Lookies, lookies! It's Kratos/Lloyd! XD

Alright, first things first. I know I'm probably going to get a lot of negative comments based on my choice of pairing… And I just want to say right off the bat that I have finished the game and I do know what Kratos and Lloyd are. So please… refrain from telling me again and again.

Anyway…

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia or any of the characters. (Meh, too tired to be making up creative disclaimers.)

Warning: The… even-numbered chapters have spoilers. ::sweatdrop:: Ood-numbered chapters are Lloyd's POV, even numbered chapters are Kratos's POV. So as long as you're at the Triet Ruins area, waaaaay in the beginning of the game, you're safe. And, um, there's shounen-ai, with Kratos/Lloyd. Most people probably don't like this pairing, but… ::shrugs::

Soooooo, on to the fic!

--------------

Chapter One – I'll Prove My Worth!

I first met you at the Martel Temple in Iselia. You came as a saving knight, with your shining armor over your mantle of nobility, brandishing your flaming sword that sliced through enemy ranks like a knife through butter.

…What a joke.

You were no knight, but an arrogant, self-proclaimed hero. We needed no cavalier, charging to our rescue. We needed no savior, entwined in sword and sorcery. We were fine. Really. We did not need your help. Colette and Genis and me.. We would have been fine on our own. We would, we would!

…And if I said that enough times, perhaps I would believe it.

What? Why are you looking at me? Are you gloating inside? Are you mocking me silently, laughing at my weakness, at how you had to save me again? Mark my words, Kratos, I'll defeat you someday. There will be a time when you will ask me to save you instead. But not just yet. I can bide my time.

"It looks like you're working hard."

I looked up, surprised. There was no malice in your voice, no hint of scorn. Why? Wasn't it you who told me before, back in Iselia, that I would only get in your way? Have you reconsidered? Have you reassessed my strength? But that is not our topic of discussion.

I softened my voice, bit back would-be-harsh words. "Yeah… I guess…"

"Raine should be pleased."

I glanced up from my work on the Professor's Key Crest to peer at you, your face glowing softly in the flickering flames of my candles. Your expression was faintly pleasant, though no smile touched your lips. Why don't you smile? But… I suppose, like this, you were already displaying contentment. It would not be like you to smile too broadly.

I noticed now that I have not yet responded to you. You stared at me questioningly, your eyes seeming to glow a deep garnet in the scarlet flames. I laughed somewhat nervously. "Eh-heh… Thanks… I guess it's nowhere near as good as one that Dad could make, but it'll work for the Professor's Exsphere."

You nodded, your eyes at a lazy half-mast, their light of fierce alertness betraying their seeming calm. What secrets are you hiding, Kratos? A lone mercenary with an Exsphere… Who are you? You did not answer my unspoken questions, as you lay back in your bed.

I returned to my work, trying to put you out of my mind, knowing that it was impossible. Why did I have to room with you, of all people? You, Mr. I-am-so-powerful; you, Mr. I-need-no-one-else. You irritate me… You intrigue me.

In any case, I could, for the moment, escape you as I deliver the Professor's fixed Key Crest. Your presence still permeated the room, still followed me; annoying, alien, captivating.

I climbed up the stairs, the completed Key Crest in my hands, and knocked on the Professor's door. Softly, she called for me to enter. Quietly shutting the heavy wooden door, I noticed that Genis is asleep. Poor little guy. It felt as if it was my fault, dragging him here. He did nothing wrong. He didn't deserve these harsh living conditions, these constant monster attacks… Though I don't doubt that he'll make it through. He's my best friend, after all. I trust in his abilities… and my own will to protect him should something threaten his safety.

"Professor Sage," I murmured softly, holding out her Key Crest. "I finished it."

A soft gasp announced her delight, bringing a smile to my lips. To see my friends happy… That is all I really wanted.

"Thank you, Lloyd."

I offered a grin, knowing I should not linger long. Though she kept a calm façade, I could tell that she was excited to study her new Exsphere, now that it was safe for her to do so. I tilted my head, watching Genis a moment more. In his slumber, he smiled, murmuring words almost too soft to hear.

"Best friends… forever… Lloyd…"

A smile touched my lips, as I answered back, knowing he could not hear. "Yes, Genis. Best friends forever."

