A/N: Hello everyone! Yes, I'm updating again! And it's not even a Monday. Crazy. Summer has been crazy. I had my 12 day long summer class (we did all assignments in 12 days that was normally done in a semester). It was awesome and insane. I also had my family vacation last week up in the mountains, and while it was beautiful, there's no reliable internet connections out there. Another reason this chapter is out so late is because I'm reaching the point where I've almost caught up with myself. That's right. I'm almost out of chapters that are ready to publish, which means I've got to write some more (and my creativity has been low). And the last reason is because this chapter had to have some major edits and I wasn't exactly sure how to write them. I went through several drafts before I finally had one I liked. Hopefully it'll be worth it.

Thanks to all of you who have favorited, followed or reviewed! Those always mean a lot to me. And I'm so sorry for my inconsistent updates. I'll try for next Monday, but no guarantees, especially since I have an appointment that's two hours away that day. Why is it so much harder to update in the summer than the school year?

Thanks again for all of your patience.

Enjoy,

Orangepotato

Chapter Thirty Six

"You don't have to remain quiet, I know all about your little discussion with Kvar." Rodyle glared over his colored lenses at Lloyd, who was tired to a chair.

His wrists and ankles were bound to the metal contraption with rope wrapped around his chest tightly. Rodyle was obviously not a trusting man. It was probably the wisest thing to do, but that didn't make Lloyd's life any easier.

He'd calmly told the man that none of his precautions were necessary, but that hadn't comforted him. Instead, he'd had the guards tie the knots tighter 'to be on the safe side'.

Now, they were in a small room that was next to the prison cells that Rodyle had in his ranch. He called it his interrogation room and by the stains of blood that littered the floor and walls, Lloyd could only presume the man was telling the truth. However, it didn't bother him. The half elf wasn't stupid. He wouldn't lay a hand on Yggdrasill's son.

However, that didn't mean he wouldn't bind him.

"What discussion?" Lloyd played it cool, keeping his thoughts simple. He was honestly freaking out in his deepest thoughts, but he didn't betray it on his face or in his voice.

"We Grand Cardinals are not trusting people. You shouldn't be surprised that I learned of your backroom deal. Truthfully, you should be happy that I haven't told your father yet." The man grinned devilishly, "But don't think that doesn't mean I won't."

Lloyd didn't say anything and after a moment, the half elf tried again, "I know that the Chosen is alive. Now that tidbit of information I'll be more than happy to relay to Lord Yggdrasill… unless you're willing to talk."

Before he could stop himself the teen narrowed his gaze and clenched his hands into fists. His entire body tensed and before he could calm himself down, Rodyle noticed it.

"Ah, so the rumors are true. Kvar has her, hmmm?" He leered at the teen, who struggled to keep his features calm.

He couldn't give Rodyle the satisfaction of knowing the truth. Even if it was suspected, virtually no one knew of her survival and it had to stay that way. Gritting his teeth together, he sucked in a breath and answered, "What do you want, Rodyle?"

Neither confirming nor denying it was his best bet, though having the conversation was a strong indication that Rodyle's information was correct.

The man seemed aware of that because he leered at the teen before settling down in a seat behind him. It was plush and large, making the gangly man look smaller than he already was. If he was aiming to impress and intimidate, he was failing.

The man crossed his gloved fingers together and placed them in his lap, staring at Lloyd over the rims of his colored glasses.

"So you're planning on overthrowing your father, hmm?"

"No. I plan on stopping Kvar once I have enough information." He kept his voice level, hoping his panic didn't seep through.

"Don't be ridiculous," the man gave a shrill laugh. The noise bounced off the walls and made the brunette flinch. Rodyle hardly noticed, "I heard your entire conversation. You won't tell your father anything with what Kvar is holding over you."

His pearly whites flashed to the teen and he continued, "You care deeply for the Chosen, something Kvar made sure to emphasis…"

"Then what do you want?" Lloyd wasn't going to bother arguing the topic.

"Your cooperation."

"If you heard our conversation, then you know I can't give you that."

"Either way you're giving it to me. Kvar's been a thorn in your father's side and I'm more than happy to get rid of it for him."

