Chapter 6 – part two
As promised, Kratos woke the young woman up at the crack of dawn. At least he did so with a mug that had steam coming up from it.
Anna took it as she sat up and blew a fair bit of time to cool it before she drank. "Oh, very strong coffee."
"Then it is good to wake up with." He simply stated as the campfire was put out.
"Did you keep watch the whole night?"
As he started to pack up, Kratos just gave a nod to her question. Before he knew it, her hand was placed on his. Surprisingly intense hazel brown eyes crossed with cool amber reds.
"You need to take care of yourself too. Don't think I haven't noticed: you have not eaten anything yet. Don't suffer for my sake."
Pulling back his hand, he shook his head. "I am not. Have what you can now, we will leave soon."
Not much of the ration was left, though it was not much to begin with. Deciding to save some of it just in case, Anna had a light breakfast. It was then she noticed his coat was on her.
"Oh, sir Aurion. I believe this is yours."
Looking at her, Kratos lets out a soft sigh. "Please just call me Kratos. And you should keep it for now. That prison garb cannot be very warm."
"Ah, you are right. Thank you." Anna showed a smile as she stood up and wrapped it around her. "Where are we going?"
"A good question indeed... If we go back, we will certainly run into Desians. Our only other option is going to the mountains."
"We need to go climbing?"
She looked worried and it was understandable why: she was not ready to do such a thing due to her clothing or rather lack thereof. She was even barefoot.
Kratos kept a serious expression. "I am afraid we have little option. Let's start walking and see what can be found."
"Very well, lead the way." She nodded to him.
He did just that. They took the overgrown path back towards the main road, making sure they would stay out of sight. To Kratos his surprise, a large caravan was set up in between the woods. The people must have arrived there overnight as he had not spotted them before.
It seemed to be a young couple looking around Anna's age, that was meandering about. The woman looked up from her washing chore and a worried look crossed her face.
"By Martel, my dear girl. Why are you walking around barefoot?"
Suddenly self-conscious, Anna's hand went up to grab hold of Kratos's coat around her. "Ah, well..."
The woman exclaimed, cutting her off. "Goodness, you are a victim of the ranch." Her eyes were set on the stone on her hand.
Ashamed, her head hang low as she slowly nodded. The woman would have nothing of it, taking her by the hand and guiding her along to sit by their fire pit. "None of that now dear. It can happen to anyone. Those brutes know no mercy. Husband? Be a dear and find some clothes for this poor girl."
"Yes dear." The man just nodded and went into the back of the caravan.
"Oh. That is very kind of you, thank you."
Kratos stood close by and watched this unfold, not showing much expression. His right hand rested on the handle of his sword, however.
"Why are you here?" He inquired.
"We are nomads, sir. We go where we please, while also selling wears. Or gift to those who are worse off." The woman looked to Anna.
"It is also an interesting way to see all there is and learn from the world around us." Her husband added on.
Anna looked curious. "What kind of things did you learn?"
"Mostly about the state of our world." The woman suddenly had a serious look on her face. "We need the next Chosen soon."
Kratos shifted ever so slightly, but he said nothing. He was very aware of this fact of course and in the back of his mind he was wondering whatever Mithos was up to.
"So, you are trying to capture the beauty of the world while you still can."
"Yes, exactly. You understand well, dear."
The husband then walked to Anna, holding a bundle of clothes. "You can try these. There is some room in the caravan for you to change."
"Thank you so much." Standing up, the young woman took the bundle and went ahead to the caravan to go change.
The pair noticed that the man with the red hair looked at it all closely and had not yet lost his hostile stance.
"Sir, we really mean no harm. We are merely friendly travelers. Were you the one that saved her from that ranch?" The man asked.
Kratos did not relax in the slightest, his eyes going between the caravan and people. He simply nodded to the question.
"Then you must realize you cannot go south; you will just walk right back into the Desian's arms. As for the mountain pass, I am afraid that is being patrolled."
