Chapter 18

Shattered

The rocky surface of the Thoda geyser wasn't really comfortable to sleep on. And next to that, they again had a revelation, courtesy of Sheena. Most of all, Raine was wrecking her brain to make sense of it. It sounded ridiculous, but for some reason, it sounded right. Why?

Her little brother was pondering more about the mana problem. There had to be a solution. This kind of thing can't just keep going on, right? How long has it been happening, even? He just went deeper and deeper into these kinds of questions that had no answers.

Colette was mostly just curious about this other world. She would have loved to see the place where Sheena came from, see how different it was. But... she'd never get that chance. It was a sad thought, but she couldn't even cry.

As for Sheena, she mostly petted Corrine, to try and calm herself down. She was frustrated with the situation. There just had to be a way, to save both worlds, and Colette. She did not want to see anyone to suffer. Corrine cuddled against her, telling her it will be okay.

They were all watched by a pair of red eyes. In one, there was a small light, shimmering. The other, was void and staring into nothing. It was almost like the two were in combat. No one noticed, no one saw how it kept on until the sun rose and made it hard to even tell.

Raine stood up, not looking happy. She went on to wake the others, suggesting breakfast. Her little brother however suggested they'd first cross the water back to the dock. The house there would be for sure more comfortable than harsh rocks.

"We have to go back in those things?" Raine dreaded the idea already.

"Have to eventually, sis. You can do it."

Sighing, she nodded, agreeing that it was the best course. They would need to make a hefty breakfast; a long road and voyage was waiting for them.

"By the way, where are we going once we got the ship? Isn't Hima surrounded by mountains?"

"Yes, Genis. We have no other choice but to dock next to the bridge we've crossed quite some time ago."

"Well, we do what we must, right? Let's get going."

They nodded to Sheena's words and took the bathtubs back to the docks. Thankfully, it was uneventful, to Raine's great relieve.

Once there, they ate breakfast and went on the walk towards Palmacosta. Up until now, the weather has been mercilessly good to them; they haven't had any rain or harsh winds or anything. It was the good time of year, so that was not too surprising.

Noticing Colette writing something down, Raine stepped closer to see. "You want to check on the people who were saved from the ranch? I suppose we can do that."

"Yeah, I'd like to know if they're okay too." Sheena agreed.

After a two hour walk, they had reached the great port city, arriving at a big, round plaza. There was a grand church, and on the other side was what looked to be the city hall. Some people were walking around, going about their daily lives like nothing ever happened. It seemed the city itself was spared, unlike Luin.

"Wow, this really is a big place." Genis marveled. He looked over the tall buildings and the dock that seemed to serve as the city's background. "Look at that ship! It's enormous!"

"It really is. Wanna take a closer look?"

"Sheena, Genis. This is not a field trip."

"Come on, sis. We're here anyway. What can it hurt?"

"If you don't wanna join, you can go find Neil." Sheena suggested.

"Fine, let's split up and meet back here in an hour. Who wants to join me?"

Lloyd just looked at Colette, who wrote that she (of course) wanted to go sightseeing. Despite having to watch over her, the city was a safe place, so Lloyd just raised his hand.

"Very well. I bet we will find him over there." Raine nodded to the building looking like a city hall. "An hour, don't be late." She looked at the three of them intently.

"Yeah, yeah. We heard you." Sheena went on ahead, walking towards the dock where the big ship was anchored. Genis and Colette followed behind her.

Up close, the ship was even bigger. Genis looked it over in complete awe, and Colette did very much the same. A man was standing close by, and started bragging about it, telling them this was the biggest steamship in the world.

The two listened with great interest, but Sheena crossed her arms, seemingly not impressed.

"Steam? I've heard they were behind in times, but I didn't know it was this bad."

"Hey, don't say anything bad about her!" The man said hurt.

"Easy, I was just saying stuff, nothing meant by it."

Genis and Colette gave the young woman a curious look. As they thanked the man for allowing to have a look and telling them about the ship, they left the dock.

