(A/N) Hey guys! R&R? Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Nah, if I owned this story wouldn't be here. It'd be a book or an OVA, or a game. It's not. T.T

Chapter 26

The trip to the mainland had been rushed and uneventful, and Kratos only realized how oppressive the Great Tree had felt when he was relieved of the burden. At the moment he was sourly avoiding Yuan while their ship docked back in Limani again. After he had fallen asleep at camp, the infuriating half-elf had not woken him once in order to change shifts. It sounded as if Martel had switched off in his place, which, while she was likely capable, still ticked on his nerves. They had agreed on swapping, and he never would have gone to sleep if he realized they had no intention of waking him. He wasn't any sort of invalid.

So- petty as it was- he decided that Yuan had earned the silent treatment a bit longer.

Mainly, Kratos abhorred the fact that Yuan was openly smug about it. As if it was some extraordinary feat to make him angry- or perhaps it was more noteworthy to trick a person into sleeping whence he had not in five years. Either direction, Kratos reasoned that the Sylvaranti had no backing to look so damn conceited.

This train of thought led to his rather annoyed expression and unfortunate position between a giddy Mithos and the object of his internal ranting. On the better side of the issue, Yuan's unbearable smugness would have to dissipate once they reached Meltokio. Oddly Kratos was not fearing his return to his hometown, but rather experiencing a voracious curiosity. The word 'voracious' brought on an entirely new train of thought that he had been pondering off and on throughout the return trip.

He hadn't been all that hungry. He found his appetite and sense of taste once again, but he wasn't ravenous like he conjectured he might be. Perhaps since it was the first sense to go, it would be the last to return, or it was likely he was not fully acclimated to his faculties in a way to recognize hunger for what it was. It had been a very long time, after all. The sleep had caught up to him much faster; that much was certain.

Engaging his full attention, now, was the necessity to brace himself for the storm to come in Meltokio. He could feel a welling up of energy promising action and revelation to come. He couldn't say he felt good about it. Fate was a fickle thing.

Yuan couldn't help but smile at the redhead's dark scowl. He was still holding a grudge, and Yuan's transgression had been committed hours prior. Yuan's contentment stemmed largely off of the normalcy that had been reasserted. His friend's presence was steadily declining before ingesting the Aionis, and now he was his ordinary self- even if that ordinary self was naturally irritated.

Secretly, though, he was worried for what was to come. The first time he'd been to Meltokio, he was singularly focused and closed-minded. Now he had a hard time staying faithful to Sylvarant and, well- he didn't know what to think. He could easily say that he despised what Tethe'alla was doing, but now his home country was just as determinedly crushing the life out of the planet. Kratos had no qualms about playing both sides, but Yuan wasn't sure he could do that. Manipulative as he might be, he didn't have a disloyal bone in his body. Every second he spent of the grid in Tethe'alla was against his better nature. It wasn't something he could explain, but it set him on edge while they swiftly took to the forested path.

Feet padded softly in the dirt, and his apprehension began to take greater hold. He let the uncomfortable quiet grow.

Mithos began to eye them both curiously, and while it was not uncharacteristic of Kratos to be so silent, it definitely was for Yuan. Usually right about now he'd be making pointless conversation or maintaining his mission to annoy Kratos. Even after such a brief time together, Mithos noticed something was up. Kratos was proactive in these circumstances- and before Mithos even had the chance to ask the question, Kratos spoke for the first time that hour.

"While we are in Meltokio, I would ask you not to use my name. It may attract unwanted attention and prolong our visit there." The words, though necessary, were poorly phrased, eliciting instantaneous interest from Mithos.

"Bad attention?" The boy was suddenly in step with them, asking for clarification. He squeezed beside Yuan so that he could walk between the two swordsmen instead of behind.

"'Unwanted' is generally considered 'bad'." Kratos deadpanned while Yuan was mildly irked by the boy's positioning. Mithos buzzed about with questions and Yuan felt a headache coming on.

"Are you some kind of fugitive? A celebrity?" His words had become a meaningless slur to Yuan, nearly indecipherable at the pace he was speaking. Kratos was frowning again, and Yuan couldn't help but detect that both Xilia and Martel were listening with rapt concentration.

