A bit of time went by without consequence. By that I mean, nothing had required Raine's pummeling or a sharp and somewhat witty retort from the Genis kid.

Colette had nothing to do with it, she was still basking happily in the sunlight, chatting with Lloyd. "… you really think so? I don't think she was that bad. I mean… she didn't seem like a bad person."

"She tried to kill you Colette!" Lloyd exclaimed in a typical Lloyd-outburst. "I don't care what you say about that weird girl, she's nothing but bad news!"

"I agree with Lloyd." Genis declared. He waggled a small child-elf like finger back and forth. "She did try to kill you. I don't know anybody, besides crazy Desians, that would ever hurt you! Only monsters could be so heartless!"

The Chosen smiled, either oblivious to the danger surrounding her, or confident enough in us to know we would protect her. Although I would never let any harm befall her, even if it meant risking exposing myself to them, her carefree mannerism was still somewhat… disturbing.

Could her angelic transformation have consequences that I didn't foresee? Was she losing her sense of logic and cognitive functions as well? I hoped that this wasn't so, for if she did, my job would become much more difficult.

"But she seemed like a nice person, underneath it all." The blonde said happily. "I think she deserves another chance…"

For the love of… well, anything… no!

"Colette, as the Chosen of Sylverant, you must be sure to keep yourself safe. We all know you have a kind and caring nature, but sometimes you must forsake this in favor of your own protection and the salvation of Sylverant." I said, hoping that she would agree. If she was still the same Colette that we knew when we embarked on this journey from Iselia, she would.

"Please Colette… don't fail me now." I thought, concerned for the girl.

"I understand. I will do my duty as the Chosen first. I cannot let the people of Sylverant down." She spoke solemnly, with a small nod in my direction.

Silently, I thanked whatever god existed that she was not completely lost yet. And then, I wondered just what I was thinking. Who was I kidding?! What was wrong with me, actually being concerned for the Chosen! A girl whom I knew must be sacrificed!

Something about that word made my usually steadfast stomach twinge. It was no secret, I was a cold blooded killer. But for some reason, whenever I looked at Colette, and saw her genuine and sweet smile, I could never imagine hurting her. The Genis kid was right, only a monster would be heartless enough to hurt someone like her.

"I work for an order of monsters!" I choked on these thoughts, my eyes surely bugging out of my head with this realization. What unspoken things had I been saying all these years through my actions? Actions in the name of a self-righteous wannabe-god.

It wasn't until Lloyd peered up into my eyes closely that I snapped out of it. "Kratos looks a little different doesn't he? I think he's angrier than usual." He said, poking at my side just to agitate me.

"I… I'm fine." I responded after a moment's hesitation. "The only thing that's getting me angry is you." I even managed to add a little frown to my surely bizarre expression.

"Lloyd! What have I told you about insulting people?!" Raine immediately jumped his case, glaring dangerously at him.

"Oooh! Lloyd's gonna get beat up by Kratos and Raine!" Genis laughed, lightly jabbing his friend in the side with an elbow.

I had thoughts. I wanted to think about them right now, not deal with a bunch of kids, much less be a part of their playtime.

For once, I was thankful when we were ambushed by monsters.