"How do ships work over at your side?"

"Like everything else, it works of magitechnology; mana and... well Exspheres." Sheena looked to the ground, feeling sad and guilty.

They all went silent, solemnly thinking about the people who had been sacrificed to those stones. Colette folded her hands together and prayed for them. Ironically while they passed the church of Martel.

Next to the church, there was a building that turned out to be an academy. Genis recognized the name right away.

"Hey, this is the place I was recommended to go."

Sheena looked over the prestigious looking place. "Really? Why didn't you? Seems pretty promising."

Scratching his head, the boy did not really have a good answer. "It's just... I wanted to help with the Regeneration first. Not everyone gets that chance, you know? To help save the world. I wanna do my part, to help Colette. I can always go to school after."

Placing a hand on his shoulder, the blond girl gave a squeeze. It seemed she had a bit of a guilty smile.

"It's okay, Colette. This is what I wanna do. Really." He smiled back at her.

"Come on, let's look around some more, before our time is up."

The two nodded to Sheena's suggestion and they walked past the very building the others were right that moment.

Neil gave the two a smile, as they stepped inside. Standing up from behind his work place, he walked towards them and shook their hands.

"Good to see you again. Where are the other members of your party?"

"Exploring the city. How are the people that were rescued from the ranch?"

"They are doing fine, thanks to your fast actions. We owe you a lot still, thank you." He bowed to the both of them.

"Well, as Colette likes to say: how can you save the world if you can't save the people right in front of you?"

"Very true words. Still, she is the Chosen and should focus on her journey."

"I keep telling her that." Raine sighed. "She is a stubborn girl with a too big of heart."

"I'm glad she is, however."

"Even after having to lose the Governor?"

Sighing, Neil shook his head. "It is a real shame. Everything that had happened. I feel bad for the man, and also for Clara. I pray she can still be saved. But we have to keep going, have to keep strong. We will not submit to the Desians."

"Very good, and brave." Raine nodded. "Anyway, we're here to ask if you have a boat or ship, we can use."

He raised his eyebrow, his eyes going from her over to Lloyd. The teen just stared back at him with his disconcerting eyes.

"Uh, well I think something can be arranged. But you'll need someone to steer it and I doubt anyone is up for it with how dangerous the waters are now-a-days."

"Sheena has something for that. She guarantees save passing. We only need to get to Hima."

"I see. In that case, join me to the docks, all of you. We need to convince someone to do just that."

The two nodded in agreement and followed Neil outside. An hour had not yet passed, so Raine took a look around to see where the others were. They did not seem to be around the plaza. The three walked towards the district that held some shops and an inn.

Colette was rather easy to spot, being in all white and having the long, shiny blonde hair. Sheena was talking to a young girl at a shop, while Colette was listening and Genis asked questions in between.

"Good day, Chosen, Genis and Sheena." Neil had approached first and nodded to them in greeting.

Not being able to give much more than a smile, Colette nodded back.

"How are things now, Neil?" Sheena informed.

"Still arranging things. But the people are fine, thanks to you all. I'd love to help you in return to get you that ship. Raine told me you have something to guarantee protection?"

"Yeah, you wont believe it unless you see it. Show him, Sheena."

"Uh, I don't think I should, here in the open." She looked over at Genis.

"And next to that, I think just the captain of the ship would benefit from that. Will you all join us to find someone?"

Colette nodded very enthusiastic, she shook the hand of the girl in her way of thanks, as Sheena and Genis waved and thanked her verbally. The group walked on, toward the other side of the docks, that held more shops and storage spaces.

The smell of freshly caught fish hit their noses; it was a lot stronger then back at Izoold. Many ships were docked, only a few smaller fishing boats were out on the water. And even those seemed to keep close just in case.

Leading the group, Neil walked to the first ship, speaking to one of the men. Even just mentioning that people wanted to sail, they flat out refused. It almost seemed they've already had a bad experience and did not want to repeat that.

