Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia. If I did, you wouldn't be able to choose who it was during the Heimdall and Flanoir scene, (it'd be Regal every time) and you could have both Kratos and Zelos in your party. Colette wouldn't be so possessive, and Sheena would be overprotective of Lloyd.

"But, milady, you're nearly twenty! Isn't it time…?"

"No! It isn't!"

"But, surely, you must've met someone who fits the bill for this occasion!"

Hesitance. "…W-well, so what if I have! He's too busy to come!"

"Ah, I knew it! Then, how about that Mr. Wilder? He's dreamy as can be, and you know he has his eyes on you!"

"I'm never going to consider him, or whoever you think it is! Now, get out!"

"B-but, Miss Fujibayashi…"

"I said, leave!"

Sheena huffed, barely containing in her anger. She didn't know what had brought the citizen to bring up such a topic, but Lloyd was way too busy with Regal collecting Exspheres. It was for the good of the world, after all.

Maybe I've been acting too much on my pure emotions lately, she realized with a start. Maybe I should stop making such rash decisions for the people of Mizuho and start thinking! Gah, Sheena, you idiot! Don't get distracted nearly so much!

She sighed and let her gaze drift to out the window. Lloyd… Where was he? Despite having assigned the returned Kuchinawa to keep "tabs" on him, she had doubts, though not as strongly as the rest of Mizuho's. Had Kuchinawa actually remembered to stay out of sight? Had Lloyd found out about him yet? Why hadn't he sent word on Lloyd's progress yet?

"Chief."

She started and turned around. Almost as if she had wished it, Kuchinawa had presented himself. "Kuchinawa," she acknowledged with a nod. "What news do you bring?"

Man, she hated this formal talk…

"Sir Irving and Sir Bryant"—that's right; Lloyd's a lord now—"have been gradually climbing north through the Heimdall-Palmacosta area. At an estimate, they will have reached Mizuho in about six months if they continue at this pace."

Six months… Could she wait that long? Sheena grimaced and nodded again. "Very well. Continue your observations."

There was a short pause. She raised an eyebrow. Hadn't he left yet? "If it's not too bold to say," Kuchinawa smirked, though you could barely tell beneath the brick red bandana around his mouth, "I very much envy your love."

Sheena flustered. "I… I… I!" You're the chief! Don't act so embarrassed!

But Kuchinawa already figured it out. "Do not be ashamed, Sheena. You should admit it to him soon, though, because I do not wish for you to let his heart be held by someone else's, like I let my woman's…"

Before Sheena could respond, he vanished in a puff of smoke. Sighing, she left the building.

"Sheena?" Orochi. "You… probably should stay inside the village for now."

"Just going for a walk." So many excuses.

She just wanted to sort out her feelings. Kuchinawa definitely implied something, and though she would never return his feelings, she felt sorry for him. Oh, if Colette had took Lloyd's love when she had the opportunity, Sheena wouldn't be able to take it. But after she announced herself in love with Zelos (though�Sheena could never figure out what that girl saw in him), Lloyd moved on. He didn't blame anyone. He simply… moved on.

"Oh, how I would love to spend this night

With you

And how it would pleasure me so

If you remained with me

Why you left and why you cry

So hard in the middle of the night

Is still a mystery to me

But remember this one thing:

I'll always be there for you"

She could almost feel her beloved walking beside her, hand in hand, joining along in the song.

"Baby, don't worry

I'm still here with you

I know it hurts you

To see life reject us like it does

I don't understand why you

Think like you do

I'll be back, just you wait

Be a bit more patient, and

Stop worrying, luv"

Sheena turned. Lloyd smiled back at her, his face so full of emotion. Was this a dream? The innocence in his aura told her to sing along with him.

"And though the nights seem long

The days longer still

But baby, keep your chin held high

And your smile everlasting

Just keep these words afresh in your mind:

'We will meet up again'"

Sheena felt hot tears stream from her eyes. Now that she had confirmed it being a dream, she theorized that she would admit everything to Lloyd. It didn't matter anymore. He needed to know, and even if he didn't know in reality, it would be okay.

"Don't tell me to wait any longer

I've heard all that before

I just want you by my side

To hear you whisper 'I love you'

Is that too much to ask for?"

Lloyd pulled her into an embrace. Sheena couldn't bear it. This dream was all too lifelike. If only he would act like this in front of her…

"I promise you won't have to

And you'll never have to hear it again

I just want you by my side

To hear you whisper 'I do'

And let those wedding bells ring, ring, ring"

Unison. "And though the nights seem long

The days longer still

But baby, keep your chin held high

And your smile everlasting

Just keep these words afresh in your mind:

'We will meet up again'

Remember how long the days are

(Longer hours, still…)

Remember your smile

(Everlasting grace…)

Remember the promise we made together

(Don't forget it, ever)

Remember that day

Remember it well

Never forget

Life moves on

Just remember it"

Sheena gazed up. "Lloyd, will you come to me?"

His eyes shown as he answered. "I will."

"Chief!"

Sheena started and turned around. Kuchinawa stood in front of her, the bright morning light making him seem like an angel.

Wait—morning? Oh, yes, of course, that was a dream.

"What brings you so early before your next report, Kuchinawa?"

"I have excellent news!" Kuchinawa's message would make him seem like a messenger from heaven. "Sirs Irving and Bryant have increased their pace overnight. At this rate, they will be here by your twentieth birthday!"

Three months. Sheena held a hand over your heart. "Are-are you sure?"

"Absolutely! I triple-checked before I informed you!" Kuchinawa's exuberant grin was obvious, despite his mask.

Sheena reflected his face and hugged him. "Kuchinawa, words can't express how happy I am!" Quickly releasing him, she raced him back to the village, and pouted when she found he had poofed there. She felt like a child again. Her happiness radiated through the village like the sun.

This was a very glorious day, indeed.