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darkhymns-fic · 2 years

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Twilight Cardinal

The Leader of the Grand Cardinals checks on her loyal minion, assessing her worth. For there is no greater feeling than being useful to the one you most admired.

Fandom: Tales of Symphonia Characters: Pronyma, Kilia, Kvar, Mithos Yggdrasill Rating: T Word Count: 5952 Mirror Link: AO3 Notes: Written for @fullforce-tos! I really wanted to use this chance to write about Pronyma - and then a few other characters decided to sneak in as well. Expect headcanons and possible inaccuracies.

The magic, currently focused on Pronyma’s fingertips, still burned. The kind of sensation that was like holding one’s hand to the flames, growing numb to it the longer time had passed.

The pain was gratifying, and the desensitization even more so. The holographic maps of both worlds hovered before her from the great machine within her quarters in the tower. Coordinates, legends for the most vital locations, the mana levels; all of it reflected brightly off the eyes of the angels standing near her.

They didn’t even blink at the sudden summoning of her magic, the black sphere hovering over her palm, pulsing like a heartbeat. No reason for it, no practical use, except to feel it within her bones.

“He has not erred from his objective?” she asked the angels, all of varying heights and armors, but with the same, listless eyes.

The one on her right was a tall man, face half-hidden beneath the cowl of his robe. His wings expanded out behind him, like the rest of his peers. Occasionally, a feather would drift to the floor, making Pronyma frown.

“Specification is required,” the angel intoned, keeping his eyes on the maps. The shape that represented the insignificant port of Izoold was held within a dark iris.

Years of working with the angels had not made it any more bearable when it came to speaking with them. Useful for quick commands, to attend to her tasks, but much of the time, it was like speaking to an unusually slow child. “Kratos,” she seethed. “Do your reports show that he is still with the Chosen’s group or not?”

“Of course. Master Kratos continues to lead their company, and now directs them towards the city of Palmacosta.” And, perhaps something, a small obstruction in an otherwise blank plateau of a voice. “He would not disobey his direct orders from Lord Yggdrasill.”

Pronyma clenched her hand, the sphere in her hand erupting into sparks of darkness. The magic thrummed in her hand, so close to the other angel’s face.

He made no reaction to it. No, not to something such as this.

“I only asked for the facts, not your own feelings on the matter.” She turned away, the golden blades of her armor just a hair-breadth away from slicing the angel’s side. Not that the angel would take such an action so passively, for they all had their self-defensive measures ingrained into them. Besides, it was a waste to get rid of such help, even if they got on her nerves. “I was told before that there have been unexpected detours.”

“As Kratos’ group now consists of a number of five instead of the original three, it is expected that the accuracy of traveling the designated pathway to the tower would decrease down to 67%.” The angel finally turned to her, unblinking. “Master Kratos is still operating at a positive efficiency.”

Always aggravating whenever she mentioned the man’s name. The angels, despite being as empty as discarded shells, never failed to leap at the chance to defend Kratos. What hold did he have over them that she didn’t?

It didn’t matter. She gestured them away. “Then continue observing them. And report any unusual activities to me.”

For most, it would be difficult to tell if the angels were even truly listening. Sometimes they would reveal it with a small turn of their heads, and maybe even a blink if one was lucky. But she had trained these angels to be more vocal about their objectives, about their commitment to Yggdrasill – and by proxy, their commitment to her.

Unless of course, one dared to mention a failing on their precious Kratos.

“Understood, Lady Pronyma,” spoke one angel, the same man with the half-covered face. And with those words, they all left in unison. A beating of wings, black and white, but doing so just to avoid the blades surrounding her. They all kept a wide berth, as if to avoid a snarling animal.

It had taken her time as well to teach them proper respect.

Just as the doors to her chambers snapped shut, she noticed a flickering light at her machine – a communication call trying to get through. The symbols over the screen identified who was trying to reach her.

Good, she thought with a smile. Maybe she can now be useful.

The Asgard Human Ranch was at the very top of Sylvarant’s continent, situated against steep mountains and cliffs, only a few miles from the shoreline. It was tucked far away into the wilderness so that no passerby would come upon it by chance, not unless one were directly looking for it. The only town that was in any distance to it, Luin, was still quite some miles away, enough to give such people there a false sense of security.

Of course, it was a dreary place, as all the ranches were. But between the soulless angels in Welgaia and the prisoners who acted little more than husks, she could not say for certain which company was livelier to begin with.

The Desians themselves were only mildly better, though most had near heart-attacks at her sudden arrival within the ranch at one of the control rooms, one of them even going so far as to trip over the wiring of a vending machine he had been perusing at just a minute ago. A quick reach for the blade at his back, and Pronyma would have had no qualms ending his life then and there, half-elf or not.

“My my, you usually give us a little warning before your annual inspections.”

The Desian’s face was hidden by his helmet, but she could imagine his look of surprise as his superior walked through the room, looking unperturbed as always. Kvar certainly had that type of face, and that sickly stretch of a smile. The soldier saw that as his cue to leave, making a hasty bow that nearly upended himself again before he dashed out of the room.

For such help, Pronyma would certainly rely on the angels much more.

“Is this your way of saying your behind schedule?” she countered. “It would be a shame, all things considered.”

A small robot whirred just above her, just one of the maintenance types to check on the machinery, their insides humming with electricity. But of course, Kvar’s own personal ones tended to look quite similar…

“So, she contacted you, didn’t she?” He tilted his head to the side, slightly. “And I told her that she needed her rest first.”

“By rest, I assume that she’s not strapped to a table and going through another experimentation then.” Pronyma voiced the scenario with little concern, for she knew the man to get so caught up in his research. It was never a guarantee that anyone would be left alive after this ordeal.

I told her this anyway, Pronyma thought to herself with unexpected irritation.

“You wound me for thinking so. I have only done what she asked. Nothing more.” At that, he nodded his head to her, for he was never the type to bow. “That said, it is always such a pleasure to have you visit my humble abode,” Kvar said with the tightest smile she had ever seen. It wasn’t unusual from the norm, but she could see the tension in his cheeks, the brief twitch in his narrowed eyes. “…Pronyma.”

Oh, what a vicious weasel of a man Kvar was. A jealous man. Every glance at her was filled with an obvious, seething hate.

Years ago, such an expression might have saddened her. But she had been younger, more naïve back then. She shrugged.

“So, is she ready or not?”

He smiled, thin-lipped, tight.

The remaining Desians in the room went about their tasks, even though they did so with nervous glances towards her, some in awe at her figure, while others with more trepidation. Kvar motioned for several to attend to him; consisting of one mage, two lowly swordsmen, and a spearwoman. They all stood as stiff as the metal machinery surrounding them.

“I’d give you the grand tour, but I’m sure you know the ins and outs fairly well.” Leading them through the doors, Kvar’s tone traveled so easily to her. The hallways were repetitious and dull, with only the distant image of the prisoners passing through conveyor belts to give any semblance of movement in the ranch. Desians formed a ring around them as they walked, unsure how close they should be. They seemed to be aware that just the golden blades that hovered around her was more than enough protection.

“You can rest assured I will mourn the loss of seeing more of your lovely décor.”

“Oh, I would think it would be suitable to your liking. Still, I must make what is due at my station. My resources aren’t quite so limitless as others.”