Sheena noticed that Colette started looking guilty. "Hey, try not to feel bad. It's a risk that comes with the job. I can promise you we will all be safe, including the captain."

"I'd like to see how, young miss." Another captain remarked, owner of a single sail boat.

She looked around; not too many people were around to pay attention to them. Holding up a blue card, she clapped her hands together. "Undine, I summon thee!"

The summon spirit appeared on top of the water, close to the dock and the boat. "What does the pact maker wish of me?"

"Can you make sure this boat is protected while we sail it, so it won't be attacked by monsters?"

"Certainly. I can even grand you swifter sailing if you wish."

"That would be nice."

"As you wish." With a gesture, a transparent blue barrier appeared around the boat. "This will grand you the safety you asked for."

The captain stared at all of this, not able to really react. Summon spirits were a rare sight for the common people to see after all. Neil did so too, but he recovered quick. He figured this was an extra perk of being with the Chosen.

"Are you willing to sail, sir?"

"Uh, I suppose. But what about my way back?"

"I can ask Undine to guide you back and come back to me afterwards. That is not a problem." Sheena opted.

"Very well. Hop on board then. Unless you need supplies?"

"I think we are fine." Genis looked at the others, and they nodded in agreement. He did notice his sister biting her lip, looking at the relatively small boat. "It'll be fine, sis. We're protected, nothing can go wrong."

Colette took hold of Raine's hand, giving an encouraging squeeze. Taking a deep breath, the elven woman did not like to show weakness, so she quickly changed her expression back to neutral.

The captain made his boat ready for sail, which was done rather fast and invited them on. It was just big enough for all of them; they didn't even dare to move too much, worried that it would flip if they did.

The barrier kept tightly around the boat and it really did seem faster than it normally would be. Did the summon spirit manipulate the water to do so? Raine really did wonder, but decided against investigating closely. She really did not like being surrounded by this much water, seemingly endless and very, very deep.

The voyage took a couple of hours, making it around midday when they arrived at the bridge. Their captain had agreed that this was the closest place to be dropped and go to Hima. No monsters had even come close to the boat, making the man feel a lot more comfortable going back with Undine's protection.

"Can't I convince you to help all of us sailors out?"

"Soon, the monsters will be gone so you don't have to worry about that." Raine remarked.

This made the captain frown, but no one elaborated. Sheena made sure Undine understood her task before they would move on. They watched the boat turn around and make its way back, going on their two hours walk towards Hima.

Genis was mostly curious about the place, asking his sister how she heard about the dragons. She explained that was the result of talking to people in the different towns; it was always worth it. Hima would be a small place, mostly meant for resting hikers and adventurers.

On the other hand, it would be the first place they would come across that was really set on a mountain. Asgard was more of a cliff side settlement. The youngest members of the group were really curious about the views it would offer.

First things first, however. They had to eat, since they hadn't done so after their early breakfast. Taking a seat right next to the only building of the place, Genis readied brunch for all of them. His sister looked around at all of them while he did.

"I think we can use just a little time to ourselves before we move on. I have to ask about the man who manages the dragons, in any case."

"And sometimes people need to be alone with their thoughts, right? That's what you're trying to say." Sheena remarked.

"Am I wrong?"

The ex-assassin shook her head, hugging Corrine close to her. Raine could be harsh and direct sometimes, but that was something they sometimes needed. A leveled head, telling how it is. And so, the others nodded, agreeing to the suggestion.

After their brunch, the group spread out, promising to not leave Hima. This was the time to settle the storm in their thoughts and go to the final frontier hopefully clear minded. For a while, Lloyd just stood in the same place, staring ahead.

Raine noticed after coming out of the building, having arranged the dragons. "I guess I should have expected you not really needing this time. You are ready, as always, am I right?"

The teen nodded. But she crossed her arms, seemingly not convinced. "It is a real shame you still chose to not really talk. You are able to. You have even showed more vulnerable sides. Your emotions are showing and there is nothing wrong with that. I trust you, because of that. You have shown real growth and protected all of us."

