My extended thanks goes out to all those who reviewed my first chapter (special thanks to FreshMeat, you're too kind!). As stated, I am inexperienced, but I will continue to try and improve my story. I noticed several awful errors in my first chapter (two on two matchups..and then they take on 3 baddies and then 1 after that? I'm sorry..lol). But, no one is perfect. All you Gesea-type people, please read and enjoy this segment with an open mind! I apologize in advance for the slow speed of the story...it's just my style. More action in the future though! Thanks. Oh...and if this update seemed too slow, I apologize. University life does not permit much time for writing fan-fics, although I have actually spent more time (and it has been worthwhile in my opinion) on this than many of my academic assignments.
The Scholar, The Swordsman, and the Rose–Chapter 2: Genis & Presea: a match?
GENIS SAGE
Title: "Broken-hearted". He was meant to be with her...or so he thought. The title for the youth who is facing a cold reality that he does not want to believe. (Increases Intelligence and Evasion)
The tears won't stop. I could already see where this was going. I saw their gestures in battle; even from a huge distance I could tell. The way they ran side by side, looking at each other just as much as their enemies. Presea's dramatic save, preventing Lloyd from getting brutally battered..Their brushing up against one another at the end...they can't tell me that WASN'T intentional...damn it all! And then the dead giveaway...Presea ever so carefully, so gently, so...argh! Adjectives fail me..but the way she carried Lloyd out of there...it looked so damn WRONG to me! I'M the one who started talking to her! I'M the one who tried to let her feel at ease with anyone. And then there's Lloyd, going "OK! I'll just captivate Presea with my combination of battle skills and idiotic phrases and she'll be in bed with me in no time! All right! Way too easy! Did you see that? I was just warming up!" Argh! Just picturing those two even making out..much less screwing...stabs my heart a thousand times..! I finally let the rage overcome my sadness as the stream of tears slowed to a trickle, before stopping as I felt myself get hot with anger. I was in LOVE for the first time in my life, and I wasn't about to let it dissipate so easily.
Raging with fury, I suddenly felt energized, like I needed to do some physical work. At the coliseum I noticed were pictures of some of the more popular; and successful, warriors that had graced the battlefield. Their arms were sculpted like tree trunks and their abs were defined and solid...I wish I could look like that...that would take away the only shallow advantage Lloyd had over me in this fight for Presea. Sigh...Presea...you look like an angel...I want to kiss you...touch you...Ah! Focus, focus. If I could even work out a few days a week, I'd make Presea notice...
However, my mind was abruptly shifted back into reality; half an hour or so after I stormed out of the coliseum, out of the corner of my eye I saw the unmistakable strands of rose hair bobbing up and down. I turned around and saw her jogging towards me. Presea slowed as she approached me, then stood with her arms behind her back "Oh man...she's so damn cute when she does that."
"Genis, I wish to ask your opinion on something." She started, straight to the point. All my previous anger and rage were gone..I already forget what I was mad about..uh..oh wow, Presea's so gorgeous...say something! She's speaking to you! No! Don't even think about how you're turning redder than Lloyd's costume at the moment...err..!
"Ah..haha..a-ask away..Presea!" Ugh. I failed yet again at producing a 'cool' voice. She didn't seem to react much to it, however.
"I have been feeling...different emotions..lately..I estimated that seeing as your age and wisdom are...similar to mine..,"
"Why'd she hesitate there..? That was weird..oh well."
"I feel you would be the most appropriate person to talk to. I understand completely if this request is in any way unacceptable..." I stared blankly at her for a second, lost in her glowing eyes..her curving form, "wow... that body's perfect..",her pink lips...ah!
"Uh..sure! Um, hey yeah! But..uh how about..how about we go eat together or something! There's great food here and uh..we can have all the time we want to discuss what it is you..uh..need to..discuss!" I was clumsy in my wording and voice, but I did manage to get it all out. Presea still didn't smile, but her eyes showed a faint hint of satisfaction.
"Thank you, Genis. I think that is an acceptable proposition. Where shall we dine?" My mind raced furiously..there weren't any official restaurants in this capital...then a lightbulb (metaphorically, of course) went off in my head.