"Something of the sort. I'll only tell you that it would hinder our progress." The finality of the tone ended any further queries, but Yuan could tell that Mithos desperately wanted to know more. He felt his mouth quirk up in a smile. Without trying, Kratos had picked up an awestruck admirer- and any danger wrought mystery he tried to keep would serve to magnify Mithos' attachment. Considering Kratos' penchant to repel children, Yuan found it comical. Usually the 'I'm-a-badass-who-won't-play-with-you' vibe kept them away, but Mithos acted as if he had something to prove to the world. Somehow that made him immune to Kratos' private (and intimidating) persona.

Yuan could appreciate the kid's bravery, but that didn't mean he was okay with Mithos squirming between him and Kratos while walking.

Figuring Kratos would appreciate it as well, Yuan gently tugged the kid by the collar of his shirt and dragged him to Kratos' open side, on the left.

"Hey!" Mithos protested, loudly, but a sharp look from the half-elf silenced him.

"We're here." Xilia notified the soon to be bickering half-elf males.

Kratos' eyes were drawn up from the patch of dirt he'd been examining. What he saw could only be described as drastically changed. The previously imperial gray stone walls that surrounded the city were twice as high, reinforced with natural clay and definitely not created to be aesthetically pleasing. The main gate was reduced to a smaller one, cramped with Tethe'allan Knights lolling about.

Where their party was standing, they were just about to expose themselves beyond the periphery of the tree line. All for the same reason, they had stopped and eyed the militaresque capital warily.

"It is much changed." Kratos accepted while his gaze followed a traveler to the gate. Upon presentation of papers, the man was let through, though not without a significant amount of time spent conversing with the soldiers.

"What are the required papers?" Yuan asked beside him, turning to the researchers.

"Perhaps a vending permission? The man looked like a merchant." Kratos speculated. Xilia nodded.

"I'm not certain. The last time I've been, it was nothing like this. If we just approach them and explain why we need an audience, I'm sure-" Mithos laughed at her.

"I can tell that's not going to work. They seem anxious and uptight. I'm guessing the military finally sprung their coup d'état." Kratos was forced to agree with the boy's jump to conclusions. If the heads of each military branch decided to direct their course without regard to the royalty's wishes, they'd have to begin with a tight hold on the capital. If all else followed, it would likely be a relatively peaceful transition into dictatorship. The previously existing monarchy had a quasi-democratic system, one that consulted each city's elected council on major decisions. That would likely be erased.

"It would definitely seem so." Martel frowned as her green irises darted about the city's entrance, no doubt analyzing another way in.

"With that in mind, is an audience with the Queen even a viable option?" Yuan had his points every now and then. Kratos felt the familial reminder like a forgotten duty.

"It looks as if the transformation is only partial. She may have some hold on the people, yet." Kratos conjectured. "If the people were not still loyal to her, than there would be no reason for such a tight guard. And the military counsel we've been hearing about likely wouldn't care too much about an abandoned village." He began following the tree line around the circumference of the city, destination in mind. Yuan sighed, but caught on just as quickly.

"Are we giving up?" Mithos' voice was doubtful to the point of condescension. The others followed wordlessly, Xilia still sending backwards glances at the arched gate teeming with troops.

"Tch." Kratos breathed out a puff of air. How could anything he said be interpreted as 'giving up'? Yuan turned to the boy and smiled deviously.

"We just happen to know another way in." Kratos frowned. Yuan was making this more dramatic than it was. Cue Mithos' blue eyes expanding to three time their natural size. He swore, he could almost see little stars dancing around in them. Dammit Yuan. The last thing he wanted was any form of glorification in times like these.

"If I wasn't already confident in both of your characters, I'd be beginning to think the two of you were rather unsavory people." Martel wore a half-smile and had her eyes narrowed playfully. Kratos wasn't so singly focused to not realize Yuan's face flush slightly under her scrutiny.

God save him, the world was falling apart.

Kratos blocked out the thought and spotted the familiar cracked pillars and lowly arched entrance of the well worn sewer system.

"You'd think they'd have blocked it out after the last time." Kratos muttered quietly. Hadn't the Sylvaranti caused a heap of trouble using the sewers as an outlet? The escaped Tethe'allans should've reported the disturbance immediately.

"Perhaps it's guarded?" Yuan didn't know the precise circumstances to which he was alluding, but the thought was definitely there.

