Wow, I am so tired as I write this. I really need to get a decent night's sleep one of these days. No more, late night socials.

Anyway...

Reviews:
CBK: Thank you. Haha, yes, Go Dev! Lol

Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.

Chapter 20:

Cal nudged the body with his foot, turning it over. "It is pretty chewed up. Don't see any stab wounds though. Probably just got attacked by monsters."

Garret frowned. "Definitely possible, though highly unlikely. Bandits survive in the wilderness for years. Simply getting attacked by monsters probably isn't what killed him."

"Yeah. And they usually travel in pairs or groups. Don't you know anything?" Quill smirked up at Cal then dodged as a thick fist swung at his head.

Dev ignored the two, walking up to them. "They were here," he told Garret.

Cal frowned. "How do you figure that?"

"Cause we found footprints in the sand over there." Kris appeared at Cal's side, resting her arm on his shoulder. "Three different sets and then some wolf prints."

"No, they aren't a wolf." Trey countered, smiling as Cal scowled and smacked Kris' arm from his shoulder. "They are much larger. Almost double the size."

Garret rubbed his chin. "Probably belong to that creature that is with them then."

Dev nodded. "Probably also what attacked this bandit. We will have to be careful when he locate them. If this creature is the size we assume it is, it will be dangerous."

Quill crossed his arms, smirking. "We can always sic Cal after it. He is big and scary too."

"How old are you again?" Kris looked down at Quill. Cal snorted in amusement.

Trey giggled as Quill shrank under her gaze and scuttled next to Garret. "Never mind," he muttered.

Dev made a mental note to keep Kris between Cal and Quill. "The next town is Izoold, correct?" he asked Quill.

"Yep, just a couple days walk."

"Good. We should be able to catch up to them there." Dev nodded.

Cal frowned. "That is suggesting that they stop there for more than a day."

"The chance is high, Cal." Garret rebuked. "They have been travelling for days, and do not have the same stamina as our men."

"Garret is right." Dev added. "And I am counting on them letting their guard down."

"I thought you said this Kratos guy was no fool." Quill piped up.

Dev glanced down at him. "Yes, but he isn't alone anymore. He has got a distraction."

--

"Anna, this isn't necessary." Kratos sighed, closing his eyes.

"Nonsense." She argued, tying the apron around her waist as she stopped in front of him. "I am going to help you get over this." She poked him in the chest.

"I am leaving." Kratos turned and Anna darted to the door, throwing her arms across to bar him.

"No you aren't!" she growled at him. "You agreed to this."

"That was before you told me what it was you needed me for. I don't have time for this." Kratos replied irritably.

"That is a lie. You said we were spending two days here so I could rest. And Seth already bought supplies yesterday. There is nothing for you to do." Anna grinned triumphantly.

"I am going fishing." Kratos said.

Anna's mouth popped open and her eyes widened considerably. Kratos stared down at her waiting. Anna continued to stare at him, blinking. "Seriously?"

"No." Kratos said.

Anna's cheeks flushed and she pointed at him. "Were you just being sarcastic?"

"Indeed. Now move or I will move you," he stated, narrowing his eyes.

Anna's expression instantly changed and she smirked. "You wouldn't dare."

Kratos sighed. "I gave you the chance." He stepped forward and then stopped as Anna's hand flew down into the apron pocket and she brandished a tomato in front of him.

"Touch me and I tomato you!" Anna threatened, though she smiled.

Kratos sighed. "Anna. Put the tomato down and move."

"Never! I am the one in control. Now sit at the table." Anna pointed with her other hand.

Kratos closed his eyes. "Tomatoes don't frighten me, Anna."

"Yes they do! You won't even eat one."

"I merely do not agree with the taste. I am sure there are foods you dislike as well." Kratos said, watching the fruit she held before him with distaste.

Anna laughed. "See! You don't even like looking at it. This is a serious problem. Someone like you can't have even the slightest weakness."

"Weakness...?" Kratos stared at her. "It is a fruit, Anna."

"Exactly! What if someone threw a tomato at you? What would you do?" Anna poked him in the chest again. "We have to cure this."

"Anna, I suggest you get some rest. You are becoming delusional." Kratos sighed.

