Conflictions of the Mind
Chapter Seven
The End of the World

--

There's loneliness inside her
And she'd do anything to fill it in
And though it's red blood bleeding from her now
It feels like cold blue ice in her heart
When all the colors mix together - to grey
And it breaks her heart

--

Traveling between the two worlds was a rather unsettling experience, despite the refreshing sense of freedom that came with it. However, they had all realized that these trips would become more frequent until their task was done.

The wind was warmer in Sylvarant, if not more periodic. Raine found herself remembering the words of travelers from the most extreme regions of Tethe'alla and Sylvarant; one wondering if there was a place where it never snowed, the other wondering if there was a place to escape the infernal heat.

If all went to plan.. both sides would be saved. Perhaps, with the summon spirits working together, they could create a climate that would be friendly to the people of both worlds. Yet it would be too much to hope for. Though hadn't they been through enough to find out that some things could be changed if they worked for their cause? Even Raine had forgotten Cruxis for the moment.

Cruxis had not forgotten her.

Some time had passed by now; the time from which they gained the ability to go between worlds, defeating the trials that hindered the final link from being broken. It was at least five days since they left Mithos at Altessa's house, three since they began the gathering of the cursed weapons, two since battling in the arena and freeing Kate, the half-elf, and learning the truth about her parentage. In that time Raine found herself subjected to the usual unpleasant headache, but found that they were not nearly as painful as before. There was still a lot to do.

Raine wasn't sure whether or not she should feel sorry for the woman who had chose to live her life in vain attempting to please a man who would only use her. Her own father. Through their adventure, she had noticed the twisted family relationships that seemed to pop up along the way.

'I barely remember my own father, but hopefully if I were put in the same situation, I would not have chosen that life,' Raine thought, then shook her head a little. 'Then again, who would know what kind of lives we would lead if put into different situations? If Colette were not the Chosen of Mana, if we were to keep on living in Iselia..'

She shook her head. There was a time for contemplation, but it would not be now. They were who they were based on their past situations, but the situations would not become them. As long as she continued to tell herself that, she would survive it.

The summon spirit of Shadow was now bonded to Sheena, just the day past. Only the last remained, and their quest would be completed.

Hopefully.

They had worked intensely on that end as well. They were, after all, currently departing from the revived Linkite tree, which had taken a lot of power and energy to restore. Hopefully the tree would remain safe from harm and extinction at last.

Something about how the connection had been made bothered Raine. Something eerie, with the way the puzzle pieces fit together as if they had been meant to learn the truth. It had seemed completely natural at first, when she figured it out; it only took common sense to put those details together. Yet the flute..

A slight pain in the back of her temples seemed to serve as a reminder not to think too much on it at the moment. After all, all that they had to do now was to break the final link.. and wait. Wait for the worlds to collide together as one. If the process didn't get them killed. That would be what they were doing. "I wonder how we truly expect to survive this," Raine murmured softly to herself. "Yet I suppose their hope and optimism will carry us through it. It is merely a task, after all."

There was still the burning desire for knowledge that would always course through her veins; after all, on the bright side, the remainder of their quest resided in the Tower of Mana. Perhaps then she would finally be able to excavate and study those records, and once more silence the taunting unknowns of her past.

"It's getting late," She heard Sheena call over to them from her Rheaird up above. The black-haired woman was shielding her eyes from the glare of the remnants of the sunlight. "D'you think we should set up camp, or go right in and deal with this?"

"Let's finish it!" An eager voice called from the right. It was undoubtedly Colette. At least Raine was attempting to keep up with the group this time. "Don't you think so, Lloyd?"

Raine sighed a little at those words and shook her head.

"I agree." The red haired chosen called up from below. "There will be nothing that Cruxis can do to us once this is over with!"

She felt struck with a pang, and almost reached for the crystal shard. She had forgotten Cruxis; it seemed strange that Zelos of all people would be the one to remind them of that danger.

-He sounds so sure of himself, doesn't he?- That cold, eerie voice spoke from somewhere within her mind, and she shivered slightly. -What? You know it's true. Cruxis is what makes this world survive, as pathetic as it is. Do you really think you should remain with this foolhardy group?-

"Shut up!" Raine snapped back mentally; it did not even occur to her that engaging in a shouting match in her mind, with a voice that was not her own, likely indicated that something was very wrong.

