Chapter 11: "You Wouldn't Understand"

Hima was a boring to walk around in as it was to look at. There was nothing there. But, that didn't stop Anna. She wandered all over the place talking to people, shopping, and always dragging Kratos along with her.

"Why must you pull me along with you?" he asked.

"Because you have money and I don't." she answered, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"How about if I just give you some money so I can relax?" He reached into one of his pockets and gave her a bunch of money. "Here's 10000 Gald. Entertain yourself." And with that, he walked away.

She found him later up at the peak.

"Kratos?"

"Yes?" he turned to face her, still sitting on the edge of the cliff.

"Are you mad at me?"

"Why would I be?" he turned back to the overlook.

"I just thought you were mad at me for dragging you along when I want to go shopping." She sat next to him. "What are you doing up here anyway?"

"Watching the sunset."

"I didn't know you were like that," she said.

"Like what?" he looked at her.

"I never thought that someone like you could like watching sunsets. That's all."

"And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"A strong man like you…a warrior."

"Humph! You don't know me very well then, do you?" he stood up and prepared to leave.

"I would if you would talk to me!" Anna screamed, also standing.

"Maybe I don't want to talk. Maybe I prefer to listen."

"What?" Anna looked shocked. "Listen? Do you ever sit and actually talk to people? You know, a real conversation?"

"I'm not exactly the talkative type. I'm more inclined to listen to people and what they have to say. It seems that every time I do say something, no one ever listens."

"How do you figure that?"

"It's happened before."

"Maybe I was wrong about you, Kratos."

"What?" he faced her. "What do you mean?"

"I thought that you were really sweet, despite the fact that you carry a sword and will kill anything that crosses your path. But now, I see that you are a cold and heartless human being!"

"How am I cold and heartless?"

"You never talk, you never smile, you never laugh, and you never say nice things."

"Like what nice things?" Kratos asked.

"Like, 'good morning. Did you sleep well?' or 'Good night. Sweet dreams.' Or even 'Please.' Do you know how insensitive that is? When you don't do any of those things?"

"Enlighten me."

"When you talk, then people know that you were listening to them and that you have something to add. When you smile, it shows that you are enjoying yourself. When you laugh, then people know that they are making you happy. And when you do and say nice things, then people will do and say nice things back to you."

"I'm going back to the room. I need to think for a while." That being said, he walked off down the path.

"Antisocial idiot," Anna muttered, following.

The next morning, Anna walked outside to find Kratos putting their bags on Noishe's back.

"Where are we going, now?" Anna asked.

"I am going back to Hakeonesia Peak."

"What about me?"

"I will return for you."

"Why are you leaving without me? This is just the thing I was talking about! Leaving me behind is not polite. I demand to go with you!"

"You can't. This is official business. You will just be in the way."

"But…"

"No."

"What kind of 'official business'?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Why not? Because I'm a woman?"

"No. Because you wouldn't." He threw himself onto the animal's back and they were off, leaving Anna standing next to the inn at Hima.

Kratos needed some 'alone time'...he'll be back! I promise!