Chapter 3

The throne was set at the highest location on Derris-Kharlan, allowing a great overview. Other than that, this 'throne room' was rather empty. It was nothing but floating rocks; broken off pieces of the comet trapped in its gravity or lack there off.

Most people would find it a very lonely place. Mithos did not consider himself like most people, however. He stood above them, he was a God. That's how he saw himself, all were below him figuratively and literally.

Except for a select few. Two of which were standing before him now. They bowed to him more out of habit than anything else.

"As you both know, the Oracle has occurred." Mithos started off.

"Yes, and originally the plan was for me to join the Chosen on the Journey to assure her safety. Yet you pulled me back last minute. For what reason?" Kratos wanted to know right away.

"You have been saying this one is the one." Yuan followed up, though it was not something he truly believed; he'd heard it before, after all. "Would you not want her to be thoroughly protected?"

"Indeed, you are right." The leader nodded, a little smile on his face. He stood up from his throne. "Which is why I've decided to guide her personally."

Both of the Seraphim's eyes went wide as they looked at each other, not quite able to hide their surprise.

"Sir, I would strongly advise against this. You are the leader of the Desians, as well as Cruxis." Yuan started.

Raising his hand to stop this train of thought, Mithos nodded. "I am well aware. You two will take over during my absence. After all, you have been supporting me for this long, you know very well how it all works. Kratos will be ideal to stay here to look over the Cruxis side of things. And Yuan, as you already look over the dealings of the surface, the Desians ins and outs would not be a problem. You can even work together with Pronyma."

"My lord, I urge you to reconsider. It can be dangerous." Kratos remarked.

"How so?" He went to stand before them, crossing his arms. "I know the Chosen needs to be pressured, and to do that closest to her is ideal to see how effective this is. Of course, I will go in disguise, lowering mana level and all. No one else will know it is me, but I can still pull strings as needed. If you are worried for my well being, I have learned to fight from the best."

Jade green eyes crossed amber red. Kratos his mouth was a thin line. "I see your reasoning. I just do not understand why this is so last minute."

Mithos his eyes drifted off, looking up to the stars above their heads. "To be honest, I feel like I have distended myself too much. I haven't been on the surface for a long time and I just take all I hear as the truth. Do not get me wrong, I do not mistrust what I hear. I just want to see it for myself."

"You want to see if the people deserve what's coming to them? Is that it?"

"Indeed, I do, Yuan." The leader looked at the blue haired man. "Our family, our world, will finally be perfect. We will all be together to go into our new age. That is why I need to be as close as I can be to make sure this happens as planned."

Yuan really had to fight himself to ball his fist and bite his lip. He kept his securely trained neutral look and gave a nod. It was clear there was no talking him out of this idea.

"So only us three will know of this plan. What do we tell the ones who normally report to you?" Kratos asked.

"They do not need to know. Just say I am not available and you are taking my place for the time being. It is not their place to inquire more about that and if they do... well, you are rather effective of telling people to back off."

An entertained smile was on Mithos his face. His former mentor did not answer it. Letting out a sigh, the leader gestured over himself, a bright glow engulfing him for a moment. As it died down, his appearance was very different.

His clothes had gone from white to blue, white lines making decorative patterns. On his arms and over his lower legs, plates of armor were set for protection. However, most prominent was the helmet he was wearing: it was shaped like the helmets Desians would wear, however with more flair and cover. Only the mouth was visible and depending on the light, the shine of his eyes behind the visor.

Pulling the saber that was hanging on his side, Mithos held it up towards Kratos. "Do you want to test my skills?"

Yuan stepped aside because he knew the man could not refuse, for more than one reason. He watched the fight as the gears in his head turned. On the one hand, having more of a say on the Desians dealings was perfect. It would mean his Renegades could get the intel needed much faster and be a nuisance far more effectively.

But on the other, he was in big trouble. One false move, one mistake and he would hang. He was walking on a tight rope alright. Still, he had to make use of this while he could. Not for him, or any origination. No, it would all be for her. For the love of his life to finally find her peace.

