Trust

A/N: Thanks to Rane! I’m so lucky I got you for a beta! Thanks to AschTheHated, again, for game script.

Yes, I’m changing some stuff. Cutting what’s unimportant to the plot, because otherwise it gets way too long and far too boring (Ymir fruit, I’m looking at you). I’ve got a final next week, so updates will get a little less frequent. Sorry in advance!

Rane: Ah, the Ymir fruit, so rare, so essential to get into Heimdall….I hate you Ymir Fruit!! –stabs it repeatedly- So Kelly’s having finals, and I’m going away to Long Island till Tuesday, don’t expect an update anytime real soon after this chapter…like….expect it in a month, that way if we update earlier you’ll love us more :D ….-walks off-….-comes back and stabs Ymir fruit again for good measure- better. :D –walks off again- la di do da~~….

Trust
Chapter 7: The Village of the Elves

The forest surrounding Heimdall was an immense swamp, with a maze of paths leading to the island village. The narrow path made it impossible to walk more than two abreast. Once again, Zelos was trapped far behind Lloyd, this time with Regal.

The pain from the strange solution Yuan had forced on him had returned several times throughout the night. He’d considered climbing in bed with Lloyd for care and comfort, but he wasn’t sure how to explain things to the younger man.

He trusts me now, but would he trust me if he knew I’ve been working with his enemies? I know Lloyd still trusts Kratos, but… Kratos has never actually lied to him. Deceived him, yes. But not like I have. Will he forgive me?

Looking ahead, he saw Lloyd glancing back at him. He smiled at the young swordsman, laughing softly when the teen blushed and turned away.

It’s not an issue for now. I’ll deal with it later.

Regal cleared his throat.

“Chosen,” he began. “I need to talk to you about Lloyd.”

Mildly surprised, Zelos looked at the stoic man. “What about him?”

Okay, he probably saw us yesterday morning… I’ll think of something to explain that, but he has to bring it up first. Don’t want to act guilty.

“Lloyd is not like you.” Regal’s voice was stern. “He cares deeply for people. If you’re playing your usual games with him, you’ll hurt him.”

“My ‘usual games?’ Care to explain that?”

Once again, my reputation comes back to haunt me. I should really try to change it. Gotta get Regal off my back first, though.

Regal was turning pink. “I saw you… in Sybak.”

I got it. I’ll say—

“Oh, that? I must’ve been dreaming about Sheena.” Zelos kept his voice light, trying to sound like it didn’t matter.

Did he buy it?

Regal was scowling and turned a brighter pink.

“I saw you on the beach in Sybak.”

Oh…

Lloyd’s not going to like this…

“Uh-oh?”

The older man looked like he was about to explode.

Okay, so infuriating him isn’t the best idea at the moment. Damn funny, though.

“Look, Regal,” Zelos said. “Lloyd’s…” He trailed off, unsure of what to say.

“Lloyd’s what? I don’t want to have to involve Raine, but if you—”

“Don’t tell Raine,” Zelos said quickly. “I’m not messing with Lloyd. I… I’m not going to hurt him, okay?”

Please please please don’t tell the Professor! She’s scary.

He didn’t get a chance to hear Regal’s reply. Up ahead, Kratos was speaking to Lloyd at the entrance to Heimdall. Zelos and Regal caught up in time to hear his parting words.

“… There’s no time. Hurry.”

Zelos watched Kratos leave with narrowed eyes.

‘Hurry,’ he says. Like Lloyd should just jump to do his bidding without even knowing why. He gives us clues, but he knows so much more…

~~~

It had been after they took out Forcystus, at the Iselia Human Ranch. Colette was recovering in her family’s house. Zelos had slipped away to question Kratos.

The angel had coldly informed Zelos that his motives were not his concern. Then, Kratos had told him about the Eternal Sword, and the Ring.

“You will help me,” the man had said. “If you do not, I will tell Lord Yggdrasill how you have helped the Renegades. He would be… displeased.”

Even then, Zelos had known that he didn’t ever want Yggdrasill displeased with him. So he’d kept quiet, steered Lloyd away from Kratos when he could, and kept the angel’s secret.

