O.o OMG. n.n; Now that I got that off my chest, I'll start.
Anyways, I was playing Tales of Symphonia, and got to the part where we go to save Chocolat from the Palmacosta ranch…That is the Palmacosta ranch, right? And after I finished the whole game, I thought that Chocolat and Lloyd would get along nicely after she got over the whole Marble thing. And somehow, I thought of this. I kinda like the pairing. Not as much as I like ZelosxLloyd, though. x.x
Well…Uh... I don't own Tales of Symphonia.
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It had been three years since the Tree of Mana had been revived. (I think I know the Tree's name… But I won't say it here, in case no one else does. ) Three years since Sylvarant and Tethe'Alla had been reunited. Three years since Chocolate had last seen her mother.
After she had been rescued from the Iselia Ranch, Chocolat stayed in Iselia. For weeks Chocolat and many other people that escaped the ranch stayed at the school. Of course, much to the children's "dismay", school was canceled until a plan was figured out. The townspeople complained about their children missing the opportunity of education, so they started to make houses, and shared their homes until the houses were done. Later on in the year, all the houses were made for the new townspeople to live in. Those that were brave enough to face the monsters left Iselia long ago and back to their hometowns.
Since Iselia's population rose, more jobs were needed. Some people helped out at Halo, while others worked as assistants at the school. Some even opened up their own businesses, such as restaurants, pastry shops, and small clothing shops. Chocolat moved into the former mayor's home. (The Mayor disappeared after the townspeople rebelled against him. There were rumours that he was killed by a monster. It was later revealed that he committed suicide.) When she had heard that Palmacosta was almost finished being rebuilt, Chocolat immediately packed her things, and made her way to Izoold.
After she had been rescued from the ranch, Chocolat immediately wanted to go home. A girl that was around her age gently broke the news to her. Palmacosta had been destroyed, and that she should wait until the city had been rebuilt again.
'Mom… I can't wait to see you!' Chocolat thought. She leaned against the railing of the tiny ship, and looked out at the deep blue.
Chocolat, being the very determined young woman she was, persuaded Max to take her to Palmacosta. With the help of Lyla, of course.
"WHAT?! You won't take me?!"
"The sea is still dangerous. I'm not risking my life."
"But I'll pay you!"
"Nothing doing."
"What's going on?"
"He won't take me to Palmacosta! Because he's too chicken!"
"What?! I never said that! I am NOT chicken!"
"Yes you are! You wouldn't even deliver my letter because 'the sea is too dangerous'! You call yourself a fisherman?"
"That's a different story! I-"
"CHICKEN!!"
"Argh!! Fine! Get your things! I'll take you to Palmacosta!"
"Y'see? That's how you handle a man. ♥"
Chocolat giggled, glancing at Max. Despite the rough start, Chocolat and Max got along well. She thought of him as an older brother that she never had.
'So here I am! We'll be together again, mom!'
Over the years, Chocolat had not changed very much. Her brown hair was still tied back into a ponytail, but it now reached a little past her shoulders. She still wore a brown vest over her yellow (?) dress. The pink bandana that she wore around her neck in the past was no longer apart of her wardrobe. In place of the bandana was a silver locket.
Chocolat played with the locket, a soft smile forming on her face. Her fingers traced the designs on the locket softly, a smile still on her face. She opened the locket and a giggle escaped from her lips.
The picture inside was a little old, but she loved it nonetheless. It was taken in Palmacosta, of course. Besides herself, her family had not been outside of Palmacosta. The picture included Chocolat, Cocao, and Marble. In the background, a brand new looking Marble's Shop stood proudly.
Chocolat's mother, Cocao, had her hand on her daughter's shoulder, smiling happily. Chocolat thought her mother looked younger when she smiled. Sadly, her mother didn't smile as much after her husband died. Cocao's smile in the picture looked stifled, as if she was trying to hold back laughter.
