The light of Judgment did not go unnoticed. As it was the middle of the night, it was really hard to miss, except for maybe those that were inside and fast asleep.
Kratos was with a couple of Sheikah, most of them taking some rest after another fruitless day spent researching the Shrine of Resurrection. He was of course the only one that recognized the light as such, while those with him, started to panic.
There was never a good reason to use that kind of power, the Seraphim thought. Unless you need to wipe out many opponents at once in a tight spot.
"That come right from Kakiriko!" One of the Sheikah called out.
Kratos kept his cool, stoic stance of course. "You are sure of this?"
"Yes! We need to go, right now."
"But what about our research?" another one spoke up.
"Ah, like we'll find anything. We've been here for so long and nothing has been gained. Let's pack up and go."
Kratos could not really argue, nor did he care to try. "I will still here, do some more research."
The Sheikah clearly didn't care, more worried about their home. They packed up fast, loading their horses and were fast to leave in less than fifteen minutes.
Only the Chosen could call upon such power, Kratos knew. Was she in this world, was she alone? There was a lot he didn't know. But his priority was to find out what happened to this so-called hero. Frustratingly enough, there really were no clues in this shrine.
Come morning, come midday, still nothing. It was getting on his nerves. This really was a waste of time. And seeing that something was going on back at that village, he might as well go back to see. So, he flew back yet again.
As they appeared back at the shrine of Kakiriko, they were blinded by the teleportation light for just a moment. As this faded, the shock of the reveal was all the more impactful. The town was in a really bad state. Some houses were on fire, others were nothing but rubble. Bodies were scattered around as animals ran around, still in a state of panic.
Lloyd stared at all this destruction, visibly shaking. "No... No, not again." He said it quietly.
"Lloyd, calm down. Breath." Colette took his hands in hers, trying to get him to look at her instead of all the chaos around.
"It's not like Iselia," she told him, immediately understanding what he was thinking of.
"You couldn't have known this would happen, it's not your fault. Please, calm down."
It really worried her how he reacted to this. She rarely saw him this shaken up. Giving him a warm embrace, she told him: "It's okay, it's going to be okay."
Lloyd took a couple of quick breaths, trying to slow down and suppress his shaking. The image of Iselia was in his mind so clearly. Even if it was just a moment, it did enough. He had to recollect himself.
Thank goodness Colette was here, to stand by him and give him comfort. It really helped calm him down.
"Thank you, Colette. Sorry about that." He said this softly, still taking comfort in her hug.
After a few moments, she stepped back and looked up at him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah... Let's find out what happened here, and help out."
"Okay. I hope everyone is okay. Zelos, Sheena and Vera too." The worried look on Colette's face deepened.
"Come on, let's get... going." His gaze turned upwards. Colette frowned and followed where he looked.
Kratos came flying in, his blue wings the most recognizable next to his clothing. He landed close to the two, having spotted their white and red outfits.
"So, you are here as well, Chosen." He stated flatly, not surprised at all.
"Da- Kratos...Why are you here?"
"The light of Judgement appeared during the night. I thought it was you." He looked at Colette.
She shook her head. "I just got here together with Lloyd."
Finally, the Seraphim took in his surroundings. "It seems this place was attacked. But who called upon that light?"
"Zelos... He's the only one that can, next to you and me."
Real worry was on both the teens faces. Kratos just crossed his arms, however.
"Who else did you drag along, Chosen?"
"The days you instructed to wait had passed, mister Kratos. I was worried, and I get very unsure when I go alone." The girl admitted timidly.
"Let's go see Impa, she must know what's going on." Lloyd suggested.
Before Kratos could say anything else, the pair was off. He sighed as he let them go on ahead, dropping his arms. He had seen Lloyd's reaction. A real case of post-traumatic stress syndrome. He'd know it anywhere; he'd lived it after all.
The Chosen was a lot better at handling it. This was clear to him too. Some father you are, he scoffed at himself in thought. Shaking his head, he finally followed the teens' path.
No guards were at the stairs leading up to the chief's house now. The two found this strange as they entered inside. In a second, a dagger was held straight into their faces. It was held by Paya, her red eyes looking intense for just a moment.
