Chapter 3-Parting
Lloyd ran full-speed down the stairs. The three men stared at him. Lloyd felt a little out of place. Everyone seemed so much more mature-looking than him. Kratos was over 4,000 years old, Dirk was getting up there, and Zelos was in his mid, almost late 20s. Lloyd was just beginning in his twenties. Kratos looked at his son from head to toe. Lloyd had grown considerably in the last few years. He was over 6 feet tall, and his chest had developed as well. His voice had gone just a few decibels lower, but it was enough to notice. Lloyd's hair was shaggier too. It desperately needed a cut, but Lloyd didn't feel the need. Too much of a hassle. But still, Kratos had to admit that Lloyd was quite the handsome, young man. Although he lacked the seriousness of Kratos, he did have authority about him. When Lloyd wanted something his way, he could be stubborn. But what Kratos loved most about him was the fact that he was able to have such a strong authority while still maintaining the sweet nature that his mother passed down to him. It made him feel closer to her. Lloyd noticed his father staring and blushed. Was there something on him? Did he look spaced out again?
"What's up, everyone?" asked Lloyd slowly.
"Just waiting on you, Bud," said Zelos mockingly.
"Here, Lloyd. I fixed you up some things to take before you leave," said Dirk handing him a bag fixed with goods.
Lloyd took the bag graciously. Inside he could feel bread, gels, and other food to keep Zelos and him alive during their journey.
"Lloyd, keep practicing your sword skills. Don't let your guard down," said Kratos in his usual cocky attitude.
Lloyd smiled his boyish smile. He was used to Kratos' warnings and lectures. It almost felt like the Regeneration Journey they all had gone on not too long ago. Kratos nodded in approval, looking proudly at his wonderful son. Although they had just reunited about 5 years ago, Kratos felt like he knew Lloyd so well. Of course, that could be just because he was so similar to Anna. His sweet little Anna… Kratos mentally shook the image of his late wife out of his head. Lloyd was all he had now; he had to focus on him. He was still living after all. Lloyd swung his light bag over his shoulder and looked at his faithful companion.
"You ready to get going, Zelos?"
Zelos looked at Lloyd with seriousness in his expression. He looked down wearily at the wooden boards creaking below him.
"Yeah I'm ready," he said still looking at the boards.
Lloyd didn't notice the mood change in Zelos, so he happily walked over to Dirk. Facing him upfront, Lloyd gave Dirk a long, hard look.
"I'm going to miss you, Dad. I'll be back soon to check up on you. Don't…don't leave me alright?"
Dirk smiled in a fatherly way. This boy…no…man…this man he had come to love as his own son was leaving on a journey. Again. It seemed familiar yet strange at the same time.
"I'm not going anywhere, Lloyd. Be safe."
The two embraced in a tight hug. Dirk had tears in his aged eyes, as did Lloyd in his youthful ones. Kratos watched the two and was a little envious of the gesture they shared. Dirk probably knew more about Lloyd than Kratos ever would. Kratos felt a little left out. But those feelings subsided as Lloyd also gave Kratos an embracing hug. Kratos held his dear son closely, remembering his scent. Strangely, Lloyd smelled the same as when he was a small child.
"Kratos…Dad…I've missed you for so long…and now I'm going again. I wanted to…I don't know…catch up…talk about Mom with you."
Kratos took hold of his son's broad shoulders. He looked him square in the eye and said with articulation,
"We will, Lloyd. Just focus on your journey for now. I'll be here, waiting for your return."
Lloyd stared hard into his father's mystically auburn eyes. They looked so serious, so caring… Lloyd nodded his head rhythmically, almost robotically. He knew he had to go on this journey, but he also knew he'd have to return. There was no way he'd miss out in bonding with his biological father. He wanted to know more about him, and…and his mother. Turning away from Kratos, Lloyd walked out the door without looking back. Zelos nodded to both Dirk and Kratos before following him. Kratos carried himself to the window, watching as his grown-up son ventured on to his greatest journey yet. It would be pretty hard to top the previous one, but Kratos figured Lloyd could pull it off.