"Common sense versus reckless spirit, which will win?" Regal remarked, taking her focus away from the voice, which faded into an annoyed buzzing at the back of her mind. The man himself seemed a bit more relaxed lately, considering the group now knew and understood his past.

She shrugged helplessly and turned her head to look up at Lloyd, who was usually the decisive factor in these discussions. Which would likely lead to them rushing into harmful situations without thinking about it logically first.

"While I'd like to get this all over with.. I guess one last night with a camp would work. We do need to get our strength back up after battling Shadow, and it will be good to eat and rest before we take on the last two."

Raine nodded her head approvingly. "Lloyd, you continue to surprise me with your logical thinking!"

"You don't need to praise me that much.." The boy replied sheepishly. From her position, she could see Genis shake his head in an annoyed manner.

Untouched, in her pocket, the crystal flashed. And went dim.

--

Guiding her Rheaird after the others, the pink haired girl found the site of the Tower of Mana to be somewhat captivating. The fact that they were going to see the summon spirit of light seemed to drown out the whispering shadows that she sensed while in the temple.

She could feel safety. As long as they remained near the Tower, the whispers of the shadows would keep to themselves. Even though they now held some of those weapons in their possession. Lloyd's sword had gone silent, as had the kendama that they had found in Altamira. The whispers had become a hackneyed symphony that refused to let her mind alone. Yet there were more important things to think of.

Alicia..

Presea closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them. This was not the proper time to mourn. Perhaps, after they had landed, and when the others went to sleep.. then, she could have her moments to consider. As long as the spirits of light within the tower kept the whisperers silent.

She had sensed a strange connection to Regal at the very beginning, though hadn't let it bother her at first. Perhaps the way he had stared at her for those first few days, seemed extra concerned about her health and welfare.. he was trying too hard. Yet how to forgive him? She knew that she should. They were, after all, on the same side. He had murdered her sister in a mercy killing. Her sister had been used, in the same way that she had. Alicia had escaped, now. Her soul was allowed to be free. Perhaps she had a true soul, instead of the emptiness that Presea had come to know: The aching hollowness that needed something wholesome to fill it.

They were landing now. Presea watched as Zelos and Lloyd immediately went to start a fire. Regal and Genis took out the food supplies, while Raine sat down and perused a book. Sheena was watching her, and offered a weak smile in her direction. "..Are you all right, Presea? You look a little pale."

"Yes.. I am fine." She replied softly.

The ninja nodded. "You've had a rough time this past week. If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you, all right?"

"..Yeah." Presea managed to smile a little. "Thank you, Sheena."

Her gaze went to the two setting up the food. "..Are you sure you're all right? With everything?"

Presea nodded once more. The shadows were approaching, but none spoke to her. "Yes. There isn't much I can do now about anything.. but I feel better knowing the truth."

Sheena drew the smaller girl into a hug. "We're here for you. Just remember that, okay? I know how it is.. not to want to forgive, and I know how it is to have a burden.. and not be forgiven for something. You can talk to me about anything."

Not used to receiving hugs, Presea closed her eyes. "..Thank you. I'll try to remember that."

Sheena smiled, releasing her. "You seem to have a lot on your mind these days. Please don't torture yourself."

"Sheena.."

"Is there something wrong, Presea?" The summoner's dark eyes reflected concern.

There was a long pause, with the smaller girl lowering her gaze for a moment. "I just wondered.. Do you have any siblings?"

Sheena shook her head. "No.. not that I know of, anyway. My grandpa found me in the dark forest when I was young. I was a wild girl, I suppose.. I don't remember much before he found me."

"I see. That is.. awful." Presea lifted up her gaze.

"I've always blamed myself for the fiasco with Volt. And now.. you all are depending on me. To set things to rights."

"It is a lot to expect of one person.." Presea mused. "Considering the roles of the chosen throughout the years.. now you are the one who can bring about salvation to the worlds."

Sheena smiled weakly. "Talk about a lot of responsibility that I wasn't prepared for."

"You are strong, Sheena. You can do it."

"You really think so?" Sheena forced a hollow laugh. "I don't know. It has seemed.. easier, these past few times. Though what if there is some force that will undermine everything we are trying to do? Will it really be over?"

"I know that I couldn't handle this if it were up to me. You have an inner strength, a true soul, unlike me.." Presea said, her voice soft, words slow. "There are many things against us. We have the capabilities to overcome them. Though.. if you want me to be able to talk to you.. I could at least try to return the favor."

