~Indignation Judgement~

      “Wait, what?”

       He didn’t have any memories of THIS happening. Alright. Lloyd had to actually think about what Genis was saying, because while he was a lot of things, this didn’t seem to fit. At all.

        “I remember you calling me an idiot and smacking me around with your kendama! Don’t you remember? You were really angry that I didn’t tell you or Colette about a lot of things. Now that I think about it… that was probably the worst. I don’t think you even wanted to be in the same room with me for weeks.”

      The Professor was the most clear headed of them, and even then, she asked him too many questions. How did the Renegades structure themselves? Where does their funding come from? How long has the group been responsible for killing off Chosens? As the only open member of the group, even after Zelos walked into the picture, he was kind of the only one with any significant answers. 

He wasn’t immediately trusted again, and even now, he felt like he was on eggshells some of the time. But that’s what it meant when you try to take responsibility for your actions. Maybe that’s why he was trying to keep these operations alive. Because he felt it. That Kratos, Yuan, and even Mithos would want to see them do something better. With everybody’s world…

He might have to break a vow again, but it wasn’t going to be for the selfish purpose of hurting people. 

      “Because of all the people who had to be ‘traitors’, it was Lloyd Irving. I mean, I get it. Jeez. The double agent thing more suited Zelos, and I know for a fact he used me as a scapegoat against Yuan sometimes! What I’m trying to say is, I’m an open book to you now. I won’t break your trust in me again. I promise.”

      He couldn’t help but let some of his fondness sink into his words. Maybe if Genis managed to calm down a little, he could offer up some blackmail against the red haired Chosen as an apology gift. That sort of thing would be up his alley, right?

      “Maybe I am dumb, but… Whatever it is you’ve done, I think if you could try to forgive me, then I can definitely forgive you! Because that’s what friends do for each other, right?”

“It wasn’t childish fighting like that!” That sort of ‘fighting’ was all in the past. Well, what he was imagining Lloyd had meant. Playful little fights when they were younger or just messing around, nothing too extreme. “We fought each other, you all fought against Mithos and me.”

Now he was a little confused on what the other was saying, about the half-elf being that angry with him. Prior to his choice, Genis recalled never doing something as extreme as that. And when had Lloyd actually kept so many secrets from him and Colette? As much as he would hate to admit, Lloyd wasn’t that bad of a human. And keeping secrets wasn’t really his thing either.

“You? A traitor?” He...actually sounded surprised to hear Lloyd say that. The person- human he had known since his days in Iselia, it was hard to believe he would ever be a traitor or even admit to being one. Zelos was the one he could believe for that, he hadn’t known him for long and just outright disliked that human. Genis wouldn’t have been able to guess it from the start that he would be the traitor amongst them, not with his nonchalant attitude. Then there was himself. Betraying everyone to be with his new friend. No one ever saw that coming.

The boy’s mouth opens for a moment, wanting to say that Lloyd didn’t do anything wrong. There were clashing beliefs, ideals, something that neither could ever understand about the other side. One was a human, the other a half-elf. He had wanted the same as Mithos, it was only the execution and plans that were vastly different from each other. His gaze turns downward, shaking his head slightly.

“No, I can’t. What you’re asking for is something I can’t do.” Maybe he could, but what would that do? He would just be, in a sense, giving into his ideals, wouldn’t he? If he still had the same ideals. He wasn’t so sure anymore with this talk of being a traitor and mention of Yuan.

      Genis’ reaction was bringing back some some bad memories. Only this time, it wasn’t fear for him. It was fear of him. It was like taking ten steps backwards. Something was wrong with Genis, but he couldn’t understand what. Lloyd frowned. So he held out his hands palms faced forward and took a step back. If that’s what his friend wanted him to do.

       “Alright, I’m backing away. But I don’t get it. Do you think I’d attack you or something?”

This was his best friend. Maybe he hasn’t always been the best one himself –

                [ Kvar’s bloodless face; he was dragging the Desians body to the desk’s    underside. He knelt. Long enough to catch sight of his friends faces. When she looked welcoming, he looked so – upset. So he didn’t look at either of them.