Marble stood on the right side of Chocolat, smiling kindly. She did not wear the outfit she was forced to wear at the Iselia ranch, but she wore a light blue dress with a plain white apron over it. Marble's eyes shone with love and kindness. She always liked her grandma's eyes.
Then there was Chocolat. She looked a bit embarrassed, her cheeks flushed. Chocolat giggled, remembering that day. She had tripped over a laundry basket, causing a few stares from passersby's and snickers from her mom and a little boy. Despite being embarrassed, Chocolat grinned. She was leaning a bit close to the camera, since the person taking the picture was a small boy. She made a peace sign with her left hand, while her free hand was behind her back.
"Hey, girl."
A startled gasp escaped from her lips, earning a smirk from Max. She turned to look at him, glaring sheepishly.
"We're here." He said simply, stretching his arms.
"First of all, the name is Chocolat. Not 'girl'." She huffed, glaring slightly. The pout that formed on her face quickly turned into a grateful. "And thanks for the ride!"
Max smiled, giving her a thumbs up.
"Not a problem." He replied. "Not get outta here!"
Chocolat grinned, running off to find her mom.
Palmacosta looked so different from what she was used to. It wasn't as crowded as it was in the past, and some buildings were still being built. The shops, academy, church, and schools were in the same places, but they were built differently.
But she didn't care. She was back.
"Chocolat! It's you, isn't it?" A voice called out to her. The voice was so familiar she felt tears well up in her eyes. When she turned around, they fell down her happy face.
"Auntie Raymond!" Chocolat squealed happily, more tears running down her face. With that, she dropped her bags and ran into the older man's arms.
Raymond boomed with laughter, hugging and spinning the girl tightly.
"What did I tell you about calling me that?" He asked, mock seriousness in his voice. Chocolat looked up at him innocently.
Raymond was a close friend of her mother's. Chocolat had known him and his sisters since she was little. He jokingly told her to call his sisters Uncle Cynthia and Uncle Bridgette. Chocolat obediently called them that and continued to call them that after gaining a few laughs.
For revenge, Cynthia and Bridgette told young Chocolat to start calling their brother her Auntie.
"Chocolat, sweetie… Start calling him Auntie Raymond!" Bridgette told her in a low whisper, snickering. Cynthia heard, and laughed.
"Yes, yes… Call him Auntie Raymond!" Cynthia giggled, almost dropping her cards in the process. Cocao smiled, watching the whole scene.
Chocolat smiled innocently, and nodded rapidly.
"Okay!" She said, and sat next to Bridgette. Together, they all waited for Raymond to return from the bathroom.
For years, Chocolat continued to refer to them as her Auntie and Uncles.
"To call you that as much as I want?" She asked, smiling playfully. Raymond laughed, ruffling her hair.
"Watch yourself, Girlie." The man smiled, letting go of her. "Anyways, what are you doing here?"
"What do you mean 'what are you doing here'? I'm here to see my mom!" Chocolat giggled.
Raymond's smile disappeared. He looked at the still giggling girl sullenly, swallowing hard.
"Chocolat… No one has seen your mother for years."
Chocolat stopped giggling, but a smile still remained on her face.
"What are you talking about? Stop joking around!" Chocolat said, going into a fit of giggles again.
"Chocolat… I'm being serious."
"Please stop, Raymond…"
"Chocolat." Raymond gave her a look, and Chocolat instantly stopped laughing. Whenever he gave her that look, she knew he was being serious. He always gave her that look when she was taking something too far.
Her breathing became shaky, and her legs started to weaken. Her heart stopped for a second before she could hear it pounding in her ears. She swallowed hard, blinking back tears.
Chocolat turned away from him, and towards the direction of her home.
"Chocolat!" Raymond yelled, knowing that she wouldn't listen. She was just like her father when he was alive. She was stubborn, and would not listen until her point was proven right.
