And so the feud between Kratos and Yuan continues. Well, whatever fight they might have between each other. This chapter basically is going to be about their trip to and across the Death Strip and traveling across the Icigard. The pact will be in the next chapter seeing our heroes have oh so much to do before that. And yes, there are vast empty plains across the Sybka continent, unlike the game.

Distant Worlds
Chapter Three: Gifts Are Not Always Meaningful

"I hate all these random monsters. By the time we reach Montipleria we'll be too tired to cross," Mithos complained, striding beside his older sister.

Too be honest, these monsters were actually enjoyable to slay. Just from the short battles, I had already concluded Kratos was a polished swordsmen, and modest about his abilities. But what really confused me was that he only handled his sword, and not even attempt magic. Which I highly doubted he didn't posses. Either way, I knew he noticed my skills were 'lacking'. Sure I could do some damage, but my ability with this wooden sword I had made out of sticks and stones was very low.

"We need practice either way, brother. So just think of this as an opportunity to practice," With that said, Martel smiled widely at her brother.

Just hearing her say those words made all my thoughts seem correct. If she also thought that battling was good practice, it was surely true. And just watching her smile so purely at her brother, made me feel like scum. How I wished that she could smile at me like that.

"Yuan, may I have a word?"

I was pushed out of my random day dreams about Martel from Kratos' deep low voice. Sighing, I crossed my arms and glanced at the auburn haired comrade who was eyeing the sword clipped to the side of my belt intensely. At least I hoped that was what he was looking at.

"Whatever," Replying hoarsely, I slowed my pace down so both Kratos and I were yards behind the two siblings. Curiosity got the best of me, and I was eager as hell to figure out what Kratos wanted to talk about this time. Do take note of my sarcasm.

"I've been observing your skill with weaponry, and I think your current weapon is lacking," He started, eyeing me contently. Lowering my gaze down to our slow moving feet, I could only nod in agreement. What damage could a wooden sword do against a Summon Spirit? Martel and Mithos had their magic, Kratos had his sword and skills, and I? I was left with a wooden sentiment.

"So I think you'd be more then pleased to see this," He finished, reaching over his shoulder to the large leather bag he already carried on his back. I swear, that bag was the size of him, and whatever things he carried in that had to be of a gigantic proportion. Eyeing him, I watched him take out a weapon of some short. My breath went stale as I watched him lay it across his opened palms and beckoned me to look. "It's a swallow. Considering your quick reflexes, I concluded something like this would best suit you," He murmured.

Ok, I admit, I was speechless. Was this mercenary just giving me, a 'gift'. No, it couldn't be, he was human. Human I say, and humans never gave half-elves anything, did they? Becoming uneasy, I just eyed the blade.

"But you never saw me fight before we left Sybak, how could you possibly know that weapon could suit me?" That question lingered on my lips for a few seconds.

"Ah, yes about that. Don't you think I took notice of your actions outside of battle? And how could I possibly forget about the whack to the head you gave me?" A light-hearted snicker crossed his face, and he pushed it aside, and gave a stern look at the weapon.

"Sorry about that..." I almost whispered. Now was the time to say sorry, seeing Kratos seemed to be in such a giving mood. Looking up to see his reaction, his sternness melted away for a few seconds as he gave me a gentle nod.

"I've had worse done to me Yuan, believe me."

"Like what?"

"I, don't feel comfortable with telling you that at this present time. Either way, I want you to use this in battle. Our group will need all the force it can get if we even think about creating pacts," Kratos muttered, trying to hide the fact he was actually acting like a real person. Not a heartless human.

"I couldn't possibly use that."

"Why is that?"

"I'd end up hurting someone! The edge on both ends is hideously sharp."

"Isn't that the point? To hurt your enemy?"

"Yes, that's true but..." Sure it was true your goal was to vanquish your enemy, but to cause severe pain such as what that blade could cause. Was that really the way to go? Or was Kratos really just another power-loving warlord in disguise.

"I'm sorry if I offended you, violence is not the answer to everything. But please do take this, you'll never know when you might need it."

"Uh-huh, well whatever," I spoke, trying not to show my thankfulness. Slowly, I took the blade from Kratos' hands and just starred at it. The power it could have if used to it's full ability. This power could be endless, especially if I combined it with my little magic. Maybe practicing magic was a good idea also. No?

