A/N: Hey all. Sorry for the long delay in chapters. The last month of school is always the worst. ::sigh:: So here is the 11-page chapter to apologize and tie you over till I update again, which may not be till the new year (sorry!). In any case, on to reviews!
Charlett-The-Druid – Bring Colette back? Hmm… I was thinking of doing something with her… ::grin:: So you might see her sooner than you think!
Pant Burner – Um... ::sends out a squad of Mizuho assassins:: Okay. ::ahem:: Nothing to see here. Moving on!
Ahro – Thanks so much! Your guess is… well I know who she reminds him of. But I'm not saying. YET. ::cue evil laughter::
SunkissSMB – Wow. Snotty? Hmm… Interesting, but neat! Wasn't intended… or was it? :p The villain creeped you out? Great! It's what all villains should do!
And now, without further ado, ENJOY!
Tales of Symphonia: Gaiden
Chapter Seven
Hiro pulled up the sheets of the bed and tucked Aya in. Sighing, he sat back on his heals.
"No need to fake anymore. It's just us," he spoke aloud, a wry smile on his face. Aya's eyes opened immediately and she sat up.
"Amazing…" she murmured. "I don't think they intended it, but the combination of those spells restored a good deal of my mana."
"Ayame," Hiro spoke, using her full name. It was a rare occasion for her full name to be used. Aya turned her full attention to him, realizing the conversation was going to be serious.
"Yes?"
"You were only supposed to bring back Lloyd," he stated clearly, blue eyes locked on hers.
"I know that… it's just…" Aya stared down at her feet at the end of the bed. "They wouldn't let me take Lloyd alone. They didn't trust me."
"I told you how to convince them, so I don't think you're being honest with me," Hiro explained. Aya winced; she had been caught. Hiro chuckled and stood up and took a seat on the edge of the bed. He plopped one hand on top of her head and ruffled her head. "You're like a daughter to me. It'll take much more that an eye diversion to get by me."
"I'm sorry… It was weak and I've put things in danger…" Aya confessed, shutting her eyes from seeing his disappointment.
Hiro smiled and shook his head. "No, Aya. I shouldn't have sent you there. I should have figured you'd want to spend more time with them. It's only natural."
"It's so hard, though…. I want to tell them so badly…" Aya admitted with a sigh. "But I can't."
"Exactly. In any case, you held yourself together back there. I'm surprised," he changed the subject, his voice tinted with praise.
"Lloyd looked like he was going to kill her… and she was like a mother to me… and I know how she is…" Aya tried to explain in a modest tone, but was failing miserably. Hiro rarely gave out praise and to be sent at her caused her to blush in embarrassment.
"Of course. Now, I'll go have a talk with our heroes. You get some rest and find a set of clothes that fit when you're done," Hiro made clear, rising to leave. He barely got to the door when Aya posed a question.
"By the way, where's Rin? I was sure she would have been to see me by now."
The way Hiro froze in mid-motion set off alarm bells in Aya's brain. Something wasn't right. She frowned, realizing Hiro had planned not to tell her about it.
"Aya… Rin's been… she was…" His shoulders became hunched up as he clenched his fists angrily. He was having great difficulty saying it. "They got Rin."
"What?! But how? When?" Aya gasped, surprised and upset. Hiro looked over his shoulder, his eyes' sad.
"They thought she was you."
Hiro inputted the security code and the metallic doors slid open. He entered the room, very aware of the six pairs of eyes looking his way. The doors shut with a soft click and Hiro casually made his way to the vacant seat at the end of the table.
The others had taken their own seats and there were small glasses of water at each seat.
"Well, I went over with Aya what she told you. So before I discuss more recent events, are there any questions?"
It seemed that none of the Spymphonians had expected the floor to be open to them so quickly.
"The cloaking device used around the base," Raine spook up, resting her elbows on the table, "it must run on a huge amount of mana. What do you use as its source?"
"We use these stones here," Hiro explained, pulling down the collar of his shirt. A red gem gleamed in the sudden exposure of light.
"Is that another Memory Stone?" Zelos asked, one eyebrow raised.
"A what?" Hiro asked, also confused.
"A Memory Stone," Kratos spoke up. He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms across his chest. He locked his own visible eye with Hiro's before continuing. "Aya uses one to amplify her abilities. Though I believe work no differently then our Exspheres."
