Another chapter is here and a little before Labor Day. Thanks for everyone still reading this story and your support.
To the chapter!
Chapter 76: Alicia
They found a nice hotel and despite Colette's protests, they were able to stay for free since she was the Chosen and everyone in Palmacosta were still grateful to her for killing Magnius and destroying the Ranch.
They divided the rooms in two: Raine and Colette, Presea and Sheena, Regal and Zelos, and Lloyd and Genis were picked to share rooms together. The odd man out was Mithos, who chose to stay with Lloyd and Genis.
Before bed, the group gathered in the hotel's dining room for dinner, all on the house. After today's events, everyone was eager to eat a big meal.
Well, almost everyone.
Presea barely ate, spending most of her time picking at her food.
"Don't you like it?" Genis asked in worry. "I can make something you like later on."
Presea said nothing for a moment. "Exspheres are made in Human Ranches."
Genis' eyes became downcast. He'd forgotten already that the Tethe'alla group never experience a Ranch. He truly wished they haven't. "Yeah. They're made with the lives of the people trapped there."
"My exsphere...was made from the life of someone in this world too," Presea spoke softly as she gently touched her exsphere.
"Probably…." Genis whispered.
There was a long, uncomfortable pause. "I...think there's something wrong with me," Presea said.
"What do you mean?" Genis asked.
"I...don't seem to feel sorry for those people," Presea replied bluntly.
She knew that she should feel bad and she was angry at Rodyle for killing all those people and Botta out of spite. But….she couldn't feel anything about people being turned into exspheres, even after seeing how they were treated. It scared her deeply.
Genis was both shocked and disgusted by Presea's words. "Huh? Then you think it's okay for people to be made into exspheres?" He couldn't believe that. Especially after she saw what an exsphere did to her sister.
Presea lowered her eyes, disgusted at herself. "There must be something wrong with me." There was another pause. "You hate me, right?"
Genis shook his head in denial. "Presea….I can never hate you."
Presea looked at Genis in surprised. "But…"
"I don't know why you don't care about people being turned into exspheres, but….I know that you have a good heart. If you didn't, you wouldn't hate the Desians as much as we all do."
Presea took in Genis' words and thought back to the Ranch where Rodyle's prisoners were forced to sleep in their own waste and how she watched helplessly as they drown. For a moment, she felt an uncomfortable sensation hit her.
Was this hate? It had to be. It was the same feeling she felt that night at Altessa's house. Except….it somehow felt stronger.
This boiling, unquenchable need to cause pain to the person who inflicted such suffering. It was nearly overwhelming. So much so it was painful. At that moment, she couldn't help but think that Rodyle got off too easy.
"Maybe it's an aftereffect of your emotions being locked by your exsphere," Genis suggested. "I mean, you only got your feelings back a few weeks ago. You can't be completely back to normal, right?"
Presea stared at her hands. "I….I hope you're right. This feeling of emptiness of thinking about people losing their lives to exspheres….I hate it. I want to feel something for those people."
Genis smiled. "I'm sure you will, someday.".
On the other side of the table, Lloyd was much the same as Presea.
No matter how hard he tried, he just didn't have an appetite. Now that he had the chance to settle down and take in the day's events….all he could think about was Botta and the people in the Ranch.
Despite growing stronger, he couldn't do anything to save anyone. The prisoners all died and Botta had to give his life to saved theirs. It was just like Volt all over again. And just like Volt, he couldn't help but think how things would have been different if Kratos was here.
"Lloyd, please cheer up," Colette said, distressed by his foul mood.
"I can't…" Lloyd whispered, still staring at his food that was slowly growing cold. He knew Zelos would've gotten on him for holding a pity party, but he just didn't care at the moment. "I couldn't do anything but watch as people died right before my eyes."
Every time he blinked, he saw the prisoners drown on the hologram and Botta's last words haunted his ears. It was enough to make him feel physically sick.
Colette could think of nothing to say.
"What am I supposed to do? I'm starting to get all confused again," Lloyd asked more to himself. He didn't know what to do and….he had no one to really talk to about these things to clear his head.
"I think the only thing you can do is what you think is best," Colette advised in her simple manner.
Lloyd laughed humorlessly. "What I think is best?"
Colette tapped her fingers together. "I think Botta chose the way he believed was best. So let's do the same thing, find the best way we can. Even if it's painful. I'll help too, okay?"
