The Fight For Redemption
"Dwarven Vow #27: A man is judged by his deeds, not by his words."
While Lloyd fights his battles within the walls of MeltokioCastle, those summon spirits still loyal to him are fighting battles of their own…
Izoold
"Faster!" Sephie shouted. She and her sisters were twirling in a giant circle around Undine's three waterspouts, creating a powerful hurricane that spun in the opposite direction. Their goal was to tire the water goddess and make her cease her attacks. Come on...come on... Sephie wanted the fight to end quickly so her friend wouldn't get hurt anymore.
As it seemed that Undine's power would continue, Sephie - as well as her sisters - felt a surge of power as Lloyd's confidence grew. "You have to believe, Undine!" Sephie exclaimed. "We've placed our faith in Lloyd because..."
" "He has faith in us!" " All three sisters of the wind shouted. Their strength overpowering Undine's, the water funnels slowed and fell back to the sea from which they were formed. Undine herself fell from the center of her funnel and would've disappeared below the waves had Fairess not acted quickly and thrown her shield to catch the water maiden.
All three sisters lowered down and slowly brought Undine back to shore. Gnome hopped forward and looked down upon his friend. "We all doubt our masters, even after they face the trials. But I've got a good feeling about this kid. He may just be what this world needs."
"Just as there are times when we summon spirits cannot control our emotions, perhaps it is true with the humans and their prejudice with one another." Yutis said aloud.
"But as we come to know the truth, so will the humans. They just need time." Sephie held out her hand.
Undine closed her eyes as she too began to pick up on Lloyd's change of heart. If we give up now, and civil war breaks out, Zaichar will have his choice of victims to control and manipulate. We can't let that happen! "Yes, perhaps with his guidance, the peace we all strive for will finally be obtained." Part of her knew it was a long shot, but if the Goddess Martel loved the humans enough that she would remain in the form of the Great Viscus Tree, then perhaps Undine could follow in her footsteps.
Icy Meadows of Flanoir
"Try this on for size!" Celcius formed a bow out of ice and fired off three of her famous ice arrows at the flaming Efreet.
Efreet simply laughed and let out a roar as more flame erupted around him, melting the arrows before they could make it to him. "When it's fire against ice, fire always wins." He laughed. From behind him, Efreet pulled out a large mace that had a ball and chain connected to it. The ball was one of the lava rocks from Efreet's temple and red-yellow flames remained lit around it, despite the rushing icy winds of the plains. "I tire of this game, Celcius. It's time I put your loud mouth in its place!" Efreet spun the chain and aimed his lava rock at the ice mistress.
Celcius moved to get out of the way, but the ball grazed her arm and she cried out, dropping the bow as her arm melted away like the ice that created it. "Damn it!" She grit her teeth in pain as she fell from the sky and landed in a heap in the now covered ground below. She lay unmoving for a moment, her body and mana almost completely wiped out. If I can't calm Efreet down, Lloyd's gonna lock us away in the temple's again...just like Mithos. I don't want to go back there!
Efreet lowered himself down and smirked. "You may have come here, thinking you could stop me, but I hope you realize now the extent of your power pales in comparison to mine."
"Think about the consequences of your actions, Efreet. You have always been a calm and wise spirit, knowing that power alone didn't make one strong. And that those who are stronger are meant to control the weak, but protect them. It is the way the weak grow strong, it is how our master grows strong. Lloyd looks to us for strength and support. And his people look to him. Don't let him down."
Efreet crossed his arms. "The Lloyd with whom I made a pact is no longer strong. Only us summon spirits can lead the people from their own demise." Narrowing his eyes, Efreet began to form a lava ball in front of him and right above Celcius' still lying form. "If you cannot see that, then you deserve to be the first to perish under my might."
As the ball got bigger, Celcius struggled to get to her feet. Come on Lloyd. I need your strength to beat him! She begged her master. And now we need all of you to work together to solve this problem and save the world once again. Not for yourselves, but for your neighbors and your children. Celcius heard Lloyd's words and it made her think of her fellow summon spirits. They're depending on me to bring back our friend. I can't give up now!
