Chapter 4-Reunited
"Zelos!!"
Lloyd propped himself up in a heartbeat. He looked around confused; he was still drowsy. Finally his senses kicked in, and he saw Zelos standing by his sword, which was pelted into the soft ground below. Lloyd could have sworn that he had seen the blade pointed toward Zelos himself. Perhaps it was a dream…
'A fricken realistic dream…' thought Lloyd.
Zelos offered his hand to his brown-eyed friend. Pulling him up, Zelos wondered if Lloyd saw him with his pathetic, suicidal attempt. He didn't look too freaked out. But he did looked confused… Lloyd stood up and stretched his body. The ground hadn't been too hard, but the position he had slept in wasn't the best. There were kinks all over his body; Lloyd could tell it would be while before he felt normal again. Looking at Zelos, Lloyd was surprised to see nothing in his pale blue eyes. No emotion. Lloyd couldn't read or gather anything from his face. It was blank…almost cold…Zelos just continued to stare, not even noticing the funny look Lloyd was giving him. Lloyd waved his hand in front of his face, snapping Zelos back to reality.
"Zelos, are you okay?" asked Lloyd worriedly.
"Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine," Zelos said stoically.
Lloyd furrowed his brow knowing his friend was lying to him. Something was askew. Something was very wrong…
"You're not going to yell at me? For sleeping out here like an idiot?" the young swordsman asked.
"Nah. It happens. We should get going anyway…" Zelos slowly mouthed.
Zelos gave a small, sad smile and dragged his feet from the premise. Lloyd followed, wondering what the hell was wrong with his friend. It was driving him nuts. Zelos was acting so weird…what had changed?
"We'd better hurry. Raine and the others are expecting us before the day ends."
"Yeah…you're okay right, Zelos? I mean, you're acting a little…I dunno…weird…"
Zelos turned around with the biggest grin on his face. Lloyd was surprised and stood with his mouth wide open.
"I'm fine, Lloyd. I'm just a little tired. Let's get going!!" yelled Zelos.
Lloyd followed Zelos closely, not fully convinced but feeling better for him. But as always, Lloyd soon dismissed the idea of Zelos being depressed when seeing him with his grin still on his face. Zelos punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Don't worry about it. I'm feeling fine!" he said with enthusiasm.
Lloyd chuckled and punched him back. Then he ran full-speed ahead, calling to Zelos to catch up. Zelos ran a little, not wanting to be far behind but not enough to fully catch up to him.
'That's right, Lloyd. Don't worry about me…'o.O.o
It was so hot that day. The sun shone high in the air, mocking every living thing. Plants were wilting, the ground smoked with its dustiness, and the trees seemed to limp from exhaustion. Lloyd was dying of heat. His shirt was off, and he was still exacerbated. Sweat was rolling from his face; Lloyd could taste the warm, saltiness of it. He looked curiously at Zelos, wondering how he stayed so composed in the dreadful heat. In fact, he hardly seemed to notice. He looked as fresh as always.
"Zelos…man…how are you dealing with this heat…it's awful…"
Zelos shot a glance at his complaining friend. He shrugged and continued on his way. Lloyd stuck out his tongue and continued along also. The sun would be going down in a couple of hours, but still…Lloyd was barely keeping up with the Chosen of Tethe'alla.
"How much longer…before we reach Meltokio? Zelos?"
"It shouldn't be too long. We should be there before dawn. If you pick up the pace, princess, we should be there sooner," Zelos said with an evil grin.
Lloyd scoffed and kicked the ground, making clouds of dust shoot up into the air. Zelos smirked at his easily irritated companion.
o.O.o
Lloyd could barely see through the darkness. The sun had gone down along with the temperature, which pleased Lloyd greatly. Zelos looked behind to see that Lloyd was still following. With his eyebrows up in concentration, Zelos asked:
"So, Lloyd…are you going to try to get everyone to go on the journey of ridding the exspheres, or is it just us?"
