It has come to my attention that I fail at actively planning anything with others on the community. So I thought it would be a good idea to make this post, since I've seen it done a few times before!

Basically, if you would like to plan anything with Kratos and your character(s), even if they have never spoken before, comment here and we'll see if we can sort something out. :3 We can arrange for them to speak, meet up, whatever you want. Please don't be afraid to ask me if there is anything you want to see or you want more interaction with your character! Any and all ideas are welcome and I hope it will help me to get him out more and to meet more people on the comm.

<3

Because I never put one up before and I feel like I need one. XD

Here's your chance to tell me how much I fail/succeed/win at playing Kratos~! I've been writing fanfic about him for a couple of years now but I've never roleplayed him in my life and I'm incredibly paranoid about playing him awfully, especially as it's been a while since I've played ToS (though I finally got the motivation to carry on with my fifth playthrough recently XD).

So please tell me if I am! And ya know, any ways I might be able to improve. Or not. It's entirely up to you. :3

This is probably going to end up tl;dr but feel free to pick out any info you want.

( Notes on Permissions )

( Notes on the Character )

With the wedding drawing nearer, Kratos had become more and more distant. Even to those close to him. To say he was nervous was something of an understatement, but he didn't appear so. Merely silent and stoic as always. Right now it was the middle of the night. The air was still and cool and the sky was clear. Millions of stars filled the sky, the very stars he had once used to help himself to sleep once before. But that didn't matter now. It didn't matter if he slept or not, and when he did, now he always had someone by his side.

But tonight he had left the inn, alone. He had chosen a spot at the top of a hill near where they were staying. He stood there, watching the stars, contemplating both the past and the future as he normally did. Everything else was lost to him. He was an anomaly; he was someone frozen in time. What did it matter?

Would this make him any happier? Would it solve anything?

He didn't know, but then that was why he was out here. To think on it. Yet no matter how much he thought to himself, the answer never seemed to get any clearer.

Kratos had done a lot of thinking recently. About the past, the present... and the future. The wedding was fast approaching now and as it got nearer, Kratos became more and more anxious. He had doubts and he knew he shouldn't. He worried about Lloyd and he worried about Yuan. Lloyd at least had made it clear that he just wanted his father to be happy, and there was no doubt that Jacky had the ability to make him feel that way, but he was still troubled about Yuan and his feelings for the both of them. After his past actions, he couldn't be sure how he would react to the wedding. He had already turned down his invitation to be his best man. It was likely that he wouldn't show up at all and although Kratos would be disappointed, he wouldn't be surprised. That was the way time and suffering had made him... Kratos knew that it wasn't his fault. It still didn't stop him from wanting to help his old friend, however. He knew what it was like to feel as if he had lost everything.

Amidst all this personal introspection though, Kratos had realised that he had been neglecting Jacky. He failed to talk to her about visiting his past during the incident with Anna. He hadn't wanted to talk to anyone really but her most of all. She just made the memories all the more painful, though he hated to admit it. Lloyd understood and it was something that he felt he should talk to him about, even if it still did not come very easily to him. The Doctor had been there, had witnessed it for himself. Of course he would say something about it. But Jacky... she was too trusting, too kind, despite her situation. Even knowing what he was capable of, she wouldn't leave his side. And because of that he knew it would hurt all the more to lose her.

But now he had time to think and understand what he had left and what he still had to live for. Right now, he should focus on his son, who was still alive despite everything and who had already done great things for this newly reunited world. And on Jacky, who he had grown to love even despite his loss.

He turned to the girl now. It was time he talked to her. Properly, this time. They had to learn to share things with one another. After all, they were soon to wed, if they could not share simple thoughts with one another then how could they hope to share their lives?

"Jacky?" he called to her, beckoning her over to him.

...I had not expected to receive so many gifts from others this year. I would not have complained had I received nothing, especially as I have nothing to give in return.

Even a gift from... 'Santa', though I am unfamiliar with the usual customs of Christmas. A curious object - a globe which seems to capture a moment in time. A family enjoying the snow...

