Chapter 3! Thanks again to everyone who's reading. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it!

Botta had never before met anyone, in his life, who could manage to glare and mutter under his breath while also grimacing in pain. But Yuan was doing exactly that, muttering about his subordinates while the healers tried to fix his ripped stitches.

"Sir, lift your arms, we can't see the wound."

"…absolutely asinine idiots…"

"Please, sir, you need to stay still."

"…would've thought they were brain-dead…"

"Staying still means not talking!"

"…just waltzed out the door!"

"Somebody go get a sedative!"

"Enough." Botta sighed and indicated the door. "You know what he's like. When he gets stubborn like this, he won't let anyone help him. I'll handle it."

The medics took their leave, while Yuan gave a snarl and turned his ire to Botta. "Don't treat me like I'm a petulant child."

"Then don't behave as if you are one." Botta knelt down beside him and picked up the sutures that the medics had abandoned. "Do you want me to get anesthesia?"

Silence. Finally, a disgruntled, "No."

Botta sighed. "Fine. If you want to be in pain because you'd rather be angry than productive, then that's your prerogative. Straighten your back and try not to move."

Yuan begrudgingly did as he was told, gripping the arms of the chair in anticipation of the pain. "Damnable morons," he hissed as Botta disinfected the wound. "I can't believe they let Lloyd and Kratos get away."

"You expected that they would escape," his lieutenant reminded him.

"Yes, but it didn't have to be so easy. The guards didn't even try to stop them." Yuan let out a raspy noise from his throat as Botta started to re-stitch the wound together. "…Is it too late for that anesthesia?"

"I'm almost finished." Botta made quick work of it, barely taking a minute to finish. "There. Not the cleanest job, but it'll do. You won't bleed to death, at least."

"Aren't I lucky."

"You should have let me handle the Chosen's group," Botta chastised, straightening. "This wound is nothing to play with. Kratos very nearly killed you."

"Never mind that now." Yuan winced as he put his shirt back on. "We need to plan our next move. If they stole the Reheairds, they're probably headed to Tethe'alla."

"We'll send some troops after them." Botta reached for his communicator, but Yuan grabbed his wrist. "What is it?"

"I think it best we wait," Yuan said. "Don't send anyone after them yet."

"Wait?" Botta gave him a curious look. "Why?"

Yuan clasped his hands together thoughtfully. "…Before we can reunite the worlds, we'll have to germinate the Great Seed. If we don't, there won't be enough mana to sustain life." He inhaled deeply, his face twisting in pain as he rubbed his wound. "Before we can do that, we'll have to break the mana links around the Seed. And that means…"

"We'll need a Summoner," Botta finished. "Of course. We use Sheena to break the mana links and we use Kratos to release Origin."

"We'll need to capture Lloyd, but not until the mana links are broken," Yuan continued. "Contact Zelos Wilder. They're going to head for Meltokio, so he can catch up with them there. No doubt he's devious enough to find a way to infiltrate their group."

"Of course." Botta went to leave to make the communication, but Yuan stopped him.

"Botta."

"Yes, sir?" Botta turned around. Yuan was looking at him with those intent, focused eyes of his.

"Thank you."

Botta nodded. "Of course, sir. That's my job."

The Rheairds crashed. With the mana flow reversing, Tethe'alla did not have enough mana to keep them in the air. Kratos had thought this would happen, though he kept his suspicions private.

They ended up crash-landing in the Fooji Mountains. No one was injured, though the party was shaken up a bit. As they tried in vain to get the Rheairds working again, they decided to head for the capital city.

"It's the best option for helping Colette," Sheena explained. "We can talk to the king and get access to some of the Cruxis Crystal research that's been done."

"Do you think the king will cooperate with you?" Kratos questioned. He didn't feel comfortable putting himself in their group anymore; he was an outsider now. "Colette's survival puts Tethe'alla at risk."

"Well…I don't really know what else to do…" Sheena shrugged. "All Cruxis Crystal research is through the Church and the Royal Family. We'll need to get their permission to see any info."