Once she recognized Lloyd's face, it immediately faded. "L-Lloyd. You're safe."
"Hey Paya... What happened here?" He did spot that the chief wasn't on her usual pile of pillows, though he could hear some voices coming from upstairs.
"We got a-attacked by Yiga in the m-middle of the night."
"Yeah, the cowards! So typical of those who's hide behind a mask!"
A young girl's face popped up over the banister of the first floor. Her eyes immediately fixed on Lloyd.
"Well, aint you a cutey! Come on up here and introduce yourself!"
"Um, y-your friends are up there as w-well." Paya stammered timidly, very different from how she was just a few seconds ago.
Nodding in thanks, they both went up the stairs, Paya following behind them. People were laying on blankets spread across the wooden flooring. They all had injuries, one worse than others. Some people were going around, bandaging the wounded up.
Among them, was Zelos, though it seemed he didn't have the need for any bandages. Sheena was next to him, kneeling on the floor. When she saw Lloyd and Colette, a slightly relieved smile crossed her face.
"You're both okay, that's good."
"What happened? Zelos, are you okay?" Colette came closer, still looking worried.
"I'll be alright, little Angel. I just used a bit too much mana, that's all."
"Of course, a fool of a Chosen would do something so reckless." Came the typical remark of Kratos, standing at a distance.
Where did he even come from? Even Paya hadn't noticed him, while she was trained for such a thing.
"Good to see you too, ass." Zelos glared at the man.
"Zelos, language please." Sheena scorned him without a beat.
"Why did you use Judgement? We all know this world has no mana. You could have been seriously hurt." Colette looked at him with her big, blue eyes.
"Ah, you know me. I got too big of a heart. A lot of people were getting attacked by those stupid masked guys. I couldn't just stand around and let them get hurt."
"He and other badly hurt people were healed by a great fairy, thank fully." Sheena explained to them.
"You were the one that didn't want them to get hurt, remember?" He remarked to the ninja. At this, she looked away guilty.
"You really were that busted by using too much mana?" Lloyd inquired curiously.
"Well yeah. Using a divine spell like that takes a toll, you know.
"Your sentiments will be the death of you all."
This remark of course came from Kratos, crossing his arms again. The group chose to ignore him for now.
"So, how about some introductions?" The girl from before chimed in.
She was joined by two familiar faces: Robby and Vera.
"Vera, you're okay." Lloyd said with relief.
"I am." She nodded, looking the teen over. "You seem to be fine as well."
"Yeah. Oh, my name is Lloyd." He introduced himself to the girl.
"Aha, so you are the replacement, huh? So interesting. You should have told me he is handsome, little cousin! I'm Purah, nice to meetcha." After addressing Paya as her cousin, she looking at Lloyd and winked at him.
This was more than a little awkward. The girl looked around fourteen years old!
"And I'm Colette, nice to meet you." Bowing was a habit of hers. "This is?" Her blue eyes looked at the other man curiously.
"My name is doctor Robbie, a pleasure. And you are?" The man inquired, fiddling with is glasses as he looked towards Kratos.
The Seraphim had no intentions to introduce himself, keeping his stoic stance. His red eyes just stared the man down. It was rather intimidating.
"That's Kratos. Don't mind him too much. Where is Impa?" Lloyd wanted to know.
"S-she is um...interrogating the leader of the Yiga." Paya answered in discomfort.
Purah chuckled at this. "Interigate hm? My little sister can be a good torturer you know."
"Huh, little sister?" Lloyd frowned as he looked at the girl.
"I know, I look so blissfully young," she laughed.
"This is not why we are here." Kratos wanted to keep the focus.
"And why are you really here?" Lloyd looked up at him. "It can't be because of the light you saw, that happened last night, didn't it?" His son seemed to have not missed a beat.
"I was looking into this so-called hero's last whereabouts. No results, sadly. I have come here a couple of times for intel."
"Intel, yeah right. You were a hard ass, I'm sure." Zelos remarked while he forced himself to sit up and wincing.
"Calm down, it's not worth it to get all worked up about." Sheena gently pushed him back down.
"You are right about that, Jubblees."