"You'd better hope not." Mithos had recovered his wits again and his hand curled around his kendama in anticipation. Miraculously, there were no patrols around at the moment, so Kratos decided not to push their luck by loitering too long.

"Unless there are any objections, I would recommend we move now." It would be silly to assume that each of them were willing to partake in criminal activity without further explanation. Surprisingly enough, though, even Xilia was nodding her head in approval. They ducked into the dank cavern. The sounds of birds and insects faded quickly, replaced by the trickling of water and hollow footsteps on wet stone. Eyes adjusted to the dimmer setting and soon they could make out the pathway crisscrossing through the mucky troughs ahead of them.

"What a wonderful smell you've discovered.(1)" Yuan wrinkled his nose in distaste as he recalled how revolting the place was. His voice echoed uncomfortably.

"Shut up." Kratos hissed as he heard a footfall further ahead. It could've been his ears playing tricks on him, but the odds of them being completely alone were too slim. Those behind him froze, and it was as if the shadows ahead flickered. No enemy surfaced. A slow exhale sounded from the teal-haired half-elf and they continued on, in single file and deathly quiet.

Despite the lapse of time between his past visits and now, Kratos' memory was crisp. Two lefts and a right later, he could see the thin pillars of light filtering through from above. Light was repeatedly cut off, flickering with the passing of people above. He took the two short steps up to the manhole cover and peered out one of the smaller drainage openings. Though his range of sight was limited, it was clear that there were more military troops than necessary stationed within Meltokio. A small platoon passed over their current location, boots shined and expressions stony. Waiting several minutes after they departed, Kratos felt it was as safe as it was going to get to surface.

"As far as I can tell, no one's around." He gently lifted the metal lid a crack to get a better view. At this end of the alley, no civilians were in view. Kratos gestured sharply for the others to follow as he hoisted himself up in one fluid motion. The entire street was empty. Paper litter flitted about like tumbleweeds and the light was bleaker without the bustle of the market, which should've been just around the corner.

While Yuan helped Mithos up, and then Martel and Xilia, Kratos took a closer eye to the area. The people definitely were not gone; there was still evidence of recent activity in open windows and laundry on overhanging lines.

"Perhaps a curfew has been put into effect?" Was Yuan's first guess, barely out of his mouth before a bell tolled loudly from the direction of the town square. Thankfully, the half-elf had the sense to slam the manhole lid down and get everyone to their feet immediately, because doors swung open and cheerful shouts were called out. As if the emptiness had never existed, the street was filled with Meltokian residents as loud and rambunctious as they always were. No one gave the intruders a second look, because they were soon surrounded by the flow of people obviously heading to the same destination.

"Follow." Kratos put a hand on Mithos' back and the others stayed close as they drifted with the crowd. Some of them looked tense, but others were eager with something like excitement pouring off their features. Amid the buzz, Kratos heard fragments of-

"The counsel's decision-"

"-the Sylvaranti made it this far into-"

"execution"

The last one made him grimace in distaste. Were they forced to attend a public execution? Or a trial? Kratos could see Yuan's expression freeze into one of dread. Kratos knew the feeling. Were they to watch one of his countrymen die? The thought was sickening, but there was little choice in the matter. The crowd parted ahead, around a semicircle of ornately dressed Tethe'allan Knights, helmeted and anonymous. Behind them stood a low platform bearing a panel of prestigious looking men, some bearing scars and others looking rather young.

"The military counsel." Kratos heard Mithos whisper softly, barely heard over the buzz of the dense mass. Kratos sized them up, looking for any officers he recognized. He could only spot a few; the others were too young to have held high positions when he was still in the palace. However, Kratos found their taste for publicity oddly discordant. Were they trying to prove themselves decisive? Not distant from the people? Before, audiences were small for military meetings. His thoughts were cut off when the large brass bell was rung again, and everyone fell silent. The eldest man in the center of the 'counsel' stood and called out loudly to the throng of civilians.

"Welcome." Welcome? Kratos wanted to laugh derisively, but checked it. How could the people be welcomed into their own town square? "Among other matters, today is the final day for the public trial of Zerai Mysan and will provide long awaited closure for the Latheon Gorge incident of years past." Kratos felt his blood run cold, and he immediately sought out Yuan's eyes. There was a silent question, Do you know him? and a short shake of the head in reply. A stiff culprit was dragged to the forefront of the platform, resisting little yet shoulders tensed.