A nervous shifting of weapons. The Desian mage cleared his throat. Pronyma did all she could to not roll her eyes.

Sometimes Kvar’s resentment towards her was quite embarrassing.

They moved further into the ranch, down the twisting hallways into stairwells, and she slowly grew annoyed that Kvar was purposely avoiding any teleportation pads to make the trip any easier. But down into the deeper recesses, where lamps powered by magitechnology were so dim, that even the soldiers attending them seemed to shift even more nervously than before.

“Have there been any complications?” she deigned to ask. His silent treatment of her now was more irritating than his snide comments.

The bottom of his staff hit the floor at intervals as they walked, the ringing sound of metal matching with the tempo of her heartbeat. “Very minor. The experiment has proven to be a success.”

“Ah.” She smirked. “Something quite rare indeed.”

Kvar made no motion, no comment. But she saw the ever-so-subtle tightening of his fingers against his staff. What a touchy man.

It wasn’t long after that they had arrived at the cell, so tucked into the corner of the hallway, one might have missed it. They had only passed a few other cells, some holding nameless storage (certainly a mess in disorganization she could reprimand in later reports), others holding prisoners that were stuck in solitary confinement. Perhaps they had tried to break out of the ranch, or merely insulted on Kvar’s choice of footwear one day. It didn’t truly matter.

At a glance from Kvar, the female Desian quickly sauntered up to the cell, inputting a code to let the bars shift to the right. The grating sound was enough to hurt her ears, just slightly. She understood the point being made, and at least she would forward a few more extra Gald to Kvar for the ranch’s upkeep, despite his constant sulking.

Kvar made a sweeping gesture with his staff towards the cell. His black eyes, barely seen, seemed to absorb whatever little light was present. “After you.”

Pronyma barely waited for him, walking into the cell, her face as impassive as she could make it.

“Servant,” she called out, half-demand, half-concern.

The room held nothing but a cot though no one lied in it. A body was fallen against the floor, hands outstretched, face turned away. There was the sound of breathing, heavy and laborious. Perhaps another soul would have thought that she was surely dying.

Pronyma moved to stand before her, gazing down at her servant’s new form. “I would hear about your transformation from your own words.”

The half-elven woman, or what she used to be, moved to face her. Elongated arms that shaped itself around the bone so tightly, and hands that were as gargantuan as the head of Proyma’s mace, moved along with her, though awkwardly. Sharp blades, also bone-like in its structure, sprouted from her forearms. Her ribs could be seen so plainly through her skin, as if they had made their home from outside her body. Her skin itself was so mutated that it had turned to a deep shade of purple, looking so poisonous to the touch.

But as the creature turned her head, there was the most ecstatic smile on her, points of sharp teeth flickering in the weak light of the cell. “Pronyma!”

Pronyma frowned at the casual address. “Lady Pronyma,” she corrected.

Just a small mar in that hideous smile, a widening of the eyes, but the other nodded. “Yes, my apologies, Lady Pronyma.”

“On your feet,” she ordered. “Or has the transformation been too much for you?”

The woman, or what was left of her, shook her head. “No, no! Of course not. This is no hindrance to me at all!” She clambered up to finally stand, the claws of what used to be her feet scratching against the floor. Like a twisted animal’s. She could only imagine how much all of this pleased Kvar. The man did enjoy the grotesque more than anything.

But it was also fascinating, the way the woman now slouched, her arms nearly reaching the floor. Curled horns twisted out from both sides of her head. Another look, and Pronyma could almost see a resemblance in the other, as if she had turned into one of the demons from Niflheim.

Of course Kvar would do just a thing, knowing her history.

“Pleased with her new body, are you not?” spoke Kvar from behind. His voice was a hiss through the air, slithering around her within the small confines of the cell. “I must say, I’ve outdone myself. Mimicking the biological structure of beings not of this world can prove to be a challenge for most men.”

His so-called creation appeared to be just barely listening. She was still breathing hard, but directed her gaze to her hands with satisfaction, her grin nearly engulfing her face. “I do feel… so much stronger than before. See, Lady Pronyma? I won’t hold you back anymore!”

And perhaps such excitement was getting too much for the woman, for then her back shuddered, like it was a living thing all on its own. A furious cracking of bones, the pulsing of flesh, and then something akin to several spines rushed out from the creature’s body, curling around her like claws.

Pronyma didn’t move, even as the motion of it all sent something bitter to the back of her throat.

The demonic half-elf laughed, manic once more, her slitted eyes gleaming yellow. “It’s amazing! I’ve never felt such a rush of power before! I could crush any human like this! I could fight an army of them! Isn’t this wonderful, Lady Pronyma? Isn’t it?!”

Her voice distorted itself. Another spine rushed out of her body, lengthening and moving along the floor like a tail. Each motion sent a clacking sound, of flesh rending itself apart.

The Desians that had followed them into the cell took a step back, the mage holding up his staff, the woman hefting her spear. “She’s… she’s a monster!” she yelled, then tried to cover her mouth, albeit much too late.

And such a monster turned towards the Desian, her grin so ecstatic. Her skeletal tail reached out to slam the spearwoman against the wall, so hard that the helmet made a loud clang! against the material.

Pronyma felt the rush of the attack, just a breadth away from making contact with her own body.

“L-Lord Kvar! Please advise what-” But the mage Desian could hardly finish his plea as the monstrous half-elf rushed towards him, her hand gripping his neck before slamming him to the floor. His staff rushed out of his hand to slide right out of the cell and hitting the far wall.

Another reached for his whip, but before he could unfurl it, a ball of dark mana was shot at his chest from violet hands, knocking the wind out of him. He clutched his chest, falling to his knees, all as he tried to scrabble away from the fiend before finally collapsing.

The only Desian soldier left now held out his sword, but he was shaking. The monster half-elf turned her eyes towards him, hungry and eager. “Not even just humans… No one can face me now! No one can hurt me anymore!”

Kvar, meanwhile, did nothing. He simply stood with his staff at his side, smiling at his newest creation. He looked so proud.

The monster with her grisly growths of bones at her back, lurched for the lowly Desian, who shrieked and held up his arms. The sword fell from his hands to clatter to the floor.

“Enough!”

As if pulled on a leash, the half-elf stuttered in her motion. She blinked, facing the woman who had called out to her.

Another grin. It was barely any different from the same one she had given the soldier. She stepped forward, one giant hand reaching towards the one she so admired.

“Lady Pronyma! I can be strong for you now! I can be-!”

Golden blades fanned out, framing Pronyma like metal wings. She held out her mace, pointing it at the monster half-elf by just a few inches away. Dark magic coated her fingertips, burning in its intensity.

The other froze, her smile frozen on her face.

“Control yourself!” Pronyma spat out. “You’re useless to me if you go on a rampage!”

Such words were enough. She saw the fire dim from those fierce eyes, the fervor gone, the light fading. The creature curled her fingers, making crackling noises as she did so.

“But…Pronyma…”

The Grand Cardinal turned her furious glare to Kvar, who continued to do nothing but watch the proceedings with amusement. “Kvar! You were only to magnify her capabilities. Instead you’ve affected her mental faculties until she is nothing but a roving monster.”

The man shook his head. “I’ve done no such thing. The girl is simply overstimulated by her newfound power. It will take her some time to get acclimated to it. All she needs is a nurturing hand.”

