So here it is. Sorry for taking so long!! Writer's block busy schedule slow internet speed(ergo very little internet time) SLOW UPDATE. It's a pretty long chapter (for me at least), but I'm not sure if it's very interesting. I had to do a lot of explaining and such. My Humblest apologies. If there wasn't enough action or something, I will try to get to it in the next chapter. I guess this chapter also has a lot of friendship and character building in it as well.
CHAPTER 11
THE AESIR
"I recall helping you out of plenty of tricky situations, Yuan," Kratos responded coolly to the renegade leader's remark.
"Yuan. So, you have finally arrived," Regal greeted the half-elf.
"Yes, sorry for being late," Yuan turned away from Kratos and addressed the others, "Although, shouldn't the Symphony still be in session?"
"Technically, it still is, but after these two ran out, we all sensed that strange power surge and came to investigate," Sheena jerked her thumb to indicate Kratos and Lloyd.
"Ah, that reminds me," Yuan faced the red-clad teenager, "Lloyd."
"Uh, yeah?" Lloyd was apprehensive.
"You are an idiot."
"What?!" Lloyd was incredulous (despite being told this fact more than once).
"Not that we didn't know that already, but what did he do this time?" Genis sighed.
"You fell right into their trap. Then again, I suppose you did destroy their disruption signal," Yuan seemed to be talking to himself more than Lloyd.
"First of all, who are 'they'? Do you mean those guys who just attacked us?" Lloyd questioned.
Yuan raised an eyebrow, "Isn't it obvious? They are the ones who have been attacking you for a while now. I believe Genis and Raine were kidnapped by them recently."
"They're from the same group? Do you know who they are?" Lloyd pressed.
"They are a group called the Aesir. Not much is known, but the Renegades have picked up a few things," Yuan emphasized the 'few' to make sure the group would not expect him to be a wellspring of information.
"The Aesir? What do you know about them?" Raine asked.
"Before anything else, I believe it would be a good idea to get back to the Symphony. You would not want to keep the council waiting."
There were still many unanswered questions hanging in the air, but everyone knew that Yuan was right. Quickly, they made their way back up to Symphony Hall- where, of course, the representatives were all making a big fuss over the situation.
"What is going on?" the King immediately started interrogating Raine, and then he noticed Yuan walk in, "Ah! Chief Attendant Yuan, how nice of you to make it to the meeting."
Yuan merely nodded curtly.
"Now if everyone would calm down, I will explain what I know," the Professor used the same tone as she did when setting to order a rowdy class. Fortunately, it had the same effect upon the crowd.
"As I was saying before the interruption, there is an unknown group moving about with motives that are not yet clear-"
"It would seem there is very little you do know, Professor," the representative of Sybak cut in hotly.
"Precisely why I intend to find out," Raine continued calmly, deflating the man's ego instantly, "They have again attacked. The only thing we are sure of is the Odin's Tear, and that they mean to get it."
"Very well. The Symphony discussed your suggestion in your absence and has agreed to grant you your request," the king of Meltokio nodded gravely, "This meeting is now adjourned."
At that the representatives rose from their seats and quickly exited the room. Yuan just as quickly left the room for his private quarters, the others hot at his heals.
Genis was quietly conversing with Lloyd as Raine pestered Yuan with questions ahead of them. Kratos drifted in between the four.
"He really thinks he's in charge of the whole thing, doesn't he?" Genis scowled, "Always giving orders like that."
"Who?" Lloyd asked.
"The King of course."
"Huh. I guess," Lloyd shrugged.
"If anyone has authority over the Symphony, it is not the king," Yuan said to Kratos, drawing his attention away from the boys.
"That is true," Raine agreed.
"Is that so?" Kratos smiled lightly.
"The one person who can command the loyalty of most of the representatives of the Symphony is Lloyd," Yuan clarified.
"You should have seen him at the first meeting," Raine reminisced proudly, "The King was getting something of a big head, still thinking he was fully in charge, but Lloyd put him in his place. He said he did not just risk his life to save the world and then have it brought into chaos because of a bunch of bickering children. Of course, Regal, Colette, Sheena, Presea, Genis, and I rallied behind him; then Pietro of Luin and Neil of Palma Costa came to his side. I suppose Yuan also considered himself Lloyd's ally."
