(Hey guys, I was a little bored, and it sprouted into this. Oh, this story takes place after Kratos remains at Dirk's House, and you don't speak to him at Flainor. R&R!)

The Warmth of the Sun

Kratos listened quietly to the sound of the flowing river. He positioned himself more sternly on the riverbank as he closed his eyes, tuning out all other sounds other than those of the river and nature itself.

The noise of the flowing water was soothing and comforting to Kratos as he allowed his mind to travel back into the past, to fond memories of when he was a child, to when he had first encountered his lover.

However, each of those was distant, far from the current situation, which presented itself to the two worlds.

Kratos opened his eyes, brushing away the warmth of his memories and embracing the present.

His only son was caught in a struggle of which he himself had underestimated.

"Mithos, how did time erode into this? Why did I not notice it before?"

In that one moment, Kratos realized the answer, he had been Mithos's companion, his friend. Had it been because he pitied the young boy's unfortune, the death of his sister? Perhaps the way he was discriminated against so harshly?

No, Mithos was not wrong, nor was he right. His first intentions had virtually been identical to Lloyd's, yet, the death of his sister mutated them.

Kratos rose to his feet, sighing. Perhaps Martel was the only one who had acquired peace. Yuan, Mithos, and himself should have died four- thousand years ago. Actually, it was only Yuan and he who should have, Mithos was a half- elf, left to only dwell in sorrow.

Kratos began to walk from the river up the small mountain.

And now, Lloyd was fighting for a world of peace, a world that was impossible.

A pure world without evil was only a dream, and would remain a dream for eternity.

Kratos neared the cliff, which held the Iselia Human Ranch, eyeing it carefully.

"Anna, I hope you're proud of Lloyd, this was the best I could offer for him, and... it was the best I could offer myself."

Kratos closed his eyes and smiled somewhat, beginning to walk back to Dirk's house.

The warmth of the sun followed him all the way back.