This was a hard chapter to write, mostly because the dialog for this part of the game is weird. I have never realized how wacky the game script was until I started to read it myself. Really, both Lloyd and Colette comes off as idiots in some parts of the conversations, although I did attempt to fix things so the dialog flowed better. Not sure if I succeeded, but I did my best.
Anyway, thank you all for you reviews, favorites, hits, and alerts. I am happy that you guys like the story so far. I once again want to thank my beta, zealousfreak27, for all her hard work. I also pray for her safety since she will be leaving the country soon.
Now, onward to the chapter.
Chapter 2: Kratos Aurion
Once he was sure Raine was gone, Lloyd quickly put down the buckets.
"Man, those things are heavy," Lloyd complained as he stretched his sore muscles. It sucked that Raine always made him hold them for several hours. Most of the other kids got an hour at most.
"You wouldn't have to hold them all the time if you just came to class on time and did your homework. Raine even gives credit just for turning it in," Genis said.
Lloyd stuck his tongue at the elf. Genis looked very much like his sister. They shared the same icy blue eyes and silver white hair. He remembered getting into some trouble with Raine when she was new because he called Genis her son.
Their style of clothes, however, couldn't be more different. Genis preferred to wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts even during the winter. It didn't get too cold around here, but still. He was currently wearing his favorite blue shirt with black highlights with the pants to match.
"Well, I was busy last night," Lloyd muttered.
"With what?" Genis asked.
Lloyd glanced towards Colette who was looking a little down.
"Oh, you finally finished it," Genis said with a smile.
"Well..." Lloyd started.
Genis gave a loud sigh. He already knew the answer.
"Hey, Colette," Lloyd called as he walked towards his friend. "Why you look so sad?"
Colette shook her head. "It's just hard to believe it's finally here. This was the day I was born for."
"So, you become an angel today, right?" Lloyd asked.
"Lloyd, did you pay any attention in class?" Genis asked as he walked towards the duo. "On the Day of Prophecy, Colette is acknowledged as the Chosen by the angels. At the temple she will receive the angel's heart."
"Angel's heart, you mean the Cruxis Crystal?" Lloyd asked in wonder. "But why it's called the angel's heart?"
"It's called the angel's heart because the Cruxis Crystal is the soul of Martel's most loyal angel who gave their life for the benefit of the world," Colette explained. "When Cruxis acknowledged the Chosen, they inherit that angel's powers."
"Which we studied all this week," Genis added in a deadpan voice. "Or did you fall asleep through that lecture too?"
Lloyd's face turned red as he turned towards the pint-size elf. "Shut up, Genis!"
Colette looked at the clock in worry. "Professor Raine has been gone for awhile. I wonder if everything's okay."
Lloyd got a mischievous smile on his face. "Well, why don't we go and find out?"
"Raine will have our butts if she finds out," Genis said with a hint of fear. Although Raine didn't look strong, her hits stung.
"Oh come on," Lloyd said as his smile got even wider. "I'm really curious to find out what really happens to Colette when she receives the oracle other than what we had been told. They always talk about the Chosen of Regeneration and the Day of Prophecy, but no one tells us what really happens."
Genis had to admit that Lloyd had a point. The Day of Prophecy was an event that only happened once every three-hundred and fifty years. Many details about the ceremony had been long lost when the capital fell. Normal citizens were usually not allowed in the temple during the oracle reading, but he would give anything to be one of the few people to witness history.
At the same time, however, he didn't want to face Raine's wrath, which could be more fearsome than any Desian. "But my sister said to stay and study by ourselves."
Lloyd crossed his arms together. "It's research."
"That's just an excuse!" Genis exclaimed in annoyance.
Lloyd waved his hand dismissively. "So? An excuse is an excuse, right? Don't be so stuffy. You're coming too, right?" He gave a slight smirk. "We're best friends, after all!"
Genis sighed, knowing he was defeated on this. However, he didn't feel too upset. He would never tell Lloyd, but he really did want to go.
Lloyd looked towards Colette, who was staring out the window. "Colette, want to come along too?" Although he already knew the answer.
Colette snapped out of her stupor and smiled at him. "Okay. Where're we going?"
Lloyd chuckled. "Where else?" He stopped as he gave Colette a puzzled look. "You're directly involved in all of this. Aren't you curious?"
Colette bit her lip. "Hmm…are you curious about it?"
She was kind of surprised that Lloyd wanted to see the oracle, given that he didn't believe in Martel or the angels. A part of her hoped this meant that Lloyd was close to converting and seeing the light.
