Darkness Beckons Thee

"Dwarven Vow #30: Anger of the mind is poison to the soul."

Lake Umacy

The group waited until the next day before filing out to the newly delivered rheairds. The mood was hopeful and determined for most of them, but a small air of anxiety could also be sensed within their mists.

Yuan joined by Kratos' side as he stood ready to leave towards the West and Asgard. "Kratos." His friend turned to him and gave the man a half smile in greeting. Looking carefully, Yuan noticed Kratos had replaced part of his melted armor with a spare shirt from within the house, but knew underneath the flesh had still been injured because of him. "I…I wanted to apologize."

The angel standing opposite him shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I know confronting Zaichar must've been…difficult."

"I cannot rest until Martel's death is avenged." Yuan replied with determination. "But that is no excuse for what I did. I am in your debt."

"Considering the wound I inflicted upon you back at Hima, I'd say we were even." Kratos gave his friend a smile. "Think nothing of it, my friend."

Yuan opened his mouth to reply, but it snapped shut in submission. As his anxiety settled he bowed to Kratos, a symbol of his resolution in the matter…and his gratitude.

Lloyd came up behind Colette and took a deep breath. "Hey, Colette um…"

Colette turned to face him, but he took an involuntary step back when he saw her eyes were so sad and downcast, that it reminded him of when she'd lost her soul…except this time, it was his fault. "It's okay, Lloyd." She interrupted him in a monotonous voice. "Let's just pretend it never happened."

Lloyd shook his head. "Look, I can explain…"

"I'm sure you can." She cut him off once more, not letting him finish his sentence. "But I really don't want to talk about it anymore." Inside she knew she would eventually forgive him, but being around him still pained her. Instead of seeing his happy, smiling and determined face, all she saw was the anger burning in his eyes and deep within his heart. It frightened her. She would focus on helping Asgard and ignore Lloyd. Later, when she was ready, she would talk with him…about everything.

When he opened his mouth to speak again, not being one to know when to silence himself, Colette turned and walked away from him towards the rest of the group. Sheena saw Colette come up to her and turned away from Lloyd as the angel-girl joined her side. "Colette, if you want to switch, I can always go with Lloyd and you can join Zelos' group. It must be painful to…"

Colette shook her head. "No, I want to stay with him. It's the only way I can assure myself that he's safe."

"But after the way he treated you last night?" Sheena asked in shock.

Colette kept her eyes glued to the floor as she spoke with the ninja. "I still…love him, Sheena. I don't care if he doesn't feel the same way, but I would be devastated if he were to get hurt and I wasn't there to give it my all and rescue him. When I faced my trials, he was there for me every step of the way…even after I lied to him about when I was leaving on my journey. He risked his life to save mine and that's a dept I want to repay to him."

Sheena nodded, knowing if she had a fight like that with Zelos, she wouldn't abandon him either. "Alright. Just be safe…and watch your back." She warned.

Zelos looked over the flying magitechnology and rubbed his chin in suspicion. "Hey Yuan, will these things fly alright because I don't want to crash into the ocean with Sheena again."

Sheena glared at Zelos and all nice thoughts of him flew right out the window. Carbuncle, who stood at Zelos feet, growled and jumped on his leg, biting his knee and shin. Zelos cried out and tried to unsuccessfully pull the guardian off him. "Well she did!" He protested.

Yuan allowed himself a small smile. "The rheairds should work find. I ordered them to be refueled so they should last you."

Presea and Genis were already mounted on one, having prepared first. Raine mounted a second on her own. "We'll catch up with you guys at the castle!" Genis waved.

"Be careful!" Lloyd called out. "And Presea! Watch out for Genis! Without me around, he may need you to save him!"

Genis growled and raised a fist. "I'll get you for that one Lloyd!"

Presea nodded, not understanding it was a joke. "Understood." Then she took off into the sky and quickly disappeared with both half-elves.