As Efreet lowered her head and commanded the ball down upon Celcius, the ice mistress rolled out of the way, jumping to her feet as the ice where she had been lying melting and evaporated into mere steam. "I won't give up!" Holding the stump of her arm with her free hand, Celcius called upon the snow below Efreet and a cage of ice rose up surrounding Efreet's floating form.
"What?" Efreet enflamed his body once more, but the cold of the ice made his flame sputter out and die, leaving the cocky summon spirit out of juice and trapped within the freezing cold of Celcius' magic. "I...am defeated." He dropped to one knee, the cage supporting him in mid air.
As the cage lowered to the ground, Celcius walked slowly to the edges of the trapped summon spirit. "You haven't learned anything from last time, have you? Mithos thought power was the way to getting what he wanted, but Lloyd showed him, showed all of us, that sheer strength isn't the kind of power that's needed for ultimate peace…it's power of the heart that this torn world needs now. Lloyd has that power and because of that, so do we…as his summon spirits."
Efreet clenched a fist, but Lloyd's tranquility calmed his inner fire and he looked up at his elemental opposite. "When did such a firestorm such as yourself…surpass me so completely in wisdom and strength?"
She laughed shortly and recalled her cage, the icy bars disappearing into the air as steam. "I was always this complex, you just decided to look past my crystal clear surface." When Efreet smiled and stood up to join her side, she knew the worst was over. Here they stood not as opposites, but as allies working towards the same cause, combining their newfound strength to become greater than anything before.
MeltokioCastleExiting the castle, Lloyd turned to face everyone. "Okay guys, gather whatever gels, food, and equipment you think you'll need and we'll meet at the front gates in one hour. Remember, this time we're taking the fight to him and though we've got the element of surprise, it's still gonna be one of our toughest battles yet. Be ready for anything."
Everyone nodded and agreed, dispersing to the many shops in the surrounding town, leaving only Kratos and Yuan behind. The two seraphim angels exchanged looks and decided to take a walk in the tucked away Garden of the Goddess located on the castle's side, behind the noble's homes. It was open to the public and often used as an offering ground for the Goddess Martel. At present time, the modest yet neatly kept garden was deserted and left the angels to speak in peace and privacy.
"Do you believe the summon spirits will be able to control and bring reason to their own?" Yuan asked, walking down the path of the garden, waist high, square-cut hedges lining them on either side.
"I believe with Lloyd's growing confidence, the summon spirits will sense it as they sensed his anger, and know everything has been resolved." Kratos replied calmly to his friend. "You remember Mithos never did come out of his anger and need for closure concerning Martel. That is why we were forced to encase the summon spirit's power within the temples and seal them."
Speaking of the seals and of Martel made a small smile form on Yuan's face. So many things still reminded him of his last love, but this one was a happy memory. "Do you remember when Martel tripped on the rocky terrain surrounding Gnome's temple? She barely had a twisted ankle, yet Mithos insisted on keeping her out of harm's way."
Kratos indeed remembered. "He entrusted her to use and entered to face Gnome alone."
"But then again, he never had you join in the fights anyway." Yuan reminded his friend.
The former teacher ran a hand through his still unruly hair, remembering how disciplined Mithos was yet the youth still wanted to prove to everyone how strong he was. Completing the trial of the summon spirits was his way of showing his master, Kratos, that he could handle his own. Though the seasoned fighter always advised caution during battle, regardless of the strength of the opponent. "Mithos always felt he had something to prove."
Yuan stopped besides a small patch of blooming flowers and knelt besides them. They were a bright yellow with thin pointed petals, but it was the center that was most beautiful. White stripes melted with the maroon red and tiny dots of black. Yuan remembered buying Martel a bouquet of them because they were her favorite. As he fingered the fuzzy edges, Yuan thought back to that day. "Martel always was clumsy on her feet, but no matter how often she fell, she always felt just as guilty as the last." It was also at the moment, that Yuan felt it time to give his love a present...
After Kratos had used his healing powers to lower the swelling on Martel's ankle, he quickly bandaged it up and offered to scout around for monsters and try to find some water until Mithos' return. That left Yuan alone with the wounded Martel.