His eyebrows went up by hearing this news. "Patrolled?" Kratos echoed.
The woman nodded. "Yes sir. Guards of the Church of Martel. Anyone that has no business, will not be able to pass, unless you have a lot of Gald."
Kratos his mouth became a thin line. Guards of the Church. In other words, underlings of Cruxis. Going there would be like walking into a bear trap on purpose. Options were running thin, as he was not free to use his angelic power; that would draw attention right away.
"It's a pain for most, indeed." The husband nodded, seeing the serious expression on the red-haired man's face.
"But we can help." His wife followed up right after.
"Really?" Anna came back out of the caravan. The filthy, dirty rags had been replaced by a long, deep green dress with sleeves. On her feet were dark brown, short boots.
"Oh my dear, you look so much better! Green really is your color."
"You really think so? What do you think, Kratos?" She did a little twirl with a smile, seemingly not having a care in the world.
Her short, brown hair framed her lightly freckled pale skinned face, as her hazel brown eyes met him waiting for an answer. Kratos caught himself marveling for a moment too long. Quickly, he refocused his gaze on the pair.
"Help, you say?"
"Ah well, you can ride along with our caravan. We have a special pass as we are also salesmen, you see. However, you will need to hide in the back." The husband explained.
Anna puffed her cheeks, not liking the fact she was ignored. But she would not push it for the moment. "Any help would be appreciated, so thank you very much. I am sure we can do that."
"What do you want in return?"
The distrust in Kratos his voice was hard to miss, as his stern eyes seemingly tried to bore holes in the pair. Quickly joining his side, Anna took hold of his arm. "They mean well, please stop this hostility."
"We just like to help people who are in a difficult spot. The world is hard enough as it is, people should help each other out instead of fighting." The woman said.
The stare just stayed the same, so the husband cleared his throat. "You can hop on in, or be on your way on your own, it's up to you."
"This is much better than having to climb!" Anna told Kratos. "Come on, let's just take their kind offer."
He sighed and nodded, reluctantly going along with it.
"Really, can't thank you enough!" Anna made sure to emphasize with a smile.
"It really is no trouble. Go and hop on in then."
Kratos was pulled along by Anna. The caravan was filled with wears, but also personal possessions and basic stuff for traveling. The woman cleared some things out of the way so they could at least comfortably sit.
"It will be about an hour's ride. When we get close, I will warn you so you can hide yourselves." The woman told them.
"Will they not search the caravan?" Kratos informed.
Her husband took his seat at the front, still visible through a big window. "The guards are too busy to do so; a lot of people try to pass through, and some tend to cause trouble. Simple travelers like us they usually just let through without a fuss."
Nodding in understanding, the two settled into the front corner of the caravan. Some crates and barrels were put in front of them just in case. A blanket was laid at the ready for them to hide under.
"My, isn't this cozy." Anna smiled.
She could tell her savior was not used to this kind of position, even though he still kept up his stoic demeanor. His eyes betrayed him, as they were darting around.
Why did I agree to this, Kratos wondered to himself. He really should have thought further ahead. His plan was to get her to a village, wish her good luck and move on. However, he could not really do that with someone who was carrying such a precious project.
His eyes rested on the gem that was set on the back of her hand. It shimmered dimly in their shadowy surroundings.
"Huh. You know, it's almost the same color of your eyes." She remarked as she held up her hand next to his face.
"I do not understand how you are in such good spirits despite the position you are in."
"You want me to sit around and cry? Well, that is not really my style. Feeling sorry for yourself, does not help anyone or anything. It's better to make the most of it."
Kratos looked at her. "Then what are your plans? Will you seek revenge?"
"Hah, not really. Let's be realistic, there is not much that can be done against the Desians. There is only one solution for that problem. As for what I want? I'd like to travel around, find a good man, start a family. Sounds nice, doesn't it?"
