Chapter Seventeen:

Lifelong Bonds

"You can do it, Zelos!"

Zelos was not quite as confident as the brunet boy cheering him on, yet he steeled himself and prepared to jump. Yes, he, Zelos Wilder, was taking flying lessons. Admittedly, he probably could have selected a better instructor than Lloyd, but it was a bit too late now. With the cliff face dropping away under his feet like that, and all, he could not very well get picky.

"What are you waiting for? There's water down there if you fail! You'll be okay!"

Water? It looked more like rapids to him. Well, rapids were technically water, but not good water. Not the kind of water you wanted to land in after falling over a hundred feet off of a cliff.

"Zelos...?"

"Gimme a sec, Hun! Seriously, this cliff is hi—ugh!"

The redhead was not given a chance to finish his sentence, as Lloyd had crept up behind him, and promptly shoved him over the edge.

"I hate you!" he shrieked, iridescent, orange wings fluttering frantically in an effort to catch him as he fell.

The boy in question merely laughed as he sailed easily beside his friend, his own glowing, blue wings easily catching the air as he flew. "It'll be fine, Zelos, you can do it! I—"

The rest of the brunet's words were lost on Zelos as he plunged, headfirst, into the rushing water below him. Emerging a moment later, and several metres further downstream from where he had entered, the Chosen proceeded to glare daggers at his closest friend.

"I seriously hate you!" he sputtered. Water rushed into his mouth as he struggled to keep his head above the water, even as the undercurrents tried to drag him under. "When I get—" The remainder of his words were washed away, leaving him too busy gagging to talk.

Lloyd, oblivious to everything, hovered by and jerked the saturated boy into the air. "You okay? You shouldn't talk while in water like that..."

Zelos was forced to settle with an angry glare at the boy, due to his lungs still being occupied with heaving out what seemed to be gallons of water. Well, at least he was getting it all over Lloyd, he noted with some satisfaction. Served the boy right.

Once they had made it back to the cliff top, Zelos spent several minutes retching up water and coughing, all the while glaring at his friend. He was going to get him for that.

"You better yet?" Lloyd finally asked after a moment, patting and rubbing Zelos' back as he did so. "You sure swallowed a lot, didn't you?"

Well, how lovely of Lloyd to notice that now. Really.

"Yeah, I think so," he said with a slow nod. "But really, we need to rethink your methods..."

Zelos might as well have been speaking to the grass under them for all he was listened to. It was really frustrating, he realised, as Lloyd went on about 'trying again'. No way in hell was he going back up there!

...only Lloyd had other plans, Zelos realised as he once again found himself falling, wings frantically straining to catch him. He was far from sure how Lloyd got him up there.

Six trips later, he was still trying to figure that out. As Lloyd grabbed his arm, trying to drag him up yet again, Zelos snatched it back, glaring at the boy.

"Stop it, Lloyd! That's enough! This isn't working. You're going to kill me!"

"Stop being such a drama queen, Zelos. You'll be fine, and I think you're getting better."

"Better?" Zelos asked, incredulity clear on his face. "I fly like a penguinist." Which was, of course, not at all.

"Well then, what would you suggest?" Lloyd asked, haughtiness adding an edge to his tone.

"Well, we could always ask someone who knows what they're doing..."

"I know what I'm doing! I can fly, see?" Lloyd demanded, jerking one finger back at his own wings.

"Well then, what did your dad do to teach you?"

"You really want to know?"

"Yes." Anything was better than what they were doing now.

The sudden devilish glint in Lloyd's eyes made Zelos wish he had never asked.

"Well then, follow me."

Bracing himself, Zelos followed after the other boy. If it was too bad, he could likely just refuse later.

---

"You have got to be kidding me."

Some time later, the two stood by a window in the upper reaches of the Tower of Salvation that overlooked Tethe'alla.

"Nope!" Lloyd sang cheerfully. "Now jump. Or do I have to push you again?"

"I am not jumping out of here! I'll be turned into the worlds' most devastating pancake!" Zelos cried, eyes wide.