The mob left standing in the cobblestone streets strained to view the Sylvaranti, some pushing and craning their necks in order to get a better angle. A few jeers and boos were thrown at him, but for the most part it was a hypnotic sort of quiet. The man was forced to kneel closer to the crowd, and two Knights bearing flashing armor held either shoulder down.

"Thus far it has been proven that he led a group of saboteurs behind Tethe'allan lines and initiated a chain reaction in our weaponry. Said reaction cost our army over twenty-five high quality mortars and the lives of seven good men." The grey haired man continued, walking from behind the panel of other militant officials to stand beside the captured soldier. "In addition to this unforgivable destruction, he has participated in various act of espionage throughout deeper areas of our country." The head of counsel sneered at the bound Sylvaranti, the contrast between them so stark- one disheveled and bedraggled with obvious prison mistreatment, the other formally outfitted in a dark navy uniform buttoned with silver and honored with a myriad of medals. The prisoner's head hung low and dark tendrils of hair concealed his face.

"Do you confess to the aforementioned crimes?" The man's lank body stirred and his head tilted up, hair slipping away from his eyes to reveal a familiar steeliness. The pang of recognition surged through Kratos.

"Go. I don't want to see you again." The silver eyed man stood tall despite Kratos' sword at his subordinate's neck."Whoever the hell you are." He added under his breath.

Kratos blinked away the memory. How many times was he accidentally going to run into this man? But there was no way he could confess to what he didn't do, if anything, it should be him under trial for the cannon's sabotage. He would have to-

"I do."

Kratos was broken from his reverie with the Sylvaranti's challenging tone and blatant lie.

Damn him.

The execution was scheduled for tomorrow morning. A public hanging. Mandatory attendance. Kratos exhaled. What a blasted idiot! Why would he confess? Now Kratos had to find a way to break him out, something he most certainly did not plan to do. The crowd began to disperse after a few other meaningless notifications were made, and Kratos found himself mired in thought while following Martel and Xilia to the palace. He'd likely have to involve Yuan, but he couldn't ask much of Martel, Mithos, or Xilia. None of them were a part of this, so it might be best to allow them to request the audience while Yuan and he took part in anything more subversive. That would put off his intended explanation to Nyx indefinitely. Kratos pinched the bridge of his nose.

Things had just gotten complicated.

Kratos stopped in the middle of the path, pulling Xilia and Yuan away from the flow of people. Martel, who had kept a firm hold on Mithos the entire time, followed from behind them.

"It seems that we have unexpected matters to attend to. Regrettably, I'll leave the Queen's audience to you three. I don't know if we'll end up crossing paths again, but if we don't I thank you again for your kindness." Martel blinked owlishly, and Mithos scowled in confusion.

"Wait, you mean we're not sticking together anymore? Why?" Kratos could see Yuan bite his lip and he just gave the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder- as close as he'd ever get to apologetic.

"We have things to do that you shouldn't be involved in. If you notify me when you'll be leaving town, then I can spare you any problems. It would be best if you returned to Sybak after this." Kratos knew that telling them this much was probably a bad idea, but it wasn't fair of him to abandon their efforts when they had helped him so much. Yuan brightened the melancholy shift.

"We'll probably be hanging about the square for a while, so if you need us you know where to find us. Afterwards, we could drop by and visit you?" His cheer was well intended, but Mithos still looked sorely disappointed and Martel looked suspicious. Xilia's expression was not indicative of much, but Kratos had thought she knew of his lineage for some time, so perhaps it appeared as if he wanted to lie low. Whatever the case, she pursed her lips.

"We'll let you know when we leave." She nodded and tapped Martel on the shoulder. They both turned to follow the narrow path yet again, and soon they blended into the crowd. Yuan adjusted his cape and spun to look at him.

"What do you have in mind?" His sigh was saddened, and Kratos found that the half-elf must have genuinely enjoyed the others' company. Kratos ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"We need to break him out." In credit to Yuan's character, he only raised his eyebrows.

"Okay."

