Disclaimer :
Yo everyone! Here's Saenda and Littlerosebud with A second chance!
Saenda : We really hope you'll enjoy it, right?
Littlerosebud : Yep yep! So I guess everyone already know it's gonna be KratosxYuan, right?
Saenda : I really hope so ._. It's written in the summary... Oh, oh! And I must warn! There will be some one sided MithosxKratos later on. My fantasies xD
Littlerosebud : I see… Poor Kratos, really
Saenda : Whaat? ._.
Littlerosebud : Anyways… on with the real disclaimer! We own nothing! Not the world, not the characters.
Saenda : Too bad though. I really want to own Kratos. *sigh*
Littlerosebud : And I really want Yuan. But we can't have anything in life, now, can we?
Saenda : I know, I know… Before we start, we must warn you. Anyone who flames us after this, even after all the warnings, will receive bashing from us! You have been warned!
Littlerosebud : But constructive criticism is always welcome! We love reviews!
Saenda : Anyway, enjoy everyone!
Chapter 1 (Kratos' P.O.V.)
I was tired. I couldn't take it anymore. I was tired of this work, of this place. If only I could stop it all now, everything would then be all right. Unfortunately, nothing could be as simple as that. No one would ever let me go, I was a real prisoner. But a rebellious prisoner, I might add. Because even if I couldn't leave, I was determined to find a solution, to fight until the end. I had to find a solution, any kind.
As long as it didn't put my family in danger... After all, my family was the most important thing in the world and I had to do everything to keep them safe.
My steps echoed in the dark hallways of the building in which I found myself at the moment. There wasn't anyone around and an oppressing silence was overrunning inside. I had never liked this place, it was too dark to my liking. There were almost no lights to light up my path and the walls were so grey that they became sad, dreary even. There was hardly any window and, when there finally was one, it was covered by curtains as grey as the walls. Only cells were missing and it would make the perfect prison, which it was actually. Non literally, of course. I was thinking of a prison because it was the place I was kept almost every hour of my days. And if I wasn't here, I surely was sent collecting our important clients' money, or collecting the money of trouble makers that annoyed my boss. I could hardly ever see my wife and son. I always had to slip away in the greatest secrecy, which I did a lot lately. And the more I slipped away, the more the blissful feeling of liberty was making itself present. After all, I was feeling a lot happier outside of those walls. Which sane human would refuse such happiness? I had to get out of there. Just a bit more time and it would happen.
This place was our 'family's headquarters. By family, I didn't mean mine, but the one at work, this work I hated so much. It was unfortunately the nickname people gave to their group of yakuza. And yet, I had always refused to call it so, feeling that it didn't fit at all our situation. Except in the presence of our boss, since I was forced. After all, I didn't want to attract unwanted attention towards me and, being the first lieutenant of our 'father', I had to show the example. At the slightest hint from myself, showing that I wanted to cut every link between us, everything was over, I wouldn't be able to escape anymore.
I took a turn, my feet still echoing, and not a single soul in sight. It was as if everyone had deserted today. But I was well situated to know that it was remuneration day and that the kids were all in a mission on each of their side so that they could collect the money from our customers, may those customers be willing or not. My superior had this gift to frighten people. He had such power that even the great leading figures prostrated themselves in front of him with terror. Which was why he could do almost anything he wanted even though generally, it turned out that it was immoral. He thought he could get away with murder and it was obvious that spreading evil was his favourite activity. It was one of the numerous reasons why leaving this place was making itself urgent in all my being. I didn't want to see, hear, nor live all those horrors I was forced to do and endure. Killing people because they couldn't pay the 'protection' we were offering to them anymore, beating others so that we would be sure that they would follow orders, hearing the cries and supplications all day long... It had become too much a long time ago.
Moreover, now that I had started a family in the utmost secrecy, I was putting it in the greatest danger. I had warned my wife that doing such a thing would be a bad idea, but she had insisted that everything would be all right and that, once I would have put everything behind and that I would have build my new life, we wouldn't need to worry at all anymore. I was sincerely hoping that she was right. Because if it happened that my boss learned about what I had done, I could certainly say farewell to my wife and son. And that idea only was enough to scare me to death. Each passed year was a real weight on my shoulders, never knowing if he would discover or if I still had enough time in front of me to leave everything.
My steps finally led me in front of a large wooden door in sculpted maple and I softly knocked on it before turning the true silver handle and entering inside. I closed the door behind me and laid on it before facing features I hated the most in the world.
Blond hair so long that they cascaded in his back like a waterfall. Green eyes that shined with mischief and cruelty, especially cruelty. It was so intense that it was enough to freeze anyone that would enter in the office and would make him bow down while begging that his life would be spared. Of course, that wasn't my case since I had learned to simply bypass them. Usually, these eyes were the proof that he was about to commit something bad. I had learned over time that this was the case when they were slightly screwed up with mockery, laughing at his victims who would suffer greatly because of his diabolic plans.