Lloyd struggled a bit against his restraints, feeling anger curl underneath his skin, "Then go and kill him yourself. There's no need to involve anyone else."

"You don't understand the politics of this game, young lord, if you're proposing an idea like that." He chuckled, crossing a thin leg over the other. "It'd be infinitely easier to have your father deal with the traitor."

Fear and anger flowed through Lloyd's veins as he tried to get control of the situation. However, he was well aware he'd blown his chance when he'd let Rodyle know Colette was, in fact, alive. He'd screwed up and there wasn't a way to convince the man to take another course of action.

Rodyle sneered as he spoke again, "Speaking of traitors, your father will be more than interested to know why you were in Ozette when you told him you were heading to Meltokio."

Lloyd felt his heart skip a beat, "How did you-"

"I have my ways, dear boy." He stood then, clapping his hands together. The noise rebounded inside the small room, fall into silence as the door at the other end of the room opened with a whoosh. In walked several Desians, each one saluting Rodyle and then going about their duties.

Three headed to Lloyd, two working at removing his restraints while the other wrapped his arm around the teen's neck, compressing it slightly.

Hitching in a breath, Lloyd's now free hands went to the man's forearm, fingers digging in to relieve the pressure that was being put on his neck.

Oxygen burned the insides of his lungs as he gasped for breath.

Rodyle simply smiled at him, "Now that I've confirmed what I need, you're coming with me. Your father will be excited to see you again… but I believe Lord Aurion will please your father more. I certainly hope that doesn't bother you." He gave a crooked smile, his beady eyes filled with a disgusting glee as he regarded the teen.

Lloyd fought once more against the man with the chokehold on him. Air was rapidly leaving his lungs as he fought, weakening his struggles.

The two who'd untied his arms snatched his wrists as the third man released his hold.

Oxygen rushed into the brunette's body and he sucked in breath after breath. His head was spinning and black splotches covered his vision. He felt his knees almost give out but the two Desians at his side held him up, locking his arms tightly behind his back.

Wincing, the world slowly came into focus.

The third man's arm was at his neck again, applying just enough force to ensure the teen couldn't easily escape.

Rodyle spoke, "If you don't struggle, you can walk. However, if you start fighting back, I'll have my men knock you out and you'll be carried to Derris-Kharlan. I don't think that's humiliation you want to suffer in front of your father… I'm sure you'll want to make a good impression on him if you want any hope of saving your friends."

His lips were in a tight smile, teeth exposed. He was obviously enjoying it.

"You bastard," the teen hissed. He narrowed his russet orbs on the man, but he knew he had no power.

That earned him a chuckle from the gangly half elf, "I'll take that as a compliment since it's from you, young lord." He was being flippant, and with a smirk, he headed for the door saying, "Let's go. Your father isn't a patient man."

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Lloyd was trembling as they reached his father's chambers.

The elaborate door greeted his eyes, the wisps of red flame and giant animals consuming each other filled his vision and he swallowed audibly. Inside, his father-Yggdrasill- waited.

Rodyle had arranged the entire meeting, the blonde leader deciding to have it in his grand room rather than the audience chamber. That only terrified the teen more because, at least, the throne room was somewhat neutral ground. Yggdrasill's room was his territory and his presence was much stronger.

The air itself had gotten thicker, the brunette sucking in lung full after lung full. Each of his limbs vibrated with fear as he was forcefully brought face to face with the door, Rodyle knocking loudly against the wood.

It rang in the brunette's ears…

So God damn loud.

His eyes fell on the man next to him, one who was stoic as usual but his skin was almost translucent with terror. He seemed to be shaking as well and his russet eyes exposed his raw horror at what was to come.

"Dad," Lloyd whispered, his voice grating against his ears. He wanted to give him a reassuring smile, but he knew he couldn't. It didn't matter, Kratos wouldn't believe it anyways.

"Come in," The blonde half elf's voice rang. The melodic harmony seemed to pull the doors open and lead them in.

His green eyes weren't focused on the approaching people. Instead, he sat on a broad plush couch, glancing at his nails as if they were more interesting than the gangly half elf he thought he was meeting. Even as Rodyle spoke, he didn't raise his eyes to see.