"Of course!" Lloyd exclaimed in both surprise and excitement.
Colette knew at that moment that Lloyd was more interested in seeing something different than seeing the glory of Martel. She felt a little disappointed, but didn't want to show it to Lloyd. In time, she knew he would see the truth.
"Okay, then I'll be curious about it too," Colette answered with a wide smile.
Lloyd paused for a moment at the oddness of the conversation. He shook his head as he turned towards Genis. "See? Dwarven Vow number four, don't depend on others. Walk on your own two legs."
Genis shook his head. "You always use the Dwarven Vows when you need an excuse."
Ignoring his friend. Lloyd pumped his fist into the air. "Let's get going to the temple!"
He led the small group out of the schoolhouse. The other kids watched them leave, but did little to stop them. The trio was well known for being troublemakers.
Lloyd almost wanted to run in excitement as the fresh air hit him. His joy was stopped short, however, when he realized the village was very quiet, save for the ringing of a bell. "What's going on and what's that bell?"
Genis looked around in concern. He could have sworn he heard people gathering when the light appeared. "Where did everyone go?"
Colette looked down in worry. "That's the warning bell. It's only rings for one reason." Before she could say anything further, Frank ran towards them. His face was beat red and his eyes were strained with worry. "Father!"
Genis turned to see the older man. "Frank!"
Frank went up to Colette and gave her a tight hug. "Thank the Goddess you're safe."
"Frank, what happened to everyone in the village?" Genis asked in a near panic.
Frank broke his embrace with Colette. "They all went into hiding when they heard the village's bell. The Desians invaded the village just a short while ago."
Lloyd gave a small growl. "The Desians, here! Did they..."
"No one was hurt, thankfully," Frank answered. "They passed through the village and headed straight for the temple."
Genis shook his head in horror. "Why would they do that? Iselia has a non-aggression treaty with the Desians."
"The Desians have no honor," Lloyd muttered. "Just looking at the Ranch should be enough to tell anyone that."
All the color suddenly drained from Colette's face. "Father, where's grandmother?"
Frank lowered his eyes. "She...she is at the temple preparing for the ritual."
Lloyd gave Frank a horrified look. "Phaidra's at the temple! But that's where the Desians are heading!"
Frank could see Lloyd's line of thinking. "The priests are there with Phaidra. There's no need to worry."
Lloyd stared at Frank, not believing his words. He had seen the Desians train enough at the Ranch to know that those priests stood no chance against them.
Frank turned his head away from Lloyd, sensing he could see through his lie. "Now, Colette..."
Colette nodded and gave a somber look. "I know. I promise to fulfill my duty as the Chosen."
Frank then turned back towards Lloyd and Genis. "Lloyd, Genis, you two should go on home before the Desians return."
"I'm worried about letting Colette go by herself. I'll go with her to the temple," Lloyd said. His voice left no room for argument. Colette may be the Chosen, but she was still one human against a unit of Desians. The people here may be willing to place their faith in the goddess, but he trusted his own swords more.
"Me too!" Genis exclaimed, losing all his early hesitation.
Frank looked between the two boys in wonder. He didn't want to send a bunch of kids to protect the Chosen. Lloyd may be strong, but he was reckless. Genis really was just a child, despite being an elf. This was no task for them.
At the same time, however, he didn't want to send Colette by herself to the temple. If she were killed, their world would be doomed. He also didn't want to lose his daughter in this way. He trusted the priests and Martel, but he just couldn't leave it to chance.
"Thank you," Frank said. "Just come back if anything happens."
Lloyd nodded his head. "I'll protect Colette with my life."
Frank gave a small smile. "I know you will, Lloyd. Take care of everyone. That includes Genis."
"Of course," Lloyd said as he turned towards his friends. "Let's go."
They then ran towards the village northern exit. They didn't get too far, however, when zombie like creature came out of the ground.
"That's..." Genis started in shock.
"It's a monster!" Lloyd finished as he removed his wooden swords. If he had known this would happen, he would have attempted to sneak his steel blades into town.
"I thought the northern region where the temple is located was a sanctuary!" Genis exclaimed in shock.
Colette bit her lip in thought. "It must be part of the trial. Martel's trial involves battling monsters."
"We don't have time to talk!" Lloyd said as he got into battle position. "Let's get this thing!"
He charged forward and delivered a vicious slash to the zombie's neck. He heard a loud crack, but the zombie was able to knock him aside with a sloppy backhand.
