Yes, I managed to get a new chapter out before Christmas. I was worried for awhile because I recently started a new project. Yeah, I know I having been given this story the care it deserved lately, but it some times good to do other projects every once and a while to blow creative steam. Hopefully, I will do at least one more update before the end of the year.

Anyway, thank you all for the reviews, favorites, alerts, and hit. You keep me going and help keep this story worthwhile for me. Hope you enjoy.

Now, onward to the chapter.

Chapter 20: School and Church

"So, now what?" Lloyd asked as he took in the day's air. He already felt tired and the day had barely begun.

"We still have time before Colette's service," Raine said as she looked down at her brother. "I think we can finally visit the Academy now."

Genis' eyes widened. "Really, alright lets go!"

"I can never understand how someone could love school so much," Lloyd muttered as they walked towards the Academy, which was right across from the governor's building.

Unlike the other buildings in the area, the school was rather plain looking and looked like a regular apartment building. The only reason they even knew the school was there was because of the several uniformed students that stood near school's entrance.

Some of the students stared at Lloyd with interest, since he was the most oddly dressed in the group. Most of the students, however, gave the entire bored stares and a look at him with disinterest. Genis didn't seem to notice any of this as he eagerly went inside.

The interior of the school was just as plain as the outside and didn't have anything that stood out. Lloyd could, however, smell bake goods in the air, which made his stomach rumble.

"Say Genis, you're suppose to go to this school, right?" Lloyd asked.

He remember a while ago that Genis had gotten a letter that had the young mage jumping up and down in joy for days. He heard something about him being invited to some school in Palmacosta, but he just now made the connection to this place.

Genis gave a bright smile. "Yeah, I got a recommendation here."

"You!?" someone exclaimed.

They all turned around to see a boy with large glasses staring at him. He gave Genis the most conceited look.

"A child that small was recommended for the elite Palmacosta Academy?" the boy asked in disbelief.

Another student came in to join the conversation. He had short brown hair that was almost entirely hidden by his school hat. "He was recommended, it took me six tries to pass the entry examination."

Lloyd rolled his eyes. "Maybe it was because you suck. Genis is the smartest person in Iselia." He crossed and stared at the boys. "He even knows his multiplication tables."

Both Raine and Kratos glanced at Lloyd in disbelief, but said nothing.

Genis let out a loud groan. "What kind of low example is that!?"

"That is high for Lloyd's level," Raine said with a slight sigh.

"But learning the multiplication table is tough," Colette said.

Kratos shook his head. "What was wrong with these children?"

The two boys began to laugh at the exchange.

"They say birds of a feather flock together," the second boy mocked. "I'm sure this runt is the same level."

"What!?" Lloyd growled. To say Genis was as dumb as him was below insult. "You're nothing compare to Genis."

The first boy chuckled as he adjective his glasses. "Interesting, are you challenging me?"

Lloyd turned his eyes towards Genis. "Not me, but he will."

"That's easy for you to say," Genis muttered, lacking his usual confidence.

"You should know that I am the highest ranked student in the entire school," the first student said arrogantly. "You are going to regret this later."

The second student rubbed his hands together in glee. "I'll get the tests. Come to the classroom in the back of the second floor when you're ready. That is, if you don't chicken out first." He laughed as he went up a flight of stairs.

The first student looked down his nose at Genis as he walked away as well.

"What a jackass," Genis muttered.

Lloyd nodded. "You say it."

"We should do a little intensive study," Raine advised. Although she didn't care for this type of competition, she didn't care for how those boys had treated her baby brother. A little bit of humbling can go a long way.

"Maybe we could study in the café," Lloyd advised, still influence by the smell of baked goods.

"You just want to eat," Genis said in a deadpan voice.

"Regardless, it would make a good place to study," Kratos said. "I doubt they would let us have an empty classroom."

"That's true," Raine said as they began to walk towards the cafe.

There were remarkably few people inside and it was quiet. Most of the students were reading some type of book or seemed deep in thought.