"Hmph." Kratos raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you worried they might try to kill her instead?"

"That's something we'll have to deal with if it happens." Lloyd, who had been brushing dirt off himself and Colette, turned around. "Maybe we can convince them to help us."

"Well…good luck."

"There is something else we need to discuss." Raine stepped forward, arms folded and eyes trained on Kratos.

Lloyd looked between them. "What is it, Professor?"

"I'd assume you're talking about me," Kratos said. "I would be disappointed otherwise."

"Quite frankly," Raine said sharply, "I don't trust you."

"A wise decision."

Raine continued as if she hadn't heard him. "This is a case of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.'"

"The enemy of my enemy…?" Lloyd grimaced. "Aw, geez, Professor, do you have to talk in riddles?"

"She means," Genis said, rolling his eyes, "that since Kratos is against Cruxis, he's on our side."

"…Wait, then, what about the Renegades? Does that mean the enemy of the enemy is my enemy or something?"

"Something like that," Raine said. Kratos scoffed and she frowned at him. "You not only misled us from the beginning, but also attacked us. You may have saved us, but…it's disconcerting that your loyalties seem to change based on the time of day."

"It doesn't matter," Kratos said dismissively, folding his arms. "I have things I must do. I am going to leave with or without your permission."

"Wait, you're going somewhere else?" Lloyd looked up at him, slightly hurt. "But…where are you going to go? What do you have to do?"

"That's none of your concern."

"Then go," Raine told him coldly. "I want you as far away from us as possible. If you do decide to go back to Cruxis—a possibility, you'll agree—then I certainly don't want you passing them any more information."

He humphed. "I would think you would want me with you at all times. Keep your friends close…"

"…And your enemies closer." She narrowed her eyes. "Unfortunately, the same also holds true for the bad guys."

There was silence for a moment, while all eyes looked between Kratos and Raine, waiting for his response. Finally, the silence was broken.

"I think you should stay with us."

All eyes turned to the speaker. Lloyd's proclamation was met with astonishment, even from Kratos himself.

"You helped us right after you betrayed us." Lloyd continued, despite the strange looks of his companions. "And you helped us escape the Renegades. You're not an enemy, at least…not anymore."

"Lloyd, you're a trusting soul," Raine began. "But you cannot be so easily misled."

Kratos shook his head at the boy. "Raine is right. You shouldn't trust me. Your naiveté will be the death of you."

Lloyd shrugged, not bothered by their statements. "Whatever. I still think you should stick with us."

There was a moment of silence as their eyes locked. Lloyd looked so much like Anna in that moment—stubborn and fierce. Finally, Kratos sighed.

"I have to travel to Meltokio, anyway," he said. "Then I will take my leave."

Lloyd looked like he wanted to argue, but he didn't say anything. Genis and Sheena both seemed a bit hesitant, but neither argued. It was only Raine who scoffed.

"Well…it is what it is, I suppose. At least we can gain valuable information on Cruxis from you." With that, she stalked away, headed for the path down the mountain.

"Alright!" Lloyd looked satisfied, heading after her. "C'mon, Sheena, you have to lead the way!"

"Ah, right!" She and Genis both ran after them, leaving Kratos to stare after them.

What had he just agreed to?

The backyard of the Wilder mansion was a lush, beautiful garden. Zelos could remember, many years ago, when his mother would tend to the garden herself. He sort of wished he'd paid more attention, but unfortunately, he never had, so instead there was a gardener who came by once a week.

So when he was lounging around near some kind of weird roses—or maybe they weren't roses at all—and his communicator beeped, he answered it and asked, "Hey, what sort of flowers are orange and black striped?"

"Chosen. Good afternoon." The hologram of Botta looked as calm and collected as ever. "I believe those are called tiger lilies."

"Huh. Good to know." He stretched. "So, what does Lord Double-Cross want from me now?"

"The Chosen of Sylvarant is still alive. She's lost her soul, but the ritual was not completed."