I will be sure to put all I have received to good use, and perhaps one day I will be able to repay you for your generosity.

It wasn't my fault...

No... she died by my hand. I was the one who inflicted that fatal wound on her. Though there may have been others involved, I cannot cast away that responsibility so easily. Perhaps I am not the only one at fault here, but I have still committed a sin. I must continue to try to atone for it, no matter how far in the past it may be.

Even so, I am thankful that I was given a second chance. To view things from a different perspective.

And this time... I was glad for the company...

(OOC: I know I've been kind of fail activity-wise at the moment, so consider this an angst-filled fresh start to try and get myself back into the game. Referring to this, still unfinished but you get the basic idea~)

Doctor... may I have a word?

It was obviously pointless trying to argue with Yuan considering his condition, but although he may not have been able to help with that, there was still at least one thing that Kratos could do for his old friend.

From his last post, it had been clear to him that he wished to go back to his old hometown. He knew how bored Yuan got holed up in that hospital, and so he had offered to give him a little freedom, as long as he felt that he was up for it. Actually, Kratos hadn't expected Yuan to oblige. Instead he expected more of the same cold words, assuring him that he couldn't help, that even if he could, Yuan didn't want that help. The last thing he expected was for Yuan to want to travel to Asgard alongside him. Perhaps it was only the thought of freedom and the thought of being able to see his home once more that allowed him to tolerate his past friend's presence.

Either way, Kratos had wasted no time crossing worlds to meet with Yuan at the hospital. For once he was going to turn his attention to him and this time he wasn't going to keep his friend waiting. Though it wasn't going to be the easiest journey, Kratos would be sure to support Yuan all the way.

And that didn't change once they arrived at their destination either. Pausing at the entrance with Yuan leaning on him for support, Kratos waited to allow Yuan to take the sight in and to rest for a while. This was Yuan's time and Kratos would let him take control now, giving him only the support he needed. He just hoped that perhaps this would make him a little happier... despite everything that he had been through.

At least now, Yuan had an answer to his question. It was snowing in Asgard.

I have been visiting this community for over a year now. So much has changed in that short time, and not all for the better. Still, I have a lot to be thankful for... I should still be on Derris-Kharlan and although I had no intention of coming back before, this place has given me another chance. A chance I am not sure I really deserve.

As for re-marrying...

I'm... not sure if I'm ready.

(So, I've been playing Kratos at DDD for over a year now~ \o/ Strikes hackable to those with skill.)

[After learning of his son's location, Kratos had immediately made haste to Sybak. Upon arriving he made his way to the inn where Lloyd said he would be waiting. Though he had said he was fine before, really he was utterly confused right now.

Now, he asks the receptionist to find out which room Lloyd is staying in and heads up there, knocking on the door and waiting patiently outside.]

Lloyd? It's me...

[Private//unhackable]

Am I doing the right thing?

She wouldn't talk to me, so I thought I would find some other way to show her how much value she holds as a person. I would show her how much she means to me even if I could not convince her verbally. It was wrong of me to disappear like that, but I was hoping to surprise her. Instead, it seems like the surprise was on me...

Fandalia flowers. Four thousand years ago there used to be a whole field full of them in this cursed forest. But everything changes in time. Now they only grow at the summit of the Fooji mountains, and even then they are hard to find. Yet she was worth the inconvenience... I wanted to make her happy, but instead I came back to find her poisoning herself with alcohol. Breaking her vows. Does it all mean so little to her? It is not just me she has let down, she acknowledged that herself.

I know of her past, and I know of her difficult ways, but every time she gets herself in trouble, every time she promises me that she will learn to behave only to commit yet another reckless act, I find myself wondering if I can really trust her word. I wonder... if I can really trust anyone completely anymore.

I know I should not let my past mistakes control me... but I made a promise to protect her. However, as much as I try, I can never protect her from herself. She may admire me, but I fear that in doing so we will become too much alike. She is better than that. She can surpass her mistakes and learn to control the fear and shake the doubts.

With Shuraiya she is safe. Safe from harm and safe from the burdens that stem from myself.

...

Even so, I know I should go back.

