Titles- Part 2
Title: Titles
Fandom: Tales of Symphonia
Characters: All Playable Characters
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: Part 1 and Part 2 together= 8000+
Spoilers: Season 2
Warning: Canon, mentions of violence, mood whiplash, spoilers
Disclaimer: I don't own TOS (Originally posted on ff.net)
Summary: "Our names are what we are: our titles are who we are."
Part 1
Titles- Part 2
Summoner
“A title for one who controls non-human with the power of amulets and mana.”
She stumbled back, fearful of the stray lightning that danced like a ballerina across the temple’s floor. Words of encouragement meant little; memories of other empty lies surfacing from the depths of her mind. Only the soft, patient translations of the Professor could calm her heart. The battle was inevitable. She had foreseen it all: the pain, and the cuts and the heart-stopping moments when the lightning actually hit someone.
But that she would lose Corrine had never crossed her mind. That someone would take her closest friend, one who could never be replaced and who she would kill for… No, that was all that Volt did to her- take, take, take. Not anymore- brown eyes narrowed in determination- This time, this time I’ll be the one doing the taking.
And she did.
“I call upon the hammer of Godly lightning! I summon thee, come VOLT!”
Master Swordsman
“The demonic thrusts could create a whirlwind. The title represents his strength.”
Double demon fang… block… left… right across… Tiger Rage… dodge… counter… right slash… thrust… Hurricane Thrust… charge… retreat five steps… return slash… halt.
The spar came to a close, both opponents breathing hard, and the Chosen (the other Chosen; not theirs) looked at him with an unreadable expression. Not quite surprised, no, but definitely a little wide-eyed. The swordsman took faint satisfaction in exceeding the expectations of the Tethe’allian. (And just for a moment there was someone else standing across from him, and the swordsman had to fight down the rage that accompanied the image). “You’re very good.” The compliment was sincere; that was enough to break the illusion.
And then he didn’t need to worry about mixing them up anymore.
Warlock
“His power pierces the heavens. His strength strikes fear into all living souls.”
Well-worn pages flipped easily, his hands coming to stop on a spell he'd memorized days before- one that he would only dare practice far away from the group. Battle-hardened eyes read over the spell one more time: he could not make a mistake now. Not when his friends would pay the price for it. They were counting on him.
He found his center (inhale), felt the mana flow all around him (exhale); his heritage calling on those streams of life. Ready.
“I call upon thee in the land of the dead, to unleash thy fury of thunder - Indigination.”
Professor
“Her vast knowledge cannot be expressed in words... People call her the Professor.”
Her eyes were already drifting over the rest of the shelf as the book slid back into place, looking for any title she hadn’t already read. With a scowl, she realized all of the titles were familiar. Well, she mused to herself, ignoring her brother’s knowing- and laughing- gaze, maybe she'd missed one…
Acrobat
“Confuse the enemy with quick moves, then attack with dead-aim, like an acrobat.”
She darted over the battleground, striking quickly- always kill with a single move, if you can - and then leaping away find her next opponent. This was what she'd been trained to do; what she'd been raised to do. As a ninja of Mizuho, she must be willing to do everything and anything her chief required of her.
But as the bodies dropped around her and her allies disposed of the rest, her gaze turned to her old target: the one person she had failed to kill. The target smiled softly; tilted her head in a silent inquiry to see if she was hurt.
And some orders, she had learned, were truly better off not completed.
Axman
“It is a raging storm; a steel storm that mows down all. Nothing is left after he battle.”
The axe swung round, her opponent barely dodging the blade. As it was he hadn’t believed a little girl like her could lift her monstrous weapon, let alone wield it so deftly. Her opponent may have been able to dodge the first attack, but he wasn’t prepared for her sudden reverse. She must have broken at least three of his ribs- and his spine. Then she moved on to the next in her path.
“Wow. Look at our little Axman go.”
Gleaming Knight
“A title given to the one whose sword’s edge gleams with the magical light.”
What the Hell was he doing?
Seriously. It was a legitimate question, all things considered, and it was bugging him more and more as time went on. As the party sat around the fire, forest life tittering away in the dark, he was left to his thoughts. Perhaps they believed he didn’t have any…? It was a surprise when a cup of hot chocolate was shoved under his nose. The Summoner raised a brow and said, “Here. You look like you need it.” He felt like she was telling him he was not alone, not really.