You always leave me to clean up your messes. Though this was no surprise to her.

The monster made a sound, like the moan of a wounded animal. She clutched at her head with her grotesque hands, her spines flickering around her, reminding Pronyma of a dying spider’s legs.

“I…apologize… Pronyma! I just wanted to be strong for you, I wanted to be strong I wanted to be…” She raised her head, panic so plain on her features. “I wanted to be useful!”

Still, she held out her mace. She stared down at the half-elf – for that was what she was, despite her new form. She could still imagine that same woman, crying on her knees, clutching at Pronyma’s hand.

She wouldn’t let her guard be swayed however. “Then show me that you are able. What use is someone who lashes out at whatever strikes their fancy? If my missions for you are ruined by your temperament, then there would be no point.”

Her servant lowered her head, but the sound in her throat had stopped. “I…I understand…”

“Then, prove it to me. Those-” She gestured with her mace towards the growths of bone at her servant’s back. “-can be useful for battle, but they are unseemly. They will simply get in your way for much else. You should be able to revert them as you please.”

The other looked behind her at those curved spines, as if she had just now realized their existence. “I…But will I…”

“Focus,” Pronyma ordered.

Behind her, she could hear a chuckle from Kvar. It annoyed her that she had to play into his hand, but she would not lose a viable minion for his whims.

The transformed half-elf bent forward, shutting her eyes tight. Slowly, those same growths shifted back inside her, tearing the flesh as they did so. The sound was nauseating. The sole Desian soldier left standing took several more steps back, then rushed out the cell door to wretch in a corner.

Eventually, the spines and tail of bone vanished within the body. She was still monstrous, still grotesque, but she stood, the manic fervor now dimmed.

Kvar saw this as an appropriate time to clap. “Such amazing work as always, Pronyma.”

Pronyma’s golden blades reverted to their original position, surrounding her in a shield. She turned. “Don’t you have other duties to attend to? The shortage of Exspheres from your ranch has been noted from your reports. I suggest you remedy that now.”

While the man could hold himself together, she saw another inkling of his rage. A twist of his eyebrow, his tight-lipped smile changing, parting his lips to reveal the shape of fangs beneath. She had never questioned why he had went through such experimentations on himself. She didn’t want to know at all.

If a man such as himself had taken her role, if Mithos had not seen her potential… No, there was no purpose in dwelling on such things.

“Do as you will,” he said. “But if the girl attacks any more of my personnel, I’ll need a little compensation for the damage inflicted.” He did not wait, turning away quickly until all she could recall was that barely-open smile. She felt an absence in the air, the thrumming of his electrical staff having left with him. The other fallen Desians stayed unconscious, though at the very least, alive.

Pronyma turned back, only to find her servant now on her knees, hands clasped.

“What does this mean?” she asked bluntly.

“I… I am sorry, Lady Pronyma. When Kvar said he would help me…” She raised her head, her face more like the half-elf that she truly was. “I wanted to prove myself useful to Cruxis! To you! I know I can now with this new form, and… and I will learn to control this, I promise you.”

Pronyma latched her mace back on her hip, then crossed her arms. She felt no more bloodlust from the other, thus feeling no danger. “Your magic has always been capable – your shapeshifting in particular.” Her eyebrows furrowed together in thought. “So it surprises me that you would still undergo these experiments. Why would you want your original state altered so?”

“…It just… didn’t feel enough.” The half-elf unclasped her hands, looked down at herself – and there was the satisfied grin once again, though no longer as intense. “Now this way, no one can hurt me anymore. No human can use me.”

Pronyma was silent, balancing those words in her head. Such words also felt so familiar.

“If that’s so, I have a task for you,” she stated. “You will still need your shapeshifting technique. But with your current form, your magic should be even more amplified.” Eyes scanned the monstrous form before her once more. Amazing that she couldn’t even see where the Exspheres had been placed within her, if there was even more than one. But Kvar always had his secrets. Though, not as many as he’d like to think he does.

The half-elf climbed back up to her feet. “Of course! I will do all that I can. My debt to you… it can’t-”

“Enough,” Pronyma halted with a raising of her hand. “So, you’ve still not left the past behind you.”

Maybe just then, she saw the conflict within the other’s eyes, nearly as shrewd and as vicious as what was probably in Kvar’s own heart. But tempered with newly-learned control. “How can I forget the day you saved me, Lady Pronyma?”

A stare, the memory slowly upturning, like a file she had left discarded on her desk. “Do not let such feelings shackle you.”

And through that visage of the creature her minion had become, she saw again that young half-elven woman, bruised from her hands at the humans that she had been forced to serve.

Before she had been granted the title of Leader of the Grand Cardinals, it had been an impromptu mission. An investigation over Exsphere storage that a human village had kept to themselves resulted in battle, as well as the discovery of half-elves that the humans practically used as slaves.

No, her servant never went into detail of such a time, but when Pronyma felt the mana burn within the half-elf before her back then, perhaps it had made her…sympathetic.

But at least her sympathies wouldn’t be wasted.

She turned around, gesturing for her servant to follow. “We have preparations. I’ve already shared with you of Palmacosta’s current state, but I will need you to prove your worth. You will also need to take on a new name.” She paused. "It will be Kilia. You must learn to respond to it naturally.

"Yes, yes of course! That...is no trouble at all to me." And, like a lost soul, 'Kilia' followed after her. A hand reached out, but it was to grasp Pronyma’s own.

She stiffened, but didn’t let go. Poisonous skin, bones jutting through it, but it wasn’t completely unpleasant.

“I will serve you until the end, Lady Pronyma!” she proclaimed, this time with a smile that was not all horrific fangs and snarls.

Pronyma let a few seconds pass before she pulled her hand away. “I will see to it that you do,” she said, leading them both out of the ranch.

Within her chambers that was buried beneath the Tower of Salvation, she heard the request of the angels just before her door. A flash of irritation, already busy enough as she was with the perusal of her latest reports, of Rodyle’s current location, of Kvar’s little research that he had thought was so cleverly hidden away…

“What is it?” she called out, and such a proclamation invited the angel inside. The same one with the cowl, with the glaive he held in his right hand.

“Lady Pronyma. I was to inform you of your informant’s current whereabouts.”

Pronyma stilled, though she kept herself turned away. “And?”

“Our connection to her communication device has been shut offline. We assume that she is no longer present. Last message indicated that the Chosen’s group had arrived in Palmacosta.”

Pronyma listened, then resumed her task, switching out the holographic maps from Sylvarant to Tethe’alla. “Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. You are dismissed.”

The angel exited as quietly as he entered. Pronyma mapped out the coordinates once again, narrowing her eyes. Another mess to clean up.

Well, she kept her word, she thought to herself, for just a moment. Then brushed that aside along with the rest of the worthless past.

“Get moving,” they had told her.

To this day, she couldn’t remember the name of the army she had been drafted in, or the name of the general that had grabbed her by the ear. So rough that she thought he would rip it straight from her head. She wasn’t allowed to stumble or let out a scream. These were things that could have scarred her flesh, or worse. These were things that weren’t allowed for a half-elf like her.

“You’re to go to the frontlines,” said the voice, morphed and distorted through the centuries. But the dread in her stomach was unforgettable, settling within her like stone, poisoning her limbs until she could barely move, until they had to push her along like some broken automaton.

