It's the big one-zero: chapter ten! I almost forgot about this story, LOL! I've so many new projects going on; it's insane! If you're bored waiting for some story to be updated, I suggest you check out one of my other stories. There's something for everyone, and even if you don't like the pairing, try it out anyway. It could grow on you.

Anyway, enjoys. I've to write chapter eleven too o.o

I do not own Tales of Symphonia. If I did, Kratos' voice would be done by Cameron Clarke (English voice actor) in both the English and Japanese version.

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Chapter Ten:

Confessions Part Two

The bittersweet events of the day were still palpable as Sheena and Lloyd made their way back to Altamira. The last day didn't go as expected; it was supposed to be more joyous. But he knew about surprises. His entire life was a surprise in itself. There were so many twist and turns, so many times where he had to make split decisions and had limited time to make up for mistakes, sometimes at the cost of other lives. Actually, he made up for the mistakes of everyone else from the past. Still, he was chastised for them as if they were his own.

The walk home was in silence, but it was a sweet silence; the type of silence that let memories sink in, pleasantly caressing one's mind, like the kiss from an angel. Because of the warm and gentle feeling created by the muteness, neither chose to break it. They merely smiled at one another, just to confirm their mood was still elated.

By the time the pair returned to Altamira, all were packed and ready to leave. Day was slowing being replacing by darkness and the area once again took a calming sense.

That is, until...

"Lloyd." Raine darted into the boy's room without even knocking. Luckily, he wasn't changing.

"Huh?" he replied, surprised at the sudden intrusion.

She waved the book in her hand as if she were preparing to strike him down. "Colette says you have something important to tell me."

Lloyd sighed. "Oh yeah." He sat down on his bed after pushing over his packed belongings. "Why didn't she tell you?"

"Colette is asleep right now," Raine replied and seated herself in a chair. "Now, tell me about this. I suspected something was going on." After revealing a quill from her pocket, she opened the book occupying her hand and flipped to a clean page.

"You're... writing this down?" he asked, quizzically.

Raine responded with a quizzical look of her own, quite surprised that the boy would even question her intentions. "I'll need these for historical purposes. In case any more problems like this occur in the future."

"Typical Professor..." he sighed to himself.

"Anytime you're ready," she replied, her voice gave a tone that indicated she meant sooner than later.

"Well," the swordsman began, straightening his back, "there's something wrong with Colette's Cruxis Crystal."

"As in?" Raine scribbled down some words, looking up periodically.

"She said she's been having dreams that aren't her own. They're Martel's dreams and she's slowly losing her memories."

She wasn't surprised. Actually, she was rather fascinated as she wrote down potential theories. "Hmmm.."

"You knew?" Lloyd asked.

"I was suspicious," Raine replied, shifting her arms. Her writing hand's position was off, causing her letters to bunch together, making them almost illegible. "Teaching for all those years, I've picked up on her habits. And she has a habit of avoiding attention when something's wrong. Which, in most cases, only gains her more attention, hence backfiring."

"Come to think of it," he thought, "she stayed at Phaidra's house when we got back to Iselia. I just figured she was tired."

"Sounds like something Colette would do. Then again, she could have actually been tired."

"Well, yeah, but..."

"But what?" Sage looked up, eye brow raised slightly.

"I mean, she's always hanging with me and Sheena. Like when Sheena asked me to have breakfast with her, Colette joined us."

"That's because I made her," Raine confessed. "That's beside the point."

"Anyway, what are we going to do?"

The half elf thought for a moment, tapping her finger on her notebook and twirling the quill around. "More information would be nice. Maybe a few test..." Raine snapped back after catching an irritated glance from Lloyd. Colette was a human, not a test subject. "We'd need to ask someone who knows about Cruxis and the things that happened in the Great Seed Chamber."

"Kratos is gone and Zelos wouldn't know."

Raine shook her head. "I know, I know. There has to be someone else."