Sheena, Zelos, and Regal were the next to depart on two of their rheairds. The ninja rode alone, forcing her counterpart to reluctantly ride behind Regal on the other one. "This way if I 'crash', you don't have to worry about wetting your precious hair." She teased with a roll of her eyes.

Zelos grumbled sadly and crossed his arms, refusing to hold onto Regal around the waist…like he always did Sheena. "This sucks." He complained as Regal followed Sheena.

Blue transparent wings coming to life behind him, Yuan addressed the last of the group. "I will ring out as much as I can at the castle. Good luck to you and may the goddess protect you."

Kratos nodded and watched his friend take to the skies. For the first time in a long while, the angel was apprehensive about the coming mission. The more encounters they had with Zaichar, the darker his son's future became. Even now, with a smile on the youth's face, Kratos could still see the pulsating blanket of night surrounding his son - influencing his decisions and controlling his thoughts. This was that Anna meant when she said she needed Kratos to guide him. With Zaichar's influence, there was little she could do to aide Lloyd from within the exsphere. Kratos, his father, was the only one who could save him.

"Come on, Colette! I said I was sorry!" Lloyd shouted, trying to get the girl to forgive him.

"Lloyd, just leave me alone!" Colette finally exclaimed, flying into the air past Kratos.

Placing a hand on his sons' shoulder, Kratos shook his head. "Now is not the time. Try and focus on what we've been appointed to do. Give her time and perhaps later, you can resolve your…indiscretions."

Lloyd sighed discouraged and his shoulders slumped in submission. "All right…" He really didn't like the idea of being at odds with his best friend, but Kratos was right. The sooner they resolved this conflict in Asgard, the sooner he and Colette could go back to the way they were before.

Presea carefully maneuvered through the mountain ranges surrounding Triet Desert, seeing it as unnecessary to fly too high in order to avoid them. The air was thinner higher up and with the decreasing humidity and higher temperatures, the warrior girl feared for the two others in her group. Even before she joined Lloyd's group in order to save Colette and exact her revenge on Varley and Rodyle, she knew that those who fought up close as warriors in battle differed from those who stood back and attacked with magic. Warriors tended to have more strength and defense - bred from experience, whereas spellcasters had strong spells, but minimal attack and defense strength when it came to close quarter combat. Therefore during their mission, Presea was going to have to be the fighter of the group.

That wasn't the only thing bothering her at the moment. With two half elves, should they encounter any humans, they could be met with…less than open arms. "Genis." She called to the boy behind her. When she didn't receive a reply, she took a peek around and saw the young mage's cheek sitting relaxed against her back, eyes closed in peaceful slumber. Perhaps we should not have stayed up so late talking…

Night Before…

Presea approached Genis as he aimed fireballs harmlessly against the frozen lake. He didn't say anything as he raised his kendama and released three blasts at a time, striking the same thinning layer of ice. "Genis?"

Half-turning to look at her, Genis ceased his bombardment. "Oh, it's you." He said coolly, indifferently.

Frowning, Presea joined him by his side. "Is everything alright?"

"…" Snapping his arm forward, the mage attacked the lake again, but had yet to answer.

Thinking it better to change the subject, Presea said, "I had…fun this morning, making that cake with you." She felt her cheeks heat up and wondered if she'd caught a winter cold. But…wasn't the cruxis crystal acting as an inhibitor for stuff like that?

"Yeah, sure…" Genis replied. Both stayed silent for a moment before he said, "I did a lot of thinking about what you said, you know back at the orphanage." Turning to her, Presea noticed his eyes looked puffy and exhausted. Despite how much sleep he seemed to be getting lately, he looked like he hadn't slept in days. "I…don't know what to feel anymore. Part of me feels angry and spiteful all the time, but I know that's not me."

"Everyone has darkness in their hearts - some more than others - but there cannot be light without shadow. It is not something to be afraid of." Presea replied.