"I think we can keep going but let us not." Mithos' voice shook Yuan out of his thoughts. "There is somewhere I need to be after all."

"How will you introduce yourself to them?" The blue haired man inquired.

"They are going to the house of Salvation close by, I will be waiting there for them. A sword for hire is what they need and that would be exactly what I will offer."

"What if anything comes up? How can we speak safely?"

"Send a light ball and I will answer. Do not worry about the technicalities, I will make it work, Kratos."

The thin line of his mouth told otherwise, but there was not much to be said nor done. Once Mithos made up his mind, none could persuade him otherwise. They had learned that over the many years they have been together.

Sheathing the sword, the leader folded his hands together. Even with his eyes mostly covered, the men could tell he was looking at them.

"I have complete trust and faith in you. That said, if you do anything that is not to my liking..."

His hand was still on the handle of the sword. Nothing more needed to be said. The two Seraphim nodded and bowed to him. And with that, Mithos teleported out.

"Well then, you can finally ascend the throne." Yuan said after a moment of silence.

His red eyes regarded the seat and shook his head. "Not my style."

Pah, yeah right, Yuan thought to himself. "If you excuse me, there is much work to do."

"Hm." Was all that was said.

That the men were once friends was very hard to recognize. Too much of a rift was between them, as they both did their own thing. And Yuan had even more reason to dislike him. He wouldn't get into it unless needed too.

Without another word, Yuan was next to teleport out. He needed to set up a plan and the only man he could discuss this with in full trust, was Botta.


Raised voices, screams. Shifting shapes, colliding colors. All of it nonsensical, all of it chaotic. That was the gist of Lloyd's nightmares. After twisting and turning for a while, he finally sat up, pulling himself out of his restless slumber.

Everything was still dark in the house. Outside, a sliver of light betrayed that it was very early in the morning. The loud snoring of his father came from across the room, greeting him in his own way.

Sighing, Lloyd turned and set his feet on the wooden floor. He ran his hands through his hair, which was a mess as always. A jealous look was shot across; he wished he could sleep so soundly and unbothered.

Standing up, the teen stretched. Well, he was awake now. Might as well get some work done. Dad wont wake up anyway.

Still in his sleeping attire, which was a pair of shorts and a sleeveless shirt, he walked down the stairs. Turning on some oil lamps to light his work, he reached for the long leather apron to put on. Also, some boots just in case.

He checked out the materials he had to work with. There was plenty of metal, but Lloyd did not plan on using that. It would be gold. The stuff was rather brittle, so it needed to be handled with care. Dirk was the most experienced blacksmith and craftsman known around these parts. He had truly learned from the best.

Gently, the teen got to work, lighting the forge and deciding to start on the hanger itself first. The design would be round, with a big jewel right in the middle. That was easy enough. The more intricate work would be the chain for the necklace. Making all the small links and making sure they were all just as big and strong enough to hold the hanger.

As Lloyd slaved away in the light and heat of the forge, he didn't really note the passage of time. Only when his name was said, did he look up from his work.

Dirk stood behind him, arching a brow at him. His dark eyes regarded the teen. "How long have you been up for, lad?"

The teen's eyes looked out the window next to the forge; sunlight was slowly creeping in, indicating it was gently rising. Oh geez, had he been at it for this long?

"Uh, a while?" He scratched the back of his head.

"Come on, sit at the table, have some breakfast."

Nodding to his father's words, he did just that. He could feel the slight ache in his back from sitting in the same position for a longer time. He stretched it for moment and cracked his neck too. Meanwhile Dirk got to making them breakfast.

"Same nightmare again?"

"Honestly, it seemed more intense."

The dwarf looked over his shoulder, a worried expression clear on his face. "Was it because of what I told you?"

Lloyd waved his worry away. "No dad. I'm fine, don't worry about it."

"I didn't mean to keep it from yah. I was just..."

"Looking out for me. Dad, I get it, it's fine. But on that topic, I've decided to go with Colette, on her journey."