"You're right. There's a lot we could learn from each other, as well as help each other with." Sheena drew her into a hug once more. "..You should give yourself more credit, Presea. You are becoming yourself again."

"..Perhaps you could be a sister to me." The pink haired girl murmured softly.

--

The fire was burning brightly. Genis set the pot down after filling it with water, and raised an eyebrow at Regal. "You don't have to stand right here, you know. I can cook the meal by myself."

"Forgive me. I did not realize that you were going to cook tonight's meal." The blue-haired man wasn't about to add that it could possibly be their last; if it was, they needed to be free from such thoughts, as it would only burden them with excess pessimism. There was too much of that going around as it was.

"Oh." Genis frowned a little, looking at the ingredients that they had left. "Hmm.. we should have stocked up more at the last town. We don't have much to work with."

"We have enough to cook some Gratin," Regal corrected. "Plus the mushrooms and chicken might go with it well.."

Genis nodded slowly. "..Yeah. You might be right."

Regal couldn't help but smile a little. It was rare when he and the young mage agreed on anything. Perhaps the fact that their cooking ability was superior of the group was one of the only mutual grounds between them. Genis drained some of the water, and poured some milk into the pot, stirring it. "It'll have to do," he frowned with some distaste, though then picked up the other ingredients and his expression turned thoughtful.

Regal sat down cross-legged nearby and watched him. Genis was rather absorbed now in his work, taking out a knife to chop up the cheese and vegetables. After he had set the pot to stew and simmer, he frowned when he realized that Regal was watching him. "What are you looking at?"

Regal shrugged, even though he was dignified enough not to. "Just thinking. I apologize if that offends you."

Genis groaned, stirring the pot. "Well, I rather you not do it in my direction."

The blue-haired man tilted his head to the side, frowning a little himself. "You still don't trust me, do you." It was a statement, rather than a question.

"It doesn't have anything to do with that. You killed Presea's sister.." Genis sighed. "..Though I'm a murderer too. To protect myself.. people have died. And.. I was put in a similar position that you were. A friend of mine.. she got turned into a monster. Lloyd and I.. didn't even know that it was her. Lloyd is the one who takes the responsibility for it.. but it was really me. My fault.. I cast the last fireball.. that was what.." He lowered his eyes, squeezing them shut.

"Genis.." Regal began, but let his voice trail off.

"You.. you've been punishing yourself for this. You, at least, took penance for your crime.. your crime against Presea. The only thing that I did was demand that I get exiled from Iselia.. just like Lloyd. Because Lloyd took the blame for me. Because he wanted to protect me." The silver haired mage paused. "Why am I telling you this anyway? I don't even like you."

Regal shrugged once more. Genis stared down into the slowly cooking gratin, stirring occasionally. The camp was reasonably quiet; everyone else seemed to be doing his or her own thing. No one was paying attention to this conversation. Which was likely a good thing.

"You feel comfortable talking to me."

Another statement, not a question.

Genis blinked, looking over at the handcuffed man. "What does that have to do with it?"

"You are young, Genis. Yet you have had to overcome trials. We all have to overcome things. And you have suffered things that no child of your age should have." He lifted his head to meet the young boy's gaze.

"I am not a child." His blue eyes focused on Regal's dark ones with a bit of a glare.

Regal smiled faintly. "In some ways you still are. You just want to grow up fast, perhaps. Though what happiness would that bring you? Here you have friends who accept you as you are. You don't need to grow up for them."

"..For Presea I do." Genis muttered. Regal raised an eyebrow, but continued speaking as if he hadn't heard.

"..Yet you are burdening yourself even without shackles."

"I don't have a symbol of my guilt." Genis lowered his gaze. "And it's not up to you to be talking to me like this!"

Regal shrugged faintly. "I have a symbol, because I chose to punish myself. I still do not forgive myself, even though there was nothing that I could do. There is nothing that can be done now. There is no one else that you can talk to about this, is there? Otherwise this conversation never would have taken place."

Genis glared at the man again before adding in some more vegetables and stirring the mixture fervently so that the cheese would be able to melt and that the rice would get cooked evenly. Regal fell silent once more, turning his gaze to the shackles binding his wrists.

'I will not admit that he's right.' Genis thought angrily. 'I can't do that. Not now.'

--

Mithos smirked to himself. It was a remarkably quiet evening in Tethe'alla. Perhaps the quiet was a bit ominous; but it was perfect otherwise.

