Disclaimer: Look at the past chapters...yup nothing's changed...

Author's Notes: Alright guys and gals, I'm so sorry about the long wait but here's the newest chapter, I have no excuse except that other fics begged to be written, ugh multi-tasking such a pain, anyway I apologize if it isn't the best but despite that hope you enjoy it and please leave a review if you can, thanks.

Chapter 6: Welcome to Altamira

A few minutes later the trio touched ground and as they entered the gates to the resort, Noishe as usual was left at the entranceway.

The trio scanned the area around them and it appeared that despite it being three years later nothing had really changed.

Families were enjoying the sites and sounds, couples walking in and out of the massive hotel building, and people have fun in the sun at the beach. As well as a line for trips to the carnival near the Altamira main offices.

"You're right Dad, some things never change." Said Lloyd with a small laugh. Kratos simply nodded at his son's comment.

"But we are here on business not pleasure, am I correct." Stated Kratos as he began to walk forward and absentmindedly left Lloyd behind.

"Well yeah…" said Lloyd with a sigh. "Though I wish we could spent time here…just for a little while…" mumbled Lloyd as he shifted his focus from his father to Sheena.

Sheena at the moment was giving back a lost balloon to a crying child. Apparently the boy had accidentally released it from his grip but before it could fly into the wind the young summoner had grabbed a hold of it. She then gave it back to the sad child, who upon return of his balloon instantly perked up and gave Sheena a full smile.

Sheena simply nodded in response as the boy then ran off. Lloyd who had been watching for the past few moments couldn't help but smile at Sheena's act of kindness.

'Heh, she's a strong fighter in battle yet is like a gentle rose out of battle.' Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted as Sheena turned her attention to Lloyd and the smile he has giving her.

Lloyd gasped as he realized he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar (in other words staring at her). After a brief second of eye contact with Sheena he quickly and nervously turned his attention elsewhere. Sheena giggled at his sudden actions, it was those simple type of movements that she found extremely cute about him, she then began to make her way to Lloyd when Kratos called out them.

"Lloyd, Sheena please pick up your pace."

"Huh, oh yeah…sorry Dad." Called out Lloyd with a sweat drop and a hand behind his head.

"Let's go Lloyd, I don't want to keep Kratos waiting." Said Sheena with a smile as she walked pass Lloyd. "Uh, yeah of course…coming." Lloyd then picked up his pace a bit to catch up with Sheena and his father.

The trip to the main offices went over pretty much uneventful. For Lloyd had changed his mindset from wondering about his feelings for Sheena to the recent attacks they had dealt with and to the identity of the youth in the robe.

'Just who the hell was that guy? Just how does he know so much? I bet Regal and Presea are going to be surprised when they hear the news of this new enemy and of Dad's return.' Thought Lloyd as he shifted his view to his father who sat in front of him. 'Dad's right this isn't a social call…its far from it.'

He then shifted his view yet again, this time bringing it to rest upon Sheena who was seated next to him. For just as with the flight over to Altamira, Kratos allowed the youths to have some time to them selves. Lloyd had thanked his father for allowing them to share seats and now wondered what was on Sheena's mind.

Sheena herself was simply relaxing and enjoying the calm view of the ocean as they continued on their way. Then by sheer instinct she turned in Lloyd's direction. She stared at him for a moment and simply smiled before returning her view to the ocean.

'Lloyd…what do I truly feel for him? Is this love? Yes of course it is I know this is love…but does Lloyd know? I care so much for him he's been such a wonderful and kind person to me these past three years.

He's always been there for me through thick and thin, Lloyd's always been the person I could depend on the most. Not to say I never depended on the others but Lloyd went an extra mile out of his way for me.

He even went as far as to risk his own life for me, as have the others in past, but still the fact that he came to my aid is worth something in itself. Lloyd…do I…do I love you?

