5Kratos's red-brown eyes bore into the town of Luin. With one hand on his sword, and dressed in deep purple garments, he looked majestic and knightly as he stood on that hill watching Luin. He scanned the area mechanically, looking for signs of danger, or more specifically the Renegades, as he was warned.
Then he sighed in frustration at the task, which brought him to Luin. It was similar, very similar, to his usual duty: guarding the Chosen. But this time was different. These girls were potential subjects for the Angelus Project and Kratos was to stop the Renegades from killing them and to safely bring them to Asgard, where the Desians were then to bring them all to Kvar a few weeks after they arrived. Kratos hated being around everything that reminded him of his lost humanity, but he also hated being up in Welgaia with Mithos. Those wasted and lifeless hours spent in Welgaia taunted him and made him long even more for humanity. Yet, as he recalled his discussion with Mithos and Yuan, he knew then and even more certainly now that he didn't want this task.
He knew that something was different or wrong, because Mithos never called them to talk to him anymore, unless it was related to Martel and the Chosen. And he knew that it wasn't. He walked up those corridors hesitantly, wondering what newfound madness could have found its way into Mithos's brain. Apparently Yuan had the same thoughts, because he collided into Kratos with a worried look etched in his face.
Yuan looked up hazily, "Hmm? Oh, hello Kratos." Kratos grumbled in reply and they both kept walking towards Mithos, who soon welcomed both as warmly as his cold eyes would allow. Creases of worry etched even deeper into Yuan's dark face.
"Kratos." He nodded towards Kratos, "Yuan," he then nodded towards Yuan. Kratos and Yuan glanced at each other.
"You are probably wondering why I have called you." He paced around his seat. "Kvar is in the midst of developing the Angelus Project, an exsphere that seems to possess powers that equal and even surpass our own Cruxis crystals." He looked greedily at them both. "We are not yet sure exactly what types of powers this exsphere might possess, but we have found several subjects that match the mana signature that the exsphere requires for growth. Unfortunately, the Renegades have by town killed off most of these subjects, the strongest ones." Mithos looked bitterly disappointed.
"They have been moving with unprecedented speed. They've been attacking these subjects even before I was informed of the Angelus Project. I'll have to have a talk with Kvar and see who he's been talking to. But anyways, I have a job for you. I need you, Kratos, to safely escort these women to Asgard, where Kvar will take them. I trust you to guard them well far more than Kvar and his lackeys." Mithos scoffed.
Kratos frowned. "Women?" Yuan smirked at Kratos and Kratos glared back, but soon kept his gaze at Mithos who answered.
"Yes. It's very strange but the only people who matched the required mana signature were all women. I suppose that this experiment is much like that of the Chosen. Basically all of the Chosen were women, were they not?" said Mithos. Reflecting back on it, it was true. Kratos remembered that all of the Chosen were women. It was indeed strange, but he always assumed that it was so because they were meant to be Martel's vessels. "So you will do it?" said Mithos eagerly.
Kratos glared, "Why can't Yuan do it?"and Mithos laughed and replied instantly.
"For the same reason he never guards the Chosen. He is a half-elf. No one would trust him, Kratos, which is why you must do it, because you're human" said Mithos.
"So why is Yuan even here?"
Yuan answered immediately, "I've been holding off the Renegades who are attacking Luin. Soon the defenses will fall. I am very close to catching the leader of the Renegades." Mithos seemed satisfied.
"When you have time, I need you to talk to Kvar and find out who he has told about the project. Kratos, you will check on Kvar when he has made progress in the experiment and report to me." Mithos shot a look to Yuan.
"The Renegades will know you by then. There would be too much trailing you and your identity." Mithos looked hesitant.
Yuan answered a bit too cheerfully, "That's all fine with me. Besides the women seem to like Kratos more anyways" Yuan taunted. Kratos scoffed at him but felt heat rise up in his cheeks.
Mithos replied, "They do, though, don't they?"
Kratos was determined, however, not to accept the mission. He started to protest, but Mithos gave him that pleading look of desperation. It was a full minute before Kratos sighed in resignation and Mithos looked cheerful once more.
"Then it's decided. Kratos will guard and safely escort them to Asgard."
