Escaping Death

When Kratos reached the entrance to Mizuho, he put his wings away and carried Lloyd into the small ninja village. When he walked up to the chief's house (e.g. Sheena) house, he was greeted by Orochi.

"Kratos! Hi! Oh!" He gasped, "Is he alright?" he asked, referring to Lloyd.

"He should be. Don't worry about him. Anyway, we received a letter from Sheena requesting our presence."

"Ah, yes. She told me that some old friends would be coming, but she wasn't expecting you until tomorrow, at the earliest, but please, go right on in." He said, opening the door.

"Thank you." Kratos stepped through the door and into the small Mizuho style house.

"(Sigh) What is it this time, Oro- Kratos! Hey! Didn't expect to see you today! Oh!" Sheena looked at Lloyd, "What happened to him? Is he okay?" A worried look appeared on her face, as she led them through a doorway and into a room with cushions on the floor. Kratos laid Lloyd down and sat facing Sheena.

"He will be fine. Please, do not concern yourself." He replied, eyes closed.

"But what happened?"

"His wings."

"?" Sheena gave him a confused look.

"(Sigh) You remember last year, when Lloyd gained wings, at the end of our journey?"

Sheena nodded.

"Well, they appeared again. They just erupted from his back, they were only small, but they kept growing until they were huge. Then, they stopped growing, and he collapsed."

"Did you go through the same thing, dad?" Lloyd's eyes slowly opened, and he looked around. "Hi Sheena! Good to see you again." He said.

"You too," She said, smiling.

"As a matter of fact, Lloyd," Lloyd turned his attention back to his father, "I did."

"Was it this painful?" He asked, sitting up.

"It was excruciatingly painful."

"Whoa, I don't even know what that means, so I'm guessing it was a whole lot more painful."

"Heh…too true."

"So," said Lloyd, turning back to Sheena, "What was it that you wanted to tell us?"

"I'd prefer to wait until the others get here, to tell you, if you don't mind."

"But I DO mind! Please, can't you just tell me now?" Lloyd whined.

"No. Besides, It's you don't wanna hear anyway. Trust me."

"Then why are you telling us?"

"Because It's true!"

"Lloyd! Just give it a rest. She said she'd tell us tomorrow, when the others arrive. Be patient."

"(Sigh) Fine, well, anyway, I'm tired. That angel transformation thing took all my energy."

"Rest then," Kratos said, standing up, "I will go and buy more supplies." He walked out of the room.

"What's up with dad? He's acting rather strange," Lloyd said.

"He's worried about you, that's all. You scared him."

"hmm…I guess I must have. I should apologise later."

Meanwhile, Kratos had bought everything they needed, and was walking around outside the village.

"Whine!" Noishe padded alongside Kratos, staring up at his friend, trying to comfort him.

"I know, Noishe. I am overreacting. He's strong. He can live through this."

"Whine"

"You're right. Worrying isn't going to help anyone. C'mon. Let's get back. They're probably wondering where we are. Besides, It's nearly dark.

Kratos walked into the room to find Sheena sitting at a table, writing, and Lloyd, fast asleep on the floor.

Sheena glanced up, and seeing who it was, got back to her work.

"You were gone a while. What took you?" She asked.

"I went to look for Noishe."

As if on queue, the protozoan bounded into the room. He ran straight over to Lloyd and started licking his face.

"(Gasp) What the hell?! Noishe! Get off me!" Lloyd pushed the protozoan away.

"Feeling better?" Kratos asked, smirking.

"I am, thanks, but I'd feel even better if this lump would get off my legs!"

"Whine!" Noishe had laid down on Lloyd's legs, so he couldn't move.

"Ahh, don't call him a lump. He's a good doggy thing, aren't you boy?"

Noishe got up and went to sit by Sheena.

"He's a protozoan, and thanks for getting him off me."

"That's okay, and doggy thing is more appropriate.

Lloyd laughed, "Whatever you say, Sheena."

The next morning, Lloyd walked outside and found Kratos, standing against a tree, eyes closed.

'This could be to my advantage!' Lloyd thought. He crept up to his side and pushed him over.

"Hah!" Shouted Lloyd!

Kratos' eyes snapped open. "Lloyd! What was that for?" He said, giving Lloyd a deathly glare.

"Just wanted to surprise you! Dad, I'm sorry about yesterday."

Kratos frowned, "There is no need to apologise, Lloyd. You are not at fault."

"Still-"
"Just forget it even happened."

"But-"

"Lloyd."

"So, what were we talking about just now? For some strange reason, I seem to have forgotten."

Kratos smiled, "That's better."

They walked back to Sheena's house to see six objects fast approaching in the sky. It soon became clear that they were rheiards.

"Look!" Shouted Lloyd, "It's the others!"