…Of course I do…but what of Colette she seemed so fond of Lloyd. I have no clue as to how he really felt about her but I can't help but feel that I stole Lloyd from her…

No what am I saying, its not like he's even said "I love you" to me so…then again out of everyone else he only allowed me to come with him on this journey, of course Kratos is an exception for obvious reasons. So what am I to believe? Could he actually love me?'

At the same time that Sheena was pondering away Lloyd thought back to a few moments ago. For he as well had smiled at her, how couldn't he there was just something about her smile that made him feel truly alive.

'Its almost as if its just meant for me, and me alone.' He thought silently with a slight and surprising blush. 'Nah that can't be, I mean…sure she cares for me, just like I care for her but…we're best friends and nothing more…at least I think its nothing more…then again from what Dad said…am I wrong, are we more than just friends? Sheena…I just don't know?' Lloyd then shook his head a bit to clear his thoughts. A second later he noticed that the main offices were coming up ahead.

He then stole a glance at Sheena, 'Well no matter how I feel for her, I will protect her throughout this journey no matter what cost I must pay. Dad protected Mom to the very end and I'll do the same with Sheena.' Thought Lloyd even though he had completely missed the meaning of his last words.

Several minutes later the trio's boat ride ended as they had finally reached the entrance room of the office building. Kratos was the first one out and quietly waited for Lloyd and Sheena near the elevator doors. A few moments later the youths reached the waiting swordsman.

"Sorry for making you wait again, Dad." Said Lloyd in an apologizing tone. Sheena as well bowed her head a bit to stress that she too was sorry.

"No need for apologizes, I did not mind waiting for the two of you." Stated Kratos kindly with a wave of his hand. The elevator was then heard coming to stop, a second later it's iron doors slid open.

Kratos then explain to the operator of the elevator that they were friends with President Bryant and wished to speak with him for it was of an important matter. The man nodded in approval and welcomed the trio inside he then set the elevator to take them straight to the floor where Regal's office was located.

The elevator ride was a short one as the trio found themselves at their stop faster than expected. They thanked the operator before they stepped out and into the hallway leading to Regal's office.

"That's it straight ahead. Come on!" Said Sheena as she pointed to the large red painted doors of Regal's office. The trio then continued on their way.

Inside the room Regal, dressed in formal attire: a black suit, black pants, and white boots, sat in his office chair as he continued on filing several documents but was interrupted when he heard a knock come from the doors. "Come in!" he yelled out not averting his eyes from his filing.

Regal's loyal friend and faithful butler, George, tipped opened one of the doors and poked in his head before he spoke up. "Master Regal some friends of yours are here to speak with you. The eldest claims it's of an important matter."

Regal placed his files aside for the moment and brought his head up to eye George in the face. "Friends? Of course let them in." he stated as he lifted himself from his chair. George did as he was told and turned on heel. "Master Regal will see you now." George stated as he gave the trio a formal bow. Kratos kindly returned the gesture with a bow of his own, while Lloyd and Sheena nodded at George's words, he then leaded the youths inside.

"Hey there Regal, its been a while hasn't it?" Lloyd called out with a grin as he closed the doors behind him and smiled at the elder man.

"Yes it has been a good while Lloyd…" Regal then let out a silent gasp at the site of Kratos standing next to Sheena. "Kratos…you've returned."

"Yes I have and it's good to see you again Regal, also my return was a bit too prematurely for my taste but that is the reason we are here." Stated Kratos with a focused look in his deep brown eyes.

"I see, well please take a seat and inform me of it." The trio nodded in response to Regal's words and each found a nearby seat. Kratos then told Regal of everything that had taken place starting with his near death experience back on Derris-Kharlan…

Several minutes later the trio finished telling their tale; Regal was quite surprised by many of the events stated.

"So we have a new threat after us now and from the sounds of it they may be the most dangerous foes we have ever encountered."

"Yeah plus like I told Dad, that one guy seems to know a good amount of things about us yet it looks to me that he doesn't want us knowing anything about him." Said Lloyd with a heavy sigh.