Colette got out her chakrams and threw her rings at the monster. Both of the chakrams hit their mark and cut off both of the zombie's arms. This didn't slow it down as it target Colette and began to slowly walk towards her.
It was too slow as Genis finished chanting his spell. "Fireball!" he yelled as he raised his kendama and a ball of fire shot out of it. The zombie was set on fire and seemed to scream in pain.
Lloyd moved in for the finishing blow. "Demon Fang!" he shouted as a wave of mana left his sword. The monster was hit dead on and was cut in half by the attack. The fire burned what was left away.
"That was easy," Lloyd chuckled as he put away his swords. It had taken him some time, but he could finally cut through things with his wooden swords using Demon Fang. Too bad it took so much effort and energy.
"Lloyd, you're amazing!" Colette exclaimed. She was still amazed by how much stronger Lloyd had gotten in recent years. He was far better than the trained soldiers in the village.
Lloyd blushed slightly as he looked at his clothed hand. "Ah, well…I owe it to this thing, though."
"Ah, that's right, the exsphere," Genis said.
Lloyd was very protective of it and only showed it to a few people he trusted. Lloyd had showed it to him about two years ago. He still wasn't sure how Lloyd gotten one since exspheres were mostly used by Desians and often seen as devil stones by the Church.
Lloyd nodded as he rubbed the cloth. "Yeah, it's designed for combat and brings out my maximum strength. Without this thing, I'd be nothing."
Colette shook her head. "But you're still strong." She had seen Lloyd fight before he started using his exsphere. He had always been strong and feared nothing.
Genis noticed the look on Colette's face and began to chuckle. "Yeah, at least his sword skills are good."
Lloyd snapped out of his musing as he glared at Genis. "What do you mean 'at least'!"
Before Genis could make another smart remark, another zombie came out of the ground.
"Damn, not another one," Lloyd moaned. This zombie also had a friend as a ghost appeared next to him. Lloyd got back into position. "Let's go!"
"Wait, Lloyd!" Colette exclaimed. "The Professor said magic is more effective than physical attacks against non-physical and spiritual monsters."
Lloyd stared at her dumbfounded. "Huh, really?"
Genis sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Really Lloyd. I thought you would have paid attention to that part since it dealt with fighting monsters."
Lloyd glared at Genis for a second before he refocused. "Okay, then, I'll leave the Ghost to Genis. I'll go for the Zombie!"
"Yeah!" Genis smirked, ready to do some damage.
Okay!" Colette said as she lifted her chakrams.
The zombie made its way towards Lloyd and he met it halfway, cutting into its stomach. Dust spilled out of the wound, disgusting Lloyd.
The ghost attempted to sneak behind Lloyd's, but was interrupted by a fireball heading straight for it. It barely dodged the attack and eyed Genis viciously.
"I missed!" Genis said in dismay.
The ghost disappeared and reappeared before Genis, ready to finish the child. Colette intercepted it as one of her chakrams hit it. It passed right through the ghost, but it gave Genis enough time to recollect himself.
Genis bounced his kendama several times as he concentrated on his spell. "Got you now, Fireball!" The attack hit the ghost point blank, leaving nothing behind.
Lloyd had just finished off the zombie himself as he took several deep breaths. It really sucked using wooden swords. He had to use so much mana to cut.
"Let's get going before more arrive," Lloyd advised.
No one argued as they finally left the village. The walk to the temple was short and oddly peaceful. It was almost like nothing was wrong, except for the trail of dead monsters that told them that the Desians were near. The sky also becoming brighter as they got closer to the temple.
Genis shivered as the wave of mana vibrated through his body. He had never felt so much before and he wasn't even near the light yet. This was truly the torch of Martel.
After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the temple. It was an old brick building that towered several stories. Several flights of broken steps led the way to the temple's entrance and a small church that was built by the side of it. The light from the oracle rose from the dome on top of the temple and turned the sky into a purplish blue.
"Whoa, that light really is coming from the temple!" Lloyd exclaimed without thinking. He didn't know what to expect, but he didn't think a light could shine through solid stone like that.
Genis was too transfixed himself to say anything smart to Lloyd at that moment. "Then an oracle is going to be conveyed. Colette's going to be the Chosen of Regeneration," he whispered, nearing tears. This was the day the entire world had been waiting for.
Colette covered her eyes with her hands as she stared at the temple. "It's really, really bright!"