"Lord Yggdrasill, I'm thankful that you decided to have this audience."

The blonde man nodded thoughtlessly, speaking, "What is it, Rodyle?"

The brunette felt a roll of fear go down his spine. The gangly half elf's grip on his arm tightened as he gave an awful smirk.

"Well, my Lord, there's two people I thought you'd want to meet."

His statement piqued the curiosity of the blonde leader, the man turning his chilling gaze on the men before him. As soon as he saw who was standing, his green eyes hardened and his lips turned into a frown.

"Kratos," he hissed.

The air became heavier. Lloyd felt like his knees were going to buckle under the pressure that was released from that gaze. His heart hammered wildly in his chest and he struggled to breath. Dizziness swarmed his thoughts as he fought to control his breathing. Short and shallow breaths, each one driving his thoughts further and further into abstraction…

"Mithos," The auburn returned, though dread crept though his voice.

The blonde gave a short humorless laugh, "Well, after all of these months I had wondered if you were even alive." A flicker of distaste flashed through his emerald irises and then he tossed his gaze to Lloyd.

Ice chilled the brunette's veins and he breathed, "Father."

Anger quickly covered the man's features, "What the hell are you doing with him?" He stood immediately, "Lloyd, answer me!"

In a flash, he was in the teen's face, eyes drilling down on him.

The air hitched in Lloyd's lungs and he stuttered over an answer. Solid words didn't come out of his mouth though, just disjointed phrases and parts of sounds. He could feel his heart beating a dent into his rib cage as he regarded the blonde in front of him. Even as he took in another shallow breath, he felt like he couldn't breathe.

"That isn't an answer!" Yggdrasill screamed. He lashed out, striking the teen across the face hard.

It sent him reeling, Rodyle quickly letting go of the brunette's arm, letting him tumbled to the ground.

Pain sizzled through his face as the teen tried to say something. Tears stung the back of his throat.

What could he say?

"You bastard child!" The man was furious, kicking the teen in the stomach. There was nothing Lloyd could do since his arms were latched behind his back.

Several kicks, each sending a stab of pain through his spine, rained down on him as he tried to stop his father. He wanted to say something, anything, to make the man stop. He'd beg for forgiveness if he had too, but words failed him.

"This is how you repay me for taking care of you all of these years?" The blonde lashed out another white clad foot, this time striking Lloyd in the chin.

Stars flashed across his vision and for a moment, everything went black. He felt himself turn onto his back from the strike, feeling another hard kick against his ribs. Red flashed across his vision and suddenly his sight came back.

Yggdrasill was standing over him, insanity imbedded in his green eyes. However, he wasn't moving. Someone was saying something, the fuzzy words filling the teen's head like a noise.

It's so loud…

"I'll surrender myself to you, Mithos, just stop hurting him!"

It was Kratos' voice…

Dad.

He watched as the blonde glared over to the man, but then, a smirk split his features.

"You really care about this pathetic child, don't you? Even after you abandoned him?"

Kratos didn't say anything to that. Lloyd attempted to turn his head so he could see his father, but with any slight movement of his head, nausea swirled in his brain as the world span.

"Mithos, this was never about him."

"Ah, it wasn't, but he's become quite involved in my affairs."

"Then you'll gain nothing by killing him."

The leader laughed, "I might gain the satisfaction of revenge."

"No," Kratos' desperation was hidden, but the blonde obviously caught it.

"It's apparent that that's what would hurt you the worst, my dear comrade."

"This isn't about him."

The blonde smirked and then reached down, a pale hand gripping the teen's upper arm and tugging him up. All of the sudden, the world shifted and span in circles, the teen feeling sick as he was forced to stand. His legs wanted to give out, but the tight hold on the brunette's bicep made it impossible for him to collapse.

Then the leader spoke, "Well what if I make it about him?"

With his free hand, he reached forward and formed a sword in his hand. If glimmered black in the harsh light from above.

Lloyd watched his father take in a breath.

"Mithos," he whispered, voice hoarse. He'd obviously given up on hiding his fear. He was probably more concerned with keeping the brunette alive.

