Hey there everyone! Upon request of _Ice_Cream_, I will be doing another fanficion for Tales of Symphonia 2: Dawn of the New World. This one will be a sequel to the game, but even if you haven't played it you can still read, I explain everything as I go along.  :) Also, something I'd like to point out: all the writing on the cover is my handwriting, so let me know if it's too sloppy or something. I'm also going to do a disclaimer: Tales of Symphonia doesn't belong to me, it belongs to Namco. All things in and related to it belong to Namco.

Message to those who have played/are playing the game: SPOILERS GALORE. I even directly quote scenes sometimes. Seriously, this is a mine field. If you have finished the game, you'll know what I mean when I say that this story follows the good ending. 

Picture of Tenebrae >>>

Now, onto the story!

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It had only been a few hours since I had walked away from him. It hurt so horribly, I can't even tell you. It's like getting stabbed through the heart repeatedly, and the blade's been tipped with poison. Except maybe worse. Point is, it hurt pretty badly. You're probably wondering who the heck I am and what in the world I'm talking about. Let me explain...it's not that long a story. I promise you won't fall asleep.

***************

I watched him with tears in my eyes. I couldn't bear to look into his eyes and think the Emil I knew wasn't there. I knew they were there, those intense red eyes staring back at me. I couldn't help but wish they were a peaceful green. Oh, geez, now I have to explain this to you too? You're a piece of work, you know that? The boy I fell in love with...he turned out to have been a fake personality created by the summon spirit, Ratatosk. Ratatosk was a guardian of the tree that supplies us with mana, the force of life. When humanity got careless, he got angry. One boy, Aster, lost his life. Ratatosk took his body and created Emil as a cover personality. Both him and Emil shared Aster's body, so when his eyes were red you knew it was Ratatosk, and green you knew it was Emil. Anyway, where was I? Oh, right.

Tears brimmed my eyes, threatening to spill over as I stood behind him, facing his back. I had to say goodbye to this...manifestation. I wanted to see Emil desperately, but the glowing crimson eyes showed no intentions of giving up control. It was so horrible when I thought about it. In a matter of seconds, I would have to leave and quite possibly never see his face again without ever saying goodbye to who I truly wanted to. As Lloyd left after saying his goodbyes, it just left me and him. I was still, looking at the ground. I couldn't face him yet. Out of the corners of my eyes I saw his feet shift so he would face me. Still staring at the ground, I spoke slowly and carefully. A rare thing, coming from me. (A/N This is direct dialouge and actions from the game.)

"You...you're going to live forever, right? Even after you've sealed this place away?" I stammer uncertainly, sensations building in my chest.

"Yes," he replied simply, not a trace of emotion. His deep, Ratatosk voice rang out, nothing like Emil's. Taking a deep breath, I strode forward and covered the distance between us until we were only mere inches apart. Tilting my face up to stare deep into his eyes, I felt certain as I talked.

"Then I'm not saying goodbye, because no matter what, my heart will always be with yours, Emil."

Our gazes remained locked for some time. I waited for some spark, some motion, something to tell me Emil had heard. Upon seeing nothing, pain stabbed through my chest. I sighed in frustration and letdown. Ducking my head again, I walked around him and made way to exit at a quick pace, knowing I couldn't take this much longer. He didn't even turn around. As I went through the doorway, however, my footsteps slowed. There was more to say, I knew it. Spinning around, I faced his back. He was like a statue in how still he was.

"Emil, I'll always love you."

Like every truthful phrase, it felt blissfully good to feel the words leave my lips. Hope had risen in me upon saying that, thinking it would earn me some sort of reaction. I stared at his motionless form; his back was still to me, and even his gaze hadn't moved. I waited a few seconds, and disappointment crushed down on me. Emil just wasn't there. Then, all of a sudden...

He turned around, and the most gorgeous pair of emerald eyes stared back at me. Emil smiled.

"And I'll always love you too, Marta."

Then, the doors shut, and the image of his smiling face was burned into my mind for all eternity.

