood. He supposed fighting helped get out his built-up frustration. He seemed Kratos knew him better than he knew himself.
He walked until he saw Genis staring off the sides of one of the cliffs. He seemed very pensive, which wasn't that unusual for him. Still, it seemed something was bothering him too.
"Hey, Genis," Lloyd greeted.
Genis turned and gave a lazy smile. "Hey." He then went back staring at nothing.
Lloyd frowned. "Hey, are you okay."
"The Tower of Salvation is so close now. We've come quite a long way," Genis mused.
Lloyd sighed. "Yeah."
"It's at a time like this that I stop and think how stupid I've been," Genis said.
Lloyd wasn't expecting that. "Why?"
"Because I don't even know if the way things have turned out is good or bad," Genis admitted. "I mean...I have faith in Martel and I trust the Church's writings...but...for the first time...I really do feel doubt."
Lloyd gave a tense smiled as he looked over the mountain. "…No one knows that. The ones who think they do are the stupid ones."
And that has always been his big problem with the Church. They tried to rid all doubts and questions from their members. You were only supposed to obey and made to feel like an idiot if you dared asked 'why'. He was torn a new one when he asked certain questions about the Church, especially those that conflicted with dwarven or even elven's lore. It was so frustrating.
Thinking things over, if the Church had taking a more opened, forthcoming, and gentler approached with him, like Colette, Frank, and Phaidra, he probably would had embraced Martel. It wasn't because he needed to believe in something, but he needed some comfort knowing that Colette would be alright.
"You think so?" Genis asked, sounding close to hopeful.
Lloyd nodded assurance. "Definitely."
Genis gave a weak smile. "I guess you're right. You say some cool things every now and then. Thanks, Lloyd."
Lloyd chuckled. "Only now and then, huh?"
"Lloyd."
Lloyd turned around to see Raine's stern face. "Professor?"
"Go see Colette. This is her last night," Raine all but ordered.
"Last night?" Lloyd asked in confusion.
"…It's her last night as a human," Raine stated, although it was quick, like she was trying to hide something.
"Professor, you're a scholar, right? Can't you do anything?" Lloyd asked. If anyone could save Colette, Raine could. With her new power, she could save anyone.
Genis also looked at his sister expectedly.
Raine folded her arms. "Don't you understand yet? You're not too bright. It's because I'm a scholar that I'm fascinated by Colette as she continues to transform into an angel."
"Raine!?" Genis gasped.
"You can't be serious?" Lloyd asked, equally shocked. "I mean...she's more than just the Chosen. She's one of your students. Doesn't that mean anything?"
Raine turned away. For a moment, it look like she was going to cry, but that was impossible. As long as Lloyd had known the professor, she never cried. She was always as calm as water during the winter.
"You think so?" Raine asked coldly, although it sounded force. "Now, go to her."
Both Genis and Lloyd looked at each other. What was up with Raine's sudden change in attitude?
"Okay," Lloyd finally said as he went to find Colette.
Raine lowered her head and closed her eyes. "Please enjoy the time you have left with her. Don't leave behind any regrets."
It didn't take Lloyd long to find Colette. She was standing near the door of the inn. Like almost everyone here, she was lost in thought.
"Hey Colette, let's talk for a bit. You can write," Lloyd said when he got closed enough.
Colette smiled and followed him up to the plateau where they could see the Tower of Salvation. He hated the tower, but it gave the best view of the world.
There, they sat in silence, just enjoying each other's company. It was a little chilly, but Lloyd was fine thanks to his jacket and Colette...couldn't feel anything anyway.
"The world regeneration…it's almost time," Lloyd said softly.
He was so soft that he didn't think Colette heard him. Which was why he was surprised when Colette suddenly grabbed his hand wrote.
"I'm sorry?…Why are you apologizing?" Lloyd asked in confusion.
Colette wrote again.
" …This is the end, and yet I can't even speak. I know that's weird?" Lloyd translated. It was weird, but it had nothing to do with Colette. "You dork, that doesn't matter. No matter what happens to you, you're still you. Even if you become an angel. Even if you become like Marble. I won't ever think you're weird. Ever." He paused as he collected his thoughts. "Anyway, I'm the one that has to apologize.