"Oh, I hope Mithos is alright in there by himself!" The girl worried. "If Gnome is as difficult as Undine, poor Mithos could..."
"Calm yourself Martel. Your brother has grown strong. With the training Sir Kratos has given him lately, I'm sure he's fine." Yuan assured her.
Martel's expression brightened and she smiled. "You always know the right thing to say to make me feel better, Yuan. I don't know what I'd do without you." She blushed.
"Well..." He placed his hand over hers. "That makes two of us." Yuan never tired of staring into Martel's clear emerald gaze. No matter how hard the constant traveling and fighting became, when he saw the pure innocence of Martel's inner soul, his faith in their cause was renewed. Because of course - she was the reason he joined Mithos on his journey. Being banished by her home village struck a heavy blow to the impressionable half-elf, but even then Martel was passionate that with enough effort and caring by a few individuals, others could be made to understand half-elves and everyone would live in peace. "Martel, there's something I've been wanting to ask you." He began.
Seeing his nervousness, her reply was, "You can ask me anything."
Still keeping his left hand over hers, he reached into the pocket of his overcoat with his right and slowly, hesitantly, brought out the ring engraved with his never-ending love. Upon seeing it, Martel's free hand shot to her mouth and her eyes widened. "Martel, you mean the world to me. I can't imagine ever leaving your side...so please will you agree to marry me?"
Her eyes watered up and she moved her hand to wrap around his neck in an enthusiastic hug. "Yes Yuan! Of course I will!"
In his joy, he scooped her up and spun her around. He would have his wish and forever be joined with his beloved Martel...
"Yuan." Kratos' voice broke his friend's concentration. "Do not force yourself to come if it is too painful for you."
"No, I must go." Yuan insisted. "I won't deny the fact that part of me still seeks revenge against Martel's murderer, but besides that they need us. Saving the world did not change the fact that they are still children. Despite my personal vendetta, I would not allow you or your son to face this alone."
Kratos smiled and placed a hand on Yuan's shoulder. "Thank you, my friend. I pray my dear Anna can protect Lloyd when I cannot. I already lost him once. I couldn't bear to have it happen again."
"And you won't. Together...we will succeed."
Gauracchia ForestLuccia lay open-eyed besides Kamai, still unable to sleep. The quarrels of the nearby villages had already left three half-elf children without family. They were brought in by Kamai, starving and barely alive. Besides elemental magic, Luccia learned the ability to cook food with healing abilities. The only problem was it took longer to take effect than traditional healing arts would have. Unfortunately that was something Luccia lacked in. The children would live, but even now they needed constant supervision.
Sighing Luccia got out of bed, being sure not to wake Kamai up, and quietly crept into the next room. It was here Luccia insisted the three be kept so she could attend to their healing. Two of them looked around six or seven, a boy and a girl, and in their care had been a mere infant. They were probably all from the same family, but Luccia wouldn't know for sure until they woke up.
The infant lay sleeping silently and nearby were the two older ones. The boy held onto the girl, even in her sleep, and the elven elemental could tell he was very protective of her.
As Luccia pulled up the covers and tucked it under their chins, a soft melody reached her sensitive ears and it made her gasp in shock. Walking to the window, she opened the shutters and summoned wind around her to rise to the roof, where she knew her visitor awaited.
Sure enough he stood there with his back to her, still draped in the brown robe from before. He did not say anything as she landed behind him, but it was Luccia who had something to say.
"You were right." She admitted. Intrigued, the man turned to face her, though his features remained hidden in shadow. In his hand was saw the linkite tree flute she'd heard earlier. "They did come...and they led me to him. I should not have doubted you." This cloaked figure had come to Luccia once before, while she was still imprisoned beneath the Tower of Mana. He had told her to remain strong, to not lose hope, but even as she saw Kratos enter the laboratory, she attacked him - not believing the stranger's words.
"It that is true, then I have only one thing to ask: Do you trust me now?" The man asked the elf.