Both Lloyd and Genis were snapped out of their awe and stared at Colette for several seconds. Each wasn't sure what to say. Then again, Colette had a talent for ruining the moment.
"Say, Colette," Lloyd started slowly. "When this oracle is conveyed, you'll become the Chosen who will save the world, right?"
Colette turned to look at Lloyd.
This cued Lloyd to continue. "You're going to be like the hero, Mithos! So maybe you should act a little more…you know, Chosen-like."
Even though Lloyd didn't believe everything from the lore of Martel, he did believe in the stories of the great hero, Mithos. They were many Dwarven's stories about him and how he supposedly subdued the spirits themselves. There were even some tales that the dwarves told about Mithos that were not part of the Church's teachings, one of them being about Mithos' teacher, who was simply called the Beschermer.
Not much was known about him except he was part of the old mana tree and was favored by Origin. From what legend said, he was killed by an evil entity who wanted power over the Kharlan Tree. In vengeance, Mithos took up a pact with Origin and claimed revenge for his fallen teacher.
He had told this legend to Colette once and she had told him that those things never happened because they were not part of the stories of the angels. She also advised him to never repeat that story to anyone since it was considered blasphemy for some reason.
Colette nodded and smiled, understanding Lloyd's concerns. The priests had all but said the same thing. "Yeah, no problem. No problem."
Genis got on guard. "There's someone coming!"
Lloyd looked up to see a badly injured person limping down the stairs. Blood fell from several open wounds and his robe was all but destroyed.
"Chosen One!" the priest moaned as he collapsed on the stairs.
"Priest Mark!" Colette exclaimed as she ran by his side. She fell to her knees when she got close enough to him.
Mark coughed up some blood as he looked at Colette. "Chosen, the Desians broke the non-aggression treaty and attacked the temple. They want to stop the oracle and plunge our world into further darkness."
Genis shook his head in disgust as he stared at the dying man. "How could they? To spill the blood of a servant of Martel."
Mark stared directly at Colette. "Chosen One…quickly…the oracle…"
Lloyd's mouth nearly dropped open. There were Desians here to kill Colette and they still wanted her to rush into the temple with little protection. What was wrong with these people?
Colette nodded; her eyes hardened in determination. "I know."
Mark allowed himself to relax in Colette's arms. "Please…be careful…" His eyes slowly closed. "I regret that I will not…be able to pro…tect…the…Cho…sen." He went completely limp and his breathing ceased.
Colette brought his hand together and gave a silent prayer.
"Colette..." Lloyd started after she had finished.
"I'm going," Colette said as she stood up.
Lloyd knew that look all too well. Nothing could change her mind at this point.
"But Colette, there are Desians up there!" Genis yelled horrified. "They'll kill you if they find you!"
Colette didn't turn to face Genis. "I know, but I have to go. I'm the Chosen. My job is to accept the oracle on the Day of Prophecy." She turned around and gave a quick glance at Lloyd and Genis. "The two of you, wait here, okay?"
Genis turned desperately towards Lloyd. "Are you just going to let Colette go by herself!"
Lloyd stared ahead towards the temple, his own eyes hardening. "I'm going, too. I won't let you go by yourself."
Colette turned completely around in surprise. "Are you sure?"
Lloyd gave a comforting smile. "Dwarven Vow number one, let's all work together for a peaceful world."
Genis nodded his head. "Count me in. Besides, I'm worried about Raine."
Colette looked to be near tears as she stared at her two friends. "Thanks, both of you."
"Thank us once we send those Desians packing," Lloyd said, clinching his fist. "I'll make them wish they never came here."
They ran up the flight of stairs and had their weapons ready. When they reached the top, they saw a small army of Desians. Phaidra was being physically held down by two of them as one viciously questioned her. He was bigger than the others and had a strange hairstyle. He also didn't wear the normal Desians armor.
"Make this easier on yourself, woman," the man demanded. "Don't make me kill anymore of your friends."
Phaidra stared defiantly at him. "Even if you kill me, I won't ever betray the Chosen. Your days are numbered in this world."
The man sighed. "Stubborn woman. I had hoped to do this without spilling too much blood."
"Grandma!" Colette exclaimed in fear.
Phaidra stared at Colette horrified. "RUN, COLETTE!"
Several of the Desians turned to face Lloyd's group. "Lord Botta, there she is!"
Botta turned to face them. He had an unusual grim expression at he glared at Colette. "Chosen one, your life ends today." Despite the coldness of the words, there was a hint of pity in his voice.
