Chapter Five:

Troubled Times in Triet

Once he had completed his packing Genis slowly made his way back over to where the dead monster still lay—nobody wanting to get too close to its blood-covered carcass. Approaching the dead creature cautiously Genis crouched down by its head—just what was it anyway? It really had not felt all that hostile towards them, yet they had killed it. Eyes widening a sudden realization struck the twelve year old boy; it had not even attempted to attack them! Straightening up the half-elf circle it slowly, noting the tattered remnants of fabric that hung about the thing's body. The fabric…it almost seemed like clothing—Human Ranch clothing! And there, embedded in its hand was an Exsphere, it was on the same hand that Genis had noticed Marble wearing one.

Sinking to his knees the half-elf stifled a slight sob; was this thing really…Marble?

Glancing up Genis caught sight of Lloyd, who was lingering not too far away. Bounding to his feet Genis rushed over to his friend, calling to him as he did so.

"Lloyd! Lloooooyd!"

Glancing behind him Lloyd flinched slightly at the loud noise.

"Man Genis, what is it?"

Indicating the monster's body Genis twitched slightly as he spoke. "It…it's Marble! That thing was Marble!"

Grabbing Genis' shoulders Lloyd looked the half-elf straight in the eye, attempting to get something legible out of his friend.

"Now wait. Explain yourself. That thing was Marble?"

Getting himself under some semblance of control Genis took a deep breath before attempting to explain his theory once again.

"Um…yeah, I…I think so. I mean…those rags, and her Exsphere! And, I don't know if you noticed, but she never tried to attack us!" Genis wailed as he watched the expression on Lloyd's face as the brunette processed the information.

Stepping away from his friend Lloyd made his way over to the carcass, circling it cautiously as he examined the remains. He really knew very little of Exspheres, but from what he did know he could safely deduce that, due to the fact that he could see no noticeable Key Crest, that this could, in fact, be the old lady.

Plucking the small orb from the creature's hand he held it up to the sun, examining its properties. He knew that Exspheres without Key Crests were dangerous and they could have…unfortunate side effects; such as altering the physical makeup of the host.

Shutting his eyes Lloyd let out a soft sigh as he clutched the small jewel tightly—this was definitely Marble.

"Genis, here, catch," he whispered, tossing the Exsphere carefully, "keep it as a memento…of Marble."

Catching the small orb Genis clenched it tightly in his fist before tucking it safely away in his pocket before turning to meet with his sister and Colette. Sometimes there are no words to express your feelings, and this was one of those times.

After watching Genis depart for a moment Lloyd turned back to the deformed human that lay dead upon the ground. Stroking the small lump on the back of his left hand Lloyd sighed sadly. Somehow he knew that this was all terribly familiar, sure, he did not remember it, yet his father did…

"Daddy…what's this" Asked the six year old Lloyd, gazing at the Exsphere embedded in the back of his left hand. As far as he knew it had always been there, yet no one had ever told him what it was, or why it was there.

Smiling down at his adourable son Kratos scooped the small boy up so he could take a closer look at the small gem.

"This Lloyd…this is a memento of your mother's…"

"Really?! It was mommy's? Wow," gasped the young child, his opinion of the Exsphere having just changed drastically.

Smiling sadly the Seraphim hugged his son to his chest as longing for his deceased wife took over his body.

Once his father released him from the tight embraced Lloyd was ready with another question, as children often are.

"What's this daddy?" He piped up, now indicating the Key Crest that contained the jewel.

"That's a Key Crest Lloyd; it protects you from the jewel's power."

"Oh? Is it dangerous in a grr evil kind of way?"

Ruffling his son's mat of hair Kratos laughed weakly at this.

"Yes, I suppose it is…it can be very evil. But don't worry; the Key Crest will protect you."

"What's the jewel do? Why do you wear it if it's dangerous?"

Kratos let out an exasperated sigh, why did kids have to love asking questions so much?

"It makes you stronger Lloyd."

"Oh, so is that why mommy had it?"

"…"Unsure of how to respond Kratos held his silence, hoping Lloyd would simply ask another question and forget about this one, which he did.

"If it makes you stronger…then why didn't it protect mommy?"

Hugging his son again Kratos blinked back a tear that threatened to spill form his eye.

"Lloyd…this is…this is what killed mommy. Mommy had it on without a Key Crest and it caused her to…change into something else. And then she died," Kratos was not sure if he was doing the right thing in telling Lloyd all of this, yet somehow he felt that Anna would have wanted her son to know the truth…at least part of it.

Gazing down at the Exsphere Lloyd digested this new information, for once in his life actually taking the time to think about something.

"But…if it was going to kill her…then why did she have it daddy? Why?"

Kratos knew that now Lloyd was digging in too deep and it was time to stretch the truth a bit.

"It was…an important object and mommy was taking care of it. By the time we realized what was happening it was too late…"

"…oh, but…would mommy be proud? Proud that I'm looking after it for her?"