She bowed her head. "Yes. If there is anything you need, please ask." Luccia looked up and on the inside, she wished to know the identity of the man before her, but also respected his privacy. She knew in these unsteady times, some people needed to stay hidden from society. As she regarded him, she noticed his shoulders naturally slumped, as if he were carrying the weight of the world. Whatever this man's past, it was something very painful and his spirit seemed at its limits despite his outward composure.
"The people are gathering at the Point of Rebirth in order to pay homage to the Goddess Martel." The name made Luccia's eyes widen fractionally. "As the last of your people, when the time comes, I need you to…"
"Say no more." She cut him off with a low bow. "I will be there."
The man was silent for a moment and the elven woman wondered if her immediate approval somehow caught him off guard. The moment lasted only a few seconds and he quickly recovered, spinning around towards the far end of the roof. "Thank you." Another pause, this one longer than the first. "I doubt we shall meet again. Farewell." Then he leapt off the roof into the enveloping darkness of the forest.
"Goodbye." Luccia whispered quietly. The actions of the stranger were left a mystery to the elemental, as well as his motives. She wondered what drove such an individual to these great lengths and if in the end, he would find the happiness that so seemed to elude him. She hoped so. May the Goddess Martel always catch over you.
MeltokioCarbuncle hopped onto one of the nearby benches and shook out her fur, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. "I can't believe I had to stay in that stuffy room during your meeting again!" The little guardian spirit fumed.
Zelos laughed as her fur stood on end, making her look even more like a stuffed animal. "Oh come on. You wouldn't have had fun in there anyway."
Ears holding back against her head as she growled, Carbuncle looked like she was gonna rip poor Zelos apart. "That's not the point! How about I lock YOU up in a room and see how you like it?"
Zelos scoffed and raised his hands behind his head. "As long as I'm in there with beautiful women, it's…" He stopped when he noticed Sheena glaring at him and smiled nervously. "I mean, as long as I have my gorgeous Sheena with me, it's all good."
Sheena shook her head, but smiled at how nervous he instantly got when he thought he was in trouble with her. "What am I gonna do with you?" Carbuncle ran up Sheena's back and perched on her shoulder, sticking out her tongue. "To be honest, I'm not really sure Meltokio's gonna have the cards I need. I already have Acalanatha, there's not much else more powerful. I think I'll just have to stop by the Belteon for some food."
"I know what you mean." Zelos admitted. "My sword's good, but I think I can get a better shield. My teachers always said 'the best warrior is only as good as his best defense'."
"Okay." Sheena agreed. "Let's head over to the Trupelos."
You know you're only prepared for this battle because of me. Shinji teased.
Zelos frowned. Yeah, speaking of which, you and me gotta have ourselves a little talk. The former Chosen replied mentally. That little stunt you pulled at Sybak? That ain't gonna fly with me. If you want my help, you got it, but let me do the fighting.
I know and I am deeply sorry. The spirit was quiet as he remembered his love, the image of her happy face still as clear as the day he met her. Saitou recognized my influence and technique and provoked me into that fight. I should not have been goaded so easily. He berated himself.
Whoa, whoa, now wait. I understand it's gotta be hard. When Colette lost her soul and refused to talk to anyone, Lloyd took it pretty hard. He tried to get through to her time and time again, but it was no use. Zelos explained. He doesn't know this, but one night I aught him taking out his frustrations on one of the trees near camp. Poor kid punched that bark until his hands were stripped raw, and the whole time he just beat himself up for allowing Colette to become such a lifeless being.
I still remember her vacant expression and the hollowness of her gaze. I was never worthy of being her protector. If only I had…
Stop right there. The warrior interrupted. Lloyd thought the same and you're both wrong. No matter what protection the Chosen had, Mithos and the desians were hell bent on reviving Martel for their own selfish reasons. The lengths you've gone and the strength of you soul proves how much you love her. No matter where she is now, she knows that. So don't feel bad.
…Thank you Zelos. You are indeed a wise and great warrior. Sheena is lucky to have you watching over her. Shinji replied.
