Kratos knew full well that it was useless to fly around, looking for one young man. That was like looking for a needle in a haystack. The girl who was with Lloyd however, did remind him of the people who were living between the mountains.

The chief seemed very wise and well informed. The best bet would be to go back there and speak with her once again. Of course, he wasn't welcomed with open arms. Kratos did not care for the antics. He was ready to just get rid of the guards, but a young girl came down from the stairs and while stammering, she requested him to come along peacefully. The guards were clearly not happy about it, watching them go up.

"It was not my intent to come back this quickly." Kratos started off, when he stood before the older woman yet again.

"I am trying to understand where you are coming from, sir. So please, try to do the same for us." The chief kept calm, but had a serious look on her face.

Kratos had to give this woman credit that she had guts. "Very well. I apologize for my behavior. I hoped to get this over quickly, but I have a very stubborn son."

Impa couldn't help to smile at his remark. "He has a heart of gold. I am very thankful for that."

"Hmf." The man just huffed and crossed his arms.

"And thank you, for not dragging him back with you."

"I would never hear the end of it." Kratos was sure of this. His son already was still holding a grudge against him. He could only imagine how much worse it could get. It seemed to just be easier to let his son get this out of his system and then take him back home.

"Hm, yes indeed." The chief gave a thoughtful nod. "If you are here for information about Link, I sadly do not have much. My people are investigating the Shrine of Resurrection as we speak. There is not much to go on, I'm afraid."

"Where is this shrine, why is that important?"

"It is located almost directly south from here, on the Great Plateau. It's on a cliff side with the greatest view. The shrine was meant to restore people who were very hurt. This had happened to our poor Link, so he was placed in the healing water. After a hundred years, he should have woken up good as new and go to fulfill his destiny. However, he disappeared and your boy took his place."

Paya watched her grandmother explain this so calmly and with patience. She was in awe; this man had a very powerful, intimidating presence. Yet, her grandmother managed to discharge the situation with a friendly smile.

Calm water, but running wild underneath. This was Impa for sure, but she did not show this. Any wrong move and she would not stand for what might follow. The safety of her people was first and foremost.

"You do not know why or how this happened?" Kratos informed.

The chief shook her head. "One can only guess. We like to think it was an act of our Goddess Hylia."

Great, there is a Goddess involved again. Kratos had to resist to sigh at this. "Very well. I will head to this shrine and see what can be found."

Hopefully he could go from there. Impa held out a piece of paper to him. On it, was their seal of the Sheikah eye.

"If you show this to my people, they will not be hostile to you."

Kratos nodded and took the paper. For a moment he wondered if this depiction was meant to be the all seeing eye.

"Then, I will take my leave."

Not wasting any more words or time, the man turned around and stepped out of the building. He then let his blue wings appear and flew up, quickly disappearing. Everyone watched as this man fly off in awe and fear. Paya did very much the same, before she turned back to her grandmother.

"H-how do you keep s-so calm?"

"I suppose it comes with years of experience." Impa showed a soft smile. "Do not worry, you will get there, my dear."

The girl did not look too sure about this. "I do not understand how that man is Lloyd's father. He is so...cold, while Lloyd is so nice and warm."

"Yes, indeed. I was not even able to read him."

"Maybe because of his magic? He is able to make wings appear and fly."

"Could be very possible. I am just glad he is not really an enemy."

On this, they could both agree.

Lloyd never expected flying would give him such a rush. The wind blowing through his hair, the blue sky and clouds passing by, and the views far below. It just was...

"Beautiful."

"Did you say something, Lloyd?" Colette was next to him, still holding his hand while they were flying. But what he said was not much more than a mumble.

"Oh. I guess, I was sort of afraid of flying. Well, not really afraid, that's not the right word. But it feels good."

Lloyd scratched the back of his head. All movements and mannerisms seemed so natural, like being on the ground instead of high up in the sky. The girl chuckled and gave him a smile.

"Yeah, it feels great. Like having butterflies but all over."

"I guess that is a good way to describe it, yeah."

"And it's so fun that we can fly together now! I always wished to share this with you all. It is just not the same as flying on Rheiards."

