Here we go with the last chapter. It's long, so be warned. I had fun with this :snivel:
Eternal Souls Chapter
Twenty-Two: Souls Forever Free
Dedication: To The One Who Sets My Soul Free
"I think I'm losing my hearing after these thousands of years because I just heard you say you killed Lloyd?" His face was pale. No signs of the mercenary I loved shown in his eyes. For some reason, his body seemed to becoming duller by the moment, and the usual glow he had about him was fading. The only signs he was still breathing was the occasional lifts of the auburn bangs that lay upon that stern face. Clenching my hands uneasily, I stood my ground and looked him straight in the eye.
"You're not losing your hearing. It's true," He wouldn't understand why I wasn't being sympathetic about this whole situation. My eyes darted from the single flame in the fire, then to Kratos who was as stiff as a board.
"You.." Kratos face didn't show any signs of revilaztion. Not moving, his body began to sway akwardly in position. Stiffly, I tilted my head and bit my bottom lip.
"You don't understand my reasoning on why-" I began but what happened shocked me beyhond belief. As quick as I uttered my sentence, I was body-slammed to the ground, pinned, against my will. Don't get me wrong, I usually enjoy being pinned against the ground, but this was different. Far different. Daring to open my eyes again I gazed up at the face of misery and pain. Death flashed in the mercenary that I used to hold so dear.
"How dare you fucking kill my son!" A dealt was blown to my left cheek. Sure, I deserved that. Either way, I wasn't going to lay around and be dealt my death by this man. Kicking his stomach to push his weight off me, I regained my balance. There he sat, on the ground. Slowly, his left hand reached for his sword. Probably in attempts to kill me no doubt.
"Kratos, listen," No fear was left in my voice. Why have fear about death? All the fear over my lifetime has taken up all I had. So here I stand, with no fear at the moment of disicion, and what could possibly be my final resting place. Blood running ice cold, I could only keep my stare at Kratos and await a reply.
"What excuse is there for killing your best friend's son? Amuse me, Yuan!" He demanded, unsheathing his sword and pointing it dangerously close at me. Shifting positions, I looked at him.
"I was jealous."
"Jealous? Of what? Don't lie to me. You've already done enough of that, you ass," Kratos' eyes grew large with his own fear. His voice however, hid that fear. But after all these years, I could pick up on the small things about Kratos.
"Of you and Anna, alright. It all started when you brought her and Lloyd home.."
"You're so... good."
"How long are they going to keep this up?" Passing by the closed door, my heart sank when I heard the familiar whine of the 'human' Kratos called his own. Just hearing those cries, come from someone else Kratos loved was painful enough, but to be subjected to it everyday. Honestly, no on ever has any respect! Damn them all.
Sighing, I passed into the kitchen. Light was passing through the clouds, and the darkness soon began to flee. Glancing over, I noticed the evil of all sins sat inches away from me. His small arms reached for my hair.
Violently turning at him, I hissed as many offensive words I could muster up.
"Shut up you vile brat. You're just as fucking bad as your ass of parents," My words fell on death ears as a bowl of soup was chucked at my head. Let me tell you, hot soup running down your neck and back isn't very pleasent at all.
"Why you little bitch I out to-" I began and glowered at him. His chuckles contiuned and he banged his fists on the table playfully. Jumping down from seat, he glanced up at me.
"You wook wunny," He giggled.
"If you can't speak, don't!" I hissed angriliy, not in the mood to listen to baby talk. He took no offense, and ran off probably to find the protzoan. Sighing, I grabbed a towl and cleaned off most of the remains of the soup. I wasn't all that happy to begin with, but really what sent me over the deep end was Kratos coming into the room.
"Yuan, you don't look well," His words seemed so sarcastic at the time. I might have been imagning the sarcasim at the moment, but my heart was so filled of discontent for the one I thought I cared about. Glarring at him, I bit my bottom lip.
"Don't look well? Just go back to your fucking sex-slave of a human," I turned my back and walked to my room, and pratically slammed the door.
"You.. were jealous?" Kratos just starred at me. Looking downward, I watched Kratos drop his sword lightly. Giving a stiff nodd, I sighed as the pain began to slowly come back, one ounce at a time.
"You two never stopped. To be quite honest, I wished I was her everyday," I turned my back. Just speaking this nonsense was making me sick to my stomach.
"But that gave you no right to kill my-" Kratos began, placing a hand on my shoulder as his temper flew again.
