A/N:

Hello there! I know it's been a while since I last posted something – this "newest" fanfic is actually my oldest, I wrote it around 15 years ago. This story is an OC-centric novelisation of the game Tales of Symphonia, though it also draws inspiration from the manga and Season 1 of the anime – I didn't like Season 2 much and never watched Season 3. ToS was the first RPG I ever played (back on the GC), and the game holds a special place in my heart to this day. It taught me so much, helped me grasp things my mind could only understand on a logical level, but not on an emotional. Discrimination sucks.

This story was completed before Dawn of the New World was released, and therefore ignores all events and characters from that game – the Alice in my story has nothing to do with the brat from DotNW.

I originally wrote the story in German (15-year-old me wasn't good at English) and later translated it. Recently, I went over it with my girlfriend, Caradilis, after we'd played the game together and she voiced complaints about the ending. She helped me get everything into a presentable form and also encouraged me to expand on certain scenes and add some new ones altogether. Without her help, this story would have remained hidden away inside a "drawer".

I'd categorize this story as family/hurt/comfort/drama (not necessarily in that order). Even though it is rated T, there's going to be some hefty psychological themes in this, so beware.

This story will be featuring:

Two oversized blond teenagers with anger management issues who can't let go of the past ~ the world's worst double-agent ~ the world's best quadruple-agent ~ Aurion men being dense AF ~ Aurion women pretending not to be Aurion women, and getting away with it ~ Kratos being terrified of his father-in-law ~ btw, Kratos and Anna have parents ~ the Aurion family is huge, though most of them are dead ~ trauma ~ depression ~ self-hatred and -harm ~ lots of psychological issues (this is a ToS fanfic, after all) ~ Zelos and Sheena being adorkable ~ Mylene getting her due (seriously, I hate her) ~ self-esteem-issues ~ family bonding ~ Kratos being terrible at self-care ~ his younger family members trying to take care of him as a result ~ Kratos not being a morning person ~ Yuan wondering if his foster-child having a foster-child makes him a grandfather ~ men telling women that it's all right to show emotions and cry when they feel like it


Elerína was sitting on the edge of a fountain, frowning at her reflection in the clear water. A pale, slightly angular face stared back at her, framed by silver-blonde, slightly wavy hair. Rína had a habit of braiding her hair or tying it back, revealing her pointy ears – she was a half-elf, and proud of it. Anyone who had a problem with that could go to hell, as far as she was concerned.

Casting her eyes about the place, she spotted a lot of carefree, happy people, families, mostly. Elerína felt a pang of envy – her mother had died in childbirth, long before her time, and she'd lost her father when she was 10. In addition to that, everyone she had known as a child was long dead (with the exception of two people, one being her foster-father and the other a certain person she didn't care to think about) – the curse of being the only immortal being around. It was a lonely existence, with all her friends and family gone. She had formed new friendships over the centuries, of course, but had never been able to connect with anyone on a deeper level.

This, as well as bad experiences with humans in her younger years, had left her cold and bitter.

Despite being well over 2.000 years old, Elerína looked like a girl of 18. She had chosen a young, strong body that was flexible and energetic. She supposed that a slightly older body might give her more strength, but that wasn't really necessary in her case, and she quite liked the way she looked. The Cruxis Crystal she was using had been one of the last gifts she had received from her father. As much as she hated him, she couldn't deny that it had been a pretty awesome gift.

Given that she was the oldest person in her village, leadership had passed to her at one point, however, Elerína had eventually grown bored and restless. Since she had already travelled all over Tethe'alla as a young woman, she had now decided to explore Sylvarant.

Elerína turned her head and spotted a couple of humans who were staring at her out of eyes filled with hatred. Humans despised half-elves because they were different. Not bothered by that, she stared back, until they broke eye contact and walked away.

This little village was called Luin. It was a small fishing village situated on the shores of a lake called Sinoa, some of the houses had been built on poles over the water. The people here seemed to be doing well, even though a Desian Human Ranch was close by. Elerína sighed. The Desians were another reason why humans hated all half-elves. All Desians were half-elves, but not every half-elf was a Desian. But that was something humans just didn't get.

As Elerína continued to look around, she spotted someone she knew.

Kratos Aurion! What in the name of the Great Tree is he doing here?! The "how" is easy – he either ordered an angel to make him a portal to Sylvarant, or he did it himself. He is powerful enough, after all. But what is one of the Four Seraphim of Cruxis doing in a place like this?