A lie, but a beautiful lie all the same.
Battle Artist
“Calculated, beautiful battle with no waste. It can only be called art.”
As someone who had spent her whole life training and battling, she could only be envious of the Convict’s style. Of the finesse used. Of the control displayed. The sheer power behind each blow delivered. He was a warrior, though he hid it well with those shackles. Her brown eyes watched, calculating, knowing that someone so well trained could not be contained behind mere bars.
Unless they stayed behind them willingly.
Tiny Angel
“The holy title given to the one who had superhuman power and limitless love.”
Her mage friend told her that practice made perfect, and that he didn’t want to be hit by some stray Angel Arte because that would probably hurt. But at the same time he wasn’t all that amused when she did practice her Judgment.
He emerged from the river, soaked as can be from an impromptu swim from a dodging a strike of holy light, “Oi! The point of practicing is to aim!”
Battle God
“He kills all who are in his way. He is beyond beast or man. He can only be called a god.”
These woods were their domain, and they looted any who ignored the warnings of their peers. On this moonless night it was only suppose to be a simple ambush on a -foolish- lone traveler. But they were wrong.
Oh so wrong.
A trig snapped behind him and he whirled quickly on the devil with red hair, stepping from the shadows like a Demon God of Olde: like the ones banished by the Goddess Martel. His friends were dead, the realization struck him suddenly, and he was next. “M-Mercy-“
A flash of steel, the soft ‘shing’ of a blade cutting air, and a silence descended on the clearing.
“No.”
Grand Healer
“Using her energy from within, she can give her allies both salvation and healing.”
Her brother’s breathing was harsh and pained and even with all of her skill it wasn’t going to be enough to save him. “Sis…”
“Hush.” It was sharper than she had meant it to be, “Rest, I’ll take care of you.” It was all her brother needed and with her mana working as fast as she would let it, she could only watch her brother still. No.
She may have been crying, it was hard to tell, for her mana began rising inside her. It whispered that she could save him, bring his soul back to his still warm body, all she needed to do was summon it. Standing up, the others seemed mildly horrified by the sight of blood on her hands. “Stand back,” A voice that wasn’t hers said.
Swallowing hard, pushing thought aside, she let the mana take over her body, "Holy Light,” there was a sudden glow over her brother, “bring back this soul from purgatory...” The glow turned into a blinding light and for a fleeting moment she saw the other side- warm and beautiful but not nearly good enough for her brother.
“Resurrection!"
Friend
“It’s awkward talking about it, but it represents the bond between the two.”
“So… think we can actually pull this off?” The mage glanced at the blonde, waiting for his reply.
The blonde tilted his head in consideration as he assessed the probabilities. “Only if we can run faster than he can.”
The mage was suddenly unsure of their success. “I don’t think we can, but if you hook his suspenders to the tree without him noticing then we stand a chance. ”
“Hmm…” A wicked grin came to the blonde’s face, “I can do that.”
The grin was mirrored on the mage’s face, “Then on the count of three. One… Two… Three!”
Elemental Summoner
“Title to the one who opened the six gates to the three worlds and controls their mighty power.”
She breathed deep, welcoming the calmness only meditation could bring. Her breathing slowed, the sounds of the campfire faded. Her heartbeat sounded like thunder to her ears as she followed it.
This was all necessary to find her center, to check her balance. It was only from a balanced self that she could keep her pacts. Her heart held the wisdom of her ancestors, Igaguri told her once when she had been younger. That is why it was important to listen to her heart.
After all, she would need all of that wisdom.
Traitor
“A silent warrior who betrayed all trust. No reasons are given to those left behind.”
It weighed on him, sometimes. When the fire flickered out, the dawn was moments away, and he was halfway up from his seat to wake the others before realizing his error. The smoke blowing into his face bringing up memories of their shocked expressions that turned to distain, then finally to hate. Unguarded hate towards him and the trust he shattered.
But then the sun broke, and the past was always behind him. So were they.
El Presidente
“Brought to you by the Lezareno Group, ‘Making life magnificent from birth to death.’ ”
They stared.
He shifted ever so slightly, shackles jingling, under their wordless scrutiny.
Heads tilted, eyes narrowed, confusion crossing some faces.
It was the Swordsman who spoke first. “I can see it.”
Princess Guard
“It is a sword to protect and to guard for one. The knight of the princess.”
