Yay, an update! Sorry this one took so long in coming, everyone! But to make it up to you, I'll have another update in a few days! Promise!

Recap: The group was in Triet when Lloyd was kidnapped and taken to the nearby Desian Base. He tried to escape and ended up rescued by the gang. They have just left the Base and are walking through the desert back to Triet. Lloyd's still injuried from a lightning blast, exhausted from so much fighting, and is effectively weaponless, not that he has the strength to fight right now, anyway.

((LLOYD POV))

We started walking, and everyone somehow managed to maneuver me into the center of the group. I walked stiffly, my back and legs protesting every step, refusing to return any of the glances my friends were sending my way. Instead, I kept my head up and ignored the pain as best I could, walking as quickly as possible so as not to burden or slow them down. Noishe whined and nuzzled my right hand with his head. I gave him a small smile and placed my right hand around his neck, scratching the back of his ears while subtly leaning some of my weight on him. The pain eased some and my face became less strained. I thought I saw Kratos nod at Noishe, but I must have imagined it. My vision was wavering slightly, after all – since the adrenaline had faded, exhaustion had set in, and it was only my determination to make it to Triet on my own feet that kept me moving.

I must have zoned out some, because all of a sudden Kratos was shouting, "Look out!"

A group of bandits had snuck up on us from behind. The Professor, in the rear of our group, spun around at Kratos' yell, dodging the blade of a bandit and smacking him with her staff. Genis and Colette turned to face the enemies, with Genis immediately casting and Colette throwing as many Pow Hammers as she could. Kratos raced around the group, stopping the bandit who had been approaching Genis and viciously slicing through his gut. He dropped to the ground with an agonized cry and Kratos turned to the next enemy. Genis was safe for the moment, and both the Professor and Colette seemed to be holding their own.

"Tighten the group around Lloyd! Noishe, stay with him!" Kratos yelled, dodging and slashing so fast it was almost hard to detect his exact movements. Everyone responded to his command, pulling in closer to me, and Noishe whined.

I watched with worry as my friends fought, clenching my fists at my sides, wishing I had my blades so I could fight, too. I was watching Kratos strike down the attacking bandits one after another – there were only four or five left standing and still attacking – when suddenly Genis let out a startled cry.

I turned to the sound and my eyes widened as I saw a bandit had somehow snuck around Kratos and was slashing at Genis, who was ducking as best as he could while swinging the ball of his kendama at the bandit, which bounced off his head but did little damage. Noishe whined as another bandit seemed determined to head for me. Ignoring him for the moment, I hurriedly stepped closer to where Genis was, with Noishe at my back watching for attacks. I lifted my left arm and aimed the Sorcerer's Ring at the bandit. He was moving so much it was difficult, but finally he was right in front of me, with Genis between us.

"Genis! Get down!" I yelled, sending mana to the Ring. My Cruxis Crystal flashed as Genis dropped to the desert floor, and a charged ball of lightning flew at the bandit and hit him square in the chest. His eyes, which had widened in surprise, rolled back into his head as he crumpled to the ground. As soon as the mana left the Ring, I grinned, then gasped. I was already injured and in pain, and didn't really have too much mana to spare. But my friend had needed to me, I reminded myself, putting a steadying hand on Noishe as my vision wavered and I got a little dizzy.

"Lloyd!" someone yelled at the same time Noishe whined high in surprise and yipped, stumbling away from me. Already dizzy, I lost my balance and awkwardly fell to the ground, landing on my right side. I gasped as the breath was forced from me, and curled my body as pain zapped my nerves. Dazed, everything around me seemed to be happening in slow motion. I looked to my right to see Noishe lying on the ground, and I saw a small pool of red by his side. I frowned, wondering how the bandit's blood had gotten there, when I saw movement in front of me. Gulping in a mouthful of air as I suddenly was able to breathe again, I noticed a bandit moving deliberately toward me, bloodied blade outstretched. I blinked stupidly at him. Dimly, I was aware of someone screaming, and someone was yelling my name, or maybe it was the same person. My eyesight dimmed, and all I could see was the bandit with a maniacal smile and gleam in his eye as he stood above me, blade raised. I awkwardly lifted my left hand and squinted my eyes, forcing my mana into the Sorcerer's Ring. My head throbbed as the small amount of energy left me, and my eyesight started to fade completely. The last thing I saw was the look of surprise that crossed the bandit's face and a flash of something bright – was that lightning? – and then everything went dark. Something touched my shoulder, and I felt another sharp stab of pain as I was pushed onto my back. I think I might have heard my name before I completely lost consciousness.