Kratos briefly glanced in her direction, but didn't appear to recognise her. How could he, after all, they hadn't seen each other in almost 2.000 years. Rína had been 10 years old back then, and looked the part, too. Additionally, he thought that she was dead.

Kratos... the most despicable human being existing in the two worlds. And the fact that he's my father doesn't change a thing! I hate this guy!

Even though Kratos' stance seemed relaxed, Elerína could tell he wasn't at ease at all. His left hand was resting on the handle of his longsword and his brown eyes kept scanning his surroundings, as though he expected the villagers to be up to something nefarious.

Rína noticed a small boy of maybe three years, who was sneaking up on Kratos from behind. He was holding a wooden stick like a sword and used it to strike at Kratos' knees. Kratos spun round, grabbed the boy and threw him high into the air. The little one squeaked with delight. While Elerína still tried to make sense of that, a voice next to her spoke.

"Your clothes are weird."

Elerína's eyebrows rose as she took in the newcomer. "You think so?"

"Mhm."

"I made them myself. I use them for hunting, fighting and travelling."

Elerína was wearing a white long-sleeved tunic, a dark blue pair of trousers and a knee-length sleeveless coat made of a light blue fabric which was laced up under her arms and parted on both sides, so she could move around freely.

Now she eyed the other one closely. She was human, and about the same age as the boy was. However, something about her aura was strange – it would have rather befitted a half-elf than a human. Her hair was the same shade as Kratos', though curly, and her eyes were of a deep blue. Rína frowned at the implications of that.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Alice. And you?"

"Elerína."

"You're a half-elf", she stated calmly.

"You don't seem to mind."

"Nope. Mum always says that not all half-elves are evil. Grandpa is one, and he's the best."

Elerína nodded, not really sure what to say to that.

"Do you live in this village?", she asked after a pause.

"No, we're just here to visit grandpa."

"Who's 'we'?"

The girl pointed at Kratos and the boy.

"Mum, Dad and Lloyd. Don't know where Mum is right now, though."

The fact that she had two younger half-siblings came as a bit of a surprise to Rína, though Alice's looks had been a hint. However, what was even more funny was the fact that she now had a stepmother who was much, much younger than her.

Also, Alice and Lloyd Aurion. Kratos must've gotten a kick out of picking those two names.

"Are you twins?"

"Yes, but I'm older."

"I see."

"Um – did I say something bad?"

Elerína gave Alice a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"

Alice suddenly seemed nervous and embarrassed.

"I can feel your feelings."

Surprised, Elerína regarded her younger sister. In her whole life, she had never met anyone who possessed that gift.

A new voice made them jump.

"Alice! There you are."

"Hi, mum! This is Lína. She's a half-elf."

"I can see that, honey." She turned to Elerína. "I'm Anna. I hope Alice didn't bother you too much... She has a habit of talking to people she takes a liking to – I can't get her to stop doing that."

"Don't worry about it, our conversation was very – interesting."

Anna's hair was brown, and she had passed on her eyes to her daughter. When Elerína eyed Lloyd more closely, she noticed that he had inherited Kratos' eyes. His hair, however, was the same shade as his mother's, it lacked the red tint that both Kratos and Alice had.

"Would you like to eat with us?", Anna asked. "I know half-elves often have a hard time getting by..."

"Thanks for the offer", Elerína replied, surprised, "but I must decline. I have still a way to go and should be leaving."

That was nothing but a lie. Elerína feared getting too close to her father.

My hatred is much stronger now than before, I don't know if I could control myself around him... and if I should try to kill him, his family would never forgive me. Besides, I don't like the thought of making my siblings half-orphans. Dammit, just why did he have to marry again?

Elerína rose to her feet, shouldered her bow and quiver and tightened her sword belts before leaving the village. She could feel Alice's gaze on her back.

Several weeks had passed since the encounter with her "family". From Luin, Elerína had travelled south and reached the small village of Hima, which consisted only of an inn and a small temple. Several days later, she reached a small fishing village named Izoold.

Elerína knew that the continents of Sylvarant were aligned in a rough circle. Hima was the southernmost city on the Asgard Continent, which comprised the areas of Hima, Luin and the city of Asgard to the south-east of Luin. The three cities were aligned in a triangle, but the only way to get from Asgard to Hima was to take the route via Luin, as an impassable mountain range rose between Hima and Asgard. If one went further east and crossed the Hakonesia Peak, one reached the Palmacosta Continent, which stretched to the south. The last continent lay to the west, across the sea, it was called the Triet Continent and comprised the areas of Izoold, Triet and Iselia.