Shooting his son a genuine smile Kratos responded in a low whisper, "yes Lloyd, I'm sure she'd be very proud."

Lloyd was jolted back to reality when Colette marched up and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Lloyd? Are you okay? You don't look too well," murmured the blonde Chosen, worry in her eyes. Lloyd had seemed really out of it, and that worried her.

"Huh? Oh, Colette, don't worry about it, I'm fine. Just thinking too much again," he muttered, before shooting her a smile. "Too much thought isn't good for anyone."

"That's true. But the Professor says it's time to go."

Stretching Lloyd shot the Chosen another smile. "Well then, shall we be going?"

Nodding Colette followed the brunette as they wound their way through the town towards the schoolhouse, where Raine and Genis were waiting for them.

Walking up to Genis Lloyd shot him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "Don't dwell on it Genis…you can't save everyone."

Picking his bag up off of the ground the young half-elf simply fell into step behind his companions—it was far too late for Lloyd to be telling him not to dwell on it. Yet his thoughts also allowed him to reach a different conclusion—something was bothering Lloyd. Despite having been lost in his own feelings of guilt and grief Genis had managed to notice that Lloyd's actions were different than what he had seen before. Sure, he had only known the brunette a few hours, but Lloyd has seemed almost sad when Genis had left. And not only that, but the teen had not responded to them when they tried to call him and Colette had had to go and get him.

Quickening his pace slightly Genis feel into step alongside Lloyd, who had been walking just in front of him as the wound their way slowly through the fields surrounding Iselia.

"Um hey Lloyd, is something bothering you? You seem kinda spaced out."

Lloyd laughed weakly at this. "You know what? Colette asked me the same thing just as we were leaving. But I promise you, I'm fine. It's just that…the whole thing with Marble brought back some bad memories, that's all."

"Really? What about?"

Lloyd waited several minutes before replying, unsure of whether he should even say anything at all. Finally he settled on two words. "…my mom." That being said the brunette sped up and fell into step with Colette and Raine, who were busy discussing how long it would take them to reach the desert town of Triet.

Genis had hardly been able to hear Lloyd's words, and he was able to realize that Lloyd probably did not want to talk about the situation. Falling silent the white-haired boy walked alone with his thoughts. The day's events had given him a lot to dwell on, a lot that he did not understand. Such as Lloyd's mother's place in the Exsphere issue…or what had made Marble change like that. Yet above all else lingered the guilt over Marble…it was best not to tell Colette, she did not have to know.

Raine sank gladly onto the bed; they had finally reached the House of Salvation, where they planned to spend the night. It had been a hard day's walking, with only one quick break that consisted of a sit-down and a snack. The young professor was rather certain that her brother and the Chosen would both be quite tired, yet that Lloyd, he was tough. Clearly the brunette was used to travelling, as he really did not seem tired in the slightest. What was more was that he had refused to eat when they had decided to break. Clearly he was a hardened traveller.

Hearing her three companions tramp up the stairs Raine turned her head to smile at them as they rounded the bend.

"You three must be tired, get some rest."

Genis groaned aloud as h set his eyes upon the small room. "Sis! There's only one bed!"

Raine shrugged, "well, Houses of Salvation are meant for people going on pilgrimages, so that wouldn't normally be a problem."

"But still, where are the rest of us supposed to sleep?"

"On the floor, after all, you can't expect the oldest member of the group to sleep there."

Lloyd chuckled quietly at the sibling rivalry. "Yeah, I think I'll sleep outside, I like looking at the stars."

Genis quickly joined his friend in making for the stairs. "I…think I'll join you," he muttered, a nagging suspicion gnawing at his gut.

Raine sighed as she watched the two boys depart—there went two of her victims. Turning to Colette she smiled pleasantly. "So Colette…it seems today's lesson got interrupted…"

Once they had made it safely outside Lloyd turned to Genis, who was glancing back anxiously over his shoulder.

"What was that about, Genis?"

"Wha-? Oh, uh, it's Raine…her 'teacher side' likes to take over sometimes."

"Oh…so the great and brilliant Genis Sage doesn't want to learn more?" Lloyd asked with a chuckle and a raised eyebrow.

Throwing himself down on the soft grass Genis matched Lloyd's expression. "No, not really. Especially because she's only going to be talking about the temple."

Lloyd laughed at this as he seated himself alongside Genis. "Well, I suppose you're welcome to join me then."

Falling into silence the two adolescents gazed at the stars and allowed several minutes to elapse before Genis finally decided to speak.

"Lloyd…what's it like, were you come from? I mean, you say you were born in Asgard, yet I get the impression that's not where you grew up."

Lloyd shot Genis an impressed glance, for a twelve year old the half-elf was pretty shape.

"It's…a lot different from here."

"Oh, how so?"

"Everyone's kinda quite, and it's a little colourless."

"Oh…you think you could show me someday?"

Shaking his head Lloyd sighed almost inaudibly, "sorry Genis, but I doubt it."