Options were running thin, but their urgency was too great to be ignored. There was only one who had the knowledge of the past; enough of it to hopefully right another wrong that seemed to have seeped its way into their supposedly peaceful future.

"Yuan," said Sheena's voice from the doorway.

The two turned to see the summoner leaning against the door's shin, waiting to be acknowledged. Once Lloyd gave her a positive signal and a soothing smile, she proceeded into the room, setting herself near Raine in a chair.

"Yes," the Professor nodded in agreement. "He was my guess as well."

Lloyd sighed. "Will Yuan even want to talk to us?"

"What do you mean?" Sheena asked curiously.

"Well, after the worlds finally came together, he kinda drifted away. I haven't heard a word from him since Martel was finally put to sleep. That was his goal for four thousand years."

"Think he's still upset about Botta?"

"Still, he is our only option," Raine replied just in time to make it impossible for them to discuss the issue any further. "We'll deal with the details later."

"I guess our journey's gonna be postponed for a little while longer, huh?" Sheena stretched and exhaled loudly. Most would take it as a sign of irritation and annoyance, but she truly didn't mean it that way.

"Yeah," Lloyd replied. "Sorry, Sheena."

"No, it's okay. This is for Colette, right?"

"It's always for her..."

Raine cleared her throat to gain attention once again. "I think it would be in our best interest to stay in Altamira for the time being."

"Yeah, you're right. It would be best not to move Colette around until her newest sickness is cured. We only moved around last time during the journey because we had to. Being wanted criminals and all...Think Regal will be okay with it?" Sheena asked.

"He's not the type to complain, but I'll ask him personally myself during dinner."

"Dinner?" Lloyd asked and looked outside. The sun was high in the air, shining like a giant mass of mana, illuminating the cloudless baby blue sky. He could tell it was barely noon.

"Alright, I guess I'll go ask him now." The summoner grunted and shuffled around to stand.

But a familiar voice from the door stopped her. "That wouldn't be necessary." It was the president himself, strolling into their room casually as all eyes marked his journey. He did not sit until acknowledged by Raine in the form of a nod.

"Oh, Regal," Sheena greeted, rather surprised.

"Sorry to intrude. I came to see your whereabouts. I expected you to be prepared for departure by now, but when I asked my employees, they informed me that you were still here."

"No, it's okay," Lloyd replied, modestly.

"I caught parts of the conversation before entering the room. Colette is ill again?"

"It seems that way. Something's up with her Cruxis Crystal, I'm guessing. She's been having Martel's memories and dreams."

"I see." Regal closed his eyes and nodded, letting the information sink in. "And you wish to visit Yuan?"

Raine shifted her weight on the chair. "Yes, but we don't want to move Colette around a lot."

"I've no reason to protest. You are more than welcome to stay in the hotel as long as you'd like."

"We appreciate your hospitality, Regal."

He chuckled modestly and waved away the comment. "Not at all. Don't rush yourself; Altamira is a place of relaxation. Take as much time as you need."

"Since that's settled," the Professor announced, "we can discuss the next course of action."

"We're going to see Yuan, right? He's at the Renegade base, isn't he?"

"Should be. I remember he evacuated them when Mithos found out his little secret." It was anything but a little secret; more like a shocking surprise. At that time, Mithos discovered two of his best, and only, friends were betraying him. At the same time, in fact. Both did it in secrecy. One was giving information to his enemies' group, although it was his son. The other became the leader of an underground resistance group, secretly sabotaging all of Mithos' plans. They were his comrades; smiling in his face and obeying his command like everything was okay. He couldn't kill either of them, unfortunately. No, slaughtering either of them would mean demise for the boy; a broken promise for his sister or a broken promise to Origin. He couldn't afford to disappoint a Goddess and a Summon Spirit anymore than he already had.