"Yes I agree and if Kratos' guess is correct and he is linked to the attack on Derris-Kharlan then he seems to favor working from the shadows, away from any action that may give away his identity. But one thing is certain from what you all have told me his power is not to be underestimated."

"Agreed this youth's motives are still unclear, but we do know that he will not hesitate at trying to end our lives. He nearly succeeded with Lloyd…" Kratos trailed off as his eyes slid into a powerful and deadly glare.

Lloyd simply gazed at his father's actions for he knew he spoke the truth, plus he knew why Kratos seemed angered at the moment. After all he himself was angry with the group that tried to kill his father and he planned on getting back at each and every one of them.

Regal for a moment said nothing and simply eyed the Aurions. 'Their bond seems to have grown stronger in just this short time that they have been reunited.' He thought to himself then glanced at Sheena who had remained quiet for a while now.

'I wonder if her bond with Lloyd has grown as well…no I'm sure it has, her eyes they speak volumes of her emotions. She cares deeply for him and also seems to worry about Kratos' well being. It is as I always suspected she truly is such a kind and caring girl. Lloyd is lucky to have her by his side.'

"Oh Regal, by the way is Presea here by any chance?" asked Sheena kindly and with a slight head tilt, as she interrupted Regal's thoughts.

"Actually no she isn't, it's rather strange she usually informs me when she has fallen ill or has taken a small leave to visit Ozette. But she hasn't reported in for some time now. I myself went to Ozette to check up on her but to my surprise she was not around." Stated Regal with a serious look on his face.

"What? The same thing happened to us just a few hours ago. We stopped by to visit with her but she wasn't there. The guardsman told us she must be here then." Said Lloyd with a confused look in his eyes.

"What could have happened to her?" added in Sheena with a sigh.

"I'm not sure but I have several search parties searching for her as we speak. I just find it rather odd that she would just disappear without so much of a word."

"Yes it does seem odd of her to simply wonder off somewhere without informing you or her fellow villagers." Kratos stated as he placed his right hand under his chin.

Lloyd's eyes then led up for moment almost as he had realized something. "Is it possible that the mysterious guy that attacked us could have kidnapped her. I mean that would explain how he learned so much about us and where Dad was, if he is connected to the attack that is."

"That is possible, though I wish for it not to be true." Sheena sighed as she lowered her vision slightly. Kratos as well sighed in response to Lloyd's words.

"I understand what you mean, Lloyd. But we do not know for certain if that is completely true. But that certainly is a possibly, unfortunately." Stated Kratos as he continued to ponder away.

"Then I will order my search parties to look for that youth as well as Kuchinawa but not to engage either of them in combat. Presea is my responsibility ever since she began to work here, that and I can never repay her for taking Alicia's life…" Regal closed his eyes for a moment as he remembered his fallen love.

Kratos nodded at Regal for he too knew what it felt to lose the one you loved. He then glanced at Lloyd and Sheena for a moment. "Lloyd, why don't you and Sheena go spent sometime taking in all the sites of the resort."

Both youths upon hearing Kratos' words turned their attention to the older swordsman. "What, really but I thought you said this was a business trip and there was time to have some fun?" questioned Lloyd.

"For the most part it is, but only for me though. You two should spent sometime together while we are here, for I feel that after we leave this place…we may not have time for any sort of enjoyment." Stated Kratos with a serious look in his eyes.

Lloyd nodded in response for he knew the meaning behind his father's words.

'Yeah I know what Dad means, after we leave here we're headed back home to pick up Dad's weapons and…to speak with Mom…then its off to find out just what the hells been going on. Dad's right this may be the last time Sheena and I can spent some time alone and actually enjoy ourselves…'

Lloyd then turned to face Sheena. "I agree with Dad, Sheena. Lets go and enjoy ourselves while we still can."

