Disclaimer: Tos is not mine. Belongs to Namco and Kosuke Fujishima. No money is to be made from this story; written for my own amusement. No suing please.
Warnings: slight oocness, language, humor, violence?
Rating: T for language and violence
Spoilers: Yes. This scene contains lots of them.
Pairing: Sheena x Lloyd
Response to reviews:
Lloyd (Irving) Aurion: Thanks. Next chapter won't have as much thoughts and perhaps a bit more dialogue. I know, SheenaLloyd stories are not in abundance, but that's why people like us write them.
cyperwolfmk: I know that Zelos betrayed everyone and admits he worked for the Renegades and Cruxis. It never clicked in my mind that it was Zelos, not Yuan, who used the drug on the group. I don't know how I missed that connection, but thanks.
acoustic3: I was surprised no one else re-wrote that scene. That was one reason I chose to write this story. The other reason. I wanted to write my own SheenaLloyd story. Wait a sec. You can get Zelos to comfort Lloyd…? I didn't even realize you could do that. Makes no sense, why would you want him to comfort Lloyd? Especially since you find out Zelos will betray your group. How can that happen? Colette comforted Lloyd in my game. Though, I suspect I already know the answer to that question…
Author Notes: Thanks for the reviews. Don't really have anything else to say. Now to the story.
Conflicting Emotions: Chapter II
An unseen haze of silence floated around in the air. Minds were reeling, trying to comprehend the meaning of the words. Such thoughts were keeping anyone from directly answering back. A quick motion from Yuan signaled the guards to tighten their spears in front of Lloyd. Brown eyes finally came back into focus and stared directly at Yuan.
"That can't be right! My father is Dirk! Kratos couldn't be my dad; he betrayed everyone. I can't trust him anymore."
Satisfied by the results, Yuan strode over to Kratos. "I don't pity you at all Kratos. I'd imagine that having your own son reject you must be tough."
"…Humph."
Sheena stared at Yuan and Kratos. She still couldn't understand how calm Kratos was being about the situation. How Yuan suggested without any doubt that the man was Lloyd's father. Taking in a breath then releasing it, Sheena frowned. He's letting Yuan talk that way to him. Why isn't he doing anything? Then again, Kratos does take things with a cool, slightly cold attitude. But being Lloyd's father? I can't-- is that why Kratos did those things?
"Judging by your response and the way how you answered my question, you don't plan on releasing Origin. Perhaps that makes my mission even easier. Since you won't do it, I'll just have to kill you then."
Lloyd flinched for some reason. He didn't trust Kratos at all, not since the Tower of Salvation in Sylvarant. But this seemed…different. Even though he thought this way, he didn't want Kratos to die. But that logic didn't make sense in his mind. Yuan threatened Kratos to release Origin's seal or he would kill his son. Son? That can't be right. Yuan can't be talking about me. But there's only myself, Sheena, Kratos, and Yuan out here. Everyone else is asleep, no thanks to that drug. Still I don't trust him, but to see him die? With all the power that I've seen Kratos use, this whole thing doesn't seem right. Kratos would have attacked Yuan already.
Deciding, Lloyd attempted to move forward only to find the points of the spears dig into his shirt. A slight bout of pain caused Lloyd to mutter, "Ugh!"
Out of the corner of his eye, Kratos spotted the exchange with Lloyd and the guards. Now the hard part began. He wanted maintain his cool attitude and give Yuan the answer he deserved. On the other hand, he had that vague urge to prevent Yuan from hurting Lloyd. How Lloyd reacted to him didn't matter, only his safety mattered to him. Remaining silent, his foot made a slight movement. It must have been not enough because one of the guards spotted it.
"Don't try anything foolish. You take even the slightest movement, your son will die."
"He didn't even move. How can you say that! Besides, I didn't see Kratos do it."
Coming to his aid, interesting. Even if it is useless to stall. "You know Kratos, you have changed ever since forming a family of your own. Ah, that event that occurred fifteen years ago. The event in which Anna transformed into a monster because of her Exsphere being removed. Because of that, your will to fight back has diminished to almost nothing."
