Altessa's House has gained a save point. Yeah, that isn't a good sign. Go on inside...
Inside, Altessa is shocked that you managed to obtain all the necessary ingredients, but begins work on crafting a Rune Crest for Colette immediately. In the meantime, Tabatha has prepared a feast for the party, with Zelos particularly adamant that everyone eat. Genis, understandably, gives Mithos the cold shoulder, and Lloyd will become overwhelmed by the need to sleep and calls it a night.
That night, Lloyd is awakened but cannot move his body. The food was poisoned? Shocker! He finds Yuan standing over his bed, threatening him with magic. The Renegade simply asks Lloyd if he wants to meet his father.
Mithos suddenly walks outside and mocks Lloyd's outlook on things. He blows away the Renegade soldiers and a bewildered Yuan. The generic Renegade members have a hard time blocking attacks with their arms permanently locked into that awkward position, to note. Mithos, or should we say, Yggdrasill, knew that Kratos was helping Lloyd's group, but wasn't aware that Yuan had betrayed him also. Mithos repeatedly kicks a downed Yuan, only sparing him because of Martel's wishes. By this time, everyone has gathered outside. Mithos only has scorn for a trusting Genis and blasts both Altessa and Tabatha. He refers to Tabatha as a "failed vessel" that couldn't accept Martel's soul. An enraged Lloyd attacks Mithos, despite Genis' objections, but Pronyma shows up and escapes with him, taking Kratos with them.
After the battle, everyone around is distraught. Check on Yuan, Altessa, and Tabatha. Yggdrasill knowing of his betrayal, Yuan needs to go and evacuate all of the remaining Renegade members, lest they become targets of Cruxis. He tells Lloyd that the only way to release the seal on Origin is for Kratos to lose his life, but even so, he will be unable to wield the Eternal Sword, as it can only be handled by those with half-elven blood. Altessa is gravely wounded and Tabatha appears to malfunctioning. Raine suggests that we find a doctor for Altessa immediately, and Sheena knows of a world-renown one in Flanoir. On the world map, look for the new skit "He Was My Friend".
Absolutely DO NOT go to Flanoir, though! Awaiting in Flanoir are the most important decisions in the game and we need to do a few things before that. Of most importance, if you are planning to add Kratos back to your party in place of Zelos, is that we complete the Meltokio Area with Zelos before that. Failure to do so before the beginning of the next dungeon will cause you to miss out on the best weapon in the game for Kratos (Zelos, also, but missable for Kratos), plus one of the best helmets in the game for the ladies. This is extremely important to do and easily missed!
In the above screenshot is my highly recommended equipment setup for Zelos to conquer the Arena in Meltokio. Even though it has higher attack power, I strongly advise against equipping the Baseball Bat weapon due to the decrease in Defense and Luck. You may consider the Blue Talisman opposed to the Elven Boots accessory if you are taking heavy damage, but I find the movement speed provided by the Elven Boots to be valuable. Another option would be to equip the Omega Shield, Cleric's Hat, and the
Holy Symbol (Over the Elven Boots) for some heavy HP regeneration
during battle, but you'll have to be much more careful with your guarding and evasion due to your lower Defense. Also, ignore my character level here; you should be fine if you are at least level 70. The Arena is more about tactics than level, in my opinion.
Recommended Techs: Lightning Blade, Super Lightning Blade, Demon Fang/Double Demon Fang, Demon Spear, First Aid, Thunder Blade (Latter two set to C-Stick shortcuts).
Recommended EX Skills: Speed Cast, Personal, Magical, Guard Plus (Reprise)
Recipe: Miso Stew
Zelos' "Hunny" Count in the Meltokio Arena Ready Room: 2
You'll fight three, basic enemies in the Beginner's Class: a Rogue, Duelist, and Heavy Armor, that you should have no problem with.
Note: Once a battle begins, you have a short period of time to change equipment, then the option becomes locked for the remainder of the battle.
After the Beginner's Class, we catch a brief glimpse of Seles outside the Arena before she scurries off, but we're introduced to Tokunaga, Seles...butler? I guess? Obviously, some shenanigans are going on here with these two.
Note: Completing the Beginner's Class opens up the Team Battle option for the Arena, also, but we'll deal with that later on. The new girl handling the Team Battles does not count as a Zelos "hunny".