He always wore that smile full of himself, smile that showed that he knew how much he had power over his surroundings. His thin lips were often stretched in that smile, but also could thin into a frustrated pout. I honestly ignored which was the worst: seeing him angry or seeing him happy because he knew perfectly well that someone would suffer.
His face could seem angelic at first sight, but this simple thought could turn out fatal. Because if someone wasn't careful with that man, everything was over.
"You asked for me, Mithos?" I asked with a sigh, not moving from the spot I was standing. I was the only person in this place who could call him by his first name and that was because I knew him from a long time ago. Everyone else had to either call him 'Father' or 'Yggdrasil', which was his family name. Surprisingly, Mithos hadn't always been like he was now. When he was young, he had been a very sweet child that only wanted the best for others. I had met him at the time when his father had taken me in his care. I had lost my parents when I was very young and, having no place to go, his father had taken me in to make me one of his yakuza. I had quickly learned to prove myself so that I could have a roof under which I could stay. He had accepted me in his house where I had met Mithos. Quickly, he got closer to me so that I could help him put his plan to execution. Since when he would grow up, his father would naturally hand him over the task of taking care of the yakuza, he wanted to change that cruel system that involved collecting other people's money thanks to terror and violence into something good that would help those people. I was fast to agree that request because I had never liked to hurt others, which such a work involved. Since that moment, I was fast in getting an accelerated promotion so that I could prove my abilities in order to stay near Mithos. The way I had to use wasn't delightful at all, but it was necessary and soon, I had the position of first lieutenant at the same time as Mithos was taking over the business as a 'Father of the family'. I was greatly hoping that everything would go for the better, that we would be able to change things. Unfortunately, Mithos learned that he loved the money he received much more than he had thought. I knew perfectly well that money could corrupt people, but to do it this much, I didn't expect it at all. It was with the utmost regret that I saw my friend change from the innocent little boy to a fearless and merciless man, from Mithos to Yggdrasil. That innocent little boy really was no more, even if I tried numerous times to bring him back without any success.
I followed his orders for a long time without a single complaint, believing that I didn't have a single choice in the matter. I thought that my life had been traced and that I was forced to follow it and stay among his people, forced to do this horrible work that meant collecting money from people and dispose of 'worthlessness' that stood in the middle of my way. Except that, some years from now, eight to be exact, I met the most wonderful woman in the world who shattered that stupid theory. Anna was her name and I had to admit that it fitted her well. A name so soft, yet cheerful and full of life, that never let itself get down. That was her spitting image.
The first time I met her, she was chased by delinquents. Was it for her money, for her body or for something else? I didn't know. I simply knew that before I was even thinking about it, I was saving her from them, beating the hell out of them all to teach them a lesson. She thanked me many times, asking me what she should do to show me her gratitude. I told her that I needed nothing, but she insisted, so she ended up inviting me over for dinner. In the end, even if I wasn't someone who opened up and talked to others, I'm still not someone like that actually, she was successful in extracting words from me, words that soon became a real conversation. I accidently talked about the work I was doing and, when I realised my mistake, I apologized and made a move to leave, but she begged me to stay. Weirdly enough, she didn't seem scared at all to have a yakuza near her. Usually, when I spoke of my 'occupation', if we could say the least, people were avoiding me with fright, refusing to talk to me or even approach me. But Anna hadn't done such a thing. Instead, she contented herself with smiling happily at me before asking me even more information about me. I was so bewildered that it took me awhile before I could answer. And finally, I declared to her that I wasn't with the yakuza for the sheer delight of it, but rather because I felt that I had to and I didn't know a way out of it. It was with goodwill and wisdom that she explained to me that I could live the life I wanted, that there were many other possibilities before me. Her words had been so persuasive that soon, I found that I was in love with her and that my world was turning only around her instead of Yggdrasil. After a year, we were already marrying each other to have a son the next year. A son that had now grown so much considering the years I had been able to protect them. My little Lloyd of which I'm so proud of. He really couldn't tell how much I couldn't wait until I was out of that world so that I could have a job that would make him as much proud of me.
I must have seem lost in thoughts since I heard a cough coming from my boss, sign that I should return back to reality and listen to what he had to say. After all, it wasn't for nothing that he had called me and making him wait would be a huge mistake. "Yes, I did call you, but you seem tired Kratos." I raised an eyebrow at the statement. Was I dreaming or was Yggdrasil worrying about me? It was the first time I was hearing something such as this coming out of his mouth. Usually, he would have gone straight to the point without mentioning a single thing of the fact that I might be tired. Something wasn't right and I had to admit that I didn't like it one bit.
