Chapter 1: Embarrassment

"You've got mail," Kratos stated simply as he handed an envelope to Lloyd. Examining the handwriting on the letter, he concluded that it was from Raine, of all people. Wondering why his teacher would be sending him something, he carefully opened the envelope and slid out a piece of lined paper.

Dear Lloyd,

It's been a while, hasn't it? I can still remember that day two years ago when you succeeded in not only returning the worlds to their original form, but you managed to revive the Kharlan Tree, even when we failed before. You have accomplished so many things that I believed were impossible. Now, onto why I wrote this letter. I've heard rumors that a genetic experiment that Cruxis was developing was sealed in the ice temple near Flanoir. It was said the creature alone had almost enough power to revive Martel on its own. I'm curious to see what kind of being this is and why it was sealed away. I also think this would be a good time to see everyone again. They have all received a letter practically identical to this one. If you can come, we'll meet in Flanoir as soon as possible. I'll hope to see you and everyone else soon.

Sincerely,

Raine Sage

"Project EBRUN," Kratos's voice rang out.

"E-broon?" Lloyd shot his father a questioning look.

Said person sighed, and attempted to explain the matter. "EBRUN. Experimental Biological Revival UNit. The technology was stolen from the Renegades, so I don't know much about it since it was almost completed when it was in the possession of Cruxis. How ironic that Yuan was the supervisor. It, or rather 'she', was said to be human before her DNA was altered. Unfortunately, the project came to a halt when Mithos began losing the power of the Summon Spirits," the seraphim finished, only to find his son with a more bewildered look than before. He brushed his hand through his long bangs, shaking his head. "Never mind."


The morning after that, three angels sped towards Flanoir. Kratos was rather reluctant and only came along after Lloyd and Colette practically begged him to go. Lloyd was attempting to show off his flying abilities to his friends, doing anything from flips to somersaults to suicidal dives, the last of the three scaring the crap out of the other two, who finally told him to stop or they would tie him up and carry him the rest or the way. The boy finally sighed in defeat, flying peacefully on his eagle-like wings. They slowed their pace upon reaching the snowy continent that was now just north of Katz Isle, equipping their winter gear. The three angels came to a halt just outside the snowy city, where their companions were already waiting. Raine and Genis were in the center of the group. The latter of the two had previously been trying to have a conversation with Presea, who was to his right standing next to Sheena. Regal was to the left of Raine, trying to explain methods to improve her deadly cooking. They all welcomed the new arrivals, exchanging hugs and greetings.

After the group had been talking for well over an hour, Sheena had noticed Lloyd's hopeful looking glances at the entrance to the city. "Hey, Lloyd, are you okay? You seem to be kind of down. You can tell me if something's bothering you." These words seemed to jolt Lloyd out of his trance-like state. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped as his angelic hearing picked up the sound of something, or rather someone, approaching at an inhuman speed. He turned away from the city, facing the snowy wilderness.

"LLOOOOOYD!"

Perfect timing.

He had turned to face the fast approaching object just as it hit him full force. The swordsman saw a flash of red, pink, white and shining orange and felt a pair of slender yet muscular arms wrap around his waist as he was tackled to the ground, skidding back a few feet in the process. He snapped out of the shock as he felt the person nuzzle his stomach.

"Zelos! What the hell! Why did you slam into me of all people?" the boy asked in confusion. If Zelos was going to tackle someone, he had expected him to do it to Sheena or maybe even Raine.

" 'Cause we're best friends! Right?" The Chosen answered while flashing Lloyd a smile.

Said person sighed. "I suppose so…"

"Really? You really mean that? Bud!" Zelos's smile could outshine light magic as he rubbed his cheek against Lloyd's affectionately.

The Eternal Swordsman felt a shiver go down his spine as a deep red blush spread across his face. Despite the fact that his friends were watching, he couldn't help but close his eyes in pure bliss, returning his friend's embrace. "I-I've missed you," he whispered, surprised that his voice still worked. Kratos raised an eyebrow as his angelic hearing accidentally picked up the obviously private message.

"Aww, I missed you too, buddy!" Zelos answered a bit too loudly, and a few gasps were heard among the party. Lloyd made a noise of embarrassment as he pushed the former Chosen off upon hearing the reactions of his companions. As if them seeing his unusually cheerful response to Zelos's affection wasn't enough! Out of the whole party, Presea and Colette were the only ones unaffected by the scene. Genis stood wide-eyed with his mouth agape, Sheena had a similar expression, Raine and Regal just stared, and Kratos, probably the most effected because he had heard what his son had said before, stood frozen with his right eye twitching slightly. Zelos looked around at his friends' faces. "What?"

"Let's…just get to our rooms. I'm sure everyone's worn out after the long trip here," Raine stated in a slightly shaky voice, turning and entering the city. The rest of the party decided it was a good idea and followed her.

Sheena decided to start a conversation to ease the tension. "By the way, Zelos, since when were you an angel?" she said, asking a question that had been forced to the back of everyone's minds at the incident between Lloyd and Zelos. Everyone seemed interested, and stared intently at the red-haired Chosen.

"Why, ever since I got my Cruxis Crystal back from Seles; and when I got it again from Lloyd, hunny," he answered, as if it was obvious.

Sheena blinked. "And exactly why did Lloyd have your Cruxis Crystal in the first place?"

"I had him keep it safe for me during the whole fake betrayal thing."

The summoner had a feeling Zelos wasn't telling her the whole story, but she let it go this time.

"Whoa. Talk about extreme makeovers…" the Chosen said as the party entered the hotel. The interior was much more open, the floors had been polished slightly, and large glass windows lined the walls for a good view of the snow. The place still managed to feel warm and welcoming, despite the renovations.

The group agreed on having Colette decide who shared rooms. Sylvarant's former Chosen thought for a moment, then spoke up. "Well, why don't we just go with what we used to on our journey, for old times sake?" This earned a nod from all the companions. "So, let's see…that means… Raine and Genis in one room, Sheena, Presea, and me in another, Kratos and…maybe Regal?" Colette paused, because Kratos hadn't been with them on the latter part of their jouney. At a nod from both, she continued, "And Lloyd and Zelos in the last room."