Kratos glanced sideways to Yuan, who remained stoic, but said, "The King knew not to challenge Lloyd again, who undoubtedly has the support of most if not all of the Symphony."
"I see," Kratos replied, inwardly smiling at his son's charisma.
Yuan reached a door in the far reaches of the complex and opened it for everyone to enter.
"Okay, Yuan, you wanna fill us in now?" Lloyd folded his arms in front of him as the others sat down to listen.
Yuan took a moment to compose his thoughts, "First off, I will address the matter of the event that has just taken place. Lloyd, I'm sure that before now, you were unable to contact Origin for some time."
Lloyd nodded solemnly.
"That is because the Aesir had somehow created a signal that disrupted the Mana Wave Frequency. Like light energy, mana flows in waves, and sometimes even particles. Their signal nullified the mana waves and scrambled any particles that may have slipped through," Yuan turned to Kratos and said, "Kratos felt the full brunt of the signal when he hit a barrier set up around Lloyd and Tyr."
"Who?" Genis asked.
"Tyr, he was one of today's attackers. We are aware of the identities of only a few of the Aesir members," Yuan answered.
"Hold on," Lloyd cut in, "How do you know what happened? You weren't there."
"I had one of my men watch you and report back to me."
"Why didn't you ask him to help Lloyd and Kratos then?" Colette wondered aloud.
"That wouldn't be very good judgment. He knew his man didn't stand a chance. Despite his arrogance, Yuan is a good leader," Lloyd teased.
With that comment, Kratos realized Lloyd had not only grown stronger, but a bit wiser as well.
"Besides, we had everything covered," Lloyd said cockily.
Or not.
"As I was saying," Yuan plowed on, unfazed, "Kratos was affected by the signal and was unable to focus mana or any other mechanical function."
Everyone stole a quick glance at the swordsman, who merely gave a slight nod.
"However, Lloyd cancelled their frequency for a moment, which allowed Origin to make contact with him. Combined, his and Origin's power dispersed the signal completely."
"But how was Lloyd able to do so?" Raine questioned curiously, "According to what you have said, this signal should be disrupting the Mana Wave Frequency, and that includes any similar frequencies: meaning Summon Spirit, Elven, Human, and Angel alike."
"We do not even really know. There are only hypotheses and speculations. Nothing based in fact or hard evidence. It would be pointless to try and work on knowledge like that," Yuan sighed tiredly.
"Okay, then. You know of the history of Odin's Tear, correct? Or more specifically, its personal prophecy?" Regal asked.
"…I would not say our information is whole and I can not yet guarantee its accuracy," Yuan answered carefully.
"Do you think that this Aesir group is the 'dark force' attempting to regain the lost power of ages past?" Presea continued on the question.
"Without a doubt," Yuan replied with not a moment's hesitation.
He then took the silence from the group as his cue to continue, "From records we have gathered that this group has actually been around for quite some time. Behind the scenes of history, they have secretly called upon powerful political and royal figures in attempt to manipulate them. Some famous kings have been corrupt by these people."
"But in all these years I have never heard anything about them," Kratos mused aloud, indeed troubled by this news.
Yuan shrugged and said, "For some reason or another they have never tried to come in contact with Mithos. Or if they had, we did not know of it. Furthermore, although they have been around for a while, they have never taken such bold actions until now."
"What is happening now that would warrant such a response?" Regal questioned.
This time Raine answered, "Well, for one thing, the two worlds have been united, and Mithos, a very powerful obstacle if he chose to be, is gone."
"True…" Lloyd mulled it all over in his head.
Yuan nodded and said, "So far, at least three of the Aesir have shown themselves: Loki, who was often the emissary between the Aesir and our people, Bragi, another contact for us, and Tyr, supposedly the muscle of their operations."
"And there were those two other ones," Lloyd added.
At this Yuan showed slight surprise and asked, "Were there? I was unaware of any others appearing."
"Yeah," Lloyd continued on to describe them, "There was this one guy with gold hair and a giant hammer, and a slightly older woman with brown hair and really fancy robes."
"The hammer is Miolinr, the trademark of the one they call Thor. As for this woman, I do not know," Yuan now looked deep in thought.
"Either way," Raine spoke up, "Right now we have to worry about the Tear. Once we have it, we can decide what to do next."
"Yuan, do you have any idea what might have happened to it?" Genis turned to the older half-elf.
