Sorry for being over a day late. My beta ran late because of personal problems. Nonetheless, thanks again to zealousfreak27 for checking my chapter and fixing my stupid grammar mistakes. Anyway, thanks you all for the reviews, hits, and favorites.

Now, to the story.

Chapter 9: A Mother's Gift

The months flew by steadily as Lloyd and Colette grew closer as friends. Whenever Lloyd could find any free time, he would head off to Iselia to visit her. Together, they would play all sorts of games with the other children, including the infamous desert bandit. Although Lloyd was must more careful whenever Colette was the bandit.

If it was one thing he has learned, it was that Colette had some type of divine protection. He didn't believe Martel protected her, but some entity was looking out for her. Every time he almost had her in any game, such a tag or desert bandit, she would have a klutz attack and escape. The problem was that all of her klutz attacks did some kind of physical damage towards him or property was damaged and he ended up paying for it.

The other kids just laughed and called these episodes divine klutziness. While being clumsy would normally be a bad thing to anyone else, it was a gift given by the goddess for Colette. Lloyd thought this was a joke pulled by the other children at first and that lucky duck she pulled in their first game of desert bandits was just a fluke. After several more incidences of a similar nature he, like the other kids, concluded that it was divine protection.

"Hey Colette, why don't you spend a day at my house?" Lloyd suddenly asked. He was lying on his stomach playing a board game with Colette at her house.

He would have liked to play outside, but it was currently too hot. For the past week, Iselia had been suffering its worst summer heat of the year. Going outside during the mid day was asking for a severe case of heat stroke before an hour even passed.

Colette frowned as she moved her game piece. "I'd love to, but I can't. I'm not allowed to leave the village."

Lloyd sighed. "So, you're stuck here until the day you go on your journey? That sucks."

Colette shook her head. "My grandma said I could walk outside the village when I turn ten. Although I still won't be able to go far."

Lloyd tapped his fingers across the board as he moved his own piece. "How about...I'll tell your grandma I'll protect you. I walk through the forest every time I come here."

Colette began to smile. "That's a wonderful idea, Lloyd!" She moved her final piece. "I win again!"

Lloyd looked over the board in shock. That was the fifth game in a row he had lost to Colette. You wouldn't think a person like her would be so good at checkers. "Gud fördöma det!"

Colette frowned. "That's not very nice, Lloyd."

"Sorry," Lloyd said with a slight blush. He had forgotten that Colette knew a little dwarven.

The door picked a good time to open and Frank walked in. "How you two doing?"

"Fine," Colette said, getting her cheerful demeanor back.

Lloyd stood up. "Aw Frank, could Colette go to my house for a day? I'll take good care of her and escort her through the forest."

Frank stared at Lloyd for a moment. "You know we can't allow Colette to leave the village. Especially with a Ranch so close by."

"But this town has a non-aggression treaty," Lloyd argued back. "Besides, I'm strong! I can take care of Colette. So can Dirk."

Frank put his hand over his chin in thought. "That's true about the non-aggression treaty, but I'll have to talk it over with the mayor."

"Damn, that dum oförnuftige." Lloyd muttered.

Colette shook her head. "Please don't call the mayor such names."

Lloyd shrugged. "Dirk calls him that all the time."

Frank sighed. "But he doesn't say it in dwarven to hide the insult."

Lloyd coughed slightly to hide his discomfort. "Well, if you have to talk to the mayor, I want to come too."

"Why?" Frank asked.

"Because if he says no, I can tell him all the reasons why he's wrong to his face," Lloyd answered.

Frank flinched at Lloyd's reasoning.

"I want to come too," Colette said. "Maybe I could convince him."

"Alright then, but it's too hot to do that now," Frank said. "It will be another two hours before it's cool enough outside to do anything."

Colette looked Lloyd. "Do you want to play another game of checkers?"

"No thanks, one ass beating is enough for one day." Lloyd said.

Frank shook his head. "Really, what a foul month. Is Dirk really this lenient when it comes to you cussing?"

Lloyd titled his head. "What do you mean?"

"Your cussing," Frank repeated.

Lloyd frowned. "Dirk talks like this all the time."

"You mean Dirk swears in front of you?" Frank asked in disbelief.

"Well, it's mostly in dwarven, but it's not too hard to make the translation," Lloyd answered.