"I'm not afraid!" Genis cried out. Eyes widening, Presea looked away sadly. Shoulder lowering Genis sighed, "I feel…trapped." He admitted, turning back towards Lake Umacy. "Pulled in both directions - the light…and the dark. I've had this dream for the last few days now. Raine and I fall into the lake right there." He pointed to the spot he had been attacking and was now nothing more than a hole leading into the watery realm below. "I don't have my weapon with me and when I try to swim back up, the ice freezes and traps me underneath." Gritting his teeth, Genis clenches his fists in shame. "I punch at the ice, trying to get out and when I look down, I see Raine reaching out to me. I…I turn away from her and keep trying to break the ice. I don't even try to swim down and save her!" He cried out. "Then slowly I feel the cold creep deep within me and I freeze up. First it's my arms, then my legs, I even start to feel my heart slow down…"

"Self preservation is the most basic of instincts. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

"Not for me!" He countered. "Not for me…my sister is all that I have. If anything happened to her…"

"You are a good person, Genis. Don't ever believe otherwise." Presea tried to comfort. She didn't know if she ever dreamed or not and if she did, she didn't remember them. Maybe it was one of those things that made her less human.

Now as Genis slumped relaxed against her, she was comforted by the idea that her friend would be relaxed enough with her to sleep where otherwise he would be unable.

Raine joined her side and saw her little brother fast asleep. Looking to the axe-girl, the scholar decided to mention something that had been bothering her. "When we get to Triet, we may have to prepare for the worst." She cautioned.

Presea nodded. "I agree, but we have a mission of peace to fulfill." The cause sounded definitive, but not everyone would see it that way. "It's as simple as that. We cannot be deterred."

"But they'll try." Raine said with a shake of her head. As she glanced at Genis, his original innocence visible in his calm expression, she couldn't help but fear for him. "Segregation against our kind has always been hard on him. I do hope Triet has not become…too hostile."

Presea nodded quietly, not wanting their conversation to awaken the boy behind her. But unknown to both girls, Genis was anything but asleep. As time passed, more of his sole became lost in the darkness beneath the ice and what remained was devoid of fear and caring. Let them try and stop us. Genis thought with an evil smirk neither companion riding with him noticed. We won't be pushed around anymore. If it's a fight they want, it's a fight they'll get.

Sybak

Zelos' group arrived at Sybak rather quickly, having only a short flight from Lake Umacy. With Regal's standing, they easily got a small garage to store the two rheairds during their diplomatic stay.

Sheena had to admit, everything was going rather smoothly, having yet to face any negative opposition, but then again they had just gotten there. "Well, where to first?" She asked relaxed, placing one hand on her hip. Carbuncle stopped by her feet and sniffed the air trying to pick up any strange scents that might harm her mistress.

"Well, I wouldn't advise that we split up." Regal replied. "The situation is far too delicate – we're going to need to deal with this carefully, adopting each of our skills to solving whatever problems have arisen."

Zelos nodded, but said nothing. For the entire trip here up until now, Shinji had been trying to convince him to speak with Sheena and finish what he started on the Isle of Decision. It was annoying that spirit even knew about that since it was before the connection, but Zelos – he could get over that. What he couldn't get over was the constant nagging voice in his head. Would you just let it rest? I'm not telling her! And even if I did, it wouldn't be here! The swordsman countered in his mind. This way he didn't look like some insane guy talking and arguing with himself.

So you admit, you were going to tell her back then. The spirit replied. It was odd. Because even though Zelos had only seen his form for a little while in his dream, he could almost hear the boy's smile within his words.

Growling, Zelos grit his teeth to keep from shouting verbally. When and where I do it is none of your business! It's up to me, okay?

Then might I make a suggestion?

Sighing in defeat, Zelos replied. Fine. Go ahead.

"Shall I acquire us three rooms at the inn?" Regal asked Sheena.