"Oh, am I?" Anna tilted her head. "Alright then, why don't you leave?" she stood to the side slightly, but extended her arm so the tomato was still front of the door.

Kratos glanced at her as she smirked at him. Then he sighed and stepped forward, pushing her arm out of the way. "I appreciate that you moved." He added as he opened the door and walked out.

As he shut the door he heard her indignant growl. "Jerk. I am going to get him yet. He won't even see it coming."

He shook his head.

--

"I'm bored." Anna grumbled, rolling in her bed.

"Then go to sleep, Anna." Seth grumbled from beneath his pillow.

"But I am not tired. Kratos made me sleep this afternoon, after he found a piece of tomato in his soup at midday today." Anna sat up and crossed her legs. "I told him it was for his own good, but he is really good at avoiding them."

"Anna, give it a break!" Seth moaned. "He doesn't like tomatoes. Just leave him alone."

Anna giggled. "But that wouldn't be any fun. It is the only thing that bothers him."

Seth sighed and removed the pillow from his head and glared at Anna. "You just can't stop can you. You wonder why he treats you like a child? That is because you are always acting like one, Anna. Just grow up."

Anna smile faded and she looked down at her hands. Then she shrugged. "Fine," she muttered, laying back down, putting her back to Seth.

Seth sighed. "Look, I am sorry I snapped at you."

"Just leave me alone," she murmured.

He shook his head. "You just can't keep acting like you do, you are taking things—"

"Shut up, Seth!" Anna shouted, suddenly, turning around to face him. "You don't understand anything! I am grown up! I could never be a child! I never got the chance to fool around and tease people! I never had the chance to be a teenager! To get into trouble!" Tears filled her eyes, but she dashed them away angrily. "You had a chance to do that! So excuse me for trying to act like a human again! Cause I never had the chance!"
Anna turned around and rushed to the door, Seth stared at her wide-eyed and then slide from his bed and hurried after her. "Anna, wait." He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the door. "Anna, I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I wasn't thinking."

Anna choked as she sobbed, trying to stop. "I know it is wro—ong and I shouldn't do—do it, but-t-t..." she couldn't finish. She had been holding it in for so long. All she wanted to do was forget the past and move on. She just wanted to act like a living person and not a piece of dirt like she had been all those years.

"No, Anna. It's not your fault. Don't think it is." Seth pulled her into a hug and she leaned into him, letting the tears fall. "I am sorry."

Anna shook her head, still crying. "No." She hiccupped. "I-I-I am f-fine." She stuttered, her breath shaky.

Seth just held her, saying nothing. Anna closed her eyes, her breathing calming down. "I just want to be me again. I want to be human again. I don't want to feel like I am still trapped at that ranch like an animal. I want to be me." The tears still streamed down her cheeks. "I want my life back."

Seth closed his eyes and hugged her tighter.

--

Kratos let his hand fall away from the door handle. He turned and strode back down the hallway and out of the inn. Noishe's head lifted as Kratos descended the stairs and headed for the docks. The protozoan rose to his feet and padded after him, whining softly.

She was still trapped there. Kratos' hand clenched into a fist. His boots tapped against the weatherworn planks as his fast pace carried him away from the inn. She was still hurting, still a prisoner of that forsaken cell.

Noishe caught up to him, his fur swishing as it rubbed against Kratos' leg. Kratos stopped suddenly, glaring out over the ocean. Noishe whined and nudged his hand. "She is frightened," Kratos said after a moment. The protozoan growled softly, tail swaying. "I can help her."

Noishe growled again and Kratos shook his head. His one hand gripped the hilt of his sword. "No human should feel like that, Noishe."

The protozoan snarled and snapped his teeth and Kratos looked down at him sharply. "You have never experienced a prison, Noishe. You're a creature that changes for your entire life. You can escape even your form. You know nothing of boundaries and limitations. To be trapped."

Noishe huffed and sat, glaring at Kratos. Kratos smirked. "Losing your wings doesn't imprison you. Even if you think it does."

A whine escaped Noishe and he laid down on the deck, placing his head in his paws, whining softly. Kratos shook his head and looked back out at the ocean. After a moment, Kratos sighed. "You are right. I can't help her. By helping her, I would only create more troubles for her. Seth can comfort her and talk to her."