Anna was teasing the man, trying to crack a smile on that ever-stoic face. He honestly would be handsome, if he'd show emotion for a change. He did not say much, his eyes looking outside instead.
"I suppose as a mercenary, you are mostly aiming to just find a job. Well, at least you seem to pick ones that are good. You know, helping people like me."
"That's up for debate."
"You like being mysterious, don't you?" Anna chuckled.
"Just try to imagine it: a child of your own flesh and blood. Doesn't that just make your heart melt? So cute and sweet. To raise a child that is your own with undivided love. Wouldn't you want that?"
He just stared ahead for a little while. Him, a family man? It was hard to imagine. "I enrolled at a rather young age."
"Oh, you were a soldier then?"
"I made captain in a couple years of hard work."
"Heh, I sense a surge of pride." Anna chuckled. "It's admirable, I'll give you that."
"It was war, I did what needed to be done." The man remarked, staring off into the distance.
She frowned at this; there hasn't been a real war in ages. Some fights here and there, sure. But nothing of that kind of significance.
"Now you are a mercenary, however," she instead remarked.
"Hm, yes. I suppose you could say I left due to a... dispute."
"So, you've been one for a couple of years now?"
His amber red eyes looked at her. He almost wanted to say 'try sixty to seventy years,' but decided against it. Instead, he just nodded.
"It's a bit of a shame I haven't seen you in action yet. But I'm sure I'm going to get that chance."
"We are coming to the checkpoint, you two. Time for you to hide." The man informed them from the front.
Anna was fast to pick up the blanket to throw it over the two of them as they laid down. She was cuddled up against him, head resting against his chest.
"Strange," she said quietly. "You don't really feel warm. No heartbeat... Are you even breathing?"
Under the dark of the blanket, his eyes were still bright, not blinking once. "Be quiet." He just told her in a hushed tone.
She was ready to speak up, when voices from outside made her close her mouth right away. It was the guards, asking the caravan drivers for their papers. Anna caught herself holding her breath when she heard footsteps, going towards the back. Sunlight poured in when the curtain was pulled open.
One of the guards was looking over the things that were set in the caravan. He eyed the boxes and the crates for a moment. After that, the guard pulled back, the curtain closing again.
Anna let out of sigh of relief. She noticed she was clutching the fabric of Kratos' clothing and let go with a slight blush.
The cart started moving again, slightly bouncing along the cliff road between the mountains. When the drivers gave them the clear, Kratos threw off the blanket and sat up.
"We will drive out of sight and stop so you guys can step out and stretch your legs." The woman informed them.
It did not take too long. About ten minutes later, they all stepped of the caravan.
"Well, that was a first." Anna was happy to be able to stand up straight again. The rough road did do a number on her, but she was not one to complain.
"Sorry about that." The man started.
"Please don't apologize. You have helped us so much, thank you. I still wish we could somehow pay you back. Oh! Kratos, you must have some Gald on you, right?"
"That really isn't necessary..."
Kratos got out a pouch full of coins and threw it in the man's hands. "Just take it."
"This is so much! We can't possibly accept this." The woman said, her eyes wide.
"Reasonable enough for the ride and the clothing. See the rest as funding for your journey."
"Thank you, kind sir. If you are looking for a safe place to stay, I'd advise you to go to Palma Costa."
To this, Kratos raised his brow. "The capital? That would not be my first pick to hide from Desians."
"On the contrary. Have you not heard of the militia?" The husband asked.
"I have heard some rumors." Kratos did not think much of it, however. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before the Desians will run that kind of resistance into the ground.
"The people have kept those brutes away for some time now, quite effectively. Besides, it's a city by the sea. Beautiful and romantic if you ask me." The woman winked.
Anna chuckled as the man next to her turned away. It was clear he just wanted to go. After a final thank you and a deep bow to the couple, she followed behind the mercenary.
They most stuck to the coastline, which give a stunning view of the ocean. She couldn't help herself looking back the way they had come from.