"Why do you think that is, actually?" Curious he looked at her.

It was strange, how easy all of this was going. As if flying was just a second nature to him. Maybe it was, deep down, because of Kratos.

"I think because you do this all on your own. Not with the help of technology."

"Is it really on my own, though?" Lloyd wondered out loud, looking at his Exsphere.

For a moment, Colette touched the gem between her collarbones, not quite sure herself.

"That's okay, I get what you mean." Lloyd squeezed her hand, which he was still holding on to. The two smiled at each other.

Out of nowhere, sand started to rise up and blow around them. It wasn't harsh or violent yet, but one could tell it was just a matter of time. It was raging about, slightly obscuring their vision. Good thing they were holding each other's hands.

"Let's go down and find shelter!"

Lloyd raised his voice to be heard over the sandstorm, barely able to see Colette even if she was close.

"Okay!"

Quickly, the two of them descended. How unpleasant it might have been, it was better to find shelter then to stay in the middle of it all. Rock formations came into view, forming a canyon. They found a crevasse to hide in fast. It was tight, but it would have to do.

The pair let their wings disappear. Lloyd let Colette go in first as he squeezed in beside her. There was just enough room for the both of them. Being almost pushed together, they watched the sandstorm rage for a moment.

"Looks like we are close to where we need to be." Colette said.

"You can tell by the bad weather?"

"That and the surroundings. They mostly seem to match with that of the hide out."

"Aha. I guess we can check once the storm dies down. I rather not get attacked by sand."

Lloyd wiped some of his face while he said this.

"You missed a spot."

Standing on the tips of her toes, Colette reached up to brush sand out of his unruly hair. This gesture, them being so close to each other, it made the both of them blush.

"Hey... How did this happen?" She touched the lock of hair that was clearly lacking its pointy form.

"Oh, that was the last boss his doing. His spear came a bit to close." Lloyd instinctively looked for the scar on his cheek with his fingers, but couldn't find it. "Huh, guess she is a really good healer. Or was. I never got to thank her, or Sidon."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get the change and that they already know."

Colette smiled sweetly while looking up at him.

"Thank you, for coming for me, Colette. Really."

"But of course, hehe!"

"The storm is dying down."

"Huh?" Colette blinked, now noticing his eyes were aimed outside.

The storm was settling indeed, all of the sand going back to where it belonged: the ground.

"Oh, let's see where we are."

She stepped out first and took a look around. Lloyd in turn eyed the canyon directly above them.

"Are we in between mountains? I don't remember spotting those."

"I am not sure if you can call them that."

"The professor would know the correct term."

"Yeah..." Colette looked at her feet.

"Hey, it's a good thing you didn't drag them along. I would have felt guilty to take anyone else from their hard work. You took along Sheena and Zelos because they were already there, right?"

"Yes. I would have rather gone alone, but Sheena was on to me right away. They said they weren't comfortable with me going alone."

Meanwhile they started walking, as it seemed that Colette knew which way to go.

"I wouldn't have liked that as well. It's good they went with you. Going to a new world alone is never a smart thing to do."

"You are the one with experience now. Without even meaning too."

"Hm, yeah." It was Lloyd's turn to look at his feet. He still wasn't sure why he of all people was picked out.

Colette chuckled, however. "It is kind of funny. This time you are the chosen. You are Chosen by a goddess."

He looked at her for this. "You believe that too?"

"Of course! I have read about Hylia and the other goddesses of this world. They made things how they are, with the legend and all."

"You don't question how wrong it is? Just like with the Chosen ritual, it's just to be accepted? We learned that was a lie. Maybe this is too. I at least think it's wrong to have the same people go through things over and over again. It feels bad and almost pointless."

It was clear Lloyd has been mulling this over in his head. He clenched his fist and bit his lip, like he always did when he gets worked up.

"There must be a reason for it. There is no doubt in my mind the gods have good intentions. That they have the best for their world in their minds. You got here safely, didn't you?"

"I... I suppose." Lloyd couldn't really argue with her; he didn't have the heart to do so.