For a moment Yuan's face looked grave, but he simply said, "I rather doubt it shattered. Beyond that, I can not be sure."
"Well, then," Raine got up and made for the door, "There are preparations that have to be made. Everyone should get a good sleep. We leave first thing in the morning."
Regal, Preasea, and Sheena also got up to leave.
"I guess we also have some things to take care of," Sheena sighed.
"I left in a bit of a hurry. I should meet up with father," Collette smiled and bowed out of the room.
In a rare moment of insightfulness, Lloyd noticed the two angels and ancient friends. They seemed to almost avoid each other's gaze, yet it seemed they each wanted to say something.
Lloyd smirked, and pulled Genis by the hand, "Okay, then! We're off! Have fun catching up."
"Wha?" Genis was haplessly dragged off, and the door banged loudly behind them.
"Interesting kid you've got there," Yuan commented lightly.
"…"
Lloyd kept walking until he was sure that they were a distance away that the two angels believed he had left, yet not so far so that he could not hear them. Then, he swung behind a corner and listened.
"What's this?" Genis whispered rhetorically, "We leave them to talk in private, but you eavesdrop on them anyway?"
"That's the idea," Lloyd winked.
Genis sighed and rolled his eyes, but made no move to leave.
"I suppose there is not much you want to say right now," Yuan ventured and smiled good-naturedly at the red-head.
Kratos stared ahead; finally he exhaled and said, "We have been at odds for such a long time. It is not easy to just talk." He suddenly smiled mischievously and added, "And there was that one time you threatened to kill my son."
For maybe the first time since Lloyd had met him, Yuan began to laugh, "Oh, yes. Sorry about that."
The sound of footsteps could be heard (by Lloyd at least), and the two eavesdroppers (again, at least Lloyd) prepared to spring away.
"You should know," Kratos said quietly, "I do not feel any malice or distrust towards you. I hope you feel the same."
The doorknob began to turn when Yuan spoke up, "Kratos, as your friend, I have something to tell you. I shouldn't be mentioning this, for it is only a theory, but I want you to know."
After a second's pause he continued, "We have an idea of why Lloyd was able to cancel out the disruption signal. There are only really three types of life forms that produce mana: humans, elves, and summon spirits. Half-elves are sub-species to elves and humans, and angels are advanced forms of half-elves. Because Lloyd is human, yet has angel blood, and is also steeping with summon spirit energy from exposure to Origin, his personal mana frequency might actually be very similar to the Mana Wave Frequency.
In that moment when Lloyd experienced that surge of power due to distress, he let out high powered waves of that frequency. This would have boosted the natural Mana waves, allowing them to overpower the disruption signal."
"…But if that is true…" Kratos seemed stunned, "The Mana Wave Frequency is the source of life, but in high, concentrated doses, it can be deadly to people."
"Exactly."
For the duration of the conversation that concerned him, Lloyd slowly, but steadily tensed, and became more distraught with every word. He was not entirely sure what everything meant, but for certain, it all made him nervous.
"You'll need to keep a close eye on him. This time, it was okay. But in the future, if he is feeling too much negative emotion, he might jus revert to something like the disruption signal. Again this is all theory but you can never be too careful."
"…Yuan…" Kratos started.
"Technically, I am supposed to be silent and let it run its course to see what happens. I have told you now, and it is yours to tell to Lloyd if you so wish."
"…Thank you."
With that, the door creaked open, and Lloyd and Genis shot off as fast as they could down the hall.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Wha-mmf?!"
Lloyd swiftly covered the young half-elf's mouth to stop his sudden outburst.
"Shh!" Lloyd hissed and used his free hand to lift a finger before his mouth.
"Okay, okay," Genis said in a low voice and took Lloyd's hand away, "But Yuan said it was all just a guess, right?"
The two friends were currently sitting atop the main steps of Meltokio, a bag of groceries and travel items between them. They had gone shopping for supplies, and during that time, Lloyd had told Genis what he had overheard.
"Uh, I guess so, er," Lloyd looked flustered and confused and the ruffled his head in frustration, "Agh! I don't even really understand what they were talking about…"
Genis let out a sigh, shoulda seen that one coming, he thought.
"Basically," Genis explained, "From what you told me, Yuan thinks you might have the same kind of energy as the Mana Wave Frequency, which scientists believe is the current on which all mana travels through space. What that ultimately means, however, could be endless."