                  Lying is the first step down the path of thievery.

                                 He didn’t say anything at all. ]

– but he wasn’t abandoning anyone. Not his friends. 

       “I’m not playing anything, Genis! Just tell me what’s going on. Let me help.”

It looked like Genis was in a world of trouble. Right in front of him. There was the issue of that addition Genis was wearing but what mattered most was the idea that he would walk in and say they’re not friends. Of course they were. Nothing’s changed. 

      “Remember when Colette was suffering from the Chronic Angelus whatsit? Even if she was suffering, she just kept going ‘I’m fine. I’m fine.’ Even I know how it feels to realize your lies are making other people worry.” 

          He tried to ignore that maybe… he wasn’t talking to the same Genis he thought he was.

Genis is able to relax as the other steps back. The further he is away from him, the better. He honestly wished the other would just keeping walking back, stay away from him and never cross his path again. But that was probably impossible, wasn’t it? As long as they lived on this same planet, this same world, their meeting was bound to happen from time to time.

“You did before,” he answers sharply. He really isn’t afraid to point that out. It was the truth. Lloyd and all the others he had previously travelled with, they had all attacked him and he had fought back.

‘Let me help.’

No. He didn’t want to hear that from him. He didn’t want his help, he didn’t need it, not anymore. His help was no good. Why couldn’t he have helped back then? Why did he have to choose the path that ended in one’s death? Why couldn’t he have found a way to prevent that while reuniting the worlds? Maybe the half-elf should have done his best to find a solution like that to, but at the time, he didn’t think he’d be on the losing side.

“What’s wrong? You should know what’s wrong!” The boy actually raises his voice. His small fists clench and eyes narrow upon the tall human. While he does recall that moment, it’s instantly pushed to the back of his mind. That reasoning of his, the half-elf refuses to let it get to him. Besides, he figured things would have been self-explanatory to Lloyd, of all people. Than again, he wasn’t his usual self. Was there a possible way to explain this? He hoped so. He just needed that anger that was growing to not cloud his mind on this weird Lloyd situation.

Just because your job is over, doesn’t mean your job is done.

      Too bad he was already tired of it.

      Actually, just thinking of all the paperwork he was being told to do now was the worst. Man, he doesn’t even like homework! Did Yuan, like, stockpile this stuff before dumping it into Lloyd’s arms? Was this form a form request form? He sighed and shoved stack A-13 out of his immediate sight before getting up on his feet again and stretching.

I guess this is what happens when your ‘boss’ decides to go guard a tree.

      Martel. Mana. Whoever she is. Guess he figures Yuan deserves a break from 800 years of fighting Mithos’ ideals. But for the moment, this group was currently under new management. The worn flooring. The smell of soap and floor cleaner. The old item machine in the Rheiard hanger – scratch that. Maybe he should dig through some of those Desian ruins and see if a refresher or two survived the Professor’s rampage?

      It was kind of his for now.

So stretching his legs turned into this full blown walk through the Triet base. Oh hey, this is the wall he accidentally once burnt with fire magic. And this hallway was where a good cchunk of (on duty) Renegades got pulled from work to go join in a hallway sock slide. Botta was so pissed! he turned the corner and –

      He stopped.

      “Genis!”

      His voice just immediately livens up. Of course he walks over to his friend, why wouldn’t he? Hands on his hips, he’s a little self conscious about his clothes. Blue looks pretty weird on him, right?

      “You should have told me you were going to visit! I could have tried messing with that weird gamebox again.”

And he would have been fine with that if Genis wasn’t giving him an expression as if he just kicked Noishe or something. He did look a little – different from when he last saw the half elf.

       “Hey, are you doing alright?”

Now that he is up close enough, he can catch a flash of gold around Genis’ – 

Something about Lloyd was definitely strange. His instinct on that little guess was right, but he had just initially chose to ignore it. Guess his strange attire really was a hint to how...different he was compared to normal. He didn’t seem to be the same ex-friend he had seen so long ago without his usual red long sleeved shirt on that was usually accompanied by a very, very different expression whenever this half-elf was around.