Colette tilted her head, giving her usual puzzled look.
"Even though I promised I'd make you that gift before our journey ended, I kept thinking we still had a ways to go. I never even got close to finishing it," Lloyd admitted somberly.
It was mixed of never having a workstation since they slept mostly in the field, and when they did stopped at an inn he was always tired from traveling and training with Kratos. But it was also procrastination, something his father and Raine always got on him about. It was just easy to put off everything until later.
Colette writing got his attention.
He blinked at her words. "I'll wait forever? Even after I become an angel, I'll keep on waiting. You can give it to me any time." He felt his heart warmed and that warmth spread to the rest of his body. "Okay. This time, I'm really going to make it," he said with new determination. "No matter how long it takes." He paused for several seconds. "Can I ask you one thing?"
Colette nodded.
He took a beep breath. "Are you sure you won't regret this? Are you sure you want to become an angel?" There was still time. They could turn back. Find another way.
Colette wrote her answer.
"The truth is, I'm a little scared." He gave a sad smile. "Yeah…I would be, too."
He wasn't sure what to say. He couldn't even begin to understand or even imagine her pain. Losing everything that made him human. To be unable to feel his friends or even able to speak. It was the worst kind of hell that should be saved for only truly evil people.
Colette went back to writing.
"But if giving up my life as a human means that Sylvarant will be reborn, then it's almost like my life is spreading out to fill the entire world. When I think about it like that, I'm okay," Lloyd translated, feeling numb with each word.
Colette smiled at him, trying to reassure him.
Lloyd took her hand and squeezed, despite knowing she couldn't feel it. "…You're strong, Colette."
She was stronger than he could ever be given all she suffered. If it were him, he would had cussed and spitted Martel's name as his humanity was being taking. He supposed, this was what having faith looked like.
They stood up there well into the sunset. The stars were out and the sky was crystal clear. For once, the stars brought him no comfort.
"The wind is pretty cold. Let's go back to the inn," Lloyd said. He was fine, but Colette was wearing her light Church's robes so she had to be... "Ah…sorry. That's right, you can't feel it," he stumbled over his words like a moron. Dammit, how did he forget so quickly?
Colette smiled and allowed herself to be escorted back the inn so she could rest...despite not needing any sleep.
Lloyd growled to himself. Even knowing, he couldn't stop treating her as a human.
He walked her to the room she shared with Raine and bid her goodnight. Colette gave him one last smile before walking in and closing the door.
Lloyd stared at the door for several seconds, not moving. "Dammit! Isn't there anything we can do!?"
This wasn't fair! None of this was freaking fair!
Frustrated and angry, he stalked to bed. Although, he doubted he would be getting much sleep.
Somewhere in the middle of the night, Colette became restless. Since this was her last day alive, she didn't want to spend it in the inn. She wanted to enjoy the night's sky while she could. Once morning came, she would never see the stars again.
Stars. They remained her of Lloyd. How she was dearly missed him. If she were giving a full life, she would have loved to build a future with him. Perhaps even go with him on his boat and explore the world. That was a nice thought, even if it was just an empty dream.
Colette walked outside and saw Kratos, staring at the night's sky, most likely stargazing. He was very much like Lloyd in that way.
"Chosen?" Kratos acknowledged. "You should be inside. Even if you have no need for rest, you should prepared yourself for tomorrow."
Colette stared at Kratos. There was no one around, saved for Noishe. There was no point in hiding it any longer.
She closed her eyes and reached into her crystal. "Kratos, I know you can hear my voice."
Kratos looked at her in surprised.
"You could hear my voice for some time. You don't have to pretend," Colette stated.
Kratos turned towards her. Was this what Yuan was talking about? About being able to hear the voice of the Chosen? "So...you know."
Colette nodded. "Since I broke that last seal, I can feel your mana. It isn't like the others. It's the same as Remiel. And...I can now see your wings."
This surprised and didn't surprise him. "I should have figured you would know by the end. You have come a long way."
Colette looked down at her feet. "Were you sent to protect and guide me by Martel?"
Kratos thought about the answer. "Yes."
She lifted her head and smiled. "I knew it. Since I saw you, I knew that she brought you to us to help us. Without you, we would have never made it. Thank you."