"We'll eat at Zelos'! The rest of the gang is staying at the inn for the rest of the day..so I'll go ask..uh..convince Zelos to let us use his mansion!" Ha! That would be perfect...
"Zelos' manor would be fine..but..to trouble his butler for food for such a trifling matter.." Presea started. I had a response to this one too! Man, I feel good today!
"Heh, leave that to me! I can cook pretty much anything you want Presea!" I grinned at her. She stared at me with surprised eyes.
"Really..? Oh..excuse me, Genis..I know your cooking skills are very proficient..but..for some reason, I feel.." She couldn't find the right words.
"You feel...?"
"I'm not certain." She said truthfully. "In any case Genis, I believe it is nonetheless a good course of action."
"Really? Cool! Um..well, lets go to the inn..you can wait there while I talk to Zelos!"
"Only you will talk to Zelos?" Presea was confused by my previous statement..for good reason.
"Um yeah...it's just..uh Raine's always telling me to do as many things as I can on my own now..so..just let me handle it, alright Presea?" I couldn't think of a better excuse; I needed to hint to Zelos what my real intentions were, and I couldn't do that with Presea there to hear.
"Understood. Let us go."
"Oh, um..what's your favorite dish?" I asked her, somewhat hesitantly..I didn't know how to conceal that from being a 'coming-on' statement. She stared blankly at me, but I knew she was thinking of a response.
"Well, I do enjoy the taste of meat stew...it is rich in protein and provides energy afterwards for long trips, making it especially useful in areas where monsters are abundant." I smiled at her, captivated again by her beauty, as well as her intelligence.
"All right! It'll be the best stew you ever had!" I grinned closing my eyes briefly, feeling giddy, knowing momentum was building. She still didn't quite smile as she said,
"I will look forward to it."
Without further words, Presea started marching towards the inn, with me just to the right of her...oh Martel..how I sooo wanted to hold Presea's hand..it was so tempting. I resisted though, and soon enough we were at the inn. I just then noticed how fluent my speech was..and how many words I had gotten out of that beautiful girl just now.
"Just wait here, O.K. Presea?" I told her as we entered the inn. Presea nodded in reply and took a nearby chair. I went upstairs and, finding one of the doors open, walked in seeing the rest of the gang, minus Lloyd. "Oh..right, he must be bandaged up in some other room resting..good...he wont' put up much of a fuss for a while then..." Wasting no time, I sat beside Zelos, who was content at the coffee table, drinking a mug of the good stuff. This surprised me..he looked quite civil for this brief instant.
"Hey uh..Zelos.." I started. I was afraid of this going sour; Zelos and I weren't at all on friendly terms with each other.
"What is it, brat? Can't you see I'm enjoying this rich...creamy..smooth..oh..inviting... addictive.. fragrant coffee? sip Aaaahhh!"
"Sigh...as long as it can be compared to Sheena..or any hot girl..he's satisfied.."
"Um actually Zelos...I need some help regarding Presea..."Zelos immediately put his
cup down and turned his head to face mine, his eyes shimmering with interest. He smiled with that same vain, idiotic grin.
"All right! Attaboy Genis! I must compliment you on your outstanding sense of taste when it comes to advice for love! Spill it! What can I do to help you please my beautiful rosebud?" Wow. I guess anyone's willing to help..if you can delve into their line of thought.
"Ah..well..she wants to discuss something with me..and.."
"Ooh! Haha 'discuss' eh? Right on! If it were me, I'd go right ahead and take the suggestion, and whatever else happens after the 'discussing' part...will be secret to you and me!" wink!
"..."
I stared wide-eyed at his corrupted smiling visage with a frown on my face. I sure hope I'm not THIS horny eight years down the road...
"...No..uh, I mean..I was wondering if Presea and I could use your mansion..."
"Oh! You want a private room then!"
"Well...not for the purpose you're thinking of..but..yeah.."
"Say no more, little man."
"Well...I guess that's a step up from 'brat.'"