Genis couldn’t help but instinctively take a step back to the other’s approach. Fear was quick to overtake him, already his mind was going back to the last time they had encountered, the fight that had happened. A fight was bound to happen again, wasn’t it? He didn’t want to fight, but he did. That would be one way to prove his strength, but how could he ever possibly think of beating the one who beat his dear friend who was far stronger than he would ever be?

“I’m f-fine!” That stutter makes him wish he hadn’t answered the other. So much for trying to appear strong. “Just...stay away from me!”

How Lloyd managed to keep that happy and nonchalant face around him, the boy didn’t know. Didn’t he remember what he had done? The choice he had made? What he had done to him- to all of their friends? Was he simply going to choose to forget what Genis had done and play friendly with him? Even for Lloyd, this was way to weird.

The boy takes in a breath, eyes glancing up to Lloyd and trying to keep a steady gaze on him. He wished he knew the answers to his questions that were plaguing his mind. It was honestly frustrating seeing him so, so different.

What brought him over to this area, he can’t really give a proper answer, aside from the usual not wanting to remain in one place for too long. But finding his way here, to this, he assumes, unused base is just perplexing. There really is no reason to being in a place like this. It brings up no good memories, nothing. The most it can do is just fuel some anger, not enough to make him do anything though.

The boy lets out a sigh. There was no use going inside to find- what exactly? Would there be any information he needed in a Renegade’s base like this? He couldn’t think of an answer to that and it’s not like those that were affiliated with this place were pro Cruxis’ ideals.

Genis figures it’s best not to linger for too long and he doesn’t want to remain standing out here for who knows how long. So, he begins to turn, ready to leave but then stops.

“Lloyd?” The boy holds his breath after uttering that name. He was the last person Genis wanted to see and he really didn’t expect him to be here. All he wants to do is run away from him, who knows what this human would do to him if he stuck around. Hearing some friendship and good natured preaching was not on his to do list today.

It was common during the midst of each day that this amount of people were present around the plaza which most of them were buying supplies and groceries. Furthermore their base prices were fairly reasonable in terms of quality. 

“There are small park areas nearby that we can be at ease from the crowd. If you want, I can show you there, and maybe we can discuss more about your situation.” The female mercenary already took a few steps forward, patiently waiting for him.

“Yes, please.” He wasn’t sure why he was responding so casually to her. Well, it was better to remain calm and not start any sort of scene to begin with. And if he could get out of the eyes of so many people, honestly that would make him feel much better.

Glad that the boy eventually spoke his mind what was bothering him. He did seem hesitant, hopefully she wasn’t the main reason. 

“You’re in the town of Vermont, one of the main market plazas of the continent. But maybe we should talk elsewhere, somewhere more quiet.” Fey then suggested, seeing that the plaza was quite crowded to have a rather personal conversation at this moment.

“Vermont...” He repeats the name of the town, eyes glancing around quickly to take in what was around him. He had settled down now, from his initial shock of being in a strange and new place. Of course there was a part of him still worrying over this new location, but there was a name he could put to this market plaza.

@everlastingcompanion requested a starter

          ❝Do you think you have any right to show your face?❞ Her voice quakes, the sight of the half-elf she’d thought to be a friend wounding her to her very core. Everything she kept locked away, it was all rushing forth all at once, and Sheena wasn’t too sure she could maintain face.

          ❝After all you’ve done?!❞

Genis flinches to her tone, even though it may have been something he was expecting, he couldn’t help but react in such a way. He was quiet at first, knowing that he probably didn’t have any right to show up at all, to anyone. But at the same time, he knew that he had to follow through with his choice, he still had to do what he believes in.

