A.N: Thanks for the reviews everyone, they're greatly appreciated as always.

Enjoy the chapter/

Don't stay

Weakening moonlight filtered down into the large clearing, bleaching everything and recolouring it with a thin layer of silver on green and brown and whatever other earthy colours the woods contained.

Kratos looked up at the moon, attempting to judge what time it was. 3:00am approximately, hence the lowering moon…but it would still be at least an hour and a half before the sun's rays would creep into the sky…and there was plenty of work to be done before then.

Mainly the refinement of the trainees.

Groups of twenty half-elves at a time were being brought to him in the centre of these woods by Lloyd, Colette and Sequoia, depending who was free at the time.

And once there the group of half-elves who had (in some of their opinions – stupidly) volunteered to attack the Saloth'sarians would undergo three gruelling hours of training before returning to the camp to do…whatever it was they were doing there.

Kratos didn't actually know anymore. The second day of mass searching for remaining half-elves had yielded promising results and the size of their army was now numbering near 150. Not that much in the grand scheme of things…but it might just be enough to achieve what they wanted. But the amount of Halflings now meant that training had had to be started immediately and that meant that the training sessions had been running for a week.

21 hours. That was all the training each group had received so far and Kratos was not happy, to say the least. He wished the days were longer. If everything went according to plan, they would be attacking in 9 days…which meant that there were another 24 hours worth of training that they could receive before they left to attack.

Of course, Kratos couldn't do much more than he was already doing as it was. There were eight groups of half-elves, being trained for three hours a day, which equalled 24 hours worth of training a dayfor Kratos. Needless to say, he was become extremely irritable.

Food was ferried to him with every other group so that he got to eat every 6 hours but…they he had no time for sleep…it was fortunate he didn't really need it. For a seraph, sleep was a luxury, not a necessity.

Kratos tapped his foot irritably, looking up at the moon again as if it would give him the time of day right down to the exact second. They were late and as far as Kratos was concerned, 2 minutes could mean the difference between knowing how to execute an attack or not.

Bushes rustled to his right and he pushed himself from the rock he had been resting against. It was really quite convenient that all these rocks were randomly placed in clearings…

A red clad hand brushed aside deep green foliage, and Lloyd emerged from the plants as if some kind of ghostly apparition. He offered his father a tense smile of greeting upon seeing him and Kratos nodded in return. Despite his fatigue that was slowly mounting up on a seraph who was now used to the luxury of slumbering, it would not do to take his irritation out on his only living relative. Besides, if it weren't for Lloyd, this little operation wouldn't be running nearly as smoothly as it was.

"Group number one, ready to start their day with?..." Lloyd asked, gesturing to the half-elves that were pushing their way into the clearing, all looking well rested and fed, if not entirely pleased with the situation. Coe was at their head.

Kratos smiled grimly. "Perhaps a short run to ensure you're all alert?" he addressed the question at the group who nodded sulkily, aware that it wasn't so much a question as a command.

"You mind if I come too?" Lloyd asked, sidling up to his father.

"If you so wish."

"Kratos? Sir? Uh…how long is a 'short' run?" one of the recruits asked timidly.

"From here to edge of the waterfall within the woods. We'll perform our training there this morning and then finish off with a jog back to here."

"That's, like 2 miles! We'll have no time to get our swords out!"

Garnet eyes flashed dangerously "Well then you'd better get going hadn't you? and go as quickly as possible. I trust you know the way by now?"

The half-elves turned in the appropriate direction and started jogging immediately, most of them muttering about 'slave driving humans'.

"Can't you ease up on them?" Lloyd asked, his voice quiet.

"I could and then we'd be slaughtered the second our enemy sights us."

"..are they gonna get to the waterfall in time to do any training?"

"Most of them are in better shape than they believe…if we keep them going at a decent pace without them being in too bad a condition when they arrive, perhaps they'll see that."

"You didn't answer the question."

"Lloyd, they'd have to be moving at less than a mile an hour to run out of time and most people walk at an average of 3.5 and if they're running, they should make it there in about…half an hour. Leaving at least two hours to train."

