What different from the previous plot:

- I need to give some role to the previous minor characters from TOS1 and TOS2. Like the time in TOS1, Chocolat didn't afraid of Desians unlike common people. In this fanfic she didn't afraid of the shadow creatures here. Since I didn't play TOS1, if I write something wrong about her, forgive me. There's also Paul here…even though I despise him, but as a responsible author, I must change the bratty boy into likeable character.

- Frank was in charge on Tynan and Annalise instead of Dirk. I kind of accidentally forgotten about that poor old guy on the previous fanfic, plus I didn't know that Dirk live slightly secluded from the Iselia town o_o… But don't worry, Dirk will have his moment.

What different from the myth:

- There was a problem when mentioning Hel from Norse myth. She was mostly and probably 100% a giantess. But there were an ambiguous description between giants and gods in Norse mythology, sometimes they're mixed or mistaken with each other or maybe ancient people were often exaggerating…and sometimes there are different between them. But some indications from the legend could consider Hel as an Aesir. However the title "Aesir" in this story isn't just about her :D

,,, ,,, ,,,

"But even in this early morn

Faintly foreshadowed was the dawn

Of that fierce struggle, deadly shock,

Which yet should end in Ragnarok;

When Good and Evil, Death and Life,

Beginning now, end then their strife."

~Valhalla (J. C. Jones).

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Chapter 3

"Come home now, Lloyd." Kratos spoke. His cold red eyes narrowed to the boy who was one per fifth of his height. They were currently visiting a carnival, it was Kratos' desperate attempt to be a 'normal father' for his son, but he nearly lost his patience when the boy was distracted by the lights and various ornaments. The boy didn't budge and refused to do what his father said. The elder man was displeased because his small family could hardly settle in one place. They had to travel from one town to another, away from their hunters. Then he warned, "If you do not behave, I will leave."

Lloyd remembered that warning from his father until he was older. It was a terrible memory that brought misinterpretation. Of course Kratos didn't mean any of those warnings. He loved his child too much that he never considered any harsh punishment, he preferred it verbally. When Kratos threatened his son, it was far from the truth. The old man would hid, patiently waiting for the boy until the child gave up tailing his father because he didn't want to lose him.

When Lloyd was separated from his parents in Iselia, he wondered what he had done wrong. Had he been a bad child that his parents left him?

Fifteen years later, Lloyd wouldn't talk, wouldn't meet, and wouldn't look at Kratos when he told the younger swordsman the truth. The ancient ex-seraph wouldn't blame boy. He felt that he deserved all of the punishment Lloyd gave to him. It was his fault for not being with the boy ever since they were separated. He betrayed his own son...and even after Mithos was defeated, he would leave the boy eventually.

But after the end of the Regeneration Journey, Lloyd didn't expect that departing from his father was probable. He assumed after the war was over, Kratos would've stayed. Then all of the sudden his biological father demanded Lloyd to send him to Derris Kharlan. The time Kratos informed this...he saw Lloyd's eyes glazed. During the journey the elder man didn't consider there was any possible connection between them. Now he was witnessing his son's attempt to not cry. He thought the glazed eyes were an illusion.

The moment of silence was devastating when Kratos waited for a reply from his son. Then suddenly...instead of rage, sorrow, or any reply from the younger swordsman, Lloyd did the least expected reaction: He suddenly ran into his room, and locked himself. At first Kratos didn't say anything, he knew Lloyd would react negatively, but he didn't expect the boy to be so baffled about this. He wondered why Lloyd attempted to made him stay, it was not like there was any hope of bonding for them.

Lloyd secluded himself inside his room for hours, even until night. Kratos offered him from the door to talk and ignored the departing matter aside. Though so, Lloyd was completely rejecting him. Now Kratos was worried. He asked Dirk to talk to Lloyd. It was successful for a while, because Dirk insisted on Lloyd to eat. However, right after he put Lloyd's dinner tray, the boy insisted the dwarf to leave immediately. For three days he acted like this, he only allowed Dirk to come to his room for food, other than that he didn't want to face Kratos, even if it was Kratos' turn to bring the food tray. Of course both of his fathers, Kratos and Dirk, let him do as he liked, they'd rather be defeated by Lloyd's stubborn behavior than letting him starve. Lloyd got out for once or twice only for the bathroom, but after he used the toilet, he ran back to the room, and it only occurred during midnight.

On the fourth day, Kratos was so desperate that he called Lloyd's friends. They went to the house immediately and instantly glared at Kratos for always making things harder for his son. Then they were putting aside this problem and focused on helping Lloyd...which ended up getting worse.