The gratitude of a grateful king brought many rewards. But he would be lying if he said gratitude was his favorite part of the deal.
No, his favorite part was walking to a party with the knowledge that there were going to be at least 7 people not out to get him. Or try and dump him in a ditch. Or the Sewers for that matter.
…Well, the Chosen mused to himself, that and the sight of the girls’ battle toned legs.
King of the Coliseum and Deadly Flower
“All doubted him at first, with his shackles... but he is the true king of the Coliseum.”
“She is a flower that blooms in the Coliseum. But at her feet are numerous corpses…”
Her axe had been scratched in the previous battle- annoying more so than worrying. With the faint stirrings of ‘irked’ she carefully repaired her blade, sharpening and polishing. The Professor had grounded two of their team, leaving only two to go forward.
“Are you ready?” Her only teammate received a glance for his troubles.
“Yes.”
“Very well.” He stood, chains jingling, and she couldn’t help but note that he stood much like the Tethe’allian Chosen did when before the king: with an un-bowing head. She did an experimental swing of her weapon, deeming it repaired, before joining him.
Finally the gates were raised and they stepped out together to the roar of the crowd.
Spiritua Reborn
“The angel of death sent from the heavens bringing death to any who oppose her. Not!”
“Oh, holy angel. How shall we deal with these creatures?”
She was still reeling a bit from the rush of power; the feel of wings pulsing behind her. What was the Tethe’allan Chosen doing? How was she supposed to answer?
“Say you're going to kill them.”
“But-” But she wasn't going to. She didn't want to. Really, how did her best friend expect her to-
“It's okay. Just say it like you're in command.”
“Um.” Okay, she could do this. How did all those bad guys from before say it? “Um.” Ah, she couldn't remember.
“Die!”
Gigolo
“You talked to every single girl in the world. A title befitting this great accomplishment.”
The Summoner sighed deeply as the village girl, blushing and stumbling over her words, walked away. Her Chosen returned smirking. Beside her the Sylvarantian Chosen tilted her head in confusion. “Something wrong?”
“Nothing. We only keep the company of a Gigolo.”
For a moment it was wise eyes looking at her, understanding what she refused to say. But the moment was gone, “What’s a Gigolo?”
Eternal Sinner
“The dark wish is fulfilled but it is not the end. He fights for those hurt by Exspheres.”
In the end, when the last of Vangard’s blood had cooled and the news of the crook’s death was registered, he could not say it was over.
Oh, he had his revenge. Though he was shamed that someone’s death brought warmth to his heart and relief to the burden he carried. But… the burden was still there. Smaller perhaps but unfinished nonetheless: like an itch on a half-healed wound. He glanced at the small spheres of magic- tragic omens for all in the party.
It seemed his true work was only beginning.
Dad
“A name I will never be called... and did not seek... until now.”
He caught the toddler, now giggling and laughing and clapping tiny hands in joy. A small smile came to his face as the child reached for some stray strains of hair. A smile that promptly turned to a grimace when the toddler gave a sharp tug- the boy was stronger than he looked, “Up! Up!”
A red brow rose at the request, “Again?”
“Up! Up!”
Perhaps he let too much of his strength go, because his son went up and up and a sinking feeling began to settle when his son was just a dot in the sky.
‘Anna’s going to kill me.’
Eternal Swordsman
“The sword promises eternity, and its radiance will transcend time and space.”
The blades were so different than any he had wielded before. One left his hand warm- not hot, but a gentle warmth that brought comfort. The other, cool but not cold, like a glass of water in the desert.
It only made sense, he thought to himself, that both style were needed to create something eternal.
Master Summoner
“The title for the great one who can even summon the gods.”
She wonders when it changed. When did she start to feel a deep sense of belonging when she sat on the ground and her hand rested on the earth? Or how she felt calm when near the ocean. That it was only when the wind was blowing she could truly breath. That she wasn’t scared of the dark, or the light, any more.
She wonders if this was normal.
Most of all, she wonders if she should be hearing whispers in the back of her mind telling her things no mortal should know.
The Spirits were restless.
Perfect Battler
“Each blow crushes the enemy. The word ‘perfect’ does not even began to describe...”
He landed softly, only the tiniest dust cloud indicated he had moved at all. All around the monsters dropped like stones- having never stood a chance.
Bursting Girl
“Run right and boom! Run left and boom! The ax she wields shakes the earth!”
