Reviews:
Gamer-Girl: Thank you! It makes me so happy to hear that! Yeah, same here for writing. It is so troublesome when you have to be responsible and do homework first. :P
I actually thought of that at one point, but Anna being Cathy isn't what I was what I had in mind. I have a different plan that revolves around that idea.
Thanks for the review!
Well, another chapter completed, the story continues, and I love every minute of writing it! And for those anxiously waiting, happy reading!
Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.
Chapter 21:
"So what are the plans for today?" Anna asked yawning as she walked up to Kratos from the inn. Seth was right behind her, scratching his head.
"Whatever you want to do." Kratos answered, rubbing Noishe's head as he growled at Anna.
Anna looked at the protozoan in confusion and then shook her head. "Well, what are you doing?"
Kratos frowned. "Why does that matter?"
Anna ducked her head, running her fingers through her short hair. "Ah. Well we never really got to see you yesterday and I figured we could all do something fun together."
Kratos blinked. "Something fun..."
Seth yawned, half-chuckling. "Perhaps you should describe your meaning of fun. Kratos seems a little worried."
Anna huffed, smacking Seth's arm. "I will. And why should he be worried?"
"Do we really need to answer that?" Seth grinned, shying away as she glared at him.
Kratos closed his eyes at their bantering and sighed. "What exactly do you want to do, Anna?"
She turned and looked at him, her cheeks flushing. "Uh...yeah. Do you remember yesterday, when you mentioned fishing...."
Kratos stared at her. Seth put his hand to his chin, thoughtfully. Anna bit her lip and blushed. Noishe's mouth opened in a canine smile and he let out a low whine. "You want to go fishing?" Kratos asked finally.
Anna smiled and nodded. "I think it will be fun."
Seth shrugged. "Sure. I don't mind fishing and it would be a great way to pass the time." Anna smiled brightly at him and then Seth glanced at Kratos, smirking. "How about you, Mercenary?"
Kratos shook his head. "I will remain here."
Anna's smile faded and she threw her arms out. "Why? There is nothing to do here."
Kratos didn't reply and Seth smirked. "You know? I bet he doesn't know how to fish and he is too embarrassed to say so."
Noishe snorted, his tail swishing in humour. Kratos glared down at him and then looked up at Seth. "I can fish, however, it simply isn't something I do for sport," he replied.
Anna grinned and stepped towards Kratos, grabbing his hand. "Come on. You don't have to fish, you can just watch." Kratos hesitated.
Noishe took that moment to yawn loudly and then stalk in front of Kratos, growling softly as he pushed Anna back. Kratos frowned. "Noishe, enough."
The protozoan ceased but stared balefully at Anna as Kratos moved around him. "He doesn't like very much anymore," she mumbled.
"He isn't use to travelling with others for this long." Kratos answered, ignoring Noishe as he nudged Kratos' leg.
"Oh." She bit her lip and then turned her eyes back up to Kratos. "So, will you come?"
He studied her face for a moment; her eyes almost begging and a small smile stretched across her lips. She looked like an excited child. He sighed as Noishe nudged his leg again and nodded. "Very well."
A full grin filled her face and she gave a little hop. "Awesome! I saw a place where we can get fishing rods and..." she trailed off, already heading off, dragging Seth after her as he laughed.
Kratos stood there for a moment before he jerked his hand up quickly as Noishe nipped his hand. Snarling Noishe sat back on his haunches, his tail stiffly brushing the ground. Kratos glared. "It will keep her amused and out of trouble. Besides, she will be the one fishing, not I. I simply get to 'watch' and be there."
Noishe shook his head and rose to his feet, growling in his throat as he turned and trotted off, disappearing behind the inn. Kratos watched after him and shook his head, smiling. Irritating Noishe was the main reason Kratos had agreed. The protozoan needed to relax a little and stop assuming things. The other reason was...
Kratos turned his head towards the docks where he could pick out Anna's voice amid the other noises. He smirked. The second reason would be the entertainment.
--
"This is boring." Anna groaned as she studied the bobbing line begrudgingly. Kratos watched on, amused. After an entire hour of picking out the supplies, packing a lunch, choosing the perfect spot and setting up, in fifteen minutes, she was already bored.
