MSS: Yup, I've finally decided to update!

Chloe: A lot of people are probably really impatient by now.

MSS: I know, I'm sorry. Now that I'm a junior, I'm incredibly busy. I barely get time to myself now. Anyways, I'm not trying to make fun of Mithos in this chapter; it's just that I can really picture him curled up on a couch clutching a box of tissues.

Chloe: XD Serves the brat right.

MSS: You shouldn't call him a brat…

Chloe: Whatever. Just start already!

MSS: Fine. Oh, btw, I've never seen "Love Is Never Having to Say You're Sorry," but from what I've heard it fits perfectly.

Ooooo

Chapter 7: The Truth

Lloyd sighed. He was sitting on a bench in the shade after school, lost in thought. Ever since that night with Colette, he wasn't sure what to do. He liked both Chloe and Colette. Sure, he hadn't known Chloe that long, but he was sure she had her good points.

I don't know what to do. Dad always says to trust your instincts, but what do I do when they've abandoned me? I've been friends with Colette for forever. And Chloe… well… she can be mean, but once in a while I see her do something nice. And she did actually notice me…

"Hey Lloyd. What are you doing?" Lloyd looked up to see Mithos standing in front of him. Now that I think about it, I really don't know the guy. He only really hung with Genis, and now Genis doesn't come near us. I wonder if he's good with advice?

"Oh… I was just lost in thought," Lloyd answered.

Mithos sat next to him. "What's wrong? Maybe I can help?"

Not sure he could trust Mithos, Lloyd changed the subject. "Where's Genis?"

"He had to stay after. Something about Professor Raine wanting him to help tutor a few students." Mithos shrugged. "Anyways, I have nothing to do this afternoon."

Lloyd grinned. "I don't either. Wanna find Zelos and see what he's up to?"

Mithos smiled happily. "Sure! I hear Zelos is always doing something fun!"

Lloyd shrugged. "That's if he lets us tag along."

"I have nothing to do anyway. Let's go!" Mithos shouted. The two walked off the school grounds to Zelos's house.

After about five minutes of walking, Mithos broke the silence. "So… what were you thinking about?"

Do I trust him? It's now or never… "Well…" Lloyd began, "Say there's two girls I like. And I can't decide which to choose to go to the prom with. What would you do?"

Mithos nodded. "I know exactly where you can get some great advice!"

That got Lloyd's attention. "Where?" he asked eagerly.

Mithos grabbed his hand and dragged him down a side road. "Come on! My house isn't that far!"

Ooooo

Lloyd dumped his backpack next to the couch in Mithos's family room. The rug was a deep purple with black swirls. Lloyd plopped onto the couch which was white with gold trimmings, and continued trying to take in the room. The coffee table in front of him was deep brown, so deep it was almost black, and had a purple pattern around the edges.

Mithos grabbed a DVD and placed it in the DVD Player. He turned on the silver TV, which contrasted with the gold walls. The curtains were a pale green with white stripes. Over all, the room looked like someone had taken two different personalities and tried to combine them.

Mithos noticed Lloyd's staring and explained. "My brother and I came up with two different ideas of how we wanted this room to look, so we combined them. Cool, huh?"

Not sure what to say, Lloyd answered, "Yeah."

That was when the title screen appeared on the TV. It read: Love Is Never Having To Say You're Sorry.

"Uh…" Lloyd trailed off.

"This is one of the best movies out there! It gives great advice!" Mithos grinned. He passed Lloyd a tissue box. "Just in case."

Next thing Lloyd knew, he had shouted an excuse to leave and fled.

Mithos stared after Lloyd's retreating back. "Oh well, his loss." He pressed play and curled up on the couch with his box of tissues and a bag of popcorn.

Ooooo

Slowing down to a jog, Lloyd smashed into Zelos.

"Hey Lloyd!" Zelos paused. "Is something wrong?"

Lloyd took a deep breath before answering. "Remind me to never go to my Dad's boss's house ever again."

Zelos smirked. "Really now? If it freaked you out so much, maybe it's worth checking out."

Lloyd gaped at Zelos. "What?! Are you serious?"

Zelos nodded. "But first, we're gonna need some things. Let's head over to my house."

Lloyd followed Zelos, feeling doomed.

Ooooo

Zelos glanced around. "Everyone ready?"