The fire flickered as she added another log to the fire. Across the flame the littlest Halfling was staring at her. “Something wrong?”
He sputtered at being caught, cheeks pink in a manner that had nothing to do the fire, “No- No! Nothing’s wrong at all!”
She tilted her head before returning to her seat, axe in hand.
Blushing, he almost looked cute.
Almost.
Elegant Swordsman
“The rays of beauty emanated from him. Your beautiful eyes reflect off his blade.”
It almost seemed surreal to believe that his adventure would end, one way or another, today.
He almost felt guilty.
Almost.
But then he crossed blades with a friend, whose eyes were ablaze with fury that couldn’t have possibly been entirely directed at him, and he felt rage. Rage at the fact they never saw him for what he truly was.
But she still held him, after a battle lost, and had silent tears sliding down her face while a hand tried to cover a wound far too deep.
Now he felt guilty.
Elegant Swordman 2.0
“The rays of beauty emanated from him. Your beautiful eyes reflect off his blade.”
Oh boy, he was in trouble. Like, ‘his ass was grass and they had a scythe’ kind of trouble. Those Angels would have his head for supper and his heart for dessert. Why, oh why, did he have to like these guys enough to fight with them?
On the other hand, those Angels would have to beat his friends first. And as the Gatekeeper fell, hard by the way, he was starting to think they had a chance. Granted it was an itty-bitty, couldn’t-be-more-than-pea-sized chance.
But he wasn’t going to point that out.
Ultimate Summoner
“The title which praises the strength of the one who trains her body and soul earnestly.”
She heard the whispers, so clearly it was as if the Spirits were standing right next to her, giving advice and comments. There might be another reason why someone needs Elfish blood to make a pact, because the lines between reality and her own mind are blurring now.
And it will break her.
She knows this instinctively, and in a moment of weakness she confides in her Chosen, who looks at her with a put out expression. “You never hesitate to put me in my place- why are they so special?” She blinked at him, and opened her mouth to respond only to close it. Spirits damn him, he was right.
The effort of shooing the Spirits out her mind left her pale, but they eventually bowed to their Summoner and her unbreakable will.
It was her Chosen who caught her when she did faint.
Wisewoman
“The title for the noble one who sees through the lens of the cosmos.”
The ruins were excavated with the most cautious of care. This was, after all, the proof that Sylvarant was once the prosperous land when the world was divided, that mana was split between them. Her notebook was filling quickly with these Dynasty Ruins’ sketches and her ‘helpers’ weren’t that bad. But…
“If you two are by those vases I’ll hang both of you in the rafters.”
War God
“A powerful force itself. His battle spirit will tear the earth and shakes the heavens.”
Derris-Karlan would travel the depths of space, with him as a passenger. Part of him called himself a coward- more proof he should stop hanging around with Yuan. His son took it better than expected, there was no fight to keep him around. For the best- he was sure he wouldn’t win. Torent Forest was proof enough of that.
But if he was acknowledging he would lose such a battle, why did he still feel proud?
Mana Master
“A master of mana and reason. That’s what the people call the boy with godlike powers.”
He wasn’t sure what to think when all he had to do to win a battle was say his name. Before he ever made it to ‘Sage’, his opponents were either long gone or stumbling over themselves in an attempt to convince him not to use Indignation Judgement.
Not bad for a twelve year old.
Angelic Maiden
“The title of light given to the goddess who flies through the heavens.”
There were some things that never changed.
She probably should have seen the loose board in the church but by the time she noticed she was already halfway down.
To her surprise, she didn’t hit the floor though- her face hovering feet away from the wood. Several pairs of hands gripped her and pulled her up. All eyes were amused and no longer surprised with her clumsiness.
On the other hand, some things did change.
Holy Sword
“A man who has reached the pinnacle of battle. He commands respect from all.”
Defend… block… wait… thrust… Demonic Tiger Blade… dodge… swing right… dart left… jump… wait… Rising Phoenix.
He landed, the flames of the arte dissipating leaving only scorch marks on the rock- he was no longer so reckless as to practice in the plains. With a sudden glance, he realized that the sun was setting. He had been there since noon.
With the material blades in hand, he just watched as the sun crept beneath the horizon. It would rise tomorrow, he knew, but that day would never be this day.
Turning his back on the setting sun, he sheathed his blades.