Frank had to keep himself from sighing. Dwarves not only thought underage drinking was alright, but saying foul language in front of children was also permissible. Maybe it was just Dirk's values. It was not his place to question another parent, but this would have to be address before Lloyd mouthed off to the wrong person.

"Just don't say such words in this house," Frank said before he left the room.

It was around three when they finally made their way towards the mayor's house. Since the Chosen and her family were always the top priority of the village, they didn't need to make an appointment. Instead, the mayor bowed humbly before Colette as she walked into the house.

"Chosen, how might I help you today?" the mayor asked.

A part of Lloyd was jealous that he never showed that level of respect towards him. Even as the rest of the village warmed up to him, the mayor still treated him like an outcast.

"We wanted to asked permission for Colette to leave the village for a day." Frank asked as he grabbed Colette's shoulders. "She wants to visit Lloyd at his house."

The mayor glared at Lloyd before answering. "Stay with this boy? You have to be kidding."

"Lloyd's my friend and he always comes to see me," Colette said. "I at least owe it to him to be a guest with his family. Besides, Lloyd is strong and would protect me from the monsters in the forest. Just like he did when I snuck off to find him."

"I'm sorry, Chosen, but that's just is not possible," the mayor said. "You're still too young to leave the protection of this village to visit some boy. Especially one who doesn't even believe in Martel."

"What does me believing in Martel have to do with anything?" Lloyd snapped. Frank gave him a disapproving look.

The mayor looked at him with contempt. "This heathen doesn't believe what you stand for, Chosen. He thinks the Martel, the Church, and you are some kind of mockery. What would he care if you're killed by the Desians or some monster?"

Lloyd felt his face turn red. "You..."

"Lloyd maybe a nonbeliever, but he is still a good person." Frank interrupted. "He would never allow harm to fall on Colette."

The mayor chuckled. "Even if that was true, he is only a year older than the Chosen. He's too young himself to be walking through those woods by himself."

"Young or not, I'm still strong," Lloyd said, balling his fists. "I'm stronger than the guards you have guarding this village."

The mayor stared at him for a moment before he laughed. "You? What an arrogant thing to say. The guards here were all trained and sent by the Church of Martel in Palmacosta. They are some of the best in the world."

Lloyd began to smile wolfishly. "Then let's make a deal. I challenge one of the best guards in the village to a one-on-on sword match with me. If I win, I can escort Colette to my house whenever she wants to go."

The mayor returned the smile. "And, what if I win?"

Lloyd thought about for a second. "Then, I will attend Church every day of rest."

"Lloyd, you shouldn't use Martel's name to make such a deal." Colette scolded.

"It's a deal," the mayor said, stunning Frank and Colette.

"Mayor, you can't be serious about taking Lloyd request," Frank said in disbelief.

"The boy gotta learn his lesson," the mayor stated. "Besides, maybe getting this heathen into church will finally open his eyes."

"So, we have a deal?" Lloyd asked. "No backing down."

The mayor nodded. "You should be asking yourself that."

"Dwarven Vow number forty, your word is your bond," Lloyd recited.

"Fine, we will hold this little contest in three days," The mayor said. "That should give you plenty of time to prepare or concede."

"Just make sure your guy shows up," Lloyd said as he walked out. Frank and Colette followed shortly behind him.

"Lloyd, you don't have to do this," Colette said. "I can wait until I'm old enough."

Lloyd shook his head. "Too late now since we made a deal. Besides, the mayor not only mocked my ability to protect you, he also questioned my morals."

"He shouldn't have done that," Frank said firmly. "But what good will fighting the guards make?"

Lloyd looked up at Frank. "Maybe nothing. But, I can't let him get away with making fun of me. I maybe don't believe in Martel, but I would never let harm fall on Colette."

"Of course we know that," Frank said.

"But this village doesn't and I want to prove them all wrong," Lloyd said. "I better go. I can't afford to lose." He then ran off towards the gate.

"Lloyd," Colette whispered as she watched Lloyd call Noishe and run off into the forest.

"You did what?" Dirk questioned as he worked on one of his many projects.

"I challenged the village's guards to a sword duel," Lloyd whispered as he looked at his feet.

Dirk shook his head. "Why would you do such a thing?"