Onto the Intermediate Class, you'll have five opponents: Boxer Iris, Coffinmaster, Feather Magic, and Sasquatch. Despite being an earlier enemy, the Boxer Iris is still a formidable opponent, so don't get complacent. The other three should be easy pickings. Afterward, there will be another Tokunaga and Seles scene where they're, again, creeping outside the Arena. Tokunaga denies that was Seles just now.
The Advanced Class is considerably harder than the previous two and I'll be covering their battles individually. First, is the duo of a Dragon Rider and Velocidragon. They're grouped together until you land the first hit, so depending on if they charge you at the start, you can backstep and drop a Thunder Blade down on both of them. Otherwise, their HP is low in comparison to current enemies, but their constant 2v1 approach will leave you guarding most of the time; needing to carefully time your counterattacks. If you can, try to separate the two by backstepping and hoping just one follows you. You're bound to lose some HP during this battle, and that's okay, just follow up by cooking Miso Stew to prepare for the next round.
The third round pits you against a flying Drake. The Elven Boots prove their usefulness here as you need to stay under the Drake at all times or you'll find yourself devastated and pushed backwards by its lightning breath. From underneath, wait until it finishes an attack, then use an aerial strike to ground it, and keep it grounded with combos. If you're having trouble, you may consider switching the Faerie Ring for the Thunder Cape and using the Ice Coffin weapon for added damage.
As you can probably tell, defense and evasion is 80% of this battle. Don't be afraid to backstep to near the far-corner of the battlefield (But not all the way so you can still backstep) and cast First Aid. With Speed Cast, Zelos and Seles' casting times are almost equal and you should have enough time to get off First Aid and evade her next spell with enough distance between the two.
So, enough with the defense. Hit-and-run tactics are your best friend here. Throw Demon Fangs and Thunder Blade from a distance, if you want, but a quick combo, that isn't blocked, followed up with Lighting Blade - Super Lightning Blade/Demon Spear is very effective; just be sure to prepare to backstep as moving into range almost assures she will try to bring Mini Meteor down on your head. Keep these strategies up and she'll be toast. Be a gentleman and pick up her hat, though!
Note: If you're defeated by Seles, you can re-challenge her by playing through the Advanced Class again. If you find yourself really struggling with this battle, a rather cheap way you can easily win, assuming Zelos is on the Technical side of the T/S line, is to stay out of her reach and just bombard her over-and-over again with Double Demon Fang. Seriously: she'll almost never get off a spell! This is a rather disgraceful tactic for Zelos to employ on his frail, sickly sister, however! I shamefully admit to doing this to Valkyrie in Tales of Destiny II/Eternia once or twice!
There should be a skit called "Worrying Brother" after the Seles battle, but it seems to activate randomly. I've seen it show up immediately after the battle, then on this play, it didn't show until I went to Flanoir. However, a new skit you can view now, after fighting in the Arena with Zelos, is to equip his Masked Swordsman title and fight an additional battle outside. The skit: "Great Mysterious Handsome Warrior" should occur. I originally thought this was dependent on just fighting with the title equipped, but it only popped-up for me using the title after I had fought in the Arena. I hadn't used the actual costume in the Arena, but if you can't get the skit to occur, it's worth trying.
Note: The full potential of the Arena does not become available until the very end of the game, so I'll be covering it in-depth at that time. This was just a quick stop since it was mandatory we do this if Kratos is chosen.
Our next target is Sheena's duel with Kuchinawa in Mizuho. It's going to be another itemless, one-on-one battle, and can be quite difficult if not prepared accordingly. Take a look at my suggested equipment for Sheena in the screenshot above. In my opinion, combining the Holy Circlet with the Holy Symbol for the HP regeneration is more important than the Defense loss from using, say, the Maid's Hairband.
Another alternative to consider is giving Sheena the Elemental Circlet and the Protect Ring accessory. The Protect Ring will make you strong against physical attacks, but weak again fire and lightning, that Kuchinawa uses, however the Elemental Circlet will help bolster that. Either setup, cook Seafood Stew with Sheena before entering Mizuho.
Techs: Demon Seal, Summon: Water, Power Seal Pinion/Absolute, Life Seal
EX Skills: Guard Plus, Speed Cast, Prolong, Tough (Blood Spirit)
These aren't nearly as important as Zelos' romp through the Arena, but are worth noting nonetheless. Guard Plus is heavily recommended, however, and Speed Cast will help you summon Undine quicker in a pinch.