Regal tried talking calmly to Lloyd. He ignored the Lezerano's president completely. With Presea, both of them had a staring contest. Ironically, Presea, the best poker faced girl was actually defeated. He had a heated argument with Raine, and the teacher was overwhelmed because she was tired of yelling. Zelos got the worst reaction; he left with his nose bleeding caused by Lloyd's sudden punch. Sheena and Genis were baffled by Lloyd's behavior, both of them confessed that they had never seen him acting like this. Even Lloyd almost made Colette cry.

They all retreated when even Colette couldn't convince him. On the seventh day Kratos' patience was worn out. He banged on his son's door room once with force. But at the time he almost yelled, Kratos stopped and thought about it. All he did to convince Lloyd to come out was because he needed the boy's power to send him back to Derris Kharlan. He hadn't thought of Lloyd's feeling about this.

"I am sorry..." He whispered against the door, it was gentle compared to his rough exterior, but loud enough to be heard by Lloyd from inside the room.

There was no reply... Kratos didn't expect any either. But he tried again. He apologized all over again and again. He apologize from the time he killed his mother, his failure on searching Lloyd, his apathetic manners when he discovered him, his harsh personality, his betrayal, his death wish, and his selfish departing wish. Few minutes later, there was still no reply...and Kratos' words were shaking. He frustratingly rubbed his eyes using his right hand. When he pulled back his right hand he saw something he hadn't expected...his hand was moist with tears...

The door slowly opened...and quickly his eyes dried. Lloyd's face was on the edge and he feebly spoke, "There's nothing I can do to make you stay, is it?"

It hurt Kratos to think this was the reason his son had behaved that way. Despite that, he had no heart to lie at the boy.

"No, there isn't."

"Even...If I beg?"

That stung Kratos as if there was an invisible knife penetrating him. He steadied himself and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Lloyd..."

"But you promised...that we'll go to the boat together after all of this..."

"Unfortunately, I didn't agree on that. You couldn't possibly want my presence...Even if my intention was not to harm you..."

"I don't...but..." Lloyd looked up to the elder, and then glanced to his side unable to face his father longer, "I could've hoped."

"..." Silence was the only reply that came from the elder, he couldn't lie but he had no heart on telling his son the truth.

"When I was a kid..." Lloyd whispered again, "I didn't understand why you left me. Yeah, you told me the reason now, but back then I wondered if you left me because I did something wrong?"

"No, Lloyd...no." Kratos muttered too quickly, "You did nothing wrong, Lloyd. I'm the one who does not deserve you."

"-doesn't that mean I deserve your presence?" Lloyd narrowed his garnet eyes, "Doesn't that mean I deserve the rest of your life? Doesn't that mean I deserve a chance for our lost time...?"

"I would give it all for you, if it is in my power." Kratos answered, "But I cannot."

"Does Derris Kharlan worth more than your son?"

Kratos snarled frustratingly. "My son's freedom worth far more than my happiness."

His son stammered, "W-What do you mean?"

Kratos sighed heavily, he had no intention on informing his son about it. But it was too late. He buried his head with one of his palm and then confessed, "The Derris Kharlan reacted. If no one does something about it, the unbalanced mana will respond to the new tree which isn't old enough to handle the wave. Everything you work for will be nothing. The summon spirit that handle the mana in Derris Kharlan requires my assistance. She only needed me..."

"Why would she ask you? Can't she ask anyone else?"

"Apparently my heritage is not common..." He spoke it hoarsely, "This is something only I can do, I couldn't explain...If not she will choose you."

"...what if we do it together?"

"No..." Kratos sternly spoke, "I couldn't ask you to do this." He sternly held both of his son's shoulder.

"You don't want me to come with you?" Lloyd felt disappointed.

"No… I want you to have what I don't have: The freedom to do anything, the peace of both worlds, the chance to love…to raise a family without fear…"

Lloyd didn't realize that his father had embraced him.

But he realized that perhaps…it was the only solution for Kratos...and no matter how much the red clad swordsman wanted it differently; all of Kratos' method was intentionally for Lloyd...and it was and would always be that way...

On the next day, Kratos didn't ask his son to send him to the forsaken planet yet. He gave Lloyd some time. He accompanied his son when he apologized to his friends. Then they spend the rest of the day sparing, traveling, grooming Noishe, and their favorite moment…stargazing. They were slow unnecessary moments, but those moments were invaluable to Kratos, even though it was not written plainly from his expression.

They rarely talk...because they were afraid of quarrel, and words were rarely necessary. If they did, Lloyd would still subconsciously convince Kratos to stay. After two weeks, Kratos ran out of time. With a heavy heart he informed the deadline. Lloyd was still disappointed, but he didn't deny his father's wish no more. That warning from Derris Kharlan was like an alarm clock waking Lloyd rudely from his tranquil dream. It was a simple dream he'd always wanted ever since he was a child.