Lloyd took in the words of his childhood friend. It sounded too simple and yet….that was the best he could do. "The best way. Yeah...I guess that's all we can do."
Colette looked directly at Lloyd. "Lloyd, I know it's hard, but please. You don't have to be Kratos for us."
This took Lloyd off-guard. "Huh?"
"I know you want to protect and guide us like Kratos did. And when you fail….you blame yourself for not being like him," Colette spoke as if reading his thoughts. "But, you don't have to be Kratos. We're all much stronger too and we can protect one another. You don't have to force yourself to shoulder everything."
Lloyd gave a small smile. "Funny. Regal said the exact same thing." He sighed. "But…it's so hard. As much as I hate the guy, he was just so….perfect. He had all the answers, knew what needed to be done, and he made sure no one died."
"Kratos was experience, but he was never perfect," Colette countered. "He was able to do many of the things he did because he was of Cruxis and he was stronger than everything here. He knew what needed to be done. But we…we needed to be guided by others."
Lloyd took in her words. "I guess when you put it like that, you have a point."
"I think you believe Kratos was perfect because you built this image of him in your head….because he was your teacher," Colette said, being very careful not to slip that Kratos was his birth father. "When you first met Kratos, you saw the flaws in his character."
Lloyd stared at the nearby wall. "That feels like a million years ago."
"Lloyd….if you want to surpass Kratos, you have to get rid of that mental image you have of him," Colette urged. "Because not even Kratos had all the answers."
"Yeah…." Lloyd whispered. "But still, I wish I knew who the families of the people who drowned were. Like…I want to at least tell them what happened."
Colette frowned. "I feel the same. Maybe…the Renegades can find information on them. I want to see their families and beg for their forgiveness."
"But you did nothing wrong," Lloyd countered.
Colette shook her head. "I'm the Chosen and I couldn't save them. It's the least I can do."
Lloyd stared at Colette for a moment before he sighed in disgust. "Here am I feeling sorry for myself again while you're the one suffering the most."
"It isn't like that!" Colette exclaimed.
"You have the burden of the world on you. I mean people expect you to die to save the world," Lloyd replied.
"I think we all share the same burden. It isn't just on me anymore to save everyone," Colette said. "So don't feel sorry for being sad."
Lloyd smiled. "Thanks. Colette."
Dinner was done and the group began to head for bed.
"Mithos, thank you! I thought it was all over when I played that flute, but you came for us," Genis said as he walked besides his new friend. "I'm just sorry that I went and got your flute broken."
Mithos gave an uneasy smile. "Oh, it was nothing. I didn't really do very much."
Genis shook his head. "But you don't have an exsphere and you still put your own life in danger to come for us when you didn't have to. So, thank you."
Mithos felt that warm fuzzy feeling return. He hasn't felt this way since….since Martel died. "Genis…"
"If you ever need help, I promise I'll go to help you," Genis declared as he put his fist to his heart.
"Thank you…" Mithos whispered before he pause for a moment. "Please don't betray me, Genis."
This took Genis by surprised. "What a weird thing to say.
"It's nothing," Mithos said before he smiled. "I'm just overwhelmed by your friendship."
Genis chuckled. "Yeah, I feel the same. I never thought I would have a half-elf friend."
Mithos grew quiet. Neither did he. Genis was the first friend he has made since he met Yuan and Kratos….
Friend….what did the word even mean?
His supposed 'friends' had all betrayed him. Yuan, his brother in all but blood, was actively working against him in the shadows and his teacher and only human friend Kratos left Cruxis for several years. Without Martel, they had all falling apart and barely recognized each other. He thought their bond was stronger than this but…..it seemed it was all a lie.
Could things really be different with Genis? He seemed to understand him in a way that not even Yuan could. Perhaps…he would be the one to see that he was right.
"Are you okay, Mithos?" Genis asked in concern.
"I'm fine. Just thinking," Mithos spoke in an overly cheery voice.
He almost revealed himself. He had to keep up the happy boy act, otherwise they would see through him.
With their stamina spent, everyone fell into a dreamless sleep.
Well, almost everyone except Raine who spent this time repairing her robes that were damaged fighting Rodyle. Staying up also gave her time to think. Everyone was so distracted by Rodyle's spiteful actions that they failed to really hear his final words.
"You'll all die…. I will deny Yggdrasill of his precious Chosen. And of the Angelus he so desires."