Sheena stared at Lloyd before she nodded. "You're both right, lets go Lloyd…oh wait, what about you Kratos?" she asked turning her attention over to Kratos.

"I'll be fine, I'll pay our respects to Alicia and then speak with Regal some more. When the two of you are done simply come back here." Stated Kratos with a small smile.

"Sounds fine with me, is that okay with you Lloyd?" asked Sheena as she shifted her vision to where Lloyd sat.

"Yup I have no problems, okay we'll come back here for you Dad. But why don't you try to have some fun here as well?" asked Lloyd as he and Sheena stood up from their chairs.

"I've never been the "fun" type, Lloyd. Do not worry about me as I said I'll be fine you and Sheena simply go and enjoy yourselves for the time being." Kratos explained as he laded back into his chair and crossed his arms around his chest.

"Okay, sure thing Dad…well we'll see you later." Said Lloyd as he and Sheena waved good bye to both Kratos and Regal. The elder men then returned the gesture as the youths left the room.

"I completely understand why you are allowing him to spent time with her." Stated Regal with a mild grin directed at the red-haired swordsman.

"The upcoming battles will be tough and while I have nothing but confidence in my son's skills…sometimes faith throws at you something that you can not avoid…because of that I want him to spent as much time as he can with her."

"I take it he is beginning to realize his love for her?" Questioned Regal, interrupting Kratos for a moment.

"In a sense yes, but Lloyd still does not fully understand his feelings. He is conflicted by his emotions and actions as they related to Sheena. He simply needs a bit more time with her. Slowly she is awaking those feelings within him…much like Anna did with me." Kratos smiled purely as he fondly remembered the actions of his dear wife.

Regal nodded for he knew that Kratos spoke the truth after all he felt the same when he was around Alicia. Both men knew what the pain of losing the one you love more than life itself felt like and wished that Lloyd would never have to experience the same feeling.

About half an hour later Lloyd found himself waiting outside of Altamira's hotel. For he was waiting for Sheena to exit the building. Upon arriving back onto the main land they had decided to first spend some time at the beach. Lloyd remembered fondly the enjoyable time he had with Sheena the last time they were here and hoped to relive that happiness.

So there he stood in just his swim trunks, a pair of swimming goggles sat at top his head, and lastly he wore a simple pair of sandals. To pass the time he whistled to himself a simple little tune he had made up as he relaxed his arms behind his head.

A short time later Sheena exited the building and walked in Lloyd's direction, she then called out to him.

"Hey Lloyd, thanks for waiting for me." Sheena kindly flashed him a smile and handed him a travel bag she was currently carrying.

Lloyd turned his head slightly towards her direction in time to catch her smile and as usual it warmed his heart. He then smiled back at her as he took the bag from her hands.

"No problem Sheena, now should we get going…" said Lloyd just as he eyed her a bit for having a towel covering her lower half. "…Towel?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Huh, oh this…" Sheena pointed at the white towel, in turn Lloyd nodded. "Well its to um…well to cover me up…since you know my swimsuit's a bit…revealing." She paused for a moment as she blushed, "I'll remove it when we reach the beach though." She told him kindly.

"Oh okay, and yeah I forgot it was…well kind of, not that I mind…um wait that's not to say that I'm like Zelos!" said Lloyd in a quick apology with a heavy blush.

Sheena simply smiled at him before giving him a quick hug. "I know that, Lloyd, and that's why…I like you." Said Sheena with a small blush in her cheeks.

"Heh, I like you too, Sheena, and nothing you do will ever change that. Now lets get going okay." Said Lloyd as he took Sheena' hand in his.

Even though she was still blushing Sheena nodded and simply enjoyed the feeling she got from Lloyd holding her hand. Together hand in hand the two friends continued walking toward the beach.

A.N. Well there you go and not much to be said here except thanks for those that have reviewed and expect some slight Lloyd/Sheena fluff in the next chapter. See ya later.