As soon as you enter Mizuho, you're met by Orochi and taken to the Chief's home. Vice-Chief Tiga wants to know what this duel is all about and will ask Lloyd since Sheena isn't providing any specifics. Honestly, if they haven't heard about Kuchinawa's treachery yet, that doesn't bode well for Mizuho's information network. Lloyd can respond: "Kuchinawa was working for the Pope." to largely lower Sheena's affection, or "I don't know anything about it." to bolster it. Either way, Tiga will reluctantly agree to let the duel proceed, with Lloyd presiding as the "Observer".
Outside in the village, your characters are lounging around. Whomever you talk to first will be given a minor boost in affection for Lloyd. Before talking to Orochi, make sure Sheena is fully prepared. The three will then depart for the Isle of Decision via boat.
I just realized I forgot to take a screenshot of the battle, oops, sorry! This one will have to work instead. Anyway, Kuchinawa's like a darn monkey jumping around pounding the ground, throwing kunai, fire, lightning, and the kitchen sink is in there, too, I think. He never lets up his assault, either, and as such, don't bother trying to string together combos on him. Instead, guard his attacks, then when he stops his barrage for a second, knock him on his behind with Demon Seal. You can also try to run under him when he leaps into the air, then blast him with Demon Seal again when he lands, but you've got to be quick. Remember: Sheena has a trump card in Summon: Water when she enters Overlimit mode, not only causing damage, but recovering her HP, as well. Kuchinawa only has 10k HP, so if you're at least level 70, you'll down him after multiple shots of Demon Seal with the Money Bag weapon. He'll leave behind the lesser Asura weapon for Sheena when defeated.
Note: If Sheena loses the duel, the game continues, but not only does Sheena's affection for Lloyd get a sharp decrease, for whatever reason, but she'll miss out on a costume title and special scene at the end of the game.
After crossing an excessively long land bridge, the party finds a solitary monolith. Upon inspection, it's revealed to be the resting place of the greatest Summon Spirit, Maxwell. It's demanded that you show proof of your power over the forces of earth, water, fire and, wind. In response, equip any characters with the Ruby, Aquamarine, Garnet, and Opal accessories and examine it again. You'll hear Maxwell's voice, but he'll rebuke the party and send them away! We're not prepared for his challenge, apparently. We'll have to come back later on, but I figured I would mention this for those that are interesting in viewing the scene.
Okay, so, it's time to talk about the events awaiting us in Flanoir. It comes down to this: Do you want Zelos or Kratos as your eighth character, and if Zelos, who will be Lloyd's "soulmate". Choosing Kratos automatically makes Colette Lloyd's "soulmate", so you don't get to make a decision in that regard. Chosen "soulmate" changes certain scenes, skits, and small tidbits here and there, but the most important thing to consider is that three of the characters provide one-of-a-kind items that you cannot get anywhere else. So, for completionists, we need to select one of these three:
Colette: Snow Hare (Lloyd-only Accessory: +5 Def, +10 Acc, Eva, Lck)
Zelos: The Chosen's Orb (Key Item)
Kratos: Kratos' Locket (Key Item)
This fact also means that, in order to complete the Collector's Book, you must play through the game a minimum of three times. Although selecting any other character will not provide an item, they're all worth viewing, at least once, to get a deeper understanding and respect for their story. It's important to understand, however, that Lloyd can only pick between his three highest-affection companions (Kratos' value is inconsequential). Besides the light ring skits on the world map and story events, there is a hidden way you can alter a character's affection: having Lloyd cook! You don't want to have to resort to this, though, but it is possible to do. Below are the ingredients Lloyd can cook with that will raise/lower a character's affection. Remember: You can always check character values, albeit a bit vaguely, from the fortune teller in Triet.
Colette: Fruits (+), Bell Pepper (-)
Genis: Milk (+), Carrot (-)
Kratos: Tuna (+), Tomato (-)
Raine: Lemon (+), Mushroom (-)
Sheena: Basic Rice (+)
Zelos: Melon, Tuna, Snapper (+), Octopus (-)
Presea: Nothing!
Regal: Tofu (+), Cucumber, Melon (-)
One more thing to note is that if you pick Zelos as Lloyd's "soulmate",
because of the timing of events and a glitch, you can't really receive
his special title for talking to all the world's "hunnies" legitimately.
I wouldn't let this deter you from picking him, though, as you will
receive the title either way. The glitch just rewards you the title
whether you've spoken to the "hunnies" or not.
