Chapter 5

"Huh, I didn't know the House of Salvation was actually this close."

Lloyd eyed the round building as they walked up to it. Genis in his turn looked at the sun, which was set at the highest point.

"Still took longer than expected. We won't gain on them at this pace."

"We'll get to them, you'll see. Let's go ask around if anyone seen Raine and Colette."

"Yeah okay, Lloyd."

Genis sighed at his friend's energy; he always started off at a high level, but it would dwindle fast and his focus with it. That's why it was never smart to let him go on his own. So they both entered the premise, to start asking around.

The outside was not too promising as not many people were around. They went inside because of that.

"Oh, look at this place. There's even an altar."

"Well of course there is, Lloyd. This is a house of salvation. They promote pilgrimages, the church and the Goddess Martel."

The older teen scratched the back of his head. Undoubtedly this had come up in Raine's lessons. Still there was something he noticed.

"Genis, you seem to have seen this kind of place before?" It really seemed that the boy was not surprised.

Avoiding his look and question, Genis instead set his focus on the man behind the counter. "Excuse me sir?"

"Ah, youngsters, welcome!" The elderly man boasted joyfully. "How can I help you? We have food, beds upstairs, and of course we offer prayers. Whatever you need."

"Actually, we were wondering if you've seen a girl with blond hair, dressed in all white? She'd be joined by a woman in a long orange coat and silver hair."

"Indeed, I have. This morning they came by. They paired up with a swordsman and I gave them some food for the road."

"Oh great, they found someone to help them out! Did they mention where they were headed to next?" Lloyd asked next.

"I believe the very kind girl in white said they were heading for Triet. They left some hours ago, maybe with some luck you can gain on them. The desert is not a kind place during this time after all."

That made the two of them all the more worried. They exchanged a look that made clear their thoughts: they had to hurry!

The two started to run, causing the owner to call after them in worry. Lloyd just turned to wave and say thanks as they hurried along.

Lloyd had been staring at Sylverant's map long enough to know general directions. Not as detailed as the professor of course, but he figured he could manage.

"It's funny, you know. I was planning on traveling around."

"Really? All on your own?" Genis tilted his head curiously at his friend.

"Not exactly, I'd bring Noishe of course." He scratched his pet in question behind the ear, gaining a satisfied bark.

"You were planning to become a mercenary or sword for hire?"

"Actually no. More like a traveling craftsman. You know, dad makes all kinds of stuff. He's pretty famous. But I want to do it while I'm on the road, so I can see more of the world and really offer help to people along the way."

Genis couldn't help a smile. "That really sounds like you, Lloyd. I'm worried about one thing though."

"Huh, like what?"

"If you won't lose your interest and give up."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Sorry, Lloyd. It's the truth: each time you take something on, you tend to get bored of it if that takes too long."

Huffing at that, the teen crossed his arms. He knew it was a bit of a problem; his dad had pointed out the flaw often enough, of course. Honestly, he was hoping that if it was something that really had his passion, it won't be that much of a problem.

For now, his focus was sharp because he was worried about his two friends. That has to count for something, right?!

Within a few hours, they reached the line between grass and sand. Holding his hand above his eyes to shield against the sunlight (which thankfully was less intense), Lloyd scanned across the planes and occasional dunes.

"Uhm, you know where Triet itself is? I can't see anything from here." Genis stood on his tippy toes as if that would help him see more.

"I believe it's south, slightly going towards the.. Uhm..." It was clear the older teen was wracking his brain trying to remember.

Noishe gave a short bark and shoved his nose against the bag that Dirk had prepared. Frowning, Lloyd dropped it off his shoulder to see what's inside. Next to some food, there was a letter and attached there was a map.

Curious, he opened the letter. It was his dad's nicest handwriting. It wasn't super fancy, but much better than his usual, half intelligible scribbles.