"You do know at the end of this journey, I will be taking on all these expensive to your bill," Kratos jerked me back from my wandering thoughts.

"You're just like all those-"

"I was only joking Yuan, no need to become enraged," Kratos sighed, and gave me a gentle smile. Ah right.

"Are you two coming or not?" Mithos had hollered back to us and was at a complete halt with Martel, almost a few hundred yards away. A slight blush creped upon my face as I locked the weapon against my belt, in the back of course.

"Thanks..." I whispered to Kratos and hurried to catch up with the others. It was Mithos to have first noticed the big weapon attached to my back. How couldn't he anyhow? I mean, that thing was incredibly huge, and the sun reflected bright rays off of it's metal coating. Which brought up another question, just why was Kratos spending so much money on our group. Or even on me?

"Whoah! What's that!" Mithos stopped in the middle of a trot, and turned around. Thank Kharlan I was a few feet behind him, if I wasn't it would have been a full on collision. Stopping dead in my tracks, I watched Martel turn around also and eye the weapon.

"Kr-," I began but Kratos suddenly cut me off.

"Yuan exchanged some of his 'wares' to me for exchange of a weapon of his choice at Sybak," Kratos added quickly, eyeing the siblings. Martel seemed to believe this lie, but Mithos only snickered.

"What kind of wares did Yuan actually have?" It was more of a laugh, but Martel had lightly slapped him behind the head to hush him. Must have worked, seeing he shut his mouth and didn't dare make a peep.

"Expensive ones, yes," Kratos just eyed me for a few seconds. Expensive? So this blade really was expensive. Was he just trying to make me feel guilty, or persuade the others. Either way, I was starting to feel like a low-life who expected gifts from anyone.

"But in addition to those wears, Yuan has agreed to receive training lessons with me," All went silent. Agree what! Training lessons from, from him? Was he out of his mind? Or was he just lieing again. Whatever the case was, I gulped down a huge drop of dread, as I watched Mithos' eye light up.

"Don't waste your time training Yuan! Train me! You couldn't even teach Yuan how to read," Mithos laughed, and Martel gave a powerful scowl.

"Mithos, how many times do I have to tell you not to be rude to Yuan. If you want something from M- Kratos, you should ask politely," Martel corrected him. With a doubtful sigh, Mithos looked back over at me.

"Sorry," It was an empty apology, I knew that brat hated my guts. So in return I hated him, but how I loved his sister. So putting up with him to be with Martel was the best thing to do.

"Then I shall train both of you," Kratos only gave a slight smile before another question filled my mind.

"But Mithos uses magic," I heard myself declare. It was really bugging me, and I just had to know whether this Kratos guy could use magic or not. If he did, he was much more of a lethal enemy, and comrade that I thought him to be.

"That's no issue. I can teach Mithos spells of fire and earth easily," Kratos looked over at Mithos and gave an encouraging look. As if he really took pride out of that look, Mithos grinned ear to ear.

"T-thanks!"

We set up camp in that spot that night. Just a simple campfire with scattered blankets to sleep under. Nothing to special, but the essentials. Either way, I was comfortable. Basically, we chose this spot because it was near a river, which provided us with water and such, and since Mithos and I had become excited about our training, Kratos suggested we rest here for the night and start tomorrow. Oddly, I was starting to like this spot of land.

"You see those rivers? They all join together to feed into the mass oceans. If even one were to wither, every one of them would be affected."

Mithos starred blankly at his sister, a little stunned. I sat alongside Kratos, just gazing at the embers and Martel. It was late night, and Kratos nodded in agreement to what Martel was saying. I looked over at the river she was talking about. It was so small and fragile. I immensely doubted it would ever grow into anything other then a small stream.

"But that river is so small Martel! I doubt if it were to be destroyed the other waterways would suffer," Something other then rivers was on Mithos' mind. He looked downward sadly. My heart felt for the half elf. The three of us had been exiled just for the fact we were half elven and half human.

"Mithos, every life has a purpose," She spoke contentedly running her hand through his yellow hair. I looked over at Kratos who was leaning against a log.

"Martel's right," I replied uneasily. I was lying. I knew if any of us were to die, the only ones to be effected would be the rest of us. But that was saying the most. The un-caring mercenary who sat a few feet away from me could care less if our lives were in peril.