A well-built, red haired woman stood in front of them, blocking their path, looking down at the two.

"I would advise you to turn around, young travelers. This is a dead end."

"Oh, I know. This is the way to the hide out, right? I came from this direction with my friends." Colette started off.

The woman was frowning, looking this blonde girl over. "You are one of the three that got Barta out and found the helmet."

"Yup, that's me, hehe. We came here to warn you actually. Something dangerous is in that hide out."

"Is that so? Well, we just started our investigation here. What would we need to watch out for?"

"Uh, I can't really explain it. It's just better if I show you."

The woman looked the both of them over, intensely. It did seem they were serious about this. She rather not come back with any wounded.

"Very well. Come with me." She turned around and went on ahead.

The both of them had to hurry to keep up with this towering woman.

"They know about you, huh? And where's this hide out supposed to be?" Lloyd looked around again, but all he saw were rocks and sand.

"As she said, we found one of their people here. She was left for dead, all alone in a cell! It was terrible. We helped her out. And Zelos found this helmet which seemed to be very important."

"Also, this isn't called a hideout for nothing," said the Geruda.

It was really hidden away indeed, going up in its environment. Hiding between the rocks, it went underground so it would be really hard to spot. When they passed the first hall, going into a high tunnel, the woman put two fingers to her lips and whistled. The sound echoed through very clearly. Within moments, more women with red hair showed up. They all had the strong build and were just as tall. There were about ten of them.

"Please, show us what you mean," then came her polite yet pressing request.

The teens just went on ahead. Letting Colette lead, Lloyd followed close behind her. It was a dark and creepy place, why would one choose for this kind of depressing location? Sure, it was hidden pretty well. Still, to have to stay in the dark like this, it wasn't something Lloyd liked.

They stopped in a room that had market stands in it. The Gerudo women looked around. "This seems to be a dead end."

"No, there is a way through here somewhere." Colette looked around as well, but everything looked the same. "It was made out of metal..."

"Oh, I can help!"

Lloyd took out the slate and activated the magnetic function. He didn't notice the women around eyeing this as he used the screen to spot the metal part in the wall. When he selected it, he could make it move, so it revealed the hidden passage.

"Wow, that is amazing, Lloyd!" Colette applauded when this happened.

"Yeah, this is some great tech."

"Isn't that the thing they talked about, that the hero should have?"

"Yes, but he clearly isn't him..."

The women mumbled among themselves as the two teens went ahead again, stepping into a big room beyond. It wasn't exactly a room, because it was open above. It was a big, open space, with a great pit right in the middle of it. None of them expected to see this.

"Oh no. No, no, no."

Colette was suddenly looking paler than usual, while she ran her hands over the rock wall.

"Colette, what's the matter?" It was rare to see the girl panic, so of course this worried Lloyd. The Gerudo women were investigating the pit in the meanwhile (with care). They assumed that the blonde girl meant this as being dangerous.

"It's not here." She said it softly, looking around just to make sure.

"The way back isn't here anymore?" Lloyd whispered.

"It's completely gone. It was here before." The girl felt the rock wall again. "I am certain. Oh, this is just terrible."

"Colette, don't give up. There is way, there has to be."

Lloyd took her hands into his in an attempt to calm her down. "I got here too, without that thing. We can do something with that, right?"

"I suppose you are right. I'm sorry for panicking."

"No worries, Colette. I understand. But there is always a way, just try to keep that in mind."

"You are strong, Lloyd. Thank you." She smiled at him.

The Gerudo woman from before approached them. "Thank you for warning us. We will be careful around the pit. Still, I would advise you both to leave this place." In other words, get out of the way.

"Oh! There are some papers in there. Maybe they hold something important."

Colette pointed to the room, cleverly hidden away behind some rocks. Curious, all the women went in to investigate.

"Good distraction. Now we can just fly out of here." Lloyd said when they were gone.

"Huh? Oh, right, okay!" Of course, the girl didn't do it for that reason, but they both just went with it.

The Gerudo women took a moment to investigate the room that seemed to be some sort of study and lab in one. Sadly, there was not much to go on, the formula's written on the papers seemed to be gibberish. The woman in charge walked back, with the intention to ask the teens if they found anything else. But the two of them were gone.