“But, wait… I’m a caster,” she had said, and her voice had been so weak back then, painful in its memory. The voice of a sixteen-year old girl, foolish and cowardly, dressed in threadbare rags, for nothing of worth could be wasted on her. “I’m not… I’m supposed to-”

“You do not disobey.” A furious twisting of her ears, and maybe it was back then she had first felt rage. But she had been weak, frightened, with no one to retreat to. “You are only to listen.”

Pronyma had listened her whole life. It only led her to despair, again and again.

Whoever they fought, it barely mattered, simply more humans to pit herself against. The other half-elves at her side had the same fears on their faces, the same wounds on their arms. One man was clutching a sword and shield, but had no armor to protect himself otherwise, another was a spellcaster like herself, but even younger, his long hair barely able to hide his pointed ears.

There were soldiers in front of her, decked in heavy armor, wielding wicked pikes that she had seen run through other half-elves with ease. She raised her hands, letting dark rain drops fall over the armies in front of her, slowing them down, weakening them as much as she could.

But they were so close, this nameless army for a nameless country. Her superior shouted from behind, hands pushed her forward, and she had believed so strongly that she would die right here, living for nothing at all.

And then she woke, never knowing that she had fallen in the first place. She gasped for air, looking down at herself. No wounds. No blood.

There were bodies around her, heated by the summer sun, across the deserted plains in the middle of nowhere. But in front of her was a child, a child on the battlefield. From her spot, she could only guess him to be a year or two younger than her at most. The sunlight around him was so bright that she had to shade her eyes to even see him clearly.

The corpses near her were singed – but only those of the humans. A few half-elves still stumbled about, blinking confused eyes at the sun. The man who held the sword and shield remained standing, holding out his weapon, as if afraid to break the silence.

But the half-elf in front of her – for she knew instinctively that he was one – wasn’t recognizable to her. The white of his tunic caught her eye, along with the shine of his blonde hair. She stumbled forward, with questions on her lips to how he had gotten here.

“Are you injured?” the boy asked, all before he even turned to her. Somehow, it was only then that she noticed. The light that she had thought came from the sun was from him instead – it took its form in the shape of wings that trailed from the boy’s collar, drawing the curiosity to touch.

She made sure she didn’t. Her own magic still burned at her fingertips, which she clasped to her chest. “I… I don’t think so.” Her hair was matted with dirt, her knees still weak from the hours of standing at attention she had been forced to endure. She had always been so physically weak, with only her magical aptitude allowing her to live even this long. “Who are you? You don’t seem to be from the same…”

The boy faced her fully with a smile, but one that didn’t reach his eyes. Though she saw other half-elves gather around, wondering at their rescue, she was still closest to him. He held something in his stance, something about it so restrictive, as if he existed in another plane of existence altogether.

The wings seemed to stir something in her, their colors so freeing compared to the drab and dullness of her cell that she had been forced to live in for years.

“Yggdrasill,” he told her in an even tone. “You are no longer prisoners. You are free to do as you wish.”

The name unlocked an old knowledge. “Ygg… Mithos Yggdrasill, the hero?” she whispered softly.

Only then did she see the faintest of frowns on his face. “So, you know your history.” He seemed to consider her, his wings still so bright that it hurt her eyes. “Can I ask for your name then?”

From that day, she had given him more than that. It was because he had given her even more in return.

How could one repay a debt such as this in just one lifetime?

Someone like her could not afford to fail.

That was the responsibility granted to Pronyma when she became leader, when she was viewed for her worth. She had survived this long, outlasting very last one of her so-called comrades. Kvar stabbed until he was full of holes, Forcystus meeting an unheroic end, Magnius lying on the floor to die in worthlessness, and Rodyle…. Rodyle had always been a fool. What she gave him had been far too merciful for one such as him.

The vessel was finally in their hands. Lord Yggdrasill’s dream would be realized. Yet she could only glare at the impudent boy who held a resemblance she had grown to loathe so viciously.

He held no fear to the metal blades fanning her, their insides glowing with the runes inscribed onto them, linking to the mana within her. He tried knocking one aside with his sword as if it was merely a paper fan.

“Dark Sphere!” she yelled, gripping the magic surrounding him, hearing him scream before she lunged at him with her mace, aiming at his knee.

It didn’t matter that the healing magic from one of his companions was surrounding him then, allowing him to stand and block at the last second. She still pressed on, overwhelming him with all of her desperation, all that she had.

This boy didn’t know.

“You will die here now!” she seethed, her hair unkempt from its hold, lunging forward again. Her own worthless help had long ago expired, their bodies now lying lifeless on the ground. She saw the boy’s eyes widen in surprise, and took her chance. Lord Yggdrasill was still nearby, watching her, assessing her worth. She wouldn’t fail. She couldn’t fail.

“It is your fault they’re still alive! Kill them!” And she would fix this mistake. She would fix this. She would fix everyone’s messes – including her own.

“Get off!” the boy shouted, his red outfit an outrageous eyesore. Maybe it was that stupidity that had made her lose her hold, that had made her miss the irritating sting of a paper card at her side, somehow slipping through her metal blades. A twitch, and the boy was quick all the sudden. She saw the glimpse of his Exsphere, and felt rage.

Kvar was laughing from his grave.

The blades slid through her, and just like that, her magic weakened considerably. Her floating armor collapsed to the ground like tattered debris, her mace fell from slack fingers. The boy’s face was near as he attacked, his eyes all too similar to that traitor. One of so many. There had been so many, and only she had been truly loyal.

She used what was left of her magic to move away, but could only fall to her side, the pain unbearable. Blood coated her side. She pressed her palms to the floor, ignoring her would-be murderer, and raised her head towards where the light was brightest.

“Lord Yggdrasill…” she pleaded, as she had not done in so many years. “It hurts…”

Her savior was turned away, his wings glowing a most radiant light. He looked to the seed hovering before him. He spoke as if no one was there at all.

She crawled, gasping for air. She reached out to grasp at his hand that hung by his side.

“Mithos, please.”

When he turned, she expected to see him, the boy who had saved her from a worthless, undignified death in a wretched battlefield.

And, for a fleeting second, she saw him, as she remembered.

“Pronyma,” he said to her, with a small smile, one that did not reach the eyes. But she didn’t blame him at all. “You’ve done well.”

No one would ever question her loyalty.

#tales of symphonia #fullforcetos2022 #pronyma #kvar #mithos yggdrasill #kilia #fanfiction #one shot

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blackswanndraws · 4 years

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@protobnhaweek ;; PROTOVERSE WEEK - DAY 5: FANTASY AU

So this design i’ve had as a wip for several months whegejwghe this is good as any a chance to finish and post it. Anyway, this is ACTUALLY his tales of symphonia verse design. He’s a half-elf that was experimented on by Desians and was part of the Angelus Project. His right eye was replaced with an exphere in his right eye until it shattered and now there’s just—nothing. His best friend is Kaminari, another half-elf!!

