Hi! Once again, thanks for the reviews. I hope the interval of time between this and my last chapter has been a good time for everyone. Well, I'm gonna continue this, and in all honesty I am still constructing how it will end in my head, so we can all be in this debate together..haha. Will the tables turn? Which of these deserving young men will succeed in their quest for the beautiful rosebud? What will we bear witness to? Seduction? Passion? Action? Time will soon tell. Lloyd, Genis and Presea...let it be continued...

Disclaimer: I have no legal rights towards Tales of Symphonia or its characters.

The Scholar, The Swordsman, and the Rose

Chapter 3: Together as Friends and Foes

Lloyd Irving, Male.

Age: 17.

Height: 5'8

Build: muscled

Love interest: Presea Combatir.

Strengths: Coordination, agility, strength, and work ethic.

Weaknesses: Simple-minded, below average intelligence, no magic skills.

Current love report: Generally on favorable terms with Presea.

Genis Sage, Male.

Age: 12.

Height: 4'6

Build: slender

Love interest: Presea Combatir

Strengths: Incredible intelligence, sensitivity, cooking skills, strong willpower.

Weaknesses: Weak physically, difficulty controlling his emotions (ex: blushing, stuttering).

Current love report: Devastated emotionally, not knowing exactly what Presea thinks of him.

Presea Combatir, Female.

Age: 28, appearance more akin to the age of 13.

Height: 4'5

Build: Small and slender

Love interest: Undecided..

Strengths: Incredible intelligence, incredible strength, beautiful exterior.

Weaknesses: Incredibly confused, sometimes becoming trapped in the past. No magical capabilities.

Current love report: Feeling new emotions for both Lloyd Irving and Genis Sage...in varying degrees.

LLOYD IRVING

Title: "Revitalized Pursuer" -Fully healed, he is once again free to try and win the heart he seeks. The title for the man who doesn't let minor setbacks stand in his quest for that evasive love. (Increases Strength and HP)

Damn that little mage! I know I shouldn't lose my temper so quickly...seems to be a bad habit of mine...but Genis is ruining one of the few things I'm sure about; I want Presea. She's MINE! She obviously likes me. But I should've known that he'd start something as soon as I did, since he's so head over heels in love with her too...he just waited to find out that Presea CAN be interested in relationships. Ugh, it's weird...we've had good times together, me and Genis, but right now I feel like I'd easily throw all those memories away if it would help me get closer to that beautiful girl! Gotta get her!

My wounds were healed after two extra days of rest. Genis and Presea hadn't done any more spectacular things together like a MANSION DINNER together (argh!)..but I'm sure they've been talking together lots..but maybe not. I don't even know how it turned out...something tells me it's not gonna be too easy anymore though. Ugh..they wouldn't have...made out..would they have? Genis wouldn't even know what to do! I mean..not that I really would either but..ugh! Listen to this! I'm rambling! This is something Genis would do, not me! I should..practice sword moves or something...work on my form...hehe... I caught Presea glancing at me in the battle before! Yep, I should just keep things simple..that'll work..won't it? I grabbed my training swords, knowing that we wouldn't be leaving for a while yet, and started working out...

GENIS SAGE

Title: "Disillusioned": The effort and grace in his endeavors has not paid off...why has fate dealt him such a cruel hand? The title for one who is taken aback by the harshness of love. (Increases Intelligence and Defense)

My sleeves were soaked through with grimy snot and tear stains...I cried for longer than I can ever remember. My previous bawling after seeing Presea and Lloyd together in battle was nothing compared to this. I...I poured my heart out to her...and...cooked the best meal I'd ever cooked, and...she could only talk about Lloyd! Presea...I love you...why did you do that to me...?

And curse my good natured-ness of it all! I actually obliged to her questions...helping Lloyd out in the process! Argh! What the hell was I thinking? I even mentioned that her and Lloyd might be in love...why? Was I just so shocked by these emotions flooding out of Presea that it took me by surprise? What am I gonna do now...Presea'll go talk to Lloyd...and then there'll be this soft embrace...he'll kiss her passionately. Their eyes will meet, they'll confess their love for each other, and then they'll be together side by side, always fighting in battle together making sure I'm off to the side. And then...

"Ugh..no..don't get so down on yourself...the fight's only started! No battle for love ends like this! Not if you put any effort at all into it!"

Such a futile effort, my conscience made...