"Most devastating pancake?"

"Both worlds will weep over the loss of one as gorgeous as myself!"

Lloyd's only response was to give him a shove.

As he fell, Zelos silently vowed to get his revenge, no matter what it took. Even if it meant haunting him as a ghost; which sadly seemed all too likely at the moment.

"C'mon, Zelos! Flap! You can do it!"

At Lloyd's prompting, Zelos hesitantly began altering mana levels in his body, almost instinctually; causing his wings to flap in an even tempo—something he had not managed before.

"H-hey...!" he exclaimed as his descent was suddenly jerked to almost a complete stop. "I'm...doing it?"

"Good! Now, just try to stop falling!"

Beating his wings faster, Zelos was overjoyed to find that he could do just as Lloyd had told him: he had stopped the descent!

Hovering there, thousands of feet over Tethe'alla, the redhead grinned broadly. "The amazing Zelos does it again!" he cheered, feeling confident.

It was at that moment that a gust of wind decided to shove the Chosen sideways, completely catching him off guard. "W-whoa!"

"Careful!" Lloyd warned. "Below the cloud line, that stuff's common, you have to get used to reading the wind, and being able to control your speed, angle, and direction. It's going to take a lot of practice."

It was nice of him to mention that now, Zelos thought with a groan.

"Don't worry, you have lots of time to practice before we reach the ground!"

Zelos groaned again. He should have said he was afraid of heights...


Zelos could not stop a small smile from coming to his lips as he thought back to that day. He had learned, with time, yet that one life-threatening fall had really been what had done it, and he knew that. With his life in danger, his angelic-instincts had kicked in. So he really did owe at least that much to Lloyd. Yet he had also not been shy on his promises for revenge. That had been far too enjoyable.

At least for him.

With a start, the redhead realised that they had arrived at Ozette, the village almost springing up from the undergrowth.

Stepping back a bit, to better conceal them from prying eyes, Zelos knelt down to bring himself eye level with Noishe.

"Alright, buddy. You gotta stay here. I'll get you on the way back, okay?"

With a soft whine, the large protozoan nuzzled Zelos once before turning and dashing off, his large ears wiggling.

Straightening up, the tall Chosen smiled to himself before heading back to the village. Noishe was surprisingly intelligent, it should not be a problem meeting up with him again.

Looking around the small, secluded village, Zelos could scarce suppress a sigh. These people were...weird. Really. What kind of normal person would chose to live in a place like this? Certainly no one he would associate with. This was most certainly not the type of place he would ever choose to visit, that was for sure. Yet here he was, being forced to not only visit the place, but to actually talk to the citizens.

Just great.

Well, there was no point in putting it off any longer. The sooner he was done, the sooner he could leave.

...hopefully no one in this backwater, hick-town would recognise the Chosen.

"Can you move?"

Zelos gave a start when the low, monotonous voice sounded behind him. Jerking around, he was surprised to see a young girl behind him, dragging a large tree trunk behind her. A tree trunk that had to weigh significantly more then she herself did, or he missed his guess.

These people really were weird.

"Uh, well, maybe you can help me. I was just looking for two lovely ladies who might have come through her. One's blonde, the other has black hair," he told her, listing off a short description for each. "Have you seen them?"

"Please move."

Zelos gave a start when the girl droned on, making no acknowledgement that she had even heard him. Raising one eyebrow, he stepped aside, allowing the small girl to hurry on her way, dragging the log as though it weighed nothing.

"Well that was...freakish," he muttered to himself, once she was out of earshot.

""That's Presea, you should avoid her."

Zelos found himself jumping for the second time in as many minutes. Turning to look at the person who had spoken, he let out a breath to realise that he was completely normal looking. No gigantic trees with this one.

"Uh...yeah."

"So, what were you looking for? Perhaps I can help."

Shoving the girl from his mind, Zelos began describing Sheena and Colette once more. The sooner he got his information, the sooner he could leave.

"How do you stand him?"

They had been flying in silence for some time, now, and Lloyd started slightly at Genis' question.