The ninja shook her head. "Nah, don't worry about it." Motioning to Zelos with a tilt of her head, she grinned. "He's harmless. Besides, it'll save us money."

Raising an eyebrow, Regal commented, "When was money ever an issue?" In truth, the president had quite a lot saved up from running the Lezareno Company so long and could live comfortably for many years to come.

"You forgot about Zelos' appetite." Sheena teased.

"Ah." Regal completely understood. Seeing someone approach from behind Sheena, the seasoned politician straightened his back. "Here comes more problems."

Finished with his conversation with Shinji – which Zelos had to admit wasn't too bad of an idea – he turned to see the representative of Sybak from the World Council approaching their group with haste. A wide grin crossed his lips as he opened his arms in mock greeting. "Well, if it isn't my favorite person!"

Red in the face from contained anger, the representative from Sybak, Vicky, seemed ready to explode from emotion as she stomped her way over to Zelos. With fists balled up as tightly as they could, Vicky stopped in front of the cocky warrior and hissed through clenched teeth, "What are you doing here? We didn't send for help!"

"No, you didn't. That would've been the smart thing to do." Zelos crossed his arms in smugness.

While Sheena grabbed Zelos by the ear and dragged him away from Vicky, Regal cleared his throat and stepped up. "We came here on our own to see if we might be of some assistance."

Turning her gaze to the slightly taller man, Vicky shook her head. "Absolutely not. We can handle everything on our own just fine. Now leave."

"Until the Arbiter tells us otherwise, we can remain here as long as we like." Regal countered. "You do not hold the authority to dictate our exile."

Cursing under her breath, the ambassador looked to the side. "Very well, but I warn you. Do NOT interfere with our investigations. And we are not responsible for your safety."

"Gosh, such hospitality." Zelos rolled his eyes with sarcasm.

Sheena gasped and smacked him upside the head while Carbuncle ran up his back to his shoulders and hit him with her tail from the other side.

"Understood." Regal consented with a warning glare of his own. Looking back to the female politician, he thought to ask, "What exactly has been going on here?"

"We don't really know." Vicky admitted with exhausted frustration. "The attacks usually come at night, groups of people causing mostly collateral damage."

"And who is behind it? Has anyone gotten a good look?" The president asked.

Vicky shrugged. "Some say their half-elves punishing us because of our research, but they come hooded so we can't see their faces. What is true is that they use magic. Whatever you find out, don't give the terrorist group reason to attack again. Over time they've grown bolder and more dangerous. I don't want outsiders causing more problems." She eyed Zelos – who glared back – then turned and disappeared within the main library.

Asgard

Kratos, Lloyd, and Colette made it to Asgard without incident, but it was soon obvious that something was up. There weren't any tourists lined up outside the caves that used to draw so much attention. Instead, the city hidden within the cliffs was a ghost town, seemingly devoid of any life. Lloyd recalled his wings and kept his hands near the hilts of his dual swords. His heart raced, but it wasn't because of the flight over. Something was telling him to be wary. Colette scanned over the stores and houses carved right out of the rock side. A light wind turned the windmills and weaved through flags mounted on top of the swellings. Her heart sank at the scene and she instantly felt worried about her friends: Harley, Linar, and Asha. "What's wrong here?"

Kratos also kept his hands close to his sword and looked across the terrain through narrowed eyes. This smells like an ambush… He thought suspiciously. But when Linar and Harley came out cautiously and carefully – despite their demeanor – Kratos' shoulders relaxed a bit.

"Linar!" Colette exclaimed in relief. "Harley, you're all right!" She rushed forward and gave the female half elf a hug.

Harley returned the hug while Linar turned to the two others in the group. "Though we're happy to see you, you're putting yourself in danger by coming here. You'll be seen as sympathists."

"By whom?" Lloyd asked.

"By the humans." The male half elf replied simply.