The sword touched the teen's throat and he shivered. The blade felt cold against his skin, the thin edge pressing through the flesh and drawing a line of blood. He wanted to say something but once again, words didn't reach his mouth. They remained stuck in his throat.

"I should end his life because you escaped."

Kratos shook his head, "Kill me, Mithos. You have complete control of Lloyd, what more could hurt me? If you kill him, then at least he's free from you." His eyes narrowed, fear still evident. However, there was something that stalled the blonde.

Rodyle took the moment to speak up, "I also believed you'd want your son alive for another reason." He stepped between them, grinning up to the leader. "There's some interesting information he's been keeping from you."

Lloyd felt ice fill his veins as the sword stiffened against his throat.

Kratos stiffened as well, eyes hard against Yggdrasill, "Don't harm him any further."

The blonde frowned at the auburn man, "Beg me."

The air became tense as the two glared each other down.

Reiterating his statement, the blonde smirked at the man. "If you beg me, then I won't harm Lloyd anymore."

Finally, words came to the brunette's lips, "Dad, no!" Heart hammering against his chest, he struggled a bit against his restraints. His entire body ached, head still spinning as he stared at the man across from him. "Don't do it, I'm fine."

He didn't want to see the auburn bow to Yggdrasill's sick will, yet the man didn't even look at him.

"If it'll save my son," he stated. His voice was stern as he dropped to one knee. Even with his arms bound behind him, he ducked his head and spoke in a clear, emotionless voice, "Lord Yggdrasill, free my son, I beg of you."

Lloyd felt dread fill his limbs as he watched his father physically asked the blonde for his son's freedom. It was almost sickening to watch the leader beside him smile. It was crazed and split right across his face, green eyes lighting up from underneath blonde bangs.

"Beg, Kratos. And apologize for what you've done."

"Dad-" Lloyd chocked back his words as he heard the auburn's voice rise over his own.

"I've wronged you my lord, and I beg that you ignore my shortcomings and spare my son. He's done nothing against you, not like I have, and I plea that you'll show mercy."

The leader laughed, "When have I shown mercy, Kratos?"

"My lord," the auburn responded, not even glancing up, "You choose when someone lives and when someone dies. You're the most powerful being in the universe and I ask you to use that power to spare my son."

Lloyd struggled against his restraints again, feeling the blonde's fingers dig into his bicep with each attempt at freedom.

"Dad, stop! You don't have to-"

"Kratos." Yggdrasill's voice sliced through the air and he narrowed his eyes on the man below him. He regarded the auburn as if he would an insect, something unworthy of muddling his vision, "I'll grant your request on one condition."

"Anything, my lord."

The words hung heavy in the air, as if it took every ounce of will power Kratos had to speak the words calmly.

"Dad-"

"I'll spare your son for all eternity if you kill yourself now, in front of him."

The words pierced right through the teen's heart.

No.

Yggdrasill couldn't be serious.

Lloyd felt fear course though his entire body and he started struggling. Trying to rip his arm out of the blonde's iron grasp. He yanked at the shackles behind his back, desperately trying to free himself. He wanted to call out, but words failed him. They were replaced by a terror that hammered against his ribs.

He could hear Rodyle cackling inside the chambers; hear Yggdrasill's skin stretch against his teeth as he smirked down to the ashen red head.

Still struggling, the brunette realized he was speaking, muttering words over and over into the sickeningly silent air.

"Don't make him do this, don't make him do this…" His wrists were raw, limbs vibrating out of fear and anger as he was yanked further from his father by the blonde leader.

"It's your choice, Kratos," the man spat, venom coating his words.

The auburn was silent as Lloyd continued to beg.

"Dad, don't-" Tears streamed down his face.

How could things go so horribly wrong?

It was hard to believe that only months ago, things had been fine. Sure, he'd been living in a lie, but the people he cared about, the people he loved were safe and sound. Separated from the madness that consumed his world now.

Kratos didn't seem to have the energy to argue, but he didn't do as the man commanded, instead, he spoke softly to the ground, "Mithos, if I die, then you'll lose your power over Origin."