Lloyd's eyes narrowed, not bothering to hide his anger. "He insulted me. He said that since I was a nonbeliever that I wouldn't care if Colette was killed."

That got Dirk's attention. "That windbag dared said that. It's best I wasn't there or else I would have driven my hammer up his..." He quickly caught himself. He knew how Lloyd liked to copy him and humans were more strict when it came to strong language. "Anyway, I can't blame ya for doing what you did."

"So, I wanted to know if I could spend these next three days preparing for the fight instead of my usual studies," Lloyd said.

Dirk nodded. "Since you're taking this so seriously, fine."

Lloyd smiled. "Thanks, Dirk." He then ran outside to practice.

"He has grown really grown fond of that lass," Dirk noted sadly. "What a shame it will end badly for the both of them."

The next several days flew quickly as Lloyd prepared himself for the big day. He spent most of it perfecting his Demon Fang as well as his thrusts. Although he was confident in his victory, he was still worried. It wasn't him losing the bet that had him worried the most. Going to church would suck, but it was something he could deal with.

His real fear was failing Colette. What if she did die while he was trying to protect her? He would never forgive himself if that happened. Which was why he must win tomorrow. Not only to prove to the villagers that he could protect Colette, but to himself as well. Months ago, Colette called him her guardian. Well, he was going to prove that title was not misplaced.

"Lloyd," Dirk said as he stood by the door. "It's getting late. You should get to bed."

"Just a little longer," Lloyd said as he worked on his sets.

"You need to be well rested or else you will make mistakes," Dirk said.

Lloyd knew he was right and stopped. "I just feel like there is more I should do. Like, I'm still not strong enough."

"You can only do your best," Dirk assured. "You trained a lot for this. Not just for today, but ever since you picked up a blade. I don't know much about sword craft, but you handle those two swords like they were built for you."

Lloyd looked up his two wooden blades. It took him some time to get used to them since they were so light compared to his steel ones. He was also still getting accustomed to using two swords. Although he found it easier than when he tried to learn just the one-sword style.

"I guess you're right," Lloyd muttered.

Dirk stood silent at the door for a moment. "Lloyd, come inside. It's time for you to sleep."

Lloyd put up his blades and walked upstairs. Dirk waited until he heard Lloyd's door close before he got up and walked out the front door. He walked until he was in his old cave. Deep in the back, near where his room once was, he had an old chest, which he began to dig his way through. Within minutes, he found what he was looking for.

Dirk held the orb in his hands, as he looked it. For a long time he was not sure what he should do with the exsphere. One part of him wanted to destroy it and ensure that the Desians never get their hands on it. At the same time, however, he felt doing such a thing would dishonor that life that was stolen to make it.

He thought about giving it to Lloyd, but he wasn't sure if Lloyd was ready to hold such responsibility. An exsphere was not something to take lightly, especially with the human factor added in. If he was going to give Lloyd this exsphere, should he tell him the entire truth? The truth about how exspheres were made, as well what he suspected happen to his mom.

He felt the smooth stone in his hand as its warmth entered him. He sighed in defeat as he made his way out of the cave.

Dirk walked slowly into his house when he heard a rustling sound coming from Lloyd's room. Without a second thought, he ran up the flight of stairs and opened Lloyd's door. He saw Lloyd on the floor, crying in his sleep. His night terrors were back.

He went to Lloyd's side and embraced him into a hug. He whispered smoothing sounds into his ear, much like what he did when he was a young boy. Lloyd began to calm down as he slowly began to open his eyes.

"Di...Dirk," Lloyd whispered in a hoarse voice.

"You're okay, lad," Dirk said. "I gotcha."

Lloyd's thoughts slowly cleared. "I...I can't remember what I was dreaming of. I just remember a monster and blood."

"Doesn't matter now," Dirk assured. Despite the fact that Lloyd was almost as tall as he was, Dirk was able to easily lift him like a baby and put him back into bed. He then got the covers off the floor and wrapped them around Lloyd. "Go back to sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."

Lloyd cuddled up. "Thanks, Dirk." He then allowed himself to eased back into sleep. Dirk didn't leave until he saw Lloyd's breathing even and his face relax. He left the room and quietly closed the door behind him. He stood by the door for a couple of minutes as he made his decision.

