Tales of Symphonia: Knights of Ratatosk

[Flower]

Long ago, Sylvarant and Tethe'alla were united as a single world that drew strength from the Great Kharlan Tree. Divine intervention tore them apart, however, and the Tree withered and died. It was eventually left to a boy named Lloyd to restore the world to its true form. At his journey's end, a new Tree was planted to replace the old one and to hold the two worlds together. This was the story of the Journey of Regeneration.

Together once more, the world is now entering a new era. However, its people are still faced with many problems. After the lands became one, maps were rendered useless and the climate went through many vast changes: desert towns became frozen wastelands and lakes dried up into valleys. All of this stems from an overlooked factor in the unification of the worlds: the spirit of the old Kharlan Tree, Ratatosk, still exists somewhere, and its slumber has sent the world into chaos.

However, Ratatosk isn't the only problem: the people of the two worlds are starting to hate each other. The citizens of Tethe'alla look down upon the citizens of Sylvarant due to their inferior technology, and the citizens of Sylvarant fear the citizens of Tethe'alla because of their power. Two years have passed since the worlds were first merged, and the people of Sylvarant have created a vanguard with which to rise against the Church of Martel and the people of Tethe'alla.

Six months prior to the start of the game, the Church of Martel, led by the hero Lloyd Irving, attacked the City of Palmacosta because members of the Vanguard were meeting there. Countless innocent people died and Palmacosta was consumed in a terrible fire. This event came to be known as the "Blood Purge," a bloody massacre caused by the Church of Martel.

As of now, the world has been turned over--thousands of problems, and no one to solve them.

It is almost dusk; the children are being scurried inside, and travelers are checking into their hotels.

"Can you believe all that's going on?" A citizen asked another as the two roamed the streets of Meltokio. "I mean really...How could Lloyd Irving do such a thing?"

The other shook her head with a small sigh; and the two fell into silence as they walked. Finally, the latter spoke, "Why is all this happening...?"

[Black Rose Witch]

He walked through the dark streets of the night. Soren looked up into the sky in Altamira. He was on a trip from his home town for the church of martel. He heard people in their homes talking about what just happened at Palmacosta, The Blood Purge. He didn't really know what to think yet, so he was not really angry or forgiving, just neutral. He walked a little farther and got to the church of Martel in the middle of town. It was night, but the lights were still on the church. He went in to give his offering, and pray like always. He wasn't really sure about the church, whether to believe it or not, but he was getting along fine now, so he wasn't complaining. He walked back out into the night, holding his staff with him. He was a mage, so his best and most used art was magic, he was not one for physical attacks. He looked into the sky and smiled, "Even if there isn't peace everywhere, right now I feel very peaceful." He thought to himself. He didn't really know what the future had in store for him, he would just wait until it got here.

[King Leonidas]

Blake-

On a hot scorching day like to day, the sun shining bright the beatiful sky, walks Blake Cathey. Walking down a dusty trail to a near by House of Guidance. "Man, sure is hot today." Blake said wiping off the sweat from his for head. "Well atleast I didn't get that banged up from that Skeleton King." Blake said as he approached the door of The House of Guidance.

When Blake walks in he is quickly confronted by an Old Man. "Did you do it? Did you kill it?" The old man pleaded."Don't worry sir, the fiend is long gone now you and your nomads should be fine going through the cave." Blake said with a smile.
"Thank you young warrior, you are very brave and strong." The man said as he goes and gets the cash reward the Old Man promised Blake. "Here you go, and Thank you again." The Old Man said as he walked out the House.
"Damn, this is a lot of money." Blake said as he put it away. "Well i guess its time to rest." Blake walked up stairs to the beds, payed the lady so he could sleep, and he took a nap.

Adam-

A man is flung through the wall of the Meltokio Pub. Then a large armored soldier appears at the hole, with his demonic looking armor Adam slowly walks through the pub on to the counter. A Vanguard Soldier sees the Adam bust the the wall and confronts him. "What do you think your doing ?"