And then...they'll get an inn room together...hands interlocked all the time as they ascend the stairs. Presea'll be so into Lloyd that she'll get fancy perfumes and things making the atmosphere all that more romantic...saturated with love and passion. My pure little angel will open the door, smiling seductively...

"If you keep this anti-fantasy going, you're really gonna hurt yourself y'know..." My mind was weak and unconvincing in its suggestion.

SHUT UP! ...and she'll lay on the bed...smiling brighter than ever...with a rebellious glint never before present in her eyes as she motions for Lloyd to join her. He does, and they lay on the bed, making out, kissing, touching...moaning softly...

"This is your last chance to back out of this nightma–" And Lloyd slithers a hand up Presea's dress, scanning up her body, as she shivers under his touch, Lloyd feeling up her soft mounds..Presea arches her back in pleasure...moaning...urging him on to continue touching her...

"Oh yesss...touch me...Genis..." Genis?

"Genis?"

"I SAID, SHUT U----" ...whoops...

"Presea! (choke) H-how's it going? I haven't seen you around the last couple days!" Again..she did it again...reversing my foreboding thoughts..just in the nick of time. She showed a brief expression of surprise before returning to her usual, captivating, controlled state.

"I was...just sorting some factors out in my mind...but...more importantly, I want..to apologize..for that night..I...I didn't think you would be offended...but I may have miscalculated in my strategy for formulating my approach towards the question I wanted to ask..."I blinked once. Twice. M y jaw dropped slightly as it usually did seeing that beautiful pink-haired ax-girl...

"No...no it's O.K..P-Presea.. I over-reacted..."

"Over-reacted...I suppose you did...but...that is what I do not understand...I am confused as to what I could've said that would have provoked your ill-temperament..."

Oh man...now what? Tell her you like her? ...that you LOVE her...?

... My mind failed to aid me, yet again.

PRESEA COMBATIR

Title: "Dazed and Confused": There are so many unanswered questions...what is the right way to interpret things? The title for an innocent girl forced to deal with a multitude of thoughts at once. (Increases Intelligence, Accuracy and TP)

I awaited Genis' response, which was taking considerably longer than I had estimated. He seemed to be switching between two courses of speech in his mind as he stared at the ground

before finally raising his head and speaking...

"Presea...I-I..I..." He commenced his usual stuttering. ...What? I feel myself..smiling? Why is this...Genis is merely reverting to his abnormal state, which happens only when encountering me...why do I find this...amusing? Colette knows the word I seek to describe how Genis looks right now..but I can't attribute it at the moment...Genis looks so...no..I can't fathom the word. He continued...his stuttering handicapping him even more than usual.

"..I...r-really.."

"HEY! PRESEA!" My attention was immediately diverted, directed instead towards the shrill shout of Lloyd. As he approached, I took notice of heavy perspiration accumulating on his forehead, and his heavy respiratory cycles which, I deduced, was a result of his bodily response towards a session of vigorous training. I felt that same sensation which was occurring more frequently lately...that heated surge through my body as I looked at him. I felt I wanted to smile, but then...looking at Genis..I hesitated. ..why? Ahh! Why must I conceal all these emotions! Thankfully, Lloyd spoke to ease my sporadic thoughts, for the moment.

"Oh hi, Genis..." Lloyd broke the silence. Genis' eyebrows drooped and he didn't respond..only adding to my confusion. They had known each other since childhood and had undergone traumatic experiences together...why is there brewing animosity between them?

"...or not...so um..Presea! I think we're ready to go, so why don't we lead the charge to the tower of mana?" Lloyd tossed one of his training swords into the air, catching it effortlessly and sheathing it without breaking eye contact with me. I shivered. Not from fear, or sub-zero temperature...but observing his technique and coordination...is making me...forgive me. I cannot interpret what I'm feeling now. These emotions are becoming stronger, more direct...

I finally noticed that I was responding similar to Genis...I finally spoke.

"Lloyd...lets proceed, together." I smiled at him, and saw his sweat-beaded face do likewise.

"Great!" Lloyd turned to leave, but I noticed Genis, who had his head turned so he wasn't facing either of us.

"Um...Lloyd...I think..it would be wise...to take Genis in our lead group as well. Traveling with an absence of magical power decreases our odds of success dramatically."

Lloyd stopped, paused, and turned 180 degrees to face us.

"Yeah...that's..that's a good idea, Presea!" He quickly turned back and continued onwards. Although he agreed to my proposition, his tone of voice seemed to suggest otherwise...