"It's strange, I never really left Luin. It was such a nice place, I did not really have any reason to."
"Nice place?" Kratos could not help but frown looking down at her, as she was easily two heads shorter than he was. "Didn't Desians come by regularly from the ranch close by?"
"Well, yes." Anna stared ahead. "But I remember the water, the kind people, the little boats."
"You're homesick."
"Maybe a little. It's my first time so far away, so can you blame me? That place has been my home for years. I know with your job, you don't really have a home, but in the past you did. The one you grew up in?"
It was his turn to stare, in his case, he did so over the seemingly endless ocean. He couldn't really say where he was from, as the name would mean nothing to her. He was born and raised in Meltokio, a place that now was a world apart, literally.
"It was a place you wouldn't know." He finally said, which was the truth. "All of that does not matter. Let us focus on getting to the city."
Anna nodded, it was clear to her that her savior was not up for talking. He took the lead and fought back monsters with ease. His fighting style was very impressive; strong swings combined with swift movements. Occasionally he made use of his magic to cast elemental spells.
She still found it strange. As far as she knew, humans were not able to use magic. Only those with elven blood were able to. She thought back to the moment he had saved her, the image of him leaning over her. He was glowing and there were very distinct wings on his back. They were not the feathery kind either. They were a clear, blue hue, shining brightly. She had seen pure mana before, it reminded her of that.
There was more than enough talk of angels in the scriptures that mentioned Martel, that much she knew. But Anna was not really the religious kind, so her knowledge was limited. What she was sure of however, was that angels did not casually mingle with the people on the surface.
A lot of questions, indeed. And she knew, Kratos was not about to answer them. Damn, stubborn man. She will get the truth out of him, her mind was set on that.
After a few hours of walking, which was occasionally interrupted with Kratos having to fight monsters, they arrived at Palma Costa. Anna was immediately taken in by the sights.
"This it twice, no, three times as big as Luin! Look at those ships. They are so grand. What's that one with a big wheel on the side?"
Before he knew it, she was off. "Wait!" He hurried to grab her, which ended up being her right hand.
"Awh, you want to join me? How romantic." She chuckled.
Kratos gave her a sharp look. "This is no game. You need to stay close. If Desians see you..."
"Relax, they aren't here! Come on, let's look at this big ship."
She pulled him along, stopping at the big wheel attached to the vessel's side. Anna looked at it curiously, clearly wondering what it did exactly. A man that was cleaning up the ship, came toward them and explained what it was.
Unsurprisingly, it had to do with steam power. It impressed the young lady with him, but Kratos did not pay attention to the story. He knew how it worked and seen far more advanced devices. Were they better? That was up for debate as the things leeched off of the limited mana resources. So instead, he looked around to see if there really were no Desians around.
A small pinch in his hand. His eyes met with hers as she gently pulled him along again to step onto the deck.
"Isn't this amazing? Look at it all."
There was a great view of the city and its harbor. The setting sun was slowly sinking into the ocean, bathing everything in an orange light.
Kratos looked down at her hand holding his. She leaned against him, resting her head against his chest. Normally, he'd pull back, step away. But he couldn't... he did not want to. Maybe it was about time he would really learn how to live.
For some time, they enjoyed the view. Until Anna seemed to realize something and look up at the man with her.
"You gave those people a good amount of Gald. Do you still have enough for us to stay here?"
"I always keep enough on me, do not worry. Are you tired?"
"A little. And honestly, I'd love to go sleep in a normal bed. It feels like it's been ages."
Kratos nodded in understanding. The two of them left the ship to find an inn. Which turned out to only have one room available. And thus, one bed.
"My, I hope you don't mind snuggling." Anna chuckled.
"You take your rest. I'll keep watch."
Tilting her head, she sat down on the bed, testing the softness. It felt so good, she had no doubt she'd be dozing of soon enough.
"Keep watch for what? This is a safe place, remember?"