"You should come inside where it's safe." Harley rushed, pulling Colette along. "It's almost sunset."

"What happens at sunset?" Kratos asked, following the group inside Asgard borders.

Linar looked sideways at the angel. "We'll explain everything inside."

Triet Border

Presea, Genis and Raine landed on the outskirts of Triet and approached the town slowly. Presea and Raine came unarmed, though Presea still had her weapon latched onto her backside, while Genis held his kendama out in the open. I won't back down this time. As soon as they were within sights of the entrance, they immediately saw two guards standing in front. "The Renegades?" Raine questioned, recognizing the uniforms.

Presea walked up and addressed the two. "Did Yuan send you?"

"No way." One replied. "We used to think he was a great leader, but after he went berserk against that Zaichar guy, we lost all respect for him."

"A few of us decided to leave the Renegades and become hired help." The other informed. "Triet's paying us good to keep people like you out." He raised his pike and pointed it at Raine and Genis. "This is a human settlement. They don't want you here." The comment was shocking because so few of the Renegades were actually human. Because of Yuan's cause, most of the soldiers he'd recruited were half-elves themselves.

Growling, Genis blasted a fireball at the man's hands causing the guard to cry out and drop his weapon. "We won't take 'no' for an answer." He replied in a low, menacing voice.

Raine was without words, unable to believe this was her Genis! Presea unhooked her axe and rushed to his side in case they retaliated. "We do not wish to cause trouble." She stated. "But we have business here and will not recede until we are finished."

"So get out of our way!" Genis demanded.

The guard who had the pike was clutching his injured hands against him and glared at the defiant halfling. The other stepped out of the way in a huff and gestured for his partner to do the same. Though Presea did not agree with his methods, Genis did succeed in getting them into the city and the man would heal within the week. Looking sideways she could see Raine was disturbed and upset. The three of them would have to sit down and have a nice, long chat.

Sybak

Zelos stayed with Regal while he acquired them the two rooms, crossing his arms in growing discontent.

You're upset because you know I'm right. Shinji spoke from within Zelos.

But here? We're supposed to be trying to stop the fighting and disputes. I can't make this into a secret honeymoon of mine. That's low, even for me.

Who said anything about a honeymoon? I merely think you should act like a man and tell her how you feel.

Zelos gawked at the accusation, drawing attention to himself as Regal finished the arrangements. "Are you okay?" The politician asked.

"Huh? Yeah. Hey, where'd Sheena and Carbuncle run off to?"

Looking around, Regal shrugged. "I'm not sure." He admitted with a frown.

Suddenly feeling confident and determined, Zelos nodded. "All right. Regal I'm gonna need your help with this one."

Regal smirked and let out a short laugh. "It's about time."

Zelos froze in disbelief and shock. "Huh?"

"As soon as they come back, I'll take Carbuncle up to the room and keep her busy." Regal said walking away as Sheena and the spoken guardian came into the inn. "Carbuncle, would you be so kind as to come with me to…inspect the two rooms. I'd imagine our presence here might stir up some unwanted attention."

"Oh, okay." The fluffy mouse replied. Looking up at Sheena, Carbuncle tilted her head. "Is that okay?"

"Sure, go ahead." The ninja replied easily, not noticing a thing.

Zelos was open-mouthed as he was instantly left alone with the girl. And he made it sound so believable.

Well, it is true. There could be any number of hidden traps up there. Shinji replied.

Zelos sweatdropped. Thanks for letting me know NOW! He shouted at the guardian mentally.

Sheena looked over at Zelos and caught him gazing at her, so she quickly stared at the floor. Cheeks heating up, Sheena hoped Regal and Carbuncle returned quickly. Being alone with Zelos was getting harder and harder to do these days.

Taking a deep breath, the warrior gathered up his courage and smoothly turned to the ninja at his side. "Do you wanna go for a walk?"

Sheena gulped and finally met his gaze. "A walk? Um...sure."

