Disclaimer: NAMCO Tales Studio, Ltd. holds the exclusive rights to all characters and story elements appearing in the video game Tales of Symphonia. The following story has been created for entertainment purposes only and no profit has been made by the author. The text of this story may not be reproduced in any form, print or electronic, save for short passages for comment or review.

Note: Misspellings are intentional: Lloyd is not academically gifted.

Setting: In an alternate universe a few weeks before the group first travels to the Tower of Salvation.

Lloyd's Letter to Sheena

The night was cold, and Sheena wrapped herself in a blanket and huddled close to the fire Kratos had built—but not too close. She dare not risk losing the paper she held. A scant few moments ago Lloyd had appeared out of nowhere, sheepishly handed it to her, and retreated, leaving her and Kratos—the only other group member still awake—around the fire. Lloyd diligently avoided eye contact. She did not know why until she began reading.

The letter was crumpled in a few places; whether it had been delivered this way or she had clenched her fist in shock at its contents, she could not recall. The text was written in a measured script. Great care had been taken in its writing, evidenced by the scarcity of the mark-throughs. An arrow just below the salutation referenced a hastily scribbled note written diagonally to the side. It bore the superscription: Read this part first.

Dear Sheena,

Sorry about the small lettering and it being written sideways, but this introduction is a last minute addition. The thing is, this letter was meant for someone else. I addressed it to you, but I wrote it for myself. I wanted to try and sort out my feelings and figured the best way to do that would be to pretend I was writing you a letter. If you keep reading, you'll see that I have sorted everything out. Please keep reading. You don't have to, but I'd really appreciate it. I was planning to copy this onto a fresh sheet, but we've been so busy lately, and I can't stand another night passing without you knowing what you mean to me.

I'm writing to let you know how I feel about you. I'm not very good at it, though—writing I mean. And despite what the Professor might fear, it isn't because I don't know how. I just have a hard time organizing my thoughts. It's much easier to blurt everything out, consequences be damned. But I don't want to screw this up. Taking the time to write something out means it's important, right? That's what it means to me, anyway.

Well, here goes. I think I may care—the word "care" is crossed out—love you, Sheena. And I'm going to tell you why.

I knew you first as a ferocious, almost reckless, warrior. First at Ossa Trail, then at Balacruf Mozoleum, you proved yourself the equal to all of us. Hell, with the guardian cards, you outmatched us. If we'd fought you one-on-one, I bet even Kratos would have lost. Not that I'm saying he's a better swordsman than me or anything. Okay, maybe a little better. Just a little.

Even while we were fighting, I had a hard time thinking of you as an enemy. When you said, "If you're good, I'm also good," I believed you. Seeing you in Luin playing with those children confirmed it. Remember what I said then? "I was just thinking how cute you look." You blushed. Behind the big bad assassin, there was a normal girl who could be flattered by a simple compliment.

Later when we noticed smoke rising from Luin, I was scared out of my mind. I've never been one for prayer, but I was praying then. And what do you know? Martel answers prayers. When we found you hurt, but alive, I was extatik—"extatik" is crossed out—exited—also crossed out—so thankful. Professor Raine didn't want to heal you. I never wanted anything more.

Remember when you first joined us? It seemed all I ever did was annoy you. Sorry about that, but your constant demand of "Be a man!" helped me do just that. Thank you. I am who I am today because of you. I know I'm not there yet, but I'm trying.

For you.

And it's tough sometimes, especially in battle. That's why I think it's love. See, for the first time in my life, I'm losing focus in battle. And it's all your fault. Instead of planning my next move, I'm worrying about you. I don't blame you. In a way, I'm glad. Fighting to protect my friends is nothing new, but I've never feared for their safety.

I'll let you in on a secret, Sheena. Sometimes when he thinks I'm not listening Kratos whispers to me, "Don't die." At first I was angry. I thought he was making fun of me, you know, for my weakness. But I don't think that way anymore because I find myself thinking the same way about you—"Don't die, Sheena."—and I know you're not weak.

Again I ask, is this love? I think

Wait. Does that mean Kratos loves me? That's kinda disturbing. Never mind. Back to the letter.

Is this love? Yes, I think so.

I'm not asking for anything, and I'm not offering. At least not yet. I don't have a right to, not with Colette depending on me. I promised her I'd see this journey through to the end, and I always keep my word. But once the World Regeneration Journey is over, if you're willing, I'd like to see if we could have a life together. Do you think we could? It's okay if the answer's no. I still had to tell you

I love you, Sheena.

—Lloyd

As she finished reading, her eyes filled with tears. Aloud, she said nothing; in her heart, she said, "Yes." Gently she folded the letter and tucked it into the inner pocket of her gi, pausing a moment to press it to her heart. A stroll by Lloyd's tent told her the young swordsman was asleep. His light snoring made her smile, and set her heart to fluttering. She'd talk with him another day. Maybe tomorrow, maybe not, but soon.

But then the next day she might think better of that decision; the realities of their situation would sink in. They were from different worlds, competing worlds. A successful Regeneration Journey would save his, but condemn hers. But love is powerful, powerful enough, someone once said, to save the world. Perhaps it could save two.

Returning to the fire, she placed a hand on Kratos's shoulder. "I'm going to sleep," she said. "Wake me in a few hours so I can take the next watch."

He gave his assent and watched her disappear behind her tent flap. When certain he was alone, he whispered, "Our son has found someone. And she's strong, Anna." He cast another log into the fire. "I know I'll have to fight them soon, but I promise you I will not kill her. I swear to you Lloyd will have the chance for happiness you and I never did."

At a sound, he whirled around, sword drawn.

Sheena stood before him, mouth agape. "I-I forgot my blanket," she said.