The human mind was wonderful thing.
"Anna, do you not remember fishing back on Lake Sinoa?" Seth asked from his spot, holding his pole as he leaned back on the sandy beach. They had chosen a spot outside of town along the beachfront. The docks wouldn't have any fish, unless they went out on a boat, which Kratos immediately advised against.
"Yeah, I do. But for some reason," she tugged on the line, absently, "I remember it to be a lot more exciting."
"Perhaps in a confined lake, the fish are more apt to biting a line, than to ocean marine." Kratos offered, which earned him a glare from Anna.
"That isn't helping," she muttered, leaning her chin to her hand as she sat cross-legged.
Kratos shrugged.
Seth stretched and dug a small, but deep hole in the ground and stuck his rod into it, packing the sand around it. Anna looked over curiously. "That isn't going to hold if you get something. "
Seth smirked. "That is why you get to watch both of them, while I sit back over here with Kratos."
Anna's mouth fell open. "Hey! That isn't fair!"
"Well you said you were bored and this will give you more of a challenge." Seth called over, before plopping down beside Kratos with a sigh.
Anna scowled. "I will let the fish take your rod away." She growled and turned back, but Kratos could see that her head turned slightly so that Seth's rod was in her line of sight.
"How long do you think that will keep her preoccupied?" Seth smirked, keeping his voice low.
"Depends whether or not she believes her chances of catching a fish have doubled. If so, long enough." Kratos replied.
Seth wiped sand from his hands, his face turning serious. "I don't think she has gotten over being at the Ranch yet."
"Did you think she would?" Kratos glanced at him.
Frowning Seth shuffled his feet. "I don't know. It seemed like she had. I mean she never mentioned it and she was always goofing off, I figured..."
"It will take a long time before she will freely talk about it." Kratos closed his eyes. "And even longer before she forgets."
Seth nodded. "Yeah, I realize that now." He frowned. "I thought I understood, but I didn't." Kratos said nothing and Seth brushed his hands through his hair. "I just feel so useless now. I can't even come close to comforting her. I tried last night after she got upset with me, and she seemed okay, but after she went back to bed, she ended up just crying herself to sleep. I didn't know what to do."
Kratos' eyes opened slowly, frowning. He hadn't realized what had happened after he had left. He had been certain Seth had calmed her...
"I think she said your name once, too. And I considered leaving to find you." Seth murmured, glancing at him. "Though, I think she was asleep by then."
Again, Kratos didn't reply. What could say? It was inconsequential in any case. One does not control their dreams.
Seth seemed a little put off by the lack of responses from him, but just sighed again. "I was practicing a little with the sword the other day. It is getting easier to hold."
"Your arms will grow accustom to the weight of the blade and eventually you may upgrade to a sturdier one." Kratos nodded. "Did you manage to perform the offensive manoeuvres I showed you?"
Seth coughed, rubbing his neck. "Well, some of them. It is kind of awkward with only one person."
"Use an inanimated object if you prefer a visible opponent." Kratos suggested.
Seth leaned back on his hands. "Yeah, I suppose that would work."
Kratos closed his eyes. He did not mind teaching Seth the basics of swordplay, but nothing further. He couldn't bring himself to instruct again. Not after his last student...
Kratos turned his face back towards Anna, who was now resting eagerly on her knees, watching the water. Her head would snap to study Seth's abandoned rod, before turning back to her own. He found it amazing how quickly her attention could be diverted.
The couple of days rest seemed to be helping her somewhat. He watched as she tensed for a moment when the water bobbed, and then relax when nothing happened. It would make her feel less like a fugitive and more like a human again. And that was something he could connect to her with...
He frowned.
Suddenly, Anna squealed and lunged at Seth's pole. "I got one!"
Seth jumped to his feet, dashed over. The line went taught and slid from the sand, skittering towards the water.
Anna grappled for the pole, snagged it with her hands, and shrieked as she felt it tug her. "I've got it! I've got it!"
Seth slowed, smiling as Anna gripped the fishing pole tightly and clambered to her feet. "Hang on to it."