******************

So that's how I got here. Although, I still have yet to introduce myself. Marta Lualdi, not at your service, because currently I'm a pathetic ball of tears. I can't help it though. After the death of my mom and the arrest of my dad, Emil was all I had left, and now he was gone too. I laid on my stomach, sobbing uncontrollably. Normally, I wouldn't allow myself to do this, but who was there to see? I'm just a wreck. Sparing you the details, I'll leave it at I cried myself to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up and took a look in the mirror. My chestnut knee-length hair was tangled up in horrible knots that would take me hours to get out, and my eyes were swollen and red. I think it's finally time I admitted it.

"I look horrible."

"Shocking of you to finally admit it, Lady Marta." I squeaked and jumped in the air, turning to face the mysterious voice. Of course, it was none other than Tenebrae, the centurion of darkness. Anything pertaining to or just is plain darkness, he controlled it. His lithe panther-like body prowled in the air before sinking to the ground.

"Tenebrae! I thought you were with Ratatosk!" I screeched, not enjoying his unexpected intrusion, but at the same time happy because I thought I wasn't going to see him again either. I'm a confusing person. 

"I was, but Emil wanted me to check on you." My heart warmed at the thought of Emil still watching over me. However, the more prominent feeling was irritation.

"You could've knocked or something," I said, placing a hand on my hip. Tenebrae just stared at me.

"Lady Marta, I do not believe a centurion such as myself knocking on a door would go unnoticed," he explained, raising an eyebrow. Yes, he has eyebrows.

I sighed. "Point taken." I paced around the room, trying to think. While I had been momentarily distracted, the pain from losing Emil still stung fresh. I dropped down onto the bed with my face in my hands. I could still see his smiling face. It hurt so bad I wouldn't ever be able to see it in person again.

"Lady Marta, are you alright?" Tenebrae questioned.

"Obviously not, Tenebrae," I snapped, my hands muffling my reply.

"Talk to me."

"What?" I moved my hands and stared at him in shock. Tenebrae had never cared about petty human things like love and loss.

"Talk to me about how you're feeling. What you want, what you miss. Lord Ratatosk let me off, so I've literally got all day," Tenebrae encouraged. He plopped down next to me with his paws crossed underneath his head, lounging. I smiled with closed lips.

"Thanks, Tenebrae. Honestly...I don't know where to start. I just...I miss Emil, so much. I just spent so long traveling with him, being used to having him around, and now that he's gone...there's just an empty hole. I want him back, but I know I can't, and I really can't handle it at the moment, as you can see," I said, gesturing to myself. "Tenebrae, I know you think love is stupid. You've heard me fantasize and drool over it multiple times. But the real thing...it's not like the books. It feels amazing, but the truth is love hurts. A lot. Especially when your boyfriend happens to share a body with one of the most powerful summon spirits to ever exist. I don't think I'll ever get over him, Tenebrae," I confessed, slinging an arm over my eyes. I couldn't deal with looking at him right now.

"Lady Marta, I don't think you need to."

"Huh?" Uncovering my eyes to look at him, I stared with a confused face. Tenebrae sighed and repeated himself.

"I don't think you need to get over Emil. I don't think he's going to be getting over you either. Honestly, you both love each other, but there were too many complications. Besides, you said it yourself. You need not say goodbye, because he will live forever. There is still a chance you two will be together again." Relief flooded my chest at his words; he was right.

"Thanks, Tenebrae." I managed a small smile.

"Not a problem, Lady Marta," he replied. After a spilt second of silence, I grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.

"What was that for?" he spluttered, confused. "I thought you liked my advice!"

"Not that," I said with an eye roll. "Since you decided to butt in on my morning time, I still have to shower and all that. I mean, come on Tenebrae, it's been determined I look pretty awful. So, either you excuse yourself until I'm done, or you can dissolve into that darkness thingymajig you do. Your choice," I offered. Tenebrae sighed.

"You really are one-of-a-kind, Lady Marta," he told me with a shake of his head. I crossed my arms and huffed.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I huffed, irritated.