The blonde smirked and made a noise close to a snicker, "You don't think I've thought of that?"

Lloyd felt the iron grip on his bicep tighten as the leader closed his eyes. Mana began flowing thickly through the air, surrounding them in almost seeable density. Something lifelike began to take shape in the mana, a strong form becoming visible between them.

The figure spoke, "What is it that you request of me, my lord?"

The voice was deep and intelligent, the figure having crossed arms across his chest and two dangling at his sides. Blonde hair was slicked back from his face, colors of various sorts coating his waist and legs, reds and yellows tailing from behind him. It almost didn't appear real, and with frightened awe, Lloyd gazed upon the being. He'd seen that image before... something as magnificent as the entity that floated in front of him...

The figure finally was named in the teen's mind, his brain recalling the image from century old textbooks.

"That's-"

"Origin," Yggdrasill spoke, a smirk set on his lips, "I have a request."

The summon spirit nodded, allowing the leader to continue.

"Your seal resides on this man," He gestured with his head towards Kratos, "I wish to move it from him to someone else more… fitting."

Origin spoke plainly, "That action is contrary to your original agreement. Something like that cannot be done easily. The new host would have to be similar to the host now... and if the seal did not hold, then the pact would be terminated."

There was a sickening smirk on the blonde leader's face, "I understand. Which is why I want you to transfer the seal onto Kratos Aurion's son."

The auburn spoke up, voice serious, "Yggdrasill, you can't-"

The leader interrupted him, "Quite the contrary. I very much can." Green eyes regarded the bowing auburn, "Fifteen years to research does amazing things, Kratos. I learned that pacts can be altered, to a degree, by the pact maker. For example, if our lives had not been extended by Cruxis Crystals, than it would have been necessary, at some point, to change the holder of the seal to someone else in my lifetime. You were a human, Kratos. I, a half elf, and I would have outlived you by centuries. After your traitorous actions and I was left with your bastard son, I began to wonder if he'd ever have any use..." His eyes shone with a growing insanity, "My first plan had simply been to kill him, let you keep hoping he was alive while you rotted in prison, but as he got older, I realized he had some uses. He began looking more and more like you and I did a little research."

Lloyd felt his heart hammering, blood pounding in his ears. What he was hearing hardly made sense, but a memory flickered in his brain. Something Yuan had said once, You're becoming just like your father...

He'd taken it as an insult back then, though he hadn't told his teacher. He'd never wanted to be like Yggdrasill... but now, it made sense. He was becoming like Kratos.

The blonde continued, "If he was similar enough to you, I could use his body for Origin's seal. I could make you watch and then, I'd kill you. Have your bastard child watch. It'd just take years of training him, of molding him, and he'd be an exact replica of you... except he'd be obedient to me," he paused for a moment before spitting, "Something you never seemed to master."

Kratos spoke, voice shaking, "Mithos, you can't. You don't have to go through with this."

When Yggdrasill spoke, he hardly sounded like himself. He sounded crazed, demented almost, like all of his sanity had been pieced together and held precariously in place for this very moment.

"Revenge is sweet, isn't it, Kratos?" Without a second more of debate, the blonde snapped at the hovering summon spirit, "Origin! I command that you transfer your seal onto Lloyd Aurion!"

Origin wasted only a moment in staring at Lloyd. The teen felt vulnerable under such a heavy gaze and the weight of the situation pressed against his bones. Already, he was hyperventilating, feeling his body shake as the summon spirit's eyes passed through his very soul. When the entity closed his eyes, the room filled with silence. The oppression of the castle sank deeper and the energy that began coursing through the room was almost palpable.

Kratos was starting to glow, white mana flowing from his body and into the air. Lloyd gasped, trying to cry out, but his voice was lost in the hum of energy as it collected into the sphere. It shimmered brightly, blinding him. He slammed his eyes shut, trying to block out the pure white that invaded his sight, but it didn't seem to matter. It was just as bright as it was when his eyes were open. Minutes passed in what felt like hours all while phantom screams filled his ears.

As the light began to dim, the teen barely had a moment to peek over to the glowing sphere before it shot straight into his chest.