~~~

“… There’s no time. Hurry.”

Lloyd watched Kratos walk away.

“Damn,” he said. “Why does he show up everywhere we go?”

“We don’t have time to worry about that now,” Raine said calmly. “He’s right. If we don’t hurry, we might not be able to cure Colette.”

They turned to enter the village, only to be blocked by a pair of guards.

“This is the village of the elves. No half-elf may pass,” one guard said.

“This is a defensive measure against those who brought catastrophe to our village,” the other continued. “If you cannot accept that, then you humans may not enter either.”

What is this? Everywhere we go here, everyone hates half-elves. These elves are no better than the Pope! If we didn’t need their help for Colette—

“Lloyd,” said Raine. “We’ll wait here. We’ll leave the rest in your hands.”

It’s not right. It’s not their fault they were born half-elves. There’s nothing wrong with being a half-elf. I hate this.

“There is another rule you must follow,” the first guard said. “Talk celebrating Mithos as a hero is forbidden in this village.”

“Why?” asked Lloyd.

“We have no need to explain. Just do as we say.”

“Professor,” Lloyd said. “We’ll finish as soon as possible. I’m sorry.”

He tried not to notice the anger in Genis’ face as they left the two half-elves behind.

Inside Heimdall, Lloyd hurried toward the Elder’s house. They had to walk through the entire village to get there, enduring the hostile stares of the elves.

“Not very friendly, are they?” Zelos said.

“No,” Lloyd said.

Sheena walked beside them. “I always thought Mizuho kept itself sealed off. These elves, though…”

This isn’t right. Genis and the Professor were born here, and the elves won’t let them in.

Lloyd felt anger building up inside him. The injustice of it seemed greater the more he thought about it.

His mood didn’t improve after their meeting with the Elder. The elf almost hadn’t told them where they could find the Mana Leaf Herb; only the mention of Colette’s illness had had an effect. The Elder had mentioned Martel, and Kratos… and then he hadn’t even told them why!

At least he told us where to go. The Latheon Gorge… and he said it would be dangerous. Because what we need right now is danger, Lloyd thought bitterly. Every time I start to think we can relax, some new problem shows up!

“Lloyd!” Zelos’ voice broke through his thoughts.

“What?” Lloyd asked.

“I said should we stay at the inn here tonight?”

Is he seriously asking that?

“They won’t let Genis and the Professor in.”

“This island is one of the safest places in Tethe’alla. They’ll be fine outside—”

“I will not stay in this village without Genis and Raine! If they have to camp out tonight, I’m camping with them!” Lloyd interrupted. “You can stay here if you want,” he added as an afterthought.

Zelos looked like he’d been slapped. “I just thought—”

“Thought what?” Lloyd cut him off again. “You thought I wouldn’t care that two of my oldest friends aren’t allowed to set foot in here? That I’d be fine with it because they’re half-elves?”

“That’s not what I said!” Zelos glared at him. “I was thinking tomorrow’s going to be hard. Colette’s sick. It might be nice for her to get a good night’s rest. That’s it.”

“Um…” Colette tugged at Lloyd’s sleeve. He looked at her, and the rest of the group.

Sheena’s eyes were narrowed in suspicion. Presea was watching him with fascination.

Colette was looking back at Zelos. “Thank you for worrying about me,” she said, “but I’m fine. I don’t mind camping out.” She smiled pleasantly.

“If my cute angel says it’s okay, who am I to argue? Let’s go, right Lloyd?” He smiled hopefully.

Perversely, Lloyd got more annoyed with the other man.

“Oh, so it’s fine if it’s what Colette wants, but you don’t care about what I think? Fine then.” He stormed out of the village, not looking to see if anyone followed.

~~~

The rest of the group followed after Lloyd. Raine and Genis joined them, asking about what had upset Lloyd. Sheena watched them all carefully.

It’s obvious there’s something going on with Lloyd and Zelos.

She looked at the red haired Chosen. He was glaring after the young swordsman, but it wasn’t just anger.

Even if I hadn’t seen his vest in Lloyd’s room yesterday, their fight makes it obvious.

She considered Zelos for a moment.

I wonder if he realizes he’s in love?