Gameplay wise, should you pick Zelos or Kratos? It really comes down to personal choice, however, if you don't care either way, Zelos is probably the better decision. Without Zelos, a good number of side-quests become closed to you, but most all of these can be completed before he leaves the party; the only exception to this is if you choose Kratos, you cannot get Colette's Maid costume title at all, which I don't quite understand why that is. No Zelos also means that you can't make use of his philandering to pick up otherwise-unpurchasable items like Energy Tablets, Rune Bottles, and the extremely rare Hourglass. If you're an item collector, and planning to choose Kratos, I highly advise you to stock 20/30 Hourglasses in your inventory beforehand. I assure you that you don't want to be looking for these in the only other way to find them!
By picking Kratos, however, you can fight Seles again and receive a second Elemental Circlet that is worlds better than the Maid's Hairband or Rune/Holy Circlet one of the ladies will be saddled with as their best helmet. Another positive is Kratos comes with a free Faerie Ring accessory, the Brunnhilde armor, Sigurd helmet, and Arredoval shield you cannot obtain unless he joins you. Kratos has an additional spell, Judgment, the same as Colette's, over Zelos, but it takes forever to cast so it's not necessarily great.
You can always, like me, make two save files. One Zelos, one Kratos. You can even switch your character's side of the T/S line for each one. Problem solved!
What's canon? Well, I'm probably a bit biased as Kratos is my favorite character, but the story seems to strongly suggest Kratos, in my opinion, down to Colette being auto-chosen (No pun, I swear) as Lloyd's, obvious, storyline "soulmate" if he's picked. I haven't personally played it, but according to others, in the later sequel to Tales of Symphonia, Zelos is confirmed to have survived the events, so there's that, too.
Of course, there is this little Easter egg from Tales of the Abyss. Hmmm!
Note: This is your final chance to purchase the equipment from the Flanoir weapon/armor shop. After the "soulmate" scenes, the shop's inventory will change and every item in the store will become missable! Particularly, you may want to buy Power Greaves if you want to make additional Dragon Fangs for your inventory.
Before heading for the doctor's home on the eastern-side of town, look for two skits: "Good Doctor" and "Mind Over Matter" to occur beforehand. Zelos is mumbling something about "Aionis" and forging a "ring of the pact" outside the clinic when the party approaches. Rejoining the group, the patients outside, thankfully, will let you cut in line due to the emergency. The doc is a bit money-hungry, but is nice enough to let the group pay upon his success. Even though he says he's taking only three back to Altessa's House with him, the four characters, not including Kratos, that have the lowest affection with Lloyd will go with the doctor on the Rheairds.
Flanoir's armory has upgraded their inventory and the customization shop is now open for business. These are the final Gald shops in the game, so if you want, you can ditch the Blue Sephira accessory. At the customization shop, if you aren't already using the Paper Fan, create an Angel's Tear for Lloyd. You'll find one of these in a chest eventually, but it's going to be a while longer. Also, the thunder-based Strike Ax for Presea. Be aware, however, that creating the Strike Ax forces you to lose the Mythril Ax weapon, of which there is only one in the game, so you're forced to decide between the two weapons. You'll need to create the Strike Ax to add it to the Collector's Book, though. I generally have the Strike Ax in my inventory for one of my files, then keep the Mythril Ax for the other one, but I'm a bit peculiar like that.
At the weapon/armor shop, we can be a bit frugal because we'll receive a good number of the best pieces of armor in the game in the following dungeon. Buy a Rare Plate for Lloyd/Zelos, with the other retaining either the Reflex or Rune Mail. You can buy just one Rare Helm for them, also, but I would recommend two for a later boss because of its protecting against lightning. The Rare Gauntlet has earth-based protection and decent Defense, so I switched one for Presea's Claw Gauntlet. As you've seen thus far, the Holy Circlet's HP regeneration is very helpful, but I don't recommend it over Presea and Sheena's Hairpin and Maid's Hairband, respectively.
Take the Rheairds back to Sylvarant and drop by Hakonesia Peak to ask Koton about Devil's Arms. Genis' hunch was correct: he's planning to use the staff-type Arm for his new cane! Thankfully, Raine will trade him a rare crown, from someone in her past, and you'll obtain the final Devil's Arm, Heart of Chaos. Unlike the other Arms, the Heart of Chaos, with its hearty bonus of +50 Intelligence, is useful in its incomplete state. In fact, this is the best weapon in the game for Raine, at least until she maximizes her Intelligence stat. The reduction in Accuracy and Luck of the weapon will have very minimal effect on the magic-based Raine.