Both were looking at each other, Lloyd mostly still just staring. She let out a long breath. "Colette has a real connection with you. It's really..." Biting her lip, Raine had to stop herself from saying something she promised not to say. "Never mind. Go see the others. Make sure they are ready."

Lloyd gave another nod and went on to do just that. The elven woman shook her head; maybe the teen was mostly a lost cause. But he was useful and strong, the big help during this journey. Without him, they certainly would have had a lot more trouble.

Genis was the closest person, looking over the single market place's food. He looked up when the teen approached him.

"Hey. Just seeing if they got something new or unique." He scratched his head. "Guess that shouldn't be the first thing on my mind huh?"

Tilting his head, Lloyd looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"I guess... I've been thinking about how useful I've really been. You mostly done all the work, you know? I kinda feel stupid, not only because of that. I don't even know if they way things have turned out, is good or bad."

Shaking his head to this, Lloyd said: "No one does."

"Huh? You must really mean that if you say it out loud. I suppose you're right. There is no real way to know for sure. Thanks, Lloyd." Genis smiled, enjoying the rare moment. "It's funny, at the start I thought you were too weird. Sorry to say so. But you are a good guy, Lloyd. I'd like to even call you, my friend."

Holding out a hand to him, the teen took a moment just staring down at it, as if not too sure what to do. Finally, Lloyd raised his hand and shook it. Firm and strong, as expected.

Leaving the young boy alone with his thoughts again, Lloyd went on, walking the path leading up the rest of the mountain. Sheena was sitting on the ground at an outlook half way, petting Corrine as she looked over the view.

Hearing his footsteps, her eyes looked back for a moment, identifying his red features, before focusing back at the view. "Undine came back, if that's what you are wondering." There was no response, so she kept up the conversation. "Salvation is close now. You must be raring to go. I can't say I feel the same."

He stopped to stand next to her, staring ahead. Sheena had accepted his kind of behavior by now, still petting Corrine.

"But I suppose I should believe and trust in the Chosen. The one on this side at least seems to have a good heart."

Tilting his head, Lloyd looked down to her. Her dark eyes met his bright reds.

"Tethe'alla's Chosen. I can't stand that guy." Huffing, she turned back her gaze. "If there really is a goddess, why did she make the world like this?"

A silence followed, for it was a question that was probably on a lot of people's minds. Lloyd knelled down, gave Corrine a pet and stood back up, walking further up the mountain.

Staggered, Sheena looked down at the man-made summon spirit. "You normally never allow that, unless you really know people."

"It felt like, he needed that." Corrine said, cuddling up against her and saying no more on the matter.

The top of the mountain, gave a great view of low hanging clouds, the fields, towns and forests below and straight ahead, seemingly looming over everything, the Tower of Salvation. Colette's blue eyes were set upon it, her hands folded together while the winds played with her blonde hair.

As Lloyd came to stand next to her, she turned to him and gave him a smile. Pen and paper at the ready, she started to write and showed him.

I'm sorry. This is the end, and yet I can't even speak. I know that's weird.

He looked at her with his intense eyes, shaking his head. "End?"

Glancing off, avoiding that look, it seemed Colette chose not to really explain herself. I will turn into an Angel...

"You are you." Came the resolute response, as he took her hand.

Smiling, she looked up at him and nodded. Honestly, she was scared. But she couldn't turn back, nor would she. This was what she was prepared for all her life after all. For a moment, they just held hands like that.

When Colette eventually wanted to retract to go and meet up with the others, she felt his grip tighten. Looking in his eyes, she saw a light, flickering. Not too sure what it meant, she instead gave him a reassuring smile, placing her other hand on top of his. Pretty much telling him with this gesture: it will be okay.

He let her go at that, as the sun was slowly setting in the distance. He followed her down the path and they met with the others, just outside the inn.

"The dragons are arranged for tomorrow. I figured we could use a good rest while we still can. We set off for the Tower first thing in the morning. Agreed?" Raine looked over all of them.