Leaving Izoold, Elerína crossed the Ossa Trail and reached the Triet Desert. Tethe'alla had a desert as well, but it was a frozen wasteland, not a seemingly endless sea of dunes.

The heat here is incredible... The Temple of Fire must be close by. I'd just love to see Efreet...

Thankfully, being an angel allowed Elerína to withstand extreme temperatures, so she simply switched off her body's sense of temperature. She would still have to make sure she drank enough, though.

If she wanted to, she could also become completely immune to pain and suppress her emotions to a point where she was unable to express them. However, she had never seen the need to go that far. Another bonus about being an angel was that sleeping and eating were optional.

The Temple of Fire lay hidden within some ancient ruins. Elerína had planned to explore the temple thoroughly, but found the entrance sealed by an Oracle Stone.

What's that? In Tethe'alla you can just walk in and explore – provided you're ready to face whatever monsters may be waiting for you. Damn those Cruxis angles... always spoiling the fun.

Elerína was in a very bad mood when she returned to Triet, feeling that she needed to find something she could vent it on. Luck, it seemed, was on her side.

She was surprised to find a troop of Desians in the marked square. Some of them were just arriving and reporting to their captain.

"We couldn't find them, even though we searched the whole town, sir. They're not here."

The captain snorted. "Dammit, those inferior beings sure are a slippery bunch. But we have to find them..."

He turned to address the townspeople.

"Listen up, vermin! We are searching for a group of four people. Two adults and their twin brats. The man's called Kratos and the woman Anna. Has anyone of you miserable creatures seen them? Answer me!"

Elerína gasped.

It can't be!

She took a step forward.

"Hey, Desian scum! Why are you looking for those people?"

The captain spun around.

"That is none of your business, woman!"

"I don't like your tone of voice. Just because you happen to wear a uniform and I doesn't give you the right to speak to me like that!", Elerína snapped, her ire rising.

That clearly enraged him.

"I'll have you arrested and thrown into a cell to rot!"

Rína laughed. "You must be delusional, boy, to think that you would stand a chance against me."

She could hear him grind his teeth – being taunted in front of his men made him look bad.

"Get her!"

Elerína moved her left hand upwards. A ray of light emanated from it and hit the captain squarely in the chest. He was thrown halfway across the plaza and hit the ground hard.

Rather pleased with herself, Elerína lowered her hand. Only an angel could survive an attack that strong.

By now, the remaining Desians had realised their leader was dead. One of them drew his sabre.

"Kill her! She's a Renegade!"

Elerína slowly shook her head, pitying him for his stupidity.

Foolish boy...

Slowly, she drew her twin blades. Nyx with her left, and with her right, Hemera. Nyx had been forged from darkness that had been forced into a physical form with magic, it absorbed the light around it. Hemera was its complete opposite – made from light, it radiated brightness. Finest elven craftsmanship.

"Come on, boys! Show me what you got."

Shouting angrily, the Desians attacked. Elerína dodged the first, blocked the second with one sword and attacked with the other at the same time. The first Desian fell. The Desians now formed a circle around her to attack from all sides at once, but both Kratos and Yuan, her foster-father, had been excellent teachers. Elerína caused an eruption that threw her enemies off their feet. Again, she raised her hand.

"Holy Lance!"

Lances made of pure light fell from the sky onto one of the Desians. In the meantime, she killed another.

Even though they tried their very best, they were no match for Elerína's magic and sword skills. One after the other, they fell.

Just as Elerína finished off what she thought was the last of them, she noticed that one was making a run for it. Smiling, she sheathed her swords. The Desian had created a shield around himself that would deflect a magical attack. However, no defence was perfect...

Elerína strung her bow and nocked an arrow. Drawing the bowstring back to her right ear, she aimed at the man while muttering a few words in the elven language. Then she let the arrow fly.

The Desian was fast, but not fast enough. As soon as the arrow had penetrated the shield, Elerína invoked the spell she had placed on it. The arrowhead turned to pure ice. It hit right between the breastplate and the helmet. The Desian collapsed.

Elerína loosened the bowstring and fastened the bow to her quiver, then, she turned back around to face the townspeople, who looked shaken.

"I need to know if any of you have seen the people the Desians were looking for. I have to find them, quickly, before more of those bastards get on their trail."

Elerína knew that Kratos was powerful, but he would have a hard time fighting while protecting three people. All manner of things could go wrong in such a scenario, and Rína's heart clenched at the thought of someone hurting that little girl.