"What, how?" There was no way they could have left so fast. Of course, she didn't think to look up, where two figures just flew in the direction of Gerudo village.

It was not that far from hideout, at least not as the bird flies. But they could not just come flying in, that would certainly scare people. So, the two landed out of sight and walked the rest of the way while the sun was slowly setting and it was cooling down.

"They have a certain rule here; men are not allowed. But I'm sure we can convince them to let you in. They did so with Zelos."

"Huh, no men? Wait, there are only women allowed and Zelos got permission to go in? That didn't end well, did it?"

The disgruntled look on Lloyd's face said it all. He knew how the redhead could be, and with a city full of women... Colette chuckled however.

"He did try to use his charms. Let's say it was not appreciated and he was soon taught his lesson."

"Heh, well good." Sometimes that man needed a correction.

They approached the entrance of the town, guarded again by two Gerudo. Lloyd did note the common red hair and strong build. The dark skin he just figured was because of the surroundings. Colette looked up at one of them and smiled.

"Remember me, Atra?"

The guard in question frowned. "You were part of the ones who were here just a few days ago. I thought you all left?"

"Well, we did. I am back with my friend for another reason. Can we please come in and speak with Riju? It is really important."

The two guards shared a look. Atra spoke up again: "Your last male friend was not very respectful."

"I know, I'm sorry about that. I swear on my honor I will respect your rules and your people." Lloyd spoke up.

"Hm, very well. It is because you brought back Barta and the helmet." The guard looked at Colette before looking at Lloyd again. "And you at least have manners. I will still have to escort you, so follow me."

Atra already went ahead, so the teens followed quickly. The town sort of reminded Lloyd of Triet, only this one was much bigger and livelier. The way they made water move around the place; overhead between walls, was very interesting.

There were looks, mostly aimed at Lloyd, from the people going around the place. It seemed to be distrusting and almost accusing. Awkward because of these looks, Lloyd just quickly followed to guard to the place that looked like a palace. When they were at the entrance, Atra just bowed and took her leave.

"Not much of a talker, huh?" Lloyd remarked. The girl next to him just shook her head.

They stepped inside, only to meet a more decorated and even larger woman, blocking their way. She crossed her arms and looked down at them, mostly Colette.

"What has brought you back here so soon?"

"Hello, Bulaira." The Chosen said chipper still. "Can we talk to Riju? It's important."

"Colette, you're back already?" Riju's voice called, looking passed her captain. "Oh hey, you have found your friend. My, you do work fast!"

The Chosen chuckled and nodded. "Uhu."

"Uh, heya. I'm Lloyd. Nice to meetcha." He gave her his classic wide smile. The teen was met with a cold glare from Bulaira.

"Show some respect! You are addressing our chief."

"What, really?" He blinked, totally surprised. Though, it did explain why she was wearing so much gold and a crown.

"It's fine." Riju waved the captain's comment away. "Nice to meet you, Lloyd. I am Riju. It is good to see you are back. But where are the rest of your friends and why did you come back here?"

Confused, the young chief looked from one to the other.

"I came here to tame the Beast, actually." Lloyd retrieved the Sheikah Slate and held it up.

The eyes of Riju widened, while those of her captain narrowed at the same time. "No way! The scouts have been reporting seeing the red beams, so I was hopeful. But that you would be the one, that I didn't expect."

"Chief, do you not think it's strange? He is not like Lady Urbosa described."

"Lady Urbosa. Was this your Champion?" Lloyd inquired.

"Indeed, she was." Riju nodded, seeming gloomy. "A fierce Gerudo warrior and Champion of the Divine Beast Vah Naboris. You have the slate, the way in. So, you have tamed other Beasts as well?"

"Yeah, I did all three. This is the last one. Sorry you had to wait this long." Lloyd scratched the back of his neck.

"No, you work fast, really! I am just happy you are here." Riju said with a wide smile. "I can show you the Beast from a viewpoint here and tell you about..."