Mithos was dragged through the streets of Meltokio with little else in mind than their two temporary companions. How could they just up and leave like that? They'd already done so much with each other that it didn't feel right for them to leave without finishing the job. Not to mention there were no answers.

So firstly, Kratos was a fugitive or something. Secondly, he was going to participate in some sort of illegal activity that only Yuan could know about. Thirdly, they were done with each other? That was it? Mithos didn't think so. But his thoughts meant very little, apparently, because they stood right outside the security building connected to the castle's gate.

The bricks were posh and heavy-set, each one a monument in itself and forming a beautifully smooth surface that cut into neat corners and modern walls. Opening the warm mahogany door studded with iron, Martel led the way inside. Her hair trailed behind her in wisps and her stride was purposeful. A man wearing a steel breastplate but no helmet manned the desk, and Mithos' sharp eyes picked out swords and other equipment littered behind him. They clearly took the security very seriously here.

"We'd like to request an audience with the Queen." Martel drew the hardened soldier's attention, "We have information regarding missing persons in Kharlan that she needs to be informed of." The man made no move to get up or contact anyone, instead he sunk back on his stool and folded his arms on the table.

"The Queen is unavailable to civilians at the moment. It would be best for you to file a report, though I cannot guarantee it will be acted upon anytime in the near future. Lady Nyx has been remarkably busy organizing the newer government parameters." Mithos wanted to snort at the lies, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Organizing it, huh? It seemed that an audience would be impossible to get without some serious pull.

"When might she be available?" Xilia tried this time, a frown tugging on her lips as well.

"I'm unsure at this time." The man was so obviously indifferent to their questioning, Mithos was growing irritated. Martel instead pulled the boy by the arm to the corner.

"Mithos, can you go find Yuan and his friend and tell them not to wait for us? It'll probably be a while." She made a big show of sitting in the waiting area and Mithos smiled despite himself.

"Of course." Martel had kept Kratos' name out of it, just as promised. He wasted no time barreling out of the door and leaving the stiflingly royal sitting room.

Even though he'd only been to Meltokio twice, Mithos had a great short-term memory. It didn't take him long to retrace his steps to the square. He was jostled by a couple of passer-bys while he stood on his tiptoes to get a good look around the building locked region. True to their word, Kratos and Yuan stood in the furthermost corner, animatedly discussing something. Kratos' back was to him, but Mithos could see Yuan's face harden and a firm shake of the head in denial.

Maybe if he got closer, he could eavesdrop.

The half-elf boy began to weave his way across the square, keeping an eye on the characteristic heads of auburn and teal hair. A few more steps, and he'd be able to make out the low words they were speaking to each other.

"If we can count on the building's layout remaining constant, then I could-" Kratos' voice cut off, and Mithos cursed both of their sensory abilities as Yuan waved him over.

"I didn't expect to see you so soon." Yuan smiled anyways, and Mithos was reminded of why he came.

"Well, Martel told me to tell you that you shouldn't wait for us. The Queen isn't seeing civilians any time soon." Mithos saw Kratos' eyes darken and Yuan's frown deepen.

"Do you have an approximation?" Kratos' question was apt, but Mithos shook his head, pulling some blond strands away from his face as he did so.

"The guy at the desk won't give us anything to work with." Mithos crossed his arms with distaste, "He said we could 'file a report' but then said that it wouldn't get looked at." Yuan's brow creased.

"That was stupid of him." Yuan's voice was not mirroring the disgust in Mithos' own.

"Pardon?" The boy cocked his head to the side.

"If I wanted to get rid of any one, I would tell them their reports would get looked at right away. Then you'd have filed one and left. The way this man went about it, I can only assume that-" Mithos' blue eyes widened a fraction, and Kratos easily finished off the trailing sentence.

"They don't consider you a threat. Meaning you probably won't be leaving town anytime soon. Come to think of it, we haven't seen any one leave." Kratos pointed out. Mithos clenched his fists.

"That sneaky bastard!" The tiny boy exclaimed, eliciting an amused glance from Kratos and a surprised scowl from Yuan.

"What would Martel say if she heard you talking like that?" Yuan nudged the boy's shoulder disapprovingly. Mithos hefted an annoyed sigh at the other halfling and turned back to Kratos.