"No, I'm all right. I was just a little lost in thoughts." I simply answered with a shrug, wanting badly to know what was plotting inside that mad man's head. I had to find as fast as possible or it could cost me dearly. Since I didn't know of any special plan, it surely meant that it concerned me. Moreover, his eyes were screwed up in the very manner that I always knew I should expect nothing good out of. If my suspicions were turning out to be exact, I had to be wary of him. Nothing good could come out of this conversation today...
"And yet, I'm sure that you could use some rest." He pressed the matter, his smile widening. "You work so hard for me all the time, taking a day off from time to time isn't such a bad idea, don't you think?" A soft laugh that could send shivers down anyone's spine escaped his lips. "Am I not nice? I'm taking such good care of you, Kratos!" He purred in his honeyed voice. I could not help the shudder from making its way on my entire back, even though my body stayed still as much as it could. I had learned over the years not to show any emotion in his presence. That too could prove deadly.
However, I could not let go of that strange feeling that grew inside of me. It was as if Yggdrasil was trying to get rid of me, that he truly wanted me to go back home. Besides, I couldn't understand why, it wasn't like I didn't know everything that occurred in and outside of this building, even the most secret missions. I frowned, trying to discern the hidden meaning behind his words.
Sending me back home...
And finally, I caught on with horror what was going on. Yggdrasil wasn't trying to hide something from me, but rather show me something! And this something could only be happening at my house at this very moment! Anna... Lloyd... They had been discovered!
Despite the storm that was raging inside me, I kept an impassive face before Yggdrasil in case, just in case, that I would be assuming things and be wrong. But it was hard. My skin wanted to grow as pale as a ghost and my whole self wanted to tremble violently from the shock. If only I could be wrong!
I let a sigh escape my lips to pretend that this whole thing was annoying me, although it did help to relieve some stress, even just a little. "If you truly want me to." I declared in a monotonous tone. This seemed to disappoint him because he pouted in disappointment at such little reaction coming from me, only increasing the fright already huge inside of me. "I'm doing everything I can to find you some time to rest when we are all very busy and that is how you thank me?" I could immediately discern anger in his voice. This time, I sighed once more and bowed my head slightly while releasing some of my mask to show a weak smile of gratefulness. Yggdrasil was already concocting something evil, if he had to get furious now, I knew for sure that I would be too late for my family. "Forgive-me. It is just that I wasn't expecting a day off and I didn't know how to react. Thank you very much for your compassion." I lied in a soft voice, vaguely searching for the right words as to not divulge anything I could be really feeling. He now appeared to be in a better mood and showed me his evil smile once more. "Ah, that is a much better reaction." He still seemed to be disappointed by the fact that he couldn't read any emotions of fear on my face, but I wasn't about to give him the pleasure of watching me lose my composure. If he had truly found my family and had hurt them, he would never receive any pleasure on my behalf, I could swear it.
I bowed my head a little to say goodbye to him before I turned around in a curt movement to leave this place on a step that seemed calm and precise, my expression still wearing that impassive look. I walked this way until I arrived at the entrance of the building so as to be certain that Yggdrasil wouldn't surprise me with a look of anxiety just in case he would have decided to follow me, even just for a bit of time. At the mere display of fright, he would immediately be satisfied of his plans and would know at once that he had discovered everything. However, I preferred to die than to give him this pleasure.
Finally, when I was certain that he would not see me, I dashed out of the place and ran as fast as my legs allowed me to. I arrived to my car in a matter of seconds and, although I can't say I really remember what happened, I know that I had never started a car as fast as I had before leaving in a hurry, not concerning myself with the traffic at all. My mind was too occupied by the fact that my wife and my child could be in grave danger. I vaguely remember tooting in my direction since, on several occasions, I almost wrecked another car. I never stopped to apologize though, nor did I take the time to note if I had done any damages. I'm not sure if it was some sort of guardian angel that was protecting me, but I could swear that it was effective.
The more I approached my destination, the more I caught sight of ash grey smoke coming from... my neighbourhood! My eyes widened in horror as I ascertained that fact. This couldn't be... no, this couldn't be!! I think that my foot weighed up much more on the throttle and it was a miracle that no policeman had chased me yet.
Just before I arrived in my street, I saw two police officers guarding the place to prevent anyone from coming in, as well as a yellow banner blocking the street, proving to me that something horrible had happened. Even if the intense smoke was enough as a proof, to see the police officers was being more of an impact. There was no place left for the little hope that had lingered inside of me earlier to disappear little by little as time passed.
I parked my car on the roadway without really looking where I was placing it, not having the time for it and nor did I care. I left quickly before I started running once again as fast as previously, ignoring completely the two policemen who were trying to stop me. Once again, I was hoping. Hoping that this smoke was coming from another house, that my wife and son were both safe and sound while looking at the fire as spectators. Or if the fire truly was coming from my house, hoping that they had come out just in time.