That word again, Angelus.
Now, she was certain that it had no connection to the Angelus Project that Lloyd's mother was part of, at least not in the way they thought. So, what was the Angelus? Each time that word was used, Lloyd was around. Did that mean Lloyd was somehow connected to this Angelus?
Yuan did have a special interest in Lloyd, at least he did before he decided to 'allied' with them. Kvar was also obsessed with Lloyd and if she recall correctly, used the word Angelus in regards to Lloyd.
"What did that psycho want with you anyway?" Sheena asked.
Lloyd tilted his head. "I….I think he wanted to turn me into a weapon or something."
"A weapon?" Raine repeated.
"He kept talking about an Angelus," Lloyd explained
"You mean the Angelus Project?" Raine continued to question.
"I...I don't know, but he made it sound like it was something different," Lloyd said.
The only conclusion that she could make was that Lloyd was in fact this Angelus.
The question was, what did that mean? Was Lloyd some kind of experiment? His mom was a Ranch victim who was part of the Angelus Project, so it could be possible that Lloyd was somehow connected to it. That would explained how Kvar knew Lloyd so well if he was in fact one of his pet projects.
Lloyd being a biological weapon would explain his giant jump in power since the Tower of Salvation and why his mana felt different. But that could also be explained by his exsphere. Yuan did say that it was evolving. Did that mean it was becoming a Cruxis Crystal?
It was just hard to know what Lloyd was since her information was limited. The only thing she knew for certain was that Lloyd was valued by several people. One of them was thankfully dead and Yuan at the moment was on their side. Still the man couldn't be trusted, even if he did reveal himself as a double agent. He was too much like Kratos.
The question now became, were there any other interested parties? Was Cruxis interested in Lloyd? The answer appeared to be no, yet it was impossible to say for certain. Cruxis wanted Colette, yet they made no move to take her since the Fooji Mountain ambush. Which was another concern she had, especially when Kratos didn't seem that interested in Colette and even advise them to abandon her.
She sighed as she finished her sewing.
There were just too many questions, but there was one thing she knew for sure, they had to protect Lloyd. If Yuan's plan to separate the worlds via the summon spirits failed, they would be force to fight Cruxis directly. Which also meant….confronting Yggdrasill. The being who had the power to split the world itself. Not to mentioned Kratos, who has proven his strength and knowledge in battle several times.
If it came down to that, Lloyd would be the only one among them that could do something. Kvar, after all, thought he could topple Cruxis with Lloyd's power and Pietro heard the Desians call the Angelus the ultimate being who had the ability to rival the spirits. Even if Kvar was a madman he wasn't an idiot, unlike Rodyle who put too much stock in his Mana Cannon and became so ambitious that he allowed himself to be tricked. Kvar only failed because he overextended himself at the wrong moment.
After witnessing Lloyd's performance against Sword Dancer, the summon spirits, and Yuan…she had no doubt that Lloyd indeed possessed such a power.
She hated to put such a heavy burden on her precious student, they've already asked too much of him and he was only seventeen, not even an adult by the Church's standards, but….they may have no choice. She could only pray to any entity that existed that it wouldn't come down to that.
They left a little after noon since everyone overslept. Lloyd didn't particularly mind since there was simply no reason get at dawn anymore. Thanks to the Rheairds, what would have been nearly a month of traveling to the Renegades' Sylvarant Base which would have included a boat trip was done in just a few hours.
It felt like a lifetime ago since Lloyd escaped this place. Who would have thought that he would return here willingly.
"I'll wait here," Mithos suddenly spoke up as they walked towards the base. "I want to be alone for awhile."
"Mithos?" Genis questioned in confusion. Was he still upset about his flute?
Mithos heard the worry in his voice. "Ah no, it isn't about the flute. I'm sorry."
"Alright," Lloyd said. "It's dangerous, so don't leave the area."
"I won't," Mithos assured.
"Then while we're at it, let's return the Rheaird that Mithos borrowed," Raine suggested.
Mithos was surprised by the request. Giving Yuan an extra Rheaird would raise his suspicions. At the same time, he couldn't think of a good excuse not to 'return' the Rheaird. "Oh yes. Please do." He reached into his pocked and gave Lloyd the wing pack that held the Rheaird.