"What do you mean?"

"Zelos...he's a jerk!"

Lloyd frowned. "Hey, that's my best friend you're talking about. Sure, he might be a bit...odd, but that's no reason to call him names, Genis."

"How can a guy like that be your best friend? You're better than that, Lloyd."

"Don't say that, Genis. We've been friends for years."

"I don't see how..."

Lloyd was getting rather annoyed with Genis' constant shots at Zelos. Sure, the redhead could be a bit cold, but then Lloyd was sure he knew the young man better than anyone living—except maybe Sebastian—and because of that he was willing to pardon some flaws in Zelos' personality.

"Just...drop it, Genis," he finally said with a sigh. "I don't want to argue about this."

That said, the two fell silent once more, the only sound being the sweep of Lloyd's wings as they flapped gently, carrying the boys over the water.

Sunrise saw the two just settling on the opposite side of the island from Altamira. They had not spoken anymore during the flight, and as they set off walking, neither said anything, instead focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.

It pained Lloyd to know that such a large wedge had been driven between him and Genis, yet there was little he could do to fix things. At least not yet.

So it was that the walk to the city passed in complete silence. When they finally arrived, Lloyd could not suppress a smile as he watched Genis stare around in complete awe. Clearly the half-elf had never been to a resort before; which was unsurprising, all things considered.

"This place is...huge."

"Yeah, there's an amusement park, too. Someday maybe we can actually go there." Right now, though, they had to focus on the task at hand.

Genis nodded, suddenly serious once more.

"Right, let's ask around."

The two agreed to split up, asking various people on the street while putting forth the girls' descriptions.

An hour later, the two reunited on the steps of the inn to exchange information.

"Someone who looked like Sheena was seen around the docks yesterday," Genis said, folding his arms. "You learn anything?"

Lloyd nodded, that information worked with his own.

"Yeah, apparently the two were seen heading down there just this morning. Let's go check it out." With that, the two boys made there way down to the Altamira docks.

"Excuse me!" Lloyd called, making his way over to one of the ship captains he saw walking by.

"Can I help you?"

"Um, yes, actually. We heard that two girls, friends of ours, departed from here this morning. Could you tell us what the destinations of this morning's departures are?"

The man frowned, staring at them for a moment before shaking his head.

"No can do, I'm afraid. I can't just go around handing out that sort of information."

Lloyd sighed inwardly. He had been afraid it would come to this.

"Look, Captain, it's really important that we find them," he said, pulling out a fat purse to bounce on his palm. "Surely you can give us a hand?"

The man licked his lips slowly, eyes watching the purse greedily.

"Well...maybe I can give you a hand. If it's important."

Lloyd smiled. "Of course, you must understand." He grabbed the purse by its drawstrings. "Of course, you'll take this for your troubles."

"Yes, yes...of course," the man murmured, eyes still riveted on the bag.

"Excellent. Now about those records?"

"Erm, yes, of course. Follow me."

Lloyd nodded and motioned for Genis to follow as the three set off for the office, which was located at the far end of the docks.

The walk there bored Lloyd, who took to bouncing the coins on his palm to occupy himself, earning him greedy stares from the sailors working around them. By the time they arrived, he had attracted the attention of nearly half of the dock's occupants.

Clearing his throat, the young captain shut the door behind them.

"Look...you two will understand if we act like you're booking passage?"

"Wh—"

Lloyd immediately cut Genis off, smiling warmly.

"Of course. Now those records?"

"Right, right..." the man said, quickly scanning a thick ledger. "It seems only two ships have departed so far today. One bound for Flanoir, and the other to Sybak, stopping at Ozette along the way."

Lloyd pursed his lips, shaking his head, before asking, "Any records of passengers?"

"Sorry, can't help you there. Both had passengers with their cargo, I don't know more than that."

Lloyd nodded slowly, moving to deposit the fat purse in the man's hand as he did so.

"Right, thank you. Genis?" That said, the two adolescents made their way back outside, leaving behind one very pleased man.

"You bribed him?" Genis asked, once they were out of earshot.

