AN: It's been awhile, hasn't it? Sorry the update took so long. My only excuse is that life got in the way. I know, it sounds lame, but my life gets a little crazy sometimes and I find myself way too busy. Don't worry though I am finally back.

Thanks again to my reviewers. You guys keep me going even when I don't feel like going. Because of this, I have decided to dedicate this chapter to you guys. Without you, I may not have gone past Ch. 1. It is my hope to get 100 reviews for this story and if my math is right (and it usually is not) I should be able to reach that and more by this stories end.

Enough of the sappy crap now. Read it, enjoy it, and if you care to earn some respect from me or just feel like doing so, review it.

Disclaimer: I've said it before and I'll have to say it many times over probably, so I may as well get used to it. I don't own Tales of Symphonia. I might someday, but the odds are about as good as my dad winning a new 'vette. I guess that means I don't stand a chance.

Ch. 10 The Reunion

The road had been long, the trials had been many, and the rewards had been great. Lloyd, Sheena, and Capricorn could now see it, the imperial city of Meltokio. They were still a good days walk away, but the mere sight of their destination made their hearts lighten.

Lloyd looked now over to Capricorn. Though she had at first been aggressive and seriousabout her mission, she seemed to have accepted her choice to follow them. She was now very upbeat about things and even managed to crack a few jokes. Her loyalty to her master, Forcystus, was still as unwavering as it had been before but at least they didn't have to watch their backs day and night. They had even done some fencing together.

"There it is, Lloyd," Sheena commented. "There's Meltokio, the beginning of our war."

"Yeah, the political part," Lloyd agreed with a small chuckle. "This king had better not be all profit. I can't stand it when people think of themselves first."

"If he is, do you want me to put blade to him?" asked Capricorn, jokingly.

"Nah, if he dies it'll take us that much longer to build an army, meaning we will not leave until much later than we plan to."

"Besides, as soon as we find the others things will work out nicely," Sheena mentioned. "Regal will be able to persuade the king with no problems."

Lloyd's ears perked suddenly. He turned in the direction of the faint sound, and what he saw brought to him a great deal of joy. "Speak of the devil!" he exclaimed. "We'll stop here. We'll head out shortly after they get here."

"What are you talking about?" asked Capricorn.

"You're going to meet the rest of our friends," Lloyd explained. "They'll probably be here by dawn tomorrow."

"How the hell can you see so far?" she asked incredulously. "How can some inferior being see that far away?"

"I don't know, I just can," Lloyd explained. "And didn't we agree that you wouldn't use the racist terms anymore?"

"It is a little weird though," Sheena agreed. "Have you always had such good sight?"

"No," Lloyd admitted. "I've only had my senses this sharp for maybe a few days now. I'd have probably noticed Meltokio sooner too if it weren't for these hills."

"Okay then!" Sheena said as if to declare something important. "To celebrate your heightened senses and the coming reunion with our friends, I'm cooking curry!"

As quickly as she said this, Lloyd and Capricorn prepared a small fire, pulled out a pan and other cooking utensils, and bowed to the side. "Your kitchen awaits, Madam," Lloyd stated, trying to keep a straight face.

"Why thank you, good gentleman," Sheena replied, acting dignified as she walked by, kissing Lloyd on the cheek as she went.

And so they continued as such throughout the night, with jokes stories and good food to spare. But that night, as Lloyd and Sheena were sleeping close to each other, Capricorn was still awake. A strange thing had happened that day and she was starting to realize what it was that was happening.

"I can't believe that Kvar's experiment is starting to show results!" she thought silently. "After 400 years of his working on that one exsphere, it is finally starting to awaken. And if his theories are right, this is just the beginning."

…The Next Day…

The sky was clear that morning as the sun rose from behind the horizon to greet Lloyd. He had taken the final watch that night, and was happy he had. The sun was perfect that morning, as it began its daily climb through the sky. He would have woken Sheena for this, but she had only gotten a few hours of sleep so far since the end of her shift. He had learned to let her get her sleep.

He looked again to the north. He could almost clearly make out the six figures that were approaching. They were definitely his friends. They were moving much faster now, Zelos or Colette had probably noticed them. Those two were annoying, but at least they were useful… somewhat.

Another two hours later and they had arrived. The sun had gotten higher and as soon as they got there they swamped Lloyd and Sheena with questions, the more popular ones being "What the hell were you thinking Lloyd?" "Are you alright Sheena?" and from Zelos, "Who's the babe?"

So the introductions were made and the stories were told. Apparently when Lloyd and Sheena had disappeared, they had searched for some time for them but to no success. They had then agreed to continue to Meltokio and hope for the best. Their trip had been quiet and uneventful, they had seen no Desians or anything.

When they had shared their tales and eaten the meals in between, the sun was already sinking. They wouldn't be able to reach Meltokio that day but it suited them fine. They would get there tomorrow and then their next step would be determined.

AN: Okay and I'm done. I again apologize for taking so long to update. Oh well at least I did! Now review please. I know you're only going to if you want to, but if it will sway you toward reviewing, I will beg. And for the record folks I only beg when I want something a lot. So please review. I will consider you to be a very nice person if you do so. Or if you prefer it, I'll consider you evil. You see that folks, I'm even giving you the choice of how I think of you. See you next time at Ch. 11: The Imperial City. Laters!