"I'll get my butler to set you guys up with my most luxurious room, complete with a king sized bed, candle light dinner...incense..mmm!" Ugh...as much as I hated myself for it, I found myself picturing Presea and I in that environment, doing things I shouldn't even know about at my age..agh! Stop thinking! You're gonna make that pervert think you're at his own low level!
"Uh..haha thanks Zelos, but we really don't need any of those...romantic...touches..but yeah a nice room would be a big help, and I'll take you up on the candlelight dinner offer! Only I'LL be making the meal!"
"Hmm...well, I admit you have a way of making plausible meals..and I suppose at your age it's alright to start slow..sure thing! I'll deliver the message myself and have the preparations ready for you by 6:00 tonight! How's that!"
Holy crap...I never expected this...I mean, Zelos is so vain and dumb..I thought that he'd want to discourage all other men from invading his horde of women, but he's actually quite intent on 'spreading' love around. I had to give him minor props for that.
"Yeah! Th-that'd be great! Thanks Zelos!" I beamed, suddenly realizing that I had done just what I had said I'd do when I talked to my beautiful Presea last. I saw her lovely figure again as soon as I exited the room. "Well, Presea, we're all set! Dinner'll be at 6:00 at Zelos'!" I stood tall in front of her, beaming with pride.
"That is good, Genis. I will see you at 6:00 p.m." Presea turned to go upstairs and join the others. In that instant, my mind kicked my body into action. I had to start somewhere.
"Um..hey, Presea! Um..we still have a couple hours until then...why don't we, I dunno, stick together! We could have some fun!" Presea turned to me and gazed at me with curiosity.
"I have not done anything..fun...in quite some time." Presea's eyes showed a hint of sadness, her eyebrows drooping ever so slightly. Just seeing her like that made me sad; just another confirmation that I knew I was in love with her!
"All the more reason to go out now! C'mon! We can...uh..." I struggled to think of something Presea would find interesting, but nothing came. An eternity seemed to pass as I was stuck in mid-sentence, seeing other kids frolicking in the streets outside of the inn, having the time of their lives. It wasn't so long ago that I used to love running around...my wayward thinking was halted as Presea (thankfully) interjected.
"Genis, what physical activity are those children involved in?" Presea pointed to many kids who seemed to be running back and forth, at full speed, trying to get away from each other.
"I think they're playing...tag!" I was relatively sure of it anyway.
"It's...been so long... I have... hazy memories of my childhood in Ozette. My friends and I...used to play..tag.."
"..." I didn't want to interrupt her..this seemed important.
"..I can't remember but...I think..I had fun then..but my time for play..was cut short.."
"..Oh..you mean because of Varley...yeah..I can imagine you wouldn't have much time for play with that job.."
"..." Presea seemed to want to say something immediately after I finished my response, but she said nothing. Then, she looked at me with a slight glimmer in her eyes. "Genis..I know this may seem...awkward but..would you consider..playing tag..with me? I would...I would like to relive one of the few bright spots in my past."
Wow. That was unexpected At first, I was at a loss for words...all this deep thinking, the foreboding quest we were involved in..and suddenly, a request to play tag? We were still kind of kids after all I guess...it wouldn't seem that weird..would it? Come on, this is Presea you're talking about! PRE-SAY-UH! The girl you're absolutely in LOVE with! Show her you care!
"Yeah! Lets do it! It'll be fun! You're it!" I playfully nudged her on the shoulder and took off. As I looked back, I saw her surprised face, then smiled as she took off after me. We ran at nearly the same speed, so it worked out perfect...I ran up the stairs, not quite making it up the last one before Presea got me. Her power was so incredible, her mere touch sent me vaulting forward, but I managed to reclaim my balance, hopping on one foot looking like I had some kind of bizarre disorder in my attempt to stabilize myself. I looked back and saw the sight I had been longing forever since I saw Presea...a smile. A cute, adorable smile, which stayed on her face as she said,
"I knew..I would enjoy this. Test your speed against mine, Genis!" She took off ahead of me while I was still standing there, dumbfounded at the sight of her angelic smile. I finally came to my senses.