Anna ignored him and braced her feet in the soft sand. Kratos studied her footing and smirked.
Any moment now.
Anna lurched forward, as the line veered to the side sharply, sending small waves out, as the fish attempting to get loose. She steadied herself, sliding her feet.
"Anna..." Seth cautioned, stepping towards her slowly.
"I can do it!" she called, concentrating as the fish struggled again, this time in the opposite direction. "I have fished before."
"Seth, let's allow Anna to do this." Kratos answered, causing both Anna and Seth to look at him in surprise. Kratos kept his face impassive.
Anna jerked her head around, beaming. "That's right—Whoa!"
At that moment, the rod yanked up roughly, wrenching her forwards as the fish leapt up out of the water. It was quite large, probably about half of Anna's height and Kratos was impressed that Anna managed to hold on for as long as she did.
Of course, that was short lived when the fish splashed back down into the water and the line snapped taught again, successful pulling Anna face first into the water. She gasped as the cold water rushed over her before she released the rod and floundered, leaping up with a shriek and darting quickly out of the water.
Seth blinked, while Kratos remained where he had always been sitting as Anna stood there, soaking wet, panting and shivering.
It was silent for a moment before Kratos chuckled softly and Anna flushed, muttering about a 'stupid fish' and 'useless men'.
"Hey, you didn't want my help." Seth held his hands up as Anna stalked past him wringing out her clothes.
"Humph." She grumbled, stalking back to her pole. "Kratos distracted me."
Kratos blinked at the accusation. "I did nothing of the sort."
"You started talking when I was about to pull the fish in and I looked back."
"Do remind me when it had become a crime to talk." Kratos pushed himself to his feet. "I must have forgotten."
Seth smirked as Anna gaped at Kratos. She scowled and snatched her rod from the ground. "Smartass," she mumbled.
Kratos chuckled.
--
"He likes you."
"What?" Anna looked at Seth confused as they walked back.
Seth sighed and shook his head "Grant me strength, Martel," he muttered. "Are you both so oblivious to this? Do I have to write it out?"
Anna smirked. "Someone is being fantastical. Is life becoming too boring for you, Seth?"
"And now you are just being smart." Seth smiled and she shrugged. "But seriously, I was talking to him earlier, while you were fishing."
"So?"
"I give up!" Seth threw his hands in the air.
"Will you shut up? He is here you know." Anna hissed, slapping him.
Seth blinked, lowering his hands and looked up ahead. "Anna, he is like, way up there and what is he going to gather from 'I give up'?"
"I swear he hears everything." Anna muttered.
"Uh-huh. But you are changing the subject."
"I thought it was over." She glanced at him, her tone hardening. But either Seth missed the obvious, or he just didn't care because he wasn't stopping
"I don't think so."
"Why are you so obsessed with pushing us together when it is obvious we hate each other?" Anna growled.
"Maybe because it is so obvious that you don't hate each other?" Seth glanced at her.
"What?" Anna asked shaking her head, frowning in confusion. "That doesn't make any sense."
"Do you like him?" Seth asked suddenly.
"Since when did this become an interrogation?" Anna asked kept frowning, but turned her gaze straight ahead.
"Since when did you become so defensive? It is simple. It is a yes or no answer."
Anna shook her head. "I am not answering you."
"Yes then." Seth nodded. "Okay second question—"
"I did not say that."
"Are you going to stay with him after your exsphere is removed?" he looked at her seriously.
Anna blinked in surprise, then flushed, mumbling, "How the hell am I supposed to answer that?"
Seth just stared at her with a look that said, 'It isn't that hard.'
Anna threw her hands out, "I have no idea why you are doing—"
He nodded again. "That is two. And the third—"
Anna's hand shot out and she stopped him, moving in front of him. "What are you doing?" she hissed, still flushing. She was becoming ticked off, both at Seth and at herself for blushing. Why was she blushing anyway? It wasn't as if she admitted to anything...
Seth smiled. "Nothing." He lifted her hand off his chest. "Just giving you something to think about." He walked past her, and she stared after him, confused.
"What?"
But he didn't answer.