"Wow, they study even while they eat," Lloyd muttered. This school was far too hardcore for him.

"This is where the best in the world study," Genis said. "Of course they're going to be dedicated." His eyes suddenly became downcast. "I wonder if I have what it takes to beat that guy?

"Of course you can beat him," Lloyd assured in a firm voice. "Don't let that punk get you down."

"He's right, you're really smart, Genis," Colette said.

"But so is everyone here," Genis argued.

"You're worried that you might be a big fish in a small pond instead of a small fish in big pond," Kratos stated. "However, you won't know either way unless you fully challenge yourself."

Genis' eyes widened. "I...I never thought of it that way."

"Just have faith in yourself," Lloyd said with a huge smile. "We all do."

Genis' face-hardened in determination. "Yeah, I'll do my best."

They spent the next two hours preparing Genis for the test. He was quiz from basic history questions to complex math equations.

Lloyd got lost somewhere in the middle of it all. He never really bothered to study anything passed the basics in school. With the skills he had gained under Dirk, he didn't really need advance math or know the history of the Church to get ahead. He only really went to school to be with his friends.

"You should study as well," Kratos advised when he saw that Lloyd was not joining in on the study session.

Lloyd shook his head. "I'm not much good in school."

"If you put as much effort in studying as you do making excuses, you would be a straight A student," Kratos said harshly.

"I don't make excuses," Lloyd growled. "I...I just don't care about school. I'm only interested in a few subjects."

Kratos raised an eyebrow. "Like?"

"Uhmm, PE, Art, Astronomy..." Lloyd started.

"You study the stars?" Kratos asked in surprise.

"Yeah, it's a habit I always had," Lloyd said in a far off voice. "I always loved the stars and the stories connected to them. Especially the one of the summons spirits."

Kratos was silent for a moment. "Does your father watch the stars with you?"

Lloyd gave a short laugh. "Dad isn't really into stars. He never even seen the sky until he left the dwarf kingdom."

"Forgive me. I've forgotten your father was a dwarf," Kratos said. "What other subjects grab your interest?"

"Well, I do like some things from history," Lloyd said after thinking about it a little. "Like the stories of the hero, Mithos."

"So, you like to read about Mithos the Hero?" Kratos asked in a neutral voice.

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah, I just find his entire story to be amazing. I don't know about the stuff with Martel, but he stopped an ancient war that dragged on for centuries."

"The story of Mithos is an amazing story," Kratos spoke with a small smile. "Even I have been influence by his courage."

Lloyd paused for a moment. He looked worried about something. "Kratos..."

"Yes?" Kratos questioned.

"Have...have you ever heard other stories about Mithos besides what the Church teaches?" Lloyd asked in almost a whisper to keep Colette from hearing.

"I have heard other tales," Kratos confirmed.

"Well...I want to ask you something, but I was told never to repeat it because it was not part of the Church's teaches," Lloyd said in a low voice.

"You should know that I'm not a follower of the Church of Martel," Kratos informed.

Lloyd's eyes widened in surprise. "You're not?"

"You have no fear of me rejecting your beliefs," Kratos said gently.

"I...I've never met another. I mean, another nonbeliever besides my dad," Lloyd stuttered in disbelief. "I always kind of felt alone in that way."

"It's understandable since the Church of Martel is the majority religion of the world," Kratos said. "It can prove to be frustrating when you don't follow the trend."

"Yeah..." Lloyd muttered. "I just wanted to know if you ever heard the dwarven stories about Mithos."

"Dwarven stories?" Kratos questioned.

"Well, I remembering dad telling me stories about Mithos that I heard nowhere else," Lloyd started. "Like the stories of Mithos' teacher."

"I think I heard of them, but please tell me more," Kratos said.

"Well the dwarves said that Mithos had an ancient teacher who taught him everything he knew," Lloyd continued. "They said he was extremely powerful and favored by Origin. They don't give him a name, but a title called Beschermer."