"Oh…the stars are nice, aren't they?" Genis mumbled, trying to sway the conversation away from the awkward topic.

"Huh? Oh…yeah, they are. But we should get some sleep."

Genis was about to agree when a faint rumbled echoed from the horizon.

"Uh oh, sounds like a storm's coming."

"Really?" Lloyd yelped, excitement working its way onto his features. "I love the rain!"

Rising Genis made his way back inside. "Well then, you can enjoy it, I'm going back inside. I'm really not a big fan of getting soaked," he called back. Lloyd would follow him in soon enough…it was not like one could sleep in the rain.

Lloyd simply waved him off; after all, he had not been out in a rainstorm in how long? Three years at least. Besides that, he really was not tired. Being an angel, half or not, really had its advantages.

Raine had the two children up and ready to leave early the following morning. As Colette and Genis were shouldering their bags she looked out the window, 'tsking' slightly. It was still raining.

Making his way down the stairs Genis could not fathom where Lloyd had gone, he had not seen his friend yet that morning. Shouldering the door to the outdoors open roughly his eyes grew wide at the sight they were greeted with. Lloyd was sitting outside, sopping wet, and smiling at the sky.

"L-Lloyd? What are you doing? Don't tell me you were out here all night?!" The half-elf stuttered frantically, now sincerely wishing he had dragged his friend in the night before.

"Huh? …oh, no, of course not! I just…uh, I was up early and came back outside, that's all!" He lied; it was bad that they had caught him. He had been planning on sneaking back in before they got up, yet they were up and ready to leave before he had anticipated it.

Raine simply shook her head. "You really shouldn't do that, we were just about to go look for you."

"Yeah Lloyd, and thanks to you we haven't even eaten yet!" Genis growled out, although whether the growl was in his voice or stomach was hard to tell.

Lloyd simply laughed, it seemed like the days to come were going to be fun…more fun than he had had in his life—although he still wanted his dad to join them.

Around noon the travelling quartet finally hit the desert, and fifteen minutes later all four were desperately wishing for the rain that they had left behind sometime earlier.

Groaning immaturely Genis kicked at the sand surrounding his feet. "Aww man, why does it have to be so hot?"

Lloyd laughed at Genis' words, feeling sympathy for the others. Even he could feel the intense temperatures, so he knew they must be extreme.

"I guess because it's a desert," the ruby-eyed boy laughed out; at least until he choked on a mouth full of sand that Genis had kicked at him.

Spitting out the grainy kernels Lloyd glared at his friend. "What was that for?!"

Genis was about to reply with a snide remark when Colette piped up, her excitement mounting.

"Look, look! There's the town!"

Sure enough far on the horizon the small desert town could be seen through the haze that surrounded it.

Forgetting all about arguing with Lloyd Genis punched the air happily.

"Yes! That means a cold drink!"

Shaking her head Raine swatted her brother non-too-gently over the head.

"Then let's keep walking, we should be there in about two hours.

Close to three hours later the hot and sweaty party arrived it the small desert oasis. Gazing around Genis groaned as he dragged himself towards the inn.

"Finally, I thought we'd never make it…"

"We would've been here an hour ago if someone hadn't fallen in the quicksand!" Lloyd snapped back, he was almost starting to miss Welgaia and its quiet.

Almost.

Raising her hands before the two could start to argue about the incident again Raine stepped between the two.

"That's enough! Now, Colette, you and I can go shopping for groceries and medicine. Genis, you go and get rooms at the inn and Lloyd, why don't you go buy us some new equipment?" She ordered, wanting to be ready to leave for the Triet Ruins and the first seal first thing in the morning.

Splitting up the three separate groups went about their assigned tasks without any further setbacks, much to Raine's relief. Smiling at Colette she shook her head, slightly amused.

"Those two…"

"I think they'll be great friends, don't you Professor?"

"Yeah…I do."

Late that night, as the rest of his companions lay sleeping, Lloyd sat gazing out the window of the room he shared with Genis. He was slightly worried about what would come in the future. His father had warned him about befriending the Host and her companions…yet it was just so hard not to! This was the first time he had ever really been around people his own age, and it was so much fun joking with them.

Shaking his head violently to clear it Lloyd rose and made his way outside, maybe a walk would clear his head.

As he wandered in the cool night air Lloyd was too wrapped up in his thoughts to notice the shapes beginning to surround him. It was not until one of them moved in behind him and hit him hard over the head that he was even aware of their presence…and by then it was too late.

Well well, sorry about the wait folks. I had exams…and then I had the brain-dead time that comes after exams…heheh. I really couldn't help it, Lloyd can't not get captured in Triet…it's just a no-no. I also feel a little like I'm turning Genis into Lloyd…but I don't know how else to do it. I mean, Lloyd's not quite the same as before, and Colette…well, she'd just apologize a million times. So…I dunno. When Sheena gets here maybe. XP

…oh gosh, I can't wait to get these last folks to Palmacosta. XD