A searing pain shot through the brunette's body as the pure energy entered him. He let out a raw scream, veins catching fire as something powerful began stitching itself into his soul.

He heard Kratos' concerned calls, voice etched by pain, "Lloyd! Damn it, Yggdrasill, don't do that to him!"

The seal searing into his flesh took only a few seconds. The pain still rang dully in his body as the energy faded, but it wasn't present in his mind anymore. Lloyd took deep breaths, feeling a heavy weight on his chest as he looked up at his father. The man was ashen, visibly shaking as he regarded the scene.

"Now, now," Yggdrasill spoke, "that wasn't so hard." He flicked his gaze over to the teen, "And see? Your body was receptive to Origin's seal, so there was no need for all of that concern earlier. You're the perfect host, just as I made you to be."

He smirked and then ordered Origin to leave. The summon spirit did as he was commanded, dissipating in a shimmer of light. The brunette could only watch as the colors faded to black and quickly vanished. Seconds ticked by in their solitude, and finally, Yggdrasill spoke happily, "Now, Kratos… I believe you were in the middle of something?"

The man's light voice didn't match the quickly darkening situation.

Kratos simply stared at him, as if trying to comprehend what was happening. He didn't say anything, which seemed to anger the blonde half elf.

"You should look at me moving Origin's seal as a good thing. That means your son's life has become highly valuable. I'll take excellent care of my precious seal. Nothing will come to harm him... and he's my son," he stated with venom, "He always does as he's told."

The auburn tossed his gaze to the ground, obviously defeated.

Lloyd felt his entire body shudder as he regarded his father. He wanted to say something, stop him from doing anything reckless, but pain still racked through his system, making forming words difficult. Sobs came out as he opened his mouth to speak, sorrow filling his body. It was over, he knew that, yet he couldn't convince himself of it.

Kratos looked up from the floor, eyes dull. His face was completely blank, void of emotions, and he spoke equally as lifeless, "I will do as you command, my lord."

"Dad!" Lloyd felt his entire world shatter, words flooding into his mouth. He couldn't watch as his father killed himself. His heart dented his ribs, aching all the while. His knees were ready to give out and terror flooded his system, "You can't! Dad, you can't-" speaking was like ripping his throat open, but he had to say something.

No, damn it, I need to do something!

Kratos stood from his position, eyes down casted again.

The blonde smirked to Rodyle, "Free his hands and give him a weapon."

While the man was doing as he was told, Yggdrasill tugged Lloyd in front of him, obviously as a shield if things were to take a turn for the worst.

Part of Lloyd hoped his father would simply run them both through with the blade, end it all in that moment… the rest of him knew that wasn't going to happen. He struggled, but the iron grip of the half elf made it impossible to get free. As he cried out incoherently, attempting to escape, the blonde's mouth was next to his ear, whispering maliciously, "Keep your eyes open, dear son, and see what happens when someone decides to defy me."

Kratos rubbed his wrists as they were freed and gripped the hilt of the swords between pale fingers. He seemed unfocused, unsure, and yet, determined. As he brought the sword out in front of him, positioning the point of the blade at his stomach, he never hesitated. His movements flowed with practiced precision.

Yggdrasill whispered again, "This is your fault, Lloyd. If only you'd done what I'd asked, none of this would have been necessary."

Heart pounding as he still tried to get free, the words sank in. He couldn't believe them, and yet, it was far easier to do so. Far easier to blame himself as he watched his father ready the blade of his death. Struggling was useless. Hell, words were too, but he had to try.

"Don't make him do this, father, I beg you," Lloyd felt the tears roll down his face, felt his entire body shiver as his true father readied to commit suicide. "Please, don't. You've proved your point. I'll never disobey you, just let him live."

His words came out shakily and between sobs.

He couldn't watch it. The thought of his father killing himself so that Lloyd would be safe was simply too much and he cringed as he watched the auburn ready himself.

"This is your fault," Yggdrasill hissed and then announced grandly, "Kratos, do it now."

Lloyd felt his heart hammer.

No.

"No!"

The auburn said nothing; he simply tightened his grip on the sword and drove it straight through his stomach.