When I pushed open the heavy wooden door, the Professor was already pouring her attention upon the new Exsphere, crooning to it as if it were an infant. I chuckled. That was the Professor, all right.

Something felt different as soon as I stepped out. Something was there…

…Something I had started to associate with your presence, identify as your aura.

As I expected, you were there, heading outside. Where are you going, so mysteriously, in the night? My curiosity would not still, and I followed you, hoping that you would not notice. Perhaps you are not as intimidating as you were during our first meting, but you still hold power I dare not even dream of yet. Who can tell how you might be if you become angry…?

Words greeted me when I stepped out the inn's door, and it took a moment to realize they were not meant for me. You were there, your back to me, talking to… Noishe? This scene confuses me. Noishe hates strangers. For him to respond thus to you…

Who are you, Kratos?

And deep in my mind, somewhere, I wonder if I really want to know the answer…

I took a step closer, intending to talk to you. "Hey…"

Before I got more than a word out, you spun, sword pointed at my throat. You… did that… in that split second… I can never compare, can I…?

"Oh…" I couldn't tell if you were upset or disappointed; you certainly didn't seem happy to see me there. And yet, you put your sword away, turning towards me with a visage cleared of all the annoyance of days past. "It's you, Lloyd."

I nodded, unsure of what to say, letting out whatever came first to my mind. "So, do you like animals?"

"Hmmm?" You seemed almost surprised that I would ask such a thing. "No, not really. Why?"

I frowned. Now that was strange. "Well, you seem to be getting along really well with Noishe, and he usually doesn't like strangers."

"Doesn't like" was an understatement. And yet, he greeted you like an old friend.

You shrugged, placing the matters behind you. I did not pry. We all have our share of secrets, I'm sure, perhaps some more than others.

For a long time, we stood there in silence, my eyes straying to the clear sky above us, dark velvet sprinkled with winking stars. I like the stars, always did. They're beautiful, and they remind me of… my real Dad…

I was the first to break the silence, voicing a question I had long wondered. "Do you remember how, in Iselia, you said I was just going to be a burden if I came along?"

Your nod was barely perceptible.

I continued, coming to my real question. "Am I still a burden?"

You appeared perfectly calm and at ease, as if you expected such out of me. Did you? Or does your mask of tranquility never slip?

If you had known the answer already, you certainly took a while to give it. "…No. You did admirably in the battle against Botta. With training, you would become even better."

I cannot say that I was not shocked. You… complimented me!

Your next words brought me back to Sylvarant. "However, your technique is unrefined right now. You need more practice and a better teacher."

"You…!" I glared, to no avail. You merely fixed those impassive ruby eyes upon me, and I could do nothing. You always seem to have this… type of effect on me…

"Do not get angry, Lloyd."

Hmph. Easy for you to say, Mr. Calm.

"Anger will only weaken you. Focus on what you need to improve, and remove your weaknesses. Only then will you become a true fighter."

It made sense. Everything you say makes sense, and yet… I could not help but feel reproachful. After all, you're only a few years older than me, aren't you? How could you act so self-righteous, so… sure… of everything? How could you tell me what to do?

"Come." You did not even give me a chance to answer. "We should get some sleep. You have a long journey ahead of you. I would rather you not be so tired. Tomorrow… we head for the Triet Ruins and the Fire Temple."

Already on my way back to our room, I froze in my tracks at your comment. Your voice held… concern. Why? Why would you care how much sleep I got? Why would you care if I were to get tired? And yet, you said it so naturally, as if… it was just something to take in stride…

I shook my head, clearing my thoughts, though the confusion could not so easily be shaken away. You befuddle me with every passing word, every new gesture. Without meaning to, without knowing it, I realize that I am twirled around your little finger…

Do I mind?

…I seriously can't answer.

-----------------

To Be Continued…

-----------------

And once again, I just want to remind everyone that I do, in fact, know what Kratos and Lloyd are, and don't need to be told about it. I'm sorry if that sounds rude; it was not meant to be. But… yes… please, I don't need to hear "Did you know that Kratos and Lloyd are (not put in for readers' benefits)?" a few million times. .