This was worrisome, but he doubted even Yuan would figure out that he infiltrated the Chosen's group. As long as Yuan didn't see him, he still had the upper hand.
Although, he would be mindful that the Chosen and her friends couldn't to be completely trusted. Then again, knowing Yuan, he never really trusted them to begin with. Yuan would have never been able to hide under his nose for this long if he didn't think everyone was opened to betray him.
With that done, the group made their way into the base. It was odd to say to least being able to walk into the Renegades' base and not be attack. They were even greeted pleasantly at the gate and lead into Yuan's office.
Regardless of Yuan's intentions, it was good having another powerful ally at their side. It was also one less enemy to worry about, at least for the time being.
"You're back," Yuan said as he nodded to the soldier who brought in Lloyd's group.
He saluted before he took his leave.
Colette's eyes became downcast as she prepared to tell Yuan the news. "Yuan….Botta is…"
"He died," Yuan finished for her.
He knew as much the moment he saw the forlorn expressions on everyone's faces and the fact that Botta wasn't with them. After spending untold years with Mithos, Kratos, and dealing with the Grand Cardinals, it felt strange talking to a group that was so easy to read. They wore their hearts on their sleeve…..just like they used to do. He almost envied them.
Lloyd lowered his heard in shame. The guilt he felt letting Botta die came back in full force. "Yes… He asked us to tell you that he completed his mission."
"I see," Yuan replied softly. As sad as Botta's demised was, he expected such a thing to eventually happen. None of his second-hands lasted long. They all eventually fell to Cruxis. He could only pray that his comrades died swiftly. "Then we'll activate the dimensional transfer system. You may go between the worlds as you like."
Lloyd was taken back by Yuan's cold manner. Unlike the rest of them, Yuan was able to perfectly hide his inner feelings. "Is that all you have to say!?" he asked in outraged.
Yuan simply stared at him. His expression was as readable as stone. It was just like Kratos.
"Botta gave his life for the Renegades and…" Lloyd continued to rant.
"Lloyd, It is not our place to speak," Raine reprimanded.
Zelos turned to face Lloyd. "This guy has been with that Botta for a long time. Nothing we say will make a difference."
Despite Yuan acting like an uncaring bastard, Zelos knew that he was hurting more than all of them put together. Botta has been by Yuan's side for as long as he could remember and was one of the few people in either world Yuan truly trusted. In fact, Botta was probably the only person Yuan trusted.
To lose such a faithful friend….it would rip anyone apart. But Yuan was too prideful to ever show such grief in front of them.
Lloyd stared at Yuan for a couple seconds before he sighed. "Fine…"
With Lloyd calmed down, Raine walked over to Yuan. She reached into her bag and took out the wing pack Mithos had giving her. "Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Our companion borrowed a Rheaird from you, so we'll return it to you now."
Yuan blinked. "Borrowed one of our Rheairds? We haven't…" He swiftly stopped himself.
"What's wrong?" Presea asked, seeing Yuan's changed in demeanor.
Zelos also took note by how pale Yuan became. Were his suspicions right?
"It's nothing," Yuan said quickly. "We'll take care of it." He reached into one of the nearby draws and pulled something out. He handed the object to Raine. "Used this device to travel between the two worlds. You have to use our bases as the shifting point."
"I understand," Raine said.
"Yuan….I'm sorry," Lloyd spoke, now understanding Zelos' word. He barely knew Botta and felt like crap about what happened. He couldn't imagine Yuan's pain. Still, all he could offer the older man were empty words of apology.
With that, the group filed out of the office.
Yuan made sure that they were gone and the Chosen was out of hearing distance before he voiced his concerns. "All of our Rheairds are still in our hangar. What is going on?"
Who did the Chosen allied themselves with to have an extra Rheaird and believe that they let them borrow it? This was concerning if those fools let a Cruxis plant in their ranks. Despite what Kratos did to them, the Chosen and her friends remained stubbornly trusting. It was almost endearing…..almost.
He could asked Zelos about this, but he risked putting the Chosen in danger if the they did have a spy. Normally, he wouldn't particularly care about putting the Tethe'alla's Chosen's life at risk, but he were too close to the end to start carelessly sacrificing his allies. Especially with Botta being dead.
For now, he had to wait and focus on breaking the remaining mana links. Hopefully, by the time Cruxis' plant realized what was happening, it would be too late.
With everything settled with Yuan, the group rejoined Mithos outside.