"I need to talk to you, outside." Lloyd said, still looking towards his father. He did spot a worried look in Colette's eyes, so he gave her a comforting smile, telling her without words all was fine.
"Very well." Kratos did not object, just going along with it. He joined his son, walking outside.
For a moment, it was quiet, as the teen looked over the mess, watching people putting out fires, cleaning up and helping the wounded.
"This reminds you of Iselia, does it not?" Kratos finally asked.
His son avoided his gaze, not really giving an answer. He instead diverted with another question. "Did you know? That the wings were actually mine?"
"You thought they were just a gift from Origin and the sword. You know you have a very unique Exsphere and you are also my son. This kind of thing was to be expected."
"But I don't want it." He said it quietly, still not looking at his father.
"Why? What are you afraid of? That you will end up like me?" Kratos crossed his arms once again.
Lloyd shook his head. "I don't want to become an angel. Emotionless, eternal. I don't want any of that."
"No matter what happens, you are still you. Even if you would change into an Angel, you are still Lloyd. Those are your own words."
So, he did pay attention. It was surprising for sure. Lloyd finally looked up, tears welling up in his eyes.
"It isn't like you to worry like this. Calm down and take a breath, not everything always has the same outcome."
The teen, nodded, wiping his face. He stepped closer and embraced his father unexpectedly. Still, he only reached up to chest height. Kratos rested his hand on his son's head, slightly ruffling his hair.
"Thanks...for being here." He said it softly, before letting Kratos go and smiling. "So, you'll be here till the end?"
"I will have to, because I have a very stubborn son whom otherwise won't come back home."
Lloyd chuckled at this remark. "Alright, fair enough."
"Ah, always nice to see family reunited like this." The chief had walked up the stairs and smiled up to the both of them. Compared to Kratos, she was tiny.
"Impa...I mean chief. It's good to see you are alright."
"And you as well, Lloyd. I wish I could say the same for my people, however."
"I'm sorry..."
"It was nothing you could prevent. We had this coming for years. The timing is just very unfortunate. I'm afraid I cannot offer you any help to getting into the castle."
Impa said this while she led on back inside, going towards the pile of pillows. "Oh, here." Lloyd offered the elderly woman a hand to get up.
"My, such a gentleman." The chief took his help thankfully. "Could you be a dear and fetch the ones involved from upstairs?"
"Sure, give me a moment." Lloyd went on to go up the staircase.
The chief looked at Kratos then, who was leaning against a wooden post, distant as ever.
"I am guessing the Shrine gave you no results?"
"None what so ever."
"A real shame. I am... inquiring the leader of the Yiga about it. I have a feeling that he knows more. However, he does tend to have a strong mind."
"Is that so?" Kratos couldn't help remember the shaking, overweight man he had threatened. Didn't seem strong for sure.
"Do not worry, I will get it out of him." She seemed to have a sinister smile as she said this.
They both watched as Zelos was being helped down the stairs by Sheena and Colette. Lloyd and Vera were following behind them.
"Ladies, I'm fine, really. Ah, if it isn't my favorite, radiant beauty!" Zelos exclaimed as he smiled at Impa.
"Do not make an old lady blush, dear."
"Can we finally get to business?" Kratos said impatient.
"Yes, of course. The focus for you all, should be on bringing down Ganon now, as all the Divine Beasts have been tamed."
"What about finding Link?" Vera informed.
"I am afraid that will just have to wait. With all the late events, we have not the luxury to wait and search." It was clear the chief didn't like it either. She let out a sigh. "As you might have been told, the road towards the castle and Ganon will not be easy. The field for example, is filled with Guardians."
"I have noticed, when I had to cross it, even when I wasn't that close to the castle. Behind the walls, it only looked worse." Kratos remarked.
"Oh, that is certainly the case. Not to mention how it will be inside the castle. We do not know how it is in there, none have dare to go that far, or have tried dying." The chief had a very serious look on her face while she gazed over the six people before her. "You might be outnumbered."
"As if! We've tackled a lot of enemies during our journey. Sure, we aint the complete party, but we are a powerful bunch, aren't I right?" Zelos grinned widely while looking at the others.
"Of course, we are!" Lloyd chimed in right away.