Seeing her obvious nervousness, which up until now had completely eluded him, Zelos' shoulders relaxed and he smiled fondly at her adorable features. His own nervousness was overshadowed by his affection for her and his actions no longer stemmed from a forced act or rehearsal. He wanted nothing more than to be with her and provide happiness for the rest of their days. "Come on." He soothed. "I've got somewhere special in mind."

Sheena nodded and followed him back towards Sybak's entrance. Her mind searched for the reason for his sudden change in behavior of causing mischief in Sybak to spending time with her. What are you up to Zelos?

Asgard

Lloyd frowned as his friends explained to him the situation. It seemed a group of humans were terrorizing the half-elves that had taken refuge within Asgard. Asha lay wounded – yet healing – in a bed in another room. During an attack the previous night, raiders had tried to take Harley hostage and when Asha stepped in to save her, she was nearly trampled to death by the man's horse. Now Harley and Linar had nowhere to go and refused to leave the others still in hiding within other houses. "You're prisoners in your own homes." Lloyd commented sadly.

"Just about. Thankfully Linar found an underground passage out the back of the city and brought back water and food for everyone." Harley replied.

"Unfortunately before I could tell everyone and get them out, the jerks found out about it and blew up the exit. I don't think our supplies will last longer than a week." Linar explained in growing despair.

Kratos sat solemnly thinking. "Do you believe they will attack again tonight?"

Harley nodded. "They will continue to attack as long as we remain here. They wish to drive us out."

"But that's not fair!" Colette protested. "This is as much your home as it is theirs!"

"I'm sure they don't see it that way." Lloyd replied darkly. "Well, we're here now. So let's try and relax a bit and if they do decide to attack tonight…we'll be ready." The youth addressed everyone as he fingered his fiery blade.

Kratos noticed the action, but said nothing. When the time for battle came, he would remain by his son's side and keep him from falling into darkness. He knew Anna would be attempting to do the same.

Colette came softly into the room where Asha lay sleeping. She had yet to wake up from her ordeal, but she was breathing so everyone was hopeful she would make a speedy recovery. The angel-girl sat down on the stool next to the bed and sighed sadly. With the way Lloyd had been acting, Colette was afraid not only for herself but for her best friend. Gently she took Asha's hands in hers and sighed. "I don't know what to do or what to feel Asha. I wish you were awake to help me."

I know I said I would be there for him, but what he's becoming is so…scary. It's not like the Lloyd I know at all. Colette thought to herself. Back at Lake Umacy he was so cold and cruel, yet I was foolish to think a little trinket would make him feel better when Zaichar has already caused everyone so much pain and grief.

Colette sat up and pulled her half of the pendant out of her pocket. "Then again, maybe we aren't meant to be together after all."

When Lloyd said to relax a bit, he obviously didn't mean for him to relax, because the entire time he stood watch, looking out the window, waiting for the enemy to appear. Kratos sat quietly, as he always did, arms crossed as he looked over his son but said nothing. Anxiety was probably behind it, which was understandable. They didn't know how many they were going to have to deal with, if any at all. And on top of that, there were other lives at stake if they failed, other members of the village who would be targeted.

Since his back was to Kratos, Lloyd knew his father wouldn't be able to see what he was really doing. Inside his cupped hand was the moon pendant that Colette had given to him earlier. He had been hard on her, but now was not the time to pretend they were back at Iselia. Every second they wasted, Zaichar's plan advance further and the New World would crumble under his iron rule. Thinking back there was so much he didn't realize when he left to catch up with Colette and her journey of regeneration.

This wasn't some picnic or an adventure…it was a trial. One Destiny had laid out for him ages ago and one he would ultimately have to face alone. Having a little moon pendant wasn't going to keep Colette by his side where he needed her no matter how hard he wished for it. And being by his side was a dangerous place to begin with, so part of Lloyd was happy he pushed her away, though he doubted she would be a good girl and go back to Iselia where she belonged. The battlefield was not somewhere a pure hearted soul like hers should be. Tonight people would die and it wouldn't be angelic dolls or even desians, this time it was going to be their own kind – humans – and the blood spilt would be on Lloyd's hands alone.