Slowly nodding, Dirk tended to the eggs he was scrambling on the stove. "I figured you were gonna say that." His finger then pointed to a bag, set next to the front door. "I put together some things for yah on your travels."

"Dad..."

"I managed to salvage one Key Crest. With all the talk about unprotected Exspheres, I figured you need it."

Lloyd stood up to give his father a hug. "You're the best, you know that?"

"Dwarven vow number 2: never abandon someone in need. I am just going along with the teachings."

"Still...Thanks a lot, dad."

Opening his mouth to respond, Dirk was interrupted by an impatient knock on the door. The young voice of Genis rang.

"Lloyd, wake up!"

Frowning, the teen went to open the door. "Hey Genis, what's up? Why did you come all the way here?"

Clearly upset, the boy looked up at him. "What do you think? You promised to come see Colette before she left, didn't you?"

"Uh well, I actually decided to go with her."

"Then why are you still here? Colette left already!"

"Wait, what?"

"I came to get you cause you never showed up."

"Did she tell me the wrong time?" Lloyd more muttered to himself.

"Lloyd, hurry up and get dressed. Go after her." His father told him.

Nodding, the teen hurried upstairs to do just that. What was going on? He was sure he had heard the girl right. So, did she tell him the wrong time on purpose? If so, why? She knew his motivations after all. Though, they may not all be pure... Was that it?

Mulling it over, he changed into the clothes his father made for him and grabbed his swords as well. He hurried back down when he was done. Still, Dirk looked at him sternly.

"Lloyd, do not forget Dwarven vow number seven."

Letting out a sigh, the teen recited. "'Justice and love will always win.' Such a corny thing to say now a days. Don't worry, I won't forget."

"And you will always have a home here. You are still my son, regardless of blood. Come back here any time you are tired."

That really was a sweet thing to hear. Lloyd nodded and gave him a smile.

"Come on, let's hurry!" Genis hated to interrupt, but they really needed to get going. "We need to ask Frank where they are planning to go."

"Okay. Is it alright if I take Noishe, dad?"

"Course, lad. He is yours after all." Since he had found the pup together with them way back when. "Don't forget your things."

"Thanks dad!" Lloyd said again, picking up the bag on his way out. He called Noishe, who barked and seemed ready to go.

The creature had no real trouble to carry two people, allowing them on his back. It seemed he was able to feel the situation was dire and braved through the forest without any real complaints.

It did not take long for them to reach Iselia. The two boys jumped off Noishe, thanking him for the ride with some pets. Set to go the Brunel family home, a panicked call from the gate guards stopped them in their tracks. They turned to see what was going on.

A small group of Desians entered the village, led by a man who immediately demanded attention with his looks. It was not the elaborate clothing he wore, or the golden eye patch, which even seemed to hold an Exsphere. It was what he had stuck to his left arm: it was made of gold, a long cylinder shape with a round end. Strange to say the least.

The panicked call had drawn some more people from the village, who were looking on with fear. Desians showing up like this was never a good sign. Still, the mayor was somehow brave enough to face the leading man.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The one eye that was visible, narrowed at this question. The man spoke loud and clear: "Listen up, inferior beings! I am Forcystus, one of the Five Desian Grand Cardinals. I am a superior half-elf who rules over the farm where we cultivate you pathetic humans."

"A half elf..." Genis took a sharp breath at that.

"Lloyd Irving, I demand you come forward!"

Oh darn. All eyes who knew him, set on the teen. He couldn't really run away, so with lead in his boots he walked over to face this man.

"What do you want with me?" He had to practice all his might to keep his voice from shaking. Not strictly with fear, but anger too.

"Lloyd! You, a human, have been found guilty of the crime of violating the non-aggression treaty. Therefore, I bring judgment upon you and this village."

"That is not fair! You violated the treaty first. You tried to murder the Cole- the Chosen!" Genis called out in response.

Forcystus exchanged a glance with the Desian captain next to him. There was a moment of confusion. The captain understood quickly, however.