He would give Lloyd the exsphere. It was the only thing he had left of his mother and he needed her guidance now more than ever. However, he would not tell him the entire truth of an exsphere. The truth would destroy him at this point. Knowing Lloyd, he would attack the Ranch in a blind rage and attempt to lay waste to any Desians he saw. He didn't want that. He didn't want Lloyd to be consume by hatred as the Desians had.

"Anna, please help our boy," Dirk whispered as he went downstairs. He needed to rest himself.

Lloyd woke up and the night terror was all but forgotten. He ate a light breakfast, since he didn't need food weighing him down. "Well, I'm ready."

"Hold up, lad. There is something I want to give ya," Dirk said as he walked towards Lloyd.

"What is it?" Lloyd asked.

Dirk decided it would be best to beat around the bush and showed Lloyd the exsphere. Lloyd's month dropped opened as he looked at it.

"What is it?" Lloyd questioned.

"It's an exsphere." Dirk said.

Lloyd looked at him in surprise. "You mean one those crystals that gives special powers?"

Dirk nodded. "The same. I want you to have this one."

Lloyd stared at it for a second. "Wouldn't that be cheating?"

"Nonsense, an exsphere can only enhance your natural strength and abilities," Dirk said. "Which means if you're weak, an exsphere cannot make you much stronger."

"I...I...thank you." Lloyd finally managed to mumble.

"I'm not done yet." Dirk said as he brought out a metal piece. "Remember, you have to have a key crest in order to use an exsphere safely."

Lloyd looked at the piece. "Where do I put it?"

"An exsphere can go wherever you like." Dirk said.

"In that case, I want it here." Lloyd said as he put out his right hand. For some reason, he wanted it there. Like he had to prove something.

Dirk nodded. "This shouldn't hurt." He placed the key crest gently on Lloyd's hand and pressed down on it. He then placed the exsphere into an opening that was perfectly fitted for the orb onto the key crest.

Lloyd felt the crystal attached itself to his skin and a warm feeling covered his entire body. It felt familiar and different, all at the same time. It also stir some memories, but he couldn't quiet reach them. It was like at the very edge of his mind.

"You're alright, lad?" Dirk asked gently.

"Oh, sorry," Lloyd said as he shook his head. "I spaced out there for a moment."

Dirk reached for something on the table and handed it to Lloyd. "Put this around your exsphere."

Lloyd looked at the white cloth. "Why do I need to wrap my exsphere? I thought you say it was fair."

"And, it is," Dirk said. "But, we can't let certain people see it. Namely the Desians."

"Desians?" Lloyd repeated.

"Remember, exspheres are used by mostly Desians," Dirk explained. "If certain people see it, they may assume you're a Desian spy, despite being human."

Lloyd's eyes widened. He definitely didn't want that. He quickly wrapped the cloth around his hand, hiding the exsphere from view.

"In either case, we better get going," Dirk said.

"What, you're coming too?" Lloyd asked in surprise.

Dirk gave a small smile. "Of course. I wouldn't miss you beating up that soldier and showing up that windbag."

Lloyd returned the smile. "Let's go then."

They both stepped outside and began the walk to the village. Lloyd was too nervous to ride Noishe, so he chose to walk besides his friend. The trip was quiet, yet peaceful as the birds sang and the heat slowly rose. It was like that until they got near the town.

"Lloyd, may I ask, do you believe in Martel?" Dirk suddenly asked.

Lloyd looked at him in surprise. "Why you asked that question?"

"You just seem more protective of Colette," Dirk said. "Are you doing this just because she's a friend or do you believe she's the savior of our world?"

Lloyd remained silent for a few minutes before answering. "There're many things I thought I knew. Colette has shown me that we can disagree without it ending in a fight. I also see her as my first true friend." He closed his eyes for a moment. "I don't believe in the Church and I can't really say I believe in Martel. But...I do believe in Colette. If there is such a savior for our world, I would believe beyond a doubt that Colette was that person."

Dirk nodded and said nothing more. Soon, they reached the gate of the village.

"So, he arrived," one of the guards said.

"Dang, I've already lost money," the other guard muttered.

"Let me in," Lloyd said with confidence. "I have a match to win.

The first guard chuckled. "You won't be that cocky for long once Fred finishes with you. Dealing with monsters is nothing when sparring against a well equipped human."