Lloyd turned to the sky as rain began to fall…perhaps Martel grieving over the war of her children? A light could be seen arcing in the distance towards them and Lloyd jolted as a fire-lit arrow landed on the doorframe of the house, no sooner landing than sprinkles of water rendering it useless. "They're here!" He snapped, already reaching for his swords with two hands.

Kratos stood up quickly. "Are you sure this is wise?" He cautioned.

"We don't really have a choice, do we?" Lloyd countered annoyed, his heart racing for battle.

"I'm coming too!" Colette came into the room with Harley and Linar, her chakrams out and ready.

"No you're not." Lloyd corrected her.

Getting mad, Colette stomped forward. "That's not for you to decide!"

Growling, Lloyd turned to face her. "You'll only get in the way!"

"She won't be any safer here than she will be out there, Lloyd." Kratos spoke up. "They will be targeting the people of this village and depending on how many are out there, they may get past our defenses."

Lloyd knew this, but turned away angry anyway.

Turning to the half-elves, Kratos unsheathed his own Ether Sword. It wasn't a very strong weapon, but it was equally balanced and its length was more effective against humans. "Stay here and get whatever you can to defend yourselves if any come in here. Tell the others to do the same and stay indoors."

Harley nodded while Linar remained silent, worried for his friends.

Lloyd rolled his eyes and took off into the raining night, Kratos and Colette right behind him. As they passed other people worriedly sticking their heads out of their homes, Kratos instructed them to remain indoors and prepare to defend their homes by any means necessary. They found the group of perpetrators standing just inside the entrance of Asgard. They were mere villagers, some Lloyd recognized from their first visit to Asgard, armed with sticks and pitchforks.

"Out of our way humans. We've got no business with you." The leader said, armed with a staff of his own.

"Nice, but we're not going anywhere. Oh, and we're not human either." Lloyd called out his wings, as did Kratos and Colette – having earlier decided perhaps their standing might avoid senseless bloodshed. It was actually Colette's idea. She had been reminded of it from back when Zelos had used her standing as a Chosen to scare the Papal Knights.

The ploy worked and many of the villagers took an uneasy step backwards. The leader growled and shouted, "How can you fight for their kind? We're only trying to reclaim what is rightfully ours! They got no place here!"

Colette stepped forward and shook her head. "They have the right to live here as much as any of you! And we're not going to let you harm these innocent people!"

"Let me tell you one thing, missy." The leader pointed with his staff at the angel-girl. "There was a time where humans reigned on this earth. It wasn't until the elves supposedly left Derris-Kharlan that mistakes like half-elves were born! There was a golden age back then, where we didn't have to worry about the traitorous acts of our neighbor, if our children were being bewitched by their magicks. That is a time we humans will fight for again!"

"But those transgressions are hardly the fault of the people that dwell within." Kratos tried to explain. "They have done nothing wrong."

"Yet. How long do we give them until they do? It cannot be helped. It's in their blood."

"Then I guess stupidity runs in your family." Lloyd countered at the older man.

"Lloyd!" Kratos berated.

"Look Dad, they aren't going to listen to your words or your logic. They're hell bent on this being their last day!" He said the last part mostly to the villagers in front of them.

"But aggravating them more won't help either!" Colette exclaimed from the older angel's side.

"If you're not with us, you're against us and we'll treat you no differently than we do them! Attack!"

"It's your funeral!" Lloyd shouted, jumping into the air and flying towards the group.

"Lloyd no!" Kratos followed his son in the air, trying to stop him from making a horrible mistake. With swords raised, the half-angel boy aimed right for the leader and struck.