A man took an uncertain step in her direction.

"You're a half-elf, aren't you?"

"Yes. You got a problem with that?"

"N-no! But you – you're not a Desian, right?"

"I hate the Desians, they're a disgrace to my people! And I'm not the only one who thinks that way. But this is entirely beside the point. The people they're looking for are acquaintances of mine. They're in danger and I have to find them – before the Desians do. Just tell me in which direction they were headed! Please."

Rína couldn't really believe she had actually said that. She didn't like having to plead like that, and she could not understand why she was worried for some humans. Humans were to be detested and avoided, or so she had believed all those years.

"They went north, in the direction of Iselia. The woman – Anna – looked sick, and the kids traumatised..."

"Thanks."

This doesn't sound good. I'd better find them, fast.

"When did you last see them?"

"Two days ago."

Elerína nodded curtly and turned away. She took a deep breath and allowed the Cruxis Crystal to partly take over her body. From now on, she would need neither sleep nor food. And that would save a lot of time.

As soon as the oasis was out of sight, Rína spread her wings. They were white feathery wings with a span of four metres. Even though they seemed solid, they consisted entirely of light.

Elerína kicked off the ground and flew in the direction the man had indicated.

Upon reaching the village of Iselia, Elerína asked around for the Aurion family. The head priestess had some information for her.

"They headed west, through the forest, they intended to go and see the dwarf who lives there. He is an excellent craftsman... But... my son-in-law was in the forest today and said he heard the sound of fighting. He came back at once, no one here can take on the Desians, besides, we have a non-aggression treaty with them."

"A non-aggression treaty? Why's that?"

"To protect the Chosen."

The Chosen. Of course. Has another been born already? Time sure flies.

Elerína thanked the woman and left.

I really hope I'll make it in time...

Elerína sprinted through the forest. She leapt over tree trunks and crossed a small stream. The Forest of Iselia covered a hill, and to her right the ground dropped several hundred meters down a sheer cliff all the way to the sea.

Suddenly, Elerína saw a big facility looming on her left.

A Desian human ranch! Oh, no.

Elerína quickened her pace and the next moment, she stumbled over something. Stopping to check, she saw that it was a Desian, who had apparently been stabbed to death. And Rína thought she knew who was responsible for that.

Elerína proceeded with the utmost caution, listening for the smallest of sounds. But apart from the wind, the rustling leaves and the birds all was silent. Too silent...

More Desian corpses littered the ground. Then, Rína noticed something that made her stop dead. Several Desians had not died by the sword. Their wounds appeared to be the result of the use of gigantic claws, and Rína didn't want to know how big that monster had to be.

"Mum? Dad? Lloyd?"

The girl's voice broke on the last word.

"Alice?"

Elerína heard the sound of running feet and crushed twigs. Alice came into view, her face wet with tears.

"Lína!"

The girl launched herself at Rína and desperately clung to her legs, refusing to let go, while Rína tried her best to keep her balance.

"Help me! They're gone... Everyone's gone!"

Elerína crouched down and seized her by the shoulders.

"Calm down first. I don't understand a word you're saying. Tell me what happened!"

Alice looked up. "We were going to see a dwarf because of mum. The bad men attacked us. I tripped and hit my head, everything went black... I woke up and they were just gone. I don't know what happened to them."

"Why did you need to go see a dwarf?"

"A bad man hurt mum and put a weird stone on her. Dad said we needed a dwarf's help for that."

Elerína paled.

They used Anna for Exsphere production?! She won't survive that.

Rína was silent for a moment as she considered what Alice had told her.

"Your family can't be around any more, or they would have responded to your calls. But even if the Desians took your mother and brother, there is nothing I can do about it. Even I can't infiltrate a human ranch all by myself... But I know someone who could help us find them. As for Kratos, the Desians can't have him, none of them could match him in strength or skill, not even the Desian Grand Cardinals. He's far too experienced."

"You know my Dad?"

"Yes. You see, my full name is Elerína Rosemary Aurion, Lady of Heimdall. Kratos is my father and that makes us half-sisters."

Alice's eyes widened in surprise. "You're my sister? But why didn't dad ever mention you?"

"That might be because he thinks I'm dead. And I find that pretty useful – I can do as I please, without anyone interfering."

"Is that why you didn't want to eat with us?"

"You're very smart! Yes, I wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with him."

"But now you have to tell me your story!"

"Very well. Hey, what do you say we go looking for clues as we walk? The Desians might have left traces."