Kratos shook his head as he looked out the window that gave view over the main road. "A militia against the Desians will not last long. They will not allow for it. It is asking for trouble. One day, they will come here and put this city in its place."
Slowly Anna stood up again, joining the man's side. She studied his cool amber eyes. "It almost sounds like you are speaking from experience."
He was quiet for a long moment, his gaze just as hard to read as always as he stared outside. Until he turned away.
"Get some rest."
That was that. It was clear to Anna, that the man had built up high walls around himself. She wondered why. Was it to keep people out, or to protect his own person?
Well, she had always been a stubborn girl. And she was set on breaking those walls down. She wanted to see the real Kratos.
It took some weeks, and a lot of patience. She had to admit that it was annoying he mostly kept up his stoic stance and refused to answer any questions regarding his past.
"You know, I noticed you barely eat, or sleep." Anna remarked as they sat in the inn's common room.
"You still feel good, do you not?"
Dodging her remarks as usual, he focused on the effects of the Exsphere, which he did often. It honestly pissed her off. She reached out to cup his face, so he'd really look at her.
"Do not suffer for my sake."
"I'm not..." Kratos let out a breath which doubled as a sigh. "It is not like that."
"It's not healthy, it's not..."
"Human?" His eyes were harsh as he looked at her. "You've asked before, how I got into the ranch the first time, how I knew..."
Anna shook her head, still cupping his face. "It doesn't matter. I care for you, as you care for me. Don't take yourself for granted."
Hazel brown eyes met with amber red as a silence set in. Slowly, she moved in closer until their faces were only inches apart. He did not pull back, which was surprising. Finally, the walls were coming down.
And there, at the window with a view of the ocean bathing in moonlight, they shared their first kiss. Not too long after, that developed into more until they were laying together in bed after a passionate night.
Anna smiled as her head rested on his chest. "Now I do feel it; your warmth and the beating of your heart."
Kratos was finally able to admit that he was enjoying his time. His life with Anna. Maybe it was just this simple and he should stop worrying all the time. Oh, the irony of having those kinds of thoughts just when things come crashing down.
She was sick. Fear grabbed his heart as he eyed the Exsphere, giving that the blame. Seeing that look, she placed her hand on his.
"It's not that thing, Kratos. I assure you."
A bit confused, he looked at her. "How are you so sure?"
"Call it a hunch. But, if you want to bring in a doctor, I won't stop you."
It wouldn't help, Kratos knew this. Symptoms or sickness of an Exsphere, there was really no cure for it. Still, he did it, as he was worried for Anna. Yes, he loved her and so he wanted to do anything he could for her.
As there was a church devoted to Martel in the city, it was not rare that priests doubled as doctors. The priestess gave Kratos a kind, comforting smile when she stepped out of the room.
The tall man stood up, making her almost crane her neck when she looked up to him. "They are symptoms, right? Of the Exsphere..."
"Oh, they are symptoms alright. But of a very different kind." The woman chuckled. "I believe congratulations are in order."
Kratos blinked. "What?"
"She is pregnant, dear."
The word resounded in his head. All things seemed to tumble, fold together and collapse. Before he knew it, he was at Anna's side, taking hold of her hand.
"So, I guess you heard the news." She smiled.
"Anna..." He shook his head, trying to reorder everything in his mind. He'd never felt so chaotic, so panicked, so worried. "This could be harmful for you."
"Can't you just be happy? You are going to be a father." She just said, stroking his cheek.
A father. A family. They were going to be a family. For a second, his mind flashed back to other faces, Yuan – Mithos – Martel. He looked at her. "Marry me."
"Oh my. A proposal? Now that is a nice surprise." She showed a wide smile. "Of course I will."
Shortly after getting married, Kratos even went on to adopt a pet. Or rather, invite an old friend to join their side: Noishe, the Protozoan. Though he was over four thousand years old, the creature chose to be a pup again as he joined them.