"I've decided," Tenebrae said quickly and dissolved into darkness. Still a little peeved, I stomped over to the bathroom and prepared to take a shower. Stepping inside the pristine white bathroom, I turned on the water and let it heat up while I undressed. Showers to me were religious. You simply did not mess with me and my showers. It was the time where I could relax and let my worries melt away. Let me tell you, if a shower didn't fix my bad mood, you knew I was ready to kill someone. Finally, I stepped underneath the clear stream. Ah, wonderful relief. The hot water ran over my skin in a comforting embrace, soaking my hair. I closed my eyes, imagining all my worries and stress disappearing with the water. When it didn't work, I turned up the heat to max. It scalded my skin momentarily, but I ignored it. I was pretty heat resistant. My lips curled into a smile as I remembered the time during our journey when Emil and I took shower shifts, and I was having one of those days where maximum heat was needed. Wait, no, don't think about him!

...Too late.

************

I skipped out happily from the bathroom, a bright smile on my face.

"Your turn, Emil!" I sang, plopping down on the couch beside him. Emil's head turned up, his sparkling emerald gaze connecting with mine. A gentle grin settled on his lips. The sound of the shower running could be heard in the background.

"Okay, thanks." He got up and walked over to the bathroom, setting his sword and belt by the doorway. I took a deep breath, relaxing all my muscles. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, enjoying sweet serenity, until...

"GAH!" Emil screeched from behind the bathroom door.

"DAMMIT! THIS BURNS!" Ratatosk's voice yelled angrily as a heavy crash echoed, probably him slipping while trying too frantically to turn down the heat.

I stifled a laugh with my hand.

"Sorry! I forgot!"

"NO KIDDING!"

***********

"Emil..." I murmured, tears brimming my eyes. I couldn't stand, it was just pain radiating from a fresh wound in my heart. I sat down on the marble shower floor, pulling my knees to my chest and placing my face in my hands. Whatever, it didn't matter if I cried now. So, naturally, I let loose. After a while of just sitting there and being rather pathetic, I stood up. C'mon Marta, where'd you go? Usually, I was confident and outgoing (a little too much, actually). I just missed him. I mean, I'd expected to miss him, and I'd expected it to hurt, but not this much! This was like a gunshot! I turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping my body in a fluffy towel and tying my hair up in a bun. I quickly grabbed my clothes from the dresser and returned to the bathroom to change (I didn't trust Tenebrae not to pop in while I'm changing. I mean, it's not like he checks before he invites himself in). I saw myself in the full length mirror as I dressed. My body definitely looked like it had just been through war, which, by the way, it had been. Purple splotches blossomed along my ribs, as well as nasty looking cuts on my arms. I reached my fingers up to touch my neck where a gruesome bruise was forming. I winced at the memory.

************

Emil went up the altar to close the door to the demonic realm. I stood from afar, watching him. His outstretched hand glowed with a golden light. Then, the air around him started to pulse with dark energy. Emil staggered back, choking a little while trying to catch his breath. He doubled over, but kept the door shut with his extended hand.

"The demons are using all the power they have to open the door!" Tenebrae yelled. A piece inside of me crumbled. Emil, you can do this, I thought to him.

Richter, the one who had opened the door in the first place, offered a solution. It had been what he was going to use to seal the door after he killed Ratatosk. He had wanted to sacrifice himself, but he had failed to kill Ratatosk. The idea was useless. All of a sudden, the glowing light faded from Emil's hand, and he brought it back down to his side. However, he hadn't turned around to face us yet. He stood still, unmoving. Sudden maniacal laughter burst out of him, turning my blood cold. He continued to laugh crazily, still keeping his back to us.

"What's the matter, Emil?" I asked, worried. I walked up to Emil, standing right behind him. He tossed his head back in laughter, then spun around in a flash. His fingers wrapped around my neck roughly, a sadistic smile on his face. I grabbed his arm, trying to push him away. My eyes were squeezed shut from the pain. He was crushing my throat!

Though his eyes were still green, Ratatosk's voice rang out. "Now nothing can stand in my way! Once I bind Aqua to my will, I will regain all my power!" His hand tightened its grip. "Now, hand over Aqua's core!" I remembered he had given it to me before we entered incase something went wrong.

Tears brimmed in my eyes. "I....I can't breathe....Emil!" I choked. He was crushing my windpipe; I could no longer draw in enough air. Blackness tinged my vision.

"I said...hand over Aqua's core, right now!" Emil shouted, his voice rising dangerously. My struggles were becoming weaker, and my eyes were beginning to roll back in my head. I couldn't breathe, my lungs were going to explode...