"No! You're lying! I know you are!" Chocolat screamed, running as fast as she can.
She stumbled across the small bridge. No matter how much she thrashed around, the tears that gathered in her eyes did not fall.
Clumsily, Chocolat fell to the ground. She let out a pained gasp, and rolled onto her back.
"Ow… My leg." She moaned, rubbing her leg. Chocolat remained in that position for a long time, rubbing her leg until she realized where she was.
She was in front of her house.
Chocolat let out a relieved laugh, slowly walking towards the house/shop.
'I knew it.' Chocolat thought, gingerly touching the wood that made the house. 'I knew he was lying. Right now he's probably coming to get me. I never knew he was such a good actor. Oh, he is going to.'
Her smile faded, and her thoughts were interrupted.
She knew he wasn't lying now. He was not joking around. No one really did see Cocao for a long time. There was even a sign to prove it…
Blue Bonnet's Bakery.
She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Chocolate let out a strangled sob, tears flowing down her face freely. Chocolat stood there for many minutes, not even noticing how cold the night air was.
She couldn't stand looking at the shop anymore. Chocolat quickly turned and collided into a strong chest.
"Oi! Watch where you're" Chocolat looked up at the person who was talking, his and her eyes widening.
"C-chocolat?" Lloyd asked softly, both worried and confused. Chocolat looking up at him, with tears running down her pretty face made him worry. But why she was crying in the first place confused him.
"Lloyd…!" Chocolat choked out quietly. More tears fell down her face, which caused her to look down in shame. Wordlessly, Lloyd wrapped his arms around her. Although Lloyd held the girl, his body was not close to hers. This problem was eliminated quickly, however.
Chocolat grabbed the fabric of his jacket, tugging him closer to her. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her sobbing never ending. Lloyd secured his arms around the slightly shorter girl.
The two remained in that position until Chocolat stopped crying completely. Lloyd managed to soothe her by calling her name, occasionally telling her "Don't cry", telling her it would be okay, making small circles on her back with his finger, and rocking back and forth with her. After she stopped crying, Lloyd sat her down on a nearby bench, and gave her a clean towel from his backpack.
Chocolat smiled gratefully, wiping her eyes with it. Lloyd nodded his head, understanding her smile and smiled back at her. Suddenly, Lloyd got up and walked off.
Chocolat blinked, feeling a little lonely after he left. She frowned slightly, holding the towel close to her chest. She sighed and looked down at her lap, missing his company.
A few minutes later, Lloyd came around the corner, holding two mugs, smiling at her.
"Here. It's hot chocolate." He said simply, handing it to her. He sat down next to her, looking at her.
"Thank you." She said hoarsely, taking the mug softly. Her throat hurt from crying, so the hot liquid felt nice.
Lloyd stared at her for awhile, before he started to drink his own hot chocolate. The two stayed quiet for awhile, until Chocolat turned to Lloyd.
"I'm sorry for clinging to you like that." Chocolate apologized, blushing sheepishly. "I even got your shirt wet…" Lloyd shook his head, and smiled softly.
"Don't worry about it." He said quietly, still smiling. "So, uh…Wanna tell me why you were crying?"
Chocolat looked at him sadly, and stared down at her drink, making Lloyd feel guilty.
'Well… He let me cry on his shoulder, and bought me a drink…I guess I can tell him.'
Chocolat looked up at him, staring into his eyes for a minute before she looked down again.
"I heard that Palmacosta was nearly finished being rebuilt… So I packed my things and came here…" Lloyd turned his full attention to her, sitting Indian style on the bench. "I thought I could go back to living my normal life again, and run the shop with my mom." Chocolat paused, burying her face in her hands.
"But there's no shop to run!" She said though her hands, starting to sob again. "My mom's not even here!"
Lloyd frowned, feeling a pang in his heart. He hated to see his friends sad, let alone crying.
"No one has seen her for three years… She might be dead!" Chocolat wailed, sobbing more.
