Thanks for hanging in there. I feel awful for not updating more often, but I haven't been in the mood lately and I don't know why. I paritally blame my stupid English essay... took all my time and sapped my writing will. The rest is just me...

Anyway, here it is. Thanks for reading guys!

Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.

Chapter 26:

Lloyd hesitated at the entrance into the church and Raine noticed, frowning. "Lloyd, what's wrong?"

"It feels..." he trailed off, noticing the confused looks on his friends faces and shook his head. "It's nothing. I am coming." He gave a weak smile and followed them. He clenched his hands as he entered the dim church.

What was wrong with him? He had entered buildings before and it didn't bother him. He glanced over his shoulder at the bright light outside longingly. He didn't like this world. Everything was made of stone and bricks and built so big. The smaller wooden buildings had never bothered him as much when he was in Sylvarant.

He glanced around him and noticed people kneeling, heads bowed, murmuring softly. Praying, he thought. How could they pray in such a confining place? It felt like being in the ranch again.

"This place is pretty cool huh? It is so much fancier than our chapels." Genis smiled.

Lloyd muttered. "I like the old ones better."

Genis looked at him confused, but Lloyd stared ahead as Raine caught one of the priests' attention. "Excuse me," she started. "We need an audience with the King, but we were told he was ill."

The priest nodded gravely. "I am afraid he is. We are preparing for a healing ritual this afternoon to pray for his swift recovery. For now that is all you can do.

"But this is important!" Lloyd stepped forward angrily. "Just because he is sick doesn't mean that he stops doing his job!"

"Lloyd!" Raine grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. "Get a hold of yourself!" The priest was frowning. Lloyd tightened his mouth, stepping back and Raine looked at him harshly. "Now, apologize."

Lloyd looked at her sharply and then shoved her hand off, turned around and strode out of the church angrily, Genis calling after him.

"Sick!" he hissed, slamming his hand on the side of the church once outside. "These people don't understand what it is like to be sick!" He closed his eyes and instantly Lai face appeared before him.

Startled his eyes snapped open and he pressed against the church. "Lai..." he murmured. Guilt washed over him and he covered his face, sliding down the wall to the ground. He had forgotten about her. He had been so wrapped up with Sheena and Colette, his father, and what happened at the Tower.

He shook his head in his hands. He had forgotten about her, just as he had forgotten about the ranch until recently. Is that why he suddenly thought about her? He gritted his teeth and glared at the ground. Was it wrong that he wanted to forget all that? To put it behind him and never look back.

The guilt attacked him again and Lai hovered behind his closed lids when a noise distracted him. It was a loud scraping noise and his head snapped up just in time to see a young girl in pink pigtails approaching the church, dragging a massive log behind her. He didn't react at the sight for some reason. The oddity of the sight allowed him only to watch as she dragged the log passed him and into the church.

For a long moment, Lloyd could only stare at the empty doorway before shaking his head and rubbing his face. He could hear muffled voices and shortly after, the girl returned, dragging the log with her still. She didn't even look at Lloyd.

"Wait! P-Presea!" Genis rushed out the door and Lloyd looked up as Raine and Colette followed. The girl stopped moving, but didn't turn around.

"What's going on? Do you know her?" Lloyd stood up confused.

Raine glanced at him. "We will explain in a moment." She stepped past him. "Excuse me, Presea, I know this is an unusual request, but could we help you take the Scared Wood into the castle."

Lloyd noticed Genis' face was beat red and that he was stuttering. "Y-yeah, it is to help our friend!"

The young girl didn't respond and Lloyd glanced at the others in confusion. "Why doesn't she answ—?"

"Please carry that." Presea stated, cutting off Lloyd and stepping away from the wood.

Genis grinned and rushed forward and grabbed the halter that Presea had used to drag the log. "Thanks! We will—ugh...huh...," he grunted as he pulled, the log not moving an inch. "T-this is heavy!"

Raine rolled her eyes. "Lloyd, go help him please."

Lloyd shrugged and walked over, grabbing the leather strap and tugged. The log jerked forward and Genis yelped as it hit his legs and knocked him over. Lloyd paled. "Oh, sorry, Genis. Are you alright?"

Genis stared up at him in amazement. "How did you do that? It is so heavy!"

Lloyd smirked. "No it isn't."

Recollection filled the half-elf's face. "Oh yeah! It's because you are an angel, right? Hey, that's not fair."

Lloyd's smirk faded and he glanced away. "Yeah, not fair..." he paused and then shrugged. "Come on, let's go."

The replaced guards allowed the group in without hesitation, though they seemed suspicious as they watched Lloyd and Genis drag the massive log in by themselves, but they appeared to respect Presea enough.

Once inside, Lloyd instantly tensed up again. "I don't like this place."

Raine gave him a curious look, but seemed to understand. "We will be in and out shortly, Lloyd."

He grimaced but nodded, glancing around. It was bigger and more opened, but it felt cold. He looked at Presea. "Where do we take this?"

"Leave it here." She responded, her eyes. She was facing him, but her eyes staring at his chest. He frowned and noticed how there was no movement in her eyes. It was as if she wasn't even there.

