I'm sorry to say that this chapter isn't the most interesting one, though it very...plot...filled I guess? .

This is the last chapter before the jorney actually starts! So I'm kinda excited! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I wouldn't even care if I didn't owned them, just as long as I got a cut of the profit (which isn't gonna happen .

Chapter Eight: Random Things Before More Random Things

'What the fuck do you mean you want me to go with Lloyd!?'

'Hey chill, it's not my idea it's the boss's orders. Not much I can do-'

'Bullshit! You people tell me to go on the journey so I risk my life to get on this stupid trip-'

'You know, most fan girls would be killing themselves to get where you are now. Meeting their favourite characters, seeing the sights of a whole new world-'

'Then get one of those fucking loonies instead of-'

'Watch your right!'

'SHIT!'

I slammed hammy in the head of one of the wolves that our small group ran into. Though I hated fighting and hated being attacked by wolves even more, I was a little glad that they came when they did. Now why was this? Well, if we go back about 3 minutes then I think you'll understand. Cue fuzzy pink flashback screen.

Right after Colette said her little thing about hoping her grandmother would let me be her guardian I was a very happy child. Then Crystal came back into my mind and said something along the lines of:

'Ally I think you are bloody brilliant but I have to go sip tea and do other Brit-tish things like call pants 'trousers' so I have to let that wangka' Peta' talk to ya''

'Ah, thanks Crystal I try I try.'

Or something like that. So then the stupid moron Peter shows up and you know what the first thing he says is?

'You know I think you're doing it wrong.'

That guy was lucky that he was just a voice in my head or else I would've punched him in his stupid smug little face. The jerk.

('You know I'm still here'

'Don't ruin the flashback you jerk!'

'Good to know I'm loved.'

'SHUT UP!')

So after I thoroughly bitched at him, he goes, 'Oh well, a-durr, I just got a memo that says that you suck and that you have to follow Genis and Lloyd and go and do all that sneaking around and Marble shit and stuff.'

That was when I screamed 'WHAT!?' but in real life and Colette and Kratos looked at me strangely. And that's when the wolf gang decided to ambush our cute little team. So Then Colette and Kratos thought I was yelling about the wolves and completely dismissed my out burst.

…

Or at least I hope they did.

And that should bring us up to where we are now, me bitching at Peter the Prick while trying not to get myself killed. The sad thing is this is starting to become the norm.

'My boss wants you to go with Lloyd and Genis. Not much I can do about it. Who am I to mess with the big man?'

'Fuck you. Fuck you and your not living on earth…ness.'

'No mean to be so rude to the messeng-'

'FUCK. YOU.'

I accidentally put a little more power then I meant to when I swung my hammer to hit the last of the wolves and almost fell over in the process. It was a good thing I actually managed to hit the thing or else I would be flat on my ass right now.

As I struggled to remain upright Colette's chalkram whizzed passed me and delivered the final blow. I quickly scampered over to where Colette and Kratos stood. Kratos shot a not impressed glare in my direction. "Shouting will only bring attention to us." He stated rather bluntly. "Don't be so surprised over a group of monsters"

What was he talking abou- Ohhh the What thing. I simply nodded in response before we continued to walk in silence. Peter tried to contact me a few times during the trip but every time I silenced him by screaming swears at him. Desperate my dislike for him, screaming at him was really quite a stress reliever.

It didn't take anymore then about 5 minutes to get into town after our wolf encounter. We meet with Phaidra almost at soon as we entered the small village. There was much rejoicing. We then went back to Colette's house and met with Frank and the Mayor. There was much more rejoicing. Though the Mayor looked as not impressed as usual. What a fine fellow.

After all the rejoicing everyone noticed the tall purple clad gentleman looming above them and wanted to know who the hell he was. Colette and I explained what happened.

"I see so the oracle has been received." Phaidra stated shortly after Colette and I finished our explanation. "Kratos, Ally thank you for looking after the Chosen."

I nodded happily. "It was the least I could for letting me stay here for the last couple of days."

Kratos nodded as well. "I believe there is the matter of my payment to discuss."

Bitchface.

"Yes of course." Phaidra turned towards the Mayor who reluctantly removed a small bag filled to the bursting point with gald from his pocket and handed it over to Kratos. He weighed it with his hand for a second before nodding curtly and placing it in some kind of hidden pocket under his cape.

"I thank you again for your services Mr. Kratos." I tried to keep myself from smiling, though failed. Oh Colette your quickly becoming one of my favourite characters.