"Great. Real wonderful." Zelos rolled his eyes. "And I care because…?"

"The group she was with is headed to Tethe'alla now, to try to save her soul. Sheena is with them." Botta nodded at Zelos. "We need you to intercept and join their group. To keep an eye on them."

"Huh. That's a weird mission." Zelos put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes peacefully. "And a familiar one."

Botta blinked at him. "…Ah. Yggdrasill asked you to do the same."

"He sure did. He also mentioned a few other things." Zelos opened one striking blue eye. "Like that Kratos is with them. And his kid. That would have been nice to know."

"…Well. What is Yggdrasill asking you to do?"

"Same thing. Just gonna keep an eye on them." Zelos stood up. "Well, better get on with it. Unless you've got anything else to intentionally not tell me."

"We'll be in touch in a few days." Botta nodded and hung up the communicator. Zelos rolled his eyes as he pocketed it.

Well…it couldn't hurt to work with them both, he mused as he stood up to go back inside. Play the field, that was his motto. Sebastian was inside, waiting for him with a note.

"Ah, Master Zelos, just in time. I've just received word that Lady Carmine will be arriving for dinner shortly. You'd best go upstairs and get dressed."

Zelos grinned.

And what a motto it was.

Kratos had to admit, seeing Lloyd's face as they arrived in Meltokio did cheer him up.

"Wow," the boy breathed. "This is incredible."

"It's huge," Genis said, equally amazed. "Twice the size of Palmacosta!"

"Huh?" Sheena blinked at them. "Oh, yeah, I guess you guys have never seen a city like this. Just wait until you see it all lit up at night."

"Enough chit-chat." Kratos folded his arms. "We should hurry on."

Sheena pulled something out of her pack. "Here, take this. I have to go report to the Vice-Chief of my village, but this letter explains everything. Give to the king, and he'll grant you an audience."

"Are you going to be okay?" Lloyd asked, worried. "I mean…you didn't kill Colette like you were supposed to."

"Well, I can't say I'm looking forward to telling him about my failure," she admitted. "But the Vice-Chief is a reasonable man. If I explain what's going on, I'm sure it'll be okay."

"Will we see you again?" Genis asked.

"I'm sure I'll see you guys at some point," she assured him, ruffling his hair affectionately. He ducked away, his cheeks burning. "Take care, you guys."

With that, Sheena was off, calling upon Corrine to walk with her. Lloyd sighed. "Man…I hope Sheena will be alright. She won't get in trouble, will she?"

"Hmm…I hope not…" Raine sighed. "She knows what she's doing. I'm sure she'll be safe."

Lloyd held up the letter to the king. "Wow. This thing will let us meet the king of Tethe'alla." He grinned. "We should hurry up and see if he can save Colette!"

"It's getting dark," Raine observed. "I highly doubt the castle will be accepting visitors at this hour. Let's get a room at the inn for tonight."

"But-!" Lloyd started to protest, but Kratos put his hand on his shoulder to cut him off.

"It won't do us any good to try to see him now," he said firmly. "We'd best take the time to regroup and decide our next steps."

"…Okay. I understand." Lloyd nodded and started into the city. "But we're going first thing tomorrow!"

He and Genis led Colette through the gates, marveling at all the new sights. Kratos went to follow after them, but something grabbed his sleeved and pulled him back.

"Hmm?" Raine had hold of him and he sighed. "Ah. I should have expected this. Not quite done with me?"

"Lloyd is quick to forgive," she hissed. "He is kind-hearted and has an innocent soul. He believes in redemption and second chances. I…do not." She did not let go of him as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have grown to trust Sheena because she is an enemy-turned-friend."

"And I am a friend-turned-enemy." Kratos blinked at her. "Understandable."

She let go of him. "Then let me make myself clear, since you're being so congenial. If you do anything even the slightest bit suspicious, I will do whatever necessary to keep those children safe. Remember that."