LLOYD IRVING

Title: "Apprehensive Observer" -The stakes are heightened...the pressure to outperform his rival has begun to affect his mental state. The title for one who is becoming more aware of his competition. (Increases Intelligence, Defense and Accuracy)

Dammit...she definitely has some feelings for Genis...that's not good. On the other hand, I saw Presea's super-cute body tense up as I miraculously performed my sword stunt (that was the first time I'd ever gotten it to work completely). And I'm not dumb...I knew she was feeling something..but she's just now getting used to these emotions..so, I guess if I keep doing stuff to let her feel that way, Presea will definitely open herself up to me eventually...oh crap! Heh...good thing I didn't say that out loud...Zelos would've made his sickest joke yet..oh man that's terrible..

Anyway, I don't know what to do about Genis..if I rank out at him while we travel with Presea, she'll take his side, so I'm just gonna have to put up with him for now. If I have to do some sort of...ugh... studying, I might as well observe how he acts in battle around Presea.

After restocking our gels and other items, we left the capital of Tethe'alla and hopped on our rheiards, going full speed to the base near Flanoir and through the trans-dimensional fissure into Sylvarant. Its weird...this is, like, the BIG one...we don't know what'll happen once we break this seal...but...all I wanna know is how I'm gonna get Presea to swing back to my side! Dammit...I can't wait to kiss her...

Upon our arrival, Presea, Genis and I, along with Zelos, stormed through the tower of mana in our own group, while Sheena, the Professor, Regal and Colette followed a fair distance from us. I wondered what Genis was thinking as Presea stuck close to me, looking at me from time to time. Weird...it seems like she's wanting to tell me something, but isn't quite ready to...I suppose I'll have to start thinking a bit deeper if I wanna know what's bothering her...

GENIS SAGE

Title: "Faint-hearted" -The one he loves pities him, she's drifting away...he is left silent. The title for the romantic who cannot stop the one girl he loves from slipping through his fingers. (Increases Evasion and TP)

(Sniff)...why? Presea...you have no idea how pitiful you made me look.. "Oh Lloyd, I think we should take Genis too"...what am I, a child? I don't have a say in anything?

Love seems to work this way far too often...the guy who's sensitive, caring, and who truly loves a girl is left either unnoticed, or, if he is noticed, seen as fragile, unable to provide protection and assurance. Instead, the big brawny guy, who as far as I can see only wants her for her physical beauty, is running away with my precious Presea...damn you Lloyd! Heh...then why don't I SAY that out loud...if I was any kind of man I'd confront him face to face...

Ugh..I guess I should try and think a bit more realistically before I get completely absorbed in my self pity. We charged through the tower for the second time, briefly encountering some of the more bizarre monsters we've come across in the journey so far; living swords and deceptively cute looking teddy bears. I couldn't stop myself from holding true to my battle tactic that I began ever since Presea joined. I launched my elemental spells at any enemy that was giving her trouble...but she still didn't ever thank me..or even look at me. I gave up on trying to talk to her for now, hell, I gave up on saying much of anything. I didn't announce my spells, or even cry out when a sword slashed me. My heart wasn't into it. Probably never will be.

We encountered some abnormally strong ghouls closer to the peak of the tower, and I actually had to forget my crippling emotional pain for a while as they dodged our attacks and flailed at us with their own. Presea got knocked down once by one of the transparent entities, and as I heard her cry out, my heart jolted in pain. I quickly cast a fireball spell to get the kamikaze demon away from her as she got up. She glanced at me briefly, but I felt myself turn away, pretending to be focusing on another monster. I couldn't look at her...not anymore...not now that it seems almost certain that..she likes Lloyd..and not me. Not me...ARGH! DAMN IT! Lloyd was having troubles of his own, his sword clanging with the scythe of a 'death' monster , and the monster getting a good hack in at Lloyd's legs, tripping him up. Zelos was busy casting healing spells on Presea, who was too far away to provide any quick help. I sighed in resignation as I realized I had to help the one that I hated. Concentrating, I expelled some mana from my body, engulfing the beast in an eruption..but in my anger, I triggered the release point to be right near Lloyd, who frantically jumped up from the ground as some flames singed his clothing as it devoured the evil phantom. I didn't look sorry at all as he yelled,

"What the hell? Genis what was that?" Presea glanced at me as well, with her precious, lovely blue eyes filled with confusion.