~Fin~
Fandom: Tales of Symphonia
Characters: All Playable Characters
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: Part 1 and Part 2 together= 8000+
Spoilers: Season 2
Warning: Canon, mentions of violence, mood whiplash, spoilers
Disclaimer: I don't own TOS (Originally posted on ff.net)
Summary: "Our names are what we are: our titles are who we are."
Part 1
Titles- Part 2
Summoner
“A title for one who controls non-human with the power of amulets and mana.”
She stumbled back, fearful of the stray lightning that danced like a ballerina across the temple’s floor. Words of encouragement meant little; memories of other empty lies surfacing from the depths of her mind. Only the soft, patient translations of the Professor could calm her heart. The battle was inevitable. She had foreseen it all: the pain, and the cuts and the heart-stopping moments when the lightning actually hit someone.
But that she would lose Corrine had never crossed her mind. That someone would take her closest friend, one who could never be replaced and who she would kill for… No, that was all that Volt did to her- take, take, take. Not anymore- brown eyes narrowed in determination- This time, this time I’ll be the one doing the taking.
And she did.
“I call upon the hammer of Godly lightning! I summon thee, come VOLT!”
Master Swordsman
“The demonic thrusts could create a whirlwind. The title represents his strength.”
Double demon fang… block… left… right across… Tiger Rage… dodge… counter… right slash… thrust… Hurricane Thrust… charge… retreat five steps… return slash… halt.
The spar came to a close, both opponents breathing hard, and the Chosen (the other Chosen; not theirs) looked at him with an unreadable expression. Not quite surprised, no, but definitely a little wide-eyed. The swordsman took faint satisfaction in exceeding the expectations of the Tethe’allian. (And just for a moment there was someone else standing across from him, and the swordsman had to fight down the rage that accompanied the image). “You’re very good.” The compliment was sincere; that was enough to break the illusion.
And then he didn’t need to worry about mixing them up anymore.
Warlock
“His power pierces the heavens. His strength strikes fear into all living souls.”
Well-worn pages flipped easily, his hands coming to stop on a spell he'd memorized days before- one that he would only dare practice far away from the group. Battle-hardened eyes read over the spell one more time: he could not make a mistake now. Not when his friends would pay the price for it. They were counting on him.
He found his center (inhale), felt the mana flow all around him (exhale); his heritage calling on those streams of life. Ready.
“I call upon thee in the land of the dead, to unleash thy fury of thunder - Indigination.”
Professor
“Her vast knowledge cannot be expressed in words... People call her the Professor.”
Her eyes were already drifting over the rest of the shelf as the book slid back into place, looking for any title she hadn’t already read. With a scowl, she realized all of the titles were familiar. Well, she mused to herself, ignoring her brother’s knowing- and laughing- gaze, maybe she'd missed one…
Acrobat
“Confuse the enemy with quick moves, then attack with dead-aim, like an acrobat.”
She darted over the battleground, striking quickly- always kill with a single move, if you can - and then leaping away find her next opponent. This was what she'd been trained to do; what she'd been raised to do. As a ninja of Mizuho, she must be willing to do everything and anything her chief required of her.
But as the bodies dropped around her and her allies disposed of the rest, her gaze turned to her old target: the one person she had failed to kill. The target smiled softly; tilted her head in a silent inquiry to see if she was hurt.
And some orders, she had learned, were truly better off not completed.
Axman
“It is a raging storm; a steel storm that mows down all. Nothing is left after he battle.”
The axe swung round, her opponent barely dodging the blade. As it was he hadn’t believed a little girl like her could lift her monstrous weapon, let alone wield it so deftly. Her opponent may have been able to dodge the first attack, but he wasn’t prepared for her sudden reverse. She must have broken at least three of his ribs- and his spine. Then she moved on to the next in her path.
“Wow. Look at our little Axman go.”
Gleaming Knight
“A title given to the one whose sword’s edge gleams with the magical light.”
What the Hell was he doing?
Seriously. It was a legitimate question, all things considered, and it was bugging him more and more as time went on. As the party sat around the fire, forest life tittering away in the dark, he was left to his thoughts. Perhaps they believed he didn’t have any…? It was a surprise when a cup of hot chocolate was shoved under his nose. The Summoner raised a brow and said, “Here. You look like you need it.” He felt like she was telling him he was not alone, not really.
