Thanks, Jana-Yggdrasill, Alaia Skyhawk and Whoever-I-am. You are ALL that's keeping me going with this.

Someone commented on Kara's matureness (admitted, it was quite a few chapters ago), which has made me realise – I've created a character more mature than me. But in some ways, she sort of reflects the personality that I had at that age…

And I want to remind you (again) that every word, more or less, has been chosen specially to set up for the huge plot twist coming later…

Noishe's POV again.

I don't own Tales of Symphonia.

I saw Kara walking out of the forest, a grim expression on her face. As I went up to her, I noticed the hilt of two swords.

Kara? Why have you got swords? I asked, more than a little worried.

"Don't worry, Noishe. They're mine. Besides, they're katanas, not swords."

What's the difference? Hiko asked cheerfully.

I ignored Hiko. I can't help but feel a little worried about you having a lethal weapon. I explained.

"I've been practicing with them for two years now. Actually, compared to most people in the village, I was late starting…Anyway, I know what I'm doing. Besides, I can't help thinking that if I'd been good enough…" She looked down at the ground, and I could tell she was thinking about her parents.

Don't feel like it's your fault. I said sympathetically.

Aria had appeared a couple of sentences ago and now said, You've had to grow up in a short space of time, but because you can, doesn't mean you should accuse yourself. Like Noishe said, it's not your fault.

"Still, I need to know how to defend myself." Kara insisted stubbornly.

It occurred to me that this was the first thing Kara had been really stubborn about. Even when she'd wanted to go back to her home, she'd asked and not been insistent. So, I had the feeling this was extremely important to her.

I agree. It'd certainly help if you can defend yourself. If you'd like, I can give you some tips.

"You? No offense, Noishe, but you've probably never even held a sword. How do you know anything about swordplay?"

I knew two extremely accomplished swordsmen. They spent extensive sessions outdoors training. I watched and listened to them. I feel like I know at least some tips that you may be grateful for. I hadn't meant it to come out like it did – rather shallow and superior – but once said, there was no taking the words back.

"Oh…sorry, I didn't mean to offend you or anything." Kara said apologetically.

I wouldn't worry about it. Hiko said. He's just…blunt, sometimes.

"But still, if that's how he feels…"

No, you weren't to know how it would make me feel. I protested. I believe those swordsmen have rubbed off on me…

Noishe? Do you want to talk? Aria offered, sensing the hidden emotions behind my words.

For a second, I felt like declining her offer, but I knew I needed to let out some emotions.

Yes. Maybe Kara and Hiko should go and play or practice or something.

They took the hint and left Aria and I alone.

What's the matter? Aria asked, every bit as caring for me as she had been for Kara.

Everything seems to remind me of either Kratos or Lloyd. I feel just a bit…homesick. I finished rather dejectedly.

You could always go back to see Lloyd. It isn't that far. Besides, I think Kara may need some basic things like a quilt to keep her warm, and Lloyd's going to understand you, at least a little, won't he?

To be honest, it was a perfect excuse. Except… I don't think Lloyd would understand if I tried to ask for a quilt. Even if he understood, he wouldn't know what it was for.

Why doesn't Kara or, even better, Martel write a note for you?

A couple of hours later, I was happily trotting through the forest – the note in my mouth. Although I didn't know my way, Aria had given me rough directions, and from there on, I'd simply used my nose.

The clouds above threatened a drizzle, and when it came, even that didn't dampen my mood. I was busy imagining Lloyd's reaction to the note – he knew I was intelligent, but he'd get a shock when I gave him the letter I'd dictated.

To prove that it was me, and not an imposter pretending to be me, I'd mentioned a particular day when we were still in Iselia. Lloyd had failed a test – only getting 2 per cent - and Raine had…well, it wasn't pretty…

I found myself more excited than I could have believed. Until then, I hadn't really realised how much I had missed him.

And I just kept saying to myself, Not far now…

I'm sorry this is up so late. It was meant to be up on Wednesday, but I had computer troubles, and yesterday, a trip to London kept me out all day. I would've put it up earlier today, but I wasn't allowed to update until I'd finished my thank you notes…

Review if you feel like cheering me up! If you don't want to cheer me up, don't review, but also don't read.

Oh, and you almost got the next chapter of Don't Die here instead of this one; I'm so tired!