Condemnation

ㅤ The more Zelos heard about him, the more often they crossed paths, the stronger his contempt for the man grew. And yet Zelos considered himself a fallen man… If not for Lloyd, he would have remained one! However, fate decreed otherwise: Zelos decided to live and take responsibility for himself and all his actions. Rather than run away, dumping all his problems on the one who made his conscience stir… That's why, when they met again, Zelos couldn't restrain himself, as soon as they were alone. The most disgusting thing was that Kratos almost meekly accepted the contempt in Zelos's gaze, not denying his guilt. Fully aware of how pathetic he was. Zelos gritted his teeth in disgust. "You make me sick." "I won't stay long," Kratos promised, not wanting to be a burden to his son. Furious, Zelos drew his sword and attacked Kratos. Unexpectedly. With all the malice. "Just like that?!" he shouted. "Just dump everything on him and walk away?! Don't you dare put everything on his shoulders, you damned bastard! He deserves better! Your cowardice has already done him a world of harm!" Kratos reacted instantly: his combat experience allowed him to. He remained silent to all the accusations, for there was nothing to say. He could only defend himself from the swift blows that sent sparks flying from the steel. He neither dodged nor counterattacked. He meekly gave the unexpected opponent a chance to vent. "You should be here! You should be close!" Zelos stopped mid-swing. His words… He could have applied them to himself. The thought of Seles flashed through him like lightning. It was she who made the fire of hatred freeze and extinguish it. Redirecting it back at himself. He should have been there… All this time… And only now did he realize it. Zelos smiled bitterly. "It's disgusting how similar you and I are." Zelos sheathed his sword, looking up at the sky. After a pause, Kratos said: "I'll cause Lloyd more trouble if I stay." "Do you think there will be fewer of them if you leave?" Zelos glared at him. "As much as I hate you, as much as I despise you, even I understand that you should stay and stand by his side, cleaning up all the crap you've dumped on him. That's your job, not his. After all, let Lloyd get to know you! He has the right to decide for himself whether he needs you or not." Kratos bowed his head under the weight of truth. Guilt had already plagued him, and now doubts about his choice joined in. Was this really for the best? Did he have the right? "For Lloyd's sake, I'll tolerate you," Zelos said as calmly as he could. But he quickly chuckled and added venom to his voice. "However, I can't promise to refrain from making caustic remarks." "Fair enough," Kratos agreed, finding the strength to raise his head. The gentle smile on his face jarred Zelos unpleasantly, as did his next words: "Thank you." "This is worse than I thought," Zelos said to the side. With a resigned sigh, he turned away and waved his hand, beckoning for Kratos to follow him. "Come on, Lloyd's been waiting for you for a long time…" ㅤ