"Genis...that has never happened before...what is wrong?" I simply lowered my kendama and started walking the stairs again, until both of them left me alone. What did I care...Presea doesn't like me, so no point explaining myself to her or Lloyd right?

...Oh Presea...I'm SO in LOVE with you...(sniff)...

PRESEA COMBATIR

Title: "...Sympathetic...?" -Her little knight has infused her with even more emotions...she does not want him to be like this...the title for one learning the importance of comfort and sympathy. (Increases Strength, Intelligence, HP, and Accuracy)

Genis...I think I am beginning to comprehend the mannerisms he has been exhibiting..and perhaps the precise reasons for them...Referring to prior thoughts, if Genis truly does...love me...then...it must make him...angry..if I am in the presence of another male? This would make him feel...jealous..is that the term? Yes, I am 87 percent certain that Genis is...jealous...that Lloyd and I are beginning to establish trust in each other...

I must be honest...I am feeling...stronger impulses when I look at Lloyd as compared to Genis...there are certain physical qualities about his form that send my hormones into tremendous imbalances at times...I find myself wanting to..touch him...and...when I find myself alone and away from Lloyd for an extensive amount of time...there comes upon me...I know this must be extremely wrong...something must be wrong with me...but thinking of Lloyd almost makes me want to touch... myself..? It is wrong..I know, but we as humans are not nearly as capable of resisting our temptations as we so frequently boast...there is most definitely temptation involved, I must admit. When I look at Genis...I see more fear...as well as gentleness and kindness..but fear that is making me question his intentions and motives...with Lloyd I feel I can trust the simpleness of his character, a scenario which does not hold true in Genis' case...

But about that emotion...jealousy..it is...not a beneficial emotion to have...I do not desire Genis to feel this way...his face..contorting with so much inner anger and frustration...I can not help but feel at least partially responsible for the negativity emanating from the small sorcerer. Perhaps...I should transfer a certain percentage of my conversation towards Genis...Lloyd doesn't seem to interpret things as seriously as Genis, so I can perhaps engage in conversation with Genis without igniting any rage within Lloyd..

"Genis...may I... talk to you?" I asked him politely as we slowly proceeded through this colossal structure, conserving our energy output via speed reduction. Genis looked up at me sharply, with...anger in his eyes? ...I had not realized...or...predicted that such animosity could develop from such a wonderful emotion such as love...if..if that is what it is...my estimations could still very well be faulty. Since I could not sense him attempting to respond, I continued.

"I am...worried about you..." I started. It seemed apparent that as soon as I said those three words, the anger displaced from his eyes, and he looked at me attentively. This was a promising start, I presumed. "You can..talk..to me, Genis. I am worried that something I have done has diminished your respect for me...am I correct?" The hurt was again visible in his eyes.

"Presea, I...I don't think I can talk about it right now...but don't worry..it's not so much anything you did...it's just..." He looked down to avoid my alert gaze, sighing with apparent despair. "I don't want to get in your way, that's all..." He seemed to have finished his thought. I contemplated it in my mind. 'Don't want to get in your way..." Why would Genis think this? Even if Lloyd and I were to become...closer...I can't understand why this would cause him to avoid me. Although I was sure jealous was apparent, I did not know

"Genis, I must admit that I am not conscious of some of the emotions that are developing within me...but I do not think..that you avoiding me, is going to solve anything. I enjoy your intelligent conversation, your exceptional cooking, as well as your magical capabilities. Your skills have increased our survival in this quest upwards of 27 percent." Genis smiled again, and seeing this formerly familiar gesture...made me smile too. I was used to myself smiling on an irregular schedule, but with Genis I was more comfortable seeing him smile far more consistently.

"T-thanks Presea! I guess I've been moping around lately...but I promise I'll make it up to you!"

"You do not need to make anything up to me, Genis...I appreciate your consistent defensive measures in combat..I've noticed your earnest desire to protect me..." The young mage looked at me with anticipation apparent in his expression.

"You...you do? I mean..heh...heh-heh.." Genis blushed...he looked so...cute! That's the word that Colette uses constantly...although I have never remembered it until now. A rational explanation would be that I had never seen anything that could really be described as 'cute'...until now. Lloyd was...associated with another term that I will find out in the future I am certain...but Genis..when he smiles...looks..cute. I must remind myself to implement the term as part of my vocabulary. I decided to follow through with my previous statement, seeing the trust Genis had in me flooding back into him.