Still, it was clear that Kratos was not at ease at the city of Palmacosta. He knew it was going to be a matter of time before the Desians would come in with full force. However, he had heard word of another place. A fisherman's village across the ocean. So small and out of the way for Desians that they didn't bother the place.
He arranged a small boat for the passage. Anna just agreed to it in hopes of putting her love's mind at ease. At least a little. And so, the couple ferried across in hopes of finding a peaceful place to settle down, living a family life.
Strange how fast things can go, can change. For a man like him, stoic and set in his ways, to suddenly become a family man. He had never thought of it, yet here he was. And for the first time in a very long time, he was happy.
The small fisherman's village was called Izoold. The people living there welcomed the pair with open arms, as it was not often that people came there to live. It was a small cottage where they settled in. It was big enough for the two of them, and soon to be three.
Kratos watched over his wife's health even more closely. He wanted to be sure all was well, and no bad influence came from the Exsphere. It seemed that Anna was very resilient however, as there still seemed to be no signs of the orb's corruption.
Time passed, and Anna's belly grew. Watching it all happen, feeling the kicks. It made him feel so happy, so proud. It was euphoric. This was genuinely the happiest time of his life.
And then one day, there came a very persistent knock on the door. Kratos opened up to look at the face of one of the villagers, looking very panicked. In the background, others were running about, fleeing into their homes.
"What is going on?" Kratos inquired.
"Desians! They just entered the village all of the sudden."
His eyes went wide. "What?! I was told they never came here," the red-haired man almost snared.
"T-this is a first, I swear." The poor fisherman stuttered, intimidated by his demeanor.
"Kratos, go and help." Anna told him from the bed.
He looked over his shoulder. "But you're..."
"I'll be fine," she said between some huffs; the baby would be due any day now. "But not if they come in to ruin it all. Be the hero I know you are."
"Very well. Stay in bed." Kratos grabbed his sword and stepped outside.
They were already close, standing around by the marketplace. As Kratos approached and got a better look, he kind of stopped.
"These aren't Desians."
"What? They look just like them." The fisherman with him argued.
Most people wouldn't notice the difference. But Kratos could tell; these were the Renegades. It was very subtle, but their outfits just had a hint of a different design. And he knew, these men were not set on bothering ordinary people; the faction was purely set up to foil Desian's plans.
"Renegades! What bring you here?" Kratos called out, drawing their attention.
The men turned, clearly surprised they were recognized. Some drew their weapons, but the man that was up front, gestured them to stop. Despite the very concealing helmet, this particular individual felt familiar for some reason.
Just as the man began to approach, the door of Kratos' cottage opened. "Kratos..."
"I thought I told you to stay put?!"
Anna ignored his sharp tone, as there was something more pressing going on. "I know, but..."
Looking over his shoulder now, his eyes went wide. The gown his love was wearing was wet at the end, fluid was dripping over her legs and on to the ground.
Time came to a halt for a moment, and then seemed to go at twice as fast. "What are you standing around for?! Get towels, warm water. Get her comfortable, this woman is going to give birth!"
Surprisingly, it was the Renegade up front who gave the orders. The men quickly got to it, doing just as he said. Anna was quickly carried back to her bed and all was being prepared. One of the men even said he heard of a midwife around the place and was going to get her to help out.
The unknown Renegade snapped his fingers before the frozen Kratos. "Is that your woman?"
"Y-yes." It was clear the man was adjusting his voice, to sound different, to hide something. But Kratos his mind was too foggy to really figure it out at the moment.
"Then go and be there for her." He pushed him in. "Take hold of her hand. Miss, focus on your breathing. Deep breaths. And when you feel pressure, you push. Understood?"
To say she was getting birthing advise from a Desian look-a-like was strange, was a real big understatement. But Anna knew she had to focus on what was important. She had to bring this child into the word. Their most precious little life was ready to make their family complete.
Doing what he was told for now, Kratos took hold of her hand. His free hand, he used to stroke her forehead. "You can do this. You are the strongest woman I know."