"You're going to miss him, aren't you?" asked Dirk quietly.
Kratos couldn't see either Lloyd or Zelos. They had already crossed the creaky bridge heading out of the secluded woods. It would probably be a while before he would see them again. A long while.
"Yes," he replied simply.
o.O.o
"Couldn't you have gone to the bathroom BEFORE we left?" asked Zelos haughtily.
Lloyd was hidden behind a couple of blossomed bushes. As quickly as he could, he finished the task of relieving himself. Zelos sighed, standing with his hand on his hip. They had barely started their journey, and already Lloyd was slowing the pace. Zelos leaned against a tree, his scowl growing bigger the longer Lloyd took. What was taking him so long? They had to get going. It was pointless to take this long. Finally, Lloyd came out of the bushes with an expression of content.
"What's your problem all of a sudden? You were in a good mood this morning. Did something change?" accused Lloyd.
Zelos decided to ignore Lloyd's question and proceeded to move on, but Lloyd wouldn't take that.
"Come on, Zelos. Something obviously is bothering you, so out with it. You can tell me. You can tell me anything," Lloyd said matter-of-factly.
Zelos stopped dead in his tracks. He paused for several seconds before replying:
"It's nothing. I'm sorry."
Lloyd glared at Zelos for a while but then shrugged it off. If Zelos wanted to keep this to himself, then that was his business. Lloyd wouldn't pursue to question him; he would just keep quiet.
"Alright then. Let's get going," said Lloyd nonchalantly.
Lloyd caught up to Zelos and walked silently beside him. It looked like this would be a rather depressing journey rather than a pleasant one.
o.O.o
"It's 150 gald a night, Sirs," said the innkeeper.
Zelos paid the money right away and received the key to their room.
"Room number 4. Have a good night."
Zelos and Lloyd headed up the stairs to find their room. They were in Asgard, a little far east of Meltokio. Zelos decided it would be best to rest and buy supplies from Asgard. Lloyd agreed without complaint; he loved the city of Asgard. The always-swooshing wind made a calming atmosphere, and it was full of interesting things to do. Lloyd hadn't been there in a while, so he was quite surprised when a new addition was added to the mines. Lloyd remembered going in and seeing the dragons, wondering what kind of exhibit it would become. Now he knew. It had been made into a tour. You would pay to ride the dragon of your choice, and then you'd be lead around the mines being shown everything that was down there. If only they weren't journeying…Lloyd so wanted to try it.
"Here's our room, Bud," said Zelos suddenly, making Lloyd flinch back into reality.
"Great. My feet are so tired," said Lloyd with a yawn.
Inside the room were two beds, a table, and a bathroom. It was cozy to say the least. Zelos flopped onto the bed on the right side of the room headfirst. Lloyd sat on the edge of his bed as he began to take off his heavy boots. Looking out the window, Lloyd could see the entire village. They had gotten into the best inn in the city, which also included the best view. The sun was setting, the colors bleeding into the full clouds. The wind still blew, but it seemed gentler. Something hit Lloyd in the head. Zelos had thrown a pillow at him, and was now chuckling.
"What was that for?" Lloyd asked rather amused.
"I dunno. You looked too serious for your own good. What are you always thinking about? I've never seen you…use your head so much."
Lloyd frowned at his laughing companion. How was that funny?
"I have a lot on my mind. I've got dad…well, both of them, this journey, meeting up with the rest of the gang…It's just a lot to process. And I do think, you know. I'm not a complete idiot, Zelos," said Lloyd roughly.
Zelos' jaw dropped. He was caught off guard with Lloyd's sudden comment. He was always calm when people made fun of his ignorance. In fact, he seemed to laugh at himself along with them.
"I'm sorry, Lloyd. I didn't mean for me to hurt your feelings. I was just kidding."