"I…have something for you…" Lloyd sluggishly spoke.

Kratos didn't expect that. He was soon lost in unexplainable euphoria deep down in his mind.

Lloyd continued, he was unaware how that word made his father so blissful, contradicting his stoic, impassive, frozen heart. The younger swordsman stumbled on his words. He was so bashful and afraid of saying it, "Remember when I locked myself inside a room?" Lloyd asked and it was answered simply when his father nodded, "I didn't just lock myself and doing nothing. I was trying to figure you out..."

"Why?"

"You see, I often give charms, trinkets, or memorial to my friends, not just Colette. I give Genis a book mark once we all know his obsession with books. Then there was Professor Raine, I give her anything that was old and she loved it. Even to my new Tethe'alla friend. Then...there you are, the most enigmatic person I've ever met.:

Kratos hadn't say anything, he was too curious on hearing the boy's story, "You don't have to do it..."

"But I wanted to." Lloyd confessed, "I give most of my friends a trinket each that resembles their personalities. When I made yours…you were so complicated, that I'm not sure how to describe you. There was something missing…like it was something I should remember, but I forgot it. But I guess it made sense when I discovered that you were my father. I don't know what the best trinket to portray your traits... I thought of a pocket watch…"

Lloyd opened the package carefully and there it was: the golden pocket watch which Lloyd had made.

"H-here…" Lloyd handed it to his father, "I…I know it's not that good, it was very hard and I'm not patient on doing it so it's not per-"

"It's perfect…" Kratos cut his son's words but he did it without realizing, because he was too perplexed by the watch.

The gift was precious to him, because it was the first gift he received from his son. Lloyd was not the careful type because complicated design would frustrate him. But this watch was a proof that Lloyd cared enough to make it for his father. He might be exaggerating, but that was what happened when a father received a gift from his son.

"It's time, Lloyd…" Kratos whispered those words heavily.

,,, ,,, ,,,

"Is something wrong?" The little boy who was beside him was asking the question while he was trying to fix his pocket watch.

"There's someone there..." Kratos informed quietly.

"Where? I can't see...it's too dark."

Kratos narrowed his garnet eyes when he spotted a silhouette of a man perched on top of a tree. It was not an ordinary man. He had a pair of large wings...perhaps he was delusional, but he was suspecting things. Kratos did expect another presence when he and Tynan escape from the hellhounds. Someone cast offensive magic, but he did not perform it. Someone else was the cause of it. For some reason, he assumed that silhouette was the whole reason behind it.

"Did you remember...when we escape from the hellhounds someone conjured a light spell?"

"I...I thought it was you?"

"No, it was not me, I assure you." Kratos said, while not taking his eyes from the silhouette.

The large wings reminded Kratos of Lloyd's wings back on their Regeneration Journey. He remembered the eternal swordsman once again and was slightly dismayed. Lloyd didn't tell his son anything about his grandfather. But he was concerned more of Lloyd's disappearance.

Now he focused more on the creature he spotted. If it was the beast, it should not have slender figure, and if it had wings it should not be an ordinary common human. Is he a remaining angel of Cruxis? But all angels of Cruxis had been relocated in Derris Kharlan, never to return to this combined world. Before Kratos could answer those rushing questions inside his mind, the silhouette suddenly expanded his wings and flew away.

"It is gone..." he muttered to himself.

"I can't believe Dad would make something like this." Tynan suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. The boy wasn't paying any attention. He preferred observing the broken pocket watch which was made from his father.

"Tynan..." He called softly.

The boy looked up to the elder man, he was still sheltered under the man' cloak. Kratos noticed his trademark garnet colored eyes...the odd eye color he inherited from Lloyd...and Lloyd inherited it from his own.

"What happened to your parents?"

Tynan immediately look away, as if he was caught on doing something wrong.

"They're..."

Their brief conversation was cut once they heard a hoarse voice behind them.

"TYNAN!"

Both of them saw many people approaching them. The one in the front was Priest Frank. His left was Paul the young adult who was scouting near the Lumix and allowed Kratos and Tynan to enter the village.

"Oh, Tynan..." Father Frank embraced the boy quickly, almost ignoring the certain auburn haired man beside them. He let go of the boy slightly and held his shoulders with both of his hands, "I was so worried... I only saw Annalise and Noishe back but you were still left in the forest."

"I'm sorry for making you worried, grandfather." Tynan confessed. His eyes fell to the ground, feeling guilty for worrying his old grandfather.

"Are you well, my boy? I suspected the worse. I thought the shadow creatures had devoured you!"

"Someone rescued me..." Tynan pointed at the man who gave him the cloak.