Zelos' ego inflated with pride. Why, thank you for noticing. Almost walking into the door of the armory, the warrior smiled nervously as Sheena raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Not wanting to bring up the fact that he'd been talking with the spirit again, because honestly at this point Sheena didn't seem to believe him anymore, Zelos quickly opened the door and let both the ninja and guardian spirit in before him.
The shopkeeper seemed surprised to see such a celebrity enter his modest little shop, and quickly ceased his dusting to give his full attention to Zelos and his companion, who by the way, he noticed was very well endowed and the former Chosen was a lucky man indeed. "Great Zelos! How might I help you?" His overly cheery voice asked.
"Just in for an upgrade if you've got anything good." Zelos replied nonchalantly.
" "Zelos!"" Both Sheena and Carbuncle berated. "Sorry about him. We came here to see if you had a strong shield available." The ninja continued.
The man thought about it carefully, but in the end sighed. "I'm afraid most of the supplies I carry here are lower grade than you must be used to." Then he remembered something that had been dropped off the other day. "Actually, come to think of it, I think I might have one to your liking, Chose- I mean Great Zelos."
As the keep ran into the back to fetch the shield, Sheena crossed her arms and gave Zelos that look. "What?" He said in his own defense. "I'm not forcing him to say that, besides you can't expect everyone to change from the way things were so quickly."
When the man returned, he held up what he hoped would please the former Chosen. "Here it is! It was delivered two days ago, but I haven't had time to place it on display just yet." Passing it to Sheena he said, "It gives the wearer extra defense again fire and darkness by incorporating obsidian and jade into the design and also spreads any magical attack aimed at it in a far wider arc around the wearer than any other shield. It's called the Dark Star Shield."
Sheena passed it to Zelos and he equipped it on his arm and experimentally moved it around. "Well? We can definitely afford it, but what do you think?"
Zelos brought his arm back down and shrugged. "The green clashes with my style a little bit…"
" "Zelos!""
"But I suppose I'll have to go for practicality over fashion this time." He finished when both girls looked ready to pounce on him. "We'll take it."
Even the shopkeeper looked nervous as he nodded. "O-of course. It'll be just a moment."
Zelos and Sheena were the last the join the group in front of Meltokio. As soon as they were there, Lloyd handed him a square metal box with a few buttons and small pole sticking up at the top. "Take this. I've got one too. It's just like the communication device Yuan has with the Renegades, but travel size. Colette and myself managed to pick it up at the Research institute. This way if anything happens, let the other group know. Remember to keep in touch. If you're discovered and outnumbered: retreat. We know where they're at now, so if they bail, the Renegades can track 'em."
Addressing everyone next, Lloyd stepped back, "We go in two waves. My group will go in first. With any luck, even if we're discovered, it'll pull his troops to one side of the island, giving you guys a clear entrance. If all goes as planned, we'll share intelligence and decide where the best point of entry is."
Raising his arm above his head, Lloyd called out, "Aska! Come forth!" The giant two headed Bird of Light appeared besides the group and awaited its master's orders. "Wait here with Zelos and the gang. When we're out of sight in the horizon, take them to Katz Island. Got it?"
Aska bowed its heads, confirming the order.
Presea watched Lloyd summon his wings and take off with the other angels, not exactly thrilled with his plan. "Why must we separate? Even if we are caught, wouldn't having everyone together give us a higher rate of success?" She asked Regal.
"Lloyd is attempting to create a plan based not on success rates, but on survival. He doesn't want to lose anybody else." The experienced man replied.
Presea thought she was beginning to get the idea and sort of understood how basing one's decisions on success and on the protection of those involved could be difficult. "He is not the same Lloyd we met here almost a year ago."
"No, he is not." Regal agreed. "He has grown up quite a bit. I'm sure Kratos is proud."
The seemingly little girl nodded. "We all are."
Zaichar's Fortress
"Why do you insist on waiting in the shadows when we could be destroying these pathetic humans and half-elves! It matters not how we do it. They ALL deserve to perish!" Omega's voice reverberated in Zaichar's vast private chambers. "Especially that accused Origin!"