"Yeah, that's fine." Sheena nodded.

"Okay, sis."

Lloyd and Colette gave a nod as well. At that, they went inside the inn, to spend the rest of the day mostly resting, eating in quiet anticipation of what was to come.


They were up before the sun even was. Colette was not really able to sleep, but as for the others, they had much trouble. Not very surprising, being this close to the end of their journey. Breakfast was served by the groggy, male inn owner, not too pleased about the very early wake up call.

"I've been wondering, Sheena. What are you gonna do after this?" Genis asked.

"Huh? I would have to go back, and face my failures, I suppose." She looked down. She did not seem afraid, but more guilty.

"Won't that be dangerous?"

"You really shouldn't worry about that now. Let's concentrate on what we have to do now."

"I agree with Sheena." Raine nodded.

Still spotting the worried look from Colette, Sheena went on to say: "I'll be fine, don't worry."

Finishing up breakfast, the party made ready to leave. Raine had informed the dragon tamer they were the Chosen group and he had insisted they'd take his best dragons without having to pay. However, he did request them to send them back to him as soon as they arrived at the tower, since they were his treasure.

At the top of the mountain, three transport dragons were standing ready. The man told them they could each carry two people. Raine looked over to Lloyd, who was already standing close to Colette.

"I assume you will ride with her? You promised to protect her after all."

"Yes." The teen said with a firm nod.

"And siblings should stay together. I don't mind riding alone." Sheena told the professor.

With that arranged, the dragon tamer wished them safe travels. Also, he prayed for their success. Colette bowed her head in thanks to him. Lloyd jumped up on the dragon and extended a hand to her, to help her up to sit behind him.

Raine helped her little brother up first, before she climbed the dragon herself and Sheena seemed to have no trouble getting up hers by herself. The party was ready and set off, Lloyd and Colette taking the lead.

The dragon tamer waved as they disappeared between the clouds, hoping the Chosen would succeed this time.

Don't look down, don't down. This was what Genis kept thinking, holding on his sister tightly. She seemed rather calm. It was strange she got worked up about going over water, but going above everything, was not a problem. For Sheena, it wasn't her first time, so this was not new to her.

It was a swift flight, without any trouble. Landing before the Tower, the party got of the dragons, sending them back to their owner, just as they had promised. Then they all took a moment to look up at the endless Tower.

Stairs lead up to the big door serving at its entrance. A grand crest was set on it, acting as a protective barrier to block any unwelcome visitors from going in. Next to this door, stood the very familiar oracle stone.

Colette walked up to it, placing her hand on the impression. The crest on the door faded as it slid open to allow entrance. They all looked at each other, in anticipation, and all gave each other an encouraging nod. With that, they walked inside.

Long, long stairs whirled around, seemingly going up endlessly. Peculiar shapes were floating, going in an upward spiral as well. As the party started ascending the stairs, they got a closer look at these shapes.

"Are those...?" Genis started.

"Coffins." His sister said, her lips a thin line.

"Then that all are bodies? But who's?" Sheena asked in complete horror.

While the three of them pondered on this, Colette and Lloyd kept walking, getting ahead. For some reason, it didn't take as long as it looked. The two of them arrived at the main platform. It was round and the back was raised higher, holding a great alter.

Ascending the last bit of stairs, Colette went to kneel down before the alter, going into deep prayer. Lloyd was watching over next to her, standing guard. As light started to shine from above, the rest of the party arrived.

From the light, Remiel arrived, hovering above them. His focus was on Colette, looking down to her. "Now, Chosen. Release the final seal. In doing so, you will complete the final sacrifice of your human existence: your heart and your memory. By doing so of your own free will, you will become a true angel."

"Wait, what? That can't be right!" Sheena called out.

"Sacrifice heart and memory. Colette's gonna forget about us?" Genis asked shocked.

"Colette's human life will now end, and she will be reborn as an angel."

"Sis, what is he talking about?"