"You don't believe that Yuan! You're just agreeing with her because you like her," Mithos spoke stubbornly. My heart suddenly beat rapidly. That little twerp... I glanced over at Martel who had turned a light scarlet. Mithos was right, I did like her. She was absolutely breath taking in the firelight and even the moonlight.

"I..." I trailed off starring at the two siblings. Martel gave a reassuring smile back at me as if to say it was all right. Nodding my head, I looked over at Mithos who held Martel's panpipe close in hand. Before he could even say anything, I knew what he would request.

"Sis, can you play a song?" He asked leaning against her. A smile flickered over her already content face. With a gentle nod, she extending her hand and took the panpipe from her brother and then brought it up slowly to her mouth. Within moments, she was playing a melodic song. Her songs were just a mirrored reflection of herself. Beautiful and complex.

".." Mithos had drifted asleep leaning against her. She continued to play for a few more moments then retired the panpipe to her side. Her gaze reached where I sat.

"I'm going to retire for the night, hope you have sweet dreams," She said, slightly blushing. I nodded, nervously and in a few seconds she had fallen asleep alongside her brother. Waiting for a few seconds to make sure they were in a doze I spoke to myself.

"I will. Any dream is sweet when you're in it..." My voice trailed off as I starred at the roaring flames. It was a relaxing night but then Kratos suddenly spoke for the first time that night. He had gotten up and sat down right next to me.

"Do you really believe every life has an importance?" He asked. His voice showed no emotion. Nothing at all, just an empty hollow voice. I thought a bit, then cleared my throat, and attempted to speak in a soft voice not to wake up Martel or Mithos.

"Before I met Martel, no I didn't believe it. But now I do believe it," I replied, not looking at him but looking at her sleeping body. I heard a gruff sound from the mercenary as he crossed his arms.

"This journey is starting to be more then I bargained for," I heard him say simply. Turning my head to face the auburn companion, puzzlement filled my eyes.

"You can leave anytime. No one's stopping you. You can collect your pay and leave, just like a human," I spoke bitterly. At first I thought Kratos would be offended, but he wasn't. A smirk rolled across his face as he starred at me then to the roaring flame.

"I won't leave just yet," Was all he said. I shrugged then looked beyond the flames, beyond Martel to the small creek. It was so peaceful.

"I'm not sure I can even use magic," I muttered, confessing my lack of skills to the one who sat next to me. At first I thought Kratos had known of this flaw, but he simply smiled and tilted his head.

"Really, Is that so? Come with me if that's the case," Kratos murmured, standing up and walking over a few hundred yards away from the sleeping siblings. Uneasily, I gave one more look at the sleeping Martel, and disdainfully stood up and made my way over to Kratos.

"What?"

"Hit me."

"Hit you? Why!"

"With magic I mean."

"But, I'm not sure I can."

"Try," Kratos demanded. I felt really pathetic as I began to murmur an incantation Mithos commonly used, and the result was nothing. I swear that my face turned as red as a tomato as I starred, completely embarrassed at the skilled mercenary.

"I told you I can't do magic," Hissing, I looked down in disgrace.

"No, now try it with your weapon."

"Huh?" I wasn't too sure on what he wanted me to do. Sighing, Kratos walked up closer to me, took the weapon off my back, and placed it in my hands. Gazing sternly in my eyes, he muttered.

"Now, spin it in the air while you say a spell," Kratos commanded.

"But that's just stupid," I replied uneasily. Kratos seemed a bit offended, and cursed something I couldn't hear and glared back at me.

"Just do it."

"Fine, whatever." Lowering my gaze, I thought the words to the spell in my head as I spun the blade in the air. My arms were becoming tired from swinging something that heavy in the air, but I tried my best to finish the spell. Almost combining the last few words, I watched as a bolt of lightning suddenly fell from the heavens at Kratos.

"Guardian!" Thankfully he had blocked it, and a grin of amusement passed his lips as he walked up to me.

"Told you," Was all he said before returning to the campsite. I looked downward, I didn't like Kratos being right all the time. How could he possibly know more about my powers then me? That was just stupid, pushing away any confusion, I walked back to camp also.