Pain. I whimpered softly. Please, no more pain. It felt like my nerves were on fire, smoldering inside me. Why did I keep passing out into pain? I wondered dimly. I don't know how long I was trapped in the pain, but suddenly it vanished and I felt a sense of calm envelope me.

"It's all right, now." A voice said.

I sighed. No more pain.
"Lloyd." The voice said.

I was so warm. Comfortable. At peace. Please, let me rest.

"Lloyd, honey. You must wake up now." The voice said.

I frowned at that. I wanted to sleep.

"I know you are tired, but your friends are worried." The voice said gently.

At the mention of my friends, the faces of Genis, Colette, the Professor, and even Kratos flashed across my mind. I wondered if they were okay? And what about Noishe? I started to panic as I realized that last thing I remembered was being attacked by bandits.

"Relax." The voice said soothingly. "Your friends are all fine. Everyone is all right."

I sighed again, my mind relaxing. I wasn't sure why, but I trusted the voice talking to me. It was calm and gentle, but also vaguely familiar. If I thought about where I recognized it, though, the thought slipped through my grasp. I mentally shrugged, relying on my instinct that the voice was good.

"I'm so glad you are still able to trust as completely as you once were." The voice said happily, sounding as if the person was smiling.

I smiled in response, happy the voice was happy.

"Lloyd. You must continue to trust your friends. There is so much you have yet to do. But to do it, you need to wake up." The voice said.

I took a deep breath. The voice was right, I needed to be with my friends.

"Of course I'm right. I'm always right. Now, wake up, sleepy head." The voice said with another smile.

I smiled in response. Something in what the voice had just said triggered a twinge deep down in my heart, and I suddenly realized whose voice I was hearing.

"Lloyd…" the voice said, just as I felt a hand gently shaking me awake.

"Lloyd." Someone – I think the Professor – said. I squeezed my eyes shut. No! I can't wake up! Not now, not when I can finally talk to –

I was roughly shaken again, and I felt the peace, the calm slipping from my grasp.

"I love you, Lloyd…" the voice whispered, fading.

No! Wait! I yelled, desperately searching for the calming presence of the voice, but it vanished.

I opened my eyes and blinked at the harsh lighting.

"No…" I whispered, tears in my eyes.

"Lloyd…?" Genis asked worriedly.

I looked at the worried faces of my friends, clenching my fists at my sides. I squeezed my eyes shut once, willing away the tears, but couldn't stop myself from whispering brokenly, "Mom".

The Professor shifted from her position sitting next to me on the bed I was currently laying on, her hand still resting on my shoulder.

"Lloyd, are you all right? Are you in pain?" She asked.

I took a deep, shuddering breath, then let it out on a sigh. I hastily brought my hands up to my eyes and wiped away my tears. I pushed my hands down onto the bed and forced myself into a sitting position, the Professor helping me somewhat.

"I'm fine. No more pain." I said, looking around at my friends. The Professor was sitting on my right and looking me over carefully. Genis and Colette were next to her; Genis was staring at me worriedly while Colette looked like she would burst into tears at any moment. On my left stood Kratos, regarding me carefully even though he was standing rather stiffly. Noishe was beside him, giving me his doggy grin.

"What happened?" I asked, directing my question to the Professor.
"What do you last remember?" She asked slowly.

I thought carefully. "We were being attacked my bandits." I said slowly. "You, Kratos, and Colette were fighting them, but Genis got cornered. I blasted the enemy with the Sorcerer's Ring, but it made me really dizzy. Something happened and Noishe wasn't by my side anymore. I fell to the ground and my wounds zapped me with pain. I think I was starting to pass out when I saw the bandit coming for me. I tried to blast him with the Ring, and the last thing I remember is feeling my energy drain and a bright light. Oh, and a lot more pain. Then it was gone and I was…" I trailed off.