"Yeah, I did. Sometimes life requires some dirty moves, Genis."

Listening to Genis scoff, Lloyd could not help but smile sadly. The boy's upbringing was so innocent. It was a shame to show him the real world like this.

"So, what are we gonna do?"

"Well, they only left recently, and since they have to head in roughly the same direction, if we just scour the area we should be okay."

Genis nodded. "Okay."

Colette stood at the bow of the Shizel, enjoying the feeling of the sea breeze hitting her face, whipping long, blonde strands back out behind her like a streaming banner. She was going to have some nasty tangles later, but it was a small price to pay for such a feeling of exhilaration and freedom.

Hooking her elbows over the railing, she leaned forward, brilliant blue eyes staring at the roiling waters whipping the ship's bow. The speed of the ship caused a spray of salty water to fountain up, dispersing droplets of sparkling water through the air.

The whole situation, coupled with the thick smell of salt in the air, created quite the image for the energetic girl. Here, there was no 'captive and captor', or 'Chosen and Renegades'. Here, she could just be free.

Maybe not literally, but at least in spirit.

"Colette!"

Hearing her name yelled, Colette turned, a bright grin lighting up her face at the sight of her new friend.

"Sheena!" she greeted, waving enthusiastically.

"So this is where you were...I was worried."

Frowning in confusion, Colette tilted her head a bit to one side. Why was Sheena worried? It was not like there was anything here dangerous, and there was no way for her to run away, either. Even if she could run away, there was no way Colette would. Sylvarant was too far away.

Oh well, that did not matter, Colette felt bad for making her friend worry.

"I'm sorry!" For whatever reason, Colette's apology only served to make the young ninja sigh, only furthering the ditzy blonde's confusion. "Sheena?"

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing. I was just afraid you might have jumped, or something. Pretty dumb huh?"

"Colette shook her head adamantly, a bright smile on her face. "Nope! If I had fallen off, then I'd want you to come save me, so I'm glad you were looking for me!"

Watching Sheena, Colette heard the kunouichi mutter, "I never said 'fell'..." in a tone that made Colette think she was not meant to hear. The young Chosen was about to inquire as to what Sheena meant, yet was cut off as the other girl took her arm.

"Come on, we do have some work to do."

At first, Colette was confused, at least until remembrance struck. They were supposed to be helping out on the ship to help pay their way.

"What are we doing?"

"Well, today we're supposed to help with cleaning the hold and checking the cargo, you know, in case things have shifted. After that we have to clean the crews' cabins."

"Okay!" Colette agreed. "Let's go!"

Despite the Chosen's enthusiasm, Sheena discovered some hours later that the girl had likely never done a day of work in her life.

"Whoops!"

The black-haired girl winced as Colette's slim form went sailing by her, a small box smacking off the wall at almost the same time.

"Um, Colette...why don't you get the mop and start cleaning up? I'll take care of picking this up."

"Okay, Sheena!"

With a sigh of relief, she began picking up the boxes and restacking them neatly. Thankfully, Colette did not seem to have broken anything, or else they would have been in some serious trouble.

"There," Sheena muttered, letting out a sigh of relief as she set the last box on its stack, and moved to secure the netting that held the cargo in place.

"W-whoa!"

Steeling herself, Sheena turned slowly and barely stifled a groan at the scene before her. Honestly. How did the girl manage to get the bucket on her head? That took talent. A very special kind of talent, but a talent nonetheless.

"Colette, are you normally this clumsy?"

"Heheh, yeah. Sorry. Genis always used to get after me for it..."

"Well, the water had to get on the floor anyway, so let's just mop up."

"Okay! I'll do it!" the girl announced as she pulled the bucket free of her sopping wet hair.

Sheena buried her face in her hands as Colette slipped in the water and crashed to the floor.

It was going to be a long trip.

Raine honestly did not know what to make of the new arrival. They had been peacefully sailing along, on their way to find her brother, when suddenly agonised cries had disrupted them. Those cries had revealed the form of a young half-elf thrashing about in the water.