"Don't say that."
Chocolat blinked, and looked up him. She blushed, finally realizing how cute Lloyd was.
He still wore the red jacket from three years ago, however this time it was cropped, and he wore a fitting black shirt under it. His suspenders were no longer apart of his outfit, but his belts still held up his black pants. His red gloves were obviously disposed of, revealing his exsphere.
His hair was still spiky, but he had some bangs that fell in front of his eyes a little. His hair also grew a little, so he had his hair tied into a low and barely noticeable ponytail.
His eyes were just plain brown, but the determination that burned inside made them enthralling. His lips looked soft and rough at the same time, and were turned into a cute frown.
"Lloyd…" Chocolat gasped softly, still staring at him.
"You don't know that your mom is dead. No one knows that, because there's no proof." He said firmly. "Are you just gonna give up? Cocao… Your mom could be out there somewhere, alive…looking for you!"
Chocolat sat up straight, turning to him completely.
"Lloyd… Even if it was easy as you make it sound, there are still monsters lurking about… I could get killed! And unlike you, I can't fight. And"
"That's what I'm saying." Lloyd replied, earning a confused look from Chocolat. "You can travel with me."
"What…?" She blinked, watching him get up and turn away from her.
"I've been on this journey for quite awhile now… And I've collected a lot of exspheres." He told her, his arms resting behind his head. "And I've got plenty of money for the both of us." Lloyd turned back to her, and grinned.
"I'll protect you no matter what- you won't have to fight!"
Chocolat blushed, looking away a bit.
"But… What about your journey?" She asked.
"I can put it aside to help look for your mom for a couple of months. Heck, I'll probably find some on the way." Lloyd replied, still grinning. "Besides, I won't mind the company."
Chocolat thought about it for a few moments. She was flattered that he would do all that for her, and she really wanted to go, so….
Chocolat got up from her seat, and returned the grin.
"Okay. I'll come." Chocolat smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Lloyd's grin widened.
"Great!" Lloyd exclaimed. "We'll leave tomorrow…. Okay?"
Chocolat giggled. He was as eager as a child that was waiting to open presents. She nodded, smiling at him. Lloyd smiled back at her, before he blinked.
"Are you going to sleep with me tonight?" He asked, looking at her.
"W-what?" She sputtered, looking embarrassed.
"Y'know… In the hotel? Are you going to stay?"
"Oh." Chocolat said, feeling stupid. "Ah, no. I'll stay at my auntie's tonight."
Lloyd nodded. "Cool! I can't wait to meet her." He said, grinning. Chocolat laughed, earning a confused look from her spiky haired friend.
"What's so funny?" Lloyd asked, blinking. After recovering, Chocolat smiled sweetly at him.
"Nothing. Come on, let's go. It's getting late."
"Yeah." Lloyd agreed, following the girl.
They walked across the small bridge in a calm and peaceful silence, smiling once in awhile. Once they got across, they stopped walking and turned to each other.
"I…Ray lives down there." Chocolate told him, pointing to a small house near an ally.
Lloyd nodded, looking down the ally.
"Okay. I'll come by at noon." He said.
"Okay."
"Alright… Good night." Lloyd said, smiling slightly.
"Good night." She said, smiling back.
They both turned and started to walk towards their destinations.
Chocolat stopped in her tracks, and turned to look back at him.
"Lloyd?" Chocolat called softly.
Lloyd blinked, and stopped to look at her.
"Yeah?" He asked.
Chocolat paused for a moment, before she smiled again.
"Thank you…. For everything."
Lloyd grinned happily.
"Don't mention it." He replied casually, smiling one last time before he turned a corner.
Lettersabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzo.O
Whew. x.x That probably wasn't a lot, but… It took me like three hours to type it all out because everyone kicked me off the computer all the time. XD; Anyways, I hope it wasn't too boring…Reviews would be nice. . See ya. n.n