Simple Comfort

A Tales of Symphonia Fanfic

By Nathan Raya

Summary: When Raine's past comes back to haunt her during the night, Genis comforts her the only way he knows how.

Disclaimer: I do not Tales of Symphonia or any of its related characters, etc.

[Raine's POV]

Over the past few weeks, memories of my past have come to me in my dreams, turning a night of peaceful slumber into a night of screams and running. Though the dreams have been coming to me every night without fail, it becomes a blur whenever I try to recall it. All I can remember is fire, the sounds of battle, and Genis' tiny form huddled against my chest.

I mustn't let him die...I won't let him die...

I pull him closer, shielding him from that around him. I look up in time to see a streak of blood and a bloodcurdling scream.

NOOOOO!

I run from the sound, but with every step it becomes louder and more painful. The scream pierces the blood red sky, overshadowed by malicious laughter. I keep running, one hand over my ear and the other cradling Genis to me, but nothing drowns out the earsplitting scream or that horrible, horrible, laughter...

[Genis' POV]

I sit on the edge of my bed, looking across at Raine, tossing and turning in her sleep. How I wish she could sleep peacefully, like the others. The others don't have to deal with this. They don't have to deal with horrible memories haunting your dreams...

No, I shouldn't think that. It's not their fault. They have lived sheltered lives in their small, solitary villages. You should imagine that they would never have to experience the horrors Raine did.

At the time, I was far too young to remember what happened. Raine always refused to tell me, saying that she doesn't want to lay a burden on my shoulders. And, now that I see what she has to go through, I am truly grateful she didn't.

I hate seeing her like this. She is such a wonderful, caring, nurturing person, and now she is forced to experience that which she tries to abate. She has accomplished so much for the two of us in such a short time, and yet I cannot help her in any way. She was able to get us someplace to live, her own job, and friends for me. She has achieved so many things in such a short amount of time. Deep down, I really appreciate having her as a sister. Without her, I may not have survived.

Now, I feel so helpless, watching her like this. Such a good person doesn't deserve to suffer like this. There is no way I can just watch her suffer without at least trying to help her. But what can I do? I'm just a top-ranking student, nothing more. Dealing with emotions just wasn't my thing. Emotional therapy was better left to people like Colette.

After a few seconds, it hit me. What can be more comforting than a gentle touch and the sight of a familiar face? I stand up and quietly walk over to her bed. I climb in, and slowly put my arms around her in a gentle embrace. Her shuddering form instantly relaxes, and her sharp, shallow breathing is reduced to its regular calm.

I sigh softly. This felt so soothing. I smile as I realize that this was what I had always wanted: To not be treated as student/teacher, but to be loved as brother and sister. I pull her closer and whisper into her ear.

"I love you, sis. I'll always be here for you."

I drowsily close my eyes and fall into a peaceful slumber. The night passes quickly, and I soon feel the first of the sun's rays falling upon my back. I open my eyes and see a smiling Raine beside me, our arms still wrapped tightly around each other. She leans forward and plants a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Thanks, Genis. I love you too."

Author's Note: I hope you liked my story. I know it's short, so I should work on the length of my stories sometime. Anyway, read and review. Constructive criticism is encouraged, but no flaming.