Before Kratos could say anything in response the Mayor coughed quite loudly into his fist, causing everyone to look up at him. "We still have to discuss the Chosen of Regeneration's journey if I'm not mistaken." Phaidra nodded and she, the Mayor and Frank sat down at the small table in the middle of the room. Even though our small group had been walking around all morning, none of us really wanted to sit down. Probably because we were jazzed up from all the fighting. "Yes, since the priests are no longer able to accompany the Chosen along her journey."-Colette filched at the comment-"We must find her some suitable guardians."

Frank said, "Raine has already agreed to join the Chosen on her journey. Although I don't doubt her skills, I would feel better with more people on the job." He stole a glance towards Colette and I felt pity for the man. I mean, sending your daughter on a journey where so many others before her had traveled and lost they're lives. I can't even begin to image what he must feel.

Kratos took a slightly dramatic step forward. "If you are able to pay me I will take the job as one of the Chosen's guardians."

The Mayor's face clearly showed that he would really rather not have to pay for anything though a quick look from both Frank and Phaidra seemed to change his mind. He sighed quite rudely before crossing his arms over his stomach.

"Fine."

That one little word was all it took to cause a hell of a lot of heartache in the future. The one word to assure that the 4000 year old angel will be everywhere that we were. Watching and reporting anything and everything we did to Mithos. That one little word was all it took to cause me to rethink what I was about to do.

'Listen, I know you hate me.' Peter's surprising soothing voice slid into my mind. 'But please don't do this. Go with Lloyd and Genis. Please. I'm only telling you to do this for your own safety.'

As I watched Kratos and the Mayor shake hands I couldn't help but notice that all the while Kratos had the other hand on the handle of his sword, as if he was expecting a gang of monsters to just burst out of the mayor at any time. What could be safer then traveling with a guy like that to protect you? I had already made up my mind when Peter continued with his speech.

'The people I work for are the only ones who can bring you back to your home land. To your family, to your friends… to Jack.'

I could feel anger slowly rise within me. How dare he use the love for my dog against me?

'If I were you, I would really do what they say.' He added a small chuckle to the end of it which, instead of making me change my mind it only strengthen my resolve. I was going on this journey now if it killed me.

I wasn't aware that I had spoken until everyone was looking at me. "I would also like to protect Colette on her journey." There was a short pause as everyone looked at me as if they just noticed I was there. Everyone but Kratos that is. He was simply staring at me like I was going to mess up his plans. How I was going to I had no idea.

"I want to protect Colette." I repeated, slowly gaining courage as I spoke. "Not only do I value her as a friend but she's also the Chosen that will one day save the world."-I almost said 'risk her life to save the world' but I stopped myself just in time-"and I want to protect her… come what may." Moulin Rouge reference that no one will get. "I want to help save the world from the Desians and bring salvation to everyone I love and hell even people I don't like, everyone deserves salvation! And…and I want to bring it to them!" Silence. "…or whatever."

Kratos glare directed at me intensified with just a slight narrowing of his brow. I don't know how he managed to do it, but he did. If I could I would have morphed into the wall just so I wouldn't have to feel the heat of his glare.

"You'll be in the way." He stated. "Your skills in battle are less then average. You should focus on protecting yourself before you make claims about protecting others."

I actually flinched at the comment and was speechless. The courage I had but a moment ago was completely broken by those three simple sentences and of course I couldn't deny that what he said was true.

'See? You shouldn't worry about getting on the journey right now. You know you'll join it later with Lloyd and Genis! Think about it, you get to travel with Genis! You like him, right?'

My hatred for Peter actually brought back my resolve ten fold.

"Then teach me." The words that came out of my mouth surprised even me. If there was one thing that I didn't want it was Kratos as a teacher. Though if that was what it took to get back home then I'll do it. "…please." I couldn't hide the slight quiver in my voice as I croaked out the word. The courage I felt was quickly dissolving and replaced with embarrassment. I felt really stupid for lobbing out that whole speech and acting like a little kid in the middle of a meeting where they were discussing they're world's future. I sank down on a small wooden chair next to me and looked at my boots.

An eerie silence filled the air afterward. Everyone turned to look at Kratos in the corner of they're eyes waiting for an answer. Though most of the people in the small room had already guessed at what his answer would be they still felt as if they should hear what he had to say before continuing with the meeting.