Kratos kept an impassive face. "I've heard of that legend. It also states that he had a sword forged by Origin that could cut through dimensions and he guarded the old Kharlan Tree."

"Yeah, that's the story," Lloyd said in excitement. "How do you know it?"

"I've studied all cultures and beliefs," Kratos replied slowly. "Which is why I believe in the story of Mithos since his legend spans across several different cultures and religions."

Lloyd lowered his head. "I wonder why the Church doesn't want to acknowledge those stories."

"It doesn't fit into their beliefs, so therefore it is wrong," Kratos said. "The Church of Martel has become a close-minded religion who rejects anything they deem corrupts Martel's message. The problem is that the message is interpreted by men, who are too often influence by their own biases."

"Wow, I feel the same way," Lloyd said. "But I just thought I was weird because I was raise differently."

"That is part of it, but being raised differently is not a sin and shouldn't be treated as one," Kratos stated. "It takes all types to make a world."

Lloyd began to smile. "You know, you're pretty wise, Kratos."

"When we have the time, I could tell you other stories I have heard in my travels and even about the stars," Kratos said.

"Really, that would be so cool," Lloyd said as his eyes completely lit up.

"Hey, I'm ready to take that test," Genis said, breaking the mood.

"Alright, let's go!" Lloyd exclaimed as he stood up.

Raine led the way through the school and they went upstairs and found the room where the two students told them to meet.

When they went into the room, they found not only the boy with the glasses, but an older man who wore a standard teacher's robe.

The boy smirked at Genis when he saw him. "Now, the match can finally begin."

"I'm not going to lose to you," Genis said full of confidence.

Lloyd gave a small smile. It seemed that last minute cram session really helped to boost Genis' self-confidence.

The old teacher stepped forward. "I've heard what was going on and in the interest of fairness I prepared the questions."

Raine wasn't sure she liked how this school seemed to encourage such competitions. That would explain the snotty attitudes of some of the students.

"Please, take a seat," the teacher ordered.

Lloyd was about to leave the room when Raine stopped him in his tracks.

"The rest of you will take the test as well," Raine ordered.

"Huh, why me!?" Lloyd exclaimed.

"This will go a good learning experience," Raine said.

Lloyd visibly groaned. He didn't need a test to tell him how much he sucked.

Colette rubbed his back. "You'll do fine, Lloyd."

"I'm glad one of us think so," Lloyd muttered.

Kratos wasn't pleased either that he was being forced to take some mundane test, but decided not to make a scene.

They all took their sits and they were all handed a small book size stack of papers. This kind of test could take hours to take, Lloyd realized in frustration.

"Begin!" the teacher yelled.

Everyone turned the page in their book and began to take the test. Genis and the other boy breezed through the first couple of pages, while everyone else lagged behind. Raine was completely at ease as she took her time and carefully read the material.

Kratos looked bored as he flipped through the pages and quickly did the entire history section. Then, he backtracked and did the math. Thankfully, his formal education he received during the war still held up. No matter how many centuries went by, math would always be math. The science section was almost simple stupid compare to the calculation he had to do on Derris-Kharlan.

Colette bit her pencil as she looked at all the confusion math questions. Like Kratos, she breezed through the history section since it was very much like the Church's teachings. Math, however, had always been her worst subject and some of the problems got very tricky, especially the part about imaginary numbers.

Lloyd was completely lost. He felt like such an idiot as he looked for any question he could answer. So far, only the questions on Mithos and the basic math and science questions were things he could answer. Everything else, he was forced to guess. Lloyd wasn't sure if he lost points for guessing, but after the first hour of staring at his paper like a moron, he really didn't care anymore.

After what felt like an eternity, it was finally over. For better and for worst, Lloyd turned his test in and waited for the results. It didn't take long as the teacher stood in front of the classroom.

"I will announce the results, last to first place," the teacher said.

Lloyd sighed. Great, now his name gets to go first.

"Last place is Lloyd Irving with a score of twenty-five," the teacher said.