"Mhm."

Rína held out her hand and Alice slid her tiny little hand in hers. Rína had never been around kids before and for a short moment, she felt the rather irrational fear that she might squash her sister's tiny hand.

"My mother's name was Rosemary, she was an elf and the eldest of the tribe of Heimdall, the city of elves."

"Where's Heimdall?", Alice interjected.

"Heimdall is on Tethe'alla."

"You're from the moon?", Alice asked incredulously.

That made Elerína laugh. "Of course not! Tethe'alla is a habitable world – and guess what: our moon is called Sylvarant."

"That's strange. Why?"

"Because Cruxis said so."

"The angels did?"

"Oh, yes. You see, Tethe'alla is a world linked to Sylvarant. They used to be one, until a madman came along and split them in two. Now they can neither see nor touch each other."

"Who could do that?", Alice wondered.

"Mithos Yggdrassil, who brought the greatest shame on the people of the half-elves ever. He's so powerful that it's beyond your imagination... beyond mine as well.

"Anyway, back to my story. The elves like to keep to themselves and don't want any strangers – and particularly no one from Cruxis – on their lands, but Kratos is a bit of a special case. One day, he met my mother, Rosemary, and they fell in love. They married after some time, and had me. However, my mother died in childbirth. Her final wish was that Kratos and I should be allowed to remain in Heimdall, and that I should be raised as a member of the tribe. The elves granted it and so I grew up in Heimdall, cared for by my father and the elves, not knowing that everywhere else in the world half-elves were scorned, discriminated against and despised.

"A few days after my 10th birthday, Kratos and I went on a trip. We were just flying over the sea – how I will show you later – when we were attacked. The assassin didn't know I was with Kratos, or he wouldn't have attacked, since I wasn't his target. Kratos managed to dodge, but I couldn't hold on and fell into the sea. Eventually, I was washed ashore and realised I was near Meltokio, the capital of Tethe'alla." Her face darkened when she recalled what had happened that day. "I just wanted to ask for directions, but as soon as the humans saw me, they became horribly unpleasant. They started calling me names, some children even threw stones at me..."

"That's awful!", Alice exclaimed.

"A half-elf working at the Imperial Research Academy saved me and explained to me that all humans treated half-elves that way. I disagreed, saying that my father would never do anything like that. He just called me lucky. He also explained to me how to get back to Heimdall. About a week later, I was finally home. Kratos had, by that time, given up all hope and wasn't there when I returned. The elves then told me something about him that caused me to leave Heimdall again. Ever since then, I have been officially dead."

"And where did you live?"

"At first, I was on my own, and it wasn't easy, but humans quickly learned to leave me alone. After some time, I ran into some Renegades and was introduced to their leader, Yuan. I spent a couple of decades with them, improving my fighting skills, and I travelled Tethe'alla every now and then. By the time I returned to Heimdall I was older than any elf living there, and so I became the elder."

"How old are you?"

"I'm 1.995 years old."

Alice gasped. "No way!"

Rína grinned. "Yes way! And just in case you were wondering – Kratos is 4.013 years old."

"How?"

"Kratos is an angel, one of the Four Seraphim of Cruxis. He's immortal. Me too. That's why we both look so young – we won't age or die."

Alice stared at her in disbelief. "My dad's an angel? But he never said anything..."

"Of course not. He would have had a lot of explaining to do... But now we should go see Yuan, if you want to know what happened to your family."

"What's a Yuan?"

Elerína blinked in surprise before letting out a chuckle.

"He raised me. He's like a second father to me."

"Oh."

"All right. Keep hold of my hand, and don't be scared. You'll be safe with me."

She warped them directly to the desert and was pleased to see that they were very close to Yuan's base. Alice's grip on her hand had tightened during the transition, and now she was looking around with wide eyes. Then, her face scrunched up in distaste.

"Ugh. I hate this place."

Rína grimaced in sympathy and picked Alice up, since she assumed the girl would have trouble walking across the sand. Once inside the base, she put her down again.

Botta, Yuan's second-in-command, came to meet them, accompanied by two of his men. Alice immediately took several steps backwards.

"Bad people!", she whispered fearfully, trying to hide behind her sister.

"They're not Desians, they're Renegades. They fight the Desians. I admit they look a lot like them, though", Rína tried to reassure the girl.

"Lady Elerína, to what do we owe the honour of your visit?", Botta asked.

"I need to talk to Yuan this instant, Botta", she replied.

He nodded. "This way."

