A/N: Whoaaa…it's been, like, a month since I updated this story…in case anyone cares. I've been kind of uninspired lately. Hate it when that happens.

Anyway, I don't own anything.

There he was. Walking down the streets of Meltokio. Zelos could only stare.

Lloyd.

Breaking himself out of the trance, he ran towards his friend. "Bud!" he shouted, grabbing Lloyd's shoulder from behind and pulling the shorter into a one-armed hug. "I've missed you!"

"What do you want, you stupid Chosen?" Lloyd growled, glaring up at Zelos.

His heart stopped beating for a moment, and he stared at the younger man. Did Lloyd just say that? Did Lloyd hate him now? If so, why had he agreed to go on the quest for Exspheres with Zelos, why had he actually cared when Zelos had gotten possessed by Mithos, why, why, why…

Pushing away all the questions, he forced a grin—as usual—and joked, "Oh, come on now, who are you, and what have you done with Lloyd?"

Lloyd froze and there was a forced smile on his face. "Oh, nothing, nothing, Chosen! I'm just, you know, on edge. Ha ha!"

Zelos felt his eyes narrowing. Lloyd forcing a smile? Something wasn't right here. And on that note…

"Chosen?" he repeated slowly. "You've never been one for formalities, Lloyd…"

"Oh…heh heh…Zelos, I'm sorry. I've just been…well, on edge!"

"Since when have you been on edge? All the years of homework you never did catching up to you?" Zelos realized his voice was cold and mocking as he said the words. What am I doing? "Lloyd…this isn't like you…you've never had to force a smile before…"

Lloyd stiffened then, and said coolly, "Is that all?"

"Lloyd."

"I have to go, Chos—Zelos. Goodbye." As Lloyd yanked free, a wave of dizziness passed over Zelos, and he fell to his knees.

My vision's going blurry…and what the hell is that horrible stench? Is that…is that Lloyd?

Lloyd's red boots going past his head were the last things he saw before he passed out, trying desperately not to throw up.

He awoke in his bed. He pressed a hand to his forehead, groaning. Horrible headache. Just what had that smell been? And why had Lloyd been so…cold?

That was not Lloyd. That can't have been Lloyd. Lloyd does not smell like a garbage truck. Or worse.

Zelos sat up cautiously. Dammit, just what was going on?

And since when does Lloyd not care about his friends when they pass out right in front of him, even if it's me?

Things were very strange. If that hadn't been Lloyd then who?

"Zelos, you shouldn't move," his sister said softly, entering his room.

"That wasn't Lloyd," Zelos muttered, holding his hand against his throbbing head. "Lloyd…is different."

"Zelos!"

He forced another smile, this one for Seles's sake. "I'm fine, Seles. Don't worry."

"Get some sleep, brother."

And she was gone. Zelos collapsed against his pillows again.

Lloyd…

It was the last thought he had before he fell asleep once again

A/N: Short again, I know. Whatever. I appriciate reviews…they help me update faster. So…

…review?