A/N: I am suffering insane writer's block with my other stories so I'm giving up on them for a little while and working on this. I've wanted to write a Kranna fanfic for a while. So here it is, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia (ha ha, I forgot this so I had to load the fic all over again…)
Angel's Meeting
The girl raced through the undergrowth panting heavily and praying she could outrun her pursuers. The men were advancing on her and things didn't look good. She clutched at a dagger she'd managed to steal from the base. It looked like she might have to use it. She had no idea how many men were after her. All she knew was that they outnumbered her and were all highly trained with their weapons.
Kratos swore furiously. That was it. He couldn't work for him anymore. Not after that. An age of lifeless beings? Yuan was right. He was beyond insane and they couldn't work for him forever. He stormed down the road dressed in a purple traveling outfit and a green and white protozoan at his heels. His transparent, aqua wings flutterred angrily behind. He came to a fork in the road. One path led to Lake Umacy, the other to Luin. Without much contemplation Kratos took the path to Luin.
Having to sacrifice a chosen was bad enough, but this. This is insanity, Kratos thought bitterly. He continued to fume inwardly at the boy until the protozoan stopped abruptly, and turned his head to nearby grove of trees.
"What is it, Noishe?" Kratos asked turning to look at the dog-like creature. Suddenly a bloodcurdling scream emitted from the grove. Without thinking Kratos darted towards the sound leaving Noishe to catch up with him.
He burst into a clearing to find a Desian clutching a girl's wrist. Many other Desians were surrounding the clearing. All stopped and stared at Kratos. Damn, he thought. He'd forgotten to put away his wings, but there was no time to do so now. Some of the Desians were recovering from their shock and were advancing on him.
Kratos drew his sword and lunged at his attackers. The first Desian fell with a scream of pain. He took care of the second and third before they had time to move. The others fell just as quickly. Finally the only one left was the Desian that held the girl prisoner. Kratos fell him with the same ease as his companions and sheathed his sword.
"Are you okay?" He asked the girl with a slight flutter of his wings.
"Holy Martel," She breathed in reply before falling into a dead faint. Catching her, he lowered her gently to the ground, shooting a bitter look at his wings. He withdrew them, examining the girl he'd just rescued. She wore the plain brown dress of the human ranch prisoners and appeared malnutritioned. Cuts and bruises spotted her arms and legs. Upon her chest he noticed a blue gem glittering in the sunlight.
"An exsphere," he murmured as Noishe cantered through the woods from direction Kratos had come. He approached Kratos and the girl.
"So you finally decided to show up," he joked scratching the protozoan behind his large ears. Noishe wandered over to the girl and began licking her face in attempts to rouse her.
"She won't wake up that way," he told the protozoan with some amusement in his voice, "We'd best get her to a proper healer. I won't be able to do much for her and Luin's not far." Noishe yapped in agreement and headed towards the town. Kratos sighed lifting the girl into his arms and followed the dog-like creature.
He looked down at the girl's face. Her long dark brown hair draped itself around her face. Her skin was pale and dusted with a few freckles. Her nose was slightly long and her lips were a pale red. She's not extraordinarily pretty, but she's not bad looking, a bit plain maybe, Kratos found himself thinking.
The walk to Luin was short, but the problem arose when Kratos realized he'd have to find a healer who didn't work for the church of Martel. After his performance in front of Mithos when told about the age of lifeless beings Mithos would surely have sent all of Cruxis to look for him. And the first place his men would be sent was every church on Sylvarant. He carried the girl into the inn, Noishe waited outside.
"Excuse me," he said to the receptionist, "do you have any independent healers here?"
"Yes sir, there's a half-elf who lives on the other side of town who runs his own business. Would you like me to draw you a map?" replied the receptionist, taking in Kratos and the girl he was carrying.
"That'd be fine, thanks," he said as the receptionist began drawing a crude map on a scrap piece of paper.
"Here you go, sir," she said handing Kratos the map. He took the map with some difficulty, thanked the receptionist and exited the inn. He turned to Noishe who was sitting by the door.
"Do you think you could carry her to the healer?" Kratos asked the protozoan. Noishe barked happily rising so the girl could be given to him. After some adjusting Kratos finally managed to balance her. He pulled out the map keeping one hand on the girl's back so as she didn't fall off.
