Chapter 12: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

He'd known the woman for only a week or so, but already something was taking hold. He didn't want to go back for her, but he'd promised, and Kratos Aurion always keeps his promises. After about two weeks at Hakeonesia Peak, he decided to head back to Hima for Anna. He hadn't planned on taking two weeks to realize just how right she was about him. He never liked it when people pointed out his flaws, Yggdrasill had done that enough when he was still Mithos and teaching Kratos basic magic. But he figured he'd have to get used to it sometime.

After a day and a half ride, he arrived back at Hima. There was a crowd gathered around by the hotel.

"No! No! I won't go back! You can't take me!" Anna cried. Terror was evident in her voice.

"You aren't going back. Kvar has ordered your immediate execution." Another voice.

'Execution?' Kratos' mind was racing. 'They're going to kill her?' He drew his sword and charged through the crowd. As he reached her, his eyes narrowed. One of the guards from the Ranch was standing over her. Sneaking up behind the guard, Kratos raised his sword.

"Double Demon Fang!"

The guard fell instantly.

"Kratos!" Anna jumped up and threw her arms around his neck. "You saved me again!"

"So it would seem." He gently pushed her away and smiled slightly.

"You came back…just like you said."

"A promise is a promise, and Kratos Aurion keeps his promises."

He picked her up and carried her into the hotel.

"I would have been back sooner, but a lot of things required my undivided attention. I am sorry it took so long for me to return."

"When are we going to move on?"

"After you rest."

"Why don't you ever say my name when you talk to me?" This caught Kratos a little off guard. Did it really matter that much?

"I am sorry, Anna, I will try to remember." He smiled again, set her on her bed and climbed into his own. "Good night."

A contented sigh was heard right before the light went out.

The ride to Izoold from Hima was long, either way. Anna had really wanted to see it and Kratos had lost the ability to refuse her any request when he had spent two weeks alone at Hakonesia Peak. They encountered very few enemies, but when they did, Kratos fended them off while Noishe took Anna to safety. When they made it to Izoold, Kratos restocked on seafood and sat on the beach with Anna.

"So, Anna, do you like Izoold?"

"It's peaceful. I love the ocean breeze…" she trailed off as the tide washed over the beach and lapped playfully at their bare feet.

Their peace was short lived, however, as about ten Ranch guards came onto the beach.

"A-201, Kvar will spare your life if you return to the Ranch without raising a fuss."

"Stay here, Anna. I'll handle them." Kratos stood and drew his sword. Without thinking, only caring about Anna's safety, he jumped into the air and floated above the guards, his azure wings spread to their fullest extent. Raising his sword high, he called out, "Fireball!" and soared higher. When the flames cleared, all enemies were slain and Kratos floated back to ground level. Folding away his wings, he ran to see that Anna was unharmed.

As he approached, she gasped, and stumbled backwards. Realizing what had happened, he cursed himself. Cruxis would certainly find him, now.

"Come on, Anna, we have to leave! Now!" Anna was shocked at the fear evident in Kratos' voice, but acquiesced. She wasn't sure why or what fascination held her to follow him everywhere, but then, she had never believed in angels, either.

Are you feelin' the love? Anyway, told you he'd be back.