"Huh?"
"Obviously, no other living organism has had this happen before. There's no telling how certain mana will react to you, or what effect it will have on you. After all the events with Cruxis and the Eternal sword and everything, maybe just like your angel powers, this frequency of yours could have recently surfaced."
"Hmmm…so the bottom line is, no one really knows what it means yet…" Lloyd mused.
"Pretty much," Genis shrugged, "But you should be careful and keep your powers in check. A dangerous reaction could take place and cause a lot of harm to you…"
Lloyd noticed how Genis cut off a bit short and looked troubled, "Hey, Genis-"
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggghhh…" a ghostly whisper blew against the back of the teens' necks and they proceeded to jump out of their skins and down a flight of stairs.
"Aaaaaaaah!" the two screamed and turned to face the spectre.
"Holy-! Zelos is that you…?" Lloyd squinted at the emaciated ooze of a person lying haphazardly along the steps.
"Is he dead?" Genis slowly inched toward him and prodded what they believed was Zelos with his Kendama.
No response.
"Huh, I guess he is," Lloyd scratched his head.
"Should we bury him?"
"Nah, that'd take too long." Lloyd snapped his fingers as an idea came to mind, "Hey, I know! Use Grave and encase him in earth!"
Genis looked thoughtful, "Maybe we should make sure he's dead. I could use Earth Bite so the lightening finishes him off, and then bury him."
"That's okay. I'll just stab him. Y'know, like pie and cake n'stuff. You poke them to make sure they're done."
"Hey, you were actually paying attention when I gave that baking lesson!" Genis seemed satisfied.
Lloyd rubbed the back of his head and laughed, "Uh yeah, sure! Most of it anyway."
"You just wanted the cake, didn't you?" Genis huffed.
"Anyway," Lloyd unsheathed a sword and held it above Zelos, his face emanating evil, "Here goes!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Zelos jumped up and grabbed Lloyd by the collar, "You little brats!!! You were serious?!?!...And what's with those grins?!"
Both Genis and Lloyd's face were dark with mischievous smirks, and the next moment they burst out laughing.
"Ahahahaha! That was awesome!" Lloyd gasped between bouts of laughter.
"You're so fun to mess with!!" Genis was nearly tearing.
"Oh, I'm gonna mess with you guys alright."
"Hey, look! It's Sheena!" Lloyd pointed past Zelos.
"Yeah, right. Not falling for that. That Amazon isn't behind me."
"Is there any particular reason you are manhandling my son?" a dark voice asked menacingly.
"You're right. It's worse," Lloyd smiled.
Zelos turned to his side and there standing tall beside him was none other than Kratos, wearing his usual stoic expression.
"Gah!" Zelos immediately let go.
"Ah, don't worry!" Lloyd tapped Zelos on the shoulder good-naturedly. Zelos on the other hand looked completely listless and soulless.
"Ugh…I. Can't. Take. Anymore…." He droned.
"Seriously though," Lloyd tapped him on the head, "She's really coming down the street.
"#!!" Zelos whipped around in time to see the reaper of his tattered soul turn the corner and walk towards them.
"Save meeee!" Zelos glomped on to Lloyd's leg.
"Hey, guys!" Sheena came up and greeted them pleasantly, "Zelos? What are you doing?"
She looked down around Lloyd's leg curiously.
"Uh, hiding from you?" Genis responded for him.
"Whatever for?" she asked, dangerously sweet.
At this point, even Genis and Lloyd were freaking out.
"Weren't you mad at him?" Lloyd wondered.
"Oh, I got that all out," she smiled, and for the barest second her face turned demonic as she muttered, "But I hope I shall never have to be so cross with you ever again. Is that clear, Zelos?"
Zelos slowly nodded.
Sheena's face brightened and she whistled a happy tune as she skipped up the stairs, leaving an awkward chill in her absence.
"…"
"…"
"…so, Zelos. What exactly did she do?" Lloyd looked down to find Zelos unconscious and foaming at the mouth.
"Who has to carry him back up?" Genis questioned.
The boys looked at each other, then looked at Kratos.
"Since we have to get these groceries up to Raine, we'll leave this to you dad!" Lloyd and Genis quickly grabbed the bags and tried to make a run for it.