"You were what?" the Professor asked, looking puzzled.

I shook my head. "Sorry. I was pain-free. Then I woke up here."

The Professor nodded slowly. "What you remember is accurate, and explains why you passed out."

"When you awoke, you mentioned your mother. Why is that?" Kratos suddenly asked, intently staring at my face.

I blushed. "When I was out, after the pain left, I think I… I think I talked to her." I whispered.

"Lloyd…" The Professor started.

Kratos interrupted. "It's possible your subconscious recreated her voice from your memories to soothe you."

I frowned. "Yeah, but… it felt so real. Like she was really talking to me…"

"Lloyd, that's not possible." The Professor said gently.

I willed myself not to cry. "I know." I said harshly.

Kratos coughed. "Once you were unconscious, we managed to slay the rest of the bandits. I healed everyone and carried you here, to Triet's Inn. Then I examined your wounds and properly healed you, although your mana will not fully replenish until you've rested for the night."

I nodded, grateful for both his change of subject and explanation.

"Lloyd, I'm so so sorry!" Colette blurted out.

"Wh-what for?" I asked.

"It's my fault you were hurt again! I let the bandit get through! I'm sorry!" Colette cried.

"Colette, it's not your fault." I told her, shaking my head.

"But…" She started.

"No." I said firmly.

"Colette, Lloyd's right. You fought very bravely, but you couldn't have stopped them all." The Professor said.

"Yeah, don't feel bad, Colette! Lloyd had to help me, too." Genis said, ducking his head.

Kratos nodded. "Considering the situation and the lack of formal training, you all fought very well."

I smirked at him. "Even I wasn't completely useless, huh?"

"Hmph. I suppose not." Kratos said, appearing to be holding back a smile.

My grin widened.

"Well, now that that's taken care of, perhaps you could explain to us what exactly happened this morning and while you were in the Desian base while Colette prepares dinner?" The Professor asked.

I smiled at her sheepishly and she eyed me levelly. I gulped but nodded.

"Good." She said.

"Well…" I started. Colette was in the Inn's kitchen downstairs cooking dinner, although she hadn't mentioned what she was making, and Genis had volunteered to go with her so she wouldn't be by herself. Noishe had gone back to the animal shelter in the alleyway, after Kratos convinced me he would be safe there. I was sitting crossed legged on my bed at the Inn, fiddling with my pack (which I had left at the Inn, thank Goddess) while the Professor regarded me from a chair nearby and Kratos stood by his bed cleaning and sharpening his blade.

The Professor cleared her throat and I blinked a few times, then tried again. "Well, after you guys had left, I tried to get some sleep. I really did, I swear. But I just couldn't. So I decided to go check on Noishe. Just as I got to the door, though, I saw a bunch of Desians hanging up something outside. I waited until they left before seeing what it was – a wanted poster for me."

"Yes, we noticed them… We'll have to be extremely careful because of them." The Professor said.

"Sorry." I said, knowing it was my fault.

The Professor waved her hand in dismissal. "Nonsense, it's not your fault – they are after you because you are the Chosen One. It's unavoidable."

I winced but nodded. "Right… Anyway, I ducked into the alley behind the Inn to check on Noishe, and everything was fine until Noishe made that noise he makes when monsters are around. I went into defense mode but I couldn't find anything. Still, I didn't turn my back and Rix finally gave up and showed himself."

"Rix?" Kratos questioned.

"Oh, right. Rix and Dee were the Desians who kidnapped me." I answered.

"I see…" Kratos murmured, his eyes narrowing.

"Um. Yeah. So Rix came out, we fought, and Dee got behind me and zapped me with a huge ball of lightning." My face tightened and I unconsciously clenched my hands as I remembered the agonizing pain.

"Lloyd… it's all right." The Professor murmured.

I shook my head and let out a breath. "Sorry. Anyway, the pain was so much that I passed out. I didn't know it then, but apparently Noishe attacked them as they tried to take me away before he finally ran off into the city, probably to find you guys."