[Locked from Jacky and Shuraiya]

Lloyd... where are you currently located?

Yuan... am I permitted to visit you yet?

...can I have a word with you?

Jacky is safe... for now. Although I dare not think about how the royal family will react to this... We are currently residing in Flanoir as I know it is a place she has wished to see for some time now. Staying in Meltokio was most certainly not an option.

The last time I came here... it was shortly after I had joined this community. I learned of world-hopping and found myself back in this world for the Winter Solstice. Back then, I thought I would never leave Derris-Kharlan. I had resigned myself to my fate, to stay alone on that desolate planet, never to see those I had left behind again. I know things have not always been good here, but in a way I owe this community and the people on it for reuniting me with my son again... and for also allowing me to meet others from other worlds of whom I also regard with much importance.

Even though I may have lost Yuan in the process...

Thank you.

[Locked to Jacky]
We need to talk.
[/locked]

[Locked to Shuraiya]
...I suppose I should thank you for your help.
[/locked]

(OOC: The arrest plot is supposedly over now since Halloween virus is tomorrow, but we can still backdate stuff if anyone wants to do a RL~ Basically, I think we're assuming Zelos talked to the King but it didn't work, so Shuraiya and Kratos sneaked in and got Jacky out... somehow. Then they made their way to Flanoir. :3 Also strikes are hackable.)

I told her not to try anything... and now this? I should never have let her go out there on her own. I should have known that she would be tempted by something like that...

Jacky... tried to break into Castle Tethe'alla on her own. I don't know of any other details but I do know she has been arrested.

I need to get her out of there.

(OOC: Okay so... we haven't actually planned this and we're kind of just making it up as we go along, but basically Jacky's been arrested and taken to the dungeons of Castle Tethe'alla in Meltokio. Shuraiya, feel free to use this post to discuss how we're getting her out of there and get them talking, and Zelos if you want to intercept at all or just comment on anything go ahead! :3 Everyone else, comment away~ XD)

...Shuraiya? Jacky wishes for me to speak with you.

Aside from being inflicted by the recent virus, it has been far too quiet here recently. I should preoccupy myself with something before I find myself dwelling on things I would rather not think about right now.

Still, I am glad he woke up if only for a short time. It is the first important step to his recovery.

...Setsuna? There is something I wish to ask you, if you have a moment.

As for the rest of you... is there anything going on that you feel I should know about?

(OOC: Off hiatus now so I'm catching up~ 'the rest of you' = friends but yeah, he's not naming people. XD; A-also apologies if his voice is a little off, I need to get back into things again. ._.)

...just when I thought these viruses couldn't get any more ridiculous.

No one is to visit me for the duration of this virus and I will not be able to see any of you either.

I don't think I can face them like this. Least of all her.

(OOC: Have a female Kratos. And yes he...she has locked herself away at this point. >.>)

I almost went too far this time...

I hope it was enough to save him.

(Referring to this which is still ongoing. Kratos ended up passing out next to Yuan after the mana transfer.)

Kratos was waiting outside the Renegade Base in the Triet Desert, scanning the area for any sign of his son's arrival. He had had to be careful not to worry Jacky, and to make sure she wouldn't accidently overhear anything that was said. He knew how much she hated it when he disappeared without saying anything, and so he had merely told her he was going for a walk alone. He had done so many times before and she hadn't questioned it. There was no doubt he was still worrying her, and this hurt him, but she would always respect his privacy regardless. He hoped all this worry would be worth it in the end. This was between himself and Lloyd, and whatever conclusion he came to, Jacky would know what had been on his mind soon enough anyway. This was a decision that only he could make, but it was also a decision that would affect Lloyd and he deserved to know what his father was planning.

As he waited, he couldn't help but feel nervous about what was to come. This was a huge decision, and one that he had thought on for a long time now. Especially after he had spoken with Anna's spirit... Lloyd was just as important in this though, and if he didn't approve he would not go against his son's wishes whatever his own personal feelings were. He had to put Lloyd first.

(OOC: Take it at your own pace, I just wanted to get it up~ X3)