"Origin is not whom we're fighting. Not directly anyway. If we destroy Lloyd, I will inherit all the summon spirits and the people will beg for mercy at my feet!" Zaichar laughed as if his plan had already come to pass.
Omega clenched his fists and roared with rage. "I am more than powerful enough for your puny little schemes! You don't need Origin!"
Zaichar got to his feet from his throne and approached the Summon Spirit of Death without fear. "When I get the power I need, I will destroy the Viscus Tree! Won't that be enough to satisfy your thirst for revenge?" The Dark Lord asked. "By the way, why do you hate her so?"
"That is between me and her. But I swear this: she will pay for her treachery."
Over the skies where Tethe'alla Bridge used to stand
Lloyd led his group quietly and quickly, but always looked behind him to see how everyone fared. He didn't doubt Kratos and Yuan could've flown much faster, but still the two older angels kept pace with Lloyd, flying on either side of Colette, who flew directly behind the half-angel. Colette was the one Lloyd was worried about. If the coming battle was going to be as difficult as he believed, Lloyd would've preferred to have Colette stay behind in Meltokio. But he knew the devoted girl would be stubborn and remain by his side no matter what he said. Looking at her for a brief moment, he quickly realized she wasn't tired in the least and turned his attention back to the horizon.
Omega would be Lloyd's biggest feat. Zaichar wasn't any different from Mithos, so Lloyd was pretty confident that had the dark elf attempted to fight Lloyd and his companions with his own strength, they would prevail. But the summon spirit of death gave the half-angel many more reasons to doubt and worry. Hey Origin. Lloyd asked within him. If Omega's a summon spirit, why does he hate you so much? I thought you guys all got along. Is he your elemental opposite or something?
That's part of it, but his hatred for me burns for another reason as well…Kratos looked down and saw the sunlight reflecting off the waters, creating a shine that even the angels could pick up from their height. Lloyd's earlier decisions came as a shock to the angel, even if he acknowledged his son's growing traits as a leader. The youth had taken into account aspects even Kratos hadn't considered. True the boy had probably spent more time thinking about the final battle, but Kratos couldn't help but smile nonetheless. We really did something when we had him, didn't we Anna?
Just then a particular aura caught Kratos' attention and it made his flight pattern falter. He quickly recovered, but it was enough to make his ever-observant friend notice.
"Kratos?" Yuan asked worriedly.
The call made everyone stop and turn to the angel as he too stopped his flight.
When he didn't answer, Colette cupped her hands the way she always did when she was worried. "Kratos?"
This feeling… "Lloyd, keep going without me. I'll meet you at the island later."
"Dad?" Lloyd was about to protest, but stopped. He knew he could trust his father to be there for him when he needed him most. "Alright."
"L-Lloyd!" Colette exclaimed. "You don't mean…"
"He'll be fine. But we've got to hurry." Lloyd gently took Colette and starting flying towards the East of the far off island."
Yuan stayed a moment more, but as he saw Kratos' distant gaze, he knew whatever pulled him away now must've been very important. "Don't be late, Kratos." He said, then followed Lloyd and Colette.
Kratos gave a half smile. "Don't let him out of your sight either, Yuan." Then he flew off towards the East. He wasn't sure if what he felt was the same, but if it was, he desperately needed to speak with the individual. Not too far away, he saw a tall flat mesa that jetted up above the ground and upon it stood a cloaked figure…but this time he wasn't alone…
Landing maybe three yards behind him, Kratos stood silent and recalled his wings. "It's you…" He voiced. Indeed it was the same person who'd told him about Zaichar's intentions to kidnap Lloyd. Had Kratos not been sent back, Lloyd would probably be in the dark elf's clutches right now. "I am grateful to you for saving my son's life."
When he said this, the three the figure had been speaking to stepped out from behind the man as he turned to face the angel. There were three children and they all resembled people Kratos knew well. "It can't be."
"These are not the mortals you know of Kratos." The cloaked figure explained, indicating the children of Luccia, Martel and Kratos himself. "These are the celestial beings responsible for overlooking the destinies of every single creature of this earth. Some may call them the Fates."