She walked past him, following the teenagers. He watched her go before slowly trudging behind her.

The inn was larger than any they had stayed in in Sylvarant. They stayed in a room with clean, crisp beds and ocean paintings hanging on the wall. There was a small balcony that overlooked the grand staircase in the middle of the city. Lloyd immediately headed for it, taking Colette's hand and tugging her with him. Genis started to pull food out of their packs to decide on dinner. Raine settled all of their things near the beds and curled up in a chair, reading her book. Kratos glanced around, unsure of what to do now. Eventually, he decided to go to the balcony.

Outside, Lloyd was standing beside Colette. He was leaning close to her ear, talking to her. He kept pointing out in the city, gesturing animatedly.

"You're going to like Tethe'alla," he was saying. "This city's huge. We can play hide and seek and pretend we're royalty, just like when we were kids. And we can—" Lloyd stopped short when he noticed Kratos nearby. "What is it?" he asked harshly.

"…Nothing." Kratos took a step backwards into the room. "Nothing at all, Lloyd."

The boy sighed and turned back. "Sorry, Kratos. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"That's alright. I didn't mean to intrude."

"…You probably think I'm crazy," Lloyd said before he left. Kratos raised an eyebrow. "I mean…she can't hear me."

"…" Kratos wanted to say something comforting, something...kind, but he didn't really know what to say. He settled for a noncommittal grunt before retreating back into the room.

Kratos ended up on one of the beds, cleaning his armor and swords in silence. Raine's eyes occasionally flickered to look at him, but she mostly ignored him. Genis glanced up at him. "Um…hey, Kratos?"

"Yes?" he replied. He didn't look up. "What is it?"

Genis looked nervous as he fiddled with the supplies for sandwiches. "Um…if you're an angel, like Colette, does that mean you can't taste?"

"No, I can taste," he said. "My Cruxis Crystal has a key crest. As such, I reap all the benefits without any of the negative effects."

"So you don't need to eat, but you can taste if you want." Genis leaned back on his hands. "Huh."

"Why do you bring it up?"

Genis blinked in surprise. "Oh. Uh, well, I was just curious. You always said you hated tomatoes and I wanted to know if you…never mind."

"You wanted to know if I was faking." Genis' face went red and he nodded. "I was not. I still don't like tomatoes."

"Gotcha." Genis went back to the food he was preparing. "Well, um, if you're hungry…or well, if you want, there's stuff here for sandwiches."

"…Thank you." Kratos nodded, but didn't get up. "Maybe I'll get some later."

"Go let Lloyd know dinner is ready," Raine told Genis. He stood up to do so as Raine glanced at Kratos. "You will have to tell us more about Cruxis Crystals. Perhaps it can help Colette."

"Hmph." Kratos folded his arms. "I'll tell you what I know, though I doubt it will be helpful. Cruxis Crystals are...difficult to predict."

"Hmm. Interesting." She rubbed her chin in thought. "Then Cruxis itself isn't quite as all-knowing as it seems to be."

Kratos was saved from responding by Lloyd, Genis, and Colette coming back inside. "Alright, time to eat! I'm starving."

They all settled around on the floor; it was so familiar to the journey they had concluded not two days ago. But it was different: there was no cheerful banter and teasing. Lloyd and Kratos were not arguing over sword technique or battle scars. Raine wasn't sniping at Sheena every chance she got. Genis and Colette weren't giggling and telling jokes. It was quiet, too quiet, and still as they ate. Finally, Lloyd said, "So…what now?"

"What do you mean, what now?" Kratos asked abruptly. "You wanted to save the Chosen. Isn't that why you came all this way?"

"That's not what I meant," Lloyd said, annoyed. "I've been thinking about this. After we save Colette, we have to find a way to save both of the worlds."

"Hmm…it's possible there isn't one," Raine said quietly. "We still don't know exactly how these two worlds work. If they both need mana, but there's only enough for one to survive…"

"That's why Yggdrasill split the worlds," Kratos explained. "Originally, he did it to save them. However, in doing so, it also fulfilled another purpose: keeping Martel alive."