"…What?" Lloyd interjected. He wanted to find out what point Yuan was trying to get at.
"It was a mistake for you and Anna to be together. If you hadn't done that, Anna would have been okay. But, what an unfortunate ending for her."
The last statement irked Lloyd. Hearing Yuan talk about his mom surprised him, but once he discovered the direction the Renegades leader took it; that was the last straw. "Hey! Don't talk about my mom like that!" Lloyd suddenly preformed a Demon Fang attack, which knocked the two guards aside and headed straight for Yuan.
Already ahead of the game, Yuan simply moved to another spot. Lloyd cursed and stopped where Yuan previously stood. Sheena looked on, eyeing Yuan with a cautious eye. She thought she saw Yuan getting ready to attack Lloyd. A counterattack. Lloyd doesn't think through his actions and just attacks. But that's Lloyd for you. Unfortunately…
"Lloyd! Move! Yuan is going to counter attack!" Sheena suddenly yelled out.
Yuan paused. His intention had been to attack Lloyd for attempting to strike him, but another idea came to mind. The summoner that accompanied the group stood right next to him and since he allowed her to witness this event; he might as well use it to his advantage. His right hand suddenly moved away from Lloyd's direction and focused on Sheena's face. The familiar ball of energy gathered in the palm.
"Don't anyone move. You move, she dies." Yuan stated, his voice cold.
"What! Yuan, you allowed Sheena to stay and now you decide to use her as a human shield? Let her go!"
"It seems you have resorted to something low just like developing that sleeping drug. The tactic doesn't suit you Yuan."
"I will accomplish my objective no matter what means I have to use in order to get it."
Sheena chose to remain silent. From their battle the group had encountered with Yuan previously, Sheena knew he was strong and agile. Judging by their conversations, she got the feeling it would eventually turn bad. I just can't stand here and do nothing. I have to do something! Just because Yuan stated he would kill me if Lloyd or Kratos attempted to rescue me, doesn't mean I can't attack. Since Lloyd knocked out his guards for the time being, I don't have to worry about him. Now for Kratos. This will take some planning, but I think I can help him. Suddenly, Sheena kicked Yuan as hard as she could in the shin.
A searing pain forced Yuan bring down his arm. Sheena took the few seconds to escape his grasp and drew her cards.
"Pyre Seal!" The powerful wave of energy sent the guard closest to Kratos flying back, in the process knocking him out. Kratos took the opportunity to slice the remaining guard with his sword. Sheena immediately rushed over to join Lloyd.
The pain in his shin lessened. Having noticed the summoner join them, he remained rather silent. Only the piercing gaze lingered. Hm. I may have to resort to a different tactic. It appears I can no longer use Lloyd or that summoner as hostages to entice Kratos to release Origin's Seal. I may have some action after all. Yuan drew his double-edged sword and suddenly moved away from them. He stopped a short distance away, turning around so everyone could see his turquoise eyes.
-oo00oo-
Shadows cast themselves in the small, but well furnished house that belonged to Altessa. One figure stood there, senses listening to the sounds outside. A slight smile appeared. It was entertaining to him to listen to the voices outside. Even though he remained inside, he was aware of everything. I believe a battle shall begin soon. I can tell by the scraping of boots and the sound of a weapon drawn. I won't make my presence known, but I will eventually. Something interesting should happen soon.
-oo00oo-
Confusion set it itself inside Lloyd's mind. Why was Yuan drawing his weapon and moving away from them? Did he expect them to attack him or something? Gah! Why would we fight him now! Its dark out save for the moon giving some light. Perhaps a faint light is coming from Altessa's, but still. I know it wouldn't wise to attack Yuan.
Sheena hesitated. She too wondered why Yuan drew his weapon. In her mind, Yuan wanted them to attack him. But what for? Any plans he planned to execute were temporarily put on hold. It must be a last resort. But why? Something is wrong with this scene. Yuan wouldn't do something like this. That's not his style. I don't like it.
