Finally, Katra got off her ass and updated. Yes, I find it amusing to make fun of her in my author notes. of course I don't mean anything by it (Or do I?) Anyways, this chapter has strong language, and implied Kratos/yuan. Anyways, enjoy. I tried to make this chapter long, but it is difficult. Hopefully the ending to this chapter won't be disappointing.

My Reply

black- Hopefully this will spread more light on the situation and take you out of the dark. And yes, heavily blushing is the true sign that you care for someone but don't want them to know how deeply your love runs. Very cute indeed.

Meowzy- Evil cliffhanger? If I wanted to be evil I could have made it alot worse. Who knows, the next chapter after this might end with a evil cliffha- wait a minute? Did I just spill the a spoiler? (wink)

Sesshy- Thanks. And yes, knowing the bumps in the road for Kratos and Yuan, this chapter won't be the worst for them. I'm saving that for the next one.

da delta- Well, I apppreciate it,evenif you say it to everyone. I hope this chapter won't disappoint.

Katra (the famous, lol jk)- I was expecting you to squeak at the pre lemon part. And I can yell at you all I want (points above) see the yelling. Anyways, thanks for your contiuned support. And yes, the plot gets better after this chapter. Promise.

"Awaken, now."

It was an empty, dark, and lifeless dungeon. Something created to keep someone in, or something out. Either way, passing through these solid walls was nearly impossible. Impossible for everyone excluding the Cruxis Seraphim's. Cold stone lay on all six surfaces of the room. Walls, floor, and ceilings alike. A stone that had been custom made my dwarves who gave their lives to serve the higher hierarchy. It was the way of life, and if you didn't abide by the rules, the cost would be your life. No questions asked.

Changed limply against the southern wall was Yuan. All parts of his body showed signs of struggle, and fatigue. Clothes were torn and ripped in multiple places, and where white skin should be was deep slashes with blood remains. Splotches of red were visible in the once vibrant aqua hair, and deep bags appeared before the once sturdy stare of the seraphim. Almost if timed, the seraphim opened his blood-shot eyes, and peered around the room.

Death loomed in every corner of this hell. Barely being able to see where the room ended through the pitch black, Yuan glanced down at his body. Stunned, he opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He tried to move his arm, but no cooperation or feeling responded. Attempting to wiggle his toes, all that resulted was a sharp pain, and then nothing. Not even the slightest jerk.

Completely immobilized, he hung his head down and let the strands of stray hair flow along the sides of his scratched face. How he got this way was the current question. Who, or what could have caused him so much pain, yet register no memory at all? Slowly, the answer trickled into his mind, and the seraphim closed his eyes tightly. Yggdrasill did this to him. No excuse, and no wondering. It was plain and simple, Yggdrasill had committed this sin.

How do I get out of here alive?

Barely moving his head, he squinted his eyes, trying to see the walls of the room. Through the darkness, only the outline of the walls were visible. The room seemed empty, besides his shackled body that is. Clenching his teeth tightly, the taste of blood and defeat filled his mouth. Every shape and form, he was in pain.

Where's Kratos when you fucking need him?

Sighing, or attempting something of the sort, the seraphim closed his eyes and tried to think of a plan. But what can you do when you're body won't cooperate, and your shackled against a thick wall? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Just then, almost as if faith foretold it, a square outline of light appeared in the north exit of the room. Slowly, the light became larger, and soon a figure stood in the doorway.

Just what I need now..

Doing his best at a growl, Yuan kept his eyes firmly planted on the figure standing in the exit to the prison. Little by little, the figure made it's way to the seraphim. The room slowly filled with a dull light, showing the true color of the walls. Brown with huge splotches of stained red. Stained from the years of torture this room was used for.

"You're still alive? Good. Now I can have the pleasure of watching Kratos kill you with his own hands," The voice was unsettlingly familiar to the seraphim. Just the faintest sound sent rings of pain through Yuan's ear. But what really caused the pain were the words 'Kratos' and 'Kill' in the same sentence. Opening his mouth to protest, air emerged, along with a drabble of blood.

"Cat got your tongue, dear Yuan? No worries, you'll have plenty of time to talk down in limbo," The outline of Yggdrasill was now evident. Glowering, Yuan took his gaze off the Cruxis leader, and down at the stoned floor beneath him. If he had any feeling, surely it would be that of suffering, much more then what was happening now.

Damn you Yggdrasill..

His only safety was in his own thoughts. And at times like this, having the paralyzing of no speak was useful. Utterting out words at a time like this wasn't such a good idea. Then again, it left him powerless to scream for help. But who would hear him? Who would rescue him if they all served Yggdrasill?

"Now now, no reason to wish damnation on me," Yggdrasill spoke, almost in a joyous tone. Making a small gasp sound, Yuan rose his head back up and saw a proud snicker appear on his former comrade's face. So he could hear his thoughts? Yuan remained opened mouth for a few moments.

So you can hear my thoughts can you, you bastard?

"Yes. Just another one of my many talents."

Then I take it you can hear me say, or think this. 'What the hell are you planning?'

"Now why should I waste my plans on some worthless creature like you?"

If there's any worthless creature, it's you! You who killed your own sister!

"I don't take the glory of killing her, that's all you, my friend. You killed your own fiancé. You miserable thing." Now Yuan was staring at Yggdrasill, with the evilest stare he could muster up. Through blood-shot eyes was a suffering soul in need of help. But he'd never admit that. Biting down on his lip harder then before, Yuan tried to speak once more, but felt on death ears once more.

"You're the one that killed her. Now, let's stop fighting over the past and get on with things. Kratos, summon forth," Yggdrasill commanded, raising a hand in the air and beckoning someone in from the doorway behind him. The darkest snicker rolled across Yggdrasill's face as he starred at Yuan sinisterly. Heart beginning to pound, Yuan thought of what he would say to Kratos. How to say he was sorry, how to say he didn't mean to be difficult. But who goes around saying that to your executioner!