He was rescued by one of the officers overseeing the project and took him to Izoold, a village by the ocean. He has amnesia and his caretaker is ironically the daughter of the officer who rescued him. Kaminari and Mikumo are idiot bros 😔 (he’s also extremely short but thats bc of his half-elf genes being unstable, oop)

#protobnhaweek #yamikumo #akatani mikumo #tales of symphonia #bnha #mha #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #fantasy au #ToS #talea of symphonia au #vitiligo #birb art

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authorialarcanist · 3 years

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Monster Collector (Tales of Symphonia)

Summary: When Lloyd and Colette drag the party off to complete the Monster Book, Raine can't help but wonder about what her students are thinking.

Written for Colloyd Week 2021 Day 2: Sidequest.

Gen, crack.

—

“Lloyd, watch out!”

“Right!” Lloyd leapt out of the way of a hammer blow from a massive bear, forewarned just in time by Colette’s shout. “It’ll take more than that to beat me, you know! Hurricane Thrust!” Air burst out from his sword in every direction as he jabbed back at the bear, sending it stumbling away. “Thanks, Colette! It’s open now!”

“Right!” Colette darted forward, multicolored wings carrying her to her target before it could regain its balance, and plowed headfirst into its fuzzy stomach. Nonplussed by the impact, the monster closed its arms to catch the girl in a painful bear hug, only for Colette to raise one of her chakrams in celebration, leaving a deep gash in its face where it had leaned in. “Yay, I got something! Okay, Lloyd, that’s everything I can get from this one!”

Lloyd pumped his fist, and shouted “You two can finish it off now!”

Raine Sage, half-elf teacher and current world-saving tagalong, raised an eyebrow at her compatriot. Zelos shrugged back.

“I don’t get it any more than you do, but I guess we’re doing this! Get ready!”

“I suppose it’s just as well… Now!” Raine raised her staff above her, and light gathered around Tethe’Alla’s Chosen.

“Plasma Blade!” With a shout, Zelos charged at the bear sword-first. Raine’s magic propelled him easily into and past his target, causing it to collapse to the ground in pain. To add insult to injury, a bolt of lightning struck its prone form a moment later, bringing the battle to an end.

“Annnd… there we go! Colette, what did you get from it?” By the time Raine looked back at her students, Lloyd had already pulled out a red book and a pen, and was examining some sort of herb Colette was holding out to him. “Alright! That’s one more down!”

“That’s great, Lloyd!” Genis, Raine’s younger brother, ran up to Lloyd from where he’d been waiting in the back line. “Only… Does that mean you’re going to tell us what we’re actually doing here, now?”

“Hm?” Lloyd looked up from putting the finishing touches on the book. “What do you mean?”

“I mean here, Lloyd!” Genis splayed his arms wide, and gestured at the mountainous terrain around the group. “You dragged us to this random patch of mountain, and never told us why!”

“Oh! Right! Whoops, I forgot about that!” Lloyd scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Well… Colette, why don’t you tell them?”

“Uh-huh!” Colette stepped forward with a wide smile. “See, when we were in Izoold the other day, I heard a rumor that there’ve been sightings of a reeeaaaally big doggy up in these mountains! Apparently it’s been scaring goatherds and stuff! And there’s only one more entry we haven’t filled up in the Monster List, so I thought maybe it was the one we’re missing!” Lloyd nodded along beside her, and held up the empty page in demonstration.

Raine gave her two students a flat look. “…Lloyd. Is that really why we’re here?”

“Yeah! I mean, it’s really close to done, so we wanted to fill in that last slot!”

Raine sighed. “I’m loath to say this, since you’re apparently invested in your schoolwork for once, but… is this really the time? Aren’t there more important things we should be doing right now?”

“Eh. Kratos can wait!” Lloyd waved his left hand dismissively. “I mean, he’s like a thousand years old or something, right? A couple days should be like a minute to him! We can go and break Origin’s Seal once we’ve finished up with this!”

Suddenly, everybody jumped at a loud crashing sound. They turned to the source, to see Presea standing over a felled tree. The trunk was now bridging a gap that led to the path further up the mountain. “…Getting the Eternal Sword, and reuniting the worlds. Is less urgent than filling an empty page…?”

“I mean, yeah!” Lloyd nodded without a trace of irony. “Who knows what this place’ll look like once we’ve reunited the worlds, right?”

“Uh-huh!” Colette quickly backed him up. “And anyways, once we go to meet Kratos, we’ll have to deal with—mmmph!” Lloyd quickly covered her mouth. The two shared a meaningful look before he let go. “…Um, whoops! Ignore that, hehe!”

“Alright, what are you two hiding from us? Annnd… yoink!” Taking advantage of the brief distraction, Zelos leaned over and snatched the Monster List out of Lloyd’s free hand.

“Wh- hey! Give that back!” Lloyd dove at Zelos, trying to grapple for the purloined book, but his face met the ground instead as the Chosen leapt out of the way.

“Let’s see, here… No. 234, Meredy… No. 235, Abyssion, man that guy was an asshole… No. 236, Z—“ Zelos cut off with a choking sound, all the blood draining from his face.

“Hmm? What is it, Zelos?” Raine walked to Zelos, intending to check the list herself.

“…Hey, Lloyd? Hunny? Bud?”

Lloyd gulped. “Y…yeah?”

“Why do Ihave an entry in the Monster List?”

“Ehe…heh…”

Raine leaned over Zelos’ shoulder. Sure enough, there it was: a little, surprisingly well-drawn, sketch of Zelos facing the reader with orange wings spread behind him. Located at the Final Seal… Strong against lightning and light elements… Drops… “Zelos, were you hiding a Mystic Symbol from us?”

“What? No!” Zelos dropped the book in a panic. “I haven’t got anything like that, promise!”

“Hrm. Nevertheless, this is certainly odd. Lloyd…” Raine wheeled on her student, the righteous fury of a scorned teacher at her fingertips ready to be called. “Have you been writing fake entries to fill space…?”

“Wait! Hold on, Professor!” Colette stepped in front of Raine, shielding Lloyd from her wrath. “Lloyd hasn’t been cheating, I promise! It’s just… a reeeally long story, okay?”

Raine held Colette’s gaze for several long moments, but the girl didn’t seem to just be covering for Lloyd. Raine sighed. “Fine. But we’d better get an explanation once this is over, alright?”

“Ehehe…” Colette wilted and gave a sheepish smile. “A-anyways, let’s just keep going. We still need to find that doggy, right Lloyd?”

“R-right!” Lloyd, climbed back to his feet, and grabbed the Monster List from where it lay. “Come on, everybody! I’m pretty sure we’re almost there!”

Raine watched with a pensive expression as he clambered over the felled tree. Her students had changed a lot over the course of their journey, but… she wondered if they’d changed faster than she’d realized.

———

The group was resting at the peak of the mountain. After much searching, they’d at last found their errant beast; now, they were just waiting for Genis to prepare a meal to restore their energy.

Raine watched as Lloyd and Colette dance around, twirling each other by both hands and singing “Hun-dred per-cent! Hun-dred per-cent!”

Regal sat down next to her. “They certainly seem to be enjoying themselves.”

“Yes.” Raine nodded absent-mindedly. “For all that they’ve grown, I suppose they arestill children.”

“Hm.” The two sat and watched in silence for a moment before Regal spoke again. “You’re still thinking about what happened earlier, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Raine replied. “Did you notice? Those two are incredibly in sync when they fight, like they’ve been fighting together for years instead of months. And… Every so often, I’ve noticed them looking at each other and giggling, like there’s some secret that only they are privy to.”