This enthusiasm made Kratos huff, but he said nothing.
"I appreciate that positivity. However, you need more when facing Ganon. You will need a specific weapon. The bane of all evil: the Master Sword."
"Is this really necessary?" Kratos wanted to know.
The chief nodded. "This weapon has a divine power. You will need it to be able to take Ganon down. Otherwise, fighting him is useless."
"And where is this weapon?" Colette was curious.
"That is a secret." Impa was uncertain to divulge this information, clearly.
"Come on, honey. We aint from here. Who are we gonna tell, huh? We are all here helping you guys out, you know."
"My apologies, Zelos. I do realize that. And I really appreciate your efforts." Impa bowed her head. "It is a force of habit. Us Sheikah are known for protecting secrets."
"So uh, do you know where it is? Will you tell us?" Lloyd asked.
Impa nodded. "It is with the great Deku Tree, in the Lost Woods. It is north of here. It will be difficult getting through the woods, however."
"Aptly named, I presume?" Kratos remarked.
"Indeed so. But there is a trick to it. Light a torch and let its cinders be your guide. However, that will not be the hard part; the sword itself is only meant to serve the one that bears the triforce of courage."
"And I don't have that. I can't get it then?"
"I am hoping you will be able to persuade her, Lloyd. The spirit that resides in the sword, that is."
"A spirit in a sword? Like a summon spirit?" Sheena asked, now really interested.
"I do not know what that means." The chief shook her head. "She is a sort of divine entity, guardian of the Master Sword. I hope you will be able to reason with her, since it will be the only way."
"Well, I'm gonna do my very best."
"You're planning to go there by yourself?" Colette looked at Lloyd.
"I think that would be the fastest. Meanwhile, you all can start talking tactics. I will be back as soon as I can."
"Alright. Just be careful, okay bud?"
"Yeah, no worries, Zelos. I'll be in and out."
"B-but how? The forest isn't that close, not even by horse will you get there fast." Paya stammered to say.
"Uh, well. You'll see."
Lloyd showed a small smile, as he stood up and waved goodbye. He went on to step outside and as he was still in full view, let his wings appear. The stares he'd got was still something he needed to get used to. He moved his wings and launched off into the distance.
"Wha-what was that?" Paya asked, completely startled.
Her grandmother was impressed in her own way, just as surprised even though she had read the teen's hand. However, she had to shake it for now. "Let us focus at the matter at hand."
It wasn't hard to spot the woods from Lloyd's position. Being high in the sky, surely gave a good view and the forest was clear to see. He could see the leaves were too dense to allow him through from up above.
Having no other option, the teen landed in front of the entrance to the woods, noticing fog right away. Lost Woods indeed. Interesting enough, a couple of lit torches were at the entrance.
Grabbing a stick, Lloyd lit it. Follow the cinders, the chief had said. What exactly did that mean? He didn't have to wait long to see; the wind blew the cinders of the fire in a certain direction.
A little unsure if this was how it worked, Lloyd followed the way slowly at first. But when he saw the cinders would change direction after a certain number of steps, it was clear that they really were showing him the way. Such a curious way to get around! He wondered how it worked.
The teen had no clue what would happen if he were to go off the path, and he had no intention to find out. It was eerily quiet in the forest. One would expect sounds from birds or something, but it was just sheer silence.
"You-you better s-stay back!" A high-pitched voice tried to scare him, but utterly failed.
"Huh, who's there?" Lloyd looked around, eventually spotting a small creature on a branch nearby.
It had a very strange shape as it seemed to be completely made out of wood. Only its face was covered by a big leaf, looking like a kind of mask.
"What are you?" Lloyd asked, genuinely curious as he stepped a bit closer.
It was swinging a very small twig, pointing it towards the teen like a weapon. "I am a Korok seed, the brave Oaki! Here to protect the great Deku tree from any other intruders. You won't harm any of us anymore!"
"Woah there, fellow. Calm down." Lloyd raised his hands disarmingly, as far as he could while holding a torch. "I'm not planning on hurting anybody, I swear. I'm just here for the sword."
"That shadow was as well! He hurt one of my brothers and threatened all of us!" Oaki screeched angry, now poking him with his stick.