"Hold it," the icy voice stopped them in their tracks, "This will give you an excellent chance to exercise your newfound strength, Lloyd."
And so it went: Kratos and Genis carried up the bags, and Lloyd was left on Zelos clean-up duty. Bu the time they reached Zelos's manor, Lloyd merely kicked the door to his room open, and dropped him roughly on the bed.
"Now," Kratos stood, arms folded, "It is time you two got to sleep."
"Yes, sir," the two mumbled in unison.
The two trudged up the stairs, but were stopped by a quiet mumbling.
"…? Did you say something, dad?" Lloyd looked back.
Kratos looked up at them, and, looking slightly red, said more clearly, "…Make sure you brush your teeth…"
It took a minute for the words to sink in, but soon a smile spread across his face and he said, "Taking fatherhood in stride, eh? Right, I won't forget."
With that, the two ran up the stairs. After preparing for sleep, the friends made their way down the hall and stopped in front of their respective bedrooms.
Genis was about to turn the knob when Lloyd spoke up, "Hey, Genis. Before, when we were talking, it looked like something was bothering you, or that you wanted to say something more…"
Genis stopped, but continued to look down at the door.
Finally, he looked up and gave a small smile, "I was just thinking about what Yuan said. Y'know, Lloyd, you should really be careful. You always get riled up so easily. Try to take it easy until Kratos talks to about it."
Lloyd took a quick glance down the hall, where those who were still awake were making last minute arrangements. Needless to say, Kratos was among them.
"If he decides to tell me."
"I'm sure he wouldn't try to keep a secret from you, unless he absolutely had to," Genis reassured him.
"Yeah, I guess….well, anyway, g'night Genis."
"Night…"
As the doors closed, Genis immediately plopped on to his bed, and dug his face into his pillow.
I'm such a coward… he thought to himself. I couldn't tell him…Not only could his powers be a danger to himself, but any life forms around him. I know I'm not afraid of him…I'm afraid of his response. If I told him that, he would be upset. He might try to leave for our sakes.
Genis tossed and turned in his bed until he was curled up in a ball, I don't want him to go…
Eventually, he drifted off into a restless sleep, alone with his thoughts.
Elsewhere…
Outside the window, a full moon rose to light up the sky. Lloyd's room was bathed in moonlight as well, and inside, he was fully awake. He lay on his side, propped up against his arm, staring out at the stars. With his enhanced hearing, he could tell that everyone was now saying their goodnights and finding sleep in their beds. Turning, he let himself land on his back, and stared up at the ceiling.
It won't do me any good wondering about this, he reasoned to himself, might as well just get some sleep…
He was once again on his side, facing away from the door and towards the open window, when he heard his bedroom door click.
Instantly, he went into sleep mode. If it was the Professor, she would be checking to make sure he was up late doing something stupid. She never did quite get over the time he had snuck out in the middle of the night in Flanoir. He played in the snow with Noishe and earned himself a nice cold the next day.
Soft foot steps treaded the lush carpet, and the door closed gently. For a moment the person stopped before the bed, then kneeled beside it. By now Lloyd could tell that it was in fact his father who had come to check up on him. However, he decided to stay quiet, to see what would happen.
A cool hand carefully brushed stray locks of hair out of Lloyd's face. Kratos pulled the covers up more over Lloyd, and fixed them neatly around him.
Almost inaudibly Kratos whispered to himself, "It's been years since I've tucked him in bed."
Kratos went back to stroking his son's hair. After a few moments, he said a bit louder, "Lloyd…do not worry. We will find out what is going on. I do not know if what Yuan said is the case, but I will not let anything happen to you."
Lloyd had a suspicion his father did not buy the fake sleep, but continued on with the charade anyway. Soon, Kratos took a chair, and set it next to the bed, seating himself in it. Since it was Kratos, he would doubtless be here all night, he himself not needing a wink of sleep. But before he knew it, Lloyd had fallen into slumber, and when he next opened his eyes, it was sunlight that spilled through his window.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Good morning Lloyd!" Genis greeted his friend as they each left their room.
"'Morning," Lloyd sleepily rubbed the drowsiness out of his eyes.
Lloyd looked both ways down the hall, and then double checked in his room. Finally, he stopped and scratched his head in puzzlement.
"What's up?" Genis asked.
