Title: Misery Enjoys Company
Day/Theme: July 11 - destroy the dreams I ever dreamed
Series: Tales of Symphonia (AU verse - Run)
Character/Pairing: Zelos, Sheena
Rating: PG
Note: This is from another AU verse of mine, from a rather long winded fic that I'm still trying to get the writing jones for again. Involves Zelos in the Chosen Ritual.


Sometimes, as the years stretched on, Zelos wondered how long he could live. Oh, he knew the Cruxis Crystal could extend his lifespan almost indefinitely, but how long could he survive? Four thousand years - or perhaps even longer - seemed rather long, especially when he had spent half his life with a death wish.

So, as he felt that cold stone prick into his skin, he knew he was signing up for something he'd rather have avoided.

After the first seal went down, and his wings first presented themselves, he had felt cold. Not physically, but inside. He knew something had changed, something strange, and it only made sense when he realized he had no appetite. Or how after the second seal he could no longer sleep.

The lack of sleep unsettled him more than the lack of food - or later on, the lack of touch (although, that had another effect he disliked greatly). He had never realized how much sleep had an effect on a person, even if he didn't physically need it anymore. The calming effect of sleep did more than just make you feel rested, it allowed you to dream. Something that had always given him more agony than bliss, but he still noticed that things didn't always fall into place in his mind like they used to. He had read that dreaming was a way for your mind to settle things from the day, but he had never believed it until now.

So, one of the many lonely nights he spent standing watch, he was surprised when Sheena came over to talk to him. Usually, the summoner had avoided him, or given him her usual callous remarks towards his advances. But, even his usual teasing did not deter her from sitting next to him.

"I had a bad dream," she said resolutely, after a long time of sitting next to him in silence.

That was another surprise. She usually never spoke to him about anything personal, let alone turning to him for something like this. "Aw. Do you need to be comforted in my arms then?" he teased, opening his arms in a mock comforting gesture.

She gave him her usual leveling glare, but she quickly turned back to looking serious. "I wouldn't talk about it to you unless I needed to!" she said, obviously flustered about the arrangement to begin with. "But, you're the only one here who would... know what I'm talking about and ...it was about... that time."

Ah. Volt then, Zelos thought. It made sense, since they were nearing Volt's Temple anyway. "You okay?"

Sheena stayed still, starting to nod, but stopping herself before shaking her head. "...Not really. Corrine's been trying to cheer me up, but I'm honestly still scared about walking into that place again. Which is rather dumb - I mean, it's been years, and I'm here to protect you, and here I am, getting scared over something that happened ages ago and-"

"Hush," Zelos said, almost wanting to chuckle at her sudden rambling. Sometimes he could forget how she had her moments of weakness, too, after all. "I don't blame you for being freaked out. Martel knows I would be if I had a memory like that hanging over my head!" he said, laughing a little in his usual way to stress his point. Sheena gave him a look, but he sighed, continuing. "We're not going there for Volt. We're going there to release the seal. You'll kick ass like you always will."

Even in the darkness, he could see the faint blush that flared up on her cheeks. (Point one to angel senses, again.) "But, what if I mess up because I get scared, or-"

"If anyone's going to mess up, it's going to be me," he said, rolling his eyes. "Like you always say, it's amazing a stupid Chosen like myself has gotten this far, right?"

He could see some anger contort her face, as if she disagreed with what he said. "But you've been-" she stopped though, the blush forming stronger on her cheeks.

Zelos smiled gently, nudging her with his elbow. "Besides, even though I'm such a screw up, I wouldn't have gotten this far without you by my side, hun," he said, catching her attention - which was quite nice with that lovely hue staining her cheeks. "Even if she trips and falls, the might of Mizuho will protect me!"

Sheena huffed, obviously not that amused by his teasing, but he could see the little bit of a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. "...Thanks, Zelos."

"No problem, no problem~ Anything for one of my hunnies! Especially for one as loyal as you~!"

She laughed a little in ernest this time, ribbing him. "Whatever," she said, rolling her eyes. After a pause, she looked at him, a faint hint of curiosity in her face. "Do you want me to take over the night watch? You must be exhausted, and we've got a big day of traveling tomorrow..."

"I'm good, hunny. You get some sleep," he said. "You need it more than me, obviously," he added teasingly, after catching her letting out a big yawn.

Sheena bit her lip, a little indecisive, but conceded, nodding and going back to the campsite. "Alright. I'll listen to you this time, stupid Chosen."

"Good girl."

After she walked down the hill, giving him a knowing glance. "Get some sort of rest if you can, all right? A-and ...thanks."

Zelos smiled, waving her off. "You're welcome, Sheena."

Even after he could hear her gentle breathing settle in as she fell back asleep, he was suddenly glad he couldn't sleep anymore, even if it was only for moments like these.