"Yes, he was frantic when he found me in the city. I immediately knew something was not right – when I went back to the Inn to check on you and found you gone, my instinct was confirmed. Noishe, by this point, was whining non-stop and kept darting to the city's entrance and back. I gathered everyone and we followed Noishe into the desert after you." Kratos explained.

I nodded. That explained how they found me.

"What happened in the base?" The Professor asked.

I turned to her and shrugged. "Well, I woke up in a cell. Rix and Dee thought I was still unconscious, so I stayed quiet and listened to them talk. They had some kind of talking box – "

"Talking box?" The Professor asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, you could talk to other people on it, even if they weren't in the room with you." I explained.

"Fascinating… To think, the Desians have developed some sort of communication device…" The Professor murmured, deep in thought.

"Huh, I guess." I said.

The Professor shook herself. "Continue, Lloyd."

"Right. They were talking about Botta – the guy you guys fought in the office at the end? – and how he'd be happy they had gotten me. Do you guys remember when we got attacked at the Martel Temple? Botta was the leader of that group of Desians, too! He must be really important." I said.

"Yes, I had recognized him right away. Do you suppose he is in charge of that base?" The Professor asked.

I shook my head. "No, another guy was definitely in charge. He talked to Rix and Dee on the talking box and yelled at them when they told him they had let Noishe go."

Kratos perked up at that. "Really, he said that?"

"Y-yeah, I thought it was kinda weird for him to be worrying over a dog. Although I guess Noishe was the one who lead you guys here." I said.

Kratos frowned. "Hmph."

"Anyway, Dee left and Rix came to check on me. I pretended to still be out, and when he turned away I shot him with the Sorcerer's Ring. Then I threw my boot out of the cell and hit the glowing light that was the lock and got out. I stomped on Rix's talking box before trying to find my way out."

The Professor gasped. "Lloyd! My sample!"
"Sorry, Professor, but I didn't want to leave it with Rix in case he woke up and I didn't want it to make noise if I took it with me, so I crushed it." I said, shrugging but smiling at her reaction – it was just what I had pictured!

The Professor was still staring at me in horror, but Kratos looked at me with approval.

"Smart decision. I assume after that you simply wandered around until we found you?" He questioned.

"Pretty much. I found where they had stashed my weapons. I also found some pretty weird stuff – there was a guy tied up in a closet and he was naked!" I exclaimed.

Kratos raised an eyebrow at me and the Professor seemed to snap out of her shock at losing her specimen.

"Are you certain?" She asked me skeptically.

"I'm pretty sure. I mean, I didn't stick around to take a closer look but…" I said, trailing off.

Kratos and the Professor shared a look before motioning for me to continue.

"I was trying to be sneaky, but some Desians found me and I had to fight. That's how I lost one of my swords – it got snuck in an enemy right before more showed up, and I had to leave it there in order to outrun them. I hid in another room and the Ring reacted to this huge machine in the ground. I think the machine is what changed its power to lightning." I said.

"Yes, I was wondering about that. Fascinating…" The Professor said.

"After that, I shot any guards I came to, but by then the alert was out. I was found and ran into the first room I found – that office. The leader, who had talked to Rix earlier, was in there and he was pissed. We argued, and then he backed me into a corner. I was so tired by then and in so much pain that I couldn't really fight back. I thought he was going to kill me, but Botta rushed in and the leader said he had to leave, so Botta took over beating me up until you guys rushed in. And you know the rest." I said.

Kratos was staring at me intently. "What did the leader look like?"

"Um. A little taller than Botta, red and blue shirt, white pants. He had on a blue and red cape that swirled obnoxiously around him. Blue hair in a pony, blue eyes. He fought with a weird kind of lightning magic. He was extremely snotty, too. I think he said I looked like someone he knew, but I might not have heard him right." I said.

"I'm impressed you remember so much detail, Lloyd. If only you could apply that to your studies…" The Professor said.
Kratos' eyes had narrowed into slits while I was talking, and he had stopped sharpening his sword. He stood stiffly still, and his look promised pain. It was actually kinda terrifying.

"Kratos, are you… okay?" I asked hesitantly.

He visibly released the tension in his body at my question and resumed his task. "I apologize."