"So what can we do about it?" Inner conflict seemed to prevent the man from speaking again for a moment, but he made up his mind quickly and trained his striking eyes back on Yuan.

"I'll fix their problem and return as soon as I can. Can you continue where we left off?" Mithos blinked in confusion. He could just fix such a problem? But he was a fugitive! Was he going to kill the guard? Yuan nodded, the look of concern on his face throwing Mithos for another loop.

"Just be careful."

What the hell was going on? Mithos bit his tongue to keep from prying. He'd learn soon enough what Kratos planned on doing. Kratos pointed him in the right direction and they began walking, the swordsman's eyes down cast and his eyebrows furrowed in thought. The secrets were driving Mithos insane. The silence was fitting, but odd, and most definitely not complete due to the bustle of people about. Mithos had been thankful that the morning curfew was not a permanent state for the capital city, but instead it seemed the civilians stayed indoors for the night until late morning. It was now the third time Mithos had traversed this particular path, and he was getting used to the grander architecture in the buildings lining the paved streets. They reached the stony building where Martel and Xilia were waiting without another word spoken, and Mithos glanced at Kratos once more. Things were going to be interesting to say the least.

Kratos didn't hesitate to swing the door on its hinges and stride in, while both Xilia and Martel looked surprised to see him. Martel's eyes immediately sprung to Mithos' own, and he shrugged at the unspoken question. If the security guard thought it strange that no one dared to address Kratos, he didn't show it. Instead, the nameless soldier only narrowed his eyes.

"I was told that the Queen was not seeing civilians?" Kratos was cordial as ever, and Mithos wondered when he was going to unsheathe his sword. The word 'criminal' kept popping into his head. The Tethe'allan behind the desk nodded suspiciously. Kratos stepped closer to the desk, and leaned over it- mumbling something too low for Mithos to hear. Martel was sitting up in her chair, on the edge, but she had both eyebrows raised in interest and her mouth quirked into a smile. Mithos turned back to see what had Martel so pleased.

The soldier behind the desk paled considerably, and his eyes shot back to Kratos' expressionless face in a soundless analysis. He stood quickly, pushing back his stool.

"I-I'm sorry, sir." Mithos gaped. "I'll take you and your companions to see her right away." Kratos wasn't going to threaten him? How did he manage to get them in so easily? What did he say? Mithos' curiosity burned, but he had no outlet for it as they were led to the opposite door and into the courtyard at the forefront of the castle. He was too enthralled with his thoughts to appreciate the elegant surroundings.

How did Kratos do it?

The spacious hallways had beautifully crafted rafters crisscrossing the arched ceilings, and Mithos hated the way his footsteps echoed. The entire place made him feel small and unworthy. Eventually, after numerous staircases and countless corridors, they stopped in front of an enormous set of smoothly sanded wooden doors, carved with the royal crest and fanciful decorations.

The guard that had taken them thus far gingerly lifted and rapped the door knocker three times. A short silence, and then a distinctly feminine voice answered.

"Enter."

Mithos watched Kratos stiffen. He ran a hand through his hair, as nervous as Mithos had ever seen him, and he turned to address the small group.

"I should probably go in first. Explanations will be forthcoming later on, I assure you." With that, he cracked the door and slipped in.

Mithos ached to follow and see what was going on, but Kratos promised to tell, so he waited. The soldier left them for some reason or another, which Mithos found exceedingly odd. Shouldn't he protect his Queen at any cost? If he was going to return with reinforcements, because Kratos had indeed threatened him, then they were in for a heap of trouble. Martel dropped a hand on his shoulder.

"I have to say, I am a little impressed." Martel admitted, still eyeing their surroundings with a healthy amount of respect. Xilia made a noncommittal noise of agreement, and Mithos listened at the door for scraps of the conversation.

Soon escalated voices were heard, muffled by the stone walls and thick doors. There was definitely an argument going on, that sounded particularly one-sided. What Mithos assumed to be Lady Nyx' voice dominated the silence until Kratos' tenor bounced back with equal ferocity. Kratos was arguing with the Queen of Tethe'alla. Mithos felt a mixture of fear and awe.

What had they gotten into?

(1) If you know where this quote is from, you get serious props from me xD

(A/N) I really like this chapter for some reason... anyways, tell me what ya thought? Thanx for reading!