When they had pulled the boy—Mithos—aboard, he had thanked them for saving him from a supposed shipwreck. Yet if his ship had wrecked, where was the debris? Raine might not be fond of water, yet even she was not dumb enough to fall for that. Something very suspicious was going down, and had she not been terrified to leave her stateroom, she might have even attempted to eavesdrop on the private meeting Kratos was having with the boy and captain.

There was something about the whole situation that she just did not like.

Footsteps outside of her room enticed the half-elf to poke her nose into the hallway, only to be greeted with the sight of Mithos stalking back to the room he had been given, backbone ramrod straight with indignation. Or annoyance. She could not tell which.

"What are you looking at?"

Startled, Raine glanced to Mithos, her eyes narrowing. Now really, there was no cause for him to be snapping at her like that! Hands on her hips, the silver-haired woman shook her head.

"Do not take that tone with me, young man," she commanded, annoyed. "An attitude like that will get you in trouble in the future."

Right before her eyes, Raine witnessed what seemed to be a transformation overcome the boy. He went from cocky and irritable to meek and polite right before her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry...I'm just afraid from the wreck and all..."

Raine was certain: there was definitely something wrong with this kid.

"Well, just make sure you watch out in the future."

"Yes ma'am."

"Please, call me Raine."

"Okay, Raine," he said meekly. "Um..."

"What is it?"

"C-can I go now? I'm really tired."

Blinking, Raine nodded her head in acquiescence.

"Thank you," he told her, before darting off into the room across from hers.

Returning to her own room, Raine settled down on the bed to continue thinking. She had a feeling she was climbing into something that went way over her head, and the last thing she wanted was to be caught unawares.

"We're in trouble, Kratos."

Kratos did not even try to suppress a sigh at Yuan's statement of the obvious. "Yes, Yuan, thank you."

"Seriously, Kratos. What are we going to do? You lost the Chosen, and there's no way we can hide that. Sheena's life is in danger, not to mention our own! And Lloyd! There's no way he stands a chance, not if Mithos finds out."

Kratos growled ever so slightly, his wine-coloured eyes narrowing in annoyance. "Yes, Yuan. Thank you. I do understand the implications of this situation. However I would like it very much if you would stop prattling on about them, and start thinking of a way to get us out of this mess."

Kratos realised dimly that he must be really stressed to snap at his friend so, yet he could not stop himself. Everything he had worked so hard for was falling apart, and his so-called best friend was not helping the problem.

Not the mention that his son was missing.

"Relax, Kratos, freaking out is not going to help."

"No more than reiterating the problem over and over again."

"Kratos..." Yuan muttered, something akin to guilt crossing his face.

Taking in a deep breath, Kratos let it out slowly in an effort to calm down. "Sorry, Yuan, it's just..."

"Lloyd, right?"

Kratos sighed and nodded his head.

"Well, that's understandable, he is your son. You're allowed to worry you know. Being old fogeys like we are doesn't stop that."

Kratos had to admit that he would never have pegged Yuan as the type to give him a pep-talk. Yet here they were, his ancient friend doing just that.

"So, you calmer now? Good. Now let's think about this rationally. Kratos, you know as well as I do that everything's in jeopardy right now. And why?"

"Mithos," came Kratos' flat reply. "We have to get him off of our tail somehow."

"I doubt that that's going to happen, though," Yuan mumbled with a sigh. "Not now that he's certain we don't have the Chosen."

"So what do you suggest?" Kratos asked. He was trying to keep calm, yet he knew full well that he was too strained to think clearly at the moment.

"Well, for the moment I say we both think on it. You need to calm down some more, and I have a ship to sail."

Lips tightening, Kratos finally nodded. "Okay."

"Come see me tonight. We can talk more then."

Kratos nodded. Whatever story they came up with to tell Mithos, it was going to have to be good, or else everything they had both been working for was going to fall in on itself.

Well now. This one was a fun write. It took a bit longer than I had intended, but here it is, all shiny and done! Hope you enjoyed! Review? :D