Kratos wasn't sure how long he waited there, how long it took before he became fully aware of his surroundings again. All he finally was aware of was the door being opened and two figures entering.

"The things I do for that idiot."

"Hmph, my sentiments exactly."

He tried to focus his eyes through the pounding in his head. It felt like he had been drugged, he probably had, to keep him from escaping.

One of the figures approached and hauled him up by his collar, deftly smacking him across the face.

"Get up you dumbass, we don't have time for this."

His eyes were barely focused but he knew the speaker for certain now. Yuan? Yuan had been trying to kill him, what was he doing now? And the other…the Tethe'Allan Chosen?

"Yeah, the Bud and friends are going to take me back unless I have you with me. Well, that and the aionis stuff they need. But we got that covered, so hurry up and let's get your sorry ass out of here before the spoiled brat finds us, m'kay?"

The aionis? What was the Chosen doing here? It didn't make sense that either of them were in Welgaia, much less going out of their way to save him. Still, he did manage to get on his feet, though he was barely able to walk.

"Oh for the love of- fine, if I have to carry you out of here I will. Chosen! Take point."

He was dimly aware of being put onto someone's back and movement. That was about all, before he slipped back into darkness. The world kept coming in and out of focus, briefly becoming aware of Yuan and Zelos and where they were, then slipping out again.

When he finally his mind cleared, his eyes opened only to focus on the silver-haired professor hunched over him, scanning him.

"He's coming to, I think I got all of the drug out of his system."

"Dad! Are you all right?"

Oh good, it was Lloyd, he looked fine. They were outside somewhere, on one of the world's, judging by the blue sky and the greenery around. With some effort he managed to sit up, scanning the assembled group and their surroundings.

"I'm fine, Lloyd. What happened?"

"It's…a bit of a long story."

Apparently it was. Lloyd went on to tell him how he and the group had attempted to infiltrate Cruxis, how Yuan had helped them into the tower and then how Zelos had betrayed them, handing Colette over to Pronyma and then leaving them behind at the mercy of the angels. Then how later on when they confronted Pronyma and Yggdrasill, Pronyma had died and Zelos had returned to them along with the aionis they so needed.

"We were still pretty pissed off at him," Genis rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "But then apparently he got you back safe and Lloyd was so relieved we kind of had to forgive him."

"Hey hey, I only put on the show to help you guys. Geez, give me some credit." Zelos pouted.

"You have the aionis? Then the ring of the pact can be made."

"That's the problem, Kratos," Yuan said, crossing his arms. "Altessa's still too injured to move, we have no one who has the skills required to make the ring for Lloyd."

"…What about Dad? I mean Dirk-Dad, he could do it!" Lloyd said, looking determined just from the thought. "Then we can reunite the worlds."

The group uttered their various phrases of agreement and Kratos nodded silently, thinking about what was to come. It seemed surreal to think Mithos was dead, after all this time and everything he had done, for this crew to stop him…he was relieved, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Really, it wasn't, he supposed. After all, once the ring was made there was only the matter of releasing Origin. Lloyd hadn't mentioned it, but he was sure he hadn't forgotten. The boy was probably going to delay the whole thing while searching for a way that he wouldn't die. He was stubborn.

…Things couldn't wait any longer, he knew that, but he had no need to tell him so. He would make sure Dirk could forge the ring, then…then he'd do what he needed to do.

They didn't waste any time setting off for Dirk's house, Lloyd rushing off into the building as soon as they landed. Kratos set down on the ground with the others, eying his son's passing but then scanning the area as he was used to. No doubt the boy would have much to tell his foster father, once there was time to do so. Though whether or not there would be time- well, no, he supposed they had time. With Mithos gone, they had time. Not a lot of time, the worlds had to be fixed, but they had lasted this long, another couple days was nothing.

The group went into the house and Kratos drifted over to Anna's grave, looking down at it. Heh, it was nearly funny, to think of all that had occurred since last he look upon her gravestone. This was where it had started after all, where he had undergone his peculiar transformation. He still had no idea what had caused it to begin with, or how he was able to undo it. With a soft sigh he knelt down before the stone, tracing her name with his fingers.

"My Anna…" he whispered. "The world will return to its original state soon. Lloyd has done quite a remarkable job, with assistance from his companions."

For a while he simply sat there, lost in his thoughts as the sun began to drift downward in the sky. It was oddly serene, despite all that was going on. It was not over yet, though, the sword had to be in Lloyd's possession before he could allow himself any peace. Once Lloyd had obtained it, he would be able to undo all the damage that had been done. How irresponsible of him, to have dragged his son through all this and then to have him be the one to fix it.

It was past sunset when he heard Lloyd come up behind him. Heh, the boy never learned. Still, he didn't move, waiting for his son to make his own arrival obvious.

"So uh…I told Da- Dirk, about…you." He said.

"Did you? I had expected you would." Kratos responded.

"He took it pretty well, actually, it was almost like he knew. It was weird." Lloyd chuckled nervously.

"He does seem to have an innate ability to realize things most would miss." He nodded, finally standing to look at his son. "I wouldn't be surprised at all if he knew from the start."

"Y- yeah, I guess I ould see that." Lloyd cracked a weak smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

"…Lloyd."

"Yeah?"

Kratos hesitated and Lloyd fidgeted, then smiled sheepishly.

"I guess I know why you look at me like that now, but uhm-"

"I have something for you."

"Huh?"

Kratos unsheathed the flamberge, looking at it glow in the dim light and then up at his son's wide eyes.

"Wait-"

"I want you to have it, Lloyd." Kratos said, offering it to him. "It's a strong blade, it will serve you well. After all that's happened, I feel I- I feel that I should mark your growth. You have become a strong, kind young man. Your mother would be proud of you. …I am proud of you."

Lloyd's face lit up and Kratos couldn't help but smile. At least he could say now, that he made his son happy, if only once.

Okay I'm sorry it's short again, things have been…difficult lately, so I can't really make any promises on the length/frequency of my updates right now. Though I do promise you that I have a biiiiiigg family/drama moment coming up as soon as the Derris-Emblem gets involved. I've had it in planning since I made this fic, lol. So please, bear with me.