"Wait, then...is this Yggdrasill a good guy or a bad guy?" Lloyd asked.

Kratos didn't answer at first. "...'Good' and 'bad' are a bit too simplistic. Cruxis may do terrible things, but Yggdrasill believes in his vision. He, ultimately, is doing what he thinks is best, making the sacrifices he thinks are necessary."

"The road to hell, I suppose," Raine mused.

"…Is that why you turned against Cruxis?" Lloyd suddenly asked. Kratos stiffened. "You don't agree with that."

"I have my reasons." Kratos turned away, refusing to talk about it anymore.

"That's not all." Lloyd's face scrunched up in frustration. "The Renegades need to make up their minds. They want to save the world, but then they try to kidnap us!"

"Not us," Raine said wearily. "You, specifically, Lloyd. Which actually makes sense, if we consider their past actions. Back at the beginning of this journey, they imprisoned you, but allowed Genis to go free."

"But I want to know why I'm so important," Lloyd grumbled. "It just doesn't make any sense! Why me?"

"Maybe…maybe it's because of your Exsphere," Genis said quietly.

This announcement was met by complete confusion. "Wait, what about my Exsphere?" Lloyd asked, frowning down at it.

"Well, your mom was in that weird experiment at Kvar's ranch." Genis shrugged. "Maybe it worked. What if your Exsphere is special?"

"Hmm, that's an interesting thought," Raine mused. "Kvar did mention that the Exsphere was to go to Yggdrasill…perhaps it's more powerful than a typical Exsphere."

"And didn't you say the Desians were trying to take it from her when she died?" Genis added. "That sounds pretty important."

Lloyd clamped his hand over his Exsphere. "I don't know anything anymore. And it doesn't matter, either. Whatever Yuan wants with me, I'm not going down without a fight!"

Kratos turned back around. His eyes met Lloyd's. "Yuan may not just be interested in your Exsphere. Don't forget, he said that he needs me, as well."

"Yeah, I wondering about that, too," Genis said, frowning. "Why would Yuan want to capture you?"

"I'd assume it's his high rank in Cruxis," Raine answered, acting as if Kratos wasn't in the room. "Kratos has invaluable information that Yuan may hope to obtain."

"No, because I think Yuan is in Cruxis, too," Lloyd said thoughtfully. "If he wasn't, then how did he know all about Tethe'alla and Yggdrasill and everything? He talked like he knew Yggdrasill pretty well."

There was total silence before Kratos said, "As always, you surprise me, Lloyd."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lloyd snapped.

"It means you're right." Kratos folded his arms across his chest. "Yuan is indeed a member of Cruxis. He's actually another of the Four Seraphim."

"He's an angel, too?" Kratos nodded and Genis gaped at him. "That's ridiculous! How many of you are there?"

"The Four Seraphim," Kratos explained patiently, "are Yggdrasill, Yuan, myself, and Martel. Below us are lower rank angels. Remiel and several others. They help to facilitate the Regeneration and organize the Desians. Beneath them are Desians, who are simply half-elves who use Exspheres. The other angels are…well, they're essentially automatons."

"Automa-whats?" Lloyd leaned forward and Raine sighed.

"How should I put this? They're…machines, almost. They do only what they are programmed or told to do, and nothing more."

"They are what the Chosen is right now," Kratos said bluntly. Lloyd glanced at the girl in the corner. "Soulless."

"…Soulless…" Lloyd's eyes focused on Colette. "And you're…okay with that?"

"It is what it is," Kratos replied. "Cruxis has a long history of atrocities to its name. That particular one is low on the list."

"Gah!" Lloyd put his head in his hands. "This is all too much. I have a headache."

"Yes," Raine said slowly. "Perhaps we'd do best to focus on the problem at hand. Right now, saving Colette is what is most important."

"Right." Lloyd clenched his fist as he glanced at his friend. "One problem at a time."