"Ok, Ok, I didn't need a lecture."

Kratos rolled his eyes before pulling out his wings, Lloyd following suit before the angels launched into the sky together, tracking the recruits from overhead.

"Isn't this cheating?"

"Why? We don't require the training."

"Yeah but…they're running, it seems like we should be putting the effort in too."

"If you wish to join them, you can, I won't stop you…"

"Uh…sure."

The younger angel banked, descending from his father towards the woods.

"Lloyd!"

"What?" Came the distant reply and Kratos had to swoop down to meet his son.

"We need to discuss what you've discovered about Saloth'sar later…"

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah. Maybe during the training or in the flight back? That should give us a chance to talk."

"Maybe so…"

Lloyd frowned. "Sure whatever." Before heading for the trees.

"Lloyd…one more thing…"

"What?" the teen turned irritably.

"I'm pleased to see you've returned safely."

A smile broke out on Lloyd's face, anger gone as he turned and dove into the woods. Kratos let a tired smile slip across his face at his son's response, before pulling himself higher into the night air, watching the running group from above.

--

Lloyd landed softly behind the last runner of the group, taking care not to notify him of his presence as he folded his wings away and began to jog behind him, bringing up the rear for the group's safety. The smile that had appeared on his face at his Dad's words was still there.

"'I'm pleased to see you've returned safely'" Was the closest phrase Kratos had to 'I'm glad you're back."…all in all, it was actually quite a large sentiment coming from the stoic seraph.

"Dunno what you're grinning about…" panted the half-elf that Lloyd was running alongside now, still at the rear of the group.

This particular young man, Guy, if Lloyd was remembering his name right, was a rather surly member of the group who spent most of his time sulking and/ or complaining about Kratos

Stocky, surly, sulky Guy, as he was known was something of a rarity among half-elves. He actually stood up to his human oppressors, which in principle, was good. However he lacked the mental capacity to really do anything with that supposed bravery…which was less good. As such, he spent most of his time back-talking to Kratos (whom had now taken to ignoring him completely as long as he wasn't disrupting the training sessions) and generally irritating his commander.

Lloyd had to question why he was there at all since Kratos had coolly informed him on several occasions that if he was willing to back-talk, he was disrespectful, disrespect of a commander brought dissension in the ranks and if that was the case, he was more of a hindrance than a help and he should leave.

Guy didn't seem to have realised that it was a less than subtle order to go away.

Lloyd shrugged as he ran along side the ginger half-elf. "Just something Kratos said to me."

"Oh yeah? 'Go and kill yourself by running a stupid track through a wood in the middle of the night'"

"I don't have to do this run, I wanted to."

"You're as twisted as 'e is. hang on though, that's not possible…"

Lloyd snorted. "You don't know what twisted is…Kratos is just stern, but he knows what he's talking about. If he says doing this will help, it will. He's experienced in battles and stuff."

"You would say that, you're 'is kid."

"So? Doesn't mean that what I said isn't true."

"He's gonna kill us with this 'training'."

"He's going to save most of your race with it."

"Yeah right'"

"If you don't believe that," Lloyd ducked underneath a branch, wincing when Guy ran into it and it snapped into the back of his head once he had passed it "Why are you here? Doing this?"

"What else am I gonna do? Have to try to help my race don't I? Even if it does mean taking orders from tha…"

"Stop whatever you're about to say," Lloyd snarled warningly, glaring at the other young man out of the corner of his eye "and listen to me."

Guy snorted, a string of mucus shooting from his nose at the action. He wiped it away with the back of his forearm, not noticing Lloyd widening the gap between them.

"Kratos knows what he's doing and he's the only person I know who could do this kind of thing He cares about what happens to the race of half-elves and that should be enough to make you support him as it is, but it's not, so I'll give you some advice."

They had slowed to a walk now, despite the fact that both of them clearly had enough energy left to continue…the half-elf was merely being difficult to spite Kratos.

"If you're going to stay here and train under him and fight under his orders, then stop balk-talking, stop insulting him and muttering about him under your breath and stop thinking you know better. He's not a soft person, he won't wear down no matter what you throw at him, but one day he might just turn it around on you and he'll make you sorry for what you've done.