By the time they got back to Izoold, the sun was just starting to dip behind the horizon. After fishing, Seth had insisted they take their time getting back. He said there was nothing else to do in the town anyway, and it was better than being stuck in the inn. Kratos and Anna hadn't really argued. Anna had been struggling to understand Seth's strange logic and she still was. Why had he done that? Was he trying to confuse her more? Had he done this with Kratos too?
Anna blinked and then snorted. Seth was too much of a chicken to confront Kratos like that. So then, what was the point? Even if she did like—though it was absurd to think that—there was no way—
She stopped.
"I hate you, Seth," she growled loudly at his back.
Anna glared at Seth as he turned back around to face her. "Well, I see you have been thinking awfully hard—"
"I am going to kill you." She growled under her breath as he ushered her towards the inn.
He laughed. "Yes, mostly likely. But will you at least wait until we solve this little problem of yours?"
Anna crossed her arms and looked away scowling, noticing a small man watching them from beside a barrel. "What are you looking at?" she snapped.
The man didn't react, or look away and Seth gave Anna a push. "Hey, don't get mad at him, Anna. I am over here, remember?" Seth waved a hand in her face, just as the man turned and walked off.
Anna rolled her eyes and punched his shoulder, smiling weakly. "How could I forget?"
--
Garret hung behind him like a shadow, not saying a word. Dev ignored him and studied the town ahead of them. The sun was just setting and a golden hue was leaping off the waters and splashing the buildings in an orange and bronze collage.
"So, you think they are still there?" Cal hissed near his shoulder, his face yellowish color as he faced towards the setting sun.
"Quill will know when he returns." Dev replied calmly.
He wasn't calm though. He was tense. He didn't particularly like the idea of entering the town under force. It would cause an unneeded stir. But, after a harsh argument with Cal, who was subtly backed by the majority of the command, he had relented.
He glanced over his shoulder at his soldiers, sprawled across the slope. They weren't relaxed either, but instead of hesitation, it was excitement. This is what they had been waiting for, anticipating. Successfully cornering the humans, perhaps a little killing for those who wish to ease their annoyance and frustration for this detour and, in the end, know that they will be heading home.
Dev didn't begrudge them. It was understandable. He was looking forward to getting back to the base as well. But, he didn't relish in the fact that the town had to play victim as well. Luin was a different matter; they had willingly accepted fugitives, multiple ones, so they had to account for the consequences.
But this village didn't realize the falsity that had entered their boundaries. Even though they were humans, and some probably deserve what could be coming for them, some didn't.
"Where the hell is that little twerp?" Cal growled, obvious impatient to get down there and get it over with.
"I'm here." Quill panted lightly, but still smiling. "Woo, that was a pleasant jog. Come with me next time, Cal, could help you lose a few pounds."
"Permission to beat the kid to a pulp, Commander." Cal glared, stepping forward.
"Maybe after we get his report." Dev smiled as Quill's eyes widened. "Relax. Are they there?"
Quill sidestepped around from Cal and nodded. "For sure. A012 looked directly at me. Fit the description and one of the men with her used her human name. Heard her use the name Seth, with the one man, and Kratos was there as well. Didn't see the creature, though."
"Not bad, kid. Maybe I will spare you this time." Cal smirked as Quill rolled his eyes. "Give the word Dev, and I will flush them out for us."
Dev rubbed his cheek. "They are in the inn?" Quill nodded. "Do you know how many are residing—"
"For Martel's sake, Dev." Cal threw his hands up. "They are just a bunch of low down, humans. Mostly likely, they are getting their fill of potions and halfway between logic and knockout. Wouldn't put it past the bloody cowards to run for the hills as soon as we come near, thinking they are a bunch of wily rodents escaping us. Cutting down a few won't make that big of a difference."
"Wily rodents?" Quill asked, smirking. "Nice metaphor, Cal. Why would townspeople think they are rodents? Doesn't really make sense if you ask me." Cal cuffed him across the back of the head. "Ow!"