"Yes. I never made any comments concerning this matter before as I thought it might be a false assumption, but now that I am starting to realize your...committed behavior, I feel it is right to compliment you..."

"Well, I'm gonna keep protecting you Presea! I won't let you down!" Lloyd looked back behind us, as he and Zelos were walking several yards in front of us. Why did this particular speech make him react? Despite my best efforts, things are not developing so clearly...

"Thank you, Genis. I would appreciate your continued support." I gave a slight grin, Lloyd's gaze somehow restrained my intended, wider smile. Genis simply smiled at me and continued ascending the staircase towards the altar, where Luna awaited us.

LLOYD IRVING

Title: "Pressure! Pressure!" A big battle may turn the tide; he must try to impress her with everything he's got! The title for the youth whose faith lies with brawn, not brains. (Increases Strength, Defense, HP and Accuracy)

"Zelos, um..." I started. I didn't really know what I was trying to say.

"Hmm?"

"You're right...Presea's into Genis..I mean, just look behind us, she used to be close to me, then she kinda silently drifted back to him!" Zelos looked turned 180 degrees and started walking backwards, looking at the pair. I could almost feel that idiotic grin forming on his face as he failed to turn back around.

"O.K..turn around you idiot! They'll know I'm talking about them!"

"Have you noticed Presea's curves, Lloyd? They're a good measure of how sexy a chick is. But remember, you have to study the face too. If they don't have a cute face, they..." Zelos was whispering all this useless information...I had to stop this crap!

"Shut up! Turn around!" Zelos grumbled under his breath as he finally spun around. "Now listen, there's a big battle coming up here...and I gotta look good...that's what chicks like right?"

"Yep! I'm telling ya Lloyd, Presea's at that age where looks and skills are everything. If you can exude some masculine sexiness, Presea'll be all over you! And since Sheena will accompany you, and Genis has to use magic, Presea'll be watching you throughout the whole damn thing! So, you gotta show her what you're made of! Give her a gel when she gets hurt, guard for her when she's under pressure..just like that tournament battle!" His voice was rising a bit too much near the end.

"Shh! O.K., O.K.! I'll come out flying, and I'm sure it'll work out!" With that, we approached the end of the staircase, entering the room with the bridges made of light...or whatever it was. My breath quickened, my pulse skyrocketed. I glanced back at Presea's angel-like face, scanned her beautiful skin and body, then gripped my sword tightly as we prepared to fight one of the biggest fights ever. Both for the sake of the world, and that's nice and all, but for me, Presea is what's fueling my fire. Ha! Hear that? Metaphor, or something! I'm getting smart eh?

GENIS SAGE

Title: "Little Knight" -Knowing now that his presence has been felt all along, his quest for love and happiness has beared witness to new motivation. (Increases Strength, Defense, Evasion, HP and TP)

Presea worries about me! She appreciates me! She...she did all along! I was so naive...I should've figured that she'd had some kind of feelings towards me...she just..has difficulty expressing them sometimes, I guess. And the fact that she did express such private feelings to me...wow...

My face was still red from her compliments (well, also because of me stealing glances at those nice curves she's getting...wow...she really is beautiful), so I let myself slip back from the group a bit, to collect my thoughts. I had to make sure to protect Presea with anything I could. I never usually go for the front-lines, but I'll keep myself within healing distance so I can help Presea as soon as she gets hurt..and I'll use this orange gel right now...so I can use as much mana as I need for this battle. Heh...its strange...this battle is extremely important..we have no idea what'll happen when this last seal's broken...but what I really care about is how well I can defend Presea! Bring it on Lloyd...you're not gonna steal the show this time...heh heh!

-Heh...well, what did everyone think? I mixed it up a bit this chapter...tried to give lots of short, but more varied, perceptions of each of the main characters. I think I did quite well, but of course, that's my writer's naivete speaking...haha. Should I incorporate the other Tales characters in this story more? Or is the Genis/Lloyd/Presea focus strong on its own? Any strengths I should build on? Feedback is greatly appreciated. I'm sorry for the lonngggg delay...but like I said, university. Haha. Review please and thanks muchly!

Oh, this is completely off topic but, if you're a music fan, download Tales of Symphonia music! There's some really good tunes available, like Presea's theme :). That's my advice to you

Next Chapter: The battle for Presea...oh, and the whole save the world thing too, if you follow the game plot, meh.

-Solitary Specialist