"Shadow? That thing was here and tried to take the sword?" He couldn't forget that strange appearance he had seen, just before he was knocked out not too long ago. "Look, I am here to help. I need that sword to take on Ganon. Isn't that what you all want?"
"Liar! You are not the hero, go away!"
Lloyd sighed, why was he trying? Like this little thing could really stop him. He hated doing this, but he just had to keep going, ignoring the seed.
"H-hey, stop!" Oaki jumped after him, hitting his shins with his stick. It didn't even hurt.
"I'm sorry, but I don't really have time for this. I promise you I ain't here to harm you all."
"Huh, really?" The seed blinked its beady eyes. He could tell this stranger wasn't lying. So, he stopped his assault and instead hopped along with him. "But you don't have what is needed to take the sword." Oaki remarked as he looked up at him.
"I was told as much. I just gotta try to convince the spirit to allow me to borrow it for a bit."
"Hm. You know, that Shadow's hand got burned from trying to take the sword by force."
"Oh, really?" That was a scary thought. Lloyd rather not have his hands burned!
"But I'm sure the spirit can spot good intensions!"
"So, you're actually with me now?" Lloyd raised a brow.
"You seem to be alright. You didn't attack, strangle or threaten me."
"Uh yeah, I guess not. That's what he did, huh?"
"He was not nice at all!" Oaki huffed and stomped his little feet. "But come on, follow me. It's this way."
The seed went ahead, leading him down the right path. After following him for a little bit, Lloyd approached a big root that was shaped like an arch.
"Great Deku is just passed here." Oaki chimed, going on ahead.
Passing through, he was faced with a very big tree, its roots tangled around everywhere. The ground was covered in moss and flowers and a shallow layer of water. Right in front of the big tree, that almost seemed to have a face, the was a stone slab. Stuck in the very middle, was a battered, rusted sword.
Frowning, Lloyd approached as he looked the weapon over. "This is the master sword?"
"You sound disappointed, boy." A booming deep voice sounded.
Lloyd looked around for the source, getting drawn by the face that was on the tree. Was it...moving, looking at him?
"It is not yours for the taking."
"A talking tree. Okay, that is new." Lloyd remarked, more to himself. Then, he spoke up. "I'm only borrowing it for a bit. Please don't be upset, I come with good intensions."
"Hm, she will be the judge of that," was all the tree said.
The teen reached out towards the sword's handle, taking hold of it. However, the next moment it seemed to take a hold of him. Bright light surrounded him, drowning out all sights and sounds. There was nothing but light, everything was just white with Lloyd standing right in the middle of it.
Still, for some reason, everything felt warm, comforting.
"I detect a strong and good heart." A voice echoed around it. It sounded faintly feminine yet analytical.
A blue and purple colored shape started to form. It shaped right in front of him, but was upside down, blue face very close to his. Lloyd wanted to step back, but found he wasn't able to move in the slightest.
"Yet you also know hurt, loss, anger and pain. Will you harness this?" The human like shape inquired, staring at him with empty eyes.
"Harness? What, no! Wait, you are the spirit of the sword?"
"That is correct. I am called Fi. I was created to guard the master sword. I only answer to one. However, he seems to have lost his way."
"Yeah, sorry about that. But, I'm here to help. My name is Lloyd." He was rather uncomfortable with how close the spirit was.
Her glazed eyes betrayed nothing, just like her voice. She really reminded him of those emotionless Angels back home. If he could shiver, he would.
"The road you are following is full of danger and has the high chance of casualties. Will you be able bear those burdens as well? Will you still be set on destroying Ganon and saving Zelda?"
Her words were sharp, just like a sword. For a moment, Lloyd bit his lip. It was like she was seeing straight through him.
"I can't make up for the mistake I've made. All I can do, is carry the dreams and wishes of those that have passed and make for a better world. No matter where this would be." If he could make the gesture, he'd make a fist to strengthen his words.
"Admirable ideals." Fi nodded in agreement. "Very well, Lloyd. I will lend you, my power. You may use the master sword, to take down Ganon."
The light faded, while her appearance arched up and over, seemingly diving into the sword as it came back into view, along everything else. A soft, blue glow came from the sword.