Stepping into the light of the doorway, the auburn haired swordsman made his way across the stone floor. The slightest clanking of his war boots rang through Yuan's ears. Yggdrasill watched as his lackey walked up to his right side.

"Please be rid of this renegade trash. Wring his neck, poison him, anything you please. Just make it painful. Don't let me down Kratos, or it'll be your life." And with that, Yggdrasill dissipated from the room.

That left both seraphim alone. Shock flooded over Kratos' face when he realized Yuan's current condition. If you didn't know otherwise, you'd say Yuan was the living dead. Pulse rising, Kratos walked closer up to Yuan, and starred at him.

"What.. did he do to you?" Kratos stuttered, reaching out a hand in startle ment and ran it across Yuan's face. Withdrawing the hand, he grimaced at the blood that was now on his lilac glove. Lowering his gaze, Yuan kept his eyes off Kratos.

Just kill me now... let me rest in peace knowing my oldest friend killed me...

"Can you speak?" Kratos asked worriedly, just standing there, unable to move from shock. Managing to shake his head no, Yuan glanced back up at Kratos. Communicating with him would be more difficult then Yggdrasill. Far more difficult. "Relax, I'm not going to kill you," Kratos whispered.

Relief washed over Yuan's face. Reaching out, Kratos stroke his fingers through Yuan's stiff hair. Almost in disbelief, Kratos continued. "You're a mess. I'm going to get you out of here. Just promise me you'll forget about me. Forget about Cruxis, forget about the peril the world is in. You're life is more important to me then anything else." Kratos wanted to smile, but this current situation was something he couldn't raise a cheekbone to.

Softly, Kratos mashed his lips together with the fallen seraphim. If Yuan had chosen a part of his body to have feeling, this defiantly would be the place. But luckily he could feel the soft pleasure of Kratos' warmth near him. How he longed to reach out and exchange the gesture. He wanted to talk, tell him he really did love him.

"Let's get you out of here," Kratos declared, unchaining Yuan from the wall, one shackle at a time. After a long while, Yuan's body was free from it's prison, and he fell into Kratos' arms immediately. At this current state, walking wasn't an option.

"Oh yes right, to heal you," Kratos lightly ran a hand along the side of Yuan's cheek as the slashes vanished and the bright glow the seraphim had slowly returned. Relief rushed to every part of Yuan's body and he once again felt the pleasure of being in Kratos' arms.

"I-...you- thanks, love," His words were slurs and he tightly hugged Kratos, not wanting to let go. Slowly, the power of speech returned and he looked Kratos in the eye.

"Don't mention it," Kratos smirked and let Yuan to his feet once again. Slowly, placing one foot at a time on the floor on his own, Yuan regained full control of his body. Almost disappointed of being peeled away from Kratos' body, he just starred.

"You shouldn't have saved me like this. Yggdrasill will kill you.." Yuan looked down, feeling the dread overcome him once more.

"Let's see him try," Kratos smirked.

"You don't understand, you're risking your life for me."

"Exactly, what a perfect way to show you how much I care."

"Normal people would buy gifts, or buy dinner, or maybe engage in a romantic night," Yuan lost track of his thoughts and went back to his serious state, a little embarrassed at his rambling. "Oh right, sorry."

"Now let's get out of here," Kratos grabbed Yuan's hand and released his aqua wings. Following suit, Yuan's lavender sign of Cruxis fluttered in the stiff air. As fast as the two could, they made their way out of the room, and down the long halls of Mithos' Castle, back to Welgaia.

"Just a little farther," Kratos told his comrade who was racing by his side.

"Too. weak..." Yuan huffed and slowed down. Kratos turned sharply and grabbed Yuan's hand tightly.

"No, we've come too far. We're getting you out of here." Kratos smiled and began to pull him and Yuan along the trails of Welgaia to the warp pad. Once there, Kratos stopped and let Yuan catch his breath.

"Once you teleport out, be sure to go back to your base at once. Leave Cruxis to me, please." Kratos persisted, letting go of Yuan's hand. Sweat rolled down the seraphim face, as he managed a protesting look at Kratos.

"No. I can't let you," Yuan hesitated and growled.

"Listen to me! Once this is over we can return to normal. Do you think Mithos' storm and that torture he put you through was the worst he can do? Well, it wasn't. Please, if you won't listen to me for yourself, listen for Martel's sake." Kratos demanded, staring down the seraphim.

"Alright... but I swear, I'm going to make sure once this is all over we make up for lost time," Yuan sighed. He looked back at Kratos and stepped on the warp pad.

"And one more thing, Yuan." Kratos began.

"Yes?" Yuan asked, slowly starting to return back.

"I owe you that dinner and night." He smirked.

"Dinner and night? What do you.." Yuan began, but then grinned back as Kratos faded from site. His heart soon began to wring with the pain of losing someone dear to you. But Kratos wasn't dead was he? Lowly, Yuan clutched his side as an enormous shock of main overcame his left waist. Immediately falling on the cold barren earth that lay in the Holy Ground of Kharlan, Yuan looked up at the sky, squinting through the pain.

"No.. I can't forget. I won't forget. I'm coming back for you Kratos Aurion, and you're going to be alive, dammit." Yuan hissed, regained his balance, and charged onto the teleportation pad.

Author's Note:

One more chapter! Actually two or three more. There's still the battle and the ending to be covered. And the meaning behind the title. Well, I know Katra won't update for a long time, so this isn't an exchange. Damn. Well cherio! And remember, the next chapter will have part of a lemon, and implied. So be warned for those who aren't fully yaoi fans.