"Like an Exsphere?" Lloyd exclaimed, eyes wide.
Hiro's eyes slimmed, as he placed his elbows on the table, and clasped his hands together.
"I see. I'm not sure what you mean by Exsphere, but this is not a Memory Stone. Memory Stones are lower level amplifiers," Hiro explained.
"Amplifier? Then it does work no differently than an Exsphere," Genis realized, speaking for the group.
"Perhaps. Here in Cadence, there are three levels of amplifiers. First – and lowest – are Memory Stones: created from the life of one human or half-elf."
"Say what?" Lloyd stammered. He slammed his fist on the table. "Are you saying you sacrifice peoples' lives for these amplifiers?"
"Lloyd," Kratos stated calmly. Lloyd looked over to his father, who merely shook his head. Growling in annoyance, he dropped forcefully into his seat and checked his anger.
"We don't sacrifice anything," Hiro mumbled, eyes downcast. "Memory Stones are made from peoples' life force, but they are created after one has died naturally. They can only be equipped by those directly related by blood. Hence the name.
"Second level amplifiers, like my own, are called Augmenters. These are created from a mixture of natural mana and life force of a half-elf or elf. There are very few of these left due to the decline of natural mana in the world."
"Natural mana?" Sheena asked, pushing her bangs out of her eyes. "What, like the elements?"
"Precisely. The final type of amplifier has no name, for they are no longer in existence. We tried to recreate these amplifiers, but without any luck. There is some unknown scientific element in these amplifiers that we could not artificially create."
There was silence afterwards. Hiro looked around and seeing no one else posing questions, he reached for a clipboard lying on the table.
"Now, as you know we sent Aya to Symphonia to bring the Eternal Swordsman here," Hiro explained. He looked over at Lloyd. "Do you know why?"
"Because you need the power of the Eternal Sword, right?" Lloyd answered, looking as those this was obvious.
"Something like that," Hiro replied. "However, whatever plans we need you for have had to be pushed back."
"Pushed back? Do you think we have all the time in world here?" Zelos criticized.
"I know we don't. I'm asking this as… a favor," Hiro lamented, looking away.
"Oh, this should be good," Zelos stated, exasperated and rolling his eyes. "I would think you should be the ones doing us the favor."
"Zelos!" snapped Sheena, tugging on his hair and pulling him back down into his seat. "Show some respect, alright?"
"He's right, I have not the right to ask you this," Hiro sighed.
"Ask us what?" Lloyd inquired. It couldn't hurt to know what the favor is, could it?
"I need you to rescue…my daughter."
Aya was upset and at the same time angry. She stormed over to a large chest of drawers and dug through clothes. She was dismayed to find nothing of her own left. Grunting unhappily that yet again she would be wearing clothes that were not her own, she pulled out the only outfit Rin owned that could be qualified as clothes.
She quickly pulled on the thick ivory under-armor that would protect her stomach, torso, and upper body. She then slipped into a forest green fighting kimono. Adjusting it over the armor, she hooked the two clasps next to her shoulder.
Two slits in the ankle length dress came up to her thighs. Within minutes she slipped on worn brown boots and buckled the belt that held up her sword around her waist. Aya grabbed a black square piece of cloth from the top of the dresser and used it to tie back her hair. (a/n: think bandana tied up Cinderella style.)
The door to the room slid open as she left and closed automatically as she went down the hall. She knew Hiro would be briefing the people from Symphonia on what happened that morning. She wanted to be there to explain. Aya didn't know why but she felt she needed to be the one to tell them.
As she approached the conference room, Aya slowed. She could hear the voices from inside carry through the door.
"I need you to rescue…my daughter." Aya blinked. That was Hiro and he sounded like he was begging.
"What?" Lloyd gasped.
"She was kidnapped by the Order a few days after Aya left to bring you all here," Hiro explained.
"Could you explain what happened?" Raine inquired.
"We couldn't let the Order think that Aya was missing. We know they keep tabs on some of our movements. So we had Rin impersonate her. She was out on a scouting mission with a friend when they were attacked. They haven't been seen since."
Aya choked back a cry of disappointment. Hiro hadn't mentioned she had been taken as well. Aya knew full well who this friend was. She felt hurt that Hiro would not tell her such an important fact.