'Dear Lloyd,

In the bag you'll find the Traveler's Guide. I advise you to read it; it has the seven most well-known Dwarven Vows as well as knowledge necessary for your journey written in it. Make use of this information and be sure to protect Colette.
14 years have passed since found you and started raising you. You were still barely able to walk. I remember how you were scared of me and always crying. And now, you've grown into a strong swordsman. I'm grateful for you calling me, a non-human, your father. Someday, when you are a full-grown man, I'll have a gift for you. Keep that in mind as something to look forward to as you go out there and fight.

Love, Dirk.'

Lloyd found himself biting his lip after reading it. The words he said to him before resounded in his mind as well; 'you're still my son, regardless of blood.'

Yeah, he did remember that when he was little, he was scared of the man, even though they were about the same height. And at times the dwarf was strict. But at the end of the day, he did take him in without question and took care of him like he was his own.

Letting go of his own solitude and freedom to take care of a child and his puppy. He didn't owe anyone, and still Dirk did it. He's never really said why. Lloyd didn't need to guess because he took after him in that regard: compassion. No matter how rough the dwarf might look, he had a big heart. And the teen wore his right on his sleeve.

"Dirk is a real lifesaver. I'm glad he thought of it." Genis remarked as he took hold of the map that was dangling off the letter.

"Yeah, for sure." Pulling the letter loose, Lloyd carefully folded it and put it in his inside pocket, close to his heart.

"Buuut, we don't have a compass."

Oh darn. The brown-haired teen turned the bag inside out, but the handy tool was nowhere to be found. Guess even dad didn't think of everything.

"Well, we've mostly been going south. I think we just keep going and eventually we'll see the place, right? Can't be that hard to miss."

Studying the map for a moment, Genis nodded. "I suppose that works. I hope, at least. Let's get going, before it gets dark."

So they moved along. However, dusk set in quicker than they thought. It also seemed to be more intense; before they knew it, it was getting pretty dark. And with it, the heat was dropping just as fast.

"Why is it getting cold?"

Just an hour ago, Lloyd was cursing the heat of the place. He was jealous of the fact that Genis was wearing short sleeves and pants. Now, he was happy he was the one with warmer clothing.

Sighing, Genis was rubbing his bare arms in hopes to stay warm. Noishe was quick to walk close to him to give him warmth, which he much appreciated.

"Did you really learn nothing in my sister's classes the past five years?"

"Yeah! PE and art and..."

"Never mind." Genis shook his head. His poor sister. "Due to a lack of humidity in deserts, the air can't hold the heat radiated by the sand, which gets heated during the sunny daytime hours. This causes the temperature of deserts to fall rapidly at night."

"So they walked in at the worst time?"

"Yeah, pretty much. On the other hand, it could mean they are slow, we can catch up."

"Then let's keep going."

They continued their way, eventually hitting the Oasis by the time stars were starting to show up. The state of it had them both shocked and surprised. As the two boys looked around, an elderly woman approached.

"You two are the second set of visitors today. I will tell you the same thing: there is nothing left here."

"I am so sorry about the conditions." Genis said softly.

Meanwhile, Lloyd's focus was on something else. "It was Colette, that you saw right? Do you know which way they went?"

"Are you friends of them?" The woman asked with a frown.

"We are and we need to join them fast." The brown-haired teen couldn't hide the worry on his face.

She took a moment to look him over, as if sizing him up. Eventually she nodded.

"Your heart seems pure." Suddenly she took hold of his left hand. "Be careful youngster. I see danger in your future. Head that way, you will see their campfire eventually."

A little confused, the teen looked in the direction the woman pointed. His hand was let go and when he looked back to thank her, she was gone.

At Mithos his suggestion, the group of three was setting up camp. They had the ruin in sight, but considering that there will be more monsters inside because of the trial, they opted for the outside.

There were only a few trees around, which were dried out because of the heat. Still, their wood could be used as firewood. They just had to be very frugal.