The healer was indeed on the other side of town. After much searching and wandering up streets and alleyways he finally found a building bearing a wooden sign hanging above the doorway proclaiming it to be 'Heimdall: Independent Healers' The sign struck him as odd, but it look like he didn't have much of a choice. He pocketed the map then gently lifted the girl from the protozoan's back and carried her into the building.
They were greeted by a young man. He couldn't have been older than twenty-seven. He wore plain brown pants and a white shirt that was covered by a green vest. His hair was a bubblegum pink and he looked more elf than half-elf.
"Welcome, I'm Alden, how might I be of service?" He inquired politely.
"I think that'd be obvious," Kratos said coolly gesturing to the girl.
"Yes, sorry, sometimes manners conflict with common sense. Well anyway follow me and we'll take her upstairs," the half-elf said with some embarrassment. Kratos followed Alden to an empty room. In the middle stood a bed adorned with green sheets and pillows. The same earthy color was used for the walls and curtains. The rug that covered most of the floor was a green and beige pattern. A matching sofa stood opposite the bed and a chair rested next to the bed. A set of French doors opened onto a small balcony that overlooked the streets. A brick fireplace rested on the southern wall and a small table scattered with potions was erected near the bed.
Alden gestured to the bed and began rummaging through potions. Kratos laid the girl on top of the blankets then retreated to the sofa while the half-elf worked.
"So," Kratos began making a stab at conversation, "Heimdall, that's an unusual name. Is it a family name?" Alden shook his head.
"No, my father is an elf and when I was a child he used to tell me stories about a city of elves that existed during the Kharlan War."
"I see." There was once again silence between them. After another fifteen minutes of so Alden broke the silence.
"She'll be fine now. She just needs to rest now."
"That's good to hear," Kratos replied not really sure what else to say.
"I never asked for her name, nor yours for that matter."
"I'm sorry, I'm Kratos, and to be honest I don't know the girl's name either. She passed out before I had the chance to ask."
"Holy Martel. What happened?"
"She was being pursued. I rescued her and then she fainted, exhaustion, I think," Kratos retold simply.
"I see, Desians?"
"Yes."
"Bastards," Alden muttered, "do you know how many people they take to those Martel forsaken ranches?"
"Too many," Kratos replied. He felt slightly guilty for Mithos's irresponsible actions.
"Yes, well nothing we can do about it 'til the next Chosen is born."
"I suppose," Kratos said, the feeling of guilt intensifying.
"Yes, well, your err... dog is outside," He said trying to find a word for Noishe, "Shall I let him in?"
"Yes, please," Kratos muttered. Noishe was let into the room and bounded to Kratos's side and lay down on the floor beside him.
"Let me know if you need anything. I'll be downstairs finishing some work," Alden informed him. Kratos nodded in reply settling himself more comfortably on the sofa.
Hours passed with Kratos dozing on the couch keeping half an eye on the unconscious girl. It was very late, long past midnight. Alden had gone to bed hours before when finally the girl stirred. Kratos brought himself to full awareness watching the girl with interest as she rubbed her eyes and yawned. She sat up in bed looking around the room.
Where on Sylvarant am I? she thought trying to remember how she'd gotten there. Her eyes rested on Kratos and a large-eared animal at his feet. She gasped. It was the man from earlier. But it can't be, that man had wings... She was startled slightly when he spoke.
"How are you feeling?" he asked in the same voice the winged man had used. Maybe I imagined the wings...
"N-not bad..." she said nervously, "How did I get here? Who are you?"
"I am Kratos, as to how you got here you were being chased by Desians. I rescued you and then you passed out. Perhaps from exhaustion? Nonetheless I carried you here," he repeated his story.
"Yes perhaps," she said softly leaning back against the pillows. After some moments of deep thought she asked slowly, "Where exactly is 'here'?"
"Heimdall: Independent Healers in..."
"We're in Luin!" exclaimed the girl cutting him off.
"Yes, you are familiar with the town?"
"Familiar? I grew up here!" she exclaimed excitedly grinning broadly, her eyes dancing. Kratos was slightly taken aback. All of a sudden this plain girl had become very stunning. Her dazzling green eyes were nearly enough to make him want to smile with her.