"Hey! Haha! I won't be 'it' for long! You'd better run fast!" I followed her as she continued upwards, right near the castle, then entered the scenic garden/shrub maze to the right in front of the castle. I smiled as I started to gain on her; I could hear our almost rhythmic breathing as I closed in. I got her on the back, but she was quick to react, catching me before I could bolt off.Heh..I never was much for physical reflexes.
"Augh! No way!" I shouted, as I turned to go after her again, seeing her eyes shut for a second, smiling even more. We chased each other through that maze for what seemed like hours. And during it, something even more surprising occurred; we both started giggling! Like little kids! Carefree kids, spending a beautiful afternoon chasing each other around a lush foliage of plants and flowers. Her beautiful tone was amplified in her pristine laugh, so beautiful... In the last few minutes, I was about to tag Presea again, when I tripped on one heck of a large stone, falling into her instead!
She turned in mid-air and I could see her shocked expression as she fell on her back, landing in the relatively soft soil. I couldn't help it; I fell nearly on top of her, but, surprisingly, I had the sense and the strength to dig my hands into the ground on either side of Presea upon impact, holding myself up in a bridge-like position as I found my face nearly brushing Presea's.
"Presea...are you hurt?" I asked with concern. "Ooh wow..I've NEVER gotten to be this close to her before." To my surprise, she grinned at me again as she rested on her back.
"No, thank you for the game Genis. It was indeed...fun...and we managed to accumulate upwards of 75 percent of our daily required exercise in these 16 minutes." I hesitated...
"Kiss her...KISS HER!" Agh! Shut up! Stupid conscience!
"Ah-heh.heh.." I laughed nervously, and then managed to get up completely but regretted it instantly, realizing that I might never get closer to her than I had been at that moment.
"Augh! You coward! You may never get that chance again!" I tried to ignore it...but my brain really had it in for me at that point.
Presea got up, and we stood in awkward silence for just a second, before I checked one of the huge clocks nearby.
"Oh..haha well it's 5:30...we should maybe get cleaned up I guess!" I suggested
"Yes..that would be rational."
"OK! Let's go to Zelos' then!" Presea's smile faded.
"You suggest...we cleanse our bodies, together?" Presea's head tilted sideways, in absolute confusion. I blushed CRAZILY...but before I could say something stupid like "Yeah, Presesa..I wanna shower together with you!" I managed to squeak out,
"Ahhh..ah no..there's a lot of bathrooms there P-Presea.. I just t-thought..it'd be convenient..since we're both going there anyway."
"Oh. I see. Then all is well. Let us proceed to the mansion." Presea's eyes turned back to their standard, unreflective state, and we walked the rest of the way there in silence. Damn..it HAD been great until those last few moments...
We entered the mansion, and Zelos' butler acknowledged us right away and implored us to make ourselves at home. We walked through a large twin door, and into an elaborately furnished room, with a small but decorative table, glowing softly with candlelight.
"Wow...Zelos didn't go back on his promise...I'm impressed.." I admitted as we looked around a bit at the elegance of Zelos' dining room.
"Your dinner room is prepared, sir Genis. Please feel free to use it." The butler confirmed that the preparations were complete. I felt somewhat relieved...the cooking would relax me while I would think of some things to say to Presea.
"All right Presea, how about we clean up? Take your time, I still have to prepare the stew; but it won't take long!" It was becoming much easier to talk normally to her, I was noticing.
"Yes. I will see you shortly, Genis." Presea walked upstairs and entered one of the bathrooms. I went up a minute later into one of my own, and tensed up as I heard the sound of rushing water flowing down. Down, onto Presea...the thought almost made me lose control!