Rína and Alice followed Botta down the corridor to Yuan's office. Yuan was sitting behind his desk, his feet resting on top of it. Even though he was just a couple of years younger than Kratos, he looked like he was in his mid-twenties. His long turquoise hair was tied into a low ponytail and his green eyes were watching them with barely veiled curiosity. His clothes were very elegant and indicated his rank as a seraph.

"Elerína. I didn't expect you back so soon – was Sylvarant not to your liking?"

"Please don't try to be funny, this is serious. I need your help, and I need it now."

"With what? And why did you bring a human child here?"

Alice flinched. Elerína seized her by the shoulders and shoved her to the front.

"This is my sister. Her mother and brother went missing, just like Kratos. I want you to find them."

"Don't tell me you're worried about Kratos!", he exclaimed. "I wouldn't believe it if you did."

"This is about Alice. She wants her family back, so, please, don't let me down."

"Easy there", he replied, getting to his feet. "I'll simply hack into the Kharlan Core System, that way we'll get the news fastest."

"You can do this from here?", Elerína asked, amazed despite herself.

Yuan grinned. "I'm using a special programme Botta devised for me. The KCS doesn't even realise someone is accessing it from the outside."

Yuan drew a curtain aside. A section of the wall slid back to reveal a computer terminal. Rína observed this, curious.

After a few minutes, Yuan was done. He switched the computer off and the wall slid back in place.

"I have news about Kratos. He is in Welgaia. The angels were ordered to celebrate his return."

"He'll be delighted", Rína said dryly. "Why is he back?"

"Yggdrassil told me in a private message. Apparently, Kratos has been grounded."

Elerína snorted.

"Yggdrassil found him in the Forest of Iselia. It looks like Kratos didn't resist, or things would have become complicated. Anyway, Yggdrassil advises me to keep my distance since Kratos is a bit – unpredictable at the moment. I couldn't find out anything about the others, though."

Yuan turned on the spot and walked back to his desk. The next moment, something unexpected happened. One of the peaches lying in a bowl on the desk rose into the air and landed in Alice's hand. Both Yuan and Rína stared at the girl.

"What do you think you're doing?", Yuan exclaimed, more in surprise than anger.

Alice flinched. "I didn't – I mean I didn't mean to – I don't know what happened!"

Rína frowned. "Alice, can you tell me what you were thinking just now?"

"I was hungry. I wanted to eat a peach."

"You just used magic. Yuan, I'd like to take a blood sample of her, she seems to have an unusually large amount of elven blood for a human."

Yuan nodded. "Agreed. You can keep the peach", he added, turning to Alice. "Looks like Kratos wasn't able to feed you properly."

He strode out of the room and Alice started to gnaw on the peach.

"When did you last have something to eat?"

Alice looked up. "In the morning."

"Then feel free to take another. Yuan has enough to eat, after all."

Alice just nodded.

While they waited, Elerína regarded her sister thoughtfully. Normally, she hated humans, without exceptions, but Alice was different – just like her mother.

The chances of saving Anna are dwindling by the minute, but maybe we'll be able to save her son...

"Lína?"

"What is it?"

"Are elves good at repairing stuff?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Gimme your hand."

Alice took a small pouch off her belt and turned it upside-down. Several splinters of a silver material dropped into Rína's hand, along with a red crystal.

"That was mum's... do you think someone could repair it?"

Elerína stared at the pieces in dismay.

"The force that tore it apart must've been incredible. The pieces are very small, and I doubt you found all of them. No one could possibly repair that."

"Oh."

Alice's disappointment was plain to see.

"Hey, listen. We got an artisan who can make you a ring that looks exactly like your mother's. You'll just have to give him the crystal, and he'll do it for you."

"Does that mean you're taking me with you?"

"Yes, for at least until we've found your family. It wouldn't be a good idea for you to stay here."

"But we know where dad is!"

"And what good does it do us? Yggdrassil locked Kratos up, you can't just walk into Welgaia and tell him you want to see your daddy. He'd probably kill you the moment you showed up."

Alice swallowed hard. "That's not nice."

"Yggdrassil is a mad, embittered half-elf who doesn't care one whit about a human life. I'd never call him 'nice'."

One of the Renegades entered.

"Lady Elerína, preparations are complete."

"Very well. Come on, Alice."

"Where are we going?"

"To the lab. They'll make a test to analyse your blood."

One of the healers took some of Alice's blood with a syringe, then, he inserted it into a machine. Alice watched the whole process with curiosity.