“…” Regal raised his eyebrow. “…Are you certain they’re not just—“

“I thought that at first, too! But now, I’m not so certain. I just… I’m their teacher. It’s my job to notice and step in if they’ve gotten involved in something strange.”

“It’s a good impulse, Raine.” Regal awkwardly shifted his handcuffs so he could pat her on the shoulder. “But… those two have proven themselves time and again, right? That’s why we’re following them.” He met Raine’s eyes, a serious expression on his face. “As adults, it’s our shared responsibility to be there for them, yes. But it’s also our responsibility to recognize when they’re starting to spread their wings and fly without our help. It’s our responsibility to trust them, and give them space, when that time comes. Whatever those two know, I don’t believe they would ever use it for ill.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Raine watched as the two in question grabbed Sheena and pulled her merrily into their dance. Whatever was going on there, they clearly still cared about all of their friends being happy. Maybe it was time to sit back, and simply have faith in them.

…Lloyd’s face, grinning sheepishly every time he’d gotten wrapped up in some prank or work-avoiding scheme gone awry, flashed in front of her eyes.

Alas. It seemed that the habits of a teacher would not so easily fade. “…And if they areusing the power of the Eternal Sword to transcend time and space in order to turn their homework in on time?”

Regal coughed. “Then that sounds like it would be a disciplinary question for their instructor to deal with. Mirage!”

Raine’s jaw dropped as Regal’s form rapidly vanished into the distance. What happened to their shared responsibility as adults? “Regal Bryant, you get back here this instant!”

#tales of symphonia #colloydweek2021 #lloyd irving #colette brunel #raine sage

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nightwhite13 · 3 years

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you only see aifread in symphonia if you complete a side quest :( otherwise he does get a mention in izoold tho!

Oh I see, I'm not sure if I clear most of the side quest, especially the one with kratos involve since my relationship point with him is probably low. I'll try to play it again after I'm done getting Berseria achievements. Thanks anon 💖

#anon

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july13th2004 · 4 years

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Fictober 2020 Day 21

Category: Fanfiction

Fandom: Tales of Symphonia

Characters/Relationships: Kratos Aurion, Anna Irving, Kratos/Anna, Kranna, Lloyd Irving

Genre: Fluff/Family

Warnings: None

Word Count: 343

Prompt: "This, this makes it all worth it.”

Author’s Note: Last one will be posted on the 30th...

Anna watched from across their room at the inn as Kratos held an infant Lloyd in his arms by the window. She wore a soft smile on her face that grew as she noticed her husband rocking their two-week old son back and forth in his arms to get him to fall asleep.

This, this makes it all worth it…

She thought as she laid there tucked under the covers on their bed, still exhausted from giving birth two weeks earlier. Her entire pregnancy had been rather difficult, all the way up until she gave birth, where there were at times grave complications, and Kratos almost thought he was going to lose her. The small family had just been given the okay to travel from the hospital at the resistance group hideout to the inn in Izoold just days prior, and she still needed more time to recover.

Kratos glanced up from Lloyd and looked over at her, his eyes meeting hers. He walked towards her and transferred Lloyd from his arms to hers. Anna sat up and propped her pillow up against the headboard, leaning her back against it as she cradled Lloyd in her arms.

“How are you feeling today, my dear?” He inquired, his hand reaching out to gently cup and caress her cheek.

“I’m feeling a little better today…” She replied, her voice sounding tired.

He laid down next to her and draped his arm over her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. She laid her head on his shoulder and looked down at their son, who was still in her arms.

“He’s amazing, isn’t he, Kratos?”

“Indeed…”

He placed a kiss on top of her head, and she yawned, trying her best to stifle it so he wouldn’t notice.

“You should get some more rest, my dear…”

Anna didn’t respond, as moments later, she closed her eyes and fell asleep against his shoulder. Kratos joined them shortly after, laying his head on hers, wearing a soft smile on his face, knowing his family was safe in his arms.

#tales of symphonia #Kratos Aurion #Anna Irving #Kranna #fictober20 #Lloyd Irving

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phoenixmiko · 5 years

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Dimileth Tales Series AUs/Crossovers

I like the idea of a Tales of the Abyss AU, since Crest Stones and Fon Stones are also similar. Fon Stones turn people into monsters if the person who uses them is not worthy or strong enough to read the Score. I swear, I get so many Tales vibes from Three Houses at times! Byleth could be the Light of the Sacred Flame, born as the scion of Sothis (instead of Lorelei). She hears Sothis' voice just like how Luke hears Lorelei's. Again, like how Luke's soul is part of the aggregate sentience of the Seventh Fonon, her soul is part of Sothis' in Three Houses. The song of the Nabateans could take the place of the Grand Fonic Hymn in this AU; Edelgard is able to use it thanks to being a descendant of Seiros (who replaces Yulia here). Dimitri is part of the Gardios family and a descendant of one of Seiros' disciples, able to use the Sigmund style of swordplay. Like Guy, he is from Hod and witnesses its destruction as well as the annihilation of its people - his family among them - at the hands of Duke Jeralt's army (who replaces Luke's father). Dimitri joins the Eisner (replacing the Fabres) family as a vassal for the duke's daughter Byleth, vowing retribution. However, he becomes childhood friends with her and later falls in love. He journeys to find her after a hyperresonance transports Byleth and Edelgard somewhere else.

Tales of Symphonia AU: Byleth as the Chosen and her father Jeralt, a Papal Knight originally born in Tethe'alla a century before and a former member of Cruxis now working as a mercenary in Sylvarant. His wife was part of the Angelus project and they fell in love after he met her at a human ranch, leading to their escape and his betrayal of Cruxis. She gives birth to Byleth just before the Exsphere completely takes over and then turns into an Exbelua; with no way to change her back, Jeralt is forced to slay his wife. He goes into hiding with his daughter, settling in the small coastal town of Izoold. Dimitri is one of Byleth's childhood friends, an orphan who witnessed Desians massacre his entire family as a result of his friend Glenn trying to stop them from taking people to the nearest human ranch. He harbours a deep hatred for Desians as a result and vows to kill any who get in his way out of a lust for vengeance on their kind. Dedue is the only half-elf he can trust because his life was saved by him after the Desians tried to finish the job. When Byleth is called to the Church of Sothis to receive the oracle on her sixteenth birthday, everything changes. An angel of Cruxis, Seteth, bestows upon her a Cruxis Crystal - a jewel through which the goddess blesses the Chosen with mystical powers and commences the beginning of her rebirth as an angel. Thus, Byleth's journey to regenerate the world begins. Dimitri, who is secretly in love with the Chosen, joins in on the quest to protect her. On the way, Byleth and Dimitri discover the truth about Cruxis, world regeneration, the Desians and the goddess.

Dimitri and Byleth get Exspheres which are both keepsakes from their mothers. Dimitri's gives him immense and boundless strength. Byleth's augments the magical ability she has thanks to traces of elven blood within her (as a result of Jeralt getting injected with it by Cruxis back when he was mortal) and allows her to use powerful spells. Given what we know of Jeralt receiving special treatment from Rhea to save his life and his wife being infused with blood carrying the Crest of Flames, it's an easy parallel to make because people in Tales of Symphonia get this done but with elven blood which allows them to use magic.

