AN: Thank you to everyone who's been reading my story. On to the 2nd chapter!
Chapter 2Lloyd didn't pay much attention to the rest of his deliveries, them being far duller than his adventure this morning. Luckily for him, he finished early, 8 o'clock, and was looking forward to some quality sleep time. Hurrying home, he barely glimpsed people talking in hushed whispers. He didn't take much note of this, and soon arrived at his house.
Sighing contentedly, he threw his satchel on the floor and plopped down on the couch. He didn't notice a figure hiding in the shadows. It was only when the figure was nearly upon him that he turned around and gasped. "Dad!" Lloyd sighed in relief, "I thought you were a burglar or something."
Kratos's face was grim as he walked in front of Lloyd. "Welcome home Lloyd."
Lloyd looked up at his father and raised an eyebrow, "Dad? Is something wrong?"
"No, I'm fine. However, I would like to ask you what you were doing at the Chosen's manor this morning."
Lloyd looked confused, and indeed he was, "Delivering a letter, what else would I be doing?"
Kratos said, "Do you know what that letter contained?"
Lloyd panicked, How could he know what was in it? "Dad, I didn't do anything, I swear! I was only doing my job!"
Kratos looked disappointed, "Does your job include traitorous actions?"
"Huh?" Lloyd backed away only to fall into the hands of the Meltokio police force. Looming behind them in the shadows was the leader of the most famous faction, Forcystus. "Dad, honest, I didn't do anything. I'm innocent!"
"A likely story," said Forcystus. He glared down at Lloyd, "Take him to the prison at once, I'll be there shortly."
A soldier nodded, and motioned for the faction to depart.
"Dad, I'm telling the truth. Please don't let them take me! Don't let them send me to prison!" Lloyd cried as they dragged him outside.
Kratos merely looked down, as if ashamed by his son's actions. Once the soldiers had left, with Lloyd their prisoner, Forcystus turned to Kratos.
"You did the right thing, I'm sure you'll become a knight now. After all, discovering the traitor we've been searching for months is a momentous occasion. Your hand in his capture will not go unnoticed." He said.
Kratos nodded, "It's a pleasure to be of service to my country."
Forcystus muttered his goodbyes and then left the house. After he had gone, Kratos's mask slipped and one emotion was clear on his face. Guilt.
Far off in a run down building a man with long blue hair tied up in a ponytail turned to his subordinate. "We're in the clear for now, but get as much information on Lloyd Irving as possible. I don't want him interfering with our plans."
The subordinate nodded and rushed out.
Lloyd screamed, yelled, and protested as much as he could, but to no avail. Eventually he resigned to his fate. Yet he couldn't believe why his dad had betrayed him, when he was innocent! And more importantly, how did his father find out? He pondered this for a moment, thought about who knew. There was Yggdrasill, but how would he know it was a treasonous letter? The only other person who knew was the Chosen, as it never got delivered to the butler. Could he really have turned him in? Finding no other possible culprits, he concluded that the Chosen had to be the one. Rage surged through him like a hot knife through butter.
It was only when he heard a familiar voice speak that he broke from his reverie. "Now, what's going on here? You guys were so loud I couldn't sleep a wink." In the confusion, Lloyd automatically looked up and gazed into the most beautiful face he had ever seen. Lloyd didn't like guys, but could understand why the entire female population adored him. His pale skin was unmarred and his bright blue eyes gleamed with mischievousness. A small nose and long, flowing crimson colored hair pulled back by a white headband. Although Lloyd thought he could have a better fashion sense, he donned a pink jacket, pink and black gloves that reached just below the shoulder, a black undershirt and puffy white pants, he couldn't deny the fact that Zelos was simply gorgeous.
Zelos smiled as Lloyd looked up at him, He's playing right into my hands. "Now, would you mind telling me why you're carrying off my newest servant?"
Lloyd recoiled and stared at Zelos in shock. Zelos replied by sending him a look that clearly said, "Play along." Although, extremely offended, Lloyd nodded and received a wink for his troubles.
"Your servant, Chosen One?" a soldier asked, puzzled. "I wasn't aware he was your servant."
Zelos's smile reflected his mischievous eyes, "Well, he is now isn't he? He looked into my eyes."
The soldier seemed to be even more confused, but was spared from answering.
"What is going on here? What are you doing out so late, Chosen One?" Forcystus demanded, his voice barely hiding his anger.
"Why, collecting my servant, Lord Forcystus. I do hope he hasn't caused you any trouble." If Forcystus was surprised, he didn't show it.
"Chosen One, Lloyd Irving is convicted of treason."
"Oh, is he now? I wasn't aware. You've been a very bad boy, Lloyd." He grinned.
Lloyd rolled his eyes; does he really have to go that far? he thought. "I'm innocent, sir. Please forgive me for shaming you."
Zelos crossed his arms, "You see? He's innocent; you heard it with your own ears. Now, if you don't mind, we really need to be heading back."Zelos beckoned Lloyd toward him, and Lloyd stumbled his way, the hold of the soldiers weakened from their confusion. Once there, Zelos put his arm on Lloyd's shoulder, Lloyd could barely keep himself from breaking away in disgust, and they began to walk towards the noble's manors.
"But, Chosen, they are expecting him at the prison!" Forcystus called.
Zelos turned around, gently wrapping his arms around Lloyd, and replied, "Didn't you hear what I said? He is innocent, and I, his master, have pardoned him for all crimes he has been accused for. Have a good evening, Lord Forcystus." And as he left, Zelos turned his head, one arm still around Lloyd's neck, and glared at Lord Forcystus.
Once out of sight, Lloyd attempted to pull himself away from Zelos but was held in place by Zelos's strong arms.
"Hey, let me go!" he protested as they neared the Chosen's manor. "I have to get back home!" he tried and failed again to escape.
Zelos laughed, "Do you now? Well, we're almost there, so be patient, dear delivery boy." Zelos guided him to his manor, opened the door, and shoved Lloyd inside. Lloyd fell to the floor and looked up at Zelos. Zelos smiled evilly and advanced toward Lloyd, who moved backward. This continued until Lloyd had backed into a wall and Zelos knelt down to see him at eye level.
"What are you doing? Let me go, now!" Lloyd replied, his voice shaking from fear. Zelos reached up to stroke Lloyd's face.
"Come now, you didn't really believe I was kidding right?" One look in Lloyd's eyes confirmed that he had indeed believed the Chosen was joking. Zelos chuckled as his hand moved into Lloyd's short and spiky brown hair. "I'm dead serious, Lloyd. You really have no choice. Not only does the entire police force believe you to be my servant, and I assure you that every citizen of Meltokio will know by tomorrow morning, but you also looked me in the eye. By law, I can legally claim you to be my servant. I didn't lie. You were mine the moment you met my eyes in that street," he murmured.
Lloyd was about to say something more when Zelos leaned in and roughly kissed Lloyd on the lips, silencing him. Leaving the boy speechless, Zelos rose and as he walked up the staircase, leaving Lloyd laying there on the floor, he said, "You will not be going home. From now on, you will live here in this house, with me."
AN: Whoo! Chapter two is finished, YAY!
Zel-chan: Yay, my first reviewer! Here's a speedy update, just for you!