"Us, kill the Chosen? Hahaha! I see now, they must be after the Chosen."

Hmn, that made sense, Forcystus figured. The Renegades were notorious for interfering with any of their plans. They were a real thorn in their sides, that was for sure.

"Wait, are you saying you weren't the ones who attacked the temple?" Lloyd inquired.

"I have no need to explain myself to the likes of you. The only thing that matters is that you, Lloyd Irving, have been in contact with host body F192. It is not allowed to approach the Ranch nor the people."

The mayor glared at the teen in red. "What have you done? How many times have we told you to stay away from there?!"

Hanging his head in guilt, the teen quietly said he was sorry. Forcystus was eying him, or rather his left hand. It was bandaged at the moment, but he had no doubt the Exsphere was underneath. He needed to make sure this was the real thing, if this was the precious project that was lost years ago.

"We've prepared an appropriate opponent to punish you for your crime."

Something new entered the field. It was an awful looking creature, the kind that would come straight out of a nightmare. It was tall and lanky, its arms so long they were dragging over the ground. Its color was mainly green, but not pleasant like leaves of a tree. More like, swampy. Veins ran over its body, but they all went to the same place: a big red gem set in the head as if it was one big eye. It let out a screech that was like nails on a chalkboard.

"Aah! W-what's this monster?" Genis yelled terrified as it came slowly stomping towards them. "We have no choice but to fight it."

His friend did not move. Normally, Lloyd would pull his swords happily, as he was always up for a fight against monsters. But the teen stood frozen, like a deer staring into the eyes of its pray.

This feeling. The pit in his stomach, vast and dark, twisted shapes and colors. Like his nightmares. This... Why did this feel so familiar?

"Lloyd!" Genis called out in worry, hurrying to cast a fireball to keep the monster at a distance.

After staggering for a moment, the being went to attack with one of its long arms, sharp nails surely set for causing some damage. At the last minute, Lloyd was able to pull his swords and cross them in order to defend.

The sharp nails hit the bandages, making them fall off. Forcystus set his eye on the gem that was placed there, the blue glow drawing attention. The glow moved, going from the hand, over the two blades to give them a blue hue.

A jump, double slash, it was done with such raw power it staggered the monster back, falling to its knees. One hit? One hit?! The leader's eye had gone wide with disbelieve.

Panting from the effort Lloyd had put in, he set his eyes on Forcystus. Huffing, the man held up the strange cylinder shape stuck to his arm and aimed it at him. It suddenly folded open in three directions, not far but enough to show a big gem set inside. A ball of mana was forming there.

"Why you little..!"

The ball was fired. Surprisingly agile, Lloyd jumped over it high, glow once again at the edges of his blades which he brought down against the ground as he landed. The ground shifted and broke, bringing Forcystus off balance.

The captain was by his side fast, to help him up. "Just as you thought, sir. This boy has an Exsphere."

This was no standard one, the show of power made that much clear. He kept his glare fixed on the boy across from him. "It has to be the Angelus Project. The one we've been looking for. Give it to me now!"

"Not a chance. This is a memento of my mom's, who you Desians murdered!"

That wasn't right. Before the leader could correct this, however, the monster grabbed him in a tight stranglehold. A voice suddenly spoke, and even though it was distorted, it was still recognizable.

"Run away... Genis, Lloyd."

"That voice. Is that Marble?" How was that even possible? Genis stared at the being.

"Get away, hurry! Genis, you were like a grandson to me. Thank you. Goodbye."

The next moment, the being started to glow bright and then caused an explosion, driving back most people that were looking on. A small, red gem fell right in front of Genis, which he recognized as the Exsphere that Marble had on her hand.

Forcystus and the captain had taken most of the blow, so the other Desians were with them quick to protect them.

"My lord, we need to take you to the Ranch to have you looked at."

"Ugh..." The leader coughed, allowing a Desian pick him up and leaning on him. Still, his focus was on the teen across from him. "Lloyd, we will always come after you as long as you possess that Exsphere. That is a promise."