"Get some sleep Yuan, I'll stay watch tonight," Kratos brisk fully said, not looking at me when he said it, but looked at Mithos and Martel.

"You're planning on staying up all night?" That question came out without me even trying to say it.

"Correct, now get to sleep before you wake the others," He almost commanded. Well, what I really wanted was to talk and learn some more about this mystery Kratos, but a demand was a demand, and I regretfully nodded and curled up in my blanket.

"G'night Kratos," Those words escaped my lips as I shut my eyes and was half asleep. Almost in a trance.

"Humph," Was all I could hear in reply before I fell back asleep.

"Breakfast!"

Sharply placing my hands over my ears, I heard Martel banging a pan against something hard, something that made a lot of noise. Growling, I tried my best to ignore it, but the sound was drilling a hole through my head. How could I ignore something so loud?

"He's always a over-sleeper," Mithos spoke, jabbing my limp body in the back. I suspected he was talking to Kratos, and I reared up and growled at the young boy.

"At least I'm not a pest," Snarling back, I eyed him, and looked over at Kratos who was eating on the other side of the campfire alongside Martel. Sighing, I stood up and sat down next to Martel and whispered something to her,

"Sorry about oversleeping," Was all that came out. She stopped eating for a few seconds, then smiled lightly at me.

"It's alright. You're ability with your blade makes up for it," I watched as a deep blush overcame her, and she quickly went back to eating. Tilting my head, I could only conclude she was talking about me and Kratos' private lesson last night. But I thought she was sleeping? Now I felt like a complete idiot, swinging a blade around like a lunatic and muttering odd words.

"Mithos, would you like to begin your training?" Kratos spoke, setting down his empty bowl. His eyes seemed emotionless as he asked the question. Sadly, Mithos ran over to him and nodded.

"Sure! I already got my kendama ready," His smile was wide, and it showed his enthusiasm.

"Behave Mithos," Martel smiled and watched Kratos and Mithos walk off. Silently, I thanked Kratos for taking Mithos off for a few. I glanced over at Martel who was just finishing her breakfast. She sat down the bowl, and looked at her staff.

"So," I found myself asking. Ok, I was as nervous as hell right now. This was basically the first time I had ever been alone with Martel. Truth be told. Mithos was always in our way, and just to spend some quality time with her was worth the wait.

"Well Yuan, I was thinking I could teach you some healing arts," That smile, damn I loved that smile on her. Shocked, I nodded and thought about the idea of me using healing arts. Man could that help.

"But, don't you have to be born with the talent?"

"Well, so the legends have said. But who's to say you don't have the talent inside you Yuan?"

"I don't have that talent, I'm sure of it."

"Can't say that unless you try!" She persisted.

"Martel, I don't want you to waste your mana on teaching me something I can't learn," Wearily, I watched her continue to smile.

"Just give it a shot," With those words, she tugged on my sleeve to get up. "What else is there to do?"

"I guess, but I do reserve the right to say 'I told you so'," I groaned as I got up alongside her and walked to the river. For some reason she sat down next to it and ran a hand through the cascading water, almost as if this was part of the healing arts procedure.

"Stick your hand in here," Martel commanded.

"Why?" Asking, I watched her close her eyes.

"It helps you relax." She told me.

"Ah, right," Sticking my hand in the water, I tried to relax, but with all this excitement lately, how could I possibly relax?

"Now, concentrate on one pure thing in your mind, something you really love or want, and say 'Aerligth'," Martel instructed. Something I really loved and wanted, that was easy enough. Her. I loved and wanted her for ten years now, and I knew this was something I could focus on.

"Right," I closed my eyes and took my hand out of the water and whispered the word. I wasn't sure if I pronounced it wrong, or if this proved I had no healing abilities.

"Try once more, I'm sure you can do it."

"What does Aerligth mean anyhow?" I found myself asking her.

"Wholly Light, in ancient elven that is," A smile trickled across her face.

"I knew that," Lying through my teeth, I tried to concentrate once more on the word Aerligth and Martel. I just had to cast this stupid healing spell to prove I wasn't weak. But I knew full well I didn't have the power of healing arts like Martel did. So this was another useless attempt.

"See, I can't do it."

"But it was worth a shot," Smiling, she looked back down at the river. "There's something I'd like to speak to you about."