Yuan, what are you doing? Even I can't always determine your own actions. Are you trying…? Kratos glanced to right to see the guards Lloyd knocked out still unconscious. He breathed a sigh of relief. He wouldn't have to take care of those guards yet. It brought everyone some time.
"Yuan…what are you doing? Why draw your weapon and not attack? I don't see this as an opportunity to do that." Lloyd muttered.
"What am I doing? You shouldn't be asking me that question; you worry about how to defend yourself. Thunder Explosion!" Yuan responded in a cold tone.
Suddenly, the sky turned dark; covering everyone in darkness. A speck of light broke through the sky. It gathered in strength, forming what looked like to be a huge lightning bolt. Then without warning, the bolt split into multiple bolts and struck the ground below. Sizzling white heat filled the air, surrounding their intended targets. Lloyd made a dive to the right and called upon his Guardian move. The familiar green aura confirmed his beliefs that Lloyd used his advice. Kratos then watched Sheena dodge the bolts and threw up her own green aura. He found himself slipping back to avoid the bolts.
He wasn't the slightest worried that they avoided his attack. The attack after all could easily be dodged. He knew those protective barriers faded after a few seconds. Watching the green auras fade and their current positions, Yuan made his move. Twirling his weapon once, he aimed straight for Lloyd. Lloyd drew his twin swords, rising to his feet to block Yuan's attack. He missed from being sliced by the other side of Yuan's sword. Sheena now debated whether to call upon one of her summons. She did have the time, but a quick glance at Yuan and Lloyd told her otherwise. I have to help Lloyd.
Yuan saw out of the corner of his eye that Sheena prepared to enter the battle. He made a quick decision. Yes, that will do perfectly. He shoved Lloyd back with his weapon, then called out, "Thunder Blade!" His sword shot forward and a bolt of lightning followed it.
Lloyd flinched, stepping back to recover. Yuan took this distraction to descend upon Sheena. He twirled his blade at an angle so that it caused a gash on Sheena's arm. Sheena ignored the pain accompanied by it, she dodged another attempt, and prepared to use Life Seal in hopes to heal the injury. Yuan saw this; he allowed her to use the attack on him. Feeling the slight loss of life, he leaped over her, and kicked her so Sheena landed right into Lloyd. This time he extended his hand out towards them and smirked.
"Thunder Explosion!"
Kratos watched in horror as the bolts streamed around them. This was something he didn't want to happen. His instincts kicked in. He started to move with a grace only an angel could do and halted when Yuan pointed his sword at his throat. Kratos stood there, his mind screaming to do something. Yuan found the expression on Kratos' face to be rather interesting. Kratos never showed his emotions. This was why Yuan thought he saw something flicker in Kratos' eyes. Then as it appeared, it disappeared. Perhaps this did affect him.
Lloyd, startled by Sheena's sudden collusion with him, didn't have time to throw his protective barrier. The sizzling white heat seemed to be all around him. He felt the tingling, warm sensation that covered his entire body. It felt rather strange but also registered in his mind as pain. He took a quick glance over at Sheena, who too appeared to be caught off guard. The sensation grew hotter on his body and Lloyd uttered a cry before flying back. Sheena bit her lip in an attempt to ignore the heat projected by the bolts of lightning. One struck close to her body and she wondered why the heat of the other bolts didn't leave her screaming. Sheena regained her balance only to have a bolt strike dangerously close to her side. She screamed then flew back.
Kratos restrained himself from shoving Yuan aside to help his son and Sheena. That is what he wanted to do. Something also prevented him from doing that. He didn't want Yuan to know how much it affected him. He never displayed his emotions to the world. I…this situation…is wrong. I should have been the one to take those lightning blasts. My son and Sheena shouldn't have taken them. His eyes narrowed at Yuan. His voice cool, a hint of anger entwined with it.
"Yuan, get out of my way."
Wow. That turned out to be different then I had expected. I never thought it would take that kind of a turn. My imagination must have taken over as I wrote the chapter. When I get into my stories, I never know what stuff I may write. Let me know if the fight scene is confusing and I'll fix it. Hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter up soon. See you then. Read and review please.
Destiny's Light