A lie, but a beautiful lie all the same.
Battle Artist
“Calculated, beautiful battle with no waste. It can only be called art.”
As someone who had spent her whole life training and battling, she could only be envious of the Convict’s style. Of the finesse used. Of the control displayed. The sheer power behind each blow delivered. He was a warrior, though he hid it well with those shackles. Her brown eyes watched, calculating, knowing that someone so well trained could not be contained behind mere bars.
Unless they stayed behind them willingly.
Tiny Angel
“The holy title given to the one who had superhuman power and limitless love.”
Her mage friend told her that practice made perfect, and that he didn’t want to be hit by some stray Angel Arte because that would probably hurt. But at the same time he wasn’t all that amused when she did practice her Judgment.
He emerged from the river, soaked as can be from an impromptu swim from a dodging a strike of holy light, “Oi! The point of practicing is to aim!”
Battle God
“He kills all who are in his way. He is beyond beast or man. He can only be called a god.”
These woods were their domain, and they looted any who ignored the warnings of their peers. On this moonless night it was only suppose to be a simple ambush on a -foolish- lone traveler. But they were wrong.
Oh so wrong.
A trig snapped behind him and he whirled quickly on the devil with red hair, stepping from the shadows like a Demon God of Olde: like the ones banished by the Goddess Martel. His friends were dead, the realization struck him suddenly, and he was next. “M-Mercy-“
A flash of steel, the soft ‘shing’ of a blade cutting air, and a silence descended on the clearing.
“No.”
Grand Healer
“Using her energy from within, she can give her allies both salvation and healing.”
Her brother’s breathing was harsh and pained and even with all of her skill it wasn’t going to be enough to save him. “Sis…”
“Hush.” It was sharper than she had meant it to be, “Rest, I’ll take care of you.” It was all her brother needed and with her mana working as fast as she would let it, she could only watch her brother still. No.
She may have been crying, it was hard to tell, for her mana began rising inside her. It whispered that she could save him, bring his soul back to his still warm body, all she needed to do was summon it. Standing up, the others seemed mildly horrified by the sight of blood on her hands. “Stand back,” A voice that wasn’t hers said.
Swallowing hard, pushing thought aside, she let the mana take over her body, "Holy Light,” there was a sudden glow over her brother, “bring back this soul from purgatory...” The glow turned into a blinding light and for a fleeting moment she saw the other side- warm and beautiful but not nearly good enough for her brother.
“Resurrection!"
Friend
“It’s awkward talking about it, but it represents the bond between the two.”
“So… think we can actually pull this off?” The mage glanced at the blonde, waiting for his reply.
The blonde tilted his head in consideration as he assessed the probabilities. “Only if we can run faster than he can.”
The mage was suddenly unsure of their success. “I don’t think we can, but if you hook his suspenders to the tree without him noticing then we stand a chance. ”
“Hmm…” A wicked grin came to the blonde’s face, “I can do that.”
The grin was mirrored on the mage’s face, “Then on the count of three. One… Two… Three!”
Elemental Summoner
“Title to the one who opened the six gates to the three worlds and controls their mighty power.”
She breathed deep, welcoming the calmness only meditation could bring. Her breathing slowed, the sounds of the campfire faded. Her heartbeat sounded like thunder to her ears as she followed it.
This was all necessary to find her center, to check her balance. It was only from a balanced self that she could keep her pacts. Her heart held the wisdom of her ancestors, Igaguri told her once when she had been younger. That is why it was important to listen to her heart.
After all, she would need all of that wisdom.
Traitor
“A silent warrior who betrayed all trust. No reasons are given to those left behind.”
It weighed on him, sometimes. When the fire flickered out, the dawn was moments away, and he was halfway up from his seat to wake the others before realizing his error. The smoke blowing into his face bringing up memories of their shocked expressions that turned to distain, then finally to hate. Unguarded hate towards him and the trust he shattered.
But then the sun broke, and the past was always behind him. So were they.
El Presidente
“Brought to you by the Lezareno Group, ‘Making life magnificent from birth to death.’ ”
They stared.
He shifted ever so slightly, shackles jingling, under their wordless scrutiny.
Heads tilted, eyes narrowed, confusion crossing some faces.
It was the Swordsman who spoke first. “I can see it.”
Princess Guard
“It is a sword to protect and to guard for one. The knight of the princess.”