He had informed the two residing inside the house that he would only be gone a short while to take a walk. Not that there truly was anywhere to wander off in these parts. Being around Tabatha for too long a time put him on edge. Another failed attempt. Now the perfect body was suffering from the Toxicosis.. of course, if Kratos was still obeying him, it would be taken care of in time..

Hopefully, at this juncture, Kratos would succeed in thwarting the plans of the fool renegades. If not, there were still other matters that he could attend to. The fact that none of them even remembered how the crystal split over a dozen years ago was yet another advantage. Even if Pronyma was the only one who recalled it happening, it wasn't anything to worry about.

"She should be here any minute." The blond seraphim murmured. She usually was very prompt. Soon it would be time to choose the replacement leaders for the grand cardinals. After the current crisis with the meddlers was finished.

"Lord Yggdrasill." He looked up into the familiar face that belonged to Pronyma, who was hovering in the air nearby. "Our sources say that the group is at the Tower of Mana. Lord Kratos will then likely divert their attention."

Mithos nodded slowly. "I understand. However, it is nothing to worry about. You see.. if this group is foolish enough to attempt to undo the final link, they will be in for a rather nasty shock."

Pronyma folded her arms neatly across her chest. "You think of everything, Lord Yggdrasill. Might I ask what this shock will be?"

"You will very likely see it for yourself. They are very persistent. The renegades, however, will be quick to undo the mess that they have created. Then they will see how their plans have been in vain."

The leader of the Grand Cardinals smiled. "I also have news from Forcystus. It seems that he has found and executed a certain group of mongrel renegades that had infiltrated his ranch."

Mithos smirked faintly. "Excellent, Pronyma. Thank you for informing me of this. Is there anything else?"

"No, my Lord."

"Then please return to your duties."

Pronyma nodded, then turned to fly back into the heavens. Mithos waited until she was fully gone before reaching into his pocket. "The beginning stages should already be in effect," he murmured, watching as the color changed in the shard that he held, before closing his hand tightly around it.

He was very familiar with this game: the waiting game. Like a master of chess, he controlled every pawn. Even the ones on the opposite side of the field.

"Your move, Yuan."

He smiled sardonically.

--

If the professor noticed any changes in her body, she would have amounted it all to stress. Or perhaps, anticipation.

She offered to take the second watch in order to not make anyone suspicious. When she did close her eyes, it was not to sleep. It was to be attacked by strange forms of memory from her past. The same feelings from when she had been despised coming back to haunt her.

The strange dream of her running through a maze made of mirrors, running from the water that seemed to be chasing her from every direction she turned. The only light was that of the crystal shard that Mithos had given to her.

'Of course the shard itself can't be the cause of these strange dreams,' she had thought after a time, 'It is plainly obvious that these would have been worse if I did not have that light to guide me through it.' She wasn't sure if it was her own thought, or if it had been

(put into)

her mind somehow? At the moment, she was not going to question it. Questioning her well-being lead to more pain. Right now it was worth letting it lie and dealing with the more important issues at hand.

However, she couldn't really remember much about her dreams before the shard came into her possession, save that they were dark and disturbing. Clearly the shard made things better, and her refusal to use it when she needed it only proved that it was essential to her well-being.

Logic could not find its way through those cracks.

"Raine." Regal tapped her shoulder softly to wake her; she sprung up at once; or at least, seemed to, despite that she was awake the entire time.

"Yes. Thank you Regal." She said, sitting up and stretching slightly. For show, of course. "Please go to sleep." Her voice was oddly clipped, somewhat like Presea's.

The blue haired man frowned slightly. "If you're sure. I only woke you out of courtesy; I could take the rest of the watch if you wish."

Raine shook her head. "I'm all right. Besides, you fighters do need your rest." She gestured to where Lloyd was sound asleep, his head on Noishe's side using it as a pillow. "There are many stairs in the Tower, you realize. And I am quite rested already."

Regal nodded, not pushing any further. "All right. If you do change your mind, I would be glad to take the next watch."

She smiled. "Go to sleep, Regal."

When the Duke finally complied, an annoyed voice at the back of her mind hissed angrily, 'About time. Human filth.'

"They are not." She hissed back mentally. "Go away and leave me alone!"

The voice seemed to laugh. 'Make me, oh frozen one.'

Raine almost automatically reached into her pocket for the shard, closing her hand around it tightly, feeling the pure light scorching briefly before she felt the voice being pushed—she wasn't exactly sure how she sensed this—into the back of her mind, and hopefully out of her head, though there never were any guarantees for things that did not have anything to do with logic.