Then, Richter slammed into Emil, causing him to lose his grip on me. I doubled over and fell backwards, but Lloyd caught me. Violent coughs racked my body as I tried hungrily to suck in air. Fresh oxygen in my lungs had never felt so good. Still, I had been *this* close to....I couldn't even think about it.

"Emil-" I tried, still gulping air. "Wh-why are you doing this?" I blurted before collapsing into another fit of coughing.

Rage shone in his eyes. "I am not Emil, I am Lord Ratatosk!" He charged Lloyd, who was still holding me in his arms. I was shoved roughly behind him as Lloyd quickly drew his sword to deflect it. I stumbled, almost falling over.

"Emil, stop this!" I begged, watching horrified as he continued to slash at Lloyd. Emil laughed that blood-chilling sadistic laugh.

"Die, die, die!" he yelled, laughing. Lloyd stumbled backwards a bit, ricocheting off Emil's latest attack. Emil smiled evilly. All of a sudden, he threw his head back and grabbed at his throat, trying to breath but unable to pull in sufficient air.

"Why y-you-"

Emil staggered around, gripping his throat tightly and breathing raggedly. I watched, horrified, and glanced around at the others in desperation.

"Marta..." he choked out, but in Emil's voice. His sword cluttered to the ground.

"Emil!" I gasped, unable to comprehend what was happening. He couldn't even look at me because of pain. Instead, his eyes were tightly squeezed shut.

"I'm so...sorry," Emil managed, his grip on his own throat tightening to the point where his fingernails dug into the tender flesh. "It seems Verius' protection...is enough to stop me from...disappearing...but it isn't enough to....to stop Ratatosk." Verius is the summon spirit of the heart; he was assisting in Emil's survival. Tears sprung to my eyes involuntarily.

"No! You can't give up!" I cried, running to his side. When I reached him, he thrashed violently, punching me in the stomach and knocking me over.

"Why won't you stop...interfering!" Ratatosk's voice screamed. I was worried that the hand on his neck was choking himself now. I quickly got on my feet and backed away.

Emil's voice came back. "Help me Marta...please!"

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It had all worked out in the end...maybe I'll tell you the rest of the story another time. However, seeing the bruises on my neck only reminded me of how terrified I was of dying right then and there. Have you ever felt terror? No, I mean actual terror. Cold, life-sucking, heart stopping terror. I'll tell you right now, if you have, you would have tears in your eyes just thinking about it. I do. It's the worst feeling to exist in our world, rivaling pain. Ugh, I must be depressing you. Sorry about that. I'll just continue to tell the story.

I threw myself onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Then, Tenebrae materialized right next to me. I squeaked in surprise, jumping and accidentally falling off the bed. I landed on my face. Perfect.

"My, you're scaring easily today, Lady Marta," Tenebrae noted, his long tail swinging in the air. I lifted my head up, a few rebellious pieces of hair falling into my face. I shot him a death glare and blew a puff of air to move the strands that marred my vision.

"So, feeling better?" Tenebrae asked cheerily, watching me pick myself up off the floor and sit on the bed again.

"No," I growled, crossing my arms to emphasize my irritation. Tenebrae's eyes widened.

"Darkness help us. Lady Marta is going to kill someone!" See, everyone knows it is a clear sign.

I rolled my eyes. "Not today. I'm done fighting for a while." My hand strayed up to my forehead, the spot underneath my bangs. I gasped in surprise when I felt nothing but smooth skin.

"Tenebrae, where's the core on my forehead?" I asked, lifting up my bangs to prove it was no longer there. Tenebrae stared at me for a second.

"Oh, that. Well, there isn't a need for it anymore. It was a fake core to distract attention from Emil, so now that he's safe, there isn't a need." Right, I always forget it was fake. I lived a lie for so long it seems like the truth. Then again, no one told me it was a lie until recently.

"Yeah...it just seems weird after having it there for so long," I admitted. "It seems like the beginning of the journey, just you and me, Tenebrae." A half-hearted laugh left my lips.

"Indeed," he agreed. A moment of silence lapsed. "So, what are you going to do today?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, lets see. I was thinking something along the lines of sitting around, eating, and sleeping," I deadpanned. Tenebrae rolled his eyes.