"I didn't mean to kill him, Kratos."
"Please enlighten me about this whole ordeal," He was giving me a chance to explain. At last.
"I was at the Toize Mines. My plans were to ambush him and give him a wound to remember. But when I launched my attack, it went estray and hit a support beam. His last words were those of a unforgivable curse. I made it out through transportation, but then this curse followed suit at Altamaria."
"Yuan... you shouldn't have even ambushed him. Why. Why take out the discontent you've kept to yourself on my son! Damn you," Kratos whispered, clenching his fists tightly as tears fell from his face. Gulping, I ran a hand over the ring Kratos had given me. Slowly, I slid it off and held it in my grasp. Lightly, I grabbed Kratos' hand and dropped it in his palm.
"If you want to take it back, I understand. I don't deserve you anyhow," I mutterted. "I didn't deserve Martel either," Looking downward, I turned my back and clenched my closed fists tightly. I kept telling myself to keep a grip. Sure Kratos would understand.. would he?
"Yuan.." I heard my name called out. Turning around, I saw a few glistening tears roll down his face.
"Yes?" I asked nervously.
"Your the last thing I've got. Please don't leave..." He closed his eyes and I could tell desperation looming in his voice. Stunned, I took a step back and starred wide eyed. Was he really going to accept me back. "Take it Yuan. Please!" He dropped the ring on the ground and buried his face into his hands. I was even more stunned by this. Shifting uneasily, I beant over and picked it up.
"Alright," I whispered, putting it back on and whispering into Kratos' ear words of care.
"If you didn't know, Yuan, I was jealous when you were with Martel," His eyes didn't look me straight in the eye. He was nervous, I could tell by his body twitching.
"But Kratos. I didn't think you actually started to like me until after her death," I stutterted.
"I couldn't tell my best friend I was in love with him when he was engaded, could I?" It was a more of a whimper. Tilting my head, I grasped him tightly in my arms and whispered softly.
"I'm sorry.About everything I've done to you, Kratos. I'm so sorry," He was so forgiving, and I was grateful. I couldn't bare to think about life without him.
"I think the only way to break your curse is to apologize to Lloyd's grave. For all the years of hatred you showed towards him. I won't be able to fully forgive you until you do that," Kratos told me strongly.
"Alright.. I will. And I'll mean it," I nodded sternly.
"I'm sorry..."
Dark tress silhouetted the secluded spot where Lloyd claimed as his final resting spot. Each tree seemed to bend in the direction towards his grave, as if hit by a invincible storm. A vast silence reigned over the barren land. The land itself was cut off, and many humans did not know about it. Basically, this was in the middle of nowhere. And what I've heard from Kratos, this was what Lloyd wanted. A place for only those who knew of his existence to come and mourn him.
Lowering my head, in a melancholy way, I let the stray strands of aqua hair fall down to my shoulders. My emerald eyes scanned the polished stone. Carved into it was the name 'Lloyd Irving' and an edict was written in a swirling writing. Not reading it, the only other thoughts to flash through my mind were flashbacks. Deadly ones that consisted of Lloyd, and the attempts I made to murder him. And in the end, I caused death to him. Wincing slightly, I bit down on my bottom lip, thinking about what to say. I was doing this for Kratos, and myself. I couldn't go along with my life if the one I loved, hated me. It made absolute no sense. Another point, I'd do anything for Kratos, and I have done everything in my power to please him. So why deny such a simple request when he could have wished death upon me.
Stuttering, I continued to think of words to say. The gentle breeze caused my cape to gently flap backwards. I wasn't too concerned about that at this moment. Slowly, I reached into the ebony cape pocket and took out a small box. The contents, I only knew. I felt Kratos' gaze fall upon me and the box. When someone is starring at you, you can feel it. My stomach lurched and I slowly opened the box. Inside was a bracelet. Years of decay and rust had taken it's toll on it, and it's once brilliant shine was no more, though signs of it's vibrant pass were still evident.
"This...," I cleared my throat and thought of the right words to say this. "This was your mother's." I simply stated. Behind me, I heard Kratos' breath quicken. I wasn't sure if it was from anger, shock, or disappointment but that wasn't important. Lips quivering, I continued. "I found this at the spot were she was slain. I held onto it, hoping to give it to you or your father when the time presented itself. So, I guess, the time is now." Just thinking about all the years of bitterness in my past sent sparks of confusion through me. I had really changed. I wasn't the same Yuan from a few years ago. "So I'm sorry Lloyd," I closed my eyes and just sat there, as the wind blew my strands into my face repeatedly.