Lloyd shifted nervously on Zelos's bed. Sitting on the left of him was Colette. On the right was Seles. Sheena was in the corner with her arms folded across her chest. Sitting cross-legged on the floor was Tabatha. Next to her was her best friend, Celsius.

"Why are we doing this again?" demanded Celsius.

"Come on, aren't you all curious?" Zelos gave Celsius a pleading look.

Tabatha spoke up. "Yes, but… Mithos is a friend of mine, so…"

Zelos turned to her. "Have you ever been over his house?"

"No…" Tabatha quietly answered.

"See? Almost no one knows what it's like. And those who do…" Zelos glanced over at Lloyd, "…refuse to say what happened. I feel that it is our duty to protect the student body by finding out what is so mind scarring, so we can warn others away. Then they won't suffer the fate of poor Lloyd over here."

Everyone held very still, amazed that Zelos could make a speech like that.

Then Seles burst into laughter. "What he means is he wants an excuse to break in so he can impress his hunnies."

"Seeeellleeeeeessss!" Zelos whined.

Celsius rolled her eyes. "Come on Tabatha, let's go."

Zelos quickly blocked the doorway. "Listen, all I want you two to do is take pictures! Is it that bad?"

"Hello? We're breaking into the home of the leader of Cruxis. Are you out of your mind?" demanded Celsius.

"Wait!" Zelos grabbed Celsius's arm. "What if…"

Ooooo

Kratos pulled over in front of a small mansion. He climbed out of the car and approached the door. He rang the bell.

"Found you, Kvar Desian…"

Ooooo

"All right," Celsius grudgingly agreed.

"Since that's settled, let's get going! Lead the way, Lloyd!" Zelos announced. The group of teens left Zelos's home, and headed for Mithos's house.

Ooooo

Kvar peeked out the window and saw Kratos. Quickly forming a plan in his mind, he grabbed his car keys and snuck out the back door.

"Hello, Kvar," came a cool voice from beside him.

Kvar turned to the left to find himself face to face with the leader of Cruxis, Lord Yggdrasill.

"What do you want?" Kvar asked suspiciously.

Yggdrasill smiled. It wasn't a nice smile. "Oh, Kratos and I just want to have a nice long chat with you, isn't that right Kratos?"

Kratos appeared in the doorway behind Yggdrasill. "Yes, that is correct."

"How about you come with us to my home?" suggested Yggdrasill. He and Kratos each firmly grabbed one of Kvar's shoulders.

"I don't have much choice, do I?" Kvar responded. He was already forming a plan of escape.

Ooooo

The group of seven stopped in front of Mithos's house.

"This is it?" asked Zelos, shocked.

Mithos's house was, in actuality, a small castle. The group was currently hidden from sight by a row of small trees separating the house from the road. In front of them was a garden, forming a mini maze. Beyond that was a fountain, and then the entrance.

"So, Zelos," said Celsius, walking up to him, "How do plan to get in there? I doubt we could just walk right in."

Zelos gestured for them to get in a small circle. "My plan is for Tabatha to ring the doorbell, and say she's here to see Mithos. Talk to him for a couple minutes, then ask to use the bathroom. Find the security room and turn off the cameras. They tend to be near the entrance of a home, so check there first. Then you'll head to a front window and give us a thumbs up. Afterwards head back to Mithos and make sure he's distracted, okay?"

Tabatha nodded. "Got it."

"Her job is the hardest, because she has to make sure Mithos doesn't suspect anything. Anyways, after she gives us the signal, our two teams will move in. My team will infiltrate through that open window on the first floor, if all goes according to plan. If not, we'll try for the second floor," Zelos glanced at Sheena and Celsius as he said this.

"Got it," they answered.

"Lloyd, you'll take your group in through the back. There should be a door somewhere. Once each group is in, we'll look around. Lloyd, your group will cover the first floor. Mine will cover the second. When you're done, send me a text and we'll meet up in the tower in the center, top floor. Got it?" Zelos asked everyone.

"Yup!" answered Colette.

"Uh-huh," replied Seles.

"I guess," said Lloyd.

"Remember, if you find something interesting, take a picture! Also, set your cell phones to silent please," Zelos reminded.

Everyone got up. "All right! Let's commence Operation: Investigate Mithos's Castle," Zelos announced grandly. Tabatha nervously walked off.