"Welcome back," Mithos said happily.
"What now?" Genis asked.
"What else, we're going to finish the pacts for the summon spirits. Before that, however, we're taking Mithos to Altessa's place," Lloyd answered.
Raine nodded in approval, happy that Lloyd took up her suggestion. "A wise choice."
Mithos wasn't too happy with the plan, but he couldn't think of a good argument for them to bring him. After all, he was just a weak half-elf in this form. That and the summon spirits would recognized him. Given that he had broken his oath, none would be too happy to see him.
"Thanks," Mithos said.
"Guess we better get going," Zelos said his his usual cheery manner, hiding his inner thoughts.
He was happy not to have Mithos along since he was almost certain that he was working for Cruxis or some other party. The way the kid came out of nowhere after an angel attack and how he saved them from the dragons were too much.
That and something just wasn't right with the kid's eyes. Despite looking no more than twelve, his eyes had an aura of someone very old and trouble. There were too similar to his own.
With plans made, everyone got on their Rheairds and used the Renegades' base as the focus point to return to Tethe'alla.
It felt odd to be able to go back between both worlds any time they wanted. Between this and being able to fly anywhere, the worlds seemed to become much smaller.
Within twenty minutes, they reached Altessa's place.
"Altessa must've been worried about us," Sheena noted. "We left looking for Raine and disappeared for several days."
Raine's eyes became downcast. "I did not mean to worry everyone. It's just when I heard about the Otherworldly Gate…."
"You don't have to explain," Regal cut off. "I'm certain Altessa would understand. Just, tell us when you want to go somewhere. Because we're are wanted by both Cruxis and the Church, we can't afford to be separated unless we have to."
"Yes, of course. I won't do anything that careless again," Raine assured.
Lloyd walked Mithos to the door. "Well, Mithos, have a good time with Altessa."
"You'll come and visit me, right?" Mithos asked almost desperately.
"Of course," Genis assured.
"Take care," Lloyd said with a wave of his hand.
Mithos turned towards Presea and put his hands together. "I'll be praying for your success in avenging your sister."
"Thank you," Presea said softly.
This got Regal's attention. "Avenging Presea's sister? What are you talking about?"
"Oh, that's right. We haven't told Regal about it," Lloyd said. Between their worries about Raine, being forced to return to Sylvarant so suddenly, forming an alliance with the Renegades, and the fall out with Rodyle; going after Presea's sister murderer got pushed to the side.
"Um…hey, you know, that's not a topic we really need to drag out now, right?" Zelos interrupted. He knew where this was going.
Genis gave him an awkward look. "What are you talking about, Zelos?! This is important! Presea's sister was killed!"
"Killed?" Regal repeated.
Zelos sighed. The cat was out of the bag now.
Mithos also looked upon the conversation with interest.
"Yes. It seems Presea's younger sister served under a noble named Bryant. But then, her master Bryant…" Colette attempted to explain, feeling ill that Alicia was betrayed by her master.
Sheena took over. "He's a monster! How can he kill a child like that!?"
Regal seemed to lose all color in his face. "Sister?! It can't be! Presea, what was your sister's name?"
Presea stared at Regal for a moment. "Alicia."
There was a very long silence.
"I see," Regal whispered.
"Do you know something about this?" Lloyd asked. It felt like the temperature suddenly dropped.
"I may know who that murderer might be," Regal spoke. His voice was so soft that it was closed to a whisper.
"Really?" Presea asked in both fear and excitement.
"Take me to Altamira," Regal requested as he looked directly at Lloyd.
"Okay," Lloyd said before they walked off.
Mithos stared at them as they left. "I see. So, that's what happened."
The group wasted no time returning to Altamira. Since Sheena destroyed the tracker that Kuchinawa's gave her, she knew that they didn't need to fear the Pope following them.
The city was much the same, as was to be expected since they only left there a few days ago. The only real difference was that there were more people around.
"Where did you hear about Alicia?" Regal asked, getting straight to the point.
"At Alicia's grave in the Sky Terrace of a company called Lezareno," Lloyd replied.
There was a long pause from Regal. "I see. Let's go there then."
It took them nearly an hour to reach the Lezareno Company's headquarters since Altamira was extra crowded because it was the weekend. When they reached the building, everyone knew something was wrong. It was too quiet.
When they walked into the building, they found out why. There was a guard lying on the floor and the rest of the room was empty.