When Frank looked to his side and saw another presence, he was stunned, "Kratos...?"

"It has been a while...Frank."

,,, ,,, ,,,

These new foreign senses began to unnerve the auburn haired ex-seraph: the heat from the coffee's mug, the warmth from a blanket that was offered to him. He was far more sensitive than the time before he consumed Aionis. His hearing was still sensitive, though he heard millions of buzzes and whispers from few people. Some people might recognize him, if not they tried to convince it was not the same person, since he did not age.

He was currently in the Iselia citizen's meeting room in Martel's temple and since the religion was fading, it was becoming to a regular church. He was separated from Tynan, by a living room for a reasonable motive. They were about to discuss the topic that was too susceptible for the boy. Kratos watched the boy on the side of the room. The town people of Iselia were more considerate than the previous years during the Regeneration Journey. Tynan was offered too many services, one woman dried his hair, another man gave him his son's spare clothes, another lady offered him food. But soon his view was blocked by the curious crowd.

The men were amused when they heard his rescue, considering it was rare to survive from the Hellhounds. The women were curious. Since he was capeless, Kratos suspected the ladies' eyes gazed too long at his shoulder.

"Don't mind them. It was rare to see a fine looking man in here."

Kratos turned his attention to a woman who emerged from the other room. Her hair was brown and she wore common comfy dress from Sylvarant. Kratos recognized her figure. He remembered a girl who resembled her, one of the many people whom Lloyd saved during the Regeneration Journey. He had the conclusion and spoke her name, "Ms. Chocolat."

"Mrs..." She corrected while she smiled. The woman turned to the crowd of people and asked them politely to return to their homes. She gave certain signals for those few who were taking care of Tynan. She moved her hand directed to other room, soon the people obeyed her as she closed the door.

Now she was alone with Kratos, allowing her to start any conversation.

"I was married with my husband who is now the mayor of Iselia. He was off to Meltokio a few days ago, with the other mayors from both of the world's town, the ambassadors of Tethe'alla and Sylvarant, and the Symphonian eight...minus Lloyd and Colette."

"Colette..."

"...is Lloyd's wife, Tynan's mother."

"...ah" somehow Kratos wasn't surprised, he finally remembered why Annalise was familiar, whose gesture reminded him of the female chosen.

"Do take your time… We have a lot matter to discuss." She sat down facing the auburn swordsman before she continued, "It has been twenty years since the last time I saw you. You neither have changed nor aged. But that was expected if you are related to Lloyd Irving."

Kratos went alarmed. He narrowed his garnet eyes but Chocolat just laughed lightly. She continued, "Father Frank told me but I didn't ask the details. To me it does not matter what you are. Lloyd Irving taught us that as long as the person have no ill will, he or she is good."

"He taught you well."

"Not just me… He change and touched so many people, the people of Iselia, Sylvarant, Tethe'alla and beyond many various races. Of course to achieve that goal require many losses and many contravention and conflicts. He eventually succeeded but his journey is far from over. Then it happened, few months ago, he and his wife vanished."

"What had happened?"

Chocolat's eyes misted, she almost couldn't continue until the door was opened once again.

"It was the Shadow Creatures."

They turned and saw Father Frank had returned. He heard half of their conversation few meters from the door. He felt now it was his cue to continue the story, "It started three years ago… The shadow creatures emerged from the forbidden realm of Niflheim, at least that was what Lloyd and his friends told us. In the beginning, they were harmless being. Their figures and strength imitated most common wild monsters, but most of us saw them more common as pacts of wolves. They only appeared during the night. Their presences were not a threat. But over the years they grew stronger and threaten every living creature."

"Hellhounds…" Kratos corrected again.

"Pardon?"

Kratos breathed slowly before he continued, "Long ago…far from the age where we believed in the churh of Martel, the world was young and colder than now, ruled by giants and two clan of deities. This was a tale from the Nordic regions where they believed in the Aesir, clan of war gods. The leader of Aesir, Odin, cast a giantess woman to the Nilfheim, to rule over the demons and the deceased souls by becoming goddess of death. She was the the commander of the Hellhounds. Her name was Hel."

"She…is an Aesir?"

"I could not consider her such. But since her father was welcomed in the Valhalla, the realm of Aesir, that might be possible. She lived among the Aesir once, but then preferred to live among the dead. There was a sudden dispute between two clan of gods, the Aesir and the Vanir, then came Ragnarok, the war of the gods. The war of the gods nearly destroyed everything. Nothing was left after that. There were rumors that the seven gods of Aesir survived. And since Hel was the goddess of death she still exist until today."