"I see, well miss, I suggest you get some sleep and we can talk things over in the morning."
"Anna," she told him firmly, "my name is Anna."
"All right, Anna, I apologize, but I'm going to have to sleep in here. You don't mind do you?"
"Not at all."
"Well then, good night."
The next morning Kratos rose to find Anna wasn't in bed; however, on closer inspection he found her leaning on the balcony railing staring dreamily out at the city.
"Good morning," he greeted her so as not to startle her as he approached from behind.
"Good morning," she returned, turning to smile at him. Kratos felt slightly awkward. He hadn't had a conversation with a woman in years.
"I take it you had a good sleep?"
"Yes, thank you," she replied turning back to gaze upon the town. Kratos didn't know what to say next. He wanted to inquire about her business with the Desians, but felt that might be a bit tactless. They stood in silence for a few moments before Anna said quietly, "I should probably thank you for saving me. If it wasn't for you I'd probably be dead right now."
"Don't worry about it. It was nothing." -another pause- "So, where are you headed to now?"
"Well, my original plan was to head to Luin, So now that you've already brought me here I'd quite like to find out what's become of my parents..."
"Not like that you're not," Kratos informed her, gesturing to her prisoner's attire, "if the Desians are still looking for you you'll stick out like a sore thumb, and I can't imagine those being comfortable. So as soon as Alden gives you the okay to leave we'll go buy you some traveling clothes."
"Alden?"
"Yes, the healer. I don't suppose you've had anything to eat."
"No, I am quite hungry," she admitted.
Kratos had never seen anyone eat like Anna did that breakfast. He and Alden watched as she downed third and fourth helpings. Poor girl, Kratos thought. Alden chuckled, "If you keep eating like that you'll be back to full health in no time." Anna gave an apologetic grin and continued with her meal.
"Alden, I don't suppose you would mind if we stayed here another night or so? It's just that I'm sure the inns will be one of the first places they look for her if they intend on recapturing her."
"Of course you can stay," Alden said wrenching his gaze from Anna.
"Thank you, now Anna, when you've finished I suggest we go shopping for new clothes for you."
"Yes, but unfortunately I don't have any money," Anna said quietly.
"That's not a problem, I've got plenty of gald. You can just pay me back as soon as you get some money."
"I'm sorry for all of this trouble," Anna said placing her knife and fork on her plate.
"Really it's no trouble," he told her. Anna stood and turned to Alden saying politely, "Please excuse me for a minute," Then to Kratos, "I'm going to clean myself up a bit then I'll be right down." Kratos watched her leave then handed a bag of gald to Alden.
"There's your payment for last night and tonight, if she or I decide to stay longer I'll pay you then. Please don't tell Anna I'm doing this."
"Don't worry," Alden assured him taking the bag of money, "I won't."
Anna entered the room just moments after the gald disappeared into Alden's pocket. Kratos stared at her. Shed braided her hair, letting the plait hang over her left shoulder.
"Was that really necessary?" He asked trying to hide the fact that he thought she looked very nice.
"Yes, it was," she said defiantly, "When I lived here I always wore my hair braided. I'll have a better chance of people recognizing me if I do this."
"I see, well, let's get going. Alden, we'll see you later." Alden nodded then disappeared into his study.
Kratos and Anna stepped out into the streets of Luin with Noishe at their heels, trying to ignore the whispers and stares of passers by. What an odd group we must seem, Kratos thought, A girl in a human ranch uniform, a protozoan, and me.
Anna led the way to a shop she knew well. It was of average size and the inscription 'Carol's Travel Gear' could be read on a plaque by the door.
"Carol's? This used to be June's," Anna murmured, "I guess a lot can change in seven years."
"Seven years?" Kratos asked in a somewhat startled voice.
"Yes, I was eighteen when I was taken to the ranch," she told him sadly.
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," she sighed pushing open the door. Kratos entered behind her leaving Noishe outside. Anna approached the counter.
"Excuse me, I'd like to purchase one of your outfits," she informed the plump blonde woman behind the counter.
"Of course, right this way," she led Anna behind the counter and through a door way then glancing back at Kratos, inquired, "Can I help you, sir?"
"Um, no I'm with her."
"Very well then," she bustled off into the room after Anna.