"What happened!?" Lloyd exclaimed, reaching for his swords.
Regal also gasped in shocked as he ran to the guard. He was thankfully still alive, although, Regal knew that the man's wounds were fatal and without an exsphere, he couldn't properly heal him. "What's going on?"
The guard groaned as he looked up at Regal with his fading vision. "The Exsphere Broker, Vharley…went inside…" he whispered before he succumbed to his injures.
Lloyd growled at the senseless lost of life. First Rodyle, now this.
"Vharley. He must pay," Presea said, voicing Lloyd's outrage.
"But how do we find him? This place is huge," Genis spoke in a near panic.
"If I have to guess, he's at the Sky Terrance," Regal said as he lead the way to the elevator.
It didn't take them long to see that Regal's hunch was correct. Right at Alicia's grave was Vharley who was glaring down at George.
"Tell me the password to the inner area of the Toize Valley Mine! Now!" Vharley demanded.
George stood defiantly against the broker. "I don't know anything about it."
Vharley growled as he pulled out a knife. "Wrong answer!"
"How about I tell you instead," Regal spoke, getting the two men's attention.
George gasped when he saw him. "Master Regal! What are you doing here?"
Everyone, except Zelos, was surprised to hear George call Regal master.
Vharley chuckled. "So the president himself decided to pay a visit. Perfect."
"President?" Lloyd repeated as Regal walked up to Vharley.
"The route to the Toize Valley Mine opens by my voice print and cornea scan. Forcing it open would undoubtedly cause the exsphere mine area to collapse," Regal explained in a calm manner. But everyone could hear the contempt in his voice.
"Is that so?" Vharley mused as he took in this new information. "In that case, Regal, you're just going to have to come open it for us! I'm gonna be out of business if I don't get my hands on some more exspheres."
"I think not," Regal answered curtly. "Besides, Rodyle is dead. You don't have anyone to unload huge numbers of exspheres on."
Vharley laughed when he heard about Rodyle's demised. "Are you stupid? I don't need Rodyle. I've got the Pope himself on my side! And there's plenty of people around who'd love to get their hands on some exspheres!"
"That's enough," Presea hissed as she took out her axe, ready to split the man in two. "I cannot forgive you for killing an innocent person."
Vharley stopped laughing, quickly realizing the danger that he was in. Even he could sense the killing intent in Presea's aura and he had no where to escape on the Sky Terrance.
Before Presea could act, however, Kuchinawa suddenly appeared in a puff of smoke.
Sheena gasped. "Kuchinawa! You're working with this guy!?"
She understood why Kuchinawa hated her and allied himself with the Pope. But why the heck was he align with this scumbag? He was everything Kuchinawa should hate. Has his anger towards her really decayed his own moral principles?
Vharley's cocky smirk returned. "Soon, the king will die and the Pope will take over."
Zelos took in this information. It would appear that the king's recent illness wasn't natural given the assurance in Vharley's voice. He suspected that could have been the case, but he didn't think even the Pope would be that bold.
"And when that happens, I'm going to grind your pathetic Lezareno Company into the ground!" Vharley vowed before Kuchinawa ran up to him and threw a smoke ball.
Before anyone knew what was happening, Vharley and Kuchinawa were gone.
As everyone took in Vharley's words, Regal walked up to his former servant. "Are you alright, George?"
"Yes, Master Regal. Thank you," George replied graciously.
Regal turned towards Lloyd's group. There was no point hiding it anymore. He just wished that they learn the truth under different conditions. "My name is Regal Bryant. I was granted the title of Duke by His Highness and also the president of Lezareno Company." He glanced at Zelos. "Although, it would seem that the Chosen already knows me."
Zelos smiled, happy to be rid of one secret. "I saw you at one of the princess' birthday parties."
"Oh yeah, I'd forgotten that this guy's actually a member of high society too," Sheena said, causing Zelos to chuckle.
Raine put everything together. "Then, Alicia's killer, Bryant, is…"
Colette shook her head in denial. "W…wait, it can't be…Regal,"
At that moment, Alicia's grave starting to glow. Everyone turned to see Alicia's spirit standing before them.
"Alicia!" Regal exclaimed in shocked, happiness, and denial.
Alicia had the biggest smile on her face and looked closed to tears. "Master, I'm so happy to see you again before I disappear"
Regal put his head down in shame. "I'm sorry. Even after death, you still suffer."