The Renegade eyed them for a moment, after which the midwife was brought in to help out. It was a rather swift birth; the midwife joked that 'this little one really wants out.' Before they knew it, the wails and cries of a newborn baby filled the home.
"It's a boy. Congratulations. I'll clean him and wrap him up, then you can hold him."
"A boy..." Anna panted, quite tired from all the work.
"You did an amazing job, my love."
She smiled at Kratos his words and when the baby was all wrapped up and placed on her chest, her smile was even bigger.
"Oh, Kratos. Isn't he just perfect?"
"He certainly is. Thank you." He said it with a soft voice, pressing an endearing kiss on her forehead.
"You should give him a name."
"Me?"
"Yeah, silly. You. Give him a good, strong name. I have no doubt you are good at that."
She wasn't wrong. For a moment, he was quiet, thinking of the perfect name. He looked at the little baby's face, peacefully resting against the warm chest of his mother. "Lloyd."
"Heh, I love it. It's perfect."
The Renegade left the room, hoping to leave unnoticed. But they both did. Anna looked at her husband.
"You should go thank him. He was of great help."
"What about you?"
"I'm fine. I'll enjoy my time with our precious new son. Don't be too long."
Nodding, Kratos leaned in to give her a real kiss. After that, he stood up and walked out, hoping to catch up to said man.
He was not far; he stood by the docks, looking out over the small boats and the ocean beyond, his arms crossed.
Wait, that stance. It couldn't be... As Kratos approached, the man reached up to his helmet and took it off, swaying his blue ponytail over his right shoulder. A pair of jade eyes crossed his amber reds.
"Yuan." Kratos was unable to hide his surprise.
The blue haired man's eyes narrowed. The look was an odd mix of anger and a certain coldness.
"You know, I thought, or hoped that when I heard you had left Cruxis, you had finally seen how crazy it all was. That you finally seen how lost Mithos was in his own maze of making a new world. And you were planning your own thing to stop it, that is what you do after all. But no."
Yuan shook his head, glaring at the man that was once his colleague and sparring partner. "Instead, I find you having a happy little family like nothing is happening. And with a ranch victim no less. Let me guess, it's the one they are now hunting for; the Angelus Project."
As he had half expected, Kratos gave no answers, no rebuttal. There was nothing, just his stoic expression as he looked him straight in the eyes. Oh, how much he wanted to punch the man in the face.
"Why? You know she is going to die, with that thing on her. There have been no survivors. It will be just a matter of time. You will have to keep on running while she will be in pain and eventually suffer the consequences. You have no way of stopping it. That is, unless you are ready to really end it all. The way the world works, all the plans, Mithos himself. You know just as well as I, that this is the only real answer."
"Is that why you've set up the Renegades?"
Why was he not surprised that this was all Kratos had to say to his whole spiel? This was honestly how he knew him best. Yuan crossed his arms.
"I have my reasons. I'll ask one more time: why won't you join me? We can stop this madness together." He reached out one hand towards him.
For a moment, Kratos looked at it. But he shook his head, turning sideways. "Thank you, for your help. I should get back to my family now."
Yuan had to resist to scuff, dropping his hand. "I never would have thought you a coward. Fine, do as you wish. Don't come crawling back to me when it all comes crashing down."
After having said this, his helmet went back on and he joined back up with the small group of Renegades. They had arranged for a boat in the meantime and were ready to go at their leader's command.
Not willing to let all the words settle, Kratos went back to his new, little family. But still, as much as he would like to deny it, to avoid the topic all together, it was staring him right in the face. He noticed, that ever since Anna had given birth, things were escalating.
First came the classic signs; not needing food, or sleep. Not feeling hot or cold. But then she was getting ill, as her body was not taking the process too well. Kratos had taken off his own Exsphere to be more in tune with her, or at least, so he reasoned. They'd both be human, be on the same level.