"We'll see," Lloyd said as he walked in.

It looked like the entire village was gathered around the park in the middle of the town, waiting for the match to start. Lloyd and Dirk pushed their way through until they were near the middle.

The mayor saw them coming and smiled. "Well, you kept your word. Now we can finally start the match."

Lloyd looked up to see his opponent already in the ring. He was not that tall, but wore a thin layer of armor and had a long wooden sword in his hand. He wore a helmet that covered his hair, but not his face. His eyes were green and he had a hard face, showing his battle experiences.

"So, this is the boy I will be fighting," Fred said with a slight sigh. "Very well, come boy and show me your skills."

Lloyd stepped in and the crowd began to clap loudly. He looked around to find a familiar face in the crowd and smiled when he saw Colette watching him from Frank's shoulders. She was waving and cheering his name.

"The rules are simple," the mayor's voice brought him back to the moment. "This will be a best out of three strike match. The person who managed to hit two strikes to their opponent wins. Points are taking off for hitting below the belt or on the head."

"Understood," Fred said.

"Got it." Lloyd answered.

"Then, take your weapons out," the mayor ordered. Lloyd removed his double blades and Fred prepared his one sword. "Let the match, begins!" He yelled as he stepped out of the ring.

Both Lloyd and Fred posed as they circled one another. They met each other eye as they looked for an opening.

Lloyd finally got tired of waiting and decided to make the first move. "Demon Fang!" he yelled as a wave of mana head towards Fred. He dodged the attack and ran forward while Lloyd's guard was down.

With reflexes that he didn't even knew he had, Lloyd just barely managed to evade the sword swing. Now, Fred was the one wide opened. With one quick motion, he slammed his sword just below Fred's ribs, sending him rolling to the ground.

Everyone grasped in shock as Fred crawled his way back towards his feet.

"Match one to Lloyd," the mayor mumbled.

Lloyd looked at his hand in awe. He could feel the extra energy that the exsphere was given him. It even made his reflexes and attacks much more sharp. Without it, he could have never score that hit.

"Match two, begin!" the mayor yelled.

Lloyd quickly got back on guard as Fred swung at him. Lloyd managed to parry the attack and attempted to thrust his sword into his stomach. The attack was unsuccessful and he nearly got his arm hit. He backed away and attempted to sideswipe Fred.

Fred suddenly slid and hit Lloyd on his knee, causing him to cry in pain.

"March two to Fred," the mayor said, much happier.

The crowd also cheered and Colette frowned in worry.

Lloyd got himself together and concentrated. He couldn't afford to mess up this round.

"Final match, begin!" the mayor yelled eagerly.

Lloyd charged forward and attempted to knock Fred off his feet. Fred took to the air and spun around, ready to finish him from the air.

Lloyd could feel his exsphere pulse as a vision of Fred's movements came into his mind's eye. He jumped back and built energy into his attack. "Demon Fang!"

A wave of energy flowed out of him and directly into the path where Fred was about to land. It was too late to stop himself and he was caught up in the wave. He was pushed back until his head slammed in to the ground, where he remained.

Everyone was grasped in shock as they stared at the fallen soldier, everyone, except one.

"Lloyd, you did it!" Colette cheered as she ran from her father's grip and into the ring. She tackled him in a hug, which Lloyd really didn't mind.

Dirk also went in to join them, his face beaming with pride. "Well done, lad." He patted him on the back.

Lloyd smiled widely. "Thanks, dad."

Dirk's eyes widen in shock.

So did Lloyd when he realized what he said.

"Lloyd, what did you say?" Dirk asked in disbelief.

Before Lloyd could answer, the entire town seemed to descend upon him. They all began to congratulate on his victory and how strong he was.

Lloyd's mind, however, was no longer on his victory. Did he actually called Dirk dad? He couldn't have. Dirk was not his father. He was a caregiver until his real dad came for him. Why would he call Dirk his dad? He must have been caught up in the moment.

That was the excuse he kept telling himself, but a part of him didn't really care that his real dad wasn't here. He still had Dirk and that was more than enough.

Lloyd finally used the F word. It has been a long time coming. We only have one more chapter left before the conclusion so I hoped you have enjoyed this chapter.

Until next time.