I had fun writing this chapter, and I hope you have fun reading it. It's alittle progression in Kratos' character. And the cutscene part is sort, I know. in the next chapters you'll understand my whole planning.

Warnings: Spoilers Galore, Hinted Shonen-Ai, and some language.

Reverie
Chapter Two: Confusing Dileamas

Prison gates won't open up for me
On these hands and knees I'm crawlin'
Oh, I reach for you
Well I'm terrified of these four walls
These iron bars can't hold my soul in
All I need is you
Come please I'm callin'
And oh I scream for you
Hurry I'm fallin'

Show me what it's like
To be the last one standing
And teach me wrong from right
And I'll show you what I can be
Say it for me
Say it to me
And I'll leave this life behind me
Say it if it's worth saving me

"Well, this is it."

The blue-haired seraphim pushed open a large oak door. We were in the midst of the forest, completely surrounded by a cluster of trees. A small, delicate river trickled outside the rather large house. The sounds of water filled my senses when we first arrived, and was the last thing I heard before I entered the house. I soon began to realize how much Yuan must be missing his fiance. He had spent so much money on a house of this status. It seemed to be the fittings of a perfect family, something my friend desired the most in life.

Taking a step inside, I followed the quiet half-elf. The house wasn't too shabby. When you first entered, you were greeted by a staircase leading upwards. On the right was a living space, and on the left led into the kitchen. Beyhond on the kitchen, as I could see, led to a long hall. Perhaps the bedrooms? Grunting disdainfully, I followed Yuan into the kitchen. Dropping my things in a gentle 'thump', I glanced over at him.

"It's more than I expected." I simply stated.

It was like he wasn't expecting me to say anything at all. Emerald eyes glanced over at me from there sulky hiddance. The most fearful expression I had ever seen was written all over his face. Misery combined with pain upon his ripped and bruised lips. Under his once brillant eyes were large sags from sleep deprivation. But now that we were angel, we didn't really need sleep, did we? Besides that, his face bore many battle scars. But the thing that got me the most was that gloomy and pointless glimmer in his eyes. No hope or love shown in them, and it scared me in a way. I was so accustomed to him being the cheerful one of the group, but now he was turning the tables. And oddly, I felt compelled to make him feel better.

"I suppose that's a good thing." Yuan replied in a whisper, sitting down on a stool and gleaming out the window.

My once frigid heart broke for him. He'd never be the same, would he? Broken down from losing the love of his life, and now being forced to spend time with me. I guess it could bring down anyone. Scuffing my feet against the floor, I took a pace forward and seated myself next to him. I guess lightening up my cold and unfeeling attitude would be the best thing. Especially seeing I was beginning to see a connection to him, something that bonded us together.

"Yuan, may I ask you something?" Every breath I took was a obstacle. Getting the right words out was rather hard.

Raising his sulken head from his fixed stare of the window, he looked at me, as unfeeling as he was before. Nibbling on my bottom lip, a bit annoyed, I leaned my arms against the wooden counter and brushed my auburn bangs out of my eyes. There was no sign of his return response, so I decided to come out and say it.

"I truly am sorry about Martel." I attempted.

"You don't understand what I'm feeling, so pitty isn't what I need."

With that said, the half-elf buried his head into his hands. Unsure whether he was crying or not, I placed a hand on his shoulder. I wasn't quite sure if it made him feel any better, because he tensed up then peered at me from the side of his left eye. A light smirk rolled across my face for a brief moment, and I passed it off rapidly.

"But I do understand." I countered.

Puzzlement filled the seraphim's he rose his head from his hands. No tears were on the tear-streaken paths from earlier, just somber and grief. Tilting my head, I watched as he bit down on his bottom lip.

"Oh, really?" Yuan managed, leaning his head on his hand and let the aqua strands fall from his head.

"Even though we didn't start on the greatest of terms, and I'm not sure where I stand to you, but one thing I know is that I'll make sure you're going to be ok. We're friends... right?" I attempted. I had never uttered such sincere words in my life, and it shown in my voice.

Eyes widening, a single half smile crossed his face. But it didn't last long before he opened his mouth to speak, but no words escaped. Cocking my head, I furrowed my brows and reached out to his hand and cast a first aid spell to him, just incase he was feeling any after effect. It took me a minute to realize I still had my friend's hand clasped in mine. Retreating it quickly, I looked at him with a new found pride, or respect. I wasn't one to smile so this was the best I could do.