Raine looked away from her little brother's gaze. "I'm sorry. I promised Colette I wouldn't say anything. Colette will give up her life in order to regenerate the world. Becoming an angel means dying."

"That's not quite correct. The Chosen's heart will die, and her body will be offered to the Goddess Martel. By removing her body, Colette will revive the Goddess. This is the true nature of the world regeneration. The revival of the Goddess Martel, is the revival of the world itself."

Sheena shook her head in disbelieve. "But that's, that's..."

"Lord Remiel, we have heard that a world known as Tethe'alla lies parallel to Sylvarant." Raine brought up seemingly out of nowhere.

"That was not for you to know."

"But can't Cruxis make both worlds peaceful, so this doesn't have to happen?" Sheena joined in with the professor's lead.

"If that is what the Chosen desires, she can lend her power to Cruxis by becoming an angel. Once the Goddess Martel is revived by the Chosen, the two worlds will surely achieve peace, just as the Chosen wishes."

Finally looking up from her prayer, Colette exclaimed a breath.

"Is that true, you ask? You know why you have come here."

"You can't! Are you really planning to die?" Sheena called out again.

Standing up, Colette turned around and faced the group. Of course, she said nothing.

"If you sacrifice yourself, your friends who love you, and your family and me…we'll all be sad. It will be the same as sacrificing all of us!" Genis was about to head towards the alter, but his sister held him back.

"I do not want anything to happen to her either, Genis. But what can we do? The people of Sylvarant are suffering, too."

"The sacrifice of one single person, the Chosen, will save the world. Are you saying that you would choose the Chosen's soul over the entire world? Now, Colette, join us." Remiel sounded cold and calm as ever.

Turning around, Colette walked towards the Angel, a glowing magic circle appearing underneath them.

"Lloyd, why aren't you doing anything? You care for Colette too!" Genis called to the teen.

Remiel laughed at this, however. "You are fools. Colette is a sacrifice; she has been ever since she was selected to become Martel's vessel. She is nothing more."

A twitch, in Lloyd's eye. His hand reached out, taking hold of Colette's to stop her. She turned around again, noting his eyes were almost a blaze. Something was going on, but she had to reassure everyone.

{It's really okay. This is how it should be, what I was prepared for. But still, for some reason, I feel like I want to cry.}

"Colette, if you knew, then why?!" Genis wanted to know.

She looked down in surprise. {You can all hear me? I'm so happy! I'll be able to say goodbye to you in the end.}

"How are you okay with this? This can't be what you really want?" Sheena asked, her voice shaking.

{I've always seen it like this: if giving up my life as a human means that Sylvarant will be reborn, then it's almost like my life is spreading out to fill the entire world. When I think about it like that, I'm at peace with it.} She showed them a happy smile.

"No..." Lloyd said it softly, squeezing her hand.

Looking at him, the girl gave a soft squeeze back. {Thank you, Lloyd. Because of you, I was able to find the courage to protect the world. Because of you,} looking back over the others, she continued. {I was able to find the strength, to live these sixteen years to the fullest. Thank you, all of you.}

"No, Colette!" Genis had tears in his eyes, unable to do anything.

{It looks like it's time. Goodbye.} As her wings appeared, Colette floated up higher, closing her eyes. A glow surrounded her and as it died down, she opened her eyes, now having a very disconcerting red color and void of life.

Deep, deep inside dark depths of nothingness, everything was set in amber red. Cracks were all around, while the shape seemed to be that of a big diamond. His fist hit the red, cracking barrier. What felt like ages of confinement, was finally falling down. He could finally get out, break it down, and act! With a scream, he went for a final, hard hit. Everything broke, shattering to pieces, and there was light!

"Colette!" Calling out in all force, Lloyd pulled his swords and struck Remiel.

He was caught off guard by this attack, grasping at the wound in pain. "Why you... you traitor! Have you forgotten you work for Cruxis? You guided the Chosen here for this very purpose."