--

"So Trey, how did you end up in Dev's command?" Quill asked the black-haired girl.

Trey blinked and looked over at him. Even Trey, who was only about five foot five, was taller than Quill. She smiled at his nervous expression. "Well, I suppose Dev requested me personally."

Quill's eyes widened. "Really?"

Trey nodded, turning serious. "Well, you see. The Commander and I were pretty close after I joined the ranch. He helped me out a bit, with training and such. Well when a couple years after he got promoted to Commander, I didn't get to see him much anymore, but when I did...let's just say we were quite friendly." She smirked as Quill's face flushed and he started stammering.

"Come on, Trey. You are going to give the kid nightmares." Kris scoffed. "Don't listen to her, Quill."

Trey scowled. "I had him going, Kris. Why did you ruin the fun?"

"Well, for one thing, Trey." Dev spoke suddenly, causing them all to spin around. "You were sent to my command because you and Kris didn't qualify as mages to stay in Kvar's personal guard." Trey's head dropped. "And secondly, I want you to keep your personal little fantasy to yourself. Or else you can turn around head back to the ranch."

"Yes, Sir," Trey murmured.

Dev watched her for a moment and then turned to Quill. "Get back up to the front and scout."

"Yes, Commander." Quill said quickly and hurried away.

Dev frowned and shook his head, turning to go, when Trey stopped him. "I am sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to offend you, I was just—"

"Forgiven. Just don't do it again." Dev narrowed his eyes.

"Sir." Trey nodded and then her eyes fell to his left hand.

He frowned and noticed her stare then quickly clasped his hands behind his back. "Trey, Kris. I want you two split up. Trey, you are with Garret. Kris, with Cal and I don't want any trouble, understood?"

"Yes, Commander." They nodded seriously.

Dev held Trey's gaze for a moment before turning and walking away. He pulled his gloves out, where he had tucked them into his belt and tugged them over his hands.

--

"Garret?" Trey poked him in the side.

"What do you want?" he mumbled, not particularly happy with his new companion.

"You know Dev pretty well, right?"

"Yes, I was with him when he was recruited. Why?" Garret asked, counting his supplies. They were on a momentary break and he wanted to know ahead of time what items he would need to stock up on once they reached Izoold. Supplies never lasted long when you have a whole squad of soldiers to feed.

Trey shuffled, glancing around her and Garret looked up annoyed. "Well? Why do you care?"

Trey glanced around quickly again and leaned in. "Who is Dev's wife?"

Garret gave her a strange look and shook his head. "He doesn't have one."

"Then why does he have a wedding ring on his finger?" Trey tilted her head, curiously.

Garret frowned. "He doesn't have a wedding band. The only woman Dev cares about is his Heidi and that is a dog."

Trey shook her head. "No. I am serious. Dev has a wedding ring. I saw it earlier when he reprimanded me for joking about him with Quill."

Garret put down his bag and stared at her. "What on earth did you say that got Dev mad at you?"

Trey shrugged. "I was just teasing Quill, traumatizing him a little by saying Dev and I had thing in the past."

Garret frowned. "I see." He looked over, searching for Dev and found him standing a ways off from the others. "Finish counting the gels. I will be right back." He stood, Trey looking after him curiously.

Garret walked over, moving to stand next to Dev. "I thought you were organizing your supplies," Dev said after a moment.

"I was. But I am getting Trey to do it. It will keep her quiet." Garret folded his arms, staring out across the open field of grass.

"I see," Dev muttered. "And I suppose she was talking to you."

Garret nodded, still staring out. After a moment, he turned to face Dev. "Who is she?"

Dev didn't say anything and Garret sighed. "I know you asked me not to pry, but damn it Dev! Why didn't you tell me you lost someone? You could have talked to me."

"Because it was not your problem," Dev replied quietly.

Garret shook his head. "So that human that you killed that first night, he was the one..." Dev nodded. Garret swore. "Bloody half-elf murderer." Dev frowned and shook his head, closing his eyes. Garret furrowed his brow in confusion. "What?"

"She was a human."

Okay. It was a little shorter. But the following chapters should be longer. The Desians are catching up!

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