"She accepted you?" The deep voice from the tree sounded genuinely surprised.
"Yeah, seems like it." Lloyd was still holding the handle, so he pulled at it, ever so carefully.
As the weapon come loose and was pointed up, the sword seemed to transform. It lost all its rust and the blade was no longer chipped, looking brand new and ready to go. It had a very interesting design; a purple handle that seemed to have green wrapping around. The handle was shaping like wings as the blade started slim, went out to a rounder shape to go on a broad blade till the end. The round shape had a familiar depiction: the triforce.
"I promise I'll return this when I'm done with it." Lloyd said, looking over the sword and then up to the tree. It wasn't as big as the Yggdrasil would come to be, but that one couldn't talk. Instead, the spirit Martel spoke for it.
A scabbard for the sword magically appeared. The teen decided to still carry it in his hands, because this would make flying easier.
"Thanks for showing me the way, Oaki. I gotta fly now." Lloyd flashed the Korok Seed a thumbs up, spreading out grand, green wings.
All the onlooking seeds jumped back in surprise as this supposed human took off and soared away, going through a hole he had spotted between the foliage.
"Goddess, what have you brought to us?" The great Deku tree muttered.
Lloyd flew back in the direction of Kakiriko village. He didn't teleport, because...honestly, he loved how it felt to fly. It felt so free, with the wind blowing through his hair, going under his wings. The teen even performed some tricks, like whirling around and making big loops. He could have a little fun, right?
He was so busy doing this, he did not see another on occupying the same space of sky; they just nearly managed to avoid running in to each other.
"Sorry, sorry!" Lloyd recovered, but then he recognized the other; "Teba!"
The silver feathered Rito looked literally ruffled, as he stared straight at the teen. He almost forgot to flap his wings to stay up in the air.
"What in the...Lloyd?"
"Yeah hey." He chuckled, giving a casual wave. "Good to see you back up in the sky. I'd love to stay and talk, but Kakiriko had some real bad trouble and I need to head back. Oh, and thanks for sending my friends the right way, that really saved my life. I owe you one."
The teen waved goodbye as he dove down to gain speed. He was gone in a moment.
Teba was stunned. Those wings, and was that the master sword he was carrying?! Did he also mention Kakiriko was in a bad spot? There was so much to process, was it even real?
"You are seriously suggesting we sneak past all of that?" Zelos complained as he gestured to the map that was spread out in front of them.
They were all sitting in a circle, including Impa, this time just sitting on top of two pillows. The map mostly showed Hyrule field and the castle. However, it was not accurate for it was not updated to the current situation. This was the only way they could discuss things for now.
"It will not be easy, considering your numbers and the fact that there is very little cover. But you will need all the strength you can spare to fight Ganon. He will not go down easily." The chief said this very seriously.
"I do not even believe it can be done as you suggest. I say we access the situation first, see where we go from there." Kratos commented.
"And be a living target for those things? No thanks." Zelos scoffed. "Can't we just fly over them?"
"That wont work. They got those laser eyes, right?" Sheena looked at the chief for conformation.
"Indeed. Not to mention there are also flying Guardians. Also, there is a barrier around the castle for the soul purpose to prevent aerial approach."
"Oh no, then what options do we have?" Colette asked clutching her hands together.
"I say we just go in."
"I thought you were the kind of guy that liked to have a plan, Kratos. You're sounding like your kid now."
"Be quiet." The Seraphim glared at Zelos.
"Then you stop with your glares and gruffy remarks, old man. What's your aim this time, huh? Oh right, you'd just keep quiet and just surprise us in the end, won't you?"
"Zelos, please stop it." Colette took hold of his hand and slightly squeezed it. "We are all in this together, remember? Let's try to work this out as a team, please."
"That is fine with me, little Angel. Just remember who you can trust here."
"Says the one who was willing to stab anyone in the back, just to not have to be the Chosen."
"Now listen here, you son of a..."
"Guys, that's enough!" Sheena stood up and stamped her foot. Since Raine wasn't her, she had to take on her role a little. "We are here for one common goal: to help Lloyd and the people of this world. Stop the useless arguing already."