Alicia shook her head. "It's alright. It's not your fault."
"Alicia what do you mean?" Presea asked. How was her murderer not at fault?
"Alicia and I were in love," Regal answered.
"Then I, his servant, interfered and forced them apart," George spoke in deep shame. He couldn't even look Alicia's ghost.
"Alicia was handed over to Vharley. He wanted to use her in an exsphere experiment," Regal continued.
"Was he trying to create Cruxis Crystals?" Colette asked.
"It seems so, but the experiment failed," Regal spoke in a tight voice. "I found out what George did and demanded Alicia to be returned to me. Vharley agreed, if I turn over the control of the Toize Valley Mine."
Zelos hummed. "So, that's why that slime bucket was there. I bet he mined all the exsphere on the surface and had no way to reached the deeper potion of the mine because of that door. Explained why he was so desperate."
"Vharley returned Alicia, but she was transformed into a horrible monster," Regal came closed to whispering. "She went on a rampage and attacked Altamira, killing many."
Lloyd's eyes widened. "You mean…."
"This city does have an archive, but it has been closed off to the public for years after the incident," Zelos said.
Lloyd turned towards him. "Incident?"
"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," Zelos explained.
Lloyd felt his mouth go dry.
Genis reached the same conclusion. "The…the monster that attacked this city and the monument in tribute was Alicia."
Regal didn't answer, which told them everything.
"Because it was me who gave Alicia to Vharley, those people's blood are on my hands," George spoke in a voice that was thick with grief and guilt. "That's why I visit that monument everyday to lay fresh flowers and pray for their forgiveness. My foolishness to protect Master Bryant's honor destroyed so many lives." He finally looked at Alicia. "And condemn an innocent girl to this state."
Regal sighed as he fought back tears. "I was able to catch up to Alicia and try to calm her down. But she was so far gone that she started to attack even me. With the last of her humanity, she begged me to kill her….. I then took her life with these bloodstained hands."
Lloyd felt cold.
"Just like Marble…" Genis whispered, voicing Lloyd's thoughts.
Zelos lowered his head. So…it was as he thought.
"I'm so glad I got to see you again in the end. I have no regrets now. So please, Regal, stop punishing yourself," Alicia pleaded.
Regal shook his head. "I took the life of the one I love." He held up his shackled hands. "These are the symbol of my crime, as well as my punishment."
"You don't need that punishment anymore. Please, Regal…" Alicia begged.
Regal couldn't look at her.
"Genis and I once experienced the same thing you did with Marble, remember" Lloyd spoke up. "And I also imagined what it must have been like…for my dad. When my mom turned into a monster, and he struck her down, he must have suffered as well."
This shocked Regal "Your father did the same thing?"
This also got Zelos' attention. Why would Cruxis transform Kratos' wife? What the heck happened?
"That's what I heard. I don't know if the decisions you or my dad made were correct, but I don't think my mom would have wanted my dad to punish himself and live the way you have," Lloyd said.
Regal turned back to Alicia. "Is this true?"
"Yes. It's just as he says. At least, I don't want you to live like that," Alicia answered.
There was a very long silence. The atmosphere was so thick, Lloyd could taste the tension.
"Alright, but I will never use these hands as tools of death again. I swear that to you. To you and to Lloyd," Regal swore. "And once we have defeated those who use exspheres to toy with people's lives, I shall remove these bonds."
Alicia smiled at his vow. "Thank you, Master." She turned towards her elder sister. "Presea, I think I can finally rest in peace. Please destroy the crystal before I am totally absorbed into the exsphere."
"Why?" Presea asked desperately. "Can't you stay like you are now?"
Alicia lowered her head. "If I stay like this, I will live on forever. An isolated consciousness, unable to even speak, existing for eternity. It would be true hell."
Lloyd cringed as he grabbed his exsphere. He once again wondered if his mom's soul was trapped within it.
Genis wondered the same as he rubbed his exsphere.
Regal felt ill hearing the fate that awaited his beloved.
Lloyd looked between Regal and Alicia. "Presea, Regal, what do we do?"
Regal had his answered before Lloyd finished his question. "Please, set her free."
Presea was silence before she finally nodded. "Yes. Goodbye, Alicia."
Hint of tears appeared in Alicia's eyes. "Thank you. Presea, please forgive Master Regal. Please."