Why? she wondered before a sudden sense of anger began to form inside her. She had the sudden urge to just barge in and interrupt the meeting. Aya squared her shoulders, preparing to do just that when one of the soldiers inside shouted,
"Sir! We're picking up a transmission from the Order. It appears they are broadcasting some sort of public message."
"Put it up immediately," Hiro ordered. Aya dashed forward into the room immediately. Everyone looked over at her in surprise, sans both Hiro and Kratos. Zelos let out a whistle of admiration before being slapped by Sheena.
"Hello renegades," a calm voice echoed from the black screen. A light flickered on, illuminating the owner of the voice. Short white spiky hair covered his head as he stared ahead with solid black eyes. He smiled comfortably, like one who holds all the cards in poker.
"Erebus," Hiro growled, oblivious to the fact that the Angelus leader couldn't here him.
"I'm sure there are some new guests with you, to which I extend my humble greetings."
"What's his deal?" Genis mumbled to Lloyd, who shrugged.
"I'm not one for much chit-chat. What fun would it be if I spilled my master plan to you now?" he joked, his confident smile never wavering. "In any case, I've been a bit bored and love to play."
"What's the bastard getting at?" Hiro growled. "We aren't pawns to be played with!"
"As you've probably gathered, I have your precious daughter and her tutor. So how about a game of chance? I'll give you forty-eight hours to save their lives before I execute them both. Seem fair enough? If you get to them, I'll let them go. If not, they die. Isn't it grand?"
Erebus laughed heartily before glaring at the screen. "Entertain me this time."
The screen went black.
Hiro slammed his fists into the table causing cracks to form beneath them.
"Damn it."
"Shit," Aya mumbled, closing her eyes to keep from crying. Her fists were curled into balls, fingernails digging into her palms. She ignored the pain as she snapped her gaze at Hiro. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Hiro didn't respond. Instead he closed his eyes, mentally trying to calm himself down.
"Damn it, don't ignore the question!" Aya snapped, clenching her fists tighter.
"I'm not ignoring the question, Aya," Hiro argued back, walking over to a subordinate. "I cannot remove the blame."
"Did I say this was your fault?" Aya cried out. She gasped suddenly, a realization hitting her so hard, she had to lean back against the wall to support herself. "So that's why… oh my god…"
"What's going on?" Lloyd demanded, looking from one to the other.
"The woman who attacked Aya this morning is my wife," Hiro explained dryly, tossing a photograph onto the table, and ignoring the rest of the explanation. "This is a picture of Aya and Rin, my daughter, taken a few years back."
Beside Aya in the photo was a smiling young girl. Blue hair covered half of her face and she looked like she was laughing at the cameraman.
"I know I brought you here to save our world," Hiro mumbled softly, "but please save her first."
"You would risk the world for one person?" Kratos demanded harshly from the back of the room. Hiro looked back at him, his gaze surprisingly sad.
"I believe it is worth it. I have a friend who would agree."
Kratos stared back, his face blank. However, something clicked inside his brain and instead decided to ponder it instead.
Zelos looked over at the picture and only needed one look to decide.
"Lloyd, we gotta save her," he ordered. "I, the great Zelos Wilder, could never leave such a beauty in distress!"
"Oh brother," Sheena moaned, rolling her eyes.
"We don't know a thing about our enemy. We'll have to organize before just barging in there," Raine calculated, fingering her coffee mug. "That man… seemed too aloof. We can't go in over our heads."
"Raine is right. We have the time. We should use it to rest and set off for there base tomorrow," Kratos agreed, looking around for agreement.
Aya looked around in disbelief. "I don't believe it. You actually trust him?"
"We can only assume he'll keep up his end of the bargain," Sheena reasoned. "We need to get information about his base; troop strength, etcetera before we rush in there."
"You research all you want," Aya spat, eyes glaring. "I'm going."
She turned around swiftly and stormed to the door. Everyone jumped up to try and stop her. Kratos, being the closest to the door, jumped to his feet and grabbed Aya's wrist. She grunted in surprise at the iron grip on her arm holding her back.
"Let me go," she growled dangerously.
"Your emotions are clouding your better judgment," Kratos calmly explained, staring unflinching back at Aya's death glare. "I don't think your friend would want you to rush to your death while trying to save her."
"What do you know?" snarled Aya, her eyes darkening to a violent shade of violet. Her honey-brown hair began to stand on end and small sparks snapped in the air around her.