As Mithos carefully set up the campfire and lit it, Raine made ready to cook for them. Colette placed their sleeping bags around the fire meanwhile.

"No need to do that for me. I will keep watch tonight."

"You can't mean the whole night. You have been up and fighting the whole day, you need your rest."

"I do agree with Colette." Raine nodded, cutting up vegetables in the meantime.

"It's what I do. I am used to it."

"My main concern is that you will be at your absolute best."

Mithos nodded to the professor. "I can guarantee you that."

It was said with such certainty, the two women really couldn't argue further. They decided to let it be and focus on making dinner ready.

Because Raine liked to experiment with food, it was once again out there. Colette was not a picky eater and didn't have the heart to ever tell the woman that was like a mother to her that it was bad.

Mithos did lightly frown, but since that was hidden behind the helmet, none were the wiser.

As the Seraphim did 'lower his level', his senses were a little more human, so taste was there. He was trying to figure out what was mixed in.

"Would you like seconds?" Raine offered.

Even with some more human senses, things like his hearing were still very sharp.

Instead of answering the question, the swordsman stood up, turning to his right as his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

On high alert right away, Raine was on her feet too, grabbing her staff in the process.

"Colette, stay behind us."

"But professor…"

"Having to fight in these surroundings is already hard. Having to protect you as well with the possibility of you being open to attacks, would be tasking."

This was no time to argue. Their eyes were set on a sand dune, which they initially chose for cover. However, now it was obscuring their sight.

However, all worry and the heart beat up in her throat, disappeared as soon as Colette spotted the signature red garb.

An arm went up and waved. The classic brown hair styled uniquely. The sound of his voice calling out.

"Hey!"

A wide smile crossed Colette's face and she started to run. Raine pulled back the hand of their swordsman, that wanted to quickly pull her back.

"It's alright, it's a good friend. And also," her silver eyes regarded the boy in blue, "my little brother."

Slowly and hesitant, Mithos let his hand drop from his weapon.

Lloyd was on the receiving end of a big hug. It was so much, he even dropped down with the girl ending up on top of him.

As she looked at him, the big smile and tears in her eyes were a rare mix to see.

"Lloyd, you came!"

"Well, of course I did. I told you I was coming with you, and I always keep my word. Well, at least I try to."

"Yeah, I know." She rested her head against his chest for a moment, just to feel that warmth and hear the beat of his heart.

Meanwhile, Raine approached. Her demeanor was quite the opposite from the girl; her arms were crossed and there was the classic scolding teacher look on her face.

"What part of 'stay with Frank' did you not understand?"

Genis could not help cowering a little, because he knew of her punishments like no other.

"I'm sorry, sis. But we really didn't have much choice. Though, it was completely my fault."

At this, the silver haired boy looked down. Lloyd got up and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"You were doing the right thing, Genis. It was the fault of those Desians and their twisted ways."

The two women regarded the tone of hatred and Lloyd's clenched fists.

"What happened?" Colette asked softly.

They took turns to explain, leaving nothing out. Not even the fact that Marble was turned into a monster.

Colette gasped in shock, she could not believe that they did this to a poor, elderly woman.

Lloyd on the other hand, was not surprised at the act as he shook his head in disdain thinking back to it.

"They were after me, specifically. They wanted this." He placed his hand over the gem set in his other.

"Your Exphere? Why, don't they already have plenty of them?" Raine questioned.

The teen shook his head. "Dad said it was special. And that leader from the Ranch called it the Angelus project. Whatever that means."

Sighing, the professor looked at the both of them. "What you two did, was for just reasons but against the law. You were both lucky to get away alive and well."

Even she could not hide her relief as she finally went to embrace her little brother.

"So it's alright to tag along?"

"Wasn't that your intention from the beginning? Stop pretending."

Lloyd couldn't help a nervous chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. Then his brown eyes set on the one stranger in their midst.

He still stood at a distance, not having moved from his spot, or at all even. Approaching the armored man, he held out his hand.