Frank and Chocolat exchanged confused glances, for they have never heard such tale. It was said in the legend of Aesir that gods existed a long time ago before the religion of Martel. The Iselia's current mayor's wife was aware that Kratos might be older than his appearance…but she would not guess that he was more ancient than Martel's existence.

"Then…" she continued, "From your tale it seemed…you recognized her."

"Yes…" Kratos admitted it and sighed jadedly, "I met her…a long time ago. She prevented my death many times. I haven't seen her ever since."

"That is strange." Frank commented, "I thought from your description she was supposed to be a fearsome figure."

"Hel hath no fury." Kratos added the famous phrase, "If she had ill will to begin with, she would have dominated our world ten thousand years ago. She is not an entirely a malevolent being, but she could be drowning in sadness and vengeance… She might have no ill intentions, but there must be something wrong behind this predicament. Hellhounds should never cross the light-dwelled land. She had no reason to bring them out and rampage our land. Now, she must want something. Her most favorable hound, named Garm, was a large monster, and it confessed to me that Hel wanted Tynan."

"Why would that goddess want the child?"

"I do not know. Garm even tempted the boy, saying that Tynan could meet Lloyd."

Another silence until Frank asked, "Then…Lloyd was under goddess Hel's custody?"

"I doubt it." Kratos shook his head, "They may have meet Lloyd, but was he imprisoned by an ancient deity that people hadn't known for ten thousand years? And what of his wife, Tynan's mother? Or perhaps the goddess Hel and Lloyd had a dispute? Was she taking Tynan as her captive so she could convince Lloyd to surrender?"

"It seemed her motive is unpredictable." Chocolat was concerned, "We couldn't tell which will cause havoc now, not even the deity's true intentions."

"Could you meet with this deity, Kratos? Perhaps making a negotiation or at least telling us where to locate Lloyd and Colette?"

"As far as I knew, an Aesir couldn't be negotiable. I only met Hel during the brink of my death, but I wouldn't risk my life yet…not until I knew what happened to Lloyd and his wife. I also would not let their children abandoned. When Hel saved my life decades ago, she did not do it out of pity. My life was needed in her plan to achieve her goal. I never understand her decision, even to this day." Kratos sighed and then continued, "But eventually I am grateful for her choice. I lived until today, to secure Lloyd's life…and now to his children."

"We are thankful for rescuing him." Frank smiled.

"It was my gratification."

"You do know who he is to you, don't you, Kratos?"

"..." He was silent for a while and then answered, "Yes..."

"Does he know who you are?"

"He knew my name, but not my certain relation with Lloyd."

"Why don't you tell him your true relation with that boy?"

"I'm...unsure if that was a wise decision to tell him who I am to him." Then he gave up and confessed, "I am afraid...because Lloyd couldn't take the information well when he discovered my true relation to him."

"Well, since you returned... What now?"

"My previous duty is done. I have nothing to do for the moment..."

"…what about taking care of Tynan and Annalise?"

"If you allow me, then... Yes, I will be delighted."

Right on cue, Tynan was dried, his clothes were replaced, and he had Kratos' cloak which was also dried and folded neatly on Tynan's arms.

"I'm sorry." He spoke feebly and eyes downcast, "Your cloak is ruined. The Hellhounds ripped it off when they tried to snatch me."

Kratos nodded quietly and took his folded cloak but didn't wear it, "It's all right. As long as you're well then I wouldn't mind."

"Tynan... Do you know this man?"

"I only knew his name, Grandfather Frank."

"Ah, you see Tynan..." Frank was warned with Kratos' intensive gaze, "This man is..."

The auburn haired swordsman tensed. He was wondering what was the Priest was about to say?

"This is a mercenary whom I hired recently to be yours and your sister's bodyguard." He suddenly made the lie simply.

Kratos was amused at how the sincerest priest he'd ever met could make such a simple lie in such a few minutes.

"You really hired one? But how come he didn't recognize me when we met?"

"He had temporary amnesia." Frank added, but now he was just plain silly, "He made a rough landing when he arrived in Iselia."

Tynan didn't seem believe that lie easily and Kratos felt stupid for being dishonest. But for no apparent reason, the child accepted the fabricated story without questioning it. The auburn haired man felt relieved. He thought it was best if Tynan didn't know about his true bitter relationship with Lloyd.

"Kratos is a close friend of your father's." Frank continued his lie which almost made Kratos nearly snort at his statement. He was never at good terms with Lloyd, "He will make sure you and your sister are safe."

Tynan hadn't commented anything yet so Frank continued explaining things to Kratos, "Lloyd's friends had been escorting Tynan and his sisters to different places. You will guard Tynan wherever he goes. After this, I will inform all of Lloyd's companions that you have returned."

