Chapter 10: Secrets Told and Secrets Kept
They continued on toward shore in silence. When they were on land once again, Kratos lifted Anna out of the boat and led her to the outskirts of Palmacosta.
"Anywhere in particular you want to go?" he asked.
"As far away from the Human Ranch as I can get." Anna replied. "Do you have a map?" Kratos took out his map and showed it to her.
"Anywhere but Triet. There's hardly anything there." Kratos warned.
"What about Asgard?"
"Hm. Never been there."
"It looks like a long walk…" Anna said.
"Not a problem." He whistled, and a large green and silver animal came running up to him. (A/N: I know I haven't introduced Noishe before now, but that's because he wasn't central to my plot until now.) "This is Noishe. He can get us there, if you like."
"He's adorable!" Anna exclaimed, dropping to her knees and wrapping her arms around the protazoan's neck. "But how can he get us to Asgard?"
"Simple. We ride him." Kratos swung himself onto the dog-creature's back and offered his hand to Anna again. "You might have to hold on." Anna climbed up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I never thanked you for saving me. If you hadn't come, Kvar would have probably killed me."
"You are welcome."
"Do you always rescue the damsel in distress?"
"No…actually, you're the first 'damsel in distress' I've ever met." He whispered something into the dog's ear and they were off.
They made it Hakeonesia Peak in almost no time. Deciding to rest for a while, Kratos helped the young woman down and they sat for a while and talked. After a time, Anna started to look really worried.
"What is it?" Kratos asked.
"I don't like the idea of staying on one place for too long. Kvar may come after me…"
"Why? Why is he so interested in you?"
"I…I don't really want to talk about it." Anna turned her head and avoided eye contact.
"All right. You don't have to." Kratos stood and helped Anna back up on Noishe's back. They headed for Asgard in silence.
When they reached Asgard, they rented a hotel room. Two separate ones would have been too expensive; 'Vortex' was 200 Gald a night.
The next morning, Anna insisted on going shopping. Since Kratos had money and she didn't, he was forced to go with her. While she browsed the shops, Kratos customized his sword and gloves.
Finally, though, after a full day of shopping, they headed back to the hotel. They stayed for another night and then they were off again.
Their next stop was Luin. Another couple nights and another day of shopping. The second night in Luin, Kratos asked again why Kvar was after Anna.
"Well, I have something that's very valuable to him. He wants it back."
"What does he want?"
"My EXsphere." Anna showed Kratos the back of her hand where the small red gem lay.
"He's chasing you for that?"
"It's extremely important to him. It's part of the Angelus Project."
"What's the Angelus Project?" Kratos asked, already thinking what it might be.
"I don't know the details. All I know is that they're trying to make a Cruxis Crystal the same way they make an EXsphere."
"I see." 'Another one of Yggdrasill's hair-brained ideas…'
"What about you? Where did you learn all those sword moves and magic?"
"I have had years of practice." Kratos said simply, not wanting to reveal his angelic status.
"Oh."
"It is getting late. You should get some sleep. We leave for Hima tomorrow."
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