"Uh…well, I was just wondering…my dad was there last night, and he's gone…" he scratched his head in slight embarrassment.
"What? Miss your daddy?" Genis teased.
"Gah! Shaddup!" Lloyd yelled out and proceeded to chase his vertically challenged friend through the hall and down the stairs. This succeeded in waking up everyone that was still sleeping away peacefully.
"Meh, I'm gonna kill 'em," a very grumpy Raine thrust a pillow over her head in order to salvage what little dregs of sleep she could hold on to, "After I shleep."
The chase continued past the living room and when the fresh smells of breakfast wafted to their noses, it became a race to the kitchen.
"DAD?!"
"Kratos?!"
Lloyd stopped short as he entered the kitchen. Genis then collided into his back, causing both to fall to the floor.
There, instead of the expected sight of Zelos's butler cooking the meal, Kratos had taken of the mercenary's cape and put on the cook's apron. He had just finished garnishing a fruity dish when they had entered (stumbled) in.
"Good morning," Kratos said a bit stiffly, for he was still not used to showing much emotion, especially in front of other people besides Lloyd.
"Uh, good morning," Lloyd and Genis returned, a bit stunned.
"Are you…hungry?"
The two slowly turned their hands to the table which was filled to the brim with all sorts of platters and delicacies that they had not ever seen before. Just as slowly, they turned back and pointed, "All of that? You made?"
The ancient swordsman (and apparently, cook) gave a small nod, "Sorry. These are all recipes from my time. I am not very good with modern dishes."
"Historical cuisine?!?!" an infatuated Raine pushed right through the pair and immediately set to work examining the food.
Single file, everyone started to fill the room, only to stop and gawk at the "ancient" (in a manner of speaking) feast.
"Ah! This is a commoner's dish from the Balacruf Dynasty! And this is a lost dish of Tethe'allan Royalty. A native seafood dish of the extinct Thoda Geyser tribe! I must sample these immediately!"
Without further pause, the party sat down to fill their stomachs and expand their palate.
"I've heard of a few of these foods form Raine's books, but nothing beats eating them," Genis said happily chomping down some sort of egg crepe.
"Doesn't matter to me. Food is food. And this food is good!" Lloyd used his simple logic for just about anything.
"Lloyd, try this," Kratos set down a plate of what first seemed a kind of omelet. On the insider, however, was an assortment of rice, vegetables and a type of meat. On top, a light sauce was drizzled over.
"Hmmm…that looks familiar," Genis mumbled to himself, trying to remember where he had seen the dish.
"Alright!" Lloyd took up his fork and prepared to sample the food.
"Ah! Now I remember!" Genis snapped his fingers, then he blanched and turned to his friend, "Gah! Wait Lloyd, that has a lot of toma-"
Genis stopped as he realized the bite had already been taken.
"-toes," he finished lamely.
Lloyd paled and began to choke on the mouthful, and after a few pounds to his chest, he swallowed it down.
"Don't do that to me, Genis!" he coughed, "I nearly choked. And besides, I don't taste any tomatoes."
"But-"
"Trust me…I would know," Lloyd gave a few shivers as he recalled the taste of his tongue's bane.
"That is because I did not use tomatoes," although it was very slight, Kratos gave a little shutter at the word, but his face did not show it, "Lloyd… does not like tomatoes…correct?"
"I abhor the evil vegetable!" Lloyd stuck his tongue out.
"Hey nice use of vocabulary!" Sheena congratulated him.
"But they are fruits," Presea added.
"I know! But I won't give them the satisfaction of calling them by their proper name! I'll spite them by saying they're vegetables even after they have strived so long to be recognized as the fruit class!"
Whaat The whole room only gaped at the ridiculousness of the boy's comment.
"Umm…I do not think that they will mind much…" Presea said.
"Don't bother with him. He's been like that ever since I taught him that in school. He was ecstatic to have something over them," Raine sighed and continued eating.
Lloyd ignored them and said to Kratos, "But how did you know?"
The barest hint of a smile came to Kratos's lips as he said, "You never did like them, even as a child. But you did like this, so I always made it for you."
"It does not appear that you like them either, Kratos," Regal smirked slightly, and Kratos gave an almost invisible twitch.
"Aha! A weakness!" Zelos sprung up from the table and in his hand- a ripe, red tomato, "Open up!"