"Okay. I believe he currently resides in the Flanoir base. I'll find out later." Raine stood to her feet and closed her book. Out of all that information, she somehow managed to completely drown out the white paper of no less than five pages with her quill's black ink. The wonderful abilities of a scholar. "Colette is staying in my room tonight; easier to watch over her. Hope you don't mind, Sheena."

The summoner shook her head. "Of course not." She was actually looking forward to having a room all to herself. During the journey, Sheena was usually paired with Colette. Not like she could be paired with Kratos. No way; she'd never get that lucky. Besides, it was better than being roomed with Zelos... sleeping with one eye open wasn't exactly her idea of a good night's rest. Regal would make her uncomfortable (how could he sleep with those handcuffs anyway?... Wouldn't the sound of the clacking metal annoy her to no end?... Yeah, Regal definitely wasn't the best bunk buddy), the Professor probably mumbled the historical significance of ancient artifacts in her sleep, and she feared whether or not Genis was potty trained. Presea didn't make a bad roommate. That one night in Meltokio, the axe wielder slept so soundly, Sheena woke up in the middle of the night, snuck near Presea's bed, and checked her pulse just to make sure the girl was alive. Sheena wouldn't mind rooming with Lloyd though...

"What about Genis?"

"He can stay in my room along with Colette. If it becomes a problem, he can room with Lloyd."

Lloyd rolled his eyes. "Geez, thanks for asking my opinion."

"You're welcome," Raine replied, sarcastically.

"Umm," Regal interrupted. "It wouldn't be a problem if you need another room. Just let me know."

"Heh," Lloyd grunted. "It's okay."

Raine completely ignored the swordsman's protests."This wouldn't be a bad time to do some research. Maybe Martel had a similar sickness."

"Like the unicorn at Lake Umacy said?" Sheena replied. "I remember it calling Colette by Martel's name."

Raine nodded. "Something like that. Still, I'm going to inquire it on my own."

"Well, I have a few books in my mansion that may be useful. Zelos could easily get you into the Meltokio Palace where even more material on the subject should be," Regal said.

"Don't forget about Sybak's library. It's open to the public," Lloyd remembered.

"Thank you, Regal. It's much appreciated. And I'll keep Sybak in mind."

"Once again, it is not a problem."

"Well," Raine inhaled as she stood to her feet. "We'll leave early in the morning to visit Yuan. Be ready."

"Taking the rheiards?"

"Most likely. It's more convenient since the E.C. pack is still in our possession."

"If I am no longer needed, I must return to my duties." The president joined Raine in a standing position. "Drop a message with George at the company if I'm needed again. Please don't hesitate to ask." With that, he bowed politely and excused himself from the room after giving his farewell.

Raine turned to leave, but stopped before her foot exited the door. "Oh, Sheena, could you do me a favor by packing all of Colette's possessions into her pack and bringing it to my room?"

"Sure, Raine."

"Thanks," she replied. "You guys have fun and try not to worry about Colette too much," the Professor included, even though she knew it was an impossible request.

Tilting his head to the side, Lloyd softened his eyes and made no contact with them. "I'll try..." was all he managed to say.

Sheena merely gave Raine a look that said 'Don't bother' and nodded a confirmation. "We'll be okay."

"...I-" She began to speak but stopped. There was nothing to say; she sighed and left the two alone.

The summoner stood and moved over to Lloyd's bed, setting herself beside him. He tried to hide his discontent with a smile, but its twisted state only added to his unhappiness. Sheena put her hand on his shoulder, locking her head in a position, giving the boy a chance to lock eye contact. He refused the invitation, only accepting the physical comfort her soft hand offered.

Thick silence came between them, not as sweet as the walk home from Luin. She figured he merely needed to alone, for time healed wounds her seals could not. "I'm gonna go get started with Colette's things. If you want, later on, we can go for another walk or something..."

"I'll be okay, Sheena. Just need some time alone."

She nodded and proceeded to leave. "Call me if you need me. I'm always here for you, Lloyd," she replied, giving a smile of reassurance.