"Thank you. I'm not sure it's all true, but thank you." Yuan whispered, closing his eyes. After a few moments of silence he arose from his seat and turned to the exit, near the hallway beyond. Alerted, I stood up once more and followed him. Lately it was some sort of instinct.

"I'll show you your room." Flickering eyes, a bit brighter than before, he turned his gaze off me and began to walk on. Shrugging my shoulders, I grabbed my things and walked after him.

The hallway was the length to fit four rooms on each side. Casting glances at my new surroundings, I made sure to keep an eye on the half-elf. He lead me to the second door on the right. He reached out and turned the doorknob, and pushed inside. Inside was a rather nice room. Fitted with a queen size bed, red color palette, and dark marroon curtains. My favorite color wasn't red, but it did loo nice in my room. I suppose.

"It's nice." A compliment escaped my lips.

"Kratos, there is something I need to speak to you about." Yuan suddenly spoke out as I dropped my belongings on the bed. Turning around to face him, I sat down on the bed and awaited his explanation. Clearing my throat, I decided to respond instead of waiting. as odd as that sounds.

"Go ahead." I spoke, giving him the okay.

"As you might know, or not know, Mithos is trying to create a force called Cruxis. Which is a organization made of mostly half-elven angels. We are the only ones besides him with our souls. His plan is to revive..." Yuan suddenly stopped and choked on his words. As out of character as this sounded, I felt a pang of guilt and begun to feel a bit sorry for the guy.

"I get the idea." I pointed, trying to stop him from the heart ache of uttering her name.

"All right. Anyways, I want you to help me stop this. I don't want this world being turned into a hord of lifeless beings. She didn't want this.. I don't want this. So, as a friend, I want you to help me, Kratos. So please." He closed his eyes as he made his plea.

And that was where my dilemma began. I had already pledged allegiance to Mithos when I dragged Yuan out of the castle. And now Yuan was asking me to join his forces, a complete opposite of what I was already going through. Both these forces were fighting against each other, and I was stuck in the middle. Screwed as always.

"Humph." Was all I could reply, and Yuan suddenly glared at me, snapping his eyes open with fury.

"That's all you've got to say?" He charged at me, trying to strike. Before he could send a blow to my face, I grabbed him by the wrists and starred him down, eye to eye. I was always the faster and stronger one, and Yuan knew that.

"I never said I won't help you. Stop overreacting." I coolly replied, but with the hindrance of determination.

"So you're going to help me?" A new hope sprout in his eyes. There was something I liked about that look in Yuan eye's. He had it that one night in Meltokio where I saved his life, and now he had it once more. Something... stirred within my inner soul. The pieces of the puzzle were sliding together, piece by piece. Stunned, I choked on my own thoughts. I had too much care for this friend, and this care deep within me.. this isn't friendship. The unthinkable was true, was it not?

"Kratos, are you okay?" Yuan asked, snapping me out of my realm of dreams.

"Yes, yes of course." I managed, with a reassuring nod of the head. "And yes, I'll help you."

"All right, thank you." The pain of his heart melted when he spoke and he turned his back. I could have sworn a blush rushed across his face, but I never got the chance to see. He made his way to the door and was about to leave before calling out.

"I'll see you tomorrow. The documents on the desk are leads on rebellions against the new Cruxis, such as us. Take a look at them, ok? Have a good night's sleep..." He seemed like he wanted to say more but he left the room muttering the words. "and thank you.."

The next morning came, and it was around eight in the morning. Yuan hadn't stirred yet, and I counted my blessings. I was to meet with Mithos today about Cruxis, but I needed a cover up. I couldn't really lie straight to Yuan's face. Grunting miserbly, I decided to hide up my departure as a meeting with an anti Cruxis organization. Yes, that could work. Smiling to myself, I pushed my body out of bed. I hadn't undressed the night before, so I was still wearing my lilac clothes from before. Taking a shower, after spending five minutes finding, I walked upwards to Yuan's room. Least I could do was wake him.

Honestly, I had no clue what room was Yuan's. There were four doors facing the stairs on the top floor. So which one was Yuan's. Pondering for a few moments, I glanced and noticed all of them were cracked open except for the middle one. Smirking to myself, I walked forward and tapped it lightly. No response.

"Yuan. Are you awake?"