He made a dash for the other red haired swordsman and waved the fruit in his face. In a flash it was over: Zelos was on the floor by Kratos holding his arm behind his back, and the innocent tomato lay skewered to the table by a fork.
"I do not suggest you that again," Kratos said in a low voice.
"Lloyd! Call him off!" Zelos cried out, "Uncle, uncle!"
"Hey, I'm his son, not his handler. That's what you get for trying to mess with an Aurion and his hatred for tomatoes."
At this remark, Kratos stiffened slightly and glanced at his son from the corner of his eye.
"Lloyd…" he barely whispered.
"That reminds me, Lloyd. What exactly is your name now that you know Kratos is your dad?" Collette asked.
Genis noticed Kratos tense ever so slightly, and guessed that was what he had wanted to know.
"Oh that? I decided that a while ago," Lloyd took a toothpick and began to chew on it, "If it's alright with both my dads, I'd like it to be Lloyd Irving Aurion. I've never had a middle name, so Irving will be that, and Aurion can be my last."
Kratos abruptly let go of Zelos, and swiftly left the room without a word.
"Hey, dad!" Lloyd jumped out of his chair and followed him outside.
Kratos had stopped just outside the front door, and was staring out into the clear blue sky.
"Dad!" Lloyd caught up and looked up into his father's face, "Hey, dad? I'm sorry. Did you not want that or something…?"
"No, no," Kratos nodded his head and smiled, "I think it's a wonderful idea. It's just that I never thought I would have my Lloyd Aurion back."
"Hmm?"
"At first I thought I had lost you. Then I found you again, except then you were Lloyd Irving. I knew you were my son…and it's only really a name but…you were not really mine anymore. You had a new life, and a new father who had raised you well. It is probably foolish of me…now that you have chosen my name for yours, it is like you are truly mine again."
"…"
"Do not misunderstand. You are my son no matter what, and I would support whatever name you chose."
"Yeah, I gotcha," Lloyd smiled and rested an arm on his father's shoulder, "Congratulations! You officially got yourself a son!"
Kratos stared at him for a second, than broke out into a small smile.
"And besides, this saves me from the embarrassment of my parents picking a weird middle name," Lloyd feigned looking slightly relieved.
"Yes. Your mother certainly had some… "colorful" ideas for that."
"Really?"
"Because "Lloyd" means "grey" she wanted to pick a middle name with more color. She was thinking of trying flower names."
"Geh! No way!" Lloyd looked genuinely horrified, "Don't tell me my real middle name-"
"No, lucky for you, we had never gotten around to it," Kratos smirked.
"Okay! Aurions! Front and center! We're getting ready to leave!" Raine's voice boomed from the living room. For them, there was no need to yell, but that just wouldn't be very Raine, now would it.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
After an hour's worth of flying upon the Rheairds, the Gaoracchia Forest came to sight.
Raine called out to the other party members, "Alright, the plan is to land in front of the southwest opening and-"
"Wait," Kratos interrupted and looked closely at the foliage. Suddenly Lloyd perked his ears and shouted out, "Everyone! Land behind these mountains! The forest is full of enemies!"
Yay!!Another chapter!! If there is anything you want to see more of, let me know. I want to try to balance the story out with different types of techiniques, but if you prefer one or the other, my ears are wide open (which really doesn't make sense since they're hardly ever closed). And do not worry, there will be plenty of YUan, Angel stuff, fighting, Lloyd going psyko with power (mehehe), and Oyako.
Shiro:Y'know guys, I really don't see how you don't like tomatoes. They're one of my favorites.
Kratos: Vile things.
Lloyd: Favorite vegetables or fruits?!
(Shiro whacks Lloyd over head with rubber chicken from gym class)
Shiro: Oh, give it a rest.
Lloyd: Ha! That didn't even hurt!
Shiro: Fine. (proceeds to throw shotput from gym class at Lloyd's head)
Lloyd: OW!
Shiro: Don't worry, it won't affect your intelligence.
Lloyd: Hey!!
Shiro: Hmmm...This reminds me of an old song a friend of mine made up a long time ago:
(Sung to the Clementine song)
Oh tomato, oh tomato, oh tomato, clementine.
When you eat them, they squirt out acid, and make everyone go blind.
Kratos/ Lloyd:...?
Shiro: Obviously, she is not too fond of tomatoes herself.