Chapter 13: Equal and Opposite Reaction

They had nowhere to run except for Triet and Iselia. So Kratos led her to Triet.

"What the hell happened back there?" Anna asked, once they had checked into the inn and were up in their room.

"I am sorry you had to see that." Kratos sat next to her on her bed and hung his head. "I am also sorry we had to leave Izoold so soon."

"Why did we have to leave?"

"If we would have stayed, I would have been killed."

"What? Why?"

"It is a long story. You probably don't want to hear it."

"Of course I do." Anna put an arm hesitantly around Kratos' shoulder. "I want to know."

"No you don't." he stood up and stepped away from the bed. "Believe me. You don't."

"You're an angel, aren't you? I saw the wings!" Anna walked over to stand in front of him.

"…" he stared, taken aback. He bit his lip and chewed on it for a while before finally answering. "Yes."

"Does that mean…"

"No. I am not a 'guardian angel'." He stepped past her and out the door. Anna turned to follow, but he was not in the hallway. She went outside and saw him standing near Noishe, petting the dog-creature.

"What's wrong, Kratos? Why won't you talk to me?"

"It isn't something you should worry about. It is my problem. Go back inside." Anna turned and sadly walked away. Kratos stared after her.

He had been standing there for about thirty minutes when he heard a voice behind him.

"Something wrong, Lord Kratos?"

"No, Yuan. Did Yggdrasill send you?"

"Of course he did. He has summoned you." Yuan stepped up beside Kratos. "You must answer."

"I don't have to do anything. I don't have to answer to anyone."

"Something is bothering you. What is it?"

"…"

"Fine. But, Kratos, I am warning you. Stay away from the girl."

"What?" he turned to face Yuan. "How…"

"I've been looking for you all over Sylvarant, Kratos. You passed by Thoda Dock a while ago, did you not?"

"On my way to Hakonesia Peak."

"I was there, Kratos. I saw you and the girl."

"Her name is Anna and I am her protector." At those words, Kratos reflected back on something Anna had told him. "Yuan…did Yggdrasill have anything to do with the Angelus Project?"

"Actually, yes. He started it a few years ago. Why?"

"Thank you, Yuan. You have been of great help."

"Why did you want to know?"

"Because…I'm going to kill him."

"Why? Why would you even attempt that? He's become far more powerful!"

"Suffice to say…it's a rather personal matter. You didn't hear any of that," Kratos drew his sword and pointed it straight at Yuan. "You didn't hear me, you didn't hear of me, and you never saw me. Got it?"

"Yes, Lord Kratos." Yuan backstepped, spread his own wings, and took off.

I hate Yuan so much. You'll review if you hate him too.