"Chief, with all due respect, I must protest. This isn't Link, do you not think this is suspicious?"

With narrowed eyes, the captain looked down at Lloyd. With her height and build, her gaze made him feel rather uncomfortable.

"Does that matter? He did the others already. Three beams are going to the castle, the three great cities are saved. We can be saved now too. Our people can finally be free. That is what counts for me."

Bulaira opened her mouth, clearly wanting to argue more. But the young chief already hopped of her chair and walked to the two teens. She gave the both of them a wide smile.

"Come with me."

She went on ahead, going up a set of stairs. The two followed, Lloyd noticing that the captain was watching them closely and not looking happy. It was clear she wasn't convinced about all of this. It was understandable, really.

They ended up on a small balcony. It gave a great view over the town and the desert stretching on beyond. With a finger, the young chief pointed slightly to the right. There was a heavy sandstorm going on, but if you looked closely, a great figure could be seen within.

It seemed to be in the shape of a large camel. Bolts of lightning went around it as it made heavy steps in the sand. Even from afar, it looked rather intimidating.

"That's it, huh?" Lloyd asked the slightly pointless question.

"That is Vah Naboris. She isn't an easy one to reach. With all the sandstorms and lightning she is surrounded with. But I got something for that lightning at the very least."

Riju said this with pride, turning to Lloyd, looking up at him. Geez, how young is this girl? He thought to himself. She can't be much older than Genis. And already chief of a town? That's really impressive!

"Oh, do you mean that thunder helmet?" Colette asked curious.

The young chief nodded, looking to her now. "Thanks to you, we can now use that to get close to Vah Naboris. It always is on the move, so we need to hurt its feet to make it stop. What do you say?"

Looking back to Lloyd again, Riju gave him a wide, confident grin. She reminded him a bit of himself.

"Uh, what do you mean 'we'?" He asked carefully.

"I have to come with you. That helmet makes a protective shield, that will ward off lightning. But only I can wear it. Unless you want to get fried, I suggest you go with this plan."

"Oh..."

Lloyd was not comfortable letting a child come along, to put her in danger like this. Then again; he did so with Genis and Presea (who they all thought was much younger) and even Mithos... Shaking his head to lose these thoughts, he sighed.

"I guess there is no other choice."

"Then let me come along too!" Colette exclaimed.

"No!" It was his direct reaction. Both girls looked at him. "I mean, do not put yourself in any unnecessary danger, Colette. I'll be fine. I've done the three others by myself as well."

"I, I see. O-okay." The blonde nodded sadly, giving up quickly.

"I will see to the preparations then. We can leave tomorrow after breakfast. You two can spend the night here if you like."

It was already getting dark and noticeably colder. A native would know what is the smartest way around things, and a chief even more. So, Lloyd did not question her and nodded in agreement.

"That would be nice, thank you."

"Sure thing! I will see you both at dinner." Riju waved as she left, almost skipping down the stairs. She left the two of them with the darkening view.

Lloyd noticed that Colette was quiet as she looked over the desert, her eyes mostly set on the Divine Beast in the distance.

"What's on your mind?"

"I'm just a burden, aren't I?"

"Colette, don't say that!" For a moment, his voice raised in volume, seeming to flare with anger.

Her blue eyes, looking at him startled, made him tone down. He placed his hand on her back, under her golden hair.

"You were never a burden, and you never will be." It was a clear statement, not to be countered. It was very typical of Lloyd.

"You're right, I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing already, you dork."

He then pulled her into a hug, kind of in an attempt to prevent her from doing it again. Colette didn't protest. She smiled, as her head rested on his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, feel his warmth. By Martel, had she really missed him so?

Colette opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but was interrupted by the sound of a gong, ringing through the building. It startled the both of them, even though Colette had heard it before.

"What was that?"

"That means it's time for dinner."

The blonde smiled as the hug was broken. "You want to go and get some food?"

"Actually... I'll join you in a bit." Lloyd looked away, now looking towards the Beast himself.

It was clear a lot was on his mind. He needed some time to let it all settle, to let the storm in his head die down. Colette could relate, really. It wasn't the first time for him either.