"Yuan..." I heard Kratos speak from behind. Twitching my left ear to listen to his words, I felt the strong force of his hand on my shoulder. Soft smiles approached my lips, and I knew Kratos had really forgiven me. True, I resented the fact Kratos loved someone as much as me, and I will never forget that hatred, but you can't take out past sins on the present and effects someone's future. If that makes any sense. I continued to sit there, just taking in the scene. "You're such an idiot." Kratos spoke. At first I was stunned, but I heard a whimper in his voice as he backwards hugged me.
"Well, you're a bigger idiot for falling in love with me," I declared, turning around slightly, so I was looking him in the eye. I helped him stand up alongside me so the discomfort didn't effect us. Those strong ruby eyes searched my expression with any sarcasm. I hoped all he found was good intentions, because that was all that was left. Unexpectedly, a melted smile rolled across his facial features and he embraced tightly, holding me close to him. I felt a few of his wet tears fall upon my shoulders. Tilting my head, I let go slightly so we were face to face, a few inches apart. "You going to be all right, Krattie." The nickname slipped. You know how things slip. Like what you're getting your friend for Christmas, for example.
"Krattie?" A grin was shown beneath the tears falling from his face. I felt myself turn as dark as a tomato. Oh great, something to hang above my head. Oddly, I smiled back and leisurely shook my head at him. "Then Krattie, it is," He snickered kindly when he spoke of his nickname. I turned around and looked back at Lloyd's grave. Just being here was still discomforting. Especially because of my sins towards him.
"You want to head back now?" I asked innocently.
"Yes. Just give me a few moments to recollect my thoughts," Kratos replied profoundly.
"Ok, I'll be at the Rheairds."
I began to walk out of the forest but stopped. Instead of doing as I was going to, I stopped at a tree a few leaps away from the gravesite. Curiosity had gotten the best of me, as I began to watch Kratos. At first he was just standing there, but then he leaned back down and ran a gloved hand across the smoothed stone. I couldn't tell his exact facial expression from this distance, but he seemed deep in thought. Seemed is the key word, bear in mind.
"Anna, please watch over our son in heaven," I heard him whisper. Lightly, I turned around and left Kratos to himself. Watching him wasn't that respectful. I made my way to the Rheaird and when I arrived, I just sat there.
These were the times were you realized how valuable life was, and just how important the one you love truly is. I wouldn't trade my past for anything, if It wasn't for Kratos' and Martel's love over the years, I wouldn't still be here. Starring up at the vacant beautiful sky above me, I began to ponder what would have happened if we didn't stop the Kharlan War. If the village didn't ban us from the village. I'd never meet the love of my life. Kratos...
In addition to that, I doubted Kratos would have ever found Anna. And Cruxis would have never been created. Maybe this was all for the best. If the war didn't end, the world would still be in turmoil. So fate is at work. Or I suppose. Slowly, the thoughts of Kratos and I drifted back into my mind. The ring. I ran a finger across the ring and just the feel of the smooth silver made me smile contently. He loved me, and didn't care what others thought. So pure. So loving.
"Yuan, are you day dreaming again?"
Kratos' voice snapped me out of my fantasies about 'other things', and I shook my head slightly. Looking at him coming up onto the clearing, I could only grin and give a small nod. The way he walked, everything about him was addicting. Placing my hands into the pockets of my cloak, I awaited for him to draw nearer to talk. Once he did, I decided to answer his question.
"Day Dreaming? Of course, a dream isn't a dream without you..." I spoke distant minded. He stopped at his Rheaird and looked at me with a little shock. I doubt he expected me to say something like. Sure we loved each other very much, but really, I never came out and said things like that. I was always afraid to be persecuted for being gay, but I've come to realize I am not 'gay', seeing I was with Martel, and that no other men interest me. Kratos is just the one for me, no matter what gender. And besides, if there was a love condition such as straight, gay, etc. mine would be Kratos. Such a befitting label.
"Heh, nice thoughts you have there, my amour," Kratos murmured softly to me.
"You know, you can just come out and say it," I replied, with a slight snicker.
"Oh, I know that. But it feels more, what's the word, seductive when I speak in circles," His grin went from ear to ear, and it seemed every part of his body was glowing. I starred at him for a few moments and was stunned when he leaped upon his Rheaird and took off in the air rapdily. "See you at the house, Yuie." He snickered from above and took off.