Kratos shook his head. "Don't thank me, Chosen. Tomorrow, you will lose your human heart and your life."
"But then the world will be saved and...I will be able to save Sheena's world as well," Colette said.
It was a lie. A lie that he couldn't bring himself to reveal. She deserved to die happy. To have some sense of peace on her final night. "Yes. If it is the Goddess' will, both worlds can be saved."
Colette nodded. "I will asked her and save everyone." There was a long pause. "Kratos...?"
"Yes, Chosen?" Kratos answered.
She tapped her fingers. "When I'm gone, please take care of Lloyd. He will be sad once I am gone and I don't want him to feel lonely."
Kratos shook his head. "If you know what I am, Chosen, you know that is impossible. What I am cannot be bound to this world."
Colette lowered her head and smiled. "I know. But I also know you want to be with Lloyd. You have a special bond." She looked directly at him, causing Kratos to become unnerved. "And...I can see his wings too, Mr. Kratos."
Kratos's eyes widen in shock. "What?"
Colette smiled. "I can see his wings. He's an angel like you because you're his father."
Kratos stepped back, feeling his heart speed up. "How...how long did you know this?"
"I felt the relationship between you two by the third seal, although I didn't know you were father and son until recently," Colette said before smiling again. "I always felt something special from Lloyd. His glow always shined stronger than anyone else's. But I would've never guess he was an angel. He feels...a little different from you, but he's definitely one."
"Did he always feel this way?" Kratos questioned.
Colette shook her head. "His aura didn't change until after the third seal. After that, his angel's presence has become stronger and stronger." She tilted her head. "Is he...like me? An angel born from a human mother?"
How much did this girl know? He had severely underestimated her. She was literately seeing right through him.
"Yes," Kratos answered. There was a little point hiding the truth now.
"Was he sent to guide me too?" Colette asked.
Kratos thought carefully about the answer. "Lloyd...being with you was not foreseen. It was an accident."
This didn't daunt Colette. "Then, it was a happy accident. Thank you so much for giving me Lloyd. He made these last eight years so wonderful. Once the world is regenerated, I'm certain he will be reborn into his true form. That's why he doesn't believe in Martel, right? He has forgotten her grace. Well, I'm sure he will be welcomed back into heaven once I become one with Martel."
That was what he was afraid of. "It...it's late, Chosen. Please go inside."
Colette nodded. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Just...take care of Lloyd. It will be tough for him seeing me since I won't remember him."
With that, she walked back inside.
At that moment, Kratos felt lowered then toe scum. That girl, she knew his secret and vowed to keep it. She really saw him as a guardian angel.
He was no angel. He was a carrier of death who was going to burn in hell alongside Kvar.
This...this couldn't be what Martel wanted. For this girl to die so she could live. To have her entire life ripped from her over a lie.
He finally understood Yuan now. Why he raised his weapon against Mithos that day after he used Spiritua's body to attacked Tethe'alla. After seeing that woman's courage, how could anyone wished for her to become an empty shell so a dead woman could take her over?
No, this was worse. Spiritua was the Chosen because her mana signature was closed to Martel's. In the end, she was just unlucky to be picked by the Cruxis Crystal and Spiritua chose to follow the Journey of Regeneration on her own freewill.
Colette, however, was bred to become Martel's vessel. She was never giving the choice or the chance to be anything else. Her life and her death were planned long before she was even born, and she was brainwashed since birth to accept her own demise. She literally existed to die and to die with a smile on her face over a lie. Her soul was seen as nothing but speck to be rid of.
This...why...why did he support this?
Kratos ran a hand through his hair.
It was too late to fight. Even if they didn't go to the Tower of Salvation, the Chosen's soul would eventually be locked away within her crystal. Nothing could change that now.
If fate allowed, perhaps, she could be saved. He prayed that she would be saved. Such a gentle, sweet soul didn't deserved to be wiped from existence.
"Martel...please help us," he whispered.
After so many years, the Tower of Salvation is happening next chapter. If my mood permits, I will be posting next week. I hope you all enjoy the buildup. I put a lot of work into it and this was probably one of my favorite chapters to write. That and he kind of reflects my current mood.
Until next time, please keep yourselves safe.