Chapter 10

On the road

The elf siblings and the Chosen took some time, collecting the necessary things and saying their goodbyes. They even seemed to hype everyone else up for their journey. Well, Genis and Colette mostly.

Lloyd stood close to the south gate, waiting for them. While Genis and Colette had their last words with Frank and Phaidra, Raine decided to approach the teen. With narrowed eyes, she looked at him.

"I do not know what your aim is, why you came here when you did, just a month ago. That is why I do not trust you. I will tolerate you, because of Colette. That girl is very close to my heart, if you do anything to harm her, you are in for a real beating from yours truly. Do you understand?"

No flicker in his eyes, no trace of fear, or taking a step back. All Lloyd did, was nod to her last question. Raine sighed and shook her head at this. She looked over her shoulder to Colette. If anyone else knew of her fate... It didn't reflect on her face, instead keeping her brave, sweet smile. Her family was doing the very same thing.

It was sad really. Finally, this young girl was able to leave town. Finally, she had to chance to see the world. Only to be stuck to a certain path, one that would ultimately and inevitably lead to her end.

Raine looked away. Colette had asked her not to tell anyone else. The girl probably didn't want anyone to worry, or by chance, stop her. It was all a very delicate situation. Raine just had to respect the girl's wishes, as a final gesture, to have her as happy as possible before...

"Okay ready." Colette smiled, folding her hands together and looking to both the professor and Lloyd.

Shaking off the depressing thoughts, Raine gave a nod. She looked down to her little brother. "It's not too late to change your mind."

"No way, sis. I'm coming with, and that's that."

That defiant and stubborn look on his face, told her it was useless to argue. "Very well. Let's go." Without saying much more, Raine took the lead, leaving the little town of Iselia, going back into the great world.

"This is so exciting!" Colette said very cheery. "So, where are we going?"

"Were you not paying attention to Remiel's words?" Genis remarked with a slight scowl.

"O-oh. I guess I was so caught up in everything I didn't really hear it." A bit ashamed, the Chosen looked at her feet.

"His words were: 'First head south, to the Seal of Fire. Offer your prayers in that distant land.' That could only mean the Triet desert. I know there are ruins there, and I am willing to bet that is where we will find that seal."

"You are so knowledgeable, professor! Have you been there before?"

"Sadly, no. I have heard the ruins were blocked off and would only open for those who are destined to go there."

"What if it won't open for us?"

At this, Genis frowned. "You do realize this refers to you, right Colette? You are the Chosen, and the seal you need to break is in there. Of course, it will open for you."

The blonde girl just chuckled. "I still have to get used to the whole being the Chosen thing, I suppose."

"Oh brother." The elven boy just shook his head at this.

Along the way, they ran into several hordes of monsters. And most of the time, they were taken down by Lloyd's very impressive skills. For a young man his age, he had a lot of strength and skill. Raine did notice the gem on his left hand; he didn't exactly try to hide it. It made her wonder. But she knew, to her frustration, that he wouldn't give her any answers.

Passing through the desert, also was no easy feat. Being the youngest, Genis had the most trouble, closely followed by Colette. Her Chosen outfit wasn't exactly made for this kind of heat, even though it was white. Raine kept her head high, even though the beads of sweat were rolling down the sides of her face. Lloyd didn't seem to be bothered by any of it. His level of energy kept being the same, even his battle skill was still on par.

"Ugh, this heat is killing me." Genis complained, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Oh, is it too much for you, Genis? You insisted on coming along on this journey, so do not complain now."

"Well, I do have to admit it is very hot, professor."

Raine sighed, looking at the two youngsters. "The Oasis is not far. We can get water and some rest there. Is that alright?"

"Sounds great."

Colette smiled and Genis nodded vigorously. Honestly, these children. At the very least, Lloyd did not join in these antics, nor did he complain. Raine had to give him that.

"An oasis sounds so nice. I wonder what it's like."

"You will see soon enough, Colette."