Several crackled near Kratos' right hand, which held her back. Regardless of the burns inflicted on him, Kratos didn't even flinch.
"Aya!" Hiro stated firmly. She ignored the unspoken order to stop.
"Do you honestly think you can beat them alone?" Kratos asked, his voice deadly serious.
Aya growled in frustration, looking away. "I won't…." Aya started, staring at the floor. She snapped her head up quickly, glared straight at Kratos' face. "I won't let them kill another person important to me!" she snapped.
With a sudden burst of strength that, quite frankly, surprised the seraphim, Aya yanked her arm out of his grasp and ran down the hall.
"Dude, shouldn't we stop her?" Zelos offered, preparing to give chase.
"That won't be necessary. She isn't leaving the base," Hiro replied, exhaling his frustration and slumping down in a nearby chair. He folded his hands together and massaged his temples with his thumbs.
"Um I may be the only one here, but did anyone think that was a bit out of character?" Sheena mused aloud, posing her thoughts.
"Yeah. What was with that energy? And why was she so angry?"
Everyone turned to look at Hiro, who glanced back at them with one blue eye open.
"Why does everyone assume I have the answers?" he wondered aloud. "Short answer," he stated, staring down at the table, "Aya gained several traits from her parents before they were killed."
"Woah," Lloyd mumbled. "Did this Erebus guy do it?"
"Yeah, he did. Or his minions, no one really knows. Her father was killed before she was born. Her mother died right in front of her, so to speak, when she was only a baby."
"So to speak?" Sheena inquired. Hiro looked up at her and mused quietly for a moment. "She was thrown from a cliff just before her mother died – by her very own mother."
"Damn… to think I had it rough," Zelos mumbled, scratching the back of his neck nervously as he recalled all his complaints of being the Chosen.
"In any case, it seems her father was a proficient magic user and Aya specializes in thunder skills specifically."
Lloyd looked downcast, thinking to himself and studying his travel-worn boots. He glanced sideways at his father, who also seemed to be deep in thought and studying the small burn wounds on his hand.
"-I think it's a good idea to rest. The guards outside will lead you to your sleeping quarters," Hiro offered, snapping Lloyd out of his musing. "Raine, I'll have any files on Erebus sent to your room for you to study."
"I appreciate it," Raine acknowledged.
"It's the least I can do," Hiro replied, smiling slightly before excusing himself from the group.
Several hours later, Kratos still found himself unable to sleep. Too many things were nagging at his mind. He growled softly at his own inability to solve the massive jigsaw problem his brain had created.
He looked at his hand where Aya had scarred him earlier. Even though the blemishes were no longer there, he could still remember how surprised he was her sudden explosion of energy and strength. No ordinary person could force an Angel's grip away like she had done. Then there was this "friend" Hiro had referred to. If it wasn't enough that Kratos was feeling that he had met Hiro before, Hiro seemed to be giving off a vibe like he knew them all personally.
The whole situation bothered him. Kratos preferred to be in a position of control or at least feel like he held some of the cards. But all of his movements were being directed by someone else. It was nerve-racking.
Kratos glanced over at his son, who snorted in his sleep and rolled over in bed. Kratos smiled, amused at how innocent his son could be sometimes. His gaze fell to Lloyd's bag, which rested on the floor. A medium sized worn brown book was peaking out of the top of the bag.
It couldn't be…
Kratos' own eyes went wide. Silent as a cat, he snuck over to Lloyd's bag and carefully pulled out the book. His suspicions were confirmed.
Gently he ran his hands over the cover, half expecting the relic to disappear in his hands. He glanced over at the sleeping boy, tilting his head in admiration. Kratos wondered if Lloyd even understood the importance of the book in his hands.
Quietly, Kratos walked over to the windowsill. He sat down, exhaling and closing his eyes. There, on his eyelids, he could see her scribbling away in this very book. How he mocked her for keeping it. Kratos opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. What a fool I was…
Gingerly, he opened the diary to the first page and the picture it contained. Sadly, he looked over the people smiling happily up at him. There was himself, not looking a year younger even if the picture was taken nearly twenty years ago.
Then there was her. Anna. How beautiful she looked then. Dark brown hair was tied with a simple ribbon to the side, the long ponytail resting over her shoulder. She was looking at him, a large smile on her face. She was holding up a small bundle.
Lloyd.