Lloyd's friends…Kratos thought, he hadn't heard about them for a while. How would they react if they knew that Kratos had returned?

"I might want to fix my key crest first."

"What a coincidence." Frank smiled, "Tynan and his sister will have a short visit with Dirk, tomorrow morning. Since Lloyd was missing, he's the only blacksmith here. Why don't you go along with them?"

Kratos now understood the blacksmith whom Tynan meant earlier, it was none other than the dwarf, Dirk.

"Of course..." He barely nodded.

"What about finding my father?"

"Pardon?" Chocolat blinked.

"He said he promised me that he will find my father together with me."

Both Frank and Chocolat looked at Kratos, feeling confused.

"Yes, I promised you that as soon as I get my key crest fixed."

Tynan and most of the presence in the private room were all stunned by Kratos' swift decision.

"Are you serious?" Chocolat protested.

Kratos then answered, "Few years ago I prevented Lloyd from following me and the Chosen during the Regeneration Journey. He followed me and ended up in the next few weeks trapped in enemy's grasp. Needless to say I failed from stopping him. Say if he is Lloyd's son, if I try to prevent him, it would be a futile attempt."

Tynan's cheeks flustered, feeling embarrassed. Never had he thought that this older man can read his mind correctly. Moreover, it was based from his father's reckless attempt on going in Regeneration Journey together with his mother.

"Well...if it was with Kratos I wouldn't mind." Frank finally agreed, "For now, we should all rest."

Chocolat felt defeated, "Yes, I couldn't agree more."

They were all stood up following Father Frank who was opening the door. The entire Iselia's curious citizen had already left to each of their own houses. When Mrs. Chocolate was escorting Tynan to the exit door, Kratos was left alone with Frank.

"You should rest too, Kratos. I have other things to do, including informing all Lloyd's friends through our latest invention communicator. Tynan will show you which house he lived, it was his father's place." Father Frank suggested.

Since the boy was too far to hear their conversation the ex-seraph used this opportunity to ask.

"Why...?" Kratos whispered quietly.

"Why? You are his guardian now. You should be with him all the time. I don't know how you've returned but surely it must've been an exhausting day. Have a rest so you can continue your work."

"No... I meant why are you trusting your grandchildren with me easily?"

Frank gave Kratos a weak smile, "Because they are your grandchildren too."

"But I led your daughter almost to her death."

"-yet, you saved her eventually." Frank put one of his hands on one of Kratos' shoulders, "Thank you."

,,, ,,, ,,,

After saying farewell to Chocolat, Kratos and Frank led Tynan outside the building. The old priest couldn't take the boy's home immediately, he must inform Lloyd's other friends and he needed to discuss their next actions. It was said that Kratos would meet one of them. Because according to the schedule it was supposed to be a pair of woman and men whom he hadn't known. Tynan only mentioned the woman, Mrs. Marta—the ambassador of the Sylvarant people. As the representative of the Sylvaranti, she had hectic agenda which explained why she delayed her turn to guard Lloyd's children. Not that Kratos blamed that woman, but he was merely curious on her relationship with Lloyd and his wife, perhaps he made new friends after the Regeneration Journey.

When Kratos walked and saw Iselia's scenery during the night, he noticed Tynan was looking at the sky.

"What are you doing...?" Kratos asked the boy.

"I don't like the Lumix." He confessed, "Even though the light pillars are protecting the town, I can't see the stars."

Kratos was silent for a few seconds until he asked, "Do you like the stars?"

"Dad and I used to watch it during clear sky nights. It stopped when I was seven, the time the Hellhounds appeared. All towns built Lumix for their protection, but the strong lights are blocking the dark night that I can't see any stars."

"Ah..."

Tynan didn't finish his words because the elder man was carrying him again. Kratos settled the boy until he was comfortable with the position. He would let go if Tynan protested, but there was no complaint. Instead, Tynan faintly rested on the man's shoulder.

"Can you see the stars clearly now?"

"No..."

Kratos sighed, "It is getting late. We should be home. Where is your house, then?"

"You will stay in our house?"

"Yes, unless you mind."

"No, I don't mind." The boy smiled a little, "There's plenty of room. Daddy built the house after he married my mom, it was not big compared Meltokio's podium, but in Iselia it is quite grand."

The boy reluctantly pointed the direction. It was not hard to locate the house. Lloyd's home, like Tynan said was slightly larger compared to common houses in Iselia.

"Say... Mr. Mercenary." Tynan slightly whispered when Kratos was pacing.

"Yes?"

"How would you keep your promise?"

"I couldn't promise you time, but I will find your parents."

"How could you be sure?"

"Because, he promised."

"Promised?"

"He promised not to die before me."