I swear, Rhea and Mithos would get along swimmingly and the goddesses Martel and Sothis would share the same sentiment that their resurrection is not the answer. Furthermore, Crest Stones and Exspheres and Demonic Beasts and Exbeluas, anyone? I can't be the only person who sees it. Plus, the idea that Sothis caused Byleth's lack of emotion etc is almost exactly the same as what happens when the Chosen becomes a vessel for the goddess Martel because like Byleth, the Chosen will also eventually lose their identity and get taken over.

Seteth works as a messenger for Cruxis while actually spear-heading a covert rebellion. I see him being like Yuan in this AU and leading the Renegades. Like with Martel possessing Colette to confront Mithos, I can see Sothis possessing Byleth but only briefly to call Rhea out on the atrocities she has committed by creating the religion she heads. Claude could be the Chosen of Tethe'alla - he's so much like Zelos! It's what I first thought when I saw him, actually, before Three Houses came out.

As for Edelgard, I can see her using Cruxis as a way to get power (via a Cruxis Crystal and an angel transformation) and then turning on them to crush the Church of Sothis. She is after the Eternal Sword so she can recreate Aselia (the world) in her own image but Byleth gets there first. Thanks to her special Exsphere, the elven blood in Byleth's veins is strong enough for the sword not to reject her. Thus, the sword gives her power over time and space - fitting, considering how Sothis' ability Divine Pulse works and of course the fact that Byleth gets the Sword of the Creator before Edelgard does.

#phoenixmiko #dimileth #dimitri x avatar #dimitri x byleth

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mannatea · 6 months

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The World Could Be Beautiful, a Tales of Symphonia ‘fic (Chapter 14)

Word Count: 78,782 Summary: After a chance encounter in Izoold, Raine and Regal both get a lot more than they bargained for. (A one-night stand 'fic with consequences.) Chapter Summary: Genis and Raine have a couple of heart-to-hearts. Pairing/Characters: Regal/Raine, Genis, George, Lloyd, Colette and assorted OCs as the story requires. Zelos shows up later. Warnings: Blanket warnings for the entire fic: pregnancy (and all that comes with it), discussion/mention of abortion, power imbalance, fantasy racism. Rating: Explicit. (No sex in this chapter, but there's a mention.) Genre: Romance/angst/friendship vibes.

The title is the link to Ao3 for Chapter 14!

Notes (to be read after the chapter) under a cut:

We find out why Genis quit school (racism, basically). I really, and I mean really, loathe the idea that "half-elves are all intellectual by nature." It's just so gross to me, it reads like racist rhetoric (just in fantasy form).

I know we get quite a few "intellectual half-elf" characters, but that doesn't mean they are all that way.

Raine's z-skit where she thinks about how being a half-elf gives her the lifespan to indulge her curiosity and interest in learning is PEAK GREATNESS. I like the idea of leaning into her just being a curious person who likes to learn (regardless of her race, but this gives her a benefit to learning, that it can go on and on). That said, I do definitely think that if she'd had a more "normal" upbringing, she might not be quite so laser-focused on learning and on knowledge.

Something something, The Count of Monte Cristo strikes back with "freedom can be taken away (but knowledge cannot)." I think Genis likes to learn too, and I'm truly obsessed with the idea that he and Raine are intelligent in different ways...and that their passions in learning are found down different paths—him leaning toward math and science, and her toward the arts.

That said, I think Raine is the kind of person to sort of...accidentally project onto Genis her own wants. It's not that I believe she might live vicariously through Genis, necessarily, but that she'd struggle a bit with the idea that what she wishes she'd had for herself isn't necessarily what Genis wants for his own life.

I do feel very very certain that, in Raine's pursuit of knowledge and of schooling, she would have tolerated racist behavior against her, but she is not the kind of person who wants to make waves or stir (let alone feel) hatred. Genis is a different person and he's like fuck this shit I'm out.

FINALLY, Genis gets to hear Raine's side of what happened and why. You know he's been waiting ages.

I didn't get a lot of opportunity to really explore Genis in this story because I never dipped into his perspective, but you know he's been very worried all these months. Surely she wouldn't have married a man for the sake of pure convenience?

He just wants his sister (and mom, tbh) to be happy. The idea that maybe she gave up and just settled for the sake of the baby or for financial security has undoubtedly had him a bit extra worried; what if he showed up to town and she was miserable? Or just...not happy in general, even if she was okay?

Personally, I think Raine would be all right in a marriage of convenience so long as it was to a good friend who didn't push her into anything she didn't want to do, but Genis would always think she deserved better than that.

I think, too, growing up with her never having had a chance to do anything for herself...always putting her all into raising him and going without for his sake... That she is content in this marriage, that it really is love, that she's...happy? He couldn't have asked for more.

Cramping after orgasm is pretty normal whether you're pregnant or not (and is not necessarily indicative of any sort of specific problem). However, Regal and Raine probably wouldn't know that (and they're not really having sex that often to begin with), so having this happen when she's eight months in is kind of terrifying.

Especially with the lie they've told everyone, it would be super obvious they were lying if she went into labor a whole month early LOL. They want to get as close to the actual due date as possible.

I feel like Raine just. Would definitely have some experience in midwifery. Something about being a healer.

Also, the old-fashioned (but still quite prevalent) idea that men shouldn't see a baby coming out of their wife's vagina is because there's just this whole fucking subset of men who, once they actually see this happen, are magically unattracted to their wives. They are gross and deserve to be bullied.

Also, four-year-old Genis casually observing a birth is just fully based on someone I used to be relatively close to (whose very young daughter was present for the birth of her second baby). Yeah a little kid would think the sudden appearance of the head was kind of fucking funny.

That said, of course Genis would not find this very funny now. Birth shifts from being really cool and fascinating to being scary quickly when it's someone you love having to do it.

Lastly, Genis seeing his sister as a "domestic housewife" is something I wanted to look at more closely from the beginning, but I think Raine sort of fell into it a bit easier (taking one step at a time) so it's not the kind of thing she's thinking too deeply about. There's a lot of relief to be had in having money, having a place to live, having the things she needs, and in having help with the baby.

From Genis's perspective though, it just sorta looks like she's being turned into a housewife. Which is weird, because she never really...gives off vibes that she'd be happy doing that.

I personally think Raine needs to hit a middle ground with a family. If, indeed, she ends up with children, she strikes me as the type of person who wants to be very involved, and would prefer to stay home, but not to the degree of losing herself and making her entire identity mother/wife/caretaker.

With Regal she gets to strike a balance between raising a child and being a wife and having a career, because she does need these identities outside of her husband and outside of her child.

Also, wouldn't Raine's little history for kids books be cute? I think she should do it, even if Genis disagrees. 🤣

#regal bryant #raine sage #regal x raine #tales of symphonia #mannafics

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nepja · 4 years

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Tonight, on When Trees Attack!...

Team Emil heads deep into the Triet Ruins in search of Ignis’ core! Once we find it, Emil goes into Ruin Mode. Again. Some things just never change.

Emil appears behind the group and demands they hand over Ingis. Team Emil squares up for a possible fight, when suddenly...

Wait, since when did trees roar?! Bartek doesn’t sound happy about its dinner getting away! Emil in Ratatosk Mode decides to attack Emil, only to be easily tossed aside. Emil takes his leave as Bartek attacks the group.