Ooooo

The doorbell echoed through the castle. Tabatha nervously looked around. How will I explain knowing where he lives? Oh, I hope he doesn't ask…

Mithos answered the door. "Oh, hey Tabatha! Come on in!"

Tabatha felt inwardly guilty. But I promised… I hope nothing bad comes of this…

Ooooo

"She's in! Now we just have to wait for the signal!" Zelos whispered.

Ooooo

"Hey, Chloe?" asked Chocolat from her bed where she was doing her nails.

"Huh?" Chloe looked up from the magazine she was reading.

"I know you're in a bunch of magazines, and reporters are all vying to get an interview with you, but don't you feel bad?" Chocolat studied a nail carefully before gently blowing on it.

"Why should I?" asked Chloe, flipping the page to see a picture of herself. She beamed.

"Well… you ARE using Lloyd," Chocolat answered quietly.

"I'm just trying my best to secure a future of fame and popularity for myself. What's wrong with that?" Chloe flipped to the next page and scowled at the article's shortness.

"I just… don't think it's fair to Lloyd…" Chocolat trailed off.

Chloe put down her magazine. "All's fair in love and war. How about we go shopping to cheer you up?"

Chocolat got up. "Sure!"

Ooooo

Tabatha nervously shut off the security. Rushing to the front window, she gave a thumbs up.

"Tabatha?" Mithos voice came from the hallway.

"I'm right here!" she answered, rushing out.

"What were you doing?" asked Mithos curiously.

"Um, I just smelled something really good, and wanted to see what it was," Tabatha hastily lied, feeling bad.

Mithos sniffed the air. "Oh! It smells like our cook has baked cookies! Let's grab some while they're hot!"

Tabatha allowed herself to be dragged to the kitchen. Maybe a cookie will help me feel better…

Ooooo

"There's the signal. Let's go!" said Zelos.

Lloyd, Seles, and Colette peeled off from the group and snuck around back.

Seles spotted the door. "There it is!" She rushed over and tried to open it. "Great. It's locked."

"I'll handle it," said Lloyd. He carefully picked the lock and opened the door.

"Wow Lloyd! That was incredible!" exclaimed Colette.

Seles smirked. "At least he's good for something."

Lloyd glared at Seles for a moment, before the three of them burst into laughter.

Ooooo

Zelos, Sheena, and Celsius climbed to the top of the stairs and entered the nearest room. The walls were sea foam green, with gold and white sponge imprints. The floor was made of bamboo, and had a gold rug on the side of the bed in the center. The sheet on the bed was white with a gold border. The pillowcases matched the walls. The dresser was white, and the curtains gold.

"Um, wow," said Sheena, looking around.

"Notice how most of the castle has a color scheme of either green, white, and gold or black, silver, and purple?" said Celsius, snapping a picture.

"Who cares?" answered Zelos, digging through a bamboo desk.

"Zelos! You shouldn't dig through places like that!" warned Sheena.

Zelos sighed. "All right, fine. Let's move on."

The trio crept down the hall into another room. It was a library. The wood floor was dark, and purple rugs were everywhere. The desk at the entrance had silver inlay.

"See? I told you so." Celsius snapped another picture.

Ooooo

Yggdrasill and Kratos led Kvar up to the entrance to Mithos's castle.

"We'll talk things over in my office," said Yggdrasill.

Ooooo

Lloyd, Colette, and Seles entered a room. In the center was a huge white desk inlaid with gold and small green gems. Underneath it was a white circular rug with gold fringe. There were three windows opposite the door, with green curtains. The walls were white. In the left corner of the room was a small door.

Seles went to investigate the door while Colette took a picture. "Isn't it weird how these rooms are all the same colors?" she asked.

"I know-" Lloyd was cut off by Colette, who had hastily hushed him. They heard voices coming from down the hall.

"Quick guys! In here!" Seles motioned for everyone to come to the door. Lloyd and Colette scrambled into what was a very messy closet. Seles pulled the door shut just in time to hear the other door open.

Ooooo

Yggdrasill sat down at his desk. Kvar was forced down in a chair, and Kratos leaned against the wall by the door, in case Kvar tried to escape.

"Kvar Desian," began Yggdrasill, "I trust you realize why you were summoned here?"

Ooooo

"Kvar Desian?! That's the guy who-" Lloyd began.

"Shh!" said Seles.

Ooooo

"And why would that be?" asked Kvar, feigning innocence.