After saying that, they were carried away from the village. Genis did not give it any attention as his eyes were set on the gem.

"Marble..."

The haze of red, green and blue lifted, when Lloyd heard his friend's broken voice. Blinking, he looked around for a moment, putting his swords back where they belonged. Quickly he approached him. For some reason, he was not as surprised to learn the monster was Marble. Why? He didn't know that, but still, he knew.

Placing a hand on Genis his shoulder, he was not sure what to say to comfort him. "That is her Exsphere, her memento. You could wear it, to keep her memory alive."

Silent for a moment, the boy let his head hang. He picked up the gem and stood up, wiping away some tears with his sleeve. "Okay..."

"You. Look at what you have done!" The mayor was merciless, approaching Lloyd as he gestured around.

The explosion had caused some damage and certainly had set fear in the people.

"You need to leave, young man. This is your fault. They will keep coming for you and this town will not have that kind of trouble."

Genis faced him at that. "You are kicking Lloyd out? He went to that Ranch because of me!"

"We always tell you not to, because of the peace treaty. They leave us alone as long as we leave them alone. Any involvement with the ranch is forbidden. There are no exceptions."

"The people in there, they were all suffering. Desians were outright torturing them, despite their age. It's okay to let people die at the human ranch as long as the village is safe?"

"Yes, it is. No matter what, they will rot in there anyway."

Balling his fists, Lloyd spoke up. "You can't be serious!"

"We were lucky they did not do more this day, or you would have had a lot more blood on your hands, young man."

Genis could not believe what this mayor was saying. Humans... he shook his head as he let it drop. "I'm going too."

Turning to his friend, Lloyd asked: "What do you mean?"

"It was my idea in the first place, so it's my fault. If you have to go, I'm going too." Besides, he added in his mind, I refuse to live in a village that treats people's lives like this.

"Fine then. By the rights vested in me as mayor, I hereby announce the banishment of Lloyd and Genis from the village of Iselia. Get out!"

Letting their heads hang, the two boys walked to just past the front gate. The people moved on, starting to clean up the mess that was made. No one had even bothered to speak up for them.

"I'm sorry for cause all this trouble." Lloyd said it to no one in particular.

"If you feel that way, please catch up to Colette and protect her." Phaidra and Frank had come towards the noise, only to find it all over. "In doing so, the world will be saved and everyone will change their minds about you."

"For I'm sure Colette would want that as well." Frank added, handing Lloyd a letter. "She wrote this before she left. They are heading south, towards Triet desert. If you hurry, you may catch up to them."

The teen took the letter and nodded in thanks. He knew they were right, and he was already set on going with her.

"I'm going with you."

"Genis..."

"Raine is all I have. It's always been the two of us when we..." Stopping himself, the boy shook his head. "Please, let me come along."

"Alright, if that's what you want. Come on, let's get going."

Nodding to that, the boys started walking, Noishe joining soon after. Frank and Phaidra waved them goodbye and could only pray to Martel that they would be alright.


The house of Salvation was set right between Iselia and Triet dessert. One really couldn't miss it as it was the only thing you would come across when you followed to road.

Mithos regarded the building for a moment. It was not very big and as with much in this world, it was made completely out of wood. These places were build for the weary, travelers, those who were on a pilgrimage, even for those in search of faith.

A house dedicated to the Goddess Martel, build for his sister. Stepping inside, a warmth welcomed him, coating him like a soft blanket. The room had no inside walls, so the alter set on the other side drew attention immediately.

Approaching this, Mithos looked at the rather small idol set to represent Martel. Many candles were set around it, most of them lit. An older man came walking up.

"Good day. Welcome to our house of Salvation. We offer food and shelter for anyone who is passing through. Upstairs there are some beds if you need rest, for which we ask a small donation. If there is anything you would like, please let me know."

Looking the man over, Mithos gave a thankful nod. "Actually, is there any place where I can do some training?"