By the time Yuan arrived in Vinheim—the damnable castle was so creepy, straight out of a horror novel—Rodyle and Pronyma were both there. Yuan stopped several feet before the throne. He didn't bow, as Kratos would (he would never bow to Mithos), but he did nod when Yggdrasill said his name.

"Yuan. I assume you've heard about the Chosen's failure."

"Yes." He stepped forward a bit. "I also heard about Kratos. Do you know where he went?"

"Quite obviously," Pronyma mused, "he has taken the Chosen's group to Tethe'alla. I have already contacted Zelos Wilder to watch for them. If they come through Meltokio, we'll be able to capture them."

"Of course," Rodyle said slickly, "I doubt it will be so easy. Kratos is a slippery man. He eluded Cruxis before. He made it, what, almost fifteen years with that human girl?"

"Rodyle," Pronyma said warningly. "It does no good to talk of the past."

"What is Kratos' goal?" Yggdrasill said suddenly. He had been staring off for a few moments, paying no attention to the conversation happening before him. "Releasing Origin does him no good…there is no one else…"

"My Lord." Pronyma sighed fondly. "Do not trouble yourself with Kratos. I will find him quickly. He will not get away. Nor will the Chosen."

"…The Chosen is most likely going to have the same sickness that my sister had." Yggdrasill's focus came back. "Yuan. I need you to start preparing her treatment. You know what it requires."

Yuan nodded. Of course he did. He could remember searching across the countries, long ago, in pursuit of a cure for Martel. Yggdrasill turned to Rodyle.

"Tell Forcystus to continue running your ranches as if nothing has changed. As far as Sylvarant knows, the Chosen is still on the Regeneration journey. I wish to keep it that way."

"Of course, Lord Yggdrasill." Rodyle bowed, though he had a smirk that almost seemed mocking. "As you say."

"Pronyma. Retrieve the Chosen. Ignore Kratos for now. I doubt you'd be able to capture him and survive." She nodded back at him, though she didn't look pleased. "But before you do that, go to the material depository."

"What do you require, my Lord?"

Yggdrasill shook his head. "It is not what I require. Gather all the Aionis we have and destroy it."

"Aionis?" Pronyma looked surprised. "But if we need it…"

"We won't," Yggdrasill assured her. "You're dismissed."

Pronyma still looked slightly unsure, Rodyle looked bored, and Yuan tried not to look concerned. Both the half-elves left, but Yuan stayed behind.

"What of Lloyd?" he asked Yggdrasill. "As long as he lives…Kratos won't come back to Cruxis."

"One problem at a time, Yuan," Yggdrasill said silkily. "One problem at a time."

As the night began to wind down, Raine insisted that the group sleep in the one room. "We need to be careful, Lloyd," she chastised when he complained. "We should stick together. Remember, not even a day ago, we discovered a traitor in our midst."

Clearly, her heart had not warmed to Kratos.

It was just as well. Kratos no longer had to pretend to sleep; his secret was out. Instead, he chose to sit on the bed and wait while his companions all fell asleep. He alternated between watching the Chosen (she was staring blankly at him) and Lloyd (he was loudly snoring and rolling around in the bed).

Eventually, he stood up and went to the balcony of their room. Outside the sky was dark and clear, the stars sparkling above him. He sighed.

Things had spiraled out of control. He'd had a plan in place, a carefully thought out plan, that had fallen apart so quickly, and so spectacularly. And now, here he was, a traitor to both parties, somehow.

Behind him the door creaked open. He heard the footsteps and didn't even bother to turn around.

"Lloyd. You should be asleep. It's late."

"Who was the woman that Yggdrasill guy was talking about?"

Startled, Kratos looked back. Lloyd had followed him out onto the balcony, as he had a bad habit of doing. He was in his disheveled sleep clothes and his hair was more unruly than normal, but his eyes were alert and awake.

"What are you talking about?" Kratos turned back, resting his arms on the railing. Lloyd stood beside him, mimicking his stance.