"He's going to pay," I grinned mischievously. My kind of payment? Something that starts in the mind and ends with the body. Easy enough, eh? When I arrived back at the house, it seemed Kratos wasn't here yet. Shrugging it off, I stepped inside and glanced around. The smell of home, and love. Dropping the cloak, I walked around to the kitchen in my usual clothing. Bright beams of the setting sun shone from the window panes and cast an eerie look upon the kitchen. I could care less about that.
"Kratos, are you here yet?" I asked, taking a cup of water. No response. Bwagh, that man was always off somewhere.
Holding the cup in my hand, I walked up the stairs to my room slowly. Still, I wasn't used to the fact of the non squeaky stairs. Each step I took, I wondered what I was going to do while I awaited Kratos' arrival. Possibly start a journal about our journey together? Or maybe start some cheesy poetry I could use to woo Kratos. A slight laugh passed me as I neared the stop. Yea right, there was no way you'd get me, of all people, to write poetry!
I never really was the poetry person. Never did I write a love poem to anyone, and I found no reason to. So seeing me write a poem will surely be the dawning of the end of the world, let me tell you that. Sighing, I continued down the hall to my room. Taking a sip of water, I gently pushed my door open into my room. You can say I'm blind, I don't mind. But I honestly did notice that Kratos standing near the entrance. It wasn't really in my view, so I didn't notice. I sat down on my writing desk and set down the cup. But what to do.
I then felt hands massage my shoulders. Stunned, my body became tense, but then the familiar motion of Kratos' hands came to mind. A hum escaped my lips as I pretended not to notice Kratos was here.
"I wonder when Kratos will get back," I spoke, trying not to laugh. Instantly, Kratos' hands stopped their work. I knew he wasn't mad, because of what he did next. I felt him grab me and spin me around in the chair so I was starring at him. Being the idiot I am, I snickered and looked confused. "Do you know where Kratos is?" I asked innocently.
"You are such an ass sometimes," Kratos joked, rolling his eyes and meshed our lips together in a chaste kiss. Deepening the kiss, I leaned forward and arose to my feet. "Such an ass, but yet such a good kisser," He spoke as he took a breath, and looked at me with a bright smile.
"I shouldn't be cheating on Kratos like this," I continued to joke. A snort was heard from Kratos as he grabbed my hands tightly and smiled.
"You're such an idiot.." He began. "Oh, Kratos won't know, Yuie. Let it be our little secret. Let's see what else you're good for," Kratos spoke with a flicker of amusement passing his lips.
"Yes, let it be our little secret, Mr. mysterious," I was trying not to crack up. How could we be acting like such goof balls at such a seductive time like this? Well, I guess that's just our way.
"Mr. Mysterious, I like that. Then instead of Yuie, I have the right to call you Mr. Enticing," Kratos spoke, taking his hand back to cover his mouth from laughing. Honestly, where did Kratos come up with that! How bizarre. But then again, it was hilarious beyond belief.
"Befitting, isn't it," I continued to play along. Kratos nodded and shrugged.
"You know me, I like to live on the edge," He spoke, addressing the situation again as he placed a sloppy kiss upon my lips then trailing down my neck. Slowly undoing his clothing, I glanced up at his trailing glances across my body.
"So, on the edge. Are you ready for the enticement of Mr. Enticing," I cracked up mid-way through the sentence and clutched my side laughing. Kratos, however, grabbed me tightly and whispered in my ear.
"Always ready, Yuan," He spoke in my ear softly.
"Glad to hear it, Kratos," I replied in a whisper as we continued our array of love-making.
You started out as a simple friend
But that's not how it ends
You're love is something that allures me
Something you can feel but not see
That's what love is.
A true feeling of passion towards someone
The desire for that special loved one.
Every time your body touches mine
It proves as just another sign
That we were made to be
And you're the piece of the puzzle that finally completes me.
I love you, Kratos Aurion
My love, my eternal soul.
AN:
TADA! HAPPY ENDING! How did you like it? hehe Yuan said he'd never write a poem, but he did. That's how much he loves Kratos. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint. I really hope you liked the finale. And so ends my kratos/yuan story. I hoped you all liked it. : few random people start attacking me with foaming mouths : Whoah! I said it's over! DEAL WITH IT :runs away: Maybe I'll write K/Y oneshots for special ocassions. Or if you have any story ideas, feel free to share them. I am here to serve your fanfic needs. heh!