It was late in the night. The morning star was still far away, and yet I still sat awake, and alone. As I gazed at the far away stars, debating with my own inner demons once again, a small and timid voice spoke from behind me.

"Umm… Kratos? You're still awake too… aren't you? I'm sorry if I'm waking you..."

Without turning around to see who it was, I sighed. I knew that this would happen when she received the second burden. "I'm awake. Don't be afraid Colette, I've sworn to protect you, remember?"

With a shy smile, she nodded. "Yes, I remember now. I'm sorry."

Always apologizing for things she didn't do. I smiled to myself and lightly shook my head. "No need to apologize. You can't sleep tonight?"

"Oh, right, that's what Lloyd always says too! Sorry about that." Carefully, she took a seat next to me, tucking her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around her lithe legs. "I'm just not sleepy tonight."

"I see." I said quietly, feeling somehow responsible for what had happened to her. Many sleepless nights would await her. It would be a miracle if she didn't go crazy before their journey was over. Even though I knew this, I also knew I must keep up the pretense of an unknowing mercenary. "Colette, you aren't just any ordinary girl anymore. You are the Chosen, and as the Chosen you must get your rest."

"I... I know. Sorry to worry you. I'll sleep soon." She responded hesitantly.

I, Kratos, saw through her nervousness immediately. She was insecure, frightened, and most of all, in need of someone with whom she could share her burden. "And I am not that person." I thought to myself despondently.

"Oh! I think I hear Lloyd still awake. Sorry to bother you, Kratos." Colette smiled and quietly excused herself, walking away to find her friend.

"Her hearing has improved too." I thought, resting my chin in the palm of my hand. "No mere mortal girl would be able to hear such a quiet change in breath. Perhaps Lloyd was having a nightmare? I do hope she can calm him…"

Quickly, I shut my eyes, shaking the thought from my head. "What? Thinking about him again?! Kratos, pull yourself together… I can't let my emotions get in the way!"

The night wind was cool tonight, and blew away the despondent sigh as soon as it left my lips. Despite my best efforts, the children whom I had tried to keep distant had grown on me. "Colette, Genis, Raine, Lloyd…" I brooded on this current disposition, settling for somewhere between the murky depth of my own definition of right and wrong.

Tomorrow would come soon enough, as it always did. Until then, I could only keep watch, stranded alone with these dark thoughts, and listen in to the amusing conversation between Lloyd and Colette. "May he give you strength, Chosen of Martel."

Soon, their small conversation ended, and the night once again fell to silence. As I sat alone, facing away from the warmth of the fire, I could hear the restless pacing of the Chosen, attempting to cope with her newfound sleeplessness.