"The sooner we can all agree on a plan, the sooner you all will be able to go back home." Impa nodded, keeping her calm.
Both men just sort of huffed and nodded in agreement.
"I suggest we meet in the middle. A bit of sneaking, assessing and fighting all bundled up in one?" Sheena went on to say.
"That could work. We still can't really just walk through the front gate. That will not be wise." Vera remarked.
"Do you know of any other way in?" Kratos wanted to know.
"There are several ways, but we do not know if these are still open or safe to take. Is that worth the risk?" Impa reflected.
This kind of back-and-forth talk continued on for a while, discussing options and its dangers, mostly. It took long enough for Lloyd to show back up again.
"Hey you guys, what did I miss?" He strolled in, holding up the master sword proudly.
"Lloyd, welcome back!" Colette greeted cheery.
"I see she has agreed to be of service. Very well done, Lloyd." Impa nodded approvingly.
"Yo bud! So that's it, huh? Can I hold it for a bit?" Zelos was very curious, holding out his hand.
Lloyd made to hand it over at first, but stopped mid-gesture, having a frown on his face. His eyes were set to empty space directly next to him.
"Really, no one can touch it but me?"
"Buddy, who are you talking to?"
"What do you mean? This is Fi."
The teen gestured to nothing but air. Zelos showed a concerned frown.
"There ain't no one there. Are doing good, bud?"
"Oh..." Lloyd seemed to listen for a moment, nodding in understanding. "I see. Well, no matter. Don't worry about it. Not the focus anyway. Do you all have a plan yet?"
"Well, we are still figuring things out." Sheena answered, a little bit ashamed not much process had been made.
"The main problem is that we do not know what is waiting for us," Vera explained.
"Hey, we can help with that, you know!" Once again, the young face of Purah popped up over the banister of the first floor.
The chief looked up to her, displeased. "Have you been eavesdropping this whole time, sister?"
"Not really, you all need to learn to keep your voices down."
She came down the stairs then, dragging Robby along with her. It looked rather funny; a kid forcing along a grown-up like that.
"Stop being so forceful already!" The man complained.
"But Roooobby! We can help, can't we? Didn't you find something that could be useful?"
"Huh? Do you mean the flying Guardian that I fixed up?" He re-adjusted his glassed, setting them back up straight.
"Jup! That would be the perfect to scout things out with, dont'cha think?"
"Maybe, but I am not able to work it. There is just no such tool."
"Of course, there is, silly. Lloyd, hand over that slate, will yah?"
While most of that conversation went over his head, the teen obliged all the same. Purah took it, pulling a specially designed glove over her free hand. This seemed to allow her to work the Sheikah Slate all on her own.
"You will try to hack into the Guardian's system using that?" Robby inquired.
"Not try, I will. See, already done." Grinning proudly, she showed the interface. For Lloyd, it just looked like a lot of numbers and symbols that didn't mean anything.
"You work fast, that's for sure. You believe you can control the flying Guardian and see what it sees?"
"That's my theory. Only one way to find out, right? But there is one problem: the reach will be limited."
"Which means we need to get close to be able to access the situation." Kratos remarked.
Impa sighed. Still, it was better than nothing. Robby requested the use of the Slate for a moment, to teleport back to his lab (which location he had programmed in the first time) and fetch the flying contraption.
While he did that, the chief looked over the group. It was still a rather strange idea that most of them were from a completely different world. "I suggest all of you take one good, final rest and eat up while you still can. You will need all the energy you can get."
"Yeah, good plan. I'm late for lunch too."
"Hehe, can't have that, Lloyd." Colette smiled.
"We will prepare you our Sheikah special. How about it, little sister?"
Purah looked at the chief, nodding with a confident smile. "You betcha."
"Thanks, you both are the best!" Lloyd exclaimed with a wide smile.
The pillows were spread out over the floor and Lloyd finally took the opportunity to sit down. He shared with the others that he had encountered Teba in the air. It was rather funny to see the surprise on his face.
"This spirit of the sword. What is she like?" Of course, Sheena was very curious to know. Yet it seemed only the wielder of said sword was the only one to be able to see her.
"Uh well. Her name is Fi. She looks humanoid for the most part. Though she's mostly blue and purple. Honestly..." He lowered his voice. "Her eyes are a bit scary."