Note: Having obtained all nine of the Devil's Arms, the option to fight Abyssion at the bottom of the Temple of Darkess becomes available. However, Abyssion is far-and-away the hardest boss in the entire game and I highly recommend you wait until we collect more of the best weapons and armor before challenging him.
Note: Another boss you can face-off with now is the last incarnation of the Sword Dancer. He's located on the screen of the Iselia Forest nearest Dirk's House. While nowhere near the difficulty of Abyssion, he's still formidable, and I suggest we fight him later. Defeating him rewards you with the best (By pure numbers) weapon for Lloyd, if you don't want to wait, though.
Note: Some of the following side-quests MUST be completed with Zelos in
your party. That said, if you picked Kratos in Flanoir, it's imperative
you do these before the next dungeon or they may become missable.
Raine's Maiden costume. Using it, stay at an inn for the skit "Escape Rate".
Leave Luin and reenter to find the conman back by the boat. He offers Lloyd a new contract; this one Raine looks over, also. Lloyd can either say: "Okay." to increase affection with Colette, Kratos, Sheena, and Zelos, but lowers it for Genis, Raine, Presea, and Regal. Picking "No way." raises it for Genis, Raine, Presea, and Regal, with only Sheena taking a negative from the choice. To advance the quest, you have to accept the contract, but if you want to make a decision based on affection, you can decline, exit and reenter Luin, and Aifread will offer the contact again, but the affection values are only in play for the first time he offers it to you.
Unfortunately, Aifread has tricked the group yet again and the party has signed on to help him search for Spiritua's treasure as part of his crew! He's only got the Gald for an outfit for Lloyd, however, and Lloyd obtains the costume title, Arrgh, Me Hearties. He gives the order for you to ask around the House of Salvations for information on the treasure and then to meet him in Hima afterward.
Note: If you didn't accept Lyla's Letter in Izoold near the beginning of the game, these scenes with Aifread are not possible.
Back out on the world map, a new skit: "The Conman" becomes available. For the next portion of the quest, we need to visit every House of Salvation in Sylvarant, in any order you prefer. If you need a refresher, they are near Iselia, Palmacosta, and Asgard. After viewing the scenes there, head for the Thoda Dock where you'll find Auguste. The priest explains how Aifread's crew were all killed when the Giant Kharlan Tree went out of control and he asked Auguste to pray for them on his pilgrimage. He gives the group the Spiritua's Ring item and asks that you deliver it to Aifread for him.
Fly to Izlood and try to hand the Letter over to Lyla. It turns out that Lyla wasn't pining for Aifread, but he in fact owed her 10 million Gald! She's a loan shark and Aifread's pegged Lloyd with the debt! Taking the lovesick Max with them, the party attempts to sell the Spiritua's Ring to Koton at Hakonesia Peak, but it alone isn't enough to make up the 10 million for Koton. Lloyd offers to throw in the Road Pass, that he previously was selling for 10 million because of Dorr in Palmacosta, and Koton becomes miffed and gives you the money for the Ring which sets you square with Lyla. Back in Izoold, head for the docks and talk to Max by his ship who hands over the Aifread's Hat helmet. This, along with the Star Cap, are the best helmets in the game for Regal and Genis. After all of the scenes are done, the key items (Letters, Ring) remain in your inventory, to note.
Next, back to Tethe'alla and to Mizuho. If Sheena won her duel with Kuchinawa, Orochi is standing outside of the Chief's house and mentions that the Chief's voice can be heard from inside. Speak with Tiga to learn that Igaguri periodically mumbles in numbers, but the meaning is unknown. Sheena speculates that it may be related to Volt and it's agreed to visit the Temple of Lightning for clues. Approach Volt's altar to find the disembodied visage of the Mizuho Chief, Igaguri. He's been trapped here since the incident and searching for the remaining Guardian cards, of which Sheena only had three, to help subdue Volt. When he realizes that Sheena has already formed a pact with Volt, he, albeit reluctantly, returns to his body back in Mizuho.
Upon returning to the village, Igaguri has regained consciousness. He requests that the party leave Sheena with the village, for one night, to undergo a special ritual. The party makes camp outside of the village for the night. Like usual, whomever Lloyd talks with first around the fire will receive a minor boost in affection with him. The following day, it's announced that Sheena will, eventually, succeed Igaguri as Chief of the village and she's rewarded with the costume title, Successor, and rejoins the party. When back in control of Lloyd, talk to Igaguri for an additional scene, then look for the skits "Next Chief" and "Chief Awakens"; which may or may not need to have the Successor costume equipped to occur. Also, I would assume, the previous two skits are only available if Zelos is still a member of your party.