"Wait...what?" blinking at that reveal, Genis stared up to Lloyd. Actually, more seemed to be going on. Something seemed different about him.

"You deceived us?!" Sheena said in anger.

"He was just a tool, just like the Chosen is now, a sacrifice for a greater cause." The Angel said with a cold glare.

Lloyd's response was another attack, stabbing him right in the chest. As the Angel coughed up blood, he fell to his knees.

"How...?"

"How utterly disappointing." A male voice from nowhere, echoed.

Bright light shined as two figures appeared. One was a man with red hair and equally red eyes. He had a similar dressing style as Lloyd, but it was completely in purple. A sword hung at his side, his hand resting on it, ready to draw it at any moment.

The other, also a man, drew most of the attention however. This was because of several reasons. He was wearing all white clothing, golden rims bearing his chest. But what was really standing out, were the wings on his back. They were very elaborate, having a colorful glow, even though they were transparent. He had rather long, blond hair and jade green eyes.

"Please, help me, lord Yggdrasill." Remiel pleaded.

"You are not worth the effort, if you can't even stand up against an inferior being."

Kratos glanced at him for a moment at that remark, but he said nothing. His gaze was quickly set back on his son. And he... was staring back at him. Those eyes, they weren't red anymore, no longer void. They had that hazel color, very reminiscent of his mother, and there was life in them. Life he hadn't seen for years, had suddenly come back. But, how?

"More Angels? What is going on here?" Sheena was finally able to utter.

"Who are you?"

Looking down at Genis, his cold gaze softened just a little. "If you must know, I am Yggdrasill, leader of Cruxis, and the Desians."

Raine's eyes widened at this. This was a staggering revelation. How could Cruxis work with those terrible people?

"Do forgive me." He made a gesture then; a pulse of strong magic lashed towards them, knocking the three of them down in one hit.

Turning to the teen, he gave him a cold stare. "Have you forgotten what I have told you? What I have ordered you to do?"

Tearing his gaze of his father, Lloyd looked back with narrowed eyes. "I remember. But now I can finally fight back."

Raising a brow, Yggdrasill looked him over. What made this change? Never had someone resisted the Angelus project like this, even with a Key Crest. He did not think it was possible. However, he did not like traitors. He raised his hand, a ball of light forming above.

What happened next all went on at once and in a matter of seconds. Kratos his eyes shifted and he moved fast, to stand in the way of the attack. Lloyd took this time to jump up, grabbing Colette by her boot and pulling her to him. People who looked like Desians appeared on the scene, led by Botta.

"Darn, we are too late. Take them all along. Boy! If you want to live, come with us."

For a moment, Lloyd eyed his father, wounded by the blow he caught for him. Yggdrasill was charging another attack, but was interrupted by one of the men shooting at him. This was no time to linger, and going back with him, was the last thing Lloyd wanted to do. So, he hurried towards Botta, carrying Colette in his arms. They all disappeared in transportation magic.

"Renegades, as irritating as ever." Mithos said with a scowl. He then looked at Kratos, narrowing his eyes. "You really need to pick a side."

The man had knelled down, holding a hand over the burning wound. He said nothing, did not even look up at him.

Turning back to his child form, Mithos stepped closer, offering a hand. "You are my mentor. Please do not forget what we have fought for, what we are still longing to achieve. What are a few years compared to several era's together?"

Kratos did look at his hand, but he did not take it. Such a stubborn man. Letting out a sigh, Mithos shook his head. "Be like that. The Chosen will be mine, and will be Martel's vessel, if it's the last thing I do." It was a promise, as he disappeared in rays of light.

He was left alone. The Seraphim took a few moments, before standing up, grunting softly at the pain. Lloyd was still alive, and even more lively than usual. As to how and why, he really had no clue. Did that really matter at this point? He could have his son back, if he was prepared to forgive him. But...

Running a hand through his hair, Kratos considered his student's words as well. Yes, they had a very tight bond. All the things they had done together, he would never forget. Still, Lloyd was his son. Why was this so difficult?!