There were nice moments in between all the panic and pain. Lloyd saying his first words, learning to crawl, then walk. It seemed that the boy liked to use both his hands, but then again, some children could tend to not really prefer one over the other until they were around six years old.
Anna was getting worse still, and it had Kratos very worried. He had picked up some rumors around the small fisherman's town, that there was a dwarf that made all kinds of craft related things for Gald. It was hope beyond hope, but it was the only thing he could hold on to. Above everything else, he wanted to save his family.
Leaving the two of them alone was not an option. First of all, that could leave them vulnerable to Desian attacks. Even though they had not shown up yet, Kratos would rather not take the chance. Next to that, no one really knew how to deal with Anna's sickness, so leaving her there was not really a good idea. Besides, if something were to happen while he was gone, he'd never forgive himself.
Arranging a special carriage, the family of three disembarked from the town. It would be a first outing for Lloyd, and a grand one at that, as they would be crossing the dessert. Of course, this would be done at a time when the heat would not be as intense.
There was one big problem that had Kratos worried: the dwarf may be living nearby Iselia. The town which housed the next Chosen, and thus was under the watchful eye of a Desian ranch.
Essentially, they were heading straight into Cruxis' awaiting, open arms. It didn't sit well with him, but there were little other options. He wished to alleviate his loved one's suffering and ensure their young son had his mother by his side for as long as possible.
Was it idealistic, too hopeful? Most likely. As Yuan had pointed out, it was useless. This project had not seen any success, as in there had not been any survivors. A dwarf on the surface. Yeah right, when was the last time that has happened?
It all seemed rather bleak, but as he looked at the young face of his son, who was full of marvel at the sights, Kratos could not help but cling to hope.
Sadly, things only escalated the moment they got to the outskirts of Iselia. Desians were searching each carriage, so they had to get out before this happened. Anna was struggling to move, but they had to press on, while it was pouring with rain. Ironically, they were being forced in the direction of the ranch itself due to the position of the Desians.
Anna was shaking, definitely not doing good. Her young son had no idea what was going on and was crying. Poor little Noishe was too small to be of much help. Enough was enough. Away with that accursed thing. Anything should be better than his loved one suffering like this.
That's what Kratos thought. Maybe the pressure of the situation had gotten the better of him. But he had to do something! He came to regret his action soon after, as he witnessed his beloved morph into a monstrous being when the Exsphere was removed.
Said monster was set on going after Lloyd. The poor child watched as the green horror closed in, its one, big red orb on its head that looked like an eye fixed on him. His father tried calling out, pleading for Anna to come back.
The monster paid no heed, raising its claw for the attack. Little pup Noishe jumped in to save Lloyd from getting hurt, his yammering cry joined by the boy's scared scream being enough for Anna to temporarily regain her consciousness.
"Kratos, please. Kill me." Her distorted voice pleaded.
"No... Anna, please don't ask this of me -"
"It's the only way. Please do it before I am no longer myself and I do something I will forever regret."
The monster screeched, raising up both of its claws. Kratos looked at the sword on his hands, at his young son who was holding on to his beloved puppy and crying. He saw and knew, this was no longer his beloved wife, his one true love. The only way to save the situation, was for filling her request.
As Kratos gazed upon the stars, he did not see them; he still was there on that cliff, a bloody sword in hand. He remembered the screams, his own, of his son and the one belonging to Anna as she took Lloyd and Noishe along the long fall off the cliff side.
Things were blurry after that. He just recalled the rain, making him soaking wet, washing away the blood as he stared into nothing. Gone. They were gone. Just like that, he had lost everything. By his own hand.
Raising his hand up, Kratos still saw the blood of his own beloved there, even though it had long been washed away. Alone, broken and close to wishing for his own death. That was how came back to the only other home he had ever known; Derris-Kharlan.
And here he was, alone once again, left to reminisce and feel the pain all over again. Mithos knew how to punish very effectively indeed.