Lloyd stepped in front of Colette. "I won't let you Desians get away with what you've done here!" He could feel his energy building inside his blades.
The Desians looked at each other for a moment before they began to laugh.
"Desians, huh?" one of them mocked.
"What's so funny!" Genis demanded.
The Desians smirked at them. "Well then, die at the hands of the Desians you so hate."
They brought out their swords and charged the group. Lloyd immediately released a Demon Fang, catching one of the Desians off-guard.
While Lloyd was holding the front, Colette threw her chakrams at several of the Desians. She aimed low, hitting their unprotected knees, causing them to stumble. Genis also cast several fireballs from the back, which distracted the others.
Several Desians attempted to break their lines and disable Genis, since he was the most dangerous. Lloyd was able to easily intercept them and take them out with several well place hits to their necks and arms. Within several minutes, almost all the Desians were either bruised, cut, burnt, or had fractured bones.
Botta watched the fight with mild annoyance. He needed to bring better soldiers if a bunch of kids could beat them this easily. This was just shameful.
"Let me take over, Lord Botta," a large man said from beside him. He had been hiding near the temple's entrance just in case there was trouble. It always helped to come prepared.
Botta sighed. "Very well, Vidarr."
Vidarr stepped out of the shadows and walked towards his companions. "Fall back!"
The other Desians looked towards him and did what they were told.
Lloyd's mouth dropped when he saw the giant man. He held a hammer in one hand and a ball and chain the other. He also had a large sword on his back that he would had most likely used too if he had a third arm.
He also wore a thick armor that covered everything except his upper legs. He was also so huge that his weapons were held like toys. The hammer he was holding was easily as big as the one his dad used and Dirk had to hold it with both of his hands.
"Helig ko!" Lloyd exclaimed when the man got close enough. He had to be at least twice his size.
"Whe...where did this guy come from!" Genis yelled.
Vidarr swung his ball and chain around. "Don't get in our way!"
Lloyd resolved returned full force. "Genis, no matter what, protect Colette!"
Genis nodded as he tried to keep himself from shaking.
Vidarr glared down at them. "Very well, then die with the Chosen!" He brought the ball down and hit the ground with such force that the shock wave since them flying.
Lloyd regained himself and ran towards the giant. "Demon Fang!" The blade of mana hit Vidarr head on, but he barely flinched.
"So, you can use mana attacks," Vidarr noted. "Not bad for a mere human." He swung with his a hammer, nearly beheading Lloyd.
Colette attempted to attack Vidarr's unguarded upper legs, but he deflected the chakrams before they could reach him.
"Fireball!" Genis yelled as he cast his spell. The fireballs hit, but were absorbed by his armor.
"Pathetic," Vidarr mocked as he threw his ball and chain at Genis. He barely dodged, but he was cut up from the impact to the ground.
"Genis!" Colette exclaimed.
Lloyd growled as he moved in again. He hadn't perfected this attack yet, but this guy left him no choice.
Vidarr once again attempted to smash Lloyd with his hammer, which left him wide opened.
"Sonic Thrust!" Lloyd yelled as he thrust his sword into the soft area of Vidarr's side.
Vidarr grunted, but was not overly hurt by the attack. Lloyd was rewarded for his efforts by getting elbowed in his chest. He cried in pain as he fell pitifully to the ground.
"Lloyd!" both Colette and Genis screamed.
Lloyd coughed up some blood as he slowly stood up. "Dammit."
Vidarr looked down at him. "You have skills, but it's not enough to save the Chosen." He brought up his hammer for the finishing blow.
Lloyd growled in defiance, but was too weak to move at the moment. He turned towards his friends. "Genis, get Colette out of here!"
"Lloyd..." Genis whispered as he slowly stood up. Blood steadily dripped from his arm and legs.
Colette ran in to help her friend. "Leave him alone."
Vidarr turned his attention towards Colette. "Fool." He put down his hammer and brought his ball back up. He swung at right at Colette.
"NO, COLETTE!" Lloyd yelled helplessly.
Before the attack reached her, however, the weapon suddenly changed course and missed Colette. Before Vidarr knew what had happened he was knocked to the ground by a powerful wave of mana. It was so strong that it ripped through his armor like it was made of tissue paper.
"What the..." Lloyd muttered as he looked for the source of that attack.
He was shocked to see a man now standing in front of Colette. He was wearing purple armor and had spiky reddish brown hair. His eyes were a fiery red and his face was completely neutral.