I let the hot water flow down me, but was unable to acquire the normal relaxation that showering usually gives me, knowing that less than 100 feet away, Presea was in her shower..naked...soap and water flowing down her beautiful body...oh man. My young manhood perked up as I struggled to force the thoughts from my mind. Eventually I was able to, but there was definitely a moment of weakness...and I didn't know how well I'd be able to fight it come the next shower. I eventually triumphed over my hormones by reflecting on the day's progress. It has worked out in my favor today...this is going to be an awesome dinner! You're gonna make her an awesome meal, and make awesome conversation, and Lloyd'll hopefully still be too beat up to try and impress Presea with a cheap display of clumsy sword moves any time soon! Everything will be great... I sighed in satisfaction as I exited the shower, dried off, styled my hair a bit after putting on my clothes, and set out to the kitchen to cook.
PRESEA COMBATIR
Title: "Regenerating Rose" -Through the two knight's affections; she is reclaiming her lost time. A title for one who is willing to let go of the past and embrace the present. (Increases HP, Strength, and TP)
I have taken part in two events that have...brightened my outlook. I am starting to realize now that Lloyd and Genis...care...about me. I have been so used to being looked upon as strange, a laborer, and...nothing else. It was extremely hard to convince myself that people could have a different emotional response towards me after 16 years of stagnant bitterness.
But Lloyd..he...makes me feel that I am wanted and needed in combat, making me sure of myself, making me realize what I am capable of accomplishing. And it is he that I need to ask Genis about tonight.
Genis..I could not bear to tell him the truth about my age...for some reason..I felt it would damage his..perception of me? Perhaps that is inaccurate. Nonetheless, I wonder if he noticed my hesitation as I used the age parameter as a means of rationalizing my request. The game of tag we had just finished...I can remember now, the thrill of such a simple goal, of a never ending game. I had smiled for the first time in Genis' presence that I can remember..and it felt similar to the instances I smiled at Lloyd. It was genuine. As uncharacteristic as playing tag was at 12 years of age...well..in reality, 28 would be the truthful number, but...regardless, it felt so good to be free from the burdens of cold, shallow numbers and the foul sights and events that must be dealt with during battle. For those precious few minutes, I felt that time had returned to me, and Genis had made this all possible. He could have shunned the concept instantly, and I would have been in no position to argue. I was certain that, at the age he's at now, he was attempting to show his developing adult side. But, he obliged to my request, and for that, I am thankful.
I will continue this explanation later, but for now, I must take comfort in this warm water, and try to ease my body, in preparation for my discussion with Genis...
The water flowed down me; I closed my eyes as clear droplets rolled down my developing body, savoring this brief physical pleasure. I thought of Sheena and Professor Raine, seeing how their bodies have been able to develop normally, and wondered if I would someday be as impressive a physical specimen. As it was now, my body was...adequate..for my physical age, but still under-developed. As I softly spread warm soap and water across my breasts, I suddenly, silently, wished my physical self would develop as soon as possible. I don't know why I wish this...it must be a result of adolescent desire. Perhaps that is all that is affecting my thoughts about Genis and Lloyd..but, I do think there is more to it than simple hormonal factors.
I completed my shower, putting my convoluted thoughts on hold for the moment as I put my hair back into the pig-tails I had grown accustomed to. I dried off thoroughly, then put on my attire and descended the stairway. I entered the dining room, and, much to my surprise, Genis had everything prepared well in advance. He seemed to exude such effort, and dedication; particularly when the situation concerned me. I saw his eyes focused intently on each dish as he laid them upon the dining table, debating whether the position that they were set on the table was correct, so much so that he did not detect my presence as of yet.
..oh! I almost gasped out loud..why? That.. feeling again..in my cheeks..spreading through my petite body..what is this sensation? I'm noticing Genis' dedication, the thoroughness in his endeavors; tireless, meticulously planning the event for him and me...argh..why is there such optimal difficulty in constructing this in my mind? My mind sparked. Genis and me. Together. Alone. Candlelight...personally cooked food. His eyes...they look so determined, yet, apprehension is evident as well...
I think I know now...do I? Genis has more potent feelings than simply appreciation towards me. Is he...in... love...with me...?
GENIS SAGE
Title: "Panic!" -Argh! So much to do and so little time! The title for one who is unable to take things in their stride. (Increases nothing!)
