Mr.Who2123: I own nothing.

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Kratos fell to his knees in an instant, sobbing for his family. He broke down completely, as tears freely came down his face. One would never believe that could've been the infamous Kratos Aurion, but it was. He slowed his crying and glanced at the crystal in his hand. It glowed brightly under the thick coat of blood, but Kratos' rage at it gre tenfold.

This stupid thing killed Anna! I HATE IT! he threw it as hard as he could, sending it through the trees and bushes of the forest floor. Not caring where it went to, he weakly stood up. His eyes were dull, his face becoming passive, and his mouth a tight, firm line that did not smile or frown. He felt that nothing mattered, that nothing could ever make him happy again.

Mana appeared to his right, and Kratos turned his head slowly. He knew who it was, but didn't make an effort to run or get ready to fight.

"Kratos, I'm so sorry for your loss," Yggdrasil said, appearing suddenly. The Seraph didn't look at his former leader at all, but ignored him. Hate began building for him too, but he didn't show it one bit. "Kratos…why don't you come back with me? I promise I will prevent anymore victims of Exspheres, and reunite the worlds as quickly as possible. I promise I will forget all of your rebellious acts." It was ironic to hear the Cruxis leader say he'll prevent the thing he actually started, but Kratos didn't care. He turned his head slowly to the side and finally saw him.

"No more…victims like Anna," he muttered. His eyes then moved to the surrounding forest area. There was still no sign of his family, but he searched it anyways. It was like a puppy trying over and over to wake up its dead mother. There was no hope for her to stir again, but the puppy would keep trying until the concept would finally go through its stubborn head. "No more victims? And…the worlds would be saved?"

Underneath the sincere looking smile, an evil smirk came up behind it, but Kratos didn't see it at all. His grief and anger blinded him both physically and mentally. Kratos slowly moved towards his leader, grief still present about him. The blood from multiple enemies as well as himself had already dried on his face. His appearance was haunted and scary.

"I will help you once more in this plan…if I can stop more victims," he said. Yggdrasil grinned deviously and clapped his 'friend' on the shoulder.

"Very well, Kratos. Let's go to Derris Kharlan and make plans," he said. The two disappeared in a flash of light.

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Dirk was a pleasant dwarf. In the matter of four years, his skills as a crafter had become tenfold. His new specialty was in making Key Crests for escaped prisoners of the nearby ranch, and Dirk never hesitated to help them. He didn't even offer fees if they had none. The dwarf was filled with true kindness. Whenever a customer told him so, the dwarf would become embarrassed and say, "Ah, I'm just followin' the teachin's." The people would then thank him again and leave with uplifted hearts.

Dirk also obtained his own wood for fires whenever he got low. It was on one of these occasions that he met a mother and child that would change his life. He moved into the forest by the cliff, and brought himself to a nice, oaken tree. Deducing it was good, he readied his giant axe that he had brought. When he was about to swing, a voice reached his ears.

"Mommy! You be okay!!" a young voice yelled. It was a desperate yell, showing that the situation was truly pressing. Dirk dropped his giant blade and ran to the voice with full speed. When he came upon it, he was forced to cover his eyes. There was a young woman, barely alive, and her bruised, but otherwise unhurt son holding onto her. Blood covered her body, and was inevitably going to die of blood loss if not of something else.

"You," she whispered, seeing the dwarf. Her eyes were dimming. "Take care of my child…," she paused, breathing deeply. "Lloyd Irving." The dwarf looked at the crying boy, and then to the mom.

"Of course," he humbly replied. When he approached Lloyd, the boy screamed and moved away from the dwarf. The boy was clasping to his mother's bloody hand with all the strength he could muster, and looked like he wasn't going to let go anytime soon.

"Thank…you…tell my husband…I love…him," she ended, and was eternally silent. Lloyd screamed, feeling the limpness of the hand, and held on even tighter.

"MOOOMMMMYYY!!" he screamed. Dirk had to cover his ears from the piercing scream, but managed to reach eye level with the child.

"Lloyd…why don't you come with me, and I'll make some hot stew. Do you like stew?" he asked, as kindly as he could. His grief for the poor boy was strong, and made him able to smile at the child even if he wasn't cooperating at all.

"Stew? It food…yes, mister," he replied. Dirk smiled and helped Lloyd to his shaking feet. Suddenly, a rustle came from behind the dwarf, and Dirk whirled on it. His heart skipped a beat when a giant canine was staring at him with big, sad eyes. It had green and white fur, temporarily red, but he was mostly unharmed. The dog saw Lloyd and wagged his tail.

"Noishe!" Lloyd squealed happily, and ran over to hug the canine. It licked him, but the wagging stopped when he saw Anna dead. It whined sadly and turned away in sadness.

"So this thing is your pet?" he asked, looking at the protozoan. Lloyd nodded and grinned at the dwarf. He didn't seem that bad anymore. Dirk picked up Anna with his stout, yet burly arms, and carried her to his house with Lloyd following on Noishe. This was the true beginning of the restoration of the world.

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Mr.Who2123: I…am…FINISHED!!!! Thank you to all who read this (extremely long) story!! I truly appreciate it. And…like always…

Kratos, Anna, and Lloyd: PLEASE REVIEW!

Noishe: (Whine)