Tilting his head, the man thought over this odd question. "Not inside, I'm afraid. There is room out front which is safely fenced off, but we do not have any props or things like that."

"Ah, no matter. I can use my imagination."

"As you wish, sir. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to call."

Nodding in thanks, Mithos took a moment to offer a prayer. Sister, I pray you will be with us soon. Please have just a little more patience. I swear this time it will work. You will be back and we will be one happy family once again. Just wait and see.

Slightly smiling at the small statue, he turned around and went on to go outside. There, he'd get to his training regiment as usual, even though normally he'd do so with Kratos. And if he was not around, he'd use technology to train against.

It has been a long time since he last used his imagination, in general. He used to do so a lot more when he was young, when things were still fine and he had everything he could ever wish for. Back when his sister was still alive. All could have been perfect if it weren't for the humans – the filthy inferior beings – who were so against their race.

Frustrated, he swung his sword against a human figure he pictured in his mind an placed before him. More and more would show up and he went on, swinging in anger. Some people around, started to look over, a mix of awe and slight fear on their faces.

It took a moment for Mithos to notice and he forced himself to stop. Breathe, calm down. Don't draw unnecessary attention. He realized his levels were very close to rising and he'd expose himself. Not that he'd think anyone here would notice, but still. You need to keep yourself in check. Can't afford any mistakes, this is the time you have been waiting for. The time we've worked towards for thousands of years. There is no room for mistakes. Take example of your mentor, who's very good at controlling his emotions.

Taking a deep breath, he nodded to himself. He may have lived a long time, deep inside he was still a child, stuck in time. He'd never admit it, but it was the truth nonetheless. Composing himself, Mithos went on with his training in far better control.

After some time passed, as the sun had set itself to the highest point, Colette and Raine arrived. They both spotted the person in armor, practicing precise moves. It reminded the blond girl very much of when Lloyd would demonstrate his moves to her. He'd always give her a wide, proud smile.

"Are you alright, Colette?" Raine asked, noticing her companion looking at the ground.

"I'm fine..." She looked up, but this was the woman who's been with her through it all, who could see through her lies. Her strict look said it all. "Sorry. I just feel guilty, for leaving like this."

Placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, Raine gave a small squeeze. "This was the best way about it. You know he wanted to come along but you also agree it is a dangerous journey."

"Yes, I don't want him to get harmed. I will never forgive myself."

"As you explained in your letter. I am sure he will understand." Let's just hope he won't come running after us, Raine thought to herself. She could see her student doing that without a second thought.

"Why did you think about this now?" Raine then wanted to know.

Her blue eyes were following the movements of the person in training, so that was quickly answered.

"They are pretty good, don't you think?"

"Hm, it would seem so." The professor could appreciate the movements and agility that was shown. What she was not a big fan of, was the fact this person hid their identity with their helmet.

Before Raine knew it, the blond girl had approached. "Excuse me?"

Honestly, she takes after Lloyd's behavior more and more. Sighing and shaking her head at this thought, she joined Colette.

The person stopped their practice and turned to them. The helmet covered a lot, except for the mouth, which showed a slight, polite smile.

"Good day, ladies. How can I be of help?" A male voice, clearly. One question answered.

"Well, I noticed you practicing and sorry if I'm being forward, but... are you by chance a sword for hire?"

"Oh, I will consider that a compliment. As a matter of fact, I am looking for work. Allow me to be forward as well: are you the Chosen?"

Colette showed a shocked expression. "How could you tell?"

The man let out a chuckle. "For one, you come for the right direction. You also wear very unique clothes but it's mostly the jewel."

As he pointed to it, the blond girl touched where it was set. It was still strange to find it there, as she never really wore any jewelry. She could feel some warmth coming from it, a mana kind of warmth. But she also liked to think it was the Goddess Martel.

"Yes, you're right."

"Colette, a word?" Raine took her by the hand and pulled her along until they were out of earshot. "Aren't you going a little fast? We do not know this man."