"You gotta be the sword for hire. Hi, I'm Lloyd. Thanks for looking out for them."

Mithos still did not move. If he the freedom to rub his eyes, he would. Things clicked into place in his mind. Questions were answered, but completely new ones took their place. He had to be very carefully to ask them, if at all, without blowing his cover.

This boy. The hair, those eyes, that demeanor. All of it screamed Kratos. Or at least how he was before everything went down, ages ago.

"Uh are you alright?" Lloyd asked as he was left hanging.

Even that little tilt of the head, the overall stance. Goddess, it was his son without any doubt. What were the chances? Here of all places, with all people. Right when he decided to take Kratos his place. It was not anticipated in the slightest.

For a moment, Mithos regarded the gem that was set on the teen's hand. The Angelus Project, a different approach on creating a Cruxis Crystal. Such a delicate thing, only a select few would be able to handle it. Yet here he stood, the son of Kratos himself, wearing it like it was no big deal.

Oh, the sheer irony. And what luck. Now he'd be able to see what effects it had with his own eyes. He was very satisfied now that he had chosen this path. Two birds with one stone.

His eyes shimmered as he finally took the outstretched hand and gave it one shake. "Mithos."

The thin, worried line on Lloyd's face vanished, changing into his wide smile instead. "Wow, named after the great hero, huh? That's pretty awesome."

"I assume you hale from Iselia as well?"

"Well, technically I was raised in the forest nearby. But I went to school there and we're all friends."

"Went to school is the right way to say it, yeah." Genis gave his snarky remark. He approached the man next. "I'm Genis."

"Pleased to meet you." Nodding, the man shook the young boy's hand.

Despite the concealing helmet, Genis could feel eyes going over him. And he did not like it. Before anything else could be said, his best friend piped up again.

"Hey, is that a stew on the fire? I'm starving! Uh, there isn't any tomatoes in it, right?"

Sighing to that, Raine shook her head. "No, Lloyd. I'll scoop you up a bowl if you sit down."

"Sure thing, professor!"

"Genis, you should eat some as well."

"Were you the one that made it?"

Her sharp eyes looked at him as she made ready the first bowl. "I did."

"Careful then, Lloyd."

"Huh?" Too eager to wait, the teen already put a full spoon in his mouth. His expression changed to confusion, as he gave his bowl a puzzled look.

"Sis, you experimented again, didn't you?"

"I did not hear Mithos or Colette complain." The woman huffed as she pushed the next full bowl into her little brother's hands.

"I advise to eat up, for you all will need to energy come tomorrow." Mithos remarked.

Well, Lloyd was not that picky when it came to food. Unless it involved tomatoes, he'd eat anything. It was just that the taste was rather out there. It wasn't bad, just very different.

"That's the place? That pile of stones?"

"Lloyd Irving, how dare you! That is a ruin of ancient significance. The great summon spirit Efreet is said to reside there. Not to mention..."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, professor. Spare me the lecture please."

"Yeah, you know it's a waste of time with him anyway. In one ear, out the other."

"Shut up, Genis."

Colette could not help a chuckle. "I am happy you both are here." She looked down after that. "I'm sorry about the way I left."

Deciding to go sit down next to her, Lloyd placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hey, I get it. Don't apologize. We're together now, that's what counts."

She answered his wide smile with a soft one. The rest of the evening was meanly catch-up talk and then Raine pressing them to go sleep on time, so they'd be in good shape. She had Mithos siding with her in that.

"The temple, or ruin as it's called now, will be a trail indeed. Set up to test the strength of the Chosen. Not just physically but overall, to see if one would go through anything. It is to save the world after all."

"Hey, Colette's not alone. We're all here with her. And we'll have her back!" Lloyd boasted.

The campfire reflected ever so slightly in the eyes that were hidden behind the visor. It made it clear Mithos his eyes were set on the teen.