"Oh? What makes you say that, bud?"
"They are empty. She kinda reminds me of those Angels."
"Hm, I see. Maybe that's just how they are over here. I even wonder if they are any others."
As expected from the summoner, to be fascinated by this. It really felt good; the smiles and laughter, light hearted talks. These things Lloyd had sorely missed. He had taken it for granted, for now he discovered the warm comfort he felt. Was it a form of homesickness?
Kratos was on the other side of things, silently observing, as he had always done. As the sun set and the moon came to take its place, the Seraphim left the building without a word. He had a habit of choosing high ground whenever he just wanted some time to himself. The roof of the house was the best place for this.
While one side gave a nice view of the waterfalls cascading down, the other had the very opposite effect. He supposed it wasn't as bad as Iselia or Luin, but still. Even for Kratos, it was a sight he wasn't comfortable seeing. He'd seen it many times before, one would expect you'd become numb to it after a while. No such thing.
"Ah, I was wondering who was standing on my roof."
The elderly chief seemed to show up out of nowhere, to stand next to Kratos. He looked down at the little lady. He actually wasn't questioning how she got up here; there was more to her then met the eye.
Her red eyes looked over all the damage. "Houses and places can be rebuilt. However, the lives are forever lost. Those traitors knew exactly where to hit us. Cowards."
She made a fist, clenching her jaw. Kratos remained stoic and said nothing.
"It's interesting how different you and your son are. He has a very big heart and wears his emotions on his sleeve. You however, have walled yourself off, keep a distance, removed from any situation."
Letting out a sigh, Kratos just held up his right hand. The chief was surprised he caved, but she still took this rare chance.
The village made place for what looked like a rocky cliff ace. There was a woman, seemingly hunched in pain. Her appearance then changed, morphing into a tall, green monster, a big gem in the middle of the head. Her voice was distorted, but still could be heard, begging to be killed. When these pleads weren't heard, she aimed to charge right at a little boy that seemed three years old.
A sword was drawn, as the view went on to be in between the monster and the boy. Having no other choice, the weapon was used, thrusting right into the monster's chest. She let out a high-pitched screech, but there was also a tortured, hauntingly human voice mixed in. In her last movements, she grabbed hold of the child as the both of them fell over the edge of the cliffs.
Shaking hands came into view, covered in blood. For a moment, they seemed to stroke a gem that was set on the back on of one of them. The shaking stopped, the blood was wiped off the sword's blade. Its reflection showing the stoic face of Kratos, except for one tear leaving a lonely trail over his cheek.
Impa let go of his hand, taking a sharp breath. "I did not realize you've known such pain. You believed they were both dead."
Nothing was said, all the man did, was nod, staring on ahead.
"I am so sorry..."
Underneath their feet, a lot of people were settling in to sleep on the first floor. The Regeneration group stayed together, claiming one corner as their own. Vera was again going around, tending to fellow Sheikah.
"Man, they really make some good food here." Zelos rubbed his stomach contently. "I bet you agree, ey bud?"
"Hehe, of course." Lloyd nodded.
"Will you be able to get some shut eye? Knowing you, you are all hyped up for tomorrow."
The teen scratched the back of his head; Zelos really got him there. He couldn't deny he was excited and tensed up about it all at the same time.
"I can sing for you again." Colette offered with a sweet smile.
"Little Angel, you are so considerate. I'm sure everyone will appreciate it. Please, go right ahead."
"Hehe, okay. Just get yourselves comfortable."
All three of them did just that, Sheena probably the most awkward about it; she had never let anyone lull her to sleep like this after all.
It didn't seem to bother Colette that many people would hear her. If it would help them too, that would only be a nice bonus. The one she would sing was peaceful, in the language of the Angels, soft but clear for anyone on that floor to hear.
All people were enamored by her beautiful voice. And her singing did effectively give them piece of mind. Taking away their worries and pain, they were at piece for that moment and were able to fall asleep.
Vera couldn't help but stare. How easily this young lady sang a gorgeous song to complete strangers, and even in a different language. And she did it with smile on her face. It really was no wonder Lloyd admired the girl so much.