"It is because Cal can't compliment a human, even indirectly." Garret smirked, earning a grunt from Cal. Garret turned to Dev. "But, Cal's right." Garret frowned. "If we waste our time worrying about the humans, they could slip by us again." Dev looked towards the village, uncertainly. "Besides, they are harbouring prisoners. We can give them the choice to hand them over or we attack. Saves us both time and effort."
"Takes the fun out of it, though." Cal fingered his sword thoughtfully.
Dev glanced at him, but then nodded at Garret. "Very well. Gather the men. We head out."
--
Seth was a problem.
Kratos stared at the young man's sleeping form and then at Anna's. He honestly didn't understand human behaviour. Just when he thought he had figured it out.
Human. It had been a long time since Kratos had been human. He smirked and closed his eyes. It was strange, yet, enjoyable at the same time. It was entertaining to see how strong of a reaction they received when faced with something out of the ordinary. Anna was a perfect example of this. And even his own change in personality surprised him a bit.
His eyes snapped open quickly.
Of course, it was merely a way to blend in until he discovered what to do next. He was unsure how quick of a reaction his appearance at the Ranch would gain from Cruxis, but it could be assured there would be one. It would be foolish to let his guard down.
He looked at Anna, her one leg half draped off the bed, her face nuzzled into the pillow. She had a faint smile on her face, her eyes moved slowly underneath her closed lids.
He sighed. Anna had definitely become something of a problem herself. Kratos didn't even know why he was helping her. Yes, the exsphere she carried on her was created to be more powerful than the Cruxis Crystals were, but it was merely a hindrance if it fell into Mithos' hands, not a disaster. In the end, it made little difference compared to the power Mithos already wielded.
Therefore, that left Kratos with an empty reason and a feeling of uncertainty. Listening to Seth's conversation earlier had left not only Anna thinking, but Kratos as well. Why hadn't she immediately denied it? Why had she been so flustered throughout the day?
Kratos personally felt uncomfortable with this train of thought. If Anna had developed feelings as Seth suggested, what role had he played in it? He didn't want to believe he had encouraged this...affection. It was neither his intention, nor his goal.
Yet...
He found himself looking at Anna again, frowning as he heard her mumble.
"The fish...caught the fish. ...Kratos look..."
He froze, his eyes widening. She was actually—
Then his eyes softened and he chuckled lightly as a quiet snore came from her, before he caught himself and shook his head. He shouldn't be so easily distracted by such a subtle action. It was naive and...
Frustrated, he glared at the floor before pushing the chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the floor as he stood. The noise caused both Anna and Seth to jerk away. "Wh-what's happening?" Seth asked groggily, rubbing his eyes.
Anna blink, looking around sleepily when her gaze stopped on Kratos, who was standing there staring at her. "Kratos?" she mumbled, still half asleep. "What's wrong?"
Kratos' eyes hardened as he stared at her. He couldn't allow this to happen to either of them. It was impossible. He would stop it right now before—
Shouting erupted from within the inn as the sound of doors slamming and people voice complaints and accusations. Seth leapt out of the bed, pulling his shirt over his head and clumsily buckled on his sword. Anna sat motionless on the bed, her eyes wide and filled with terror. "They-They-they—"
Kratos watched the door, facing it fully and gripping his sword's hilt tightly. He moved himself between Anna and the door as Seth stumbled over, glancing at Anna.
"Anna, get dressed. Kratos, what's going on?"
Kratos didn't reply. He was listening to the voices in outside the room.
"It's them...said their names! Bring them out!"
"Can't give them up...just a girl."
"They will burn the...kill us all!"
Anna's voice caught Seth and Kratos attention. She still sat on the bed, unmoving. She whispered, her face deathly white. "They are here."
--
Cal balanced his sword laxly on his shoulder as he eyed the quivering group before them with a smile. Dev focused on the inn door.
"Almost wish they would refuse, eh?" Cal shifted his weight to his left foot.
"No, I don't."
Cal snorted, bringing the sword down, the metal humming through the air. "No offense, Sir, but you are too soft." Cal waved his sword at hostages, smirking as they cringed. "They are just a bunch of pathetic humans. Not worth anything."
"Then they shouldn't be worth your time, either." Dev answered, still watching the inn.