"He's not a bad guy, but he does deserve your respect and attention and trust me, when it comes to situations like this, it's easier on you to do what he says. In this case…it's easier to run."

With a final glare at the half-elf, Lloyd sprinted ahead, leaving Guy to walk alone.

--

Kratos settled onto the mossy ground near the waterfall lightly, crouching near the pool to splash some of the water on his face. He stood, turning and pushing his hair from his face, removing the cloak he wore whilst he waited for the trainees to arrive.

They shouldn't be long now; he had seen them nearing this area as he had flown overhead, a few who were proving to be quite able leading, followed by a large mass of average performers and finally the stragglers bringing up the rear. Lloyd had been among them, Kratos had noted, keeping an eye on them.

Movement caught his attention and he threw the cloak over a rock, watching white cloth rustling among the bushes before it pushed into the clearing. His sword was in his hand in a split second, anticipating the half-elf charging through the brush.

The halfling entered the clearing, spotted his teacher standing with sword drawn and despite his tired condition, drew his sword, launching into an attack.

Kratos parried, flicking the sword back towards its wielder, following with his own attack. It was blocked. Barely, but blocked nevertheless.

"Good, you're learning to anticipate your opponent's movements."
"Well it makes sense," the half-elf panted "that if your enemy had just deflected your attack, he's going to respond with one of his own."

"Yes. You've known that since before we started training, but…" blades clashed "you're actually able to respond physically to the knowledge now, Cregennen."

"Heh," sweat trickled down the bronze haired half-elf's temple "You can actually remember our names…"

Kratos ran his tongue along the edge of his teeth as he pushed against his trainee's blade, aware of the other half-elves beginning to filter into the clearing.

"Some of you…"

"Those of us who prove ourselves?"

"Those of you who are here because you want to be here and act as such…those of you who have the courage to face people like me and Lloyd."

"Humans…"

"Yes." The long silvered blade of Kratos' sword struck sharply at the hilt of his opponent's sword, sending it flying from his hand. The tip of his weapon was at Cregennen's throat a second later.

"Well done. You're improving."

"I lost…"

"But you endured for a respectable amount of time considering your condition and…few people are able to best me."

The bronze haired young man, dipped his head. "Yes, thank you Master."

Kratos shifted uncomfortably, lowering the blade. "…I'll ask you to not refer to me by that title…it is not one I've earned."

He turned away to look at the half-elves that had gathered in the clearing. "All of you, sort yourself into pairs…with someone youhaven't sparred with before," he gave a pointed look to a young man and woman who had recently formed a relationship "you'll not be fighting each other in real battle, so there's no point doing it in simulation either."

They nodded in understanding, shuffling into pairs and spreading throughout the clearing, still tired from the run but knowing they'd have a much easier time if they obeyed Kratos. They drew swords and Kratos watched quietly as they fought each other, noticing a girl standing near the border of the forest without a partner.

"Lloyd?" Kratos called to his son, sitting on a rock and sharpening one of his swords. "Who are we missing?"

"Take a guess."

The seraph cursed under his breath, knowing the individual who was still in the woods without even having to look around.

"Enera, yes?" The girl nodded, smiling shyly, embarrassed that he had managed to remember her name when he was oblivious to some others. "Can you spar with Lloyd until I find Guy?"

She nodded again, immediately drawing her sword and heading for Lloyd. Kratos smiled faintly. Quiet, maybe, but she was eager and determined.

Taking a last glance around the group, he headed into the woods before taking flight, skimming over the tree tops to look for the missing half-elf.

He wasn't difficult to find, considering the orange attire, and Kratos dived into the trees, intending to creep up behind the half-elf who was sitting on a rock, munching an apple.

The ex-mercenary landed heavily, stalking towards the boulder angrily, sword out. He didn't attack though, instead reining his anger in and quietly reaching around to place the cold blade against his throat.

Guy gasped, startled, apple dropping from his hand in surprise.

"It's advisable, Guy, for you to obey my orders, should you actually wish to aid your race." The black velvet voice was low, angry, its owner enraged at the young man's lack of discipline and blatant disregard for others.