Lloyd was expected as much, but the score was actually not as bad as he thought it would be. He could hear, however, the other boy snickering across the room.

"That's your best yet, congratulation!" Colette cheered.

If it were anyone besides Colette, he would had thought they were mocking him.

"Next is Colette Brunel with a score of two-hundred and ten," the teacher went on.

Lloyd blinked in confusion. "Huh, it's not out of one-hundred?"

Genis sighed. "It's out of four-hundred." His voice was not teasing as usual; it was more the sound of pity.

Lloyd blushed in embarrassment. Even for him that was pathetic.

"Kratos Aurion with a score of three-hundred and eighty," the teacher continued.

Lloyd's mouth nearly dropped. How did Kratos get such a freaking high score? Even Raine and Genis gave Kratos a surprise looks. Kratos for his part kept a completely blank face. Lloyd would hate to go against this guy in a game of cards.

"Raine Sage with a perfect score of four-hundred," the teacher said as he nodded at Raine.

Lloyd looked towards Raine and smiled. That wasn't surprising at all. She was the professor, after all.

"Now, I shall announce the score of Genis and Mighty," the teacher said.

Lloyd had to hold back a chuckle. What kind of name was Mighty? Were his parents overcompensation for something?

"Mighty Washington, your score is three-hundred and ninety-eight," the teacher said.

Mighty puffed his chest up in pride and gave a snide glanced at Genis.

"Genis Sages, your score is four-hundred. A perfect score," the teacher said in awe.

Mighty mouth dropped in outraged. "That...that's not possible!"

Lloyd gave Genis a wide smile. "Good job, Genis."

Genis began to blush slightly.

Mighty gave a long sigh of defeat and turned towards Genis. "I have no choice. I'm sorry for making fun of you earlier."

"No, you're amazing yourself," Genis complimented with a grin. "I had to study hard to beat you."

"I must say, I am very impress with you," the teacher said. "It would be our honor if you stood with us as a full time student with a scholarship to match."

Genis eyes widened in excitement. It was everything he had dreamed. To study in the place where the greats came from.

Yes, do it!" Mighty encouraged. "You'll probably become the most notable genius this school has ever seen!"

Lloyd stared in Mighty in bewilderment. It was a little unnerving how this guy did such a one-eighty from just a few minutes ago. He supposed defeat equal friendship at this school.

"Yeah Genis, if you want to stay here, you should," Lloyd also encouraged.

He would miss Genis greatly on their journey if they had to leave him behind, but he didn't want to stand in the way of his dream. Genis deserves this chance.

The thought crossed Genis' mind, but then he began to realize that he really didn't want to come here, at least not at this moment. It was strange, he talked about going to this school all the time and wanted to come here since the day he first heard of it. He was here and they wanted him, but it didn't have the same lure as before.

He briefly wondered what changed. He glanced up at Lloyd for a second and realized that he couldn't leave things as they were. How could he go to school and be happy when he helped kill people with his selfish actions? That he had helped kill Marble.

No, he had to see this journey through to the end. By helping with the World Regeneration, he could help bring peace to all those who had die by sealing away the Desians. Also, rather he liked it or not, he would missed his friends too much.

"No, I'm going to go with all of you," Genis said firmly, his mind made up. "I'll go back to studying when the world is at peace."

Lloyd frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," Genis said with a wide smiled

"I understand," the teacher said with a nod. There was a note of disappointment in his voice. "Come back anytime when your journey is over."

Everyone got out of their chair and began to slowly file out of the room. Genis stood behind a little longer to speak with Mighty.

"I don't get it, Genis talked about this school for the better part of a year," Lloyd said once he got outside the classroom. "Why he suddenly changed his mind?"

"Things change, Lloyd," Raine said. "Genis had his own reasons for wanting to do things and we should respect that."

Lloyd said nothing for a moment. "I hope I'm not the one holding him back."

"No one can hold Genis back once he put his mind to something," Raine said firmly. "You should know that better than anyone."