He turned his back on Lloyd to look over Colette. "Are you alright?"
Colette numbly nodded.
"Who is this guy?" Lloyd asked himself. It was odd, but his back looked strangely familiar. He tried to wield the memory from the back of his mind, but it refused to come. "Who are you?" he shouted.
The man turned around and gave Lloyd a hard glare. Lloyd could feel his blood starting to run cold. "Get out of the way."
"What!?" Lloyd exclaimed, losing his previous fear. Who does this guy think he was?
The man looked over his injuries and lifted his hand. "First Aid!"
Lloyd felt a warm wave of energy flow over his body and all his pain disappeared.
The man quickly did the same for Genis, who stared dumbfounded at him. "He can do magic?" he muttered. "But...he's a human."
Vidarr slowly stood up and glare at the new arriver. "You!"
The man turned to look at Vidarr. "It would seem that fate has not sided with you today."
Vidarr growled at him.
"Vidarr, fall back!" Botta ordered in a near panic.
Vidarr was beyond listening as he ran towards the other man.
"Fool," the man said as mana built around him. When Vidarr got closed enough, he thrust his sword right through Vidarr's armor. The mana ripped through him with such force that blood splattered everywhere.
Vidarr screamed in horror as his gut was torn to pieces. He fall back and the ground shook when he landed. This time, he didn't get up.
Colette grasp from the brutality of the kill and Genis looked almost sick.
Lloyd stared wide-eyed at the stranger. That move he was similar to his Sonic Thrust, except his was much stronger to the point that it made his version looked like a poke in the ribs.
Botta stared at his fallen ally for a moment before he looked at the other man. "I never thought you would show up." This was completely unexpected. His boss never said he would come. "Damn, retreat for now!" he ordered as they all fall back.
The man made no move to stop them as they ran from the temple grounds. Once they were gone, the entire area was quiet. No one was quite sure what to say.
"Is everyone alright?" the man asked, breaking the silence. He scanned everyone for any injuries that he may have missed when he first arrived. "Hmm, no one seems to be hurt."
Lloyd picked himself off the ground as something shiny on the man's hand got his attention. "Is that an exsphere?" he whispered to himself.
Phaidra walked toward the strange man and bowed humbly. "How can I ever thank you for saving the Chosen?"
Kratos glanced towards Colette and carefully looked her over. "I see. So this girl is the next Chosen."
Colette slowly regained her senses as she attempted to banish the scene she had just witnessed, although Vidarr's bloody and lifeless body was making that kind of hard. "I have to go accept the oracle! Grandmother, I'm going to undergo the trial now."
Lloyd finally realized that people were talking as he broke his stare from the man. "What trial?"
The man casually cleaned the blood off his sword with a wet rag as he answered. "The monsters, I would assume. An evil presence radiates from inside this chapel." Once the blade was clean, he sheathed it again.
Phaidra nodded. "Yes, that is correct. The Chosen is to receive judgment from heaven. But the priests that were to accompany her fell at the hands of the Desians." Her head lowered, but now was not the time to grieve.
Lloyd looked over the bodies of the priests that were on the ground. He had been so focused on the battle that he had completely failed to notice them until now. His heart filled with anger as he stepped forward. "Then I'll take on the job of protecting Colette."
Phaidra stared at him for a long moment. "Lloyd, I would be uneasy with just you."
The man, who had appeared bored through most of the conversation, looked up and stared at Lloyd. It was not the same once over that he had given Lloyd earlier. Instead, there was a look of familiarity as he scanned every inch of him. The look unnerved Lloyd.
"Your name is Lloyd?" the man finally asked.
Lloyd couldn't help but noticed that the man sounded surprise for some reason. "Yeah, but who are you to ask for my name?"
His eyes narrowed at the borderline rude question, but he eventually broke his stare. His demeanor quickly returned to that bored expression. "My name is Kratos Aurion, a mercenary."
Well, Kratos finally makes his grand entrance. Poor Lloyd, Kratos made him look like a noob.
KF2104, sorry for keeping you waiting, but I want to make sure this story does justice to this great game. I hope you keep reading and enjoy the ride.
freakyanimegal, I understand your worry. I try to balance staying true to the game while writing my own theories and plot. I can promise that this is not a copy and paste of the game script, otherwise you can go to gamefaq instead of wasting time here. Yes, there is dialog from the game, but I balance it out by showing the thought process of the characters and the story does branch out as we go further in. Right now, things are kind of slow since we are still in the prolog.
With all that said, until next chapter.