Kratos didn't answer right away. He looked at everyone in turn before settling his gaze back on the black haired teen. As the silence dragged on it shifted from eerie to uncomfortable. Both the Mayor and Frank constantly exchanged looks each person silently asking the other what they should do. Colette had considered breaking the silence multiple times. Though was silenced each time by a small shake of the grandmother's head. Each time Colette would nod and wait again for her soon to be traveling partner to speak. To some if felt like hours had passed before Kratos opened his mouth. Though in reality it had only been 4 minutes and 36 seconds.

"There is not much I know about fighting with a weapon like yours." He nodded towards the giant Hammer leaning against the wall near the back of the room. "Because of that I feel that I am not fit to teach you."

I knew it. A simple 'no' would have also done the trick and it would probably be a lot less embarrassing then laying it out of me like I was 10. Jesus, why the fuck am I so stupid?

"However."

I couldn't help but look up at Kratos when he said that. He's arms were folded and his pointer fingers were tapping on his elbows. The intensity in his glare was still there, but it was different somehow. It's like he gone from hating me, to studying me.

"I do know someone who has mastered the hammer in Asgard. He is more then fit to teach you."

What? Asgard? The hope that had risen quickly fell back down. He wants me to travel all the way to Asgard? By myself? Kratos broke his glare and bowed his head in thought. He unfolded his arms and went back to his regular posing/standing and turned away from me.

"Until then I will teach you what I know."

I stared at Kratos with my eyes wide for a moment trying to absorb what he had said. The others seemed to share my surprise for they also stared at Kratos like he was crazy. Frank rose from his seat.

"Mr. Auron, are you sure that's a good idea? She is still a child."

What? I am 16 going on 17, thank you very much.

"If the journey should prove to be too much for her I will leave her in Asgard."

I tensed slightly at the comment but didn't say anything. Of course this journey is going to be too much for me! I've never even been camping before much less sleep on the ground! But…come what may, I guess.

Frank still looked troubled and turned and looked at me with a sad look on his face. My chest tightened as I unraveled the meaning behind the look.

Not you too.

I looked away from Frank and looked back at my boots. Frank seemed to understand what this meant. "Ok." He said softly before he sank back into his seat.

"Then it is settled." The Mayor said looking a little relieved now that the silence was gone. "We will entrust the protection of the Chosen to Kratos, Raine and…" He made a hand gesture towards me.

"Ally"

"…Ally."

Kratos crossed his arms again and closed his eyes. "I have no objections."

Kratos' last words were what it took for me to finally realize something. I did it. I did it! I managed to get on the journey all by myself! I'm one step closer to getting home! I didn't even brother hiding my smile now. I felt so giddy on the inside that if I didn't at least smile then I would explode happiness everywhere and go and hug Kratos. And I have a feeling he would not like that and wouldn't let me on the journey. That would suck.

'…holy shit you did it.'

Even Peter's voice didn't stop me from smiling like an idiot.

'You actually did it! Oh Man! I didn't think you'd go though with it for a moment there but you did! Oh man Gavin owns me 200 gald! WOO!'

The smile on my face slipped. Wait wha-?

"Thanks Phaidra. Hey, were you talking about the world regeneration journey just now?"

I almost fell off my chair when I hear Lloyd speak from beside me. When the hell did he get here?

"Yes."

"Oh Wow! I want to go to! I want to see Colette regenerate the world!"

"If Raine is going I want to go too!"

"No. You'll get in the way."

Straight to the point. You tell them sensei.

Lloydo on the other hand looked flabbergasted. "Wha-What!?"

"The monsters at the Chapel were nothing compared to the ones we will encounter on the journey. Children should stay home."

The Mayor turned to look at the two boys. "Kratos is absolutely right. Now we still have some things left to discuss. You two should go on home."

Lloyd didn't move. Our eyes met and he pointed an accusing finger at me. "But Ally's going on the journey!" He whined. "Why can't I go?"

"I told you Lloyd, I'm awesome." I stated. Better recognize now, bitch. It's a fucking fact.

"Ally is only coming until we reach Asgard." Kratos said coolly.

I turned to him. I wasn't sure if he was just saying that to make Lloyd go away or if he was being serious.

"Let us worry about the journey of world regeneration. You two go on home." The Mayor made a shoo-ing motion with his hand and the two boys left the house. Colette turned to everyone and quickly excused herself before following after them.