Still no response. Reaching out for the door-knob, I entered daringly and saw the sleeping body of my friend. He lay wrapped in the blankets, with light pouring over his delicate body, and in this state he looked so innocent and be-, what am I saying? Shaking my head defiantly at my wandering thoughts I bit down on my lip, and took a step forwards.

"Yuan?" I whispered.

A light moan escaped the half-elves lips, as recognition that I had entered. Feeling self pride-ful, I walked over to the bed and just contemplated on what to do. Pondering for a few moments, I placed my hand on the bed and muttered in a low tone.

"I'm going off for the day. I'll let you sleep here. Anyways," I was beginning but he cracked open an eye tiredly at me. Looking at me intently, I watched it droop open from the power of sleep. I suppose we are the only angels to sleep, I guess. A little sure of his reaction that I was in his room, he closed his eyes and buried his head further in the pillow.

"Ok.." He whispered back, before his face disappeared into the blanket.

"I'll be back soon."

And with that I teleported out of his room. Sadly, I didn't hear nor see him roll over and stare vacantly at where I was. The words 'take care' lingered on his lips before he fell back asleep.

That was when my mission began. I was safely emitted into the main hall of Derris-Kharlan. The familiar aroma tingled my nose as I approached the main throne room. To many this would an odd way of entering, or perhaps an odd meeting. But to me, everything was the same. Nothing really was different in this world, lately I mean...

"Kratos."

My ears were quite sensitive this morning. Glancing at the purple light room, I watched as the figure of Mithos step from the shadows. His child form wasn't a bit serious, but the power he posses was nothing to be joked with. Starring at him, I watched as he stepped closer to me, exsphere glowing brightly.

"Good to see you're here and loyal, unlike some people." Mithos snapped, crossing his arms. Not making a single response, I starred back at my leader. "Any ways, I don't want to waste too much of your time. But I needed your input on a few things."

Tilting my head from curiosity, I gave a nod and awaited. A slick smile crossed the blonde's lips as he waved his hand in the air. Before my eyes he was transformed into something, or someone I had never seen. Eyes widening from surprise, I cleared my throat and cocked my eyebrows.

"For now on, you shall address me by Yggdrasill." He demanded, with a sinister grin.

"Your last name?" I asked curiously.

"Not anymore. It is no my true name." Mithos continued, acting more serious then I ever saw him before. "If we are to rule Cruxis, we needed a more befitting leader. Some figure to strike the fear in the hearts of those weaklings. Besides that, I have set for a few half-elves to create ranches, where they will raise humans to be used as exspheres for our use. And even better than that, once we establish the ranches, we will create an oracle to send one girl to be the vessel for my dearest sister." Yggdrasill explained, grinning ear to ear.

"Seems you've planned this all out." Was all I replied, unchanging as ever.

"Kratos, you don't seem excited. Don't tell me that traitor has infected your mind?" Yggdrasill asked, extending a hand and running it across the side of my face. Flinching, I shook my head violently. To be honest, these past minutes were the longest I went without thinking of Yuan.

"Of course not." I groaned miserably. He withdrew his hand and seemed to be contemplating.

"All right. Well, next time we meet I expect you to be wearing these clothes." He shoved me a suitcase. Furrowing my eyebrows, I took it in my hand and unemotionally nodded.

"All right." I turned around and made my way to the teleportation pad.

"And Kratos?" I wheeled around and watched in horror as a ball of lighting flashed in his hand. Stunned, I back stepped, unsure what was going to happen. A lightening beam struck me, causing me to grip my side in pain. "If you don't stay loyal, expect death." And with that a large beam of destruction shot at me, sending me blasting across the teleportation pad, and back onto the cold barren earth of the Heimdall forest. And everything went black.

This was the first time in a long time a dream had ever came to mind. And this dream involved death... and how dark it really was. I was laying in a cold room, surrounded by a misted air. Yet my eyes were shut and I knew what was going on. Death appeared in my thoughts rapidly, the feeling of losing someone dear to me, and what life would be like if I let Mithos do as he pleased. I never feared death before, but I was beginning to... it could take everything away from me. My hopes, and distant dreams. And it could take Yuan away from me. But he was just a friend... right?... Or am I denying something I've known was there for countless years?... Just the thought of losing him was bad enough, but knowing that I could cause death to him by siding with Mithos was more painful. If I couldn't kill him, and I never showed him how much he meant to me. Yuan...