Lloyd was caught off guard by his question. What did it matter? Did Zelos not want any of the others to join? Or perhaps Lloyd was just thinking too deeply about it. Besides, he hadn't really thought of asking the others. He merely wanted to meet them and reunite. He hadn't thought too far ahead really.
"To be honest, Zelos, I haven't thought about it. I haven't gotten that far yet. Can I ask what it matters though?" he asked.
"Oh I was just curious. That's all," Zelos replied with a smile.
Lloyd saw light within the distance. He looked at it carefully, wondering if they were even close to the grand city of Meltokio. But Zelos answered his question.
"We're finally here. It's good to be home."
Lloyd sighed with relief. His feet hurt. He hadn't walked this far for a long while. After walking some more, Lloyd could see the city lights glittering through the night. There the gates appeared with two guards standing by. Zelos casually nodded to them while they greeted him robotically with 'Welcome, Chosen.' Lloyd smiled a hi but was a bit offended when they didn't reciprocate. He then supposed that they were just tired and cranky. Zelos plodded through the city with authority as he had done all his life. The shops and stands were all closed, but the square was occupied with some people. Lloyd squinted to see if he was seeing things correctly. Nope. There she was. Colette, sitting on a bench looking down at her wiggling feet, thinking deeply.
"Colette!!! Colette, it's me!!!" Lloyd shouted.
Colette turned her pale face towards the young swordsman. Her eyes lit up.
"Lloyd!!"
Lloyd ran to her and flung his masculine, strong arms around her. He hugged her tightly to his chest, keeping a perfect memory of her sweet-smelling scent. After what seemed like only seconds to Lloyd, Colette pushed him away gently. She hadn't seen him in ages; she wanted to get a good look at him. His outfit hadn't changed much. There were changes made, but he still looked the same. His shirt style was different; it was collared and buttoned down, but still red. There were no suspenders. Instead he wore a big belt to hold his black work pants. His boots were the same though. Colette smiled, her teeth shining brightly. Lloyd took a pinch of her golden-blond hair. She had cut it, and Lloyd was a little disappointed.
"You…you cut your hair…why?" he asked gently.
Colette blushed a light pink and giggled.
"I just wanted to try something new. You don't like it?"
It wasn't just her hair that had changed. Everything had. She had grown taller, and she had filled out. Instead of her plain white attire, Colette wore a dark blue hippy-type shirt with sleeves that puffed out greatly. Her creamy quarter-cut pants fitted perfectly around her petite waist, and her girly ballet-type shoes made her look extra feminine. And of course her hair…it was cut to her shoulders. It was still the same style; the ends curled in giving her a bob. It wasn't that Lloyd didn't like it; it was just that she looked so much more grown up. She wasn't the innocent, longhaired, flat girl anymore. She was an adult with a curvaceous body. It just startled Lloyd.
"I like it fine, Colette. I was just a little surprised. You look wonderful," said Lloyd blushing.
Colette smiled and looked down at the cement beneath, unable to answer a reply. Lloyd shyly scratched his head, his heart beating fast. Zelos smirked beckoning both Colette Lloyd to follow.
"There will be plenty of time to flirt and snuggle. Let's see everyone else," he said smugly.
"Ahhh shut up!!" Lloyd yelled heatedly.
Colette and Lloyd walked to Zelos' mansion hand in hand, without thinking anything of it. The outside lights sparkled through as the three walked slowly to the manor. The windows looked dark, but Lloyd could see some type of activity was going on. He could see faint candlelight faintly glowing through. Walking up to the door, Zelos opened the door handle with precision, careful to make as little noise as possible. The door opened with a small creak, and immediately Sebastian came to assistance.
"Ah. I see you made it back, Master Zelos, and Sir Bud as well. I see you found them, Miss Colette," said Sebastian dryly but with a small smile.
"Yo, what's happening, Basti? Where is everyone?" asked Zelos with enthusiasm.
"I believe they're in the dining area, Master Zelos. They prepared a small dinner for you. I expect you both must be tired and famished, yes?"
Lloyd grinned like a fool and grabbed his belly.
"Heck ya! I'm starving!!" he exclaimed.