"It is no easy matter. Monsters, Desians, they do not care about spearing a life. The question is not if you would protect her, it's if you are prepared to die."

"W-what is that supposed to mean?"

"Do you have any experience? Not just as a fighter but also walking for days on end come rain or sunshine. Having two swords does not mean you have any advantage if you do not truly know how to use them."

Lloyd was biting his lip as he glared at the man he just met. The nerve, for judging him so swiftly. He was ready to start an argument, but Colette spoke up suddenly.

"Um, none of us really have experience. But I do believe that the strength of friendship and our hearts make up for a lot. It will all work out, because... well it needs to."

Placing a hand over her heart, the blond girl had the image of Triet clearly in mind. If they didn't hurry, that would become the fate of the whole world.

"Indeed. I am just a simple teacher, and still I was entrusted going with Colette to keep her safe. Of course, keeping in mind we'd hire someone who'd have more experience fighting. Both boys here may be young, but they still have their own strengths. It is not ideal, but it's what we have to work with."

"Yeah, I can make a mean fire ball, you know. And I'm sure I can learn other magic too along the way."

Lloyd pulled his dual swords and held them up. "These were especially made for me by my father. I have practiced with two swords ever since I could properly walk. Yeah, I'm self-trained. I am not saying I am the greatest fighter. But I will give it everything I got!"

Just like his father, Mithos could not help but muse. This will be an interesting journey indeed. Let's see if he can be pushed just like the Chosen.

He had to fight the grin from showing on his face.

The forest was too dense to allow a good view from above. Yuan had to find the home on foot. This at least gave the Desians a little bit of credit for never spotting the place, because it was rather well hidden.

It took him a few hours until he found it. A quint place, charming even. The creek trickling along, birds chirping loudly, the wind gently blowing around some windchimes. It was all crudely undermined by the sound of clashing metals from inside the home.

Yuan decided to approach unarmed. At least, so it would appear. He went to knock on the door, but it moved as soon as he touched it. Well, what did you really have to fear for this deep in the woods, the man figured.

The clanging sounds stopped as the door was fully opened, and the blue haired man stepped in. The stout, bearded owner of the home turned, lifting up his protective glasses to regard his visitors.

"Morning there. I leave the door open, as I won't hear anyone knockin'. What can I do yah for?"

Yuan needed a moment, as he blinked in surprise. "A dwarf, here?"

"Ay, name's Dirk."

"The last time I saw a dwarf on the surface was... a while ago. Have you been here long?"

Dirk arched a brow at this line of questioning. "Who's asking?"

This man was on his guard, which made sense. Then again, he was living right under the nose of Desians, who'd kill for the skills of a dwarf.

Yuan crossed his arms as he looked down at the stout man. "You can count yourself lucky it is only me here. Instead, it could have been a dozen or more Desians at your doorstep. Trust me when I say I can be a lot more lenient, if you cooperate that is."

His mouth became a thin line as he glared up to the tall stranger. Resisting the urge to outright attack, he instead asked: "What do you want?"

Yuan took the time to roam around, taking it all in. It did not take long before he came across something that piqued his interest. Picking up the frame, he instead asked: "This is recent?"

"Ay... Had that drawing done when my son turned seventeen not too long ago."

Having a much clearer picture, Yuan became certain: this was Kratos his son. The resemblance was uncanny. How did he go unnoticed for this long? Why did the man believe his only child to be dead?

"He is not your son." It was said a little more bluntly than he meant to.

"Well, no. Obviously not. Not by blood, at least."

"How did he end up in your care? Be advised: do not bother lying to me. I can still call in some reinforcements."

Clenching his teeth, Dirk was clearly not liking the direction this was going. No doubt this man knew what had just gone down at the Ranch and about the Exsphere. What he did not quite understand, was this line of questioning. Still, he was in no position to argue.