Lloyd frowned still until he looked at Zelos' concerned face. His frown then turned into a faint smile.
"It's okay. I don't know why that made me mad."
"No, I understand," said Zelos quietly.
"Oh? How so?"
"People always think I'm such a joker. I am, but I'm more than that. I know I put myself out to be a goof-off…but I do have intellect. I think about a lot of things. I worry for things…Damn, I've had an awful life!!!" Zelos shouted with more fervor than he intended.
Lloyd blinked a couple times. He had almost forgotten. Zelos had told him of his childhood, his mother, the suicide… He would never forget that night in Flanoir.
"I've been alone all my life, Lloyd…it's funny. I've always gotten everything I ever wanted. Money, fame, women… And yet, I sometimes wish I'd never been born. I keep thinking what a waste of space I am…"
Lloyd was astonished. He knew Zelos was feeling down in Flanoir, but he supposed that wasn't enough. He hadn't let out all of his feelings. He was holding back…probably for Lloyd's sake.
"Zelos, you know that's not true. You're a good person; you've helped a lot of people. Come on!!! The Regeneration Journey!!!"
Zelos wasn't convinced; his heart still felt heavy. But he decided to let it go.
"Sorry, Lloyd. Yeah I know that…just…let's forget it. I'm going to bed."
"Oh, ok. I'm gonna go for a walk then."
Zelos nodded and fell into his bed. Lloyd got the hell out of the room. He didn't know what he could have said to help Zelos feel better. It made him feel awful that his best friend was feeling this way… Shaking the idea out, Lloyd continued with his walking. The sun was almost down; night was almost upon the world. The sky's bleeding had clotted, and the wind seemed to have ceased. Lloyd went to the wind temple platform and sat against the gray concrete. The ground beneath him was smooth and comforting, and the coolness against his back made him feel relaxed. His head went back, his eyes shut. Every notion, every worry, every thought died away as tiredness overtook his mind. Lloyd Irving had fallen asleep.
o.O.o
"No, your friend never came back. I'm sorry, Sir."
Zelos frowned at the inn owner. Where could Lloyd have gone? And he never came back? The door opened as Zelos pushed his way out of the inn after paying for the stay. He walked out onto the dusty ground, looking about for his friend. The air was chilly, and it was misty as well. The clouds above looked gray and dark giving the windy city a haunted look. Zelos looked up at the sky, his eyes scanning every inch. His blue orbs shone brightly against the darkness around him. He ran his fingers through his hair. He hadn't had time to put it in a ponytail, so it wisped around his delicate face making him look almost feminine. Looking around the city again, Zelos saw a flash of red at the platform on top of the hill.
"There's the moron. What the hell is he doing there?" asked Zelos quietly with a tint of annoyance.
o.O.o
It was amazing how peaceful Lloyd looked. There was no worry I his face. No fear, no anxiety, no nothing. Zelos wondered how that felt. To have nothing to worry about…how did that feel? His grip tightened on his single sword tied to his attire. How easy it would be to end it all…so easy… Zelos stared blankly at his sleeping friend with jealousy. Lloyd had everything. Everyone loved him in the group. He was loyal, fierce, strong… Zelos couldn't claim any of that.
"I'm just nobody…nobody…"
Zelos took out his gleaming sword, watching as the slick blade slithered out. Looking at it without emotion, he lifted the blade, turning it so that the fatal part pointed towards him.
'So easy…just do it…end it now!!!'
Lloyd awoke to the sound of a blade being thrusted.
Sorry for the cliffy, but c'mon. You all know I can't just kill one of my favorite characters. That's totally mean!! So how was this chapter? People, I need your input. Tell me how I'm doing. Thank you to the reviews I have gotten though. Oh, and I always appreciate anonymous reviews, so don't worry about that. Thanks for everyone who're reading too. Lots of hits. Anyway, I gotta go. Haku's beating the crap outta Sasuke.