Didn't he know that Raine's life was at stake?

"K…Kratos…"

"Lord Aurion, if you don't mind. Now," he removed the blade "Get into that clearing."

"I'm not..."

"Now!"

He had spun the half-elf around, the blade at his throat again, rage starting to slip through a cracking mask.

"I am not in the mood to play your pathetic games at the moment, if ever. Go." A gloved hand shoved roughly at his shoulder, causing the half-elf to stumble. He snorted at the former human.

"You think you can…"

A blow struck him across the cheek, splitting his cheek open and Guy looked up to see Kratos clenched fist raised in warning of another punch.

"Run."

"I.."

"I didn't say talk, but since you're so obviously incapable of moving of your own accord…"

Kratos stepped forward, grabbing the younger man by the collar before crouching and slamming his shoulder into his stomach sending him toppling over. The angel caught him on the same shoulder and stood, the winded half-elf hanging over his shoulder, helpless as the older man carried him through the woods.

Kratos stormed through the woods, snapping branches out of the way angrily with one hand, the other holding his unwilling 'passenger' firmly in place despite his struggling and protestations.

Taking note of the thinning trees and the sounds of swords clashing, he sped up, jostling his passenger uncomfortably as his protestations increased.

--

Lloyd looked away from Enera as he heard branches cracking, holding up a hand to signal for her to stop and she did so, lowering the short sword she was using. The pair next to her noticed the cessation of sparring and followed suit, turning to look sceptically where Lloyd was watching.

Gradually as the sound of splitting wood got louder, a gruff male voice rising on the slight wind being carried to them, the rest of the group stopped.

And then Kratos was pushing his way through the bushes, striding into the clearing, Guy hanging over his shoulder and the seraph unceremoniously dumped the half-elf in the semi-circle of ground left over.

Giggles ran around the group at the sight, attempted to be stifled by their owners, unsuccessfully in most cases…until they noticed the expression on their leader's face and then the laughter dried up pretty quickly.

"You're insane!" Guy stated suddenly, scrambling to his feet and away from Kratos.

Kratos inclined his head. "Quite possibly," his voice shook with barely restrained rage "but I'm also the only person here who has the experience of battle and swordplay to train you."

"Lloyd…"

"Lloyd has not seen a real war; Lloyd has not led troops of over a thousand men into battle before now."

"You…"

"Quiet." The silver blade flicked out from its scabbard.

The half-elf's eyes widened, and he backed away. Lloyd stepped towards his father.

"Draw your sword." Kratos ordered of the recruit, ignoring the rising looks of worry that the group was expressing.

Shakily, Guy did so, looking around uncertainly.

"Don't look at them. Look at me."

Grey eyes met garnet.

"You, Guy, have been nothing but a nuisance since you've arrived. You disobey me, you disrupt my training sessions, you slander me when you think I cannot hear you and you try and rally others against me. Unsuccessfully so far, I'm glad to see.

So now, you're going to be of some use to me before I get rid of you."
"Wh…"

"Quiet!

"You are going to spar with me and I am going to fight at the level that the Saloth'sarians do. In fact I'm going to fight exactlylike them…and we're going to see if you can beat me and how much your slacking off pays off…"

Guy looked to Lloyd uncertainly. The young man shrugged in an 'I told you so' gesture, folding his arms as he kept a careful eye on his father.

"On 3!" Lloyd called to them, watching Kratos remove the blue stone set into the key crest on the back of his left hand.

"One….two…thr…"

And Guy had already charged at his commander, eager to prove himself better than the angel, attacking with a downwards slash.

Kratos side-stepped easily, spinning around and kicking the half-elf's feet, sending him sprawling on the floor. He walked over to the fallen halfling, giving him a chance to climb to his feet, tightening his grip on his sword as the youth pushed himself up and threw himself at the seraph again.

Kratos' blade flicked up, sending the offending blade skittering out of the hands of his sparring partner, the rest of the angel's body completely still save for the slight rise and fall of his chest. And then the blade stopped in its path, slashing down the other way, leaving a bloody gash in the half-elf's chest.