He was so small then. Kratos mused he must have been only a newborn in the photo. Anna was holding him up for the photo, but the baby was not cooperating. Kratos half-smiling/half-wincing as the small child had a chunk of his hair in its puny fist.
Anna… if only you could see how much he has grown. Lloyd would have made you proud…
Kratos turned the page and read over Anna's first entry. It was severally faded and hard to read. Some of the words were partially worn away.
Hello diary! I've decided to start one so I will be able to look back on these days and remember everything. I couldn't be happier than I am now. The people on the front page? My loving husband and new love of my life.
Oh, Kratos. How happy you are now. I remember when I first met you; I didn't think I'd ever see you truly smile. The passage of time is truly incredible. I remember the day we met; it'll be close to two and a half years now. Amazing, isn't it? I still remember it, like it was yesterday…
A lithe young woman looked around the busy town. Dressed plainly in a simple white sun dress, she drew no attention from the people bustling around. This actually made her happy as she wasn't in a mood to be noticed.
Anna sidestepped out of the way as a small boy nearly ran her down on his way to the market. She couldn't help but chuckle at his behavior or at his youthfulness.
Tucking a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear, she entered the weapon shop.
"Can I help you, miss?" the store owner asked, wiping his hands clean of the polish he had just been finished using.
"Err… yes. I'm looking for a staff," Anna mumbled, unsure of how to ask for assistance in this matter.
"Staff, eh? Traveling or for fighting?" he asked, motioning her over to a part of the store.
"I guess for both," she replied. The store owner chuckled.
"Everyone has their reasons, I guess; though swords are a bit more appropriate for battle."
"Personal preference, I guess," the girl shrugged. Anna scanned the selection, blue eyes attentive to detail.
"So what does a pretty young thing like you plan on doing?" the store owner inquired, handing her a staff to try. The woman looked taken aback. "Hey, I need more information to choose the best weapon."
"I'm…I have to be on the move constantly," Anna lamented quietly.
"I see…" the man agreed before selecting a staff and handing it to her. "This here is solid steel. Sturdy and yet not too heavy. Should last you quite a while."
"Thank you so much. How much do I owe you?" the girl inquired, reaching for her purse.
The owner shook his head. "No, miss. It's on the house."
"But…"
"No buts about it," the storekeeper stated firmly. Looking around carefully, he pulled her head down close to his. "Listen. If you are in need of some protection from those guys, I here there's a mercenary staying at the House of Salvation nearby."
"What? But how…"
The shopkeeper smiled. "It isn't likely for a human to be running in this day and age without reason," he stated. A small group of people entered the shop, the door's bell dinging as it opened.
"If you plan to be traveling far, ma'am, stop by Marble's. She'll give you a good deal on gels," he stated loudly. "Have fun traveling to Asgard and say hi to your mother for me."
The woman looked at him strangely but smiled anyway. "Thank you so much!" Anna cheerily replied before slipping out the door.
"Sir," one of the three men stepped forward. He and his companions were dressed in light armor and helmets covered their faces. But they all bore the same insignia: Desians from Palmacosta Human Ranch.
"Can I help you?" the storekeeper replied icily, making no effort to hide his dislike.
"Store owner Neil, we here to report that a human has escaped the ranch. If you see anyone suspicious or looking for a quick deal to get out of town, report it immediately. Anyone found helping the escapee will be sentenced to death by General Kvar's orders."
"I will keep that in mind, thank you," Neil replied. Nodding in approval, the three Desians exited the store. Neil exhaled and breathed deeply.
"That was a little too close. I hope she makes it," he mused aloud before going back to his polishing.
Anna arrived at the House of Salvation the next day, tired and hungry. She wiped the sweat from her brow before entering the small building. Ignoring the strange looks of the priest who had just started his morning prayers, she trudged up the stairs to the small inn.
"Wow, you look exhausted," the woman at the desk exclaimed worriedly, walking over and catching Anna before she collapse on her own two feet. "This way, miss."
"Moneys…in the bag…" Anna mumbled, already half-asleep. She remembered being gently let down onto something soft and warm. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The woman on duty smiled, relieved. "Poor child," she mumbled softly before returning to her post. She'd let the girl pay in the morning.
The next day, Anna awoke and finally felt refreshed. Leaving her staff and bag next to her bed, she pulled out 100 gald and handed it over to the woman at the desk. As she made her way downstairs to see what was for breakfast, she combed her fingers through her hair.
