Miss: Well… I have returned…

--gasp—

Miss: Hmmm… An odd gasping noise…

Zelos: Do I really have to read it to find out?

Miss: -nods- Yes, you do.

Zelos: Kratos! Can you tell me?

Kratos: It's none of your business.

Miss: Give up Zelos! And do the disclaimer.

Zelos: -grumbles- Fine… Miss doesn't own ToS or the song Count on Me by Default.

Love Lift Me

Chapter 3

Once white embers now glowed in the quiet fire pit, the bright orange sun rising over the beautiful Lake Umacy. Vibrant colors danced calmly over the rippling surface of the small bay as morning light began to pour across the land.

Birds chattered merrily in the green trees, welcoming a new day. Accompanying the pleasant singing was the rustling of clothing, and the sounds of people rising with the sun. A peaceful look was over the young swordsman's face as he gazed around at the beautiful surroundings. This was the best sleep any of them had had since the last time they had slept out under the stars during their journey.

"Fire ball." The soft voice carried gently, setting the glowing embers aflame. With the first words being spoken, a small chatter arose within the group. But a distance away from the group, discussing breakfast, were two people, sitting quietly on a fallen log.

I know that life ain't always good to you.
I've seen exactly what it's put you through
Thrown you around and turned you upside down and so you
You got to thinking there was no way out
You started sinking and it pulled you down
It may be tough you've to get back up
Because you know that life ain't over yet

A soft smile was placed upon the young maiden's lips. Her bright eyes unconsciously drifting deeply into the dark chocolate eyes of her companion. Her thoughts racing, she wondered, 'Would he ever be able to love me?'

Raine shifted her feet slightly, an uneasy feeling jumping in her gut. She loved him, but he still had feelings for his late wife. He had told her himself, and she had comforted him. But, it was the right thing to do wasn't it?

Lately though, the professor had noticed that this angel was beginning to cheer up a bit. She liked to believe it was because of her, but she knew that it was probably just a fantasy… still…

I'm here for you so don't forget
You can count on me
Cause' I will carry you till you
Carry on

"Kratos," Raine began, her own mind racing at what she would say. Why had she said his name? She didn't know what to say to him.

"Yes Raine?" His voice was soft and carried magically on the breeze towards her. The sound seemed to calm her frantic mind.

'Well, I either say something now… and risk everything. Or I just, stay quiet… keep what I have.' She pondered with herself, her eyes falling to the ground.

She perked back up, hearing the seraphim shift slightly. Her eyes caught his, and she could see a look in his eyes. The same look she had seen that day he spoke about Anna. "Is something wrong?"

Mentally Raine was smacking herself for asking such a stupid question once again.

Anytime you need someone
Somebody strong to lean on
Well you can count on me
To hold you till the healing is done

"No, not really." He looked towards her, and down into her eyes. Slowly Kratos shifted his body, turning it slightly towards the maiden. He continued to look deep into her shinning aqua eyes.

He could always read people, just by staring into their eyes. And he could see, that something was really bothering her. Last night, why had she gone for that walk? He was worried, but the feeling was overwhelming. He had never felt so worried about anyone for a long time, ever since Anna was still alive. He pondered for a moment, before speaking.

"Raine, it seems as if something has been bothering you lately. Perhaps you would like to talk about it? Maybe you would feel better?"

And every time you fall apart
Well you can hide here in my arms
And you can count on me
To hold you till that feeling is gone

A twitching feeling came to the healer's mouth, and a stinging feeling to the back of her eyes as she fought back the tears, fought back the sadness. But it was a battle she was losing, and she knew he was watching her closely.

"Raine…?" Aqua eyes shut, holding back the tears threatening, tearing at her. Her brows creased and a single tear fell, running down her cheek. Heart racing, beating loudly. She could swear he could hear it. Thump, thump, thump.

The seraphim watched quietly, the pain of watching her trying to be so tough, trying to hide it, to hold it in. He frowned slightly, before wrapping his strong arms around the maiden and pulling her close.

Immediately her tears began to flow freely, the warm water soaking into the seraphim's shirt. Her small arms wrapped around him slightly as she buried her silver head into his chest.

"Kratos… it's just so hard, and I don't know what to do anymore…"

I wonder why nobody's waiting on you
I'd like to be the one to pull you through your darkest times
I'd love to be the light that finds you

The seraphim closed his eyes, holding tightly onto the small, fragile thing in his arms. His heart pounded strongly, and he opened his eyes slowly once again.

For a moment he did not believe what he was seeing. He looked over the beautiful water of the lake, shinning in the sunlight. And on the waters surface, was Anna. Her stunning brown hair, flowing magically in the gently breeze. Her sparkling blue eyes, as vibrant and big as he remembered, looking towards him. Her body seemed to glow, sparkling feathers falling from the giant, beautiful, white wings on her back.

His eyes rested upon her figure, his heart racing as a feeling of guilt rushed into him. There was his wife, and there he was, holding another woman in his arms. But… Anna… She seemed to be smiling. His heart felt as if it would explode from his chest as his angelic wife began to walk towards him.

I see a silver lining on your cloud
I'll pick you up whenever you fall down
Just take my hand and I will help you stand

He wanted to let go of Raine, but he didn't. He didn't know what to do, but he remained calm, not wanting to frighten the healer in any way. He looked down towards the ground, as the angel stopped just before him, looking down at the couple sitting. A smile was spread upon her face, and her eyes were gentle.

She bent down, and whispered gently into his ear. "She's beautiful Kratos." Her voice was beautiful, crisp and clean, just as he remembered. The ghost of Anna stood back up straight, looking deep into Kratos' eyes. "I just want you to be happy Kratos," she gently placed her hand on his cheek.

A small smile tugged at the seraphim, and tears fogged his vision slightly as he felt the soft hand disappear. He lowered her head slightly, resting it in Raine's silver hair.

"Raine, I've been thinking," he whispered softly, the young woman in his arms still trembling slightly with tears.

Because you know that life ain't over yet
I'm here for you so don't forget
You can count on me
Cause' I will carry you till you carry on

Raine could feel his warm, strong arms tighten slightly around her, her heart still pounding steadily. Her ears were listening intently to his words.

"Anna, she would have wanted me to be happy again… And…" A pause filled the air, the happy birds still chirping in the morning sky, and the sound of laughter in the distance. "I'm happiest when I'm with you."

Anytime you need someone
Somebody strong to lean on
Well you can count on me to hold you till the healing is done
And every time you fall apart you can hide here in my arms

Raine pulled back slightly, to look the seraphim in the face. Her eyes were tear filled, her cheeks streaked red. His eyes were gazing straight back into her own.

"Kratos, I-" The professor began, but was cut off by the soft feeling of his lips pressed against hers. Lost in the moment, the world around was forgotten. Happiness was building up inside the half-elf, he did love her…

And you can count on me to hold you till that feeling is
Gone so you can live today
Seems so long to yesterday
Keep on counting on me to carry you till you carry on
Carry on

The kiss broke, and they sat there. Kratos held Raine dear in his arms, never wanting to let go, never wanting to lose her.

0o0o0o0o0o

Miss: I did it :D, I really did it!

Raine: …Anna… thinks I'm beautiful? –blush-

Kratos: :)

Zelos: Well duh, my Ultra Gorgeous Cool, OW!

Kratos: -glare-

Zelos: that wasn't very nice :(

Miss: Anyways… Hah… Review?