"Okay then…" I said, throwing a glance at the Professor, who looked back at me with a questioning look. I shrugged.

"Dinner!" Colette chirped as she and Genis walked into the room carrying large plates of steaming food.

Genis blinked and looked from me to Kratos to his sister.

"Everything okay?" He asked, as he and Colette set the food down on the small table in the corner.

"Yes. Lloyd has just finished his story. Good timing." The Professor said.

Colette beamed. "Lloyd, you hungry?" She asked.

I smiled at her. "Yeah!"

"Great! I hope you like it!" She said, dishing out a plate and bringing it over to me as Genis made plates for everyone else.

My stomach grumbled and I eagerly looked down onto the plate Colette offered. My stomach plummeted slightly at the sight – steaming pasta with some meat balls and tomato chunks.

I forced a grin. "Thanks." I said, taking the plate.

"You're welcome!" Colette chirped, getting her own plate of food. She and Genis joined me on my bed to eat. I scowled at the tomatoes, pushing them to one side of the plate and then wiping off my fork on my napkin. Colette noticed and gasped.

"Oh, Lloyd, I'm sorry! I forgot to leave out the tomatoes on your plate!" She exclaimed.

I shrugged. "It's okay; I just won't eat them."

"I'm sorry!" Colette said.

"You dork, I said it's fine." I said, smiling at her.

"Heh, yeah. Lloyd's used to it. Remember when Dirk was determined to get you to eat them and put them in everything?" Genis asked.

I grimaced at the memory. I had gone hungry some nights to avoid eating the tomatoes. "Don't remind me." I grumbled.

"I take it you do not enjoy tomatoes?" Kratos asked.

"No way. I don't get how anyone can eat them – they're all squishy and gross." I said, making a face.

"Kratos, do you not like them either?" The Professor asked, pointing her fork at his plate.

I looked at it and noticed that he had been steadily eating around them.

"They are not my favorite food." Kratos said, looking down at them with disdain.

"Heh. Who'd have thought we'd have something like that in common?" I said, grinning at him.

He smiled at me wryly and nodded.

"Interesting…" The Professor murmured.

"Sis?" Genis asked, turning to her.

"Hm? Finish eating, Genis." She said, returning her attention back to the meal.

Genis rolled his eyes and we shared a smile but then the room grew quiet as everyone resumed eating. Colette was a pretty good cook, and after everything that had happened today, I was really glad to be eating this great meal.

Once I was done, I put my plate on the table with the empty serving pot, the others following suit.

"Whew, that was really good Colette!" I said, smiling at her and patting my stomach.

She blushed slightly. "Thanks Lloyd!"

"He's just saying that because he can barely make a sandwich let alone cook spaghetti." Genis said, smirking.

"Hey! Shut it, Genis!" I said, smacking his shoulder lightly. He just laughed and I shook my head.

"By the way, Lloyd, Kratos. Perhaps you could tell me what these are?" The Professor asked, pulled two small round blue gems with gold crests out of her pocket and extending them toward me. Kratos and I peered into her hand and I took one from her, examining it closer.

"These look like my Cruxis Crystal but different. Exspheres, probably." I said, looking at Kratos.

Kratos nodded. "It appears so. Where did you find them?"

"I pulled them from Botta's weapon before we left." The Professor explained.

"Yeah, they're definitely Exspheres. And they have Key Crests, too, but the spells look a little worn." I said, handing her back the stone.

"I see. Does that affect their performance?" The Professor asked.

"Not exactly." Kratos answered. "Exspheres work in a way similar to the way a Chosen's Cruxis Crystal functions; the stone helps focus the user's mana and strengthens them, often giving them new abilities. Because of the way they manipulate the user's own mana, however, it is dangerous to simply attach them directly to yourself, but unless the Exsphere can connect to the user, it is useless. Therefore, dwarves developed spells to restrain the negative effects of an Exsphere and carved them into special ore shaped into Key Crests. These Exspheres are not equippable currently because, as Lloyd pointed out, the spell is faded on their Crests."

The Professor was regarding Kratos intently while Colette was looking at me questioningly and Genis was just nodding, as I had pretty much explained it to him before about Marble's Exsphere.