Several people were already awake and making their way around the buffet table. Anna scanned the crowd but didn't see anyone that looked mercenary-ish. Wondering if she perhaps missed him, Anna forced her way over to the table and grabbed two soft, warm rolls.
"Did you see that man outside?" mumbled one of the guests.
"I bet he's one of those killers-for-hire, judging by the sword he has."
Anna's eyes went wide. So he hadn't left yet after all.
"But those types never stick around for long."
"And good riddance, too. They always bring trouble."
"Hey, I hear he's injured from protecting some village in the north."
"Not very likely."
Anna missed the rest of the conversation as she made her way outside. Taking a bite of one of her rolls, she chewed thoughtfully as she looked around. A lone dog rested in the sun. Two or three travelers looked like they were packing up to leave. One lone man was resting underneath a tree, a dark cloak hiding his form.
Deciding the rustic fellow must be the mercenary that people were talking about, Anna cautiously made her way over. Reddish brown hair covered his head and hid half his face like a veil. He looked up as she approached, one brown eye taking her in. She felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Yes?" he asked, seeing as she wasn't going to be the one to entice conversation.
"Um… right… I, uh, heard from the owner of this shop in Palmacosta…"
"Neil," he stated, his face unwavering.
"Okay…" she replied, still a bit nervous. Anna didn't know why, but something about him... "Look, he said there was a mercenary here and-"
"You can't afford me," the swordsman replied, closing his eyes and leaning back against the tree, basically ending the conversation.
"But…" Anna was stuck for ideas. Sure, she didn't have any money now. It seems she would have to go on her journey alone. She shook her head; no, she was going to need help. "Please. I know I can't pay you back right away, but-"
"There!"
Anna inhaled sharply and turned around abruptly. The three Desians that had wandered into Neil's shop earlier had apparently followed her here. Two held spears and one fingered the whip at its side. The one with the whip stepped forward.
"24601, you are hereby required to return to Palmacosta Human Ranch. Resistance is futile," he stated clearly. Several of the other guests made their way inside, shutting the doors and praying this didn't become an ugly event.
"I'm not going back," Anna stated defiantly, reaching for the staff upon her back. However, it wasn't there. She gasped in realization; remembering she left her only weapon up by her bed. She scowled.
"There, there 24601. No need to get defensive," jeered the whip-master. "We have orders to bring you back alive."
"Oh that's comforting," Anna mocked. The three took a step forward and out of instinct Anna stepped back – and hit something strong and sturdy. She looked up into the eyes of the mercenary.
"Hey you! Don't get involved in things you don't understand!" the leader steamed, angered as he gently pushed Anna to the side.
"But you said…" Anna stammered, confused. The swordsman looked at her from under his veil of hair.
"Stay back."
"So you want to fight?" grumbled the Desian. He motioned with his head. "Get him!"
The two spearmen charged forward, shouting as they thrust their weapons at the swordsman. The spears impaled air and the two Desians stumbled from momentum.
"What the?" one shouted.
"Behind," the swordsman simply stated. The two spearmen turned around to see him reach under his cloak and grab a worn black hilt. In an instant, he drew the blade and sliced the tops of their weapons in half.
"Y-Y-You inferior being!" growled their leader. "Kill him! Kill him!"
The two spearmen, without hesitation, leapt atop the swordsman. He saw them coming. Grabbing the hilt tightly, he jumped into the air, spinning the blade with him in a perfect spiral. He connected twice with the Desians, who staggered back from the blows. At the top of his jump, he blasted two fireballs at each of them. With cries of defeat, the two spearmen fell dead.
The swordsman landed, crouching slightly to soften the blow. He turned his gaze unto the leader, whose eyes were wide beneath his helmet. He took a few steps back in fear.
"Are you afraid of this inferior being?" the mercenary asked cynically. He stood up to his full height, seemingly towering over the Desian.
"Damn you! You'll pay for this!" the Desian stammered as he backtracked a few steps before turning and running as fast as he could.
"Never turn your back on your enemy," the mercenary recited, giving chase. In an instant, his blade had been thrusted in the Desian's back. "It will only give way to defeat."
"Above... the speed… of sound…" the Desian stammered, his voice cracking as his lungs filled with blood. The mercenary removed his blade quickly, allowing the dying Desian to crumble to the ground.