And then, I froze in place, my body not able to move anymore except for the violent shaking that had taken a hold of me, my pupils narrowing with terror at the show offering itself before me.
There stood a once charming little house that was devastated by a one thousand raging fire. The blue-grey walls had taken an ash colour amongst the orange of the flames and they seemed to be completely blurry. The black roof was rumbling harshly, like a complaint, ready to fall down on the house without any mercy. The windows, which faced outside, had all burst out because of the intense heat and glass was scattered everywhere on the grass. The heat was so intense that I could feel it on my skin, even though I was meters away from it.
The bright orange reflected itself in my eyes, growing and growing each second even though water was poured to calm it. I only realised now that firemen were trying to make it dye, although they seemed to have great difficulties. The fire was tenacious, he climbed higher and higher, exhibiting itself proudly before the destruction it was causing, not caring in the least about the feelings it could cause in others. Except maybe in my case. It was as if he was sneering, mocking me openly for my mistakes, for having been reckless. This fire was Yggdrasil himself; it was my punishment for having dared start a family, for hiding it and betraying my master.
That was enough to take me back to reality and I dashed in my house's direction with the intention of saving my family. I could not leave them in there! They surely must still be alive, they had to still be alive! They couldn't die now, no... not now...
"Anna! Lloyd!" I yelled with huge despair in my voice. I was praying for all the Gods in the world that they were both still alive, that they had been able to get out! My wife, my child!
Suddenly, I felt that someone was pulling on my two arms, stopping me in the process and I was forced to stop. Why were they stopping me? I didn't have time for this! I had to go save them before it was too late, I had to save them!!
Strange how losing someone dear could make one so irrational. I knew perfectly well that throwing myself in the flames could kill me, or at least wound me gravely. I would accomplish nothing at going to get them, maybe it already was too late. And yet, I struggled bluntly, trying to make them go. "Let me go! Let me go!" I screamed, my voice now panicked. "I have to save them, let me go!" If the tears weren't falling off my eyes yet, I knew that they wouldn't take time before arriving. I think that the men who were holding me back answered me something, but I couldn't recall their exact words. All I knew was that they were refusing to let me go and I had to wrestle my way out even more.
Two other men joined the two first as to prevent me from going any further. Still, I was determined to win against them and struggled like hell, keeping my gaze fixed on the house, as if I was begging the fire to stop his devastation so that he could let me go inside. And it was then that I saw the roof collapse hardly on the house and, this time, my face was automatically stained with tears. My pupils narrowed and when finally the information was registered in my brain – which seemed like she was trying to avoid – I stopped struggling. "Nooooooooo!!! Anna! Lloyd!" I yelled once again to soon after collapse on my knees, sobbing with my face between my hands. I knew now too well that I couldn't anything anymore, that I had arrived too late. If only I had had more minutes, if only I had known what Yggdrasil had been planning...
Anna, Lloyd... why, why did you have to suffer like this?!
I didn't notice the firemen finally regain the upper hand over the fire who diminished little by little, losing its glory until it died completely. I didn't notice the policemen who had just arrived and were asking questions to the people around to know what exactly had happened, if they knew anything that could have caused the fire. What I did notice, though, was the ambulance drivers who were leaving the house's rubbles with bodies covered by a white sheet on stretchers. Seeing them, I stood up slowly, my body feeling heavy. It was as if I had lead in my legs and arms as I approached the stretchers. "Anna... Lloyd..." I murmured, unable to raise my voice even more than I spoke right now. I stretched my hand in the same direction, as if I thought that Anna would get up and take my hand with a smile. But when nothing happened and the ambulance driver nearest from me shook his head, I couldn't take it anymore. Completely broken, I fell once again on my knees and looked in the distance, my eyes completely empty of anything.
Never again would I see their smile. Never again would I hear that childlike laugh, which was a beautiful music to my ears. I would never hear the sound of their voice that welcomed me warmly when I came back from work. There wouldn't be any more sweet nothings between Anna and I, no more amusing games with Lloyd. My little Lloyd who would never see beyond his six years of age, who would never grow up to be a fine young man, proud and strong. To hold them in my arms would be impossible, their reassuring and joyous presence didn't exist anymore. I had lost everything completely, exactly like Yggdrasil had wanted. He had destroyed what I held dear to me.
Anna... Lloyd...
***
A/N :
Saenda : I hope you liked that chapter! And I hope I impersonated Kratos well! And sorry in advance for all the mistakes, we don't have any Beta lol.
So next chapty will be Littlerosebud's, in Yuan's point of view. Be sure to read it, it'll be great!
And now, please review everyone! We would really appreciate it! Thank you!