The rest of the meeting was too boring to remember. Just some more in depth discussing of the paths that the Chosen should take, how much money we should bring et ectra. I felt like I should have been paying attention just in case Kratos quizzed me on it later or something but I couldn't help thinking about what Peter said to me last. Was he betting on me? He was the one who told me to go with Lloyd and Genis and do the Marble thing but then he cheers when I don't. What the hell man? I didn't know whither to hate the guy more or be completely indifferent.

Before I could reach a decision the meeting was over and I was ushered upstairs by Colette to get things together for the journey (Which was agreed that we would leave tomorrow at around 8). Frank came up a few minutes into deciding if Colette should bring the pink pajamas or the blue ones and gave me his old traveling bag. Apparently he used to travel around Sylvarant playing the tenor sax until he met Colette's mother and settled down in Iselia.

I decided then and there that Frank was the coolest man ever. I told him this and he smiled and said he would play something for me before I leave. I was pretty flippin' pleased. Saxophones are the coolest sounding instruments ever. (Expect maybe electric and bass guitars those are bad ass.) Then Kratos and Raine came up and he, Raine, Colette and I went shopping for some supplies for the journey. We were just about to retire when Colette said she wanted to go to Lloyd's house one last time before she left. As we headed towards the back gate we ran into Genis who joined our party. When we neared Lloyd's house we could hear voices raised in argument.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?!"

"If I had, you'd have run out and tried to take revenge on the Desians. The Tower of Salvation appeared today. Just leave the rest to Colette. That'll take care of the Desians, too."

Even though I had heard this some conversation though my TV screen multiple times I still felt a little awkward listening into they're private argument. As I looked at the others I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one. We all had stopped walking at that point and silently debuted whither to continue or not. In the end Kratos was the one that decided for us.

"Yeah, I heard you! But you can't expect me not to do anything now that I know!"

We reached Lloyds house just as it reached night fall.

"You don't have to hit me!"

Not a moment later an angry Lloyd smashed though the front door. He jumped when he saw us and his anger lifted.

"Oh…let me guess…you heard that just now?"

I heard Genis shuffle beside me but to my surprise didn't say anything. In fact, no one said anything. Seeing as I was near the front of our 'crowd' I simply gave a dumb nod.

Lloyd scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I see…"

There was a short silence before Raine spoke. "Lloyd. You should speak to Colette. We'll wait here."

Lloyd nodded almost automatically not catching anyone's eye. "…ok."

Colette, seeing his discomfort, thought it would be better to take they're conversation elsewhere. "Let's go up to the terrace."

Lloyd looked at each of us in turn his eyes lingering on Genis longer then the rest of us. He turned back to Colette. "Just a minute."

Colette stole a glance over to us before she nodded. "…Ok. I'll be waiting by the bench."

It took me a while to notice that while the small awkward exchange was happening Kratos had managed to slip away and examine Anna's gravestone. Poor guy who knows what kind of thoughts are going though his head right now. If I'm right about this, and I know I am, he should now be realizing that the son that he thought was dead has been alive for 17… maybe 16 years.

And of course while I was busying noticing that I didn't notice that everyone had disbursed from our party and were hanging around random places of Lloyd's house. I felt like everyone but me had gotten a script on what to do in these situations or something. I wished I had that script. Not really knowing what do I found a spot about midway though the small stream in front of his house that was away from everyone and knelled in front of it, resting my hammer beside me. The stream reflected the brilliance of the two moons and seemed to glow light blue. I looked at my reflection and was appalled by my appearance. My hair was frizzy and sticking out in random directions, my clothes were ripped and wrinkled and my face was shiny with sweat. I scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on my face before attempting to smooth down my hair (which failed). It would take more then water to fix up my clothes. I would have to ask Colette later if I could borrow some of hers. As I went to scoop up another handful of water I saw Lloyd's face in the reflection and I almost jumped into the stream in fright.

"Lloyd!" I exclaimed as I turned to face him. "Stop doing that you're freaking me out!"

Lloyd chuckled lightly "Sorry." He sat down beside me and stared out into the forest just beyond the stream. I stared with him.

…Silence.

"I've been thinking about what you said to me about half-elves."

"I was kinda hoping you would forget about that."

Lloyd continued like he didn't hear my comment. "When I heard that my mum was killed by the Desians my first thought was that it was the half elves that had killed her. But then I remembered what you said. About how we can't help being born the way we. And that not all the Desians are half-elves."

I still kinda getting over the fact that there are elves in this world. It's really weird.

"Well I'm never actually met a half elf before." That was a lie I've met three (Raine, Genis and that nice Desian…I think.) "But I would image that like humans there are good half elves and bad half elves."

