A/N: This is the last chapter of this fic. You guys have no idea how glad I am that you have enjoyed reading this fic. I thank you. On to business, this details how I feel Kratos would react to Lloyd and Sheena's relationship. As you saw in the last chapter, Kratos accepts it and is quite pleased with them. That will not change. I believe that Kratos would undoubtedly be their biggest supporter, though he may not say it in words. I also believe that were he able to pick one of the girls to be Lloyd's wife, it would be Sheena. You will find out why when you read. Once again, thanks for supporting me, and I have absolutely no idea how long this will end up being.
"Kratos, come have a look at this," I heard Yggdrasill say to me. I can only assume that he has been watching Lloyd and his friends again. He must have found something that he finds amusing.
Not wanting to keep him waiting, and wanting to satisfy my own curiosity, I go the viewing screen that he is at. Sure enough, I find that he is indeed watching my son. That in itself holds no surprise for me. There are, however, two things that do. The first is what is on the viewing screen. The second is the look on Yggdrasill face when he turns to acknowledge my presence.
"What do you think of this?" he asks me, turning back to the screen. Turning my eyes back to the screen, I wait a few seconds before answering.
"That would depend on whether or not you wish for me to be honest with you, Lord Yggdrasill," I tell him, knowing that the truth of my feelings on the matter could have dire consequences.
"Of course I want the truth," he says, his voice taking on an almost chiding tone.
"Very well, then I shall give it to you," I tell him, my voice gaining the slightest hint of mirth. "I am glad. I do not believe that there could be any woman that would be better for my son than Sheena."
Turning back to face me once again, he stares at me with an unreadable expression on his face. After several somewhat tense moments, he replies.
"I agree."
Those two little words lead me to the second thing that surprises me about this. Yggdrasill truly seems to be pleased with this unexpected turn of events. Something I find quite hard to understand. He must have noticed this, because before I could get the opportunity to voice my concerns, he adds.
"Lloyd may be my adversary in this game of chess, but do not forget that his father is one of my best friends as well as my mentor. As such, it is actually quite easy for me to be happy that your son has found love."
"But doesn't this go against your plans?" I find myself asking.
"How so?" he questions, looking quite puzzled.
"This newly formed relationship gives them something new to fight for. And it gives them new strength to fight with. It is no secret to me that Lloyd and Sheena are the two that you worry the most about. Sheena because she strips you of your pacts, and Lloyd because even though he is not a half-elf, he could easily take the Eternal Sword from you," I tell him, knowing full well that he all ready knows this.
"Be that as it may, they will only take the Eternal Sword if we allow them to, don't you agree?"
He has a point. To wield the Eternal Sword first requires that one be recognized by Origin. And as the seal of Origin, the only way for that to happen is for the mana in my body to be released. Nodding my head in agreement, I wait for him to continue.
"Then what have we to worry about?" he asked me, completely safe in his belief that he would triumph.
"They will eventually take an offensive plan of attack; as such it is inevitable that I will be forced to face them in battle once again. We also know that the Chosen of Tethe'alla knows the whereabouts of the Aionis. Should he decide to fight with them, it would be entirely possible for them to gain the necessary requirements to allow Lloyd to wield the Eternal Sword."
Saying nothing in response, he turns his attention back to the screen the new couple. There is nothing but silence for several minutes before he breaks it again.
"Does watching this remind you of your time with Anna?" he asks quietly, still watching the screen.
For a moment, my mind stumbles. There is little I can say in response. Everything reminds me of my time with Anna.
"It does," I say, hoping to keep my voice as stoic as possible.
"Of course it does," he replies. "That was a foolish question, I apologize."
Knowing he cannot see me, I still shake my head and retort. "Everything reminds me of Anna in some way or another."
"I know, that is why I apologized. Asking you if that reminded you of Anna would be like asking me if something reminded me of Martel. Though the love I have for my dear sister may not be the same kind of love you shared with your late wife, it is no less in strength."
We endure several more minutes of silence before Yggdrasill speaks again.
"I am going to go lie down. I still have not fully recovered from my wounds. You may stay here and continue watching if you desire," he says before leaving me to the emptiness of the room.
Shaking my head after he leaves, I walk forward and turn off the viewing screen. Watching it, I cannot help but feel that I am invading their privacy. Having done that, I also exit the room only to return to my own.
Sitting back down on my bed, I allow my mind to wander to the scene I just viewed. I did not lie when I said that there could be no one better for Lloyd then the beautiful ninja. There are many who would disagree with that statement. Most of who would say that Collette is the best for him. That is not the case, however. Collette is far too self-sacrificing to be good for Lloyd. That trait of hers clashes too drastically with Lloyd's desire to sacrifice none.
Also, there is the fact that Lloyd is a person who acts without thinking. While it is true that Collette would follow Lloyd anywhere without question, which once again sets them at odds for having a lasting relationship. Sheena, on the other hand, will only follow Lloyd when she feels that it is safe to do so. If she doesn't, she will not hesitate to drag Lloyd in the opposite direction to keep him from doing something stupid. Lloyd desperately needs that reliability.
Then there is all of the common ground between them. I learned very quickly that Lloyd and Sheena are almost carbon copies of each other, minus the obvious gender and fighting style differences. They have the same outlook on life, the same mindset that you don't need a reason to help someone in need, and the same burning desire to protect those that they care about. Collette's only real belief is that everyone should do everything that they can to help others. She refuses to make any acknowledgement that there are those who are simply beyond help. That could very well be the end of her one day.
So yes, I hold fast to my belief that Sheena is the one for my son. And I will do everything I can to ensure that they do not suffer like I have. Even though it means betraying my pupil and friend, Lloyd must have the Eternal Sword. I will make sure of it.
A/N: Longer than I expected it to be. No matter, I like it, especially the conversation with Yggdrasill. Anyway, I said that I would have this done by the end of this week and I have four days to spare. Remember, please review.