"Kratos?.. You're not dead, right? I mean, it's not like I care or anything. But you're alive, right? Kratos..."

My ears began to perk silently as I felt the presence of being somewhere familiar. My senses slowly returned as I smelt that odd smell of Yuan's house. But my body was frozen from movement, and I could feel my protozoan lick my hand eagerly. How did I end up from the forest to the house, so fast? Could my pet have saved me?

"Kratos wake the hell up."

The distress of Yuan's voice pained me. Oddly, I was beginning to care whether he cried, or was happy. How much he was feeling, and how much it relieved me to know that he was trying to save me, rather then declare me a hopeless case. He was a friend... but I don't think that's good enough.

I had always hated Yuan. Especially when he seemed to full on himself during the Kharlan Adventure. I never did trust him either. We were just acquantices stuck together for the time being. But he opened up his heart, and found it in himself to let me rest here, in his house. And that I couldn't ignore. Perhaps that was the key that opened my true visions. Perhaps I always wanted to be in this situation with him. Perhaps.. or maybe I'm just being insane. However, there's only one way to find out.

"Where am.." I began and opened up my fragile eyes.The first thing I saw was Yuan, starring at me, with worry hidden in his emerald eyes. He may deny it when I bring it up, but he was worried, and I could tell at once. Extending a hand, I felt my head and wondered how I managed to survive. To think I could be dead... I guess maybe I should learn to respect life more.. now that I've got this second chance.

"You're finally awake." As expected, that worry was hidden behind a smug snicker. I pushed up off the floor so I was sitting up straight. He paused for a moment to put on a stern face.

"Yuan?" I asked, still amazed that he had cared enough to wait by my side for my awakening. Maybe just maybe I could lighten up, and extend a hand to someone instead of hiding everything I've ever felt. And finally experience a connection to someone. My mind was snapped back out of dreams from his nod and distant chuckle.

"How, did I end up here. All I remember was being in a... grand hall then it felt like I was limbo bound." I whispered. I hoped the 'grand hall' didn't give away my current position. And where did that suitcase go anyhow? Didn't Mithos give me a suitcase? Shrugging, I looked over at Yuan who was aimlessly looking around the room.

"There was a storm." Yuan began, and I noticed it was raining outside. No wonder my hair felt oddly wet. "And Noishe brought you back." He turned away and glared out the window.

I stood up and ran a vacant hand through my auburn hair. He was almost as good at lying as me, but I still had him beat. Tilting my head and withdrawing my hand, I walked up behind him and made small 'thumps' with my shoes.

"Why did you tell me you were going off? You could have been killed!" Becoming flustered in voice, the half-elf kept his back to me. Raising my eyebrows, I took a step closer to his turned body and calculated my reply.

"You agreed to let me go and come on my own terms. And besides.. I didn't want to wake you."

With that he turned around and looked at me. Something unusual flickered in his emerald eyes as he gazed up at me. And even more unusal was how my legs became jelly when he looked so directly at me. Biting down my bottom lip, I scanned him for any signs of emotions. Just a stunned expression.

"That's true, but I-" Yuan began, but looked down, to avert my gaze.

"You what?" I asked, scratching my head uneasily. Yuan gazed back up at me and shook his head.

"I was worried, ok?" He snapped. ... Just hearing those words was the most relaxing thing I had ever felt or heard. A smile crept upon my figure, and I tried my best to hide it. Not sure how successful I was, I grunted and cleared my throat silently.

"Oddly, just hearing that from you makes me feel better." And with that I turned to the hallway in the kitchen to depart to my room. However, he stopped me and turned me around. Curiosity filled my eyes as I read him for any reasons.

"It's nice.." Yuan began.

"What's nice?" I asked, unsure of what he meant.

"To have someone live in this empty house besides me." He whispered, let go of his grasp, and marched up the stairs. I stood there for a few moments and contemplated. Those were the most sincere words he had ever used in direct towards me. Scratching my chin, I departed to my room, beginning my life as a changed seraphim, and this time one who would be open, and more caring than before.

AN:

Yes, I am jumbling up lots of stuff. And the next chapter will be promising. You'll see what I mean when I update. Let's just say the mind can wander at night. hahaha! Anyways, I'm glad you took the time to read this. I'm doing my best, and the next chapters will add more spice and action stuff. You'll see, trust me! You'll realll really enjoy the next chappie.. hehAnd finally, leave me a review please!