"I found 'm. Him with his mother and a puppy. She was bleeding out and wouldn't last long. All she could tell me was to keep her son, Lloyd, safe. I could not save her, so I did what she asked of me. For fourteen years the lad has been under my care."

Yuan slowly nodded to this, as it seemed to perfectly fit in, like pieces of a puzzle finally making it clear picture. However, it was not complete yet.

"No father in sight?"

The dwarf shook his head, his expression a mix of sorrow and tension.

"I saw no one. The woman had said Desians were after them. I couldn't risk lingering there."

So why did Kratos assume his son was dead? Did he even look?

Yuan did remember that day. It was raining heavily, lightning drawing lines in the sky and colliding with the cliffs.

There he stood, unmoving. The sword was still clutched in his gloved hand. Blood is always very hard to have disappear, and the rain was proving that by not being able to wash it all from the scene. Though the blade was rather clean, the normally purple cloth on the man was stained burgundy.

The Angels had found him like that hours ago, pretty much right when they reported it to Yuan and Mithos.

'Let him be', was what the great leader said. He was clearly not happy with how Kratos had acted over the last couple of years and just wanted him to suffer for leaving.

As for Yuan… well honestly curiosity got the better of him. He very rarely saw the man shaken by anything, let alone broken.

He hated to admit that this made him rather jealous of him. Sure, Yuan could act rather cold, but by the end of the day, that was all it was: an act.

But what he saw there, did not satisfy. It went so beyond the spectrum it whirled back into itself. That may sound like nonsense, but weren't they all just like that? Just a bunch of mad men chasing a dream, an ideal, a loved one, which all have been dead for ages?

The blue-haired man could not help but scuff at his own thoughts. Dirk frowned, wondering what was so funny.

"What about the Exsphere he is wearing? Did he already have it when you took him in?"

"Ay, he did. But it didn't have a crest. I made one for 'm."

Of course, a dwarf would know how to do that, it was their specialty after all.

"All I know is that it is special, but nothin' beyond that."

"Why do you figure it's special?" Yuan pressed, slightly arching his right brow.

"She protected it with her life, running from Desians. I just assumed…"

Hm, a simple way of thinking. Stepping closer, the Seraphim stared down intently. Dark eyes looked back, not backing down in the slightest and showing no fear.

"I told ya all I know, lad. What else could ya want?"

Shaking his head, Yuan leaned in. "You have not told me where he is."

Gnome, smite this damned man! This was what was Dirk thinking as he clenched his teeth.

"Then send your blasted Desians. I will not say another word."

Oh, the stubbornness of dwarves. Surely something he did not miss. Yuan could not help a chuckle as he straightened his back.

"No need, I know it is useless. Better to spend the resources in finding the boy and bringing him in."

Spotting worry lines on the dwarf's face, Yuan showed him a smile. One that was cold and unsettling.

"Don't worry, I won't kill him. That is, if he expends his usefulness."

"Please don't hurt my boy! I beg of ya, he's done nothin' wrong." Dirk couldn't help raising his voice.

Setting back down the frame, the blue-haired man shook his head again. Some locks dropped out of the restraint of the hair tie and dangled in his field of vision.

"Nothing? He ignored the rules and approached a Desian ranch. Next to that, he is guilty of trespassing and illegally interacting with a prisoner. Do you know what kind of punishment is associated with that?"

The silence that followed was so severe, the dwarf could be heard swallowing the lump in his throat.

"You should be happy I am stepping in. I do not want the boy dead. At least, not yet. I have my own ways to find him. You may be sure of that. And if his life will be spared, that will depend on one individual."

Who ironically could just be as stubborn as a dwarf, if not even worse.

Done with the conversation, Yuan made a light bow. "Thank you for your time. I must be off now. Goodbye."

Dirk opened his mouth to protest, but the man turned away and walked out the door the next moment. He hurried after him, only the find the man was gone. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

Gnome, please watch over my boy, the dwarf prayed. And he even went further by praying to one he'd normally never address; Martel.