We will both regret…

ㅤ Lloyd always took his training seriously. No matter how simple his brain, he still recognized the important things as important. The determination in his son's gaze gave Kratos a special feeling he had no right to—pride. He hadn't raised Lloyd. It is not for him to experience joy at the sight of a worthy son. But Kratos couldn't do anything about it… Lloyd was his and Anna's legacy. Their soul, torn from their bodies by cruel fate. "Again!" Lloyd said firmly, having lost yet again. He didn't want to give up. He wanted to become stronger! For his friends. For the one he held most dear. Whom Kratos was about to take away… The training has come to an end. Kratos had exhausted Lloyd to the last drop of sweat, but the boy remained beaming with optimism, profusely thanking him and smiling broadly. Kratos smiled softly in return, his hand unconsciously reaching for his son's hair, ruffling it in such a fatherly way that even Lloyd felt awkward. Lloyd turned away, embarrassed. "Enough," he chuckled, unable to withstand the emotions weakened by training. "You're like a dad." There was no hostility or condemnation in his voice, but a painful pang pierced Kratos's heart. He froze, as if realizing how complexly entangled their destinies had become. Kratos had understood this before, but at that moment the weight of responsibility fell especially heavily on his shoulders. Lloyd's words… The truth would surely have broken his heart. Kratos only became more convinced of the importance of keeping the truth about Lloyd's birth a secret. Otherwise... 'We'll both regret it…' And what frightened Kratos most was the fact that the truth always finds a way. He didn't want to hurt Lloyd. Not with his past, not with his very existence. Lloyd had already successfully overcome the problem and grown into a worthy young man - that was enough. All Kratos could do was step aside and not interfere, disappear from his life. A broken man who had lost his humanity could do nothing to help him, to guide him in any way. 'After completing the pilgrimage, our paths will diverge forever. There's no need to worry,' he tried to reassure himself. His heart ached anxiously, as if foreseeing the future. A better future than Kratos could have imagined. For now, looking longingly at Lloyd, he kept the secret burning within him. "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" Lloyd asked worriedly, bringing Kratos back to reality. "No," Kratos replied calmly. "Sorry, I overreacted. Rest. You'll need a lot of strength to continue your journey." Kratos watched him go. No matter what his mind told him, no matter how difficult the circumstances, his heart knew for certain that Lloyd was Kratos's pride and joy. So, through the pain and sorrow, Kratos smiled. As if hope for the future had appeared… ㅤ