Adam looks down upon the Soldier. "Do you not know who i am ?" Adam picks the man up by his head. "Idiot!" Adam charges a fire ball and blast the soldier through the other side of the pub. Adam then continues to walk up and grabs the bartender by the neck. " Have you seen a woman named Kasumi Arebelle?" The bartender quickly replies. "Yeah, whats it to ya." Adam slams him up against the wall.
"Where is she?" The bartender gasps and says. "I don't but she comes in here for a drink a lot." Adam then squeezes the neck of the bartender and kills him. "Worthless Human."

[Jolteon]

Denis-

The sun was setting among the scorching dessert. Even though it was evening it was still quite warm in Triet. Denis was walking along the small oasis,looking at the fish swiming in the water. "Hmm,peaceful really. Haven't felt like this in a while." He took a seat at the water's edge and was ablout to take off his boots,when he heard a few cries for help. A little boy comes running from the west. "There's a wolf in town!!" Denis got up and went over to where the commotion was being held. As he entered the heart of town,he saw the lone wolf,running around terrorizing the place. "Oh for pete sake,it's just a young one.." He sighed and took out his bow,then placed an arrow and pulled the string back. He took aim,not letting anything distract him. He saw an oppritunity and fired,the arrow cut through the air,and hit the young wolf's leg. It fell to the ground,screaming in pain. Denis walked over to it and knelt down,"Calm down,let me wrap it up,"

After doing some patch work on the leg,the Wolf was able to stand,"Ok.now run along. You're way out of your element..." It howled and went back towards a greener climate. Denis looked at the Villagers,"Just relax,he isn't coming back." A sigh of relief flowed through the crowd,and they returned to their daily rutines. "It's best I get going,no use dwadling around here.." He put away his weapon and checked his bag. He found that everything was to his liking,and exited Triet,and entered the vast desert.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The air was uneasy,it had an ominous feeling. The sun's rays barely shun onto a masacered city. The building's where scorched while others layed completely obliterated on the ground... Bodies were strewn upon the streets and walkways,motionless and spiritless. It seemed as though the end of the world had come. In it's wake stood a young man clothed in red,and had a two sheaths,one on each side of his waist. He walked through the ravanged city,"Not bad for a couple drafties and volunteers..." A smirk appeared on his face,"Well well...look at who we have here..." He drew his blades slowly... In front of him stood a person,who had a sword in his hand,and his back was turned. "Looks like we did a reasonable job here..." he said,then turned around and saw the boy,"What do you think of this destruction.......Lloyd?" "I think,it's--" Lloyd stopped right there,and in a blink of an eye slashed through the figure. "A pretty horrible,thing to do...but are the things I've done any better?" He deposited his swords back into their sheaths and continued walking forward.

[Flower]

Through the emptying streets walked a depressed an angry magic knight. Her short, black hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, and she dragged her feet as she made her way to one of her favorite places; the pub.

Kasumi kicked open the door, dragging herself to the bar. "Gimmie...the usual..." she said, slumping onto the stool. A second later, she noticed the bartender's body across the bar. She swung herself to her left, and stared at the soldier next to her. "...Who's gonna serve me drinks now, Adam?!" she whined, pounding her fist onto the bar.

[King Leonidas]

Adam turned to Kasumi, "It's time, join me or die." Adam demanded while summoning his weapon. Several soldiers attempt to attack him for murder. But that was just wasted effort, as the soldiers attacked Adam summoned a sword of lightning that pierced into the ground. "Thunder Sword" Blake chanted as the sword sent out bolts of lightning and killed the Soldiers attacking. "So, what is your answer."

[Flower]

"Don't get your panties in a knot..." she murmured, grabbing a beer from a random guy, chugging it down as she followed Adam. The girl gave a sigh of satisfaction, and turned to the soldier.