"Yeah… but still." Lloyd's tone grew dangerous. "The Desians were the ones that murdered my mum."

I turned to look at Lloyd wishing that I could tell him the truth. Wishing that I could just say, 'on my planet you're a game I know what's about to happen. I'll help you if you help me get back home.' But something in the back of my mind told me that I couldn't do that. Crystal said I couldn't do it either.

So instead I sighed and stood up. "Go talk to Colette." I said nudging him with my foot until he got up. "She wants you, you stud." Lloyd smiled sheepishly at me and I could tell he didn't know what a 'stud' was. "Yeah I will." He started to walk towards his house but just before he reached the front door he looked back over his shoulder and muttered a small 'thanks' before he disappeared inside.

Oh what I wouldn't do for a hug right now. I turned to the stream and slumped back into my spot. Jeez there were so many things I could have said to Lloyd things like 'Colette lies we leave at 8 bring Genis' or 'Don't be an idiot, change your hair and clothes when you leave Iselia.' But I didn't. I couldn't. Who knows how much that would mess up the storyline… but at the same time why did I want it to move along like the storyline? Most of the things that happened in the game were horrible.

'But in the end it all worked out.' Crystals British accent suddenly entered my mind. I was proud that I didn't jump. ''Member those movies or shows where they are sent back in time and told not to touch anything in case they accidentally alter the course of history forever?'

'Yeah…'

'Well this is kind of like that.'

'…Explain.'

'Think. What would have happened if you did tell Lloyd to bring Genis at 8 and they really did manage to come along on the journey?'

There was a pause where Crystal waited for an answer. When she didn't get one she continued.

'Lloyd and Genis wouldn't be around to protect Iselia from burning to the ground. Even if they leave they have already broken the treaty. Remember they already went near the human ranch. The Desians would have no way of knowing they were already left on the journey of world regeneration. They would still burn Iselia and may even slaughter all the towns people so when Lloyd and Genis return they can witness the punishment for they're crimes. Another thing, Forcystus wouldn't find out that Lloyd has the exsphere from the Angelus Project and wouldn't be able to tell the other Grand Cardinals that he has it. Now this may sound good in theory but think about all the things that wouldn't happen if the Five Desian Grand Cardinals didn't go after Lloyd's exsphere.

'Genis would have also never gotten the exsphere from Marble after he's forced to fight her. He might die because he doesn't have the extra strength that the exsphere provides. Do you really want that to happen?'

She paused once more to let her words sink in. I didn't even think about any of that. The only thing I thought about was oh well I could save Lloyd and Genis from some mental anguish. A-Durr.

'You need to slow down and think. You have the advantage of foresight. Use it. I know you can do it you were chosen for a reason.'

Chosen. I was chosen for this. But why me? It's not like I'm the top of my class or the most athletic. Hell I don't even remember the last time I worked out.

'Remember that Peter lad and I are here to help. You can use us.'

I felt a small smile tug at my lips. I knew she was trying to cheer me up but her speech only confused me further. What was she trying to tell me? That there were some things that I should change and others I shouldn't?

'That's exactly what I mean.' Crystal replied taking a sip of her coffee. Argh…forgot she could read my mind. Creepy.

'But isn't the fact that I'm here mess up everything that's about to happen anyway? Doesn't my mere existence in this twisted world throw everything off?'

Silence. So she doesn't know the answer to that either. I sighed and stared at the rushing water in front of me. Oh great now I'm just depressed. There was a small tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Genis standing just behind me.

"Ally we're leaving now." Genis said before he went to catch up to his sister. I pulled myself to my feet, picked up my hammer and followed after him. After we all waved to Lloyd up on his terrace we started the hour walk back to Iselia. I fell to the back so I would brood in private. Right now I really didn't care about the monsters. Fuck them I'm depressed.

''Ally, your existence in this world is just what the doctor ordered. Go get them tiger.' That's what Peter wanted me to tell you. Good luck.'

When Colette and I got back to her house we resumed our packing though we both didn't have as much gusto as we did when we started. Colette kept shooting nervous glances to both me and the piece of paper and ink bottle that was lying on her desk. After a while Crystal told me that Colette still needed to the letter that she leaves Lloyd and that she probably didn't want to write it in front of me. I decided to go for a walk and left the house. I didn't know where to go so I just ended up wondering around the forest near the town. I was just thinking about heading back when I heard a male voice deeper into the forest.