Carelessly, the man returned to Anna's side while wiping the blood from his blade on his traveling cloak. He resheathed the sword and noticed she was looking on in a mix of awe and fear.
"That was… incredible!" she exclaimed.
"Where are you heading to?" the mercenary asked.
"Huh? What?" Anna stammered, confused.
"I can't help you if I don't know where you are going."
"But you said that-"
"Heh. You can pay me later, 24601," the mercenary replied, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Anna sighed.
"All right. But my name is Anna. Anna Irving."
"Anna, so where are you heading?"
"Anywhere," Anna stated. "Somewhere where I can start anew."
"Do you know where to go?"
"No… but anywhere has to be better than here. Maybe to the other side of the planet," she mused.
"Interesting, considering you don't know any customs where you're going."
"So?" Anna stammered.
"Get your things. I'll be waiting here."
"You're one confusing guy… do you have a name or should I just call you Mr. Mercenary?" Anna joked, tilting her head to one side and smiling.
"Kratos will do just fine," he replied, not looking up at her. She did not reply but instead ran inside.
From inside, Anna glanced out one of the windows as she made her way upstairs. It appeared that Kratos had picked up the roll she had dropped. She paused, watching him break it into pieces and walking over to the dog. Surprised as she was that he was being such a gentle person compared to the ruthlessness she had just witnessed, she noticed he was walking with a visible limp.
I hear he's injured from protecting some village in the north.
Anna smiled for some reason at that thought. Glancing back once more, she raced up the stairs to grab her bag. Her outlook on her future, it seemed, had just gotten brighter.
Splat.
Kratos blinked, looking down at the page he was reading. A small, moist spot appeared. A second one dropped next to it. Thoroughly confused, he brought a hand up to his face. It was wet.
Kratos couldn't remember the last time he actually cried, his face now lit up with surprise and wonderment.
"Stop that… why are you crying, Dad?" mumbled Lloyd from across the room. Startled, the book slipped from Kratos' fingers, landing with a soft thump. He stared anxiously at his son, who merely turned over in bed, still mumbling to himself in his sleep.
Kratos exhaled in relief, thankful for not having to explain himself. As he reached down, he saw the book had opened to a section of writing in the back. Confused, as it was separated from the rest of the book by blank pages, he picked up the book and began to read.
I don't have much time left. I overheard Kvar's men saying that they're going to remove this Exsphere from my body. The Angelus Project has gone on long enough. But I fear for Lloyd. So far they've allowed him to stay with me, but soon he'll be old enough to no longer need me. I fear they want to experiment on him, too.
I know Kratos is out there, somewhere. I plan to escape and give Lloyd back to him. He needs Lloyd just as Lloyd needs him – especially since I won't be around for much longer. I'll leave this book with Lloyd so that Kratos may find it. He needs to understand I don't blame him at all for my capture. It was fate.
Kratos, please be happy. Don't mourn for me forever. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with you. And I won't truly be gone from your heart – or from Lloyd. I live on in him. So if you want me to be happy, let him be happy. Live for me, Kratos. Be happy. I truly mean that with all of my heart. I love you but please don't h-
The final passage ended abruptly. It seemed Anna never had the time to finish what she was going to say. Kratos shut the book softly. Someday he'd have to thank Lloyd for keeping the book so that he could read it. Standing, he glanced out the window and saw it was almost dawn. Slowly, he placed the diary back in Lloyd's bag. He'd be none the wiser.
Lying back down in his bed, Kratos tried to sleep. But he could not. All he could see was her face – smiling, happy, full of life and love.
Lloyd cracked open one eye from across the room, grinning at his own trickery. Having successfully planted the diary for Kratos to find, he was glad to see a bemused smile on his father's face. You're welcome… Dad…
--Silverwings
Okay! Hope everyone enjoyed! Yes, Aya's new outfit is based on Lyn from Fire Emblem 7. The name Rin? I have no idea, it just popped into my head and it stuck. Hope you all enjoyed! And 24601 is from Les Miserables, a great play. I needed a prisoner number and was listening to the soundtrack at the time, soo... ;)
So, please read and review!
Next time on ToS: Gaiden:
The group heads out to save Rin. Split 3 ways, how will the group survive their individual encounters? Who are Angelus and what ties do some of them have to our heroes?