"Before the Renegades took us," Lloyd explained. "I heard him talking to you. He said something about a woman. He called her pathetic, and you got upset."

"…" Kratos closed his eyes. "I didn't think you had heard that. You were…in fairly bad shape."

"Is she a friend of yours?" Lloyd prodded. "Or is she a girlfriend or family or something?"

Kratos made a noise in his throat. "It doesn't matter. He was trying to distract me from the fight. It didn't work."

"Why haven't you talked about her before now?" Lloyd was persistent, Kratos would give him that. "Do you want to see her or vi—?

"That's enough," Kratos said abruptly, turning away. "We don't have time to dwell on my past. You want to save the Chosen, don't you?"

Lloyd continued staring at his back for a moment before he said, "Yeah. Colette comes first."

"Good." Kratos waited, expecting Lloyd to go back inside.

"But you're my friend, too. So I want to help you." There was a pause, then Lloyd continued, "Is Cruxis holding her hostage or something?"

"The woman he spoke of is dead," Kratos said bluntly. "She is nothing more than a memory. She has nothing to do with our current predicament."

"'Do not speak ill of the dead', right?" Kratos turned around, surprised, as Lloyd threw his own words back at him. "That's what you told Kvar about my mom. That's why you didn't like how Yggdrasill talked about her."

Kratos didn't say anything. They stared at each other for a moment before his son spoke again.

"You know," Lloyd said thoughtfully. "I think the Professor is wrong. I don't think you're a bad guy. I just think you're really, really confused."

"Humph. Think what you like," Kratos scoffed.

Lloyd either ignored or didn't understand the tone. "I will, thanks. I'm just saying, I want to know why you worked with Cruxis. The guy we travelled with, the guy who trained me and gave me all that advice? He doesn't seem like he'd be happy to stay in Cruxis."

"I am the person you travelled with."

"And," Lloyd plowed on, "I don't think that woman would be happy if you did, either."

Kratos remained silent.

"Am I right?" Lloyd pressed. "Did your girlfriend want you in Cruxis?"

"Wife," Kratos grunted.

Lloyd raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Wife. It is disrespectful to refer to her as my 'girlfriend,' when we were so much more."

"Wife, then." Lloyd shrugged. "Were you in Cruxis when you were married?"

"No, I wasn't." He sighed, giving himself up to the inevitable. "I wanted to keep my wife separate from Cruxis, I wanted to keep her safe, I wanted to…" He stopped and turned to Lloyd. "I failed. That's all you need to know."

"So…you've been working for the guys who killed your wife?!" Lloyd sounded stricken and Kratos felt the familiar weight of guilt on his shoulders. "How could you—?"

"We all have our circumstances," Kratos interrupted. "There are things we give up, things we keep, things we compromise on. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made, for the greater good."

"That's a pretty big sacrifice." Lloyd exhaled loudly. "Jeez. Lucky we came along, huh?"

Kratos stared at him. He was grinning, almost teasing. There was optimistic, and then there was Lloyd's world. "Lucky…?"

"Would you have left Cruxis if you hadn't met us?" Lloyd questioned.

Kratos blinked at him. Would he? The thought of staying with Cruxis now, with Lloyd alive and in the world and friends with the Chosen of all people, was absurd. But if he had never known Lloyd had survived?

"Lloyd," he mused, "you're surprisingly astute."

"Why surprisingly?" he grumbled. "You know, I'm not the smartest person, but I'm not the dumbest, either."

"Heh." Kratos watched as Lloyd yawned and stretched. "Go to sleep, Lloyd. It's been quite the day."

"Yeah. Goodnight, Kratos." Lloyd started to go inside, then stopped and said, "Someday, you've got to tell me about your wife."

"Lloyd."

"Seriously. Dad always told me, we keep on living through the stories that are told when we're gone." Lloyd shrugged and turned back to the inn. "You want to keep your wife's memory alive, right?"

Kratos watched his son's retreating back. Maybe…

Maybe one day.