Fights proved to be a little more taxing, the further they went on. This was because of the heat and dehydration kicking in. Because of all the sweating, there just didn't seem to be enough water in the world. Lloyd pretty much lead the group then, still keeping up like nothing was going on.

"This guy. Does he do it to make us look bad?" Genis mumbled, but still loud enough to be heard.

"I'm sure he has the best intentions." Colette said right away. She'd always see the good in everyone, and would even try to explain bad behavior.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the small settlement in the middle of the desert, situated around an oasis. Colette marveled at the people's way of life in this little town called Triet. They had a different way of building their houses, wore other kinds of clothing, had very different food, it was all so very interesting.

The pure, blue water of the oasis itself truly drew attention. Maybe it was because of the heat, maybe it was the environment, but Colette and Genis would swear that this was the best water they had ever tasted.

Raine had noticed in the meantime that Lloyd did not take any food or water. Even with the current circumstances, he did not seem effected in the slightest. Why? How could anyone stay alive like that? The teen utterly mystified her and the scholar in her really begged to have all the information. Maybe, when everyone else would turn in for the night, she will be able to get some answers out of him.


Colette had her own room to sleep in for the night, while the elven siblings stayed in the other room together. Lloyd was standing guard, between the two doors, on the landing of the first floor.

When it was rather late, Raine decided to approach the teen. No one was walking around, probably all in a deep sleep. Lloyd stood firm, arms down his sides, hands close to the hilts of his swords, ready for action it seemed. Still, he didn't express tension or real threat, or much of anything really. His offsetting red eyes stared at the professor unblinking.

"I... was wondering: that on your hand, is an Exsphere, correct?" Her eyes were set on the gem in question, which seemed rather dull and almost colorless. She'd seen them on the people in the Ranch and they most certainly always had a color of sorts.

He gave her a nod for an answer, his eyes still set on her. It honestly made her uneasy, but Raine was good at not showing those kinds of things.

"The power you have, it comes from that. It taps into your full potential. I am really curious to how it exactly works. May I have a closer look at it?"

Raine set a step closer, but Lloyd sidestepped which was really unexpected. Even more so; his hands were on the hilts of his swords.

"What are you..." She was really taken aback, but the teen turned around, opening the door to Colette's room and rushing in.

Almost simultaneously, the girl let at the scream, set up straight in her bed, blanket pulled close to her. When Raine came in, she followed Colette's wide-eyed gaze to the other side of the room. There, next to the open bedroom window, stood a figure.

A tall person, dressed in the very typical armor set of the Desians. The helmet on their head provided a concealing shadow of this person's face. The rather simple, but broad sword in their hand was slightly raised. With the lower part of their face still somewhat visible, it was clear to see this person was not happy to have been caught, their mouth a thin line.

"Damn it," came a mumble, but still very clearly a man's voice.

His head moved, seemingly looking over the two people who had just ran in. He seemed to stagger in his movement when he looked over Lloyd. The teen did not do the same; he drew his swords and stepped closer to this intruder.

Shaking his head, the Desian set a step back. He was outnumbered and caught red handed. Biting his lip, he jumped backwards gracefully, disappearing out the window. Both Raine and Lloyd rushed after him, but when they looked out, the man seemed to have disappeared.

Raine turned around and walked over to Colette, looking her over. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes. He didn't get the chance to hurt me."

"Thanks to your sharp senses, Lloyd. Good work," the professor said, glancing to him.

The teen didn't say a word, did not move, still looking out the window.


With a frustrated grunt, he threw off the helmet, it 'panged' along the outskirts of the base. Bright blue, long hair in a ponytail, sprang free right away. Teal eyes stared off after the bouncing, rolling helmet, but not really seeing it.

"How, why?" He started passing around, rubbing his temples in the process. He was trying to make sense of it all.

Botta took notice of this, he stepped outside and approached his boss. "Lord Yuan, is everything alright?"

"I'm fine." Yuan stopped passing, composing himself. His familiar, cold look came back as he crossed his arms. "There is just something I do not understand."