Raine heaved a sigh of relief. "So there."

--

Night passed without any further difficulty. The professor remained awake for several watches, until she woke Presea for the second to last one. Just to make it seem like she was getting some rest.

Breakfast went fairly fast and quietly; there seemed to be an awkward tension hanging over them, not to mention the sense of urgency to move hurriedly. This would be the final link to be broken, after all.

The group made its way up the stairs to the Tower of Mana and inside. Those who were not feeling apprehensive seemed to be downright exuberant and energetic. It was the perfect balance that had kept them solid for so long. They stood inside the first room, studying the area. The oracle stone seemed untouched since their last visit, as well as those strange blue circles. Sheena shuddered slightly at the sense of déjà vu.

"All the doors are opened already." Regal remarked, his calm gaze going around the circular room. "..There seem to be two paths."

"Yes. We opened them the last time that we were here." Raine's eyes went over to the bookshelves.

"Professor, we don't have time for you to go into Ruin-Mode." Lloyd sighed and took her by the arm, all but dragging her towards one of the doors. "At least this time we don't have to separate into different groups."

"Yes, that is a relief." Colette said brightly. "I think I remember the way up. Perhaps everything else we did was left in place as well."

"It is likely untouched since our last visit." Sheena pointed out as she moved towards the staircase. "Though we're likely to have a few fights on our hands with those strange monsters that are roaming the halls."

Genis lifted up his Kendama. "I suggest we get going, then."

Zelos smirked. "Since both doors apparently lead to the top, I am tempted to suggest a race." He paused at the glares given to him by Sheena and Raine, "..Oh all right, it was only a suggestion. It's not as if we're racing to end the world as it is or anything like that. I think we're entitled to some fun every now and then."

"Now isn't the time, Zelos," Sheena said testily, as the moved to walk up the main staircase in their usual walking formation.

The curving staircase was still dark, lit only by the occasional torch on the wall. With Sheena leading, they were able to avoid the shadows that jumped out at them; phantoms and demons that did not belong in this world.

"This would have been better if we didn't have to walk all the way back up again." Lloyd grumbled when they were about halfway up the stairs.

Raine gave him a look. "It's not as if we could have flown the Rheairds up there. Though it isn't a surprise that you are complaining at this juncture."

"..Heh." Zelos smirked.

"If we keep walking, we should reach the first door." Colette pointed out. After some more climbing, they could all see that she was correct; an already opened box that must have held some form of treasure sat on the landing next to it. "This way, hurry!"

The eight of them hurried into the small room, through another entrance that had been opened, only to be ambushed by restless skeletons, possessed knives, and an unusual looking doll that would have almost been a cute teddy bear.. if not for the way it threw its demonic head towards Presea and knocked her off guard. "Uh!"

"This is ridiculous!" Raine groaned at the sheer amount of enemies. Ironically they were the type that could be defeated fairly quickly if they managed to prepare. Closing her eyes briefly, she was surprised with how fast the mana came to her for the spell. "Ray!"

Presea recovered quickly, turning around to smash at the fiendish doll that had surprised her. "Die."

Less than a half-minute later, the ambush was dealt with. "Goodbye, worthless enemies." Regal muttered, having finished off the last one himself.

"We're all still in good health to continue." Presea remarked.

"Looks like it's still the same as usual." Sheena replied, shaking her head a little.

"Except that we don't know what will happen next." Zelos pointed out as they continued over the paths of light.

"Whatever it is, it will be for the better." Lloyd pointed out, taking the lead in their formation, though froze briefly when a familiar voice called out.

"Stop!"

The group gave a collective start as Lloyd suddenly stopped, glaring across at the auburn-haired seraphim. "Kratos! Don't get in our way!"

Raine grimaced, remembering her run-in with the seraphim only recently. But now. They had come too far now and had no reason to trust him. Her hand tightened around the holy staff, though she remained silent.

"Hear me out. The Derris-Kharlan core system just finished calculating its answer." Kratos' voice seemed to have some urgency in it. "If you form the pact with the summon spirit, the protection around the seed will be completely lost!"

"And that is exactly what we desire!" Another voice shouted. Without any other warning Yuan appeared in front of them, holding his arms out to the sides in an attempt to block the mercenary.

"Don't you understand that what you are hoping for will not happen?"