"Now then, what do you need?" She asked, giving him a smile.

The girl wandered the streets of Meltokio, a little lost. The town was so big, and she had no idea where the Inn was. She carefully looked around, noting that the streets were emptyed so early; then again, it was getting late.

[CD-Man2021]

Just like the castle system, Meltokio is split up depending on the class. In the higher most section of Meltokio is where the rich live. The section beneath that is for the middle class. Below that are the slums, for those who cannot afford a living of their own. Near the top, second only to the king and pope, is the Chosen of Regeneration. The Chosen used to be selected for making a perilous journey in which he or she would eventually reach the Tower of Salvation and give his or her life to save the world. The last part was unknown to the general public, however, and usually the chosens themselves. Now, after the two worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe’alla have been reemerged, there is no reason for a chosen, however Zelos Wilder--the last chosen of Tethe’alla--is still treated with the uppermost respect. Zelos himself didn't mind at all. In fact, he had grown accustomed to being his title. He had been there when the two worlds joined once more. He had helped. If it wasn't for him, Collete would still be the vessel for Martel...Well, Kratos might have stopped that, but thats not the point. The point is that Zelos witnessed it. He saw what happened and who did it--Lloyd Irving. He was the one who lead their ragtag group to stop Mithos Yggdrasil and save the worlds...

But then why would Lloyd attack Pamlacosta, one of the cities he had been in and saved from the desians? Zelos had asked himself this question over and over again in his mind until it asked itself by itself like a horrible melody. The sky was dark and the wind was fresh. It seemed like nothing had really happened. With the large window open, he sat on the edge of it, feeling the wind brush him. He trusted Lloyd. That was important. Lloyd trusted him. Or at least, he hoped Lloyd still trusted him. The door behind him opened.
"Sir," Sabastion said, "I brought the tea as you asked..."
"Thanks, Sab." Zelos said, monotonously, not turning around.
"Are you worried about Sir Bud?"
Zelos didn't answer. Nodding, Sabastion left without another word.
"Seles," Zelos said to himself, "don't you dare give away your exsphere."
He had written to his half sister warning her not to do so. He only hoped it wasn't too late. He was itching. He wanted to do something--anything.
He jumped out the window. That was something, wasn't it? Feeling the wish rush across his face, he realized just how high his mansion was, and, if he had the time, would have kicked himself.

His decent, however was slowed. Two wings had appeared on his back and let him land safely.
"Never again." He whispered. He would never show these wings to the world. They smelled of foul wicked and disgusting betrayal. Slowly he walked down the streets. It wasn't safe for him here anymore. Not with the Vanguard and other such people. He began to run. Zelos didn't know where he would go, but he'd get there. Half blinded, he nearly collided with somebody. She looked lost.
"Pardon me, miss." Zelos said, stopping an inch away from her, "but I was blinded by your beauty."

[Jolteon]

Denis' night walk through the Triet dessert was somewhat calm and peaceful. He hadn't had much encouters,so his stamina was still pretty high. He finally came onto the Grasslands to see that a salvation house was still in operation. He took a peek inside and saw a few clergy praying,"Hmm might as well pay some respect," Denis knelt and closed his eyes for a moment. When the praying was done,he got up and left without taking a nap. "Let's see....If I keep up a good pace I'll reach Altemera in about two days..." He looked up at the sky,"Heh,should've stayed there in the first place....but no... I had to listen to silly rumors about Lloyd appearing around Triet. I'm such a fool...." Denis just shook his head and marched on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After viewing the aftermath,Lloyd walked over to a Ryheird,"Not much left here... I think I'll head for Syback. Want to see if those Scientists have any Knowledge on what's happening with the world." He hopped on and ascended to the sky,"And if I'm lucky,they'll speak like normal people. Not saying these 20 letter names and what not..."