   A soft smile touched her lips ‘pon her little brother’s words, the elder sibling pulling back to give tender look, her arm falling from ‘round his shoulders to rest gentle palm on his back. She didn’t want to give up physical contact–not yet. Even if they hadn’t been the most physically loving in recent years, after such a long absence, with such weight–

        “ I’m glad. I’d like to see what you’ve been up to. How you’re doing. “     To see how he’d changed, and how he hadn’t. How extreme his methods might be, and how she might be able to change them. If he’d even let her see that side of him which had drove him to leave in the first place. And if–how far she’d have to go to stay with him. 

   She’d had no choice but to give up her world for him once before, and now that she felt she’d taken back her own life, would she still give it up? She wasn’t sure she wanted to lose all she’d made, all she’d gained–but she knew she didn’t want to lose the brother she’d given it all up for once already.

   Slowly her hand moved from the young boy’s back to cup his chin, tilting his head up just a hint as she let her gaze become more analytical, more observant, checking the set of his jaw, the skin beneath his eyes. And then quick and up moved that hand, a small gentle tweak to his nose as she dropped the doctor’s gaze, for a bit of older sister teasing.

       “ And let me see how you’re taking care of yourself. Eating healthy, often? Your knees aren’t scraped up, are they? “

His eyes are still wide, still in that surprised and shocked state. There’s happiness to as he looks up to her. Genis could hardly believe that she had asked that and he had granted her with a positive answer. All he wanted to do was throw himself into her arms now. If only it were that easy for him to do. Having her gentle and loving touch, perhaps he’d be able to return it soon.

“I just hope you don’t mind what I do.” Not like it was much. Just little things he wanted to get done. Maybe she’d scold him for his decisions and actions, maybe not. He dreaded the thought of an argument stirring from clashing ideals, and he didn’t want to end up pushing her away, not again.

While he knew she couldn’t stay around forever, he wanted to have her by his side for as long as possible. Things were different, but some old habits could fall back into place. The younger only wished that not everything had changed between them.

Curiosity shone in his gaze, eyes following hers as it took only a second to realize what she was doing. Checking up on him physically. Even now she still cared, looked out for him, and that really did warm his heart. After having been alone for so long, something familiar like this was more than welcomed.

So, the boy could see him. That either meant he has high resonance with the seraphim, or he’s a seraph himself. But, something doesn’t feel…normal about the younger, though. However, Lilium won’t worry about it for now. “Of course not, it’s quite alright.” She tilts her head, figuring she might as well ask the question that is lingering in her mind.

“Are you a seraph? It’s hard for me to tell sometimes since I’m actually quite new at this. But judging that you can see me, I suppose that you are.” But he looked so young. But, if he turned out to be human, she would escort him into town and immediately leave him to be on his way. She was not one to break her own vows.

Especially not one so important.

The boy lets out a sigh of relief, now regaining his composure after that little stumble and hearing neither was injured. That just meant no problems here, nothing bad at all...he hoped.

“A seraph?” Genis shook his head to that word. He had heard of these beings but never could recognize them. There were a few people, who perhaps were seraphs, who gave off an usual feeling, but he never bothered to ask. “I’m not one...” And he wasn’t human either. Admitting what he really was still made the boy so nervous. He was beginning to think he should have just lied and said he was a seraph. But he doubts that he could keep that up for too long.

PIXAR’S UP STARTER SENTENCES.

“Did you…Do you think you made a wrong choice?” Genis wanted to offer some sort of comforting words to her, but none had come to him during this time. Only a question to combat the one she had asked. It wasn’t the best thing to let slip from his lips, and a part of him regrets having done so.

PIXAR’S UP STARTER SENTENCES.

“But you have to let me help you! And I’ll be fine!” He was a tough kid, he could definitely protect himself and even his sister if he had to. As long as he was able to cast those spells of his. And he was ready to argue that he was strong enough to help her out to, even if he never fully believed his own words on this matter, he still wanted to act as if he did.

PIXAR’S UP STARTER SENTENCES.

PIXAR’S UP STARTER SENTENCES.

“We do!” He was quick to agree on that, certain that there was so much- too much that needed to be discussed. Maybe he sounded a little to eager to speak with him, but he couldn’t help it. There was a lot that needed to be done, even if they had all the time in the world they could only wait for so long.