Yggdrasill stood up. "Perhaps this will remind you. Kratos!"

Kratos walked over and placed a pile of pictures in front of Kvar. On top was the one of Lloyd and Chloe in Lloyd's room.

"Oh, those. What about them?" asked Kvar, growing nervous though he kept his voice calm.

"We could arrest you right now for trespassing. However, if you agree to our deal, you'll be cleared of all charges. Do we have an understanding?" asked Yggdrasill, his voice carefully controlled so he didn't display a hint of anger. But we need this information… I can always find a reason to arrest this scum some other time.

Kvar smirked slyly. "And if I don't?"

Kratos rested his hand on his sword. "I think you understand what will happen."

Kvar looked between the two and sighed, defeated. "What do you want?"

Yggdrasill sat back down. "First of all, how did you take this picture?" He gestured to the one on top.

Kvar smirked. "Trade secret."

Kratos sighed, covering his eyes with one hand.

Yggdrasill controlled his anger and said, "Very well. We'll return to that question later." He leaned forward. "Who hired you?"

A look of shock covered Kvar's face before it was hidden. "I don't know what you mean," he answered casually.

Yggdrasill smirked. "Oh, I believe you do."

Ooooo

Zelos was examining a design on the wall in the library. Weird… it looks kinda like you could open it… I wonder…

Zelos pushed on the design and it opened, revealing a button. "Hey guys! Look what I found!"

Sheena and Celsius ran over.

"What does that do?" wondered Sheena.

"Only one way to find out," answered Zelos. He pushed the button.

The bookcase next to them abruptly pulled out and slid to the side, revealing a small spiral staircase.

"No way!" exclaimed Celsius, "Who would have thought this was here?"

Sheena was already at the first turn. "Well? Are you guys coming or not?"

Zelos and Celsius hurriedly followed. The three crept down carefully. The stairs were covered in cobwebs, and obviously hadn't been used in a while.

"Things will go a lot easier if you just come clean Kvar."

They froze. The three glanced at each other, then Zelos hesitantly crept around the corner. He saw a small circle of light. Feeling Sheena brush by his arm, he hastily moved towards the light, being careful to stay silent. Sheena was now at his side, and he could feel Celsius's breath on his back.

They reached the light. The group could now clearly see the scene before them, and catch every single word being said in the office.

Ooooo

"I suppose I won't gain anything for hiding it any longer." Kvar paused meaningfully.

"Good," Yggdrasill smiled. About time.

"It all started when I got that exclusive photo of Lloyd and Chloe on their first date. Pretty pathetic how it ended. When Chloe learned I took the photo, she was impressed no one had noticed me. So she hired me to get exclusive photos of her." Kvar smirked. "Some people will do anything for popularity, huh? Still, the pay was very good, and I obviously wasn't going to refuse."

Yggdrasill glanced over at Kratos. He could tell his friend and employee was inwardly seething. Let's wrap this up now.

Yggdrasill stood. "Well, Now that that is over with, I hereby place you under arrest."

"W-what?!" Kvar demanded, shocked, "I thought you promised-"

"Yes, I did. You have been cleared of all charges concerning Lloyd. However, you seem to be forgetting the Cruxis incident from before, of which you are still at large," Yggdrasill reminded Kvar.

Kvar glared at Yggdrasill as two angels entered the room. "You'll pay for this. No one defeats Kvar Desian!"

Yggdrasill sighed. "I grow weary of your presence." He turned to the angels. "Please remove him."

Ooooo

Still in the closet, Lloyd was in shock. No… Chloe wouldn't… she… she was just…using me?

Seles looked sadly at Lloyd and exchanged a glance with Colette. Colette nodded.

"Lloyd?" Seles placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm gonna text Zelos and let him know we're heading to the meeting point, okay?"

Lloyd didn't respond. Colette mouthed, "I'll take care of him."

Seles nodded and sent Zelos the text.

Ooooo

MSS: Wow!

Chloe: Uh-oh…

MSS: Lloyd's friends aren't going to be too happy with you…

Chloe: Um, that's okay. I was planning a trip to Altamira anyways…

MSS: I'd start running.

Chloe: Huh?

MSS: When the fangirls find out what you did, they'll be after you.

Chloe: (flees)

MSS: Review please? How am I at writing suspense? And do you think I should have some cameos of other tales games, or just stick with Symphonia?