"But still..." Lloyd started.

"You still feel guilty about Iselia," Raine concluded.

Lloyd sighed. "Genis may have been able to live peacefully if I haven't tried to help Marble."

"What's done is done," Raine said in her normal calculated voice. "Remember, Genis also played a part in what happened in Iselia. The burden is not yours alone."

"Ready!" Genis yelled as he ran out of the classroom.

"We should go to the Church now," Colette said. "The service starts in just over an hour."

Raine nodded.

"I want to go and explore the city for a little while," Lloyd said.

Colette turned to face Kratos. "Will you be coming to the service, Mr. Kratos?"

"I will pass," Kratos said. "However, since it is my duty to protect you, I will wait outside."

"Sounds fair," Raine said.

"I'll see you guys later then," Lloyd said as he walked down the stairs.

"Stay out of trouble," Kratos warned.

Lloyd rolled his eyes at that statement as he left. It wasn't like he never been on his own. It was actually felt good to be away from the others for awhile. Especially when they were on their religious kick. He also didn't want to hang around with Kratos all day, even if he had grown closer the mercenary since they first met. Something he originally thought was impossible.

He spent most of the time wondering aimlessly around the city, taking in the sights. He could now fully appreciate everything since he wasn't in a hurry. Despite its busy nature, Palmacosta really was a beauty city.

"Excuse me," a voice suddenly said from behind him. He turned around to see a small older lady with completely gray hair and pale blue eyes. "My I ask you, your name?"

Lloyd blinked in confusion. "Lloyd. Lloyd Irving."

"Lloyd?" the girl repeated. "Tell me, is your mother's first name Anna?"

Lloyd's eyes widened in shock. "Yeah, my mom's name was Anna!"

"I knew you look familiar," the woman smiled. "Your eyes and even your hair looks just like hers."

"You knew my mom?" Lloyd asked eagerly.

The woman nodded. "I was her maid when she lived here many years ago. I was also her midwife and your nanny for a short time. My name is Iris Gooden."

Lloyd shook his head. "I'm sorry, I've never heard of you."

Iris frowned. "I guess they saw no need. Your parents left here when you were still a newborn." She lowered her head. "They left in such a rush too. Didn't even tell anyone goodbye."

Lloyd stared sadly at Iris. How could his parents be so cold?

"How are your parents anyway?" Iris asked.

Lloyd's eyes became even more downcast. "My mom died a long time ago. She was murdered by the Desians."

"By the Goddess, I'm sorry to hear that," Iris gasped. "What about your father?"

"I don't know what happened to him," Lloyd answered dispassionately. "He disappeared when I was a toddler."

"Although I knew your father only briefly, that man would have to be dead not to search for you," Iris said.

"You said you were a midwife. That means you were there when I was born," Lloyd suddenly said.

Iris nodded. "Indeed. I was the first to see and hold you." She began to chuckle. "You gave us all quite a scare for a moment because you didn't breath for the first few minutes."

Lloyd bit his lips in thought. "Could...could you show me where I was born?"

"It would be my honor," Iris said as she took Lloyd down the street.

Colette knelt in pray at the altar as the last of the service was being put together. She looked up to see the golden shine of her ancestor, the first Chosen Spiritua. Even today, she was regarded as the greatest of all Chosen.

With only the guidance of the angles, she made her way across the world and conquer all the trials set before her by the Goddess. Then, she rose to heaven to become one with Martel and restore the land to its former glory. That was the legend she was told and inspired to reach. She wanted to be like Spiritua. Strong, resolve, and willing to give her life for this world.

As much as she wanted to be like Spiritua, however, she was scared. She was afraid of what was going to happen when she reached the tower. She knew it was going to happen, but it became all too real when she became sick at the first seal. The power of the angels made her stronger, but at a price. The price being that she could no longer eat.

She tried, but she ended up being sick and spitting it out. It was hard to hide her illness from her friends since they would worry if they didn't see her eat or drink. She wondered what else she would lose before the end. Was she going to lose so much of her humanity that the bliss of nothingness would be a blessing? Perhaps this was all a part of the trial to test her resolve.