"Lord Yuan, here's the result! Alice Aurion almost has as much elven blood as a half-elf."

Botta let out a whistle. "Not bad!"

"Yes, but I wonder why that's the case", Yuan replied. "This isn't normal. Her parents are human, she shouldn't have any elven blood at all."

"Kratos is a quater-elf", Rína pointed out. "And the same goes for her mother... I wonder if that's the reason."

"Well, it would be a logical explanation", Yuan agreed. "Does your mother possess magical powers?", he asked Alice.

"She doesn't use them."

"And your brother?"

Alice shrugged. "Dunno."

"Yuan, if you find out anything, let me know immediately. I'll tell my hunters to let your messengers into the village. Oh, and if you could find out why the Desians were hunting them, I would appreciate that, as well."

"I will see what I can find out."

"Another thing – do you have any kind of long piece of fabric lying around that I could borrow? I think it would be better if I could tie Alice to my torso – I don't want to drop her into the sea."

Yuan flinched slightly. "Indeed. Botta, go see if you can find something suitable."

"Yes, my lord."

"To tell you the truth, I haven't been paying close attention to what Kratos was doing those past couple of years", Yuan said. "Yggdrassil had just ordered a marriage within the mana lineage in Sylvarant, and the couple had a daughter very recently. She's slated to become Martel's new vessel."

"I know, I've just been to Iselia. So, you're currently plotting to murder a little girl?"

"You know, maybe we shouldn't discuss this kind of thing with your little sister being present", Yuan pointed out.

"Right", Rína said, though she wasn't sure if Alice had even understood what they were talking about. "Done anything fun lately?"

"I may or may not have started a rumour that Pronyma has a crush on Yggdrassil", Yuan replied with a wicked grin.

"U-huh. Who's Pronyma?"

"The leader of the Desian Grand Cardinals. She's currently extremely flustered, suspects the other Grand Cardinals of having started the rumours, and is trying very hard to find proof."

"Sounds like there might be something to it, then. What about Yggdrassil?"

"Oh, you know, the only person he cares about is called Martel."

"That's cold."

Yuan hummed in agreement. Silence fell after that.

"By the way, if you want me to find your stepmother, I'm going to need a little more information", Yuan said after a while.

"Hm. Alice, what's your mother's maiden name?"

"Huh?"

"Your grandfather's last name."

"Dunno."

"Oh. Hm. Well, the only thing I know is that her mother is called Anna and her brother Lloyd", Rína told Yuan. "The twins have a grandfather in Luin, and he appears to be a half-elf. Oh, and I have reason to suspect that someone attached an Exsphere to Anna."

"You know what that means, don't you", Yuan replied, his face grim.

"I do. But I refuse to give up hope just yet."

"I see. Well then, I'll send someone to Luin to investigate, and have my men stationed at the Human Ranches do some snooping. We should be able to find something with the leads you've given me."

"Good."

Botta returned with a female Renegade in tow. Since she wasn't wearing armour, Rína assumed she probably worked in the administration or something.

"Lady Elerína, I believe I found something suitable, as well as someone knowledgeable about these kind of things", he announced gravely.

"Lady Elerína", the woman said, saluting. "I volunteered to assist in this endeavour. Are you planning on returning to Tethe'alla by Rheaird?"

"I do", Rína replied, mildly amused by their mannerisms.

"Very well. In that case, I will make sure the child is as secure as possible. Is that her?", she added, when she spotted Alice, who was peeking out from behind Elerína's leg.

"Yes. I just found her a couple of hours ago or something, so this is all very new to me."

"I see. Do you have someone to give you pointers back in Heimdall?"

"Sure. Lots of mothers and kids around there. I'm certain I'll be able to manage once I get home."

"Very good. Well then, whenever you're ready, my lady."

Still very amused, Rína followed the instructions given by the woman and tried her best to memorise the steps so she might be able to do it herself if need be. Thankfully, Alice had no problems with getting strapped to Rína's chest, rather, she seemed drowsy. That in itself wasn't surprising, it must have been a pretty exhausting day for her.

"She might actually fall asleep at this point", the Renegade said in a whisper.

"Yeah, until we reach Tethe'alla", Elerína replied dryly. "She'll wake up again very quickly."

"Here, take this", Yuan said, removing his cloak and handing it to Rína. "You can cover her with it. I'll come fetch it as soon as I have news for you."

"I see. Thank you."

Yuan carefully tucked the cloak into the sling.

"Well then, we'll be off. Thanks for everything, Yuan."