With a swift glance, he said: "Don't worry, I'll be fine. You just go on ahead, I'll join you later."

"Okay. If you say so."

Above all else, she respected his wishes. She wouldn't push him, that was the difference between them. After he nodded to her, she left the balcony, leaving the teen to his own thoughts. Sometimes one needed to be alone, after all. They did this for her. Only Lloyd was a different in that. Not that she minded this.

In the back of her mind, Vera's words still lingered. The nightmares she mentioned he had, the theory of the past haunting him. The journey was not an easy one for sure. He had braved it all, staying strong. This for the sake of them all, no doubt.

Still, one person can only bare so much on their shoulders. She had only seen him break once. That night, when he discovered that Kratos was his father, was still clear on her mind. Colette remembers vividly how upset he was, how hurt he was.

How could this man that had betrayed them, stabbed them in the back, a member of Cruxis, be his father? She suspected it went even further than that. Him not being comfortable with the wings proved as much. Lloyd was questioning his own being, was maybe even afraid of his true nature.

Colette didn't doubt him, nor will she ever. She was sure, Lloyd was still Lloyd. If he was not, he wouldn't be going around a different world, helping people.

This didn't change things. And Zelos could even be right by saying it is a good thing. Make use of the situation, don't linger on it. That is just a waste of time.

Sitting down at the dinner table, Colette chatted with the other women, noting the young girl from last time was doing just a little bit better. Small steps were better than none at all, after all. The chair next to her remained empty, however.

Picking up a plate of food, Colette went back up to the balcony, looking slightly worried. It wasn't like Lloyd to skip a meal. She found him, sitting on the flat edge of the low wall, his feet dangling. He was still looking ahead to the desert, but it seemed he wasn't really seeing it.

"Thoughts can get clearer when they are shared."

Colette said it softly, sitting down herself and offering him the plate of food. His eyes snapped from the distant look and met hers.

"Huh? Oh...Thanks." He took the plate of food and took a bite. "It's nothing, really. Just thinking about what's to come."

"That's not nothing," she said with a serious look on her face. "You never skip a good meal. Something is bothering you."

"Argh, I just could smell the tomatoes from here." Lloyd tried to keep it light, scrunching his nose. But he noticed Colette was still looking serious. He sighed. "I guess it's just anticipation."

"Are you worried about the final fight?"

"Yeah. And some other things." He looked down, taking another thoughtful bite.

"It's not like you to mull over things like this. It will be okay, Lloyd. We, your friends are here to help you. You will not be going up against this alone."

Colette placed her hand on his upper arm and gave an encouraging squeeze. He gave a slow nod, slightly smiling.

"Yeah, you're right. Funny, our roles kinda feel reversed now."

The blonde girl smiled at this as well. "I don't mind. I love returning the strength that you gave me. Don't let things get to you, Lloyd. You are not alone. I'm with you. Zelos and Sheena are here too. You even made a new friend, Vera. And, your father is around as well. You know he will do anything for you."

Lloyd gave another nod, having another bite in his mouth. He quickly swallowed to say: "You know how to cheer me up. You are right, it's not like me to worry. I just go in without thinking most of the time. Maybe I finally learned."

The both of them chuckled. "There is nothing wrong with thinking about it, as long as you don't lose yourself in it. Why don't you turn in early? Have a good, well deserved rest."

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

Standing up, the brown-haired teen still emptied his plate. He never can say no to a good meal indeed. He seemed to hesitate, however.

"What's wrong?" Colette looked up at him.

"Uh, well. I uh, was wondering... Nah never mind, it's stupid." Lloyd felt embarrassed, turning red while he scratched the back of his neck.

Colette shook her head so hard, her hair danced around. She stood up while she did this. "Just say what is on your mind, Lloyd. I will never think any less of you."

He knew this, of course he did. It was just an embarrassing question. He took a breath.

"Could you maybe sing that song for me? It helps me calm down."

A wide smile spread across Colette's features. "I'd love too!"

She didn't even mind others hearing her sing as well. The peaceful and happy smile on Lloyd's face was the only thing that mattered to her.