Regardless of her fears, she knew she couldn't fail. If she did, the entire world would suffer. Her friends would suffer. Lloyd would suffer.

Colette felt her eyes water at the thought of Lloyd. Why couldn't she reach him? Why couldn't she help him see the truth? She was certain Lloyd would be reborn in the new world, but still she wanted to know for sure that his soul would be saved. If she knew that, then she could go to that tower with no regrets.

She looked towards Martel and prayed for her guidance. She also prayed that Lloyd's anger towards the Desians would also fade with the rebirth of the world. Despite everything the Desians had done, the Church didn't preached for revenge. It preached salvation towards its enemies and those who reject the light. Perhaps the Desians were a force beyond redemption, but she refused to give in to hatred towards them. She prayed Lloyd would see that too one day.

"Chosen, it is time," Marche said from behind her.

Colette could hear the congregation behind her. Unlike a regular Church service, this service was only opened to true believers as dictated by the priests. According to the word of Martel, only the true followers were allowed to behold the Chosen's glory. This was the moment that she was to be presented before the Church as the savior of the world.

Colette slowly stood up and released her wings. This earned a collected gasp of awe and wonderment from everyone. She glanced over to see Genis and Raine smiling at her in encouragement.

"Behold, believers of Martel, the savior of the world has arrive," Marche said. "The Chosen has been awakened."

Colette looked at the people counting on her to succeed. She truly felt the weight of the world, but her mind kept turning back to one and how she wished he were here beside her.

Lloyd looked at the house in wonderment. It wasn't that big of a house. It was only one story and lost in the towers of the other homes in the area, but it had a more homey feel to it. Maybe it was because of its history that he felt that way, despite having no memories of this place.

"This is where I was born?" Lloyd asked in a soft voice.

Iris nodded. "It was one of the worst storms in Palmacosta's history that you came into the world. Your dad was a fisherman sailing those rough seas that night."

"Really?" Lloyd asked in awe.

"He made it in time too, after we were worried he was killed," Iris said with a small laugh. "But when you were born, it was all but forgotten. Your father wasn't a very emotional man, but I saw him in tears that night."

Lloyd looked down. "What were they like, my parents?"

"Your mother was a tomboy, but she had a strong feminine quality about her. She took no mess from anyone, not even your father," Iris said as she looked at Lloyd. "You look very much like her. As I said earlier, you have her eyes."

"And my father?" Lloyd asked.

"He was cold and aloof to almost everyone but a few, but he was a sweet man once he opened up to you," Iris said. "He was also very duty driven. I didn't get a chance to know him that well since he wasn't home that often."

"I see," Lloyd said as he stared at the house a little longer. He didn't know why, but he felt the beginning of tears to build in his eyes.

He felt a step closer to knowing his parents, but even further away at the same time. He couldn't remember them no matter how much the tried. He couldn't remember his mother's warmth or his father's protective embrace. It didn't seem fair that the Desians took everything from him. The mere thought of those monsters made his blood boil. But it wasn't the time for that.

"Thank you Iris for bring me here," Lloyd said softly.

Iris could see his tears. "I just wish I could tell you more."

So did he, but his parents had long since succumb to the darkness of his own mind. They weren't even faded memories. They were shadows of the past.

Sorry if this chapter came off as filler, but there was some character development I wanted to do. I promise, next chapter they will be leaving Palmacosta and I didn't mean to spend three full chapters on this city like this. It just kind of happened.

Hey E, thanks for your review. I do not think Dorr gave away the book on purpose. There were other ways he could had messed with the Chosen's quest without giving a national treasure away. Despite Dorr being a politician, he seemed to be overly trusting of people. Then again, the people of Sylvarant in general seemed to be too trusting to other humans. It could be because of the them against us mentality they formed because of the Desians.

Until next time, have a safe and wonderful Christmas!