Guy fell, crying out as blood ran down his chest, his hands pressing at it…and he suddenly found a sword tip at his throat for the second time that morning.

"Lloyd…how long?"

"Uh…minute and a half-ish? Less probably."

"You can't even last five minutes against me at my weakest strength."

"You're…not normal…"

"No. I'm not. I am stronger than humans, even without this," he held up the blue stone that increased his power "but I fought in a style that would compensate for that and you still couldn't win. What does that tell you?"

No answer.

"It means you're not good enough to take on the Saloth'sarians…and you cannot even begin to attempt training with that wound." He gestured to the gash on Guy's chest, a bloodied hand pressed over it. Kratos walked towards him, kneeling in front of him and extended an arm to the injury before murmuring:

"First aid."

The wound stopped bleeding, closing slightly at the treatment and Kratos pulled away, re-attaching the Cruxis Crystal.

"When we return to camp, Lloyd will accompany you to one of the safe-houses where those who are not fighting are staying."

"But I want…"

"But you can't." Kratos cut him off, sliding the sword back into its scabbard and turning away.

"I'm sure that the rest of you are at a higher level than that…however I shall test you before we go into battle. Now…continue with your sparring."

--

Kratos beat his wings quickly, steadying himself against a gust of wind that threw him off course temporarily. Below him, Lloyd forged on, his larger wings offering more stability, unaffected by the air currents.

"Dad?" He pulled himself up next to his father suddenly.

"Did.."

"Yes, Lloyd I had to be that hard on him." The elder Aurion answered, looking at his son briefly.

"What? I..ohh, you mean Guy, right…I was going to say anything about it."

"You weren't?"

"No. I was gonna ask if you wanted to know about Saloth'sar."

"I see…yes, if you have more information I do."
Lloyd nodded. "Sure. So…the slaves working with Zelos and Sheena are completely onboard and are reporting back to us on the general mood of the lower level captives. Seems that everything down there is great, almost all of them are believing in us and are ready to do what it takes."

"That's good to hear."

Lloyd grinned, the smile dropping away a second later. "The upper level is ready to escape too, Regal said but…"

"But?"

"They're getting worse. The half-elf that they've been following…the Professor, if it is her, has been taken somewhere and she's only been seen once by the other workers in about three days."

"Hmmm." The seraph frowned, the news troubling him, panic blooming.

"But I've got most of the info we need about the grounds. There are only two entrances…one where I enter and the other isn't actually built yet. That's what the tunnel we're working on is…it leads to the mana cannon that Rodyle built, it's built under the seabed."

"Is that still standing?"

"Yeah…and the Saloth'sarians are using it for the project I told you Regal had found out about."

"The genocide project…they'll use the mana cannon as a weapon to destroy every half-elf in the world."

"Won't that kill everyone else too?"

Kratos shook his head. "Not necessarily…they may have developed a way to target only half-elves...how long until the tunnel is complete?"

"4 days maybe. But it'll take them a day or so to get the thing set up."

"We need confirmation of that."

"I'll get it. I go back tonight."

Kratos nodded. "What else have you found?"

"Number of guards…nearing five hundred…"

"Damn."

"But not all of them are on the gates. There's going to be a pretty big party accompanying those that go across to the mana cannon and some are going to be scattered throughout the areas of the camp."

"Yes, but they'll come running when there's a disruption…"

"So we set up a distraction."

"That's all we can do…split into two groups, some of us going in from the genocide cannon, the other approaching the main gates…"

"And we'll set the inmates off as the group at the main gate attack…"

--

Lloyd ran into the woods, watching the sky as it darkened, heading for the cliffs that overlooked the sea, Noishe at his side as he pounded towards the ocean.

There was so much news now…so many plans and so little time. He had to get the news to Regal, Presea, Zelos and Sheena.

The protozoan yipped as they neared the sea and then Lloyd was diving off the cliff, plummeting down before snapping his wings open, soaring high into the air, determined to get the message of the plans to his team.

So there you go. Hope you enjoyed it. Now push my pretty purple button please.