"Take care of yourself", Yuan called after her.

Rína half-turned and stuck out her tongue.

Girlfriend Commentary

Caradilis' comments were so hilarious at times, I felt that I had to publish them, too. Read them at your own risk – she's frighteningly good at predicting plot points and might give you some ideas at the very least.

Anyone who had a problem with that could go to hell, as far as she was concerned.(and anyone stupid enough to mention that they have a problem with that is going to get their ass kicked)

(with the exception of two people, one being her foster-father and the other a certain person she didn't care to think about(lol, now who could that be))

Kratos Aurion! (I see the plan to not think about him panned out well)

And the fact that he's my father doesn't change a thing! I hate this guy!(what's he ever done to you? Also, stop it, the poor guy already hates himself enough, he doesn't need your help!)

Rína frowned at the implications of that.(yes, how dare your father have other children?!)

"Nope. Mum always says that not all half-elves are evil. Grandpa is one, and he's the best." (Nawww)

"She has a habit of talking to people she takes a liking to – I can't get her to stop doing that."(lol, Alice taking a linking to random strangers, while her family is on the run)

Dammit, just why did he have to marry again?(yes, why didn't he just stay the miserable old grumpy cat that he always is when he's without any family?)

Damn those Cruxis angles... always spoiling the fun.(lol, yeah, damn your father and your dad, they're horrible people)

"That is none of your business, woman!"(It is exactly her business!)

"Kill her! She's a Renegade!"(cue Renegades by X Ambassadors starts playing in the background)

"You must be delusional, boy(lol), to think that you would stand a chance against me."

The Desian was fast, but not fast enough. As soon as the arrow had penetrated the shield, Elerína invoked the spell she had placed on it. The arrowhead turned to pure ice. It hit right between the breastplate and the helmet. The Desian collapsed.(she is aweeeesooooome!)

"N-no! But you – you're not a Desian, right?"(You're still asking that after you just watched her murder the shit out of them? What are you? Dumb?)

"They went north, in the direction of Iselia. The woman – Anna – looked sick and the kids traumatised..."(nooooooooo)

Stopping to check, she saw that it was a Desian, who had apparently been stabbed to death.(lol, by whom I wonder) And Rína thought she knew who was responsible for that.(Yeah, me too, Rina, me too)

The girl's voice broke on the last word. (aww, poor Alice)

"You're from the moon?",(yeah, and so's your dad) Alice asked incredulously.

"They started calling me names, some children even threw stones at me..."(ouch, poor Rina!)

"What's a Yuan?"(lol)

"He raised me. He's like a second father to me."(only better, is what she thinks but doesn't say)

"Desians!", she whispered fearfully, trying to hide behind her sister.(aww)

"He'll be delighted",(yeah, he'd probably be more delighted if he got to murder a few dozen of them, but yeah, he's definitely happily sulking in his room right now) Rína said dryly.

"Yggdrassil told me in a private message. Apparently, Kratos has been grounded."(lol, everyone in Kratos' life is treating him as if HE were a naughty child, even though he is the oldest person among all of them)

Anyway, Yggdrassil advises me to keep my distance since Kratos is a bit – unpredictable at the moment(lol, understatement of the millennium).

Alice swallowed hard. "That's not nice."(Yggdassil… not nice… understatement of the last 4 millenia…)

"Yggdrassil is a mad, embittered half-elf who doesn't care one whit about a human life. I'd never call him 'nice'."(aww, but he's such an adorable murder baby!)

"I may or may not have started a rumour that Pronyma has a crush on Yggdrassil", Yuan replied with a wicked grin.(lol, love it)

Yuan flinched slightly.(Rina's father figures have a habit of going on guilt trips, I see)

Are planning on returning to Tethe'alla by Rheaird?"(lol, treating the boss' daughter like royalty, hihi)

A/N:

Well, that's it for now! Since this story is already completed, you can expect the rest to follow in due time.

Glossary:

Kratos – "strength, power" (Greek)

Anna – "grace" (Welsh)

Elerína – "star-crowned" (Quenya)

Lloyd – "grey" or "sacred" (Welsh)

Alice – English version of "A?lis", a French abbreviation of the German name Adelheid (Adalheit in Old German), it means "of noble breed/being"

Aurion – "golden" (Greek)

The joke Rína was making was that Kratos essentially called his kids Star-crowned, Noble and Sacred Golden.

Nyx is the Greek goddess/personification of the night, even Zeus feared her. Hemera ("day") is her daughter/sister (depending on the source).