"Silence! Do you think we'll pass up this opportunity?" Yuan turned his head towards the group, "Lloyd, leave this to me! Go now, form the pact with the summon spirit of light!"

Lloyd gave a nod and led the way up the stairs, the rest of the group on his heels. Raine glanced briefly to Yuan and Kratos for a moment, as if trying to consider something, though turned her head away and went up the stairs with the rest. The time for questioning things was past. This was the time to create the new future.

--

Yuan caught the glance that Raine sent in his direction, and frowned slightly, though was more intent on making sure that Kratos wouldn't be able to follow them than to consider any questions. For a few moments they stood there at a standstill. It was Kratos who first broke the silence. "Let me through. This must be stopped."

"Never." Yuan glared at him. "You are working with Mithos, to expand his ideals. His ideals stopped making sense a long time ago."

"So it is come to this, has it not, Yuan?" Kratos spoke quietly.

"For four thousand years, Kratos, we have struggled with our lives. We have lived trying to discover who we were. We let Mithos' ideals guide us. Do you think that I don't remember when you wandered off the track in denial?"

"Having this conversation is pointless." Kratos said flatly. "We will forever get in each other's way until it is time for us to finally die. I will likely not be the one to cause your death, and you will not be the one to cause mine, even if you do come close on several occasions."

"I know who Lloyd is, Kratos. Did you think I wouldn't find out? To make things even more amusing, your Anna was supposed to become Martel's vessel. Our lives have become twisted spheres to be toyed with and used. My resistance will allow us to escape, once and for all."

"Martel will be revived. It is what he wants."

"It isn't what she wants. We have been an eternity without her. She is dead. I love her. But she is dead. She must be allowed to go free, not live a sham of a life by stealing someone else's. What we have been doing simply goes against her reason for living."

"Stand aside, Yuan."

"No." Yuan charged an electrical spell, keeping it trained on Kratos. "Not until the process is completed. Once the summon spirits are freed from Mithos' control, we will have what we desire."

Kratos charged a spell of his own. "Will it be a stand off here, then? It is pointless to fight. You don't have enough information."

"And I should believe you why?"

Kratos could tell very well that Yuan was finding any stalling tactic that he could. In the standoff, he also knew it was foolish to get either one of them killed. Their eyes seemed to be in a lockstep, neither blinking, not wanting to be taken off guard. Neither spoke either; the sounds of the battle up above was distracting and disconcerting; it was hard to tell when it would finish, or exactly how long it had been going on.

Suddenly Yuan switched, pulling out his sword and releasing his hold on the electric mana. Kratos did likewise, deflecting the attack with his own sword. "Yuan.."

He listened. The sounds up above suddenly went quiet. Yuan's eyes widened and he bolted up the stairs, Kratos right behind him.

Sheena was standing before the altar, receiving the power of light from Luna. Those who had been involved in the fight appeared to be a bit roughed up, though otherwise able to stand on their own feet.

Yuan charged up the stairs, excitement shining in his eyes. "You did it!"

"No!"

The resounding earthquake shook the tower and sent a few people sprawling to the floor. Regal helped Genis to his feet, while Zelos helped Colette to a standing position. Panic seemed to be the theme for the moment as the situation had gone.. slightly out of control.

"We must get out of here!" Kratos' voice rose above the din of confusion; for an instant, Raine wondered if that was fear in his eyes, though it soon vanished.

"Follow me!" Yuan ordered. They were quick to heed his words.

"What's happening?" Sheena's eyes were wide as she scrambled to her feet and hurried after Yuan.

"The tower is collapsing!" Kratos snapped, though they were careful to keep to the formation so as not to trample one another. "Hurry!"

"Then it is all over.." Presea breathed heavily as they made their way down the stairs.

"..Not necessarily.." Kratos muttered to himself.


Author's Note: This is likely my first and last note here. I just wanted to apologize for not only the lateness of the chapter, but for the likely dullness of it. It took forever to write; hopefully the next one won't be so boring! (This is where lzn64 calls me a hypocrite for promising things, I can only hope that it isn't as boring!)

Also, I would like to thank all of you who have reviewed so far. They've helped me to continue writing, otherwise I likely would have quit this long ago. KK- I hope that I answered your questions sufficiently in that review I left you! LL-Thanks for reading! My original intent was to stay as canon as possible, though certain plot twists prevented that from happening. Elzie- wait, we already had this conversation. Play through the game again darnit! At least so that you'll remember things.