"Although I have already completed my report on the Iselian Human Ranch I have happened upon some rather peculiar information and wish to remain undercover in the next couple of days."

That voice sounded strangely familiar. I strayed from the path to follow the voice working my way though the bushes as quietly as possible.

"Lord Forcystus… sorry, Forcystus as appeared to have found some kind of special exsphere. He plans to receive the exsphere tomorrow at noon. Subject: one by the name of Lloyd Ir-"

I stepped on a twig that let out a sharp crack. I stopped moving and held my breath hoping that he would think it was just a squirrel or something. I tried to strain my ears to hear him but the sound of my own heart thumping drowned out any other noise. After a fresh surge of panic begin to form in my chest I decided that it was time to head back to Colette's house. I turned back and started to run in the direction I thought the path was. Though just as I was nearing the path I saw a flash of yellow and the next moment I was laying on my back in a clearing of the forest I've never been in before with a grown man on top of me pinning my hands over my head with one hand and the other holding what felt like a sharp object dangerously close to my neck.

I screamed. Or at least I tried to. But the only thing I was able to choke out of my mouth was a small gagging noise. Holy fucking shit what the fuck did I do now?! Oh my god I'm going to die! I'm going to die! Fuck I'm gonna die a virgin!

"…You're the girl I met near the human ranch."

The sharp object that was pressed against my neck was retreated and a great weight was lifted from my body. My hands flew to where the sharp object was before gulping in air like a hungry man. Holy shit that was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me in my life.

"I'm so sorry about that I thought you were a De- someone else."

I finally looked up at my attacker/savior. He had on his Desian uniform but his helmet was off revealing wavy blond locks and piecing baby blue eyes. I pointed at him with a shaky finger.

"You're the nice Desian." I squeaked. My voice broke several times during that one simple sentence but right now I was too happy to be alive to be embarrassed. He held out a hand to help me back up and I took it. He helped me get back on my shaky feet and didn't seem to mind that I fall on him a couple of times before managing to stay upright. Now that I was closer I was able to examine him a bit more.

He looked to be in about his mid 20's. He's blond hair stuck out in random directions and made it look like he had just gotten out of bed. Though the bags under his eyes said otherwise.

"I am so sorry about before." He started brushing dirt off my clothes, being careful not to push back to the ground. He was a pretty built guy. I just stared at him as he continued. This guy wasn't a Desian. That much I knew for sure. No Desian would be this nice to a human much less make suspicious reports in the middle of a forest so far away from the Human Ranch.

"You're a Renegade aren't you?" I had realized my mistake almost as soon the last word left my lips.

The Renegade stopped in mid brush and straightened up to look me in the eye. He was fairly tall. "You know about the Renegades?"

I gave a dumb nod not sure what to say. The Renegade gave the surroundings a quick look over when he was sure that we were the only one's there he spoke. "Yes. I'm a Renegade. I was placed in the Iselia Human Ranch to gain intelligence and report back to the Renegade base. Today was suppose to be my last day but I believe that what will happen tomorrow may be crucial information for the Renegades mission."

After he was done talking he signed as if that was something he'd wanted to say for a while and ran a hand though his hair. "Phew. Glad I got that off my chest." He seemed to realize his mistake just like I did and he turned to me with panic in his eyes. "Your not gonna tell anyone are you?" I shook my head and he relaxed. "Good…"

There was a brief silence before I threw my arms around him yet again buried my face into his chest. I couldn't help it, I was a hugy person and I was about to go on a journey that will probably end up in me dieing. I needed a hug.

The Renegade just stood there stunned but didn't try to push me off him. Instead he awkwardly patted my back until I broke the hug.

"I'm Ally." I said after putting a couple of feet between us. I held out a hand for him to shake and he stared at me of a second with a weirded out look on his face. Ok so I'm random shoot me. He then smiled and let out a small chuckle before taking my hand and shaking it. "Sean."

I returned his smile with my own. Now that I had gotten the hug that I've been longing for I was in a much better mood. Yay for the magical power of hugs!

…wow that sounded gay.

"Listen Ally I have to go back to the Human Ranch it would look suspicious if I'm gone for too long. You should go back to the village. It's getting late."

"Yeah. Good luck with the…sneaking thing." I turned to leave.

"Ally!"

I turned back to see Sean holding up my hammer that was knocked out of my hands when he jumped me. Feeling a little sheepish about forgetting my weapon I took it from him and left the clearing. Just before I found my way back on the path I could hear Sean's voice one last time.

"Understood… Thank you Yuan."