The gratitude of a grateful king brought many rewards. But he would be lying if he said gratitude was his favorite part of the deal.
No, his favorite part was walking to a party with the knowledge that there were going to be at least 7 people not out to get him. Or try and dump him in a ditch. Or the Sewers for that matter.
…Well, the Chosen mused to himself, that and the sight of the girls’ battle toned legs.
King of the Coliseum and Deadly Flower
“All doubted him at first, with his shackles... but he is the true king of the Coliseum.”
“She is a flower that blooms in the Coliseum. But at her feet are numerous corpses…”
Her axe had been scratched in the previous battle- annoying more so than worrying. With the faint stirrings of ‘irked’ she carefully repaired her blade, sharpening and polishing. The Professor had grounded two of their team, leaving only two to go forward.
“Are you ready?” Her only teammate received a glance for his troubles.
“Yes.”
“Very well.” He stood, chains jingling, and she couldn’t help but note that he stood much like the Tethe’allian Chosen did when before the king: with an un-bowing head. She did an experimental swing of her weapon, deeming it repaired, before joining him.
Finally the gates were raised and they stepped out together to the roar of the crowd.
Spiritua Reborn
“The angel of death sent from the heavens bringing death to any who oppose her. Not!”
“Oh, holy angel. How shall we deal with these creatures?”
She was still reeling a bit from the rush of power; the feel of wings pulsing behind her. What was the Tethe’allan Chosen doing? How was she supposed to answer?
“Say you're going to kill them.”
“But-” But she wasn't going to. She didn't want to. Really, how did her best friend expect her to-
“It's okay. Just say it like you're in command.”
“Um.” Okay, she could do this. How did all those bad guys from before say it? “Um.” Ah, she couldn't remember.
“Die!”
Gigolo
“You talked to every single girl in the world. A title befitting this great accomplishment.”
The Summoner sighed deeply as the village girl, blushing and stumbling over her words, walked away. Her Chosen returned smirking. Beside her the Sylvarantian Chosen tilted her head in confusion. “Something wrong?”
“Nothing. We only keep the company of a Gigolo.”
For a moment it was wise eyes looking at her, understanding what she refused to say. But the moment was gone, “What’s a Gigolo?”
Eternal Sinner
“The dark wish is fulfilled but it is not the end. He fights for those hurt by Exspheres.”
In the end, when the last of Vangard’s blood had cooled and the news of the crook’s death was registered, he could not say it was over.
Oh, he had his revenge. Though he was shamed that someone’s death brought warmth to his heart and relief to the burden he carried. But… the burden was still there. Smaller perhaps but unfinished nonetheless: like an itch on a half-healed wound. He glanced at the small spheres of magic- tragic omens for all in the party.
It seemed his true work was only beginning.
Dad
“A name I will never be called... and did not seek... until now.”
He caught the toddler, now giggling and laughing and clapping tiny hands in joy. A small smile came to his face as the child reached for some stray strains of hair. A smile that promptly turned to a grimace when the toddler gave a sharp tug- the boy was stronger than he looked, “Up! Up!”
A red brow rose at the request, “Again?”
“Up! Up!”
Perhaps he let too much of his strength go, because his son went up and up and a sinking feeling began to settle when his son was just a dot in the sky.
‘Anna’s going to kill me.’
Eternal Swordsman
“The sword promises eternity, and its radiance will transcend time and space.”
The blades were so different than any he had wielded before. One left his hand warm- not hot, but a gentle warmth that brought comfort. The other, cool but not cold, like a glass of water in the desert.
It only made sense, he thought to himself, that both style were needed to create something eternal.
Master Summoner
“The title for the great one who can even summon the gods.”
She wonders when it changed. When did she start to feel a deep sense of belonging when she sat on the ground and her hand rested on the earth? Or how she felt calm when near the ocean. That it was only when the wind was blowing she could truly breath. That she wasn’t scared of the dark, or the light, any more.
She wonders if this was normal.
Most of all, she wonders if she should be hearing whispers in the back of her mind telling her things no mortal should know.
The Spirits were restless.
Perfect Battler
“Each blow crushes the enemy. The word ‘perfect’ does not even began to describe...”
He landed softly, only the tiniest dust cloud indicated he had moved at all. All around the monsters dropped like stones- having never stood a chance.
Bursting Girl
“Run right and boom! Run left and boom! The ax she wields shakes the earth!”