"So?" The girl tilted her head. "We came here to find a sword for hire and he seems the best option. We aren't going to know any of them, so I don't see why that matters."

"He is hiding his face."

"Well maybe he has some bad scars or something. You don't know. Professor, please. Let's give him a chance. I have a feeling... It will benefit all of us."

Benefit all of them? Raine raised a brow at that. She let out a breath. "If that is what you wish, Colette." She did not want the fight the girl, set to be the Chosen. Set to save the world at the cost of her own life. At the very least, she should have good final memories.

The wide smile on Colette's face said a lot. "Thank you, Raine!" Shaking her hands enthusiastically, she then ran back to the man in armor. "Consider yourself hired, mister... eh, sorry, what's your name?"

Still showing the same, light smile, he answered: "My name is Mithos."

"Oh, you are named after the hero!"

Raine came to stand next to her again, reaching out a hand ever so hesitant. "I am Raine, this is Colette."

"A pleasure to meet you both." Mithos shook both their hands. "And thank you, for accepting me into your small group. I will protect you with my life, Chosen. That is a promise."

Even with the eyes mostly hidden, the intensity of these words were clear to all. "Uhm, thank you. I'd rather you take care of yourself too. Don't get hurt because of me."

Mithos tilted his head at this. What a strange thing to say. Not only to one who would be hired for just such a service, but also to one you've just met. There should not really be a feeling of sympathy. Still, this girl seemed to be very genuine. Her blue eyes looked at him in a way, he had rarely seen before. It reminded him of... of his sister. He turned away a little at this realization.

"Colette, why don't you go inside and ask for some provisions?"

"Huh? Oh, okay professor. Will do."

Nodding, the girl went to enter the house of Salvation. Raine aimed what many knew as her 'the teacher look' at the man in armor.

"I will be blunt; I do not trust you. But she pushed for this, so I will not make a fuss. If you do anything not to my liking, you will have another thing coming."

His smile had all but faded. All Mithos could do, was give this woman a timid nod. Still, there was a feeling he got from her he could not shake.

"Are you, by chance, a half elf?"

Taken aback by this question, Raine needed a moment to regain her composure. "I am a full elf, sir."

The slight smile was back on his face, this time looking just a tad more playful or maybe... menacing? "No, I can tell. I'm one too, you know. You are hiding it for good reason. Humans do not like us, don't accept us. All because they are jealous."

"I-I do not know what you are talking about. Please refrain from speaking about this so openly."

"You even hide it from her, don't you?"

How could he know? Was he guessing? His intentions were so hard to guess with the helmet in the way. She was very tempted to just rip it off, but the call from Colette interrupted her.

"Good news! They had some food to spare." The girl walked up to them holding up a bag in her arms. "This can last us a couple of days I think."

"That is great, Colette." Trying to shake the feeling, Raine did her best to smile.

"Oh, that reminds me. Mithos, how much Gald would you like for your service?"

"Only as much as you can spare. It is my great honor to protect the Chosen one." He bowed to her.

Impressed, Colette placed a hand over her chest. She then bowed her head and thanked the man from the bottom of her heart. Raine let it be, as she'd rather not discuss a touchy subject in front of the girl.

As for the reason she even hid the truth from the girl she held so close to her heart, she wasn't even too sure of herself. Force of habit? Maybe. Distrust? Not likely. It was more of a personal matter. One of not being able to open up, for fear of getting hurt or being turned away, just because of something she could not help; her blood.

"Professor, are you alright?" Colette gave her a worried look.

"Ah yes. We should get going. We are heading south, to the dessert. It would be ideal if we reach Triet at the end of the day."

"I see, we need to hurry indeed." Mithos gave a nod.

"Welcome to the party, Mithos. Let's go." Lighthearted as always, Colette gave him a warm smile.

It seemed to be infectious, as he caught himself answering the smile. Correcting himself quickly, he turned to face the road and took the lead. He was followed by the blond and Raine closed the line, just so she could keep an eye on what's behind them, but also, on this mysterious man.