"Would you mind coming with us, Presea? Sending you back on your own would be too suspicious." Raine smiled at the young girl.

Lloyd watched as he turned her head in Raine's direction giving nothing but a small nod. Genis was ecstatic, but seemed to fumble over his words. Raine sighed and shook her. "Come along, we need to find the Royal Chambers."

Raine led the way as Genis and Presea followed behind. Lloyd lingered back with Colette, but avoided looking at her. The castle was a maze to Lloyd. There were so many stairs and hallways that twisted and turned leading to different rooms. Instantly, he began noting specific things as they walked so he could find his way back. But he suddenly felt foolish for doing so. It wasn't a ranch. They were going to have to run for their lives and escape. He rubbed his head, frustrated and tried to relax.

Raine finally managed to find the place with the help of a maid, but once they reached the room, a guard stopped them. "The King is not seeing anyone."

"I realize his state, but it is imperative that we give him this—" Raine tried, but the guard cut her off.

"No exceptions. Now leave."

Raine's mouth tightened and stepped forward. "We won't be long—"

The soldier stepped away from the door towards Raine, threateningly. "Did you not hear me, woman? Now—Hey!"

Lloyd ignored him and shoved open the door, striding into the room. The guard rushed over as the occupants of the room exclaimed at the intrusion. The guard moved to grab Lloyd's arm. "You can't be in—waah!"

Lloyd seized the man's wrist and glared at him. "Don't touch me." He hissed before shoving him back, turning his attention to the people standing near a large bed. "Who is the King?"

Raine and Genis stood gaping in the doorway, their faces pale, as Lloyd stood glaring at the nobles in the room. "Lloyd, what are you doing?"

A large, round man stepped forward, his face red and angered. "What is the meaning of this? You can't barge in here—"

"Are you the King?" Lloyd fastened his eyes on him and the man stuttered.

"Of course not! I am the Pope for the Church of Mar—"

Lloyd scowled. "Then shut up!" He turned to the others, scanning the faces. "We have a letter for the King from Sheena Fujibayashi."

"I saw you earlier with my hunnies, kid." Lloyd glanced over and saw the red-haired man from earlier frowning at him. "How do you know Sheena?"

Lloyd tightened his mouth. "Does it matter?"

The Pope interjected suddenly. "Enough of this! Get the guards and arrest these commoners!" he ordered the guard, who was standing uncertainly in the background.

"Wait." Everyone's eyes turned to a pale middle-aged man, standing near the bedside. "Let me see the letter."

"Your Majesty!" the Pope exclaimed, "I apologize for the disturbance. We are getting rid of these commoners."

"Shut up, old man. He already said he wanted the letter." The red-headed glowered. The Pope closed his mouth as Raine, followed by the others, walked forward and handed him the letter.

The King looked at Lloyd. "Would you and your companions wait in another room as I read the letter?"

Lloyd shrugged, but Raine nodded. "Of course."

--

"Lloyd, what the hell were you thinking?" Raine's hand smacked the back of his head the instant the door closed. Genis winced, but Lloyd just stared blankly at her until she realized how unaffected her action just was. Nevertheless, she shook her head in exasperation.

"We got the letter to him didn't we?" Lloyd shrugged and glared at the closed door. It was probably locked.

Raine smacked him again and he glared at her, but she ignored it. "You can't just threaten people, Lloyd. That is not how these things work."

"I wasn't threatening them." Lloyd frowned in confusion. "Nobody would listen, so I just made them. What's wrong with that?"

Genis laughed and Raine groaned in annoyance. Lloyd shook his head and looked around the red room. "So they read it and then what?"

"They are probably deciding whether or not to execute us," Raine muttered, rubbing her forehead. "Colette poses a threat the Tethe'alla's existence."

"I won't let them touch any of you," Lloyd's eyes darkened, Genis shifted uncomfortably and Raine sighed heavily.

"What about Presea? We can't let her be dragged into this. It isn't her fault." Genis pointed out after a moment. They looked at her, but she didn't say anything.

Raine shook her head. "We can only give her the opportunity to escape if it comes down to it."

The group fell silent after that and Lloyd strode over to the window, glaring out at the darkening sky. He heard the footsteps and the click of the door as it opened. He watched in the reflection of the window as the Pope and the red-haired man entered but his face twisted angrily when he heard the clang of armour and saw the knights enter. He spun on his heel and stared at them across the room. Colette and Presea were closest to the door, while Genis and Raine watched uncertainly.

Lloyd took a step forward.

"The King has read your letter." The Pope ignored Lloyd and spoke to Raine.

"Is he willing to aid us?" she asked, though Lloyd could hear the doubt in her own question.

The Pope scoffed and lifted his hand, waving her off. "Of course not, you Sylvarant scum. You are all to be arrested and your Chosen killed." Genis' eyes widened and Raine tightened her grip on her staff. The Pope motioned at the guards. "Take them."

"If you touch her I will kill you." Lloyd hissed dangerously, walking towards them, glaring.

The knights hesitated for a moment and Lloyd moved in front of Colette.

The Pope smirked. "He is unarmed, arrest him."

There we go. Another chapter finished.

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