Before Presea could say another word, Alicia's spirit disappeared.
All was quiet as Lloyd walked over to the grave and carefully removed one of his swords. Everyone watched in silent respect and Colette put her hands together in prayer as Lloyd brought his sword down and destroyed the exsphere. Now…. Alicia was finally free to move on to the next world.
It took several minutes before anyone felt it was okay talk.
"I'm sorry I never said anything about this until now. I'm a criminal," Regal said.
George stepped forward. "Master Regal confessed to killing Alicia and went to prison on his own will. I tried to explain to them that it was I who cause the entire situation, but Master Regal wouldn't have it."
"While I was in prison, the Pope promised to arrest Vharley in exchange for kidnapping Colette. I believed him and agreed to do it," Regal explained.
"So that's why you were after us," Colette said.
Zelos folded his arms. "You must have been desperate. Willing to kidnap a young girl to put that tub of lard in prison. But given what he did to Alicia….I can't blame you."
Regal looked over the entire group. "Please, I ask you to postpone my final judgment until we defeat Cruxis and stop them from using exspheres to toy with people's lives."
Lloyd bit his lips as he thought over everything that has happened.
He had no room to judge. He, after all, did the same thing. Regal was also sorry for his actions and in the end…he saved lives by killing Alicia. It was just a crappy situation.
He looked at Presea, whose face was blank. He didn't what to imagine how she felt. All this time, she was traveling with the person who killed her sister. Even if his reasons were understandable, it hardly made things better. Could he really force that on Presea?
They needed Regal's power to defeat Cruxis but….he couldn't put beating Cruxis over Presea's feelings.
"As long as it's okay with Presea. Anyway, we'd already thought of Regal as a friend," Lloyd answered.
Presea didn't say anything for nearly a full minute. "Vharley was responsible for Alicia's death as well. Okay. I'll, try not to think of you as my enemy. I'm not sure I can change right away, but…"
Regal lowered his head in understanding. It was more than he deserved. "I'm sorry."
"It was Alicia's last request, so I won't say a word about it anymore," Presea replied, ending the subject.
Lloyd knew that the wounds between Regal and Presea ran deep, but there was nothing he could do about it. Whether he liked it or not, this was their demon that they needed to slay. The only thing he could do was make sure those responsible for Alicia's death be made to pay.
Even if that meant taking on the Pope himself.
With everything that has happened, the group slowly made their way out of the building. Although the day has barely began for them, no one felt like doing anything outside of renting a room and allowing Regal and Presea to have some alone time.
"You two don't look very happy," Lloyd noted after several minutes of silence. It was such a 'duh' question, but it was the only one that popped into his mind.
"We killed Rodyle, but nothing will come back. Alicia, Botta and all those other people, and my lost time," Presea answered in low voice.
Lloyd felt numb remembering the people drowning at the Ranch.
And Botta….whose dying words were his complete fate that they could stop Cruxis. And for Regal, no matter what happened, he would always be stained by Alicia's blood. Just as the acidy blood of Marble stained his soul even if he wasn't the one who landed the killing blow.
"Time merely marches on. No matter what happens, it flows from the past to the future. But what's important is whether you simply allow yourself to be pulled along, or walk forward of your own will," Regal spoke like he was reading an old passage from some long forgotten book.
Presea didn't say anything right away. "I want to walk forward into the future, with my own legs with my own will. Up until now, I'd simply spent my time drifting along idly."
Regal gave a humorless chuckle. "And I, too, must change the way I have merely drifted through life. For Alicia's sake as well. She continued to try to save me even after death."
"Yeah. We can't change the past, but we can change the future," Lloyd said as he thought of the people in Iselia who died because of his actions, Marble's final moment, Dorr who died not knowing that his daughter was long dead, of Clara who still limping across the countryside in pain and scared for her life, and of Colette who was willing to give her body and soul to save them. "I'll work together, with you."
"You have my thanks," Regal replied graciously.
"Thank you," Presea whispered.
Lloyd could think of nothing else to say as they took the sea train back to the main island.
Rodyle is dead, but we still have to deal with the Pope's storyline. Hooray!
But Lloyd's group finally learned the truth about Regal and his relationship with Presea has gotten far more complicated. Raine also figures out a lot about Lloyd and why Yuan wants him so badly. So much happened, yet we're far from the end.
Until next chapter, take care.