My nerves just went for a roller coaster ride. Just the idea of Martel saying we needed to talk about something was pure bliss. Man did I want to know what she wanted to talk about, and at a time we were alone. This was going great!

"Hmm?"

"I'm afraid Mithos might harm himself on this journey..."

Mithos, everything always went back to Mithos. How I despised that little twerp. Always getting all the attention and power, always being praised, when was it my turn? When did I get the chance to show I was worth a damn? And when would I finally be able to tell Martel the feelings I have for her. Never, that's when.

"Oh Mithos, yes. But we can't stop now."

"I know that. But I just don't feel that Mithos is capable of this much reasonability even if he does manage to form a pact. That's a lot of power at your disposal. I'm afraid for him, and I'm afraid for the world," A tear was forming in her eye as she told me her worries. At first I felt like comforting her, but I thought better of it.

"Even though I hate to admit this, Mithos has a good head on his shoulders. He'd never misue his powers."

"Right, I'm sorry for even brining this up Yuan."

"Nah, it's ok. Anytime you want to talk, I'm here." Now that was the stupidest thing I had ever said to her. Anytime she wanted to talk? If she didn't get the idea I liked her now, I was pretty sure she would never.

It was around an hour before Kratos and Mithos had arrived back at camp from their training. Mithos seemed to be glowing with pride, but Kratos seemed eternally tired. Tilting my head, I watched as Mithos ran over to his sister to tell her of his accomplishments. My only other thoughts other then Martel were focused on Kratos.

"You seem tired," I asked, not even realizing I had walked up to him. Why did I even walk up to him? Why couldn't I keep telling myself he was human, and a human could never be a friend.

"No, I'm the same as usual," He retorted, walking past me to sit down next to the blankets of camp. Sighing, I walked back to him and sat down.

"How was your training with Mithos?"

"Fine."

"That's all? Fine?"

"Yes, fine," He spoke, a little irritated. Shifting uneasily, I found myself in a position that was uncomfortable. Kratos didn't look like he wanted to talk to me, but I found myself continuing to ask questions.

"May you should relax for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we're heading off to Death Strip."

"I'll be fine, stop your worrying," He spoke, glancing over at me with curiosity to me sudden worry.

"I wasn't worrying. I was just making sure you wouldn't pass out right in the middle of the journey," I retorted uneasily. He had no right to say I was worrying about him, even though in the deepest part of my heart, I was the tiniest bit concerned about this humans well-being.

"Humph."

"I have a question," I asked, crossing my arms as I starred at Kratos.

"Go ahead," He replied, half listening.

"Listen!" I snarled. Kratos snapped out of any drifting thoughts he had, and looked at me sternly.

"Yes?"

"I want to know the truth, why did you join us so quickly back at Sybak," I spoke sternly. I had to know this question, maybe he was a spy and plotting our downfall. Or just a curious human, though I doubted it was either one.

"Like I said, I'd like to keep my past to myself."

"No, I want to know Kratos." I snapped back.

"I said, no," His voice raised and his body tensed for a few moments before he looked downward and cussed to himself.

"Fine, don't tell me. Like I could care about a human anyhow," Raising an eyebrow, I watched for any reaction. Raising his head back up, his ruby eyes seemed a little startled at my sudden change of attitude.

"In time you will know," Was all Kratos replied with a light smile. Unsheathing his sword, he arose to his feet. "Would you like to practice sparring now, Yuan?"

I wasn't sure if I had smiled back, but I felt like I did. Grabbing my weapon from it's resting place next to my blankets I gave a stiff nod.

"One condition."

"Hmmm?" He asked, tilting his head.

"You don't hold back."

"We'll see Yuan, we'll see."

Author's Note:

Oh we'll see alright! We will see! LOL! Yea, I liked this chapter, alittle odd, but still, a chapter! Yes, next chapter they shall cross the dreaded Death Strip! Like omigosh! Not the Death Strip! Everybody hide! Yea, lol. But after they cross it, there will be a town before making their way to Celsisus. What town? Now giving that away would be suicide!

Anyways, please review and leave a comment about this chapter. I tried my best to stay in character, though Yuan's attitude keeps flip flopping from anger to content-ness, he's just like that. Anyway, I hope to have the next chapter up soon. Until then, Adios Amgios!