"I'm in love with her. Gotta show how much I care about her...all right, I gotta make this perfect...this goes here...the bread close to Presea so she can get first stab at it...argh..salt..pepper, yep, it's here. Okay..it's good..it's all good! You're doing good! No 'Presea, no one can stand against your axe,' is gonna outdo this..." Oh crap, it's past six! I'm running out of time! What..?" I looked up and saw Presea standing a few steps from the doorway. How long had she been here? Have I been keeping her waiting? I...oh, damn it! I sure hope not! Why is she staring at me...did I mess up my hair? Is there something on my face?
PRESEA COMBATIR
Title: "Regenerating Rose"
...I must not make any irrational assumptions...it could prove disastrous to our psychological wellness...not to mention our established friendship... if I have falsely judged any such feelings. But...I must take action. Genis was perspiring with anxiety and fear. I did not want him to feel uncomfortable. I smiled at him, and sat at my designated spot, which I had deduced from his ranting and crisis-like behavior.
"Genis, your dedication to this event far exceeds the expected requirements." I looked at him with fond eyes, knowing that, at the minimum, he did care about me in some context.
"..oh? He-h...heh..thanks Pre..sea! I..I did the best I could! So um, please, dig in!" Genis gestured towards the inviting bowl of meat stew; its aroma flooded my senses as I grasped a spoon and began consuming it, slowly. Genis' skill in the preparation of food was always admirable, but tonight's course was even more so. The meat had been tenderized perfectly, bursting with flavor on my taste buds as I gratuitously consumed it. Looking vertically at brief intervals, I could see Genis looking at me, with concern in his eyes...which I couldn't understand. Surely he would not fear me choking on such a tender concoction. Upon finishing, I smiled again, then emitted a 'mmm' before I spoke, as seemed to be the usual reaction upon tasting something delicious.
"Genis, this meal was extremely pleasing!" I complimented the young mage.
"T-thank you! I'm so glad you liked it..." He smiled back.
I hesitated. Again. I have been hesitating far too often recently; it is not characteristic of me. I had come to the real reason for the whole evening; to talk to Genis about Lloyd...but...why is there part of me telling me not to..? What could possibly not be advantageous to expelling these pent up feelings I have, to the person that knows Lloyd best..? I pondered this quickly in my head, taking advantage of the downtime that resulted after finishing a meal..the wiping of mouths, stacking of dishes, and so on. No, I couldn't just ignore it...Lloyd was...important to me too, I realized. Simply thanking Genis and leaving would not be the proper course of action.
"Genis, I would like to talk about what it was I alluded to previously." I said, after the table chores were taken care of and both of us were comfortable.
"..what?..I..oh! Yes, haha yeah, that was the main point of this after all!" Genis reached a hand behind his head, closing his eyes and smiling sheepishly...I assumed he had forgotten that this whole event had a practical purpose.
"It's..about Lloyd," I began. Genis' eyes grew wide in unexpected surprise, then, for a brief instant, showed a glint of..anger? Why?...I had to continue, now that I had brought the issue to the forefront. "I...I feel that Lloyd and I may have a special bond developing between us, and..." I stopped, my eyes filling with confusion as I saw Genis look down, as if trying to hide his expression from me. Maybe if I ask Genis a question, I will realize what it is that's bothering him, I thought. "...and...I thought you might know better how to interpret what it is I'm feeling, because you and Lloyd...are harmonized in each other's company more often than not." I waited, for a very long duration, before the young mage finally looked up and answered me.
"Well, Presea, I...if I'm being honest, I believe the bond you two are forming may be...love.." I could hear him swallow abnormally just before he said the world 'love'...and I am now beginning to understand...why this may be so hard for him, but I let him continue. "..and, I think, that it's tough to understand these feelings at first.."
"Then I must have been correct...none of this can be explained simply...". His face was struggling not to show signs of sadness, his voice quivering on the edge of control.
"..an-and..I'm sure once you spend more time with Lloyd, you'll know what it is for sure!" Genis then let out a high pitched gasp, and rose from his seat with incredible haste and turned his back on me, without saying another word. He rushed out of the twin oak doors of the room, and I could hear muffled sobs as he seemed to be trying to silence them by crying into his clothing.