Afterward, we learn the locations of where the rest of the Centurion cores should be. Off to Izoold to catch a boat to Flanoir, before Emil finds another core!

#tales of symphonia #dawn of the new world #dotnw #emil castagnier #Tales of Emil

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theguineapig3 · 4 years

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“Anniversary” Kranna Week Day 3: Seasons Words: 1,428 Genre: fluff

The passage of time was something Kratos no longer paid much attention to. Decades, even centuries, blurred together so tightly in his memory, he’d forgotten how much could happen in a single year.

It had been autumn when Anna escaped from the human ranch.

Well, not autumn in the traditional sense- the area surrounding Luin had only two real seasons, rainy and dry. The heart of the rainy season corresponded with autumn in other parts of Sylvarant where they were now hiding, having swapped the brightly colored jungle for the subdued conifer forests just outside of Izoold. It was the longest they’d stayed anywhere since Anna’s escape, Kratos having located an old, broken-down hunting cabin and fixed it up as best he could. It kept the cold wind and rain off of them, and even the recent snow that had begun blanketing the land in the mornings. Kratos could tell that Anna had grown comfortable, which was a dangerous thing. He was starting to realize just how long-term their situation was going to be, and while he didn’t fancy a life on the run, the alternative was unthinkable.

In less than a year, he’d fallen in love with Anna.

They hadn’t started out on the best terms, and she’d even tried to ditch him a few times in the first month. Once, he was even tempted to let her go. But he felt an odd sort of protectiveness over the human and had insisted on keeping her safe even if it meant dragging her kicking and screaming back to safety. If someone had told him back then that he’d be madly in love with her in a year’s time, he’d have called them delusional.

On the outside, she seemed completely wrong for him. Taken into the ranch at the age of twelve, she had little formal schooling and no book smarts. She treasured the few books he’d managed to collect for them, but hated reading and really only enjoyed them for the pictures. Her reasoning was so impressively flawed at times that Kratos had initially wondered if she was putting on a ditzy act just to mess with him. But as he spent time with her, he found there was more to it than that.

Anna Irving was delightfully dim-witted, but only on the surface. Beneath that exterior, she had a sharp eye for what other people were thinking- she could practically read Kratos’ mind no matter how stoic he tried to keep his expression, and her ability to evaluate her enemies’ intentions was a great strength in battle. She had a near-perfect memory, and Kratos feared arguing with her only because she could bring up something small he’d said a month ago and use it to her advantage. Stubborn to a fault, optimistic even in the bleakest of situations, a genius when it suited her and an idiot when it didn’t… Anna was like no one Kratos had ever met. He’d gone four thousand years without her, and yet after only one year with her in his life, he couldn’t imagine ever going back.

Those first few months had been the most difficult. Once Kratos managed to convince Anna that he was on her side, the two had hidden out in the mountains near Hima for a while, then a small valley near Asgard, and then in the jungle near Balacruf. Moving around was difficult for Anna, who was still weak from her poor treatment at the ranch, so Kratos decided they needed to find some way off the continent. Stowing away on a boat from Palmacosta wasn’t easy, but they made it safely to Izoold… just in time for the harsh winter.

This was before Kratos had found the cabin, so it wasn’t safe to brave the snow with their limited supplies. They’d found shelter along the Ossa Trail, unwilling to venture into the desert because of the same problem, and had waited out the snow until the first signs of spring appeared. Once they were finally able to venture north again, Kratos happened upon the remains of the old hunting cabin and spent a couple months fixing it up enough to make it comfortable.

All the while, Anna had kept a smile on her face, diligently doing what she could to help. She still didn’t seem to comprehend the danger of their situation, but it was possible she was just trying to enjoy her newfound freedom as much as possible. Kratos had stopped trying to discourage her ignorant optimism and instead just enjoyed her smile- a smile that, day after day, had broken down his detached facade and made a home for itself in his heart.

He’d come in one morning from scouting the area and collecting firewood to find one of their cups set on the table, stuffed full of pine boughs and bright orange leaves. Curious, he circled it for a few moments as Anna watched. She had been waiting for him to return and seemed to be gauging his expression, so he had no choice but to humor her.

“What’s this?” Kratos asked, running his finger over the boughs. Anna offered a smile.

“All the wildflowers are gone, so I couldn’t make a flower arrangement. This is the next best thing, I guess.”

“What do you need flowers for?”

Anna reached out for his hand that was still hovering over the arrangement, taking it and squeezing it in hers. “Because, as of today, it’s officially been a year since I left the ranch.”

Kratos froze momentarily. “How did you-?”

“I looked at your calendar and traced it back. Am I wrong?”

“I don’t…” Kratos began, glancing over at the hand-drawn calendar he had placed on the wall. “...I don’t think so. You’re close enough, anyway.”

“Then it’s an anniversary!” Anna exclaimed. “We should celebrate!”

Kratos forced a smile. Celebrating wasn’t easy when they had next to no belongings, but he supposed he could manage something. “How should we celebrate, then?”

“I was thinking a party!”

“Uh-huh. And who would we invite?”

“Noishe, of course!”

She said ‘of course’ like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Noishe had been by their side from the start and had taken an intense liking to Anna immediately. She’d returned the favor, acting friendly with him long before she did so with Kratos. But he hadn’t been around lately. Kratos joked that he might be going into hibernation, but he knew Noishe was probably out messing with the Desians, sending them running after false leads. If Noishe hung around one place for too long, people would get suspicious.

“I’m not sure where he is, to be honest,” Kratos admitted, “but maybe we could postpone the party until he gets back.”

“Then-“ Anna’s grip on his hand tightened. “-we’ll just have to celebrate by ourselves for now.”

“So we celebrate now… and when Noishe gets back? That's two celebrations. Can we really afford to be so extravagant?”

Anna let go and took a step back, crossing her arms with that smile Kratos knew meant she was about to quote one of her grandmother’s proverbs.

“Granny always said ‘play hard and play often.’ Life’s too short to worry all the time. Why shouldn't we extend the celebration?”

The cabin went quiet.

“...life’s too short, huh?” Kratos murmured, and Anna took a step back.

“Well, I mean…”

“No, it’s okay. A long life has no meaning if one does not enjoy it,” Kratos replied. “Up until a year ago, I had forgotten that fact. Despite the difficulties, I’ve gotten more enjoyment out of the past year than I had from the thousands that preceded it.”

Anna perked up. “Me too!” she exclaimed, running to hug him. The force of her embrace knocked the wind out of him- like it always did- and he didn’t have a chance to correct her statement. He had grown accustomed to these hugs, though he hadn’t allowed himself to return the gesture until now. He ought to change that.

“Thank you, Anna,” Kratos replied, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer, “for celebrating. I wouldn’t have given today’s date a second thought if it weren’t for you, and that’s no way to live. You’ve taught me so much, and I… am grateful.”

Anna examined his expression and leaned in. “I love you too,” she whispered.

There she was, reading his mind again. Responding to statements he hadn't even made. He knew he should say it out loud, but before he could, she pulled him down and planted a kiss on his lips.

After a moment of surprise, he leaned in, pulling her tight. When they separated, she looked up at him and her eyes sparkled with joy.

“Happy anniversary, Kratos.”

“Happy anniversary, Anna.”

#tales of symphonia #krannaweek2019 #kranna #my fanfiction

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