"That's a strange promise. I think you haven't seen him for a while, how can he know when you will die?"

"From that promise came one and another." He stopped for a while and looked at the boy sternly, "He promised not to make mistake like I did. If he had a child, he promised me not to leave them. Your father didn't die and judging from his personality he would not let any harm befell to your mother..."

For the first time in three months after his father's disappearance, Tynan felt unexplainable serenity. He had realized this was the answer he was looking for, a light to his doubting darkness. When his father's friends were beginning to lose faith in Lloyd's existence, this stranger didn't just believe. He was sure of it.

"If I may ask..." Tynan changed the subject, "How did you meet my Dad?"

Kratos slowed his paced and the discomfort was written clearly in his face.

"We went to the Regeneration Journey together. I once fought beside him, and then there were some complications… But our discomforts were equal, so he might despise me." That was all, and he didn't like to tell further than that.

Tynan shook his head, "No, you must be important to him. You said that pocket watch was a gift from Dad. He doesn't like making watches, to him it required time and lots of accuracy. But he cared about you enough to make one for you."

Kratos smiled faintly before he arrived at their destination.

When he entered the house, he saw Annalise's small body leaning beside Noishe in front of the fire place, her head rested on the protozoan's stomach. Noishe had realized Kratos' presence eventually. He barked happily and waved the tail. Kratos halted the large dog-like creature and motioned for him to be silent.

"You knew Noishe." Tynan noted.

"Pardon?"

"We met Noishe before the Hellhounds. At first he wanted to see 'his old friend'. I guessed he meant you."

"Noishe told you?"

"No, Annalise translated it."

Kratos tilted his head, "She can understand?"

"Annalise is different...but I guess that is what to expect if the mother was an angel. She can do telepathy and understand many creatures and monsters... that mean she can read our minds."

Kratos pondered a while about the slumbering girl who curiously discovered him in the Iselia forest. He then scooped Annalise up carefully. She didn't stir, she definitely was a heavy sleeper, she subconsciously snuggled closer to the elder man. When the mercenary asked Tynan where her bed was, the boy simply motioned to the upper room. He went upstairs and the boy tailed him.

"How old are you?"

"Ten."

"...and your sister?"

"She's five."

"She can't speak?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"Oh, Mom and Dad tried to teach her to speak... But Annalise is too comfortable with her telepathy ability that to her, speaking is unnecessary. She speaks a word or two if she wants attention."

Kratos nodded as his reply and proceeded entering the children's room. Lloyd's house wasn't grand, but he built it well. The room was small, adjusted to the children's lack of need of space. The items in the room were only small furniture, two small children beds. There was a small plant sprouting, reminding Kratos' of Lloyd's humble bedroom in Dirk's house. The elder man settled the little girl to her small bed.

"You should rest." He suggested.

"Y-yeah I should..." The boy felt nervous all of the sudden, "What about you?"

Kratos usually didn't required sleep. But after his revival from Norn, he was still questioning his condition, "Frank informed me that there was a guest room."

"Yes, near my parents' room."

"Does your father have spare clothing?"

"Uhm, yeah... they're in his wardrobe."

"Would you mind if I wear one of your father's clothes?"

"N-no... I don't mind. It's at least what I can do after wrecking your swallow cape. You can use it if you want, I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind either."

"Thank you..."

Before Kratos left, he slightly eyed the small framed picture that was placed beside Tynan's bed. It was Lloyd's family picture, the small family he raised. Now that grown man and Colette went missing and their children were under Kratos' protection…

,,, ,,, ,,,

When Kratos opened his son's wardrobe (which he suspected was self-made), he didn't expect to found his judgment outfit. Lloyd found that suit and kept it, perhaps he obtained it from Yuan. He probably kept it all those years because that armor reminded him of the biological father in his childhood memory, instead of a traitor. Kratos took off his mercenary costume and wore the black undershirt, the base of the Judgment outfit.

There was no need to place his armor for now. He opened another wardrobe where Lloyd placed most of his forging projects. There were many weapons stored there, including dozens of swords. He half wondered where Lloyd placed his material blades, the Vorpal and Flamberge? But he shrugged it and took Soul Eater instead. It was not his most favorable sword, but enough to guard the children tomorrow.

BA-DUM!

Kratos dropped the sword. He grunted and gritted his teeth. He suddenly felt a strange mass of energy. The ancient man was not in pain, but he was overwhelmed and not yet adjusted to his unexplainable body state. His senses were more sensitive and more accurate than his being as an angel. He breathed deeply to control this new ability, but was horrified once he discovered the source of the energy...

…the children's room.