"Lady Marta, I'm afraid I must encourage you to get over this. You can't just sit around being upset. You need to go on with life," Tenebrae encouraged. My mouth dropped open.

"You just told me I didn't need to get over him!" I repeated in frustration. Tenebrae shook his head.

"You misunderstand me. I mean you need to move on with your life. That is true that you do not need to try and forget Emil. In fact, I say you hold onto him. However, Emil wouldn't have wanted you to be upset. The fact that he is alive and will live forever should be enough hope to continue on, because the chances are high you two will be together again." I smiled weakly.

"Thanks, Tenebrae," I muttered. "I guess you're right." I ran a hand through my now disheveled hair. "So...I suppose I should go take responsibility for everything I've done." Tenebrae stared at me with wide eyes.

"What are you talking about?" he questioned

I sighed. "The Vanguard. I...need to take responsibility." The Vanguard was an organization my father and I created to help bring peace to the joined worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. Unfortunately, my father fell under the influence of a centurion core and not only tried to kill us, but burned down numerous cities and killed hundreds on innocents. As a founder of the Vanguard, I needed to take responsibility for it.

"Lady Marta! They will put you in jail for something you didn't do!" Tenebrae exclaimed, aghast. I looked at my shoes.

"I know. But I started the Vanguard." Tenebrae looked like he was ready to lose it. He leapt off the bed, landing on the floor silently.

"You aren't being serious, right?"

I stared at him as if to say, "No, I'm kidding. Of course I'm serious!" Tenebrae's tail lashed in irritation.

"Ugh..." he muttered. I stroked his large head. Even though Tenebrae liked to act like a human, he still had a soft spot for some dog-like habits. His soft, silky fur slid underneath my fingers, a coolness radiating from it.

"I'm sorry Tenebrae, but I've already decided," I told him apologetically, scratching behind his ears. He leaned into my touch, obviously aggravated but gradually accepting the fact I wasn't going to change my mind.

"Okay, I really need some fresh air," I announced, standing up and stretching my arms above my head. Tenebrae followed me out the door, making himself invisible to everyone but me. As I opened the inn door, warm sunlight washed over my face, refreshing me from the inside out. A cool summer breeze blew around Palmacosta, tousling my hair. I fully stepped outside, seeing all the town's folk running around to do their jobs. Fishermen were running to ports, loading up the docked ships. Children ran around the streets, giggling and screaming without a care in the world. I smiled. The sky was a beautiful clear blue today, just what I needed to lift my spirits. I sighed, turning around to look at Tenebrae. Strangely enough, he was no where to be seen. I shrugged it off and went to my special place: the bridge. It provided a gorgeous view of the sunlight sparkling off the ocean like a glittering sapphire. Not to mention the smell of salt and the small spray of waves being carried in through the breeze was just very relaxing. My hands rested along the metal railing, the familiar smooth texture sliding against my hands. I closed my eyes and sighed. I knew what I wanted to do. The truth was, this wasn't really just my special spot. Often Emil and I would come up here and talk, or just try and calm down after a huge occurrence. Even though I knew I couldn't talk to him, there was still something telling me to try. I took a deep breath as I stared out over the ocean.

Emil, I hope you're watching. I'm going to convince the Tethe'allans to accept the people of Sylvarant without resorting to any of Daddy's harsh methods. I will bring peace to the world you are guarding for us. I think that would also be fitting in helping to pay for my crimes. It's the least I can do.

I sighed, just breathing everything in for a moment. Footsteps began to echo a few feet away from me, and my shoulders sagged a little upon knowing I would have to leave. I rocked back on my heels and leaned away from the railing, letting my hands slide off as I turned around. What I saw there...who I saw there...sent a jolt of shock through me so strong I was momentarily paralyzed. Is this really real? How is this happening? What I was seeing rang bright and true in my mind as a jumble of emotions swam inside my stomach.

Emil Castagnier was standing before me in all of his former glory.

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Chapter One completed :) What did you think? Leave a comment, I love read them and reply. No flames please unless they are constructive. I actually spent a lot of time of this, so hopefully you enjoyed it! I regretfully report that it may be a bit before the next chapter comes due to a huge quantity of end-of-the-year homework. Thanks for reading! 

-BE