"Wait…who prepared the meal? It wasn't Raine was it?" asked Zelos.
"I believe it was Sir Regal and Sir Genis who prepared the food," said Sebastian with a small, almost invisible smirk of understanding.
Zelos gave a sigh if relief. Traveling with Raine taught him that she was certainly no cook and never would be. Although she could perfect the art of healing, the art of cooking seemed impossible to even dabble in for her. Zelos smiled at the memory of her cooking for them in Gnome's temple. She worked so hard for 3 hours following Genis' special recipe. Special and dumbed down just for her. Presenting it to everyone, Raine's vein in her temple began to twitch, and her face seemed contorted with an expression of 'like it or else.' Everyone dug in, not wanting any maniac trouble from the professor. In the end, everyone had to take bathroom breaks, but the food was at least edible.
Zelos lead the two to the dining area. Opening the door, they saw Regal, Presea, Genis, Raine, and Sheena all sitting together, happily talking to one another. Genis jumped up and bolted himself at Lloyd. Lloyd crashed down to the floor with a 17-year-old, white-haired mage on his chest.
"Whoa, Genis!! You're too big to do that now!" Lloyd exclaimed happily.
"Ha, you sissy!! It's so good to see you, Lloyd!!" Genis said in his deeper voice.
Lloyd looked up at his best friend. His hair had been cut a lot shorter, but it still flew out crazily as it always had. His eyes finally fit him, but were still ablaze with a vivid, pale blue. He had grown tall as well. He was at least 5'10, which was taller than Lloyd at his age. He wore a light blue robe with silver lining and silver sequins. He looked like a true magician. The thing that surprised Lloyd the most was the silver shadow covering his small, square chin.
"You're even growing a beard!!!" laughed Lloyd.
Genis gave Lloyd a light punch on the shoulder. He scratched his chin with two fingers, looking at him cheaply.
"It's just a little peach fuzz. It's nothing yet," he smiled.
"Well I think you look awesome!! I can't believe how old you're getting. It's been what…4 years since I've seen you, huh?"
Genis nodded but was pushed aside by his elfish sister. Raine stood before Lloyd with a small scowl on her face.
"Did you do the homework I sent you, Lloyd Irving? I believe you've had years to do it…" said Raine menacingly.
"I uhh…Raine…" he stuttered.
Raine chuckled before giving Lloyd a hug. He was still down on the floor, so Raine bent down gently, first giving him a hug then a small kiss on the cheek. Lloyd blushed profusely, touching his face on the spot he has just been kissed.
"I'm being facetious, Lloyd, but I was a little hopeful," she said with a smile.
"Thanks, Professor."
Raine gave Lloyd her hand and brought up him up to her level. Lloyd had grown taller than before, so Raine had to strain her head to look up at him. Lloyd looked down at her, amazed at what she was wearing. Raine's hair hadn't changed at all, except for the fact that she kept it back with a tied pink ribbon. To fashion the pink ribbon, Raine wore a pale pink kimono with a red bow tied in the back. Her sandals were red too, as were her painted toes. The kimono had beautiful flowers sewn in, with little sprits of vibrant green. She looked very different compared to her stuffy, orange and black, scholar outfit.
"Professor Raine, you look really pretty," said Lloyd sweetly.
"That is what I was telling her," said the gruff voice of Regal.
Raine blushed and stepped aside to let Regal see Lloyd. Regal's appearance startled Lloyd. He cut his hair army style. It looked very masculine with his harsh, facial features. Those bothersome shackles no longer bound him. Instead he wore long, gray gauntlets, which accented the gray in his pants. He still wore a white shirt, but instead of it being cut at the belly, it was a t-shirt. His slip-on, gray shoes looked very comfortable to wear, and it made Lloyd's feet ache even more.
"It is very wonderful to finally see you again, Lloyd. I am sorry I have not been to see you. I have been very busy with the mines of the Lezareno Company," he said with articulation.
"Hey, that's alright. It's good to see you!!!"