The smile warmed him and his face lightened a bit. "I know. Thanks."

With that, she left him to sulk in the pit of despair. Would Fate every give the swordsman a moment of rest?

- - - - - - - - -

As requested, Sheena went back to her room and began packing Colette's things. The girl didn't bring many belongings, worried that the extra weight would slow their exsphere journey down. Colette's irrational fears were the source of humor occasionally, but the summoner began to notice that they annoyed Lloyd more and more. She made mental notes of the way he sighed heavily after the ex Chosen complained over her meal being too large and how she mentioned the people in the Meltokio slums, suffering with empty stomachs, as if her leftover spaghetti would somehow make it to them in time, allowing the young children to slumber without hunger, thanks to the small sacrifice she made.

She decided not to bother Lloyd for most of the day, waiting for him to acknowledge her first. The urge to run into his embrace grew great, but she somehow domineered them and convinced herself that it would only make matters worse. Time was the greatest healer of all; moving at its own steady pace, affected by nothing but itself. She could only heal what he'd allow her to, but restrained herself from forcing herself into his personal space. That could returned as problematic. Still, she would give anything to soothe him completely; just like he supported her during the battle with Volt, Mithos, and Kuchinawa.

One by one, she neatly folded Colette clothing, trying to be as secretive as possible. Luckily, she was spared the task of handling her undergarments, as those were still packed away in her suitcases and bags. That would be an experience too distasteful for words alone, nor did she think Colette would appreciate Sheena viewing her special set of underwear, one for each day of the week. Unknown to all but her, Frank bought her those so she'd learn the days of the week in order. Thankfully, it worked. How embarrassing would it be for the Chosen of Sylvarant to not know the name of the current day?

When she had finished with everything, sure that nothing of her roommate's remained, Sheena grabbed the bags belonging to Colette and headed out of the door, turning the light off behind her. She knew she was coming back, but it was an uncontrollable habit of hers she picked up over the years.

Two light knocks on the Professor's door was all it took to her to answer it.

"I brought Colette's stuff." Sheena's face was covered by the large pile of bags that lay in her hands.

Raine noticed the summoner's distress and quickly retrieved two of the bags, revealing her face and widening Sheena's field of vision. Where she was standing, Sheena could see Colette sleeping in bed. Shadows covered the girl's face; probably for the best. Still, Sheena couldn't help but wonder if Colette was dreaming dreams that did not belong to her.

"Thank you, Sheena." Raine placed the bags near the door on the inside. "This is all of it?"

"Should be."

"How's Lloyd?" she asked with a concerned voice. Before she left, the Professor noted the boy's sudden depression spell.

"I haven't bothered him since I left his room, but he told me that he'd talk to me if needed."

Raine nodded and sighed. "Lloyd's a strong boy."

"Yeah, he'll be okay." Sheena handed over the last of Colette's possessions. "Should be fine in the morning."

"Are you okay?"

Sheena's faced twisted, slightly surprised by the question. Why wouldn't she be? "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Just... concerned," the Professor replied blatantly, indicating that she would not pursue any further details into the source of her question.

The summoner picked up the hints. "Okay. I'm heading back to my room." She waved and turned on her heels to leave.

Head tiled to the side and eyes closed, Raine leaned on the edge of the door."It's not a sin to be rescued, Sheena. Just remember that," were the last words of wisdom given before the half elf closed her door.

Naturally, the comment took her by surprise and Sheena turned around to stare at the closed door, as if looking at it would reveal a deep secret. Not a sin to be rescued? What was that supposed to mean? She was strong enough to take care of herself and had been rescued before on several occasions. She even participating in the rescuing of her friends a few times.
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Oh noes! What did Raine mean by that? What's going on with Colette? What will Yuan say? Can she be saved? Dun dun dun! Oh the suspense! You'll have to wait for chapter eleven which should be up soon. Might even finish it tonight.