The boy Kratos crossed his arms as he gazed intently at the older version of himself. "The past is where we learn to better ourselves."
Young Martel nodded. "The present allows us time to reflect on our mistakes, so that we may change."
Luccia interlaced her fingers just below her chin. "The future is where we are given another chance. To use our knowledge to better others as well as ourselves and our surroundings."
Lightheartedly, the man said, "They seemed to have tagged along to keep on eye on me as I strive to correct my mistakes." Lifting his hands to the brim of his hood, the figure finally pulled back the cloth and Kratos couldn't have been more shocked.
"No…how is this possible?" Standing before him was a person who resembled none other than Kratos' son Lloyd himself, though the one before him now seemed a little older somehow. The same look of fatigue from battle reflected in Lloyd's eyes that Kratos recognized from himself. This cannot be Lloyd, unless… "The…Eternal Sword?"
Lloyd nodded. "The future you'll experience is nothing compared to what would've been and might still be should you fail in destroy Zaichar here. You see, I've come back to alter certain events that Zaichar's generals interfered with."
"Events?"
Knowing a detailed explanation was in order, Lloyd broke it down, "When Sheena left to find the cure for Zelos, Megami killed the storyteller and because of this Sheena would come back empty handed." Kratos was clearly surprised by this. "As a result, he didn't make it to morning."
"Was…part of what you changed…me?" The angel asked slowly, almost not wanting to hear the answer.
Lloyd nodded nonetheless, knowing this is what Kratos needed to hear. "Zaichar kidnapped me and the darkness within me grew." Closing his eyes as his malicious acts resurfaced, Lloyd forced himself to continue. "Little Genis, consumed by the death of the Professor, was lured over by Megami and for a while, we fought alongside – not against – Zaichar."
Looking up into the eyes of the father he'd not seen in years, Lloyd withheld his tears. "You tried to save me, as did Colette, but you both…fell by the same blades I once save you with."
Kratos knew he was in shock, but tried to take in all the information anyways. "Lloyd, have you indeed changed the future?"
The boy who'd seen too much death and destruction, most of it by his own hand, looked away sadly. "There are things even those with the power of time cannot change."
"Spirits that were meant to pass over, must still continue their cycle of life, no matter how short it appears to be." Martel spoke up.
"Zelos was meant to live, while Raine was meant to die." Little Kratos added.
Luccia looked up sadly at Kratos. "But you…"
"Me?"
Lloyd looked back at the angel. "Though I've managed to save lives, I could not save one of the ones that meant the most." He said. "Kratos, you will perish at the same time as when I…" Lloyd clenched his fists. "The method may change, but the Lloyd you know will have to get used to not having you by his side. That's all."
The youth's voice cracked in the same manner as when he'd explained his reasons for allowing Kratos to live in the first place after their battle at Origin's seal.
"I tell you think only because I want you to live what life you have to its fullest. Do not look at your past with regret any longer. Mom wouldn't have wanted you to survive like that. To become a lifeless being when you didn't have to be, but you made yourself into that which you fought so long to prevent."
Kratos now also looked away in shame. "I feel its been so long since I've had a family, that it will always feel foreign to me now."
"Trust me, it won't. In time, you will remember those happy times you still hold deep within your heart and they will be what set you free. Times with Anna and little me in that house near Lake Umacy."
Kratos didn't know what to think as he was being told all of these things, but slowly rose his head back up and met his son's gaze. "I understand. What about you? Will you return to your time?"
Lloyd shook his head. "When I used the Eternal Sword, Origin told me I would be forced to stay here. There is already an Eternal Sword existing here and there cannot be two. I came here knowing it was a one-way trip. It is also why Mithos could not use the sword to save Martel. But Kratos…you cannot tell your Lloyd about me. Just as I am restricted from coming face to face with him, so is it that he cannot know of my existence or the altered future. Do you understand?"
Kratos nodded. "I do." Knowing he couldn't stay for long and that his son needed him, Kratos called out his wings and took off as fast as he could to Katz Island.
Lloyd watched him go and smiled with a sigh. "Good luck…Dad."