"Is that true, Lloyd?" Colette asked.

I shrugged. "Pretty much. Key Crests are a dwarven technology. While I can't process the ore into the Crest, my Dad did teach me how to carve the spell. I should be able to fix these."

"Wow! You're amazing, Lloyd!" Colette said.

"Heh. It's nothing." I said, putting my hand behind my head and blushing a little.

"If they are useless unless attached to a user, why did Botta have them on his weapon?" The Professor asked, directing her question to Kratos.

Kratos frowned before saying, "They probably enhanced the weapon's strength by focusing the mana flowing through it during attacks, but I have never seen Exspheres used in that way before."

The Professor nodded, looking thoughtful.

"Hey, if I fix those Key Crests, then you could use one Professor." I said.

"I believe it would be advantageous for us if every member of our group used an Exsphere. As I said, they not only strengthen abilities but awaken dormant ones as well. It would make protecting you easier." Kratos said.

The Professor nodded at that. "All right then. Genis, you still have Marble's Exsphere, correct?"

"Yeah…" Genis said, slipping his hand into his pocket.

"Then Colette and I will use these two, and you will use that one. All right?" She asked, looking at her brother carefully.

Genis nodded swiftly. "Yeah, I understand."

"Good. In that case, I will go and buy a new pair of blades for you, Lloyd, while you fix the Key Crests. When I return, Lloyd and I will help you equip the Exspheres." Kratos said.

"You're gonna get me new swords again? What about the spare set I have?" I asked.

"Those are mismatched blades, and as I'm sure I've already explained to you, you will not grow stronger with them. You only have one blade remaining from the set I recently bought you, and as it is useless on its own, I will be selling it and using its profit to buy you a new set of twin blades." Kratos said, looking at me as if I should've known all that. Which I probably should've.

"Okay. But I wanna pick them this time." I said.

Kratos shook his head. "No, you stay here and fix the Key Crests. It's getting late and we have to train yet before we can rest."

"Train? Are you kidding me?" I asked, shocked.

"Yes, train. I told you today would begin your training, did I not? It is especially apparent that you need it, after today's events." Kratos said.

"Hey! You try fighting after getting zapped by lightning!" I said angrily.

"I'm sure it was difficult and from your own account you did fight. But once you lost one of your blades, you were reduced to relying on the Sorcerer's Ring, something that is not acceptable." He said.

I scowled at him. "It worked, didn't it?"

"To an extent." Kratos said, nodding. "However, it would be reckless to rely on the Ring alone; after all, it draws on your own mana to be effective, and as you experienced today in the desert, your mana is not infinite."

My scowl deepened, but I didn't say anything. Partly because I was pissed, but mostly because I knew he was right. Dammit.

"You see? You need to be able to adequately defend yourself in any situation, and that includes when the situation demands you use only one blade. Repair the Key Crests. I will return shortly and we will train." Kratos said, turning and leaving the room.

"Goddammit!" I said, clenching my fists.

"Lloyd, it's okay." Colette said, putting her hand on my shoulder, which I shrugged off.

"Lloyd. Kratos was right. There's no need to pout over it. You need to become stronger, so you'll train. Now, do you need any help fixing the Key Crests?" The Professor asked.

I took a deep breath and let it out again before turning to face her and taking the offered Exspheres and Crests.

"No, I can do it by myself." I said.

"Good, then we will leave you to it." The Professor said, giving meaningful looks to Colette and Genis before leaving the room. Colette immediately followed after her, giving me a smile. Genis, however, stayed behind.

"Lloyd, cheer up! Once you train, you'll show Kratos just how strong you can be! You'll knock him on his butt one day, I know it!" Genis said.

I couldn't help but smile at the image, and the rest of my anger faded. "Heh. Thanks, Genis."

Genis grinned. "No problem, Lloyd! You'd better fix those spells before Kratos gets back, though." He said, before turning and leaving me alone in the room.

So, you know how I said after this chapter, I'd switch back to Sheena? Well... I kinda lied.

*ducks flying projectiles*

I'm sorry! I didn't realize I had so much to wrap up! Honest! After the next chapter, I'll definitely switch back to Sheena! I promise!

Review? Please?