…..Well, my first chapter story. Waking up in a cold sweat at 3am and suddenly having writing inspiration isn't exactly how I planned for this story to come out, but what the heck. Here it is.

Some revisions may be done in-site as I write the next chapter, but they'll probably be fairly minor.

As usual, hopefully its somewhat competent. With any luck the chapters will come fairly quickly; its really strange writing a story and not posting the entire thing at once.

Strength of Body.

"Even I make mistakes. I made a terrible one..."

~Kratos Aurion.

The Torrent Forest.

Perhaps on another day, he would have stopped to enjoy the ambiance around him. Few places could house the colorful wildlife surrounding the lush forest. Even as tropical birds, of a species long forgotten, foraged for their evening meal, he stopped to admire none of it. Not even the perfect combination of humidity and heat, the feeling of perfection, could stop him.

On another day, he would feel perfect.

But today was not that day. And he knew that things were not okay.

Brushing aside the low-hanging branches of a stray willow tree, Kratos continued his trek through the forest. He'd been here enough, he knew every route, every nook and cranny that could be found here, and more. Every single detail, down to the types of trees in specific areas, were all burned into his retinas.

Four thousand years of living can do that.

Drawing his sword, Kratos cut away the vines blocking the main path and continued onward. For fifteen minutes he cut and slashed, hacking his way through the unused path of the forest, until finally, he hit a dead end.

And that's where he saw what he was looking for. A single stone slab, covered in archaic writing, overgrown by foliage. Brushing the plants away, he saw a faint glow emanating from the words carved in the stone, and shuddered involuntarily.

"So...this is it."

The seal to his life lay but two feet in front of him. Kratos was sure that the being trapped inside was none too happy with his imprisonment.

"Just another sacrifice." He thought. "Just another, for the greater good.

"Just like what I'm doing now..."

Sitting amongst the overgrown bushes and grass, Kratos closed his eyes and began to wait.

It was only a matter of time before they showed.

And when they did, he could finally embrace the eternal sleep he so desired.

"Colette, duck!"

Moving by instinct, the blonde Chosen heeded the vocal warning and threw herself to the ground, barely avoiding the massive tail being swept at her. She had just enough time to get up and apologize before the tail came back, this time sweeping low at her feet.

Jumping briskly, Colette took to the air, using her speed to circle the dragon, proving to be a competent distraction while the fighters below her recovered. Sweeping down to avoid a trio of fireballs arcing lazily towards her, she turned to see Raine and Zelos patching up a serious burn on Lloyd's body.

Colette wanted nothing more than to forget the battle entirely and go check on her best friend. But she trusted the Professor, and heck, she trusted Zelos as well. Lloyd would be fine.

Summoning a small, spiked projectile in her hand, Colette threw it at the winged beast, turning its attention back to her instead of her wounded companion. Though the ball itself, as well as the lightning strike it emanated, did nothing but singe its yellow scales and generally piss it off, it was enough. The dragon reared back in pain as a well placed swing from Presea's axe, as well as a flurry of kicks from Regal, were able to knock the beast off-balance.. From her vantage point in the air, she saw the rest of the group split up and surround the toppled beast, ready to take it on once it regained its composure. Sweeping down, Colette landed softly right in front of the dragon and drew her chakram.

She was ready to begin her charge once again when a familiar voice rang behind her.

"Need...some backup?"

Turning around in shock, Colette saw Lloyd, beaten and bruised, but standing, holding the Angel's Tear in his hands. Before she could say a word, however, the sun appeared to be blocked out as the beast rose, enraged by the group that dared attack him.

Despite its massive size, the beast was fast, sweeping its tail out in a low arc, this time completing a full circle, hoping to catch the group off guard. Though everyone jumped it, the dragon used the momentum to swing its stubby arm out in a vicious uppercut.

Right towards Colette.

Before she could do anything, Lloyd leaped in front of the blonde Chosen, shielding her from the attack. Crying out in shock, the group was forced to watch as Lloyd was launched into the air by the powerful swing, his body rising high into the sky. Despite the looming shadow his body created as he reached the peak of the fall, Colette could have sworn he was up to something.

"Did he just...wink?"

Just as his body began to descend, Lloyd conjured up what little mana he had left within his body, flipping himself upright in mid-air. Using the same momentum from the conjured mana, he forced his swords in front of him and began to spin around in the air, creating a human-drill.

Finishing the preparations, Lloyd launched himself at the dragon, spinning like a top as he descended towards the earth. The only words he spoke were those of his signature move.

"Rising Falcon!"

For a moment, the dragon stood there, unsure of what to do. Looking down at the gaping hole in its chest, it staggered for a moment, looking at the group with uncertain, feral eyes.

And finally, with a final, guttural roar, the beast crashed to earth, and was no more.

"Good god, Sheena! What the hell did you put in this curry!"

Failing miserably at hiding her her own amusement, the summoner placed a hand on the writhing swordsman's shoulder, letting out a chuckle. "Just some extra curry powder and pineapple. You need to get your strength back up! That dragon was about ready to finish you off!"

"She's right". Raine added as she raised her staff into the air, summoning a cooling wind that seemed to melt away Lloyd's injuries. "You need to rest. This forest is packed with monsters and dragons as it is. If one dragon was able to do that to you, think of what a pack could."

"I know, I know, I got careless. But I didn't expect the damn thing to be that fast!" Lloyd retorted in between mouthful's of curry. "With any luck thats the only one in this blasted forest...been nothing but trouble since we came in."

"Maybe, but don't let your guard down yet." Finishing the healing incantations, Raine put her staff away and looked at Lloyd again. "You need your strength more than anyone here, given the task that you must accomplish..." She trailed off, falling into an awkward silence.

Lapsing into his own mind, Lloyd turned away quickly, feeling his appetite drain away instantaneously . Of course, he knew why they were here, braving the deepest confines of the elven forest. They were here for one man. The one who helped them, hindered them, and damn near killed them.

"Dad..."

Silently, Lloyd rose to his feet, avoiding the eyes of the people surrounding him. He wanted nothing more than to just run away from what he was going to do. But in the end, he couldn't.

Motioning towards a nearby brook, he raised his head towards the concerned group. "I'm...gonna go clear my head. I shouldn't be too long." Flashing a hasty smile, he turned away and vanished into the bushes.

To Colette, Lloyd's emotions were an open book for her to read, and right now she could tell he needed time alone. Motioning to Sheena and Raine, she cast one last sad glance at the direction her friend went before heading back to the campsite.

"If only I could do more..."

Chapter End.