Cal scowled. "They are worth my time all right. They are all the same. Cowards that strut around when they have control and quiver like a dog being kicked when they don't. It's disgraceful to share that blood."
"Do we not do the same?" Garret asked, glancing at Dev, who ignored him, and then looked at Cal. "Aren't you describing yourself?"
Cal flipped his sword off his shoulder and pointed it at Garret. "Do not compare me to that filth," he growled.
Garret didn't flinch, but merely pushed the sword aside. "Everyone is a coward when they lack power, Cal."
Cal narrowed his eyes. "Not everyone. Not me. I never begged or crawled away."
Garret smirked. "I suppose not. Nevertheless, consider this, not all humans resemble the man you are referring too. The man you hate."
Cal's face darkened and he seemed to grow even larger, towering over Garret.
Dev glanced over at them. "Enough," he said harshly.
Cal stiffened, cutting of his rebuke and turned back facing the humans, but this time scowling. Dev sighed in irritation. Cal wouldn't hesitate to invoke a fight now.
He glared at Garret, who met his gaze and shrugged. He was planning something...
"We have them! They are here!" someone shouted, the inn door slamming open.
Dev watched as a large-bellied man hurried down the steps, waving dramatically. All the Desians turned their heads towards the door where two men stepped out and stood on the steps. The girl was not there.
Dev signalled to Cal, who nodded and then shouted. "We said to bring forth A012."
The portly man blanched and spun to look at the men on the steps. "What are you doing?! Where is the girl?! You said you would bring her out!"
The men ignored the questions. Dev narrowed his eyes and studied the two men. It was obvious who Kratos Aurion was. Dev stepped forward, holding his hand up as Cal moved to follow and walked around the group townspeople that separated him from Kratos. A child sobbed among them, quickly hushed by a woman.
Dev stopped then and glanced at the group of hostages. They made a wretched lot, dressed in nightclothes and defenceless. He thought back to that night with Ben, seeing his pathetic face as he begged for his miserable life...
He closed his eyes, shaking his head gently and called. "Kratos Aurion. I have orders to retrieve A012, human Anna, and bring her back to the Asgard Ranch."
Dev looked up. Kratos' eyes flickered with the light from the torches. His face was empty and impassive. Dev waited a moment, but receiving no reply, he continued. "I also have orders from Lord Kvar, Grand Cardinal of the Asgard Ranch, to kill you if necessary." Dev heard a snort, but figured it came from the other man behind Kratos. His eyes narrowed. "And anyone else, if necessary."
"The villagers were unaware of the situation. Release the hostages and we will negotiate."
"Kratos! What the hell are you doing?" the man behind him hissed. Kratos glared at him over his shoulder and Dev shook his head.
"Our negotiations have been made. Bring out A012 willingly and we will spare you and the town. Don't, and we retrieve her by force."
Kratos faced him again, slowly, and Dev could see the hesitation on his face. For a moment, nothing happened. No one moved.
"Enough of this crap!" Cal yelled suddenly and strode forward. He shoved aside one of the Desians that surrounded the hostages and he reached in and yanked out a kid. A little boy.
He grabbed the child by the back of the shirt and lifted him into the air, walking towards Kratos as a woman wailed and reached out for her child.
"Tell me! Which of the creatures are you willing to sacrifice? The walking dead woman or the brat?" the boy was sobbing and struggling as the shirt choked him. Cal held his sword up against the child.
Kratos still didn't answer and Cal smirked. "Fine by me." He pulled back the sword.
"No!" a shouted cut through the air and Dev turned to see a young woman shove past the two men, running towards Cal. Kratos leapt forward and grabbed her arm, hauling her back and restraining her as she shouted again. "Don't hurt him!"
"Anna, stop this!" Kratos snapped at her, holding her arms as she struggled.
"I can't let them do this!" she argued.
Dev froze when he saw Anna, tears streaming down his face and he held up his hand and shouted. "Enough!"
Everyone fell silent.
Yes. I am in trouble, I know. My cliffhangers return. It is never intentional! I swear! Haha.
However, I hope you enjoy it despite that. And it is longer! Yay!
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