..What..have I done? I...I've hurt him...perhaps critically, and...I should feel worse than I do about this..but things are so hard to understand! The explanation he gave me was logical, and on the same wavelength as my personal opinion..so why did it trouble him so? I do not know enough about these emotions...but I must..apologize to him, even though I'm not sure what I have done wrong. Maybe Genis will explain to me. Shouldn't his affection towards me make him happy when I inform him that I have a special bond with someone? Is that not..what love is? For the one you love to be happy? And if it is not love...then the situation makes even less sense. I must cease this convoluted rambling...the situation is serious, and I will take whatever measures necessary to understand it.
LLOYD IRVING
Title: "Crippled Bystander" -His pursuits in love have left him temporarily out of commission. The title for the frustrated soul who can only plan, not act. (Increases Intelligence and Evasion)
Oww... I laid in a comfortable bed in the Meltokio Inn, with bandages across my arms where that fire breath penetrated a bit too far, and simple braces to stabilize my back and neck, which took a beating upon impact after I got flung into the air. Damn that drake...I must've been going 100 miles an hour in the air when that thing hit me..but..heh..it was all for Presea. I did lose consciousness briefly, but I came to when I found myself slung across her shoulders, and wow, did that ever feel good. Hehe...she must really care about me, just like I care about her! Simple! Ha! This love thing isn't that tough! As soon as I'm completely recovered, which shouldn't be too long, I'll pick up where I left off...
"Hey Lloyd! How's my best bud!" Zelos barged into my room shattering my blissful thoughts. But, then again, barely anyone had visited me in the past day...well, except for Colette...but I swear, if she keeps coming on to me this much I'm gonna have to just politely tell her to lay off it..oh! What the hell, Zelos is talking! Right, right.
"Hi Zelos. I'm feeling a lot better, I'll be slicing monsters in no time!"
"Heh, confident as ever then! I must say, you and Presea really seemed to be digging each other..I could even tell during that battle!" Haha...Zelos definitely paid close attention to any female activity, so I believed him 100 percent on this one.
"Haha well, If I'm being honest, I thought so too! She even carried me out of there!" I blushed a bit.
"Haha yeah, you two seemed pretty tight..I wonder what made her switch over to Genis after all you were just through eh?" Zelos said, quite casually. Um..wait... 'switch over to Genis..' Huh?
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Ooh! You don't know? Haha, that Genis is a sneaky one..especially for his age..see, I guess he completely flattered Presea somehow, and anyway, he wanted to impress her with this romantic dinner and stuff, so I let him use my mansion! Clever, huh?"
"You WHAT? What the hell? Why'd you let him do that? What's clever?" I was still feeling tender physically, so I couldn't really confront that lousy Chosen, but my voice was really loud at least! I couldn't believe this..
"What's wrong? I mean, best to start 'em young, right?" Zelos flashed a vain smile again.
"Don't you get it? III want Presea! You even noticed it! Why would you help out the competition? You were the one who was telling me to loosen up and try this stuff!"
"Oh! Well, yeah, I suppose. But all's fair in love and war Lloyd! The best man gets the girl! You'll just have to figure out some way to get Presea back, that's all!" Zelos whistled a jolly tune as he exited, obviously devoid of the feelings of guilt and remorse during this whole conversation.
Argh! Damn it! How did Genis 'flatter' Presea, as Zelos called it? What's that little half-elf got that I don't? Littleness? Crazy hair? I mean, he's smarter than me..I guess..but..that can't be too important..I mean..look at Zelos! I gotta..gotta talk to Presea as soon as possible! She's..she's mine!
I calmed down, taking a few deep breaths, as I started planning on how to get my beautiful Presea back.
Heh...well, I know a lot of you may not have thought this one was as good, but I'm pleased with this chapter..but of course, my opinion is the only one that doesn't matter! Haha please review again, I very much appreciate it. I'm planning the next chapter as we speak, so expect it in a week or so, alright? Thanks very much again for your patience; I hope you're enjoying the character development.