Regal shot out his hand, ready for a welcoming shake, Lloyd pushed it aside and gave him a great big hug. Regal smiled and patted his head with a strong hand. After letting go, Lloyd saw Presea, and he gawked. Presea's hair was taut neatly in a bun, but a few wisps let down, giving her an earthy air. She wore a light purple tank top and dark purple shorts, held by a small silver belt. Her high gray boots went above her knee, and it made her look spunky. She had also filled out, although not quite as much as Colette. She was in fact, 33 in years, but she looked Genis' age. She gave a shy smile.
"It's finally nice to see you here. It's been a while."
Lloyd walked over to her to bend to give her a hug. She honestly hadn't grown any taller. She looked to be only 5'1", which was a leap from being 4'6", but it was still short nonetheless.
"You look totally different, Presea."
"Uhh…thank you," she said blushing.
And last, but certainly not least, was Sheena, who was still seated in a chair by the dining table. She stood up uncertain, with a small crimson hue creeping on her cheeks. Her gaze fell on Lloyd, and her heart leaped.
'Wow, Lloyd. Way to look hot,' thought Sheena.
Lloyd walked to her slowly and finally came face to face with her.
"It's really good to see you, Sheena. I've missed you," said Lloyd in an almost hushed whisper.
Sheena's hair was let down, and it was quite wavy. It looked like she had taken a shower, and her hair was damp. The dark, wet curls surrounded her round face. Her brown eyes sparkled against the candlelight, and her cheeks flushed a rosy color. Lloyd looked at what she wore. She still had the ninja attire on, but it was all black. Instead of her undershirt being pink, it was a glittery silver. Her long gloves were also silver, along with the bow tied around her waist. Instead of her bulky, purple boots, she wore feminine, black house slippers.
Sheena hugged him tightly, her chest pushing on Lloyd. Lloyd liked the way she felt. Zelos was right. Shaking those naughty thoughts, Lloyd let go of her and stared with his loving, brown orbs.
"Sheena, you look beautiful."
"Haha…thanks, Lloyd. You don't look half bad yourself," she said teasingly.
"Alright, you two lovebirds. How about you save all that for later," said Zelos in an angry tone, which nobody seemed to notice.
"Oh, Zelos!!"
"Hey, I'm hungry. Can we please eat?" asked Genis.
"Yes, shall we?" asked the professor.
o.O.o
"Wow. I'm stuffed. That was excellent…" said Lloyd with a full stomach.
There they all sat. Together again. Lloyd was in heaven. He couldn't think of anything better than being with his friends. There sat Regal looking stern yet jolly, Genis and Presea making small talk, Colette and Sheena giggling over nonsense, and Zelos and Raine talking about the government of Tethe'alla. It was funny. They had only known each a couple of years, and they were so close. Lloyd sat dreamily, tiredness finally catching up to him. He looked at Zelos' grandfather clock and found it to be almost 2 in the morning. They had been eating and chatting for 5 hours. Lloyd closed his eyes, wanting only to rest them. A couple minutes later he was nudged awake.
"You should get to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, Lloyd."
Lloyd opened his eyes to see Sheena near him. Raine and Regal were collecting the dishes and clearing the table, while Genis and Presea had already gone off to bed. Lloyd shifted from his chair and drowsily stood up. Zelos and Colette were quietly talking in the corner, sitting in soft, puffy chairs. Sheena walked over to where they were talking and resumed her conversation. Lloyd walked out of the dining room and up the stairs. Sebastian must have known Lloyd didn't know where his room was, because as soon as Lloyd was all the way up, he found a door with a piece of paper on it that read, 'Lloyd.' Lloyd opened the room and collapsed onto the bed. He had never been more tired, but he also had never been happier.
A/N: Well, how was that chappie? It was longer, not too much longer, but longer nonetheless. I'm sorry if there are any grammatical errors, I don't have Word right now. Oh, and I wanted to ask: What's everyone' s favorite pairing? I have an idea of what pairing I'D like, but if you people have any suggestions, I'l try to fit them in. So, please review, tell me what's what. Happy New Year!!