The fire flickered as she added another log to the fire. Across the flame the littlest Halfling was staring at her. “Something wrong?”
He sputtered at being caught, cheeks pink in a manner that had nothing to do the fire, “No- No! Nothing’s wrong at all!”
She tilted her head before returning to her seat, axe in hand.
Blushing, he almost looked cute.
Almost.
Elegant Swordsman
“The rays of beauty emanated from him. Your beautiful eyes reflect off his blade.”
It almost seemed surreal to believe that his adventure would end, one way or another, today.
He almost felt guilty.
Almost.
But then he crossed blades with a friend, whose eyes were ablaze with fury that couldn’t have possibly been entirely directed at him, and he felt rage. Rage at the fact they never saw him for what he truly was.
But she still held him, after a battle lost, and had silent tears sliding down her face while a hand tried to cover a wound far too deep.
Now he felt guilty.
Elegant Swordman 2.0
“The rays of beauty emanated from him. Your beautiful eyes reflect off his blade.”
Oh boy, he was in trouble. Like, ‘his ass was grass and they had a scythe’ kind of trouble. Those Angels would have his head for supper and his heart for dessert. Why, oh why, did he have to like these guys enough to fight with them?
On the other hand, those Angels would have to beat his friends first. And as the Gatekeeper fell, hard by the way, he was starting to think they had a chance. Granted it was an itty-bitty, couldn’t-be-more-than-pea-sized chance.
But he wasn’t going to point that out.
Ultimate Summoner
“The title which praises the strength of the one who trains her body and soul earnestly.”
She heard the whispers, so clearly it was as if the Spirits were standing right next to her, giving advice and comments. There might be another reason why someone needs Elfish blood to make a pact, because the lines between reality and her own mind are blurring now.
And it will break her.
She knows this instinctively, and in a moment of weakness she confides in her Chosen, who looks at her with a put out expression. “You never hesitate to put me in my place- why are they so special?” She blinked at him, and opened her mouth to respond only to close it. Spirits damn him, he was right.
The effort of shooing the Spirits out her mind left her pale, but they eventually bowed to their Summoner and her unbreakable will.
It was her Chosen who caught her when she did faint.
Wisewoman
“The title for the noble one who sees through the lens of the cosmos.”
The ruins were excavated with the most cautious of care. This was, after all, the proof that Sylvarant was once the prosperous land when the world was divided, that mana was split between them. Her notebook was filling quickly with these Dynasty Ruins’ sketches and her ‘helpers’ weren’t that bad. But…
“If you two are by those vases I’ll hang both of you in the rafters.”
War God
“A powerful force itself. His battle spirit will tear the earth and shakes the heavens.”
Derris-Karlan would travel the depths of space, with him as a passenger. Part of him called himself a coward- more proof he should stop hanging around with Yuan. His son took it better than expected, there was no fight to keep him around. For the best- he was sure he wouldn’t win. Torent Forest was proof enough of that.
But if he was acknowledging he would lose such a battle, why did he still feel proud?
Mana Master
“A master of mana and reason. That’s what the people call the boy with godlike powers.”
He wasn’t sure what to think when all he had to do to win a battle was say his name. Before he ever made it to ‘Sage’, his opponents were either long gone or stumbling over themselves in an attempt to convince him not to use Indignation Judgement.
Not bad for a twelve year old.
Angelic Maiden
“The title of light given to the goddess who flies through the heavens.”
There were some things that never changed.
She probably should have seen the loose board in the church but by the time she noticed she was already halfway down.
To her surprise, she didn’t hit the floor though- her face hovering feet away from the wood. Several pairs of hands gripped her and pulled her up. All eyes were amused and no longer surprised with her clumsiness.
On the other hand, some things did change.
Holy Sword
“A man who has reached the pinnacle of battle. He commands respect from all.”
Defend… block… wait… thrust… Demonic Tiger Blade… dodge… swing right… dart left… jump… wait… Rising Phoenix.
He landed, the flames of the arte dissipating leaving only scorch marks on the rock- he was no longer so reckless as to practice in the plains. With a sudden glance, he realized that the sun was setting. He had been there since noon.
With the material blades in hand, he just watched as the sun crept beneath the horizon. It would rise tomorrow, he knew, but that day would never be this day.
Turning his back on the setting sun, he sheathed his blades.
~Fin~