When using the Successor costume, randomly in battle, Sheena's weapon will change looks. I think this may represent the 12 Mizuho Guardian cards, but I'm not sure. The change is only cosmetic, to note.
To Meltokio next, divert east and into the slums. Lloyd and Genis are bypassed by a boy chasing a Katz. For some reason the boy, named Vice (Best friend of Denim and Kachua, the local slum flower girl that one guy is looking for), is trying to get a Katz to speak with his grandfather, who use to research them, but they refuse. Lloyd and Genis will, of course, get involved. Head over to the item shop on the lower, western-wing of the city and talk to the explorer Katz inside. They're not interested in being associated with Noah, Vice's grandfather, and if you want to know why, you're going to have to ask the Katz Elder at Katz Village. So, leave and take the Rheairds back to Sylvarant.
If you'll recall, Katz Village is at the northern-tip of the northwestern continent. The Elder is at the summit of the village, wearing a tan suit, and is the one that shows you all the skits in the game. He tells the party that Noah actively hunted Katz in the past, wearing a faux Katz suit, to research them; explaining why the Katz seem to despise him. The Elder hands over Noah's old Katz suit, that surprisingly, they hadn't already burned.
Back in the Meltokio slums, since none are willing, Genis will decide to put on Noah's old Katz suit and speak to him with it. Despite being blind, Noah can tell Genis isn't a true Katz, but recognizes his old suit. A random Katz runs in, for whatever reason, and makes peace with Noah, allowing his already-passed apparition to rest in peace. You then find out that Vice, too, was just a ghost and he has found his peace, as well. Genis keeps Noah's Katz suit and obtains the costume title: Katz Katz Katz.
Note: If you're wanting to complete the Joshua and Rosa side-quest, you'll now find them living together in the Meltokio slums. Be advised: if you talk to them, you'll lose the Pink Pearl Ring item and absolutely nothing is gained from it.
If having completed the event earlier where Princess Hilda was kidnapped by The Pope, the banquet in the party's honor is now being held if you speak with Sebastian at Zelos' mansion. Lloyd's outfit was lost, apparently, so he needs to go back to the castle and find it. Once changed, Lloyd will get the option to guess who he thinks is waiting for him on the terrace. Lloyd has automatically obtained his costume title, but who you select here will get a boost in affection and their costume title, however, if you pick "I wonder who it is." that increases affection with Kratos and your highest affection character is auto-chosen for the terrace and costume title. Inside the banquet hall, Lloyd can talk to three additional characters who will also receive costume titles; but this is the maximize amount you can obtain in one play. Due to this, multiple plays are required to obtain all of the fancy outfit costume titles for all the characters. Note: This event can't be done with Kratos in the party, so he does not have a special costume to obtain.
Colette's Fair Lady costume.
Sheena's You Look Great! costume.
Presea's Little Madam costume.
Regal's Dandy costume.
To find her daughters, first head for the Amusement Park. Just off the railway, talk to the little girl, then return back and talk to her mother again to learn she'll need to be told again; do so and she'll return to her mother this time. Follow up by entering the hotel and going to the 2F shopping area. You'll need to talk to the little girl on the right-side of the screen with either Zelos or Kratos in lead of your party in order for her to return. The final two girls are down on the beach. One is to the lower-left of the screen; looking a lot like a boy, actually. The other is standing by the refreshment stand and won't go back to her mother until the other three are found first. Having found them all, the mother will tell Lloyd that she's left a gift for the group with the receptionist of the hotel.
The same as the dinner party in Meltokio, Lloyd will get the choice of who will automatically receive a costume title and a boost in affection. The difference here is, unlike the other event, Lloyd can only select one; the other two characters who go to be beach with him are determined by the highest affection values. So, in addition to Lloyd's costume title, you can only obtain a maximum of three other of these beach costume titles per play. This results in you needing to play through the game at least three times to receive them all. This event CAN be done with Kratos, but he'll refuse to change into a swimsuit, so he can only gain affection from being picked and receives no costume title.
Colette's Mermaid costume.
Sheena's Queen of the Beach costume.
Zelos' Pickup Artist costume.
Note: Before entering the Tower of Salvation, if you viewed the scene with Kratos in Flanoir, Zelos is about to leave your party, but you don't need to manually remove any of this equipment. Enter the Tower only when fully prepared for a long dungeon.