After several minutes Anna and the shop attendant returned. Anna was looking especially pretty in a long brown peasant skirt, a half-length sleeve shirt, and a pair of shin length traveling boots that disappeared under the skirt.
"You look, err, nice," Kratos said uncomfortably.
"Thanks," she replied blushing slightly.
They paid for the clothes and left the store, Anna smiling broadly. They strolled up and down the streets, Anna pointing out places she remembered.
"And that's the bakery that burned down years ago, I see they've rebuilt it," Anna informed him pointing to a new looking building then continued, "and that's..." She was cut off by a shout from the crowd.
"Kratos!" the voice called out. Kratos turned to see a blue haired half-elf approaching him.
"Kratos! Thank the gods I found you first!"
"Yuan? What are you talking about?"
"Mithos, he's really upset. He..." Yuan broke off seeing Anna, "And exactly who the Hell is she?"
"This is Anna... my friend," Kratos told him giving Anna an apologetic look. Yuan raised his eyebrows.
"Really?" he asked skeptically, "Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Anna." He kissed her hand causing Anna to blush. She looked confusedly from Yuan to Kratos.
"This is Yuan, an old friend of mine," Kratos explained.
"I see..."
"Now Yuan, what were you going to say?" Yuan looked around cautiously
"It might not be safe to talk here. Do you know any where we could talk privately?"
"I'm sure Alden wouldn't mind, I'm sorry, Anna, but it I think it'd be best to finish our tour tomorrow."
"Oh, well that's okay..." The two men started off in the direction of Alden's place, Anna at their heels and Noishe trotting happily beside Yuan. Anna listened quietly as Kratos and Yuan flamed the irrational ideas of someone named 'Mithos'. She didn't really understand what they were talking about, but it made her feel uneasy.
They entered Heimdall: Independent Healers. Alden was sitting behind a desk filling out some sort of form. He looked up to greet his guests.
"I'm really sorry Alden, but we're going to have to borrow one of your rooms," Kratos said quickly, "Anna, if you don't mind we'd like to be alone."
"Okay," she said warily and ascended the stairs to the room she'd occupied the night before. Kratos turned to Alden.
"I'll through in some extra gald, I feel like an intruder."
"Don't worry about it. Here you can use this room." Kratos and Yuan were ushered into a very blue room. The walls were a royal blue, the rug was blue and gold. A fireplace stood on the southern wall, adorned with blue candles. A long table stood in the center of the room was draped with a blue table cloth. Alden left them to return to his paper work while Yuan took a seat at the table, Kratos followed suit.
"Heimdall: Independent Healers?" Yuan asked with emphasis on the first word. Kratos nodded.
"Don't worry, he just knows it through legend."
"I see, and Anna? She has an exsphere, and that's not a normal exsphere."
"I know," Kratos muttered, "It's not a Cruxis Crystal either. No doubt the Desians will want it back."
"She's not a Desian, is she?" Kratos shook his head.
"No, she's an escaped prisoner, I rescued her from the guards after she'd escaped."
"Well, you might want to keep her with you. I don't think we want Mithos or the Desians to get a hold of it. Be careful, Kratos. Mithos isn't exactly happy with you. He sent out all sorts of beings to find you. Mostly to churches and Houses of Salvation. I told him you were too smart to stay at an inn and not to bother stationing people there, I see I was right."
"Not exactly, if it weren't for Anna I'd be at an inn now. She wasn't exactly in good condition when I found her."
"I see, well its safe to stay in inns for now. Just stay away from anything run by the church of Martel."
"I figured as much. Does he have people all over Sylvarant?"
"Yes, and Tethe'alla. He sent me to search for you, but I won't turn you in, you never know when I might need you to return the favor." Yuan winked at him and rose from his seat, "Well I must go and report my unsuccessful search to Mithos. I'll check up on you later." Kratos stood to see Yuan off then wandered over to Alden who was still working at his desk.
"I'm sorry for all the trouble we've caused you. We'll probably only stay for two more nights."
"We? I thought you and Anna only just met."
"Yes, but I feel somewhat responsible for her. I doubt she'd last very long left alone with the Desians after her."
"I suppose not," Alden agreed, shooting a glance up the stairs.
A/N: Wooo! you made it through the first chapter! Please R&R! I'm working on ch. 2 and I hope it will be out shortly.