[King Leonidas]

Adam-

Adam picked the young lady up, walking her outside. "I can get you all the money you want if you help me fulfill my goal." Adam said as he dropped in an alley where no one will see them.

Blake-

Blake slowly rose up out of his bed. "Yawn, well i guess it is time to head out." Blake said getting out of the bed and getting ready to leave. As Blake started out the priest of the house of guidance rushed toward him.

"Young warrior, young warrior, here is a letter." The Priest handed Blake the letter, and returned back to the front of the sanctuary. Blake opened the letter and it said,

Dear Mercenary,

I have heard many things about you warrior, i have been looking for you far and wide. Sending several letters that say the same thing as this one. Well let me get to the point, go to Sybak I will have someone waiting at the gate.

Sincerely,
Anonymous.

"Well i guess its time to go to Sybak, luckly i'm not to far." Blake said as he walked out the house.

After a few hours Blake finally made it to Sybak, looking from afar to make sure there is no trap, he spots an oddly dressed man.

[Flower]

"Wha--?" Kasumi grinned again, tugging on Adam's sleeve. "No way...really? Would you be that much of a pal to me?" She snickered, a bit drunk. He would probably be used to this behavior; the two often worked together within the Vanguard. "Aw, come on Addy...what do ya need? I've gotten you stuff before, pretty sure I can do this, too."

----------

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry!" Atoli apologized immediately, notcing the Chosen "Oh, Chosen...you have my sincerest apologies!" She made sure to bow to show respect, and couldn't help but feel a bit embarressed. "Um...may I ask that you point me to the nearest Inn?"

[King Leonidas]

"To help me take over Meltokio and then rule the world." Adam said as he was slowly getting attracted by the drunk girl. " I have the plan set up already, i just need a partner to be my right hand." Adam's face slowly started to lose that hate look, though this only happens when Kasumi was around.

[Black Rose Witch]

Soren started on his way again through the empty streets. He was a little lost, he would admit. And for some reason he couldn't remember what he should be doing. "Oh yeah, an Inn! I should be going to bed soon!" He said happily to himself, he walked past an alleyway, where he could of sworn he heard someone talking. "Hmmmm, this late at night, yeah right. I must be hearing things." He thought quietly when suddenly he bumped right into a girl. "Oof!" He shouted from the recoil looking up at Atoli. He smiled and got up and looked at her closely, wondering if she knew where an Inn was. "Um, yeah, my name is Soren, could you tell me where an Inn is?" He said to her trying not to stutter.

[CD-Man2021]

[s]"Altamira...has a theme park, doesn't it?" Bryer asked himself. "Hope theres a roller coaster." He walked through the night, just barely passing through the gates of town. "But before that I gosta find him. He kept walking. He would wait for him, wouldn't he? ...Sure why not.

"Even if there isn't peace everywhere, right now I feel very peaceful."

Bryer heard somebody say this and walked in that direction. He didn't know why he was heading for it, but he went anyway. Walking along was another boy, just a bit younger than he was.
"Hello." Bryer said loudly.[/s]


Zelos laughed.
"The inn? No. No no no, that won't do. You'll stay at my house. Anything you could ever want--you'll find it there." He could have slapped himself. Now was not the time to invite pretty ladies to his house. It was true what people said: Old habits die hard.
Someone else had also appeared, and looked somewhat out of place...
"Um, yeah, my name is Soren, could you tell me where an Inn is?"
Uh...well Zelos didn't want to look like a jerk...
"If you want," he started slowly, "you can tag along with us too."
Bah. Why were there always guys floating around?

[Flower]

Atoli looked up at the Chosen, slightly baffled. He invited her to his house? Denying the Chosen was something to be frowned upon; however, she did have little Gald and no place to stay. The girl thought to herself, unsure. Be polite and reject the offer, or be polite and accept it? Either way she'd feel bad.

"Erm, I...I could not deny the Chosen's offer..." she said, trying to decide, and looking at the boy who had bumped into her.