,,, ,,, ,,,

The boy blinked when he heard the mercenary's yell. He quickly changed his clothes into pajama. When the boy almost reached his bedroom's door and his fingers nearly touched the door's handle. It broke apart suddenly, like a small explosion. The broken parts of the doorknob floated indolently, as if the laws of gravity weren't apply to it anymore.

CRASH!

The windows were crashed. The wind blew harshly from the window. Tynan was frightened by what he saw at the balcony… There was a silhouette of a tall man, with large wings. It's not the illuminating wings like her mother's. It was gigantic wings resembling large avian monsters. But the wings disappeared…perhaps Tynan was imagining things, because now the wings were dissolving and the figure walking towards Tynan.

The boy didn't dare to move. Because he was standing in front of his sister's slumbering figure. He was trying to protect her and wondered on why his sister didn't wake when that man entered. The light from the desk lamp couldn't illuminate the invader's face, Tynan couldn't even see the whole figure, he could only saw it was a grown man stretching out his arm and tried to reach him.

Closer...closer...

"TYNAN!" The door opened abruptly as Kratos Aurion burst into the room. Clutching the boy and raising his sword.

All of the sudden the man who was approaching Tynan grew his wings as a light whirlwind gushed harshly inside the room and everything, the broken window, the doorknob reverted back to normal. Tynan could only see feathers, brilliant blue lights, and then nothing... Everything was back to normal.

Kratos' breath stabilized when the intruder was gone, as if nothing was happened. No one was injured.

"Are you all right?"

Tynan didn't answer, he nodded slowly. When Kratos lowered the boy he clutched at the elder man, refused to let go.

"Do you want me stay?"

Another nod...and Kratos gave in. Tynan still refused to liberate the elder, but he finally settled when the man placed him in the bed. Kratos did what the boy said, he didn't leave him, he pulled a chair near the boy's bed (and he still held the elder's hand).

While watching Tynan asleep, Kratos pondered his new ability to sense the mana more meticulously

He growled when he recognize the mana of the man who invaded the home and frightened Tynan. He didn't recognize the language completely, but there was an odd power informing him the name of the mana type.

"Noldorin Ljósálfar..." He hissed. (1)

,,, ,,, ,,,

The man didn't succeed on entering Tynan's bedroom. He was attacked by a warrior and he gained injury from the sudden offense. He fled to Iselia's forest, perching on top of the tallest trees and used his large wings to balance his stance. He wore a jet black armor blended perfectly with darkness. It appeared he was a king, for he wore a simple designed crown on his head.

Another man arrived on his side. He had avian wings similar with the man. But his wings were much normally sized compared to his Lord's wings. His name was Reinhardt Strauss the high general who served the King. Unlike his majesty's striking bold black armor, the first general only wore humble golden colored armor.

Reinhardt, The first general who wore golden colored armor addressed, "Your majesty...Eagle King."

The Eagle King was apparently the man who went inside Lloyd's house. He only looked at his first general calmly and then dissolving his wings. The first general copied that gesture. He dissolved his own wings and bowed slightly despite the balancing difficulties on top of the tree. Then another presence followed behind, the smaller and younger being between the three.

Nike Caleb was the second general, a young and ambitious lad who loyally served the king with the first general. The second general wore a silver armor, a sign of lower rank from the first general.

"Reinhardt..." The novice called his mentor while his eyes worriedly eyeing the small cut on the King's arm, "What happened to our Lord's arm?"

The Eagle King shifted his head a little and his figure was visible, but his head remain hidden. Every inches of his head were bandaged his spiky grey hair poke out from the edges, the area of his grey eyes and the lower part of his nose free of bandages for ventilation access.

The first general said, "He is fine, Nike. But I don't understand why he returned to this Iselia town."

"Why did you come here, your majesty?" Nike continued, "The children are safe..."

The eagle king turned his head abruptly and narrowed his eyes. Reinhardt understood the gesture, he turned to his novice, "Nike... Summon the summon spirit Vedrfolnir and gather some troops. We will take the children tomorrow."

"B-but, Reinhardt! We shouldn't jeopardize the children's life! They're under Lloyd's comrade's guidance."

"-apparently according to the Eagle King they're no longer safe. The hellhounds have located them."

The second general nodded quickly before his wings ejected behind his back. He flew away from them.

The first general stayed behind to watch his majesty but sighed when the Eagle King was no longer responsive, he still watched Lloyd's house from afar. But he still declared, "The war is beginning, my Lord."

,,, ,,, ,,,

Oh…yeah…and the Eagle King made earlier entrance :P

I'm sorry if I'm still going nowhere. I'm too hype writing oyako stuffs T_T considering the last OVA will be coming soon. Damnit Namco! Make more oyako moments! How come there's nothing softie out of Kratos?

1) Meaning of Noldor: those with knowledge.