"Sir?" Botta still inquired, sort of knowing how to play in or along with his boss' mannerisms.

"The teen, you had run into at the temple. He is an Aurion."

Botta blinked, then his eyes widened as these words truly sank in. He did know Kratos had a son, Yuan told him so himself. This rose questions indeed.

"He had the Angelus project on him."

These words were even more offsetting and baffling. It was clear that even the Renegades' leader didn't quite know how to handle this. It was just messed up in so many ways.

First: the boy was now 'owned' by Cruxis. If not the gem, the clothing told Yuan this much.

Second: he had taken the place of his father, in guiding the Chosen along in her journey.

Third: Mithos was now pulling all the strings, most likely.

And finally: Kratos allowed all of this to happen.

"Why didn't you fight back? Why would you still give up the reason to do so? Your son is alive, isn't that enough?" He muttered, a rare anger flashing in his teal eyes, as he balled his fist for just a moment.

"Sir, does this alter our plan?" Botta knew better then to pry.

"There are more eyes and so more swords that are blocking our path."

Yuan started passing again, but this time it was composed. This was his way of thinking, making up new plans or strategies. They had to tread very carefully now. He had to learn more about the situation, to know the best course of action.

"We watch, we observe. We strike at the best given opportunity. When this will be, that will become clear in time."

Bowing, Botta gave a nod and then turned to head back inside the base. Yuan lingered, looking up at the sky.

"Kratos, just what in the name of everything are you doing?" He mumbled this to no one.


It was morning and time for breakfast. They had all sat around the round table, getting ready to eat. But before they got the chance, Lloyd put down some things on the table. The shimmer made all three of them look in curiosity.

There were two gems, much like the one on the teen's hand. But they both had a faint blue color, unlike his. Around these gems, were small golden ornaments that seemed to fit perfectly around them.

"What are these?" Colette asked, looking over the objects that kind of resembled the one that was around her neck.

"Exspheres, right?" Raine informed, her eyes set on the teen who had put them down. He gave a single nod.

"Hey, where did you get these?" Her younger brother asked.

His void eyes looked at him, which made Genis gulp; he couldn't really help it.

"Desians," was Lloyd's short, toneless answer.

"Huh? Oh, you mean the ones we ran into at the temple. You took these from them?" Colette tilted her head while looking at him. He nodded.

Raine picked one of the gems up and took a closer look. The familiar stars were in her eyes again, her little brother saw them right away. Oh boy, please don't freak out, he begged in silence.

"Attach this to your skin and your abilities will be amplified, right? Truly fascinating."

She took the gem out of its golden casing, lifting it to hold it up against the sunrise. Lloyd tapped the golden casing, however. She noticed he did this seemingly with an almost sheer intensity. He pointed at the gem and back at the ornament.

"They always have to go together?" Raine asked with a frown.

"Like yours, and mine!" Colette chimed in, her fingers touching her Cruxis Crystal only for a moment. The elaborate golden design around the red gem flickered in the sunlight.

"Right, I see. I suppose these two pieces make one."

"Huh, is that so?" Curiously, Genis looked at Lloyd.

The teen nodded, still looking stoic and serious at the same time.

"Why offer us this now? Because of what happened last night?" His sister inquired.

"Or maybe because of the trial coming up. You are really looking out for us, huh Lloyd?"

Widely smiling, Colette looked at the teen. He nodded to her in confirmation, then he stood up and made a round in the building, checking every corner, leaving them on their own for now. He wouldn't join in breakfast anyway. It seemed he wanted to make sure the man from last night wasn't around anymore.

Genis looked at that for a moment, then turning his gaze to his sister. "Say what you will about him, sis. He for sure is very useful."

He picked up the leftover ornament and started fixing it on the back of his right hand. Raine had a thoughtful expression, kind of what he had expected. She fixed her own Exsphere just under her collarbone.

"Let's eat breakfast and then be on our way."