Presea's POV:

I was running through the forest, hearing twigs snap underneath my boots. The monster chasing me was too quick, so I decided to turn around and face it. I gripped my axe tightly, prepared for battle. The monster lunged and I shot into the air before slamming my axe back down on the creature.

"Devastation!" I shouted. Attack after attack I slowed it down, and a few lucky clips from my opponent earned me a couple deep cuts. All of a sudden, I heard something behind me. Footsteps? I whirled around to see Genis, standing in front of me with his kendama drawn.

"Presea, look out!" he yelled. I turned around to see the monster pouncing on me, but Genis threw himself in front of me taking the blow. I swung my axe on more time, killing the beast.

"Genis? Genis!" I shouted to the crumpled, bloody mass of my lover. I felt his hand. No pulse. "What...Genis...no...ahhhhhhhh!" I screamed.

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Presea woke up with a jolt, taking heavy labored breaths. A light coating of sweat covered her forehead, and she wiped it away with her hand. The door cracked open.

"Presea, are you okay?" Genis asked. She sighed. He was safe.

"Yes," she managed.

"Really? Because I could've swore I heard you scream, and you were thrashing an awful lot," he smirked. Presea smiled.

"Nightmare," she explained. Genis wrapped his arms around her.

"It's okay, I'm here," he comforted her. Genis noticed the dark bags underneath her baby blue eyes.

"You should keep resting, it's nessassary to your health," Genis said.

"But...what if I have another nightmare?" she asked, her voice quivering. It was so real, she thought.

"Then I'll stay here with you until you wake up," Genis said sternly.

"Really?" Presea asked, eyes wide.

"Really."

"Thank you, Genis," she sighed, closing her eyes. They laid down, and she snuggled into his chest with her arms wrapped around him just like the first night in Flanoir. Genis embraced her as well, and Presea quickly slipped into a dreamless sleep at last. Genis fell asleep to her rhythmic breaths a few minutes later.

Neither of them knew how long they were asleep, but all Presea knew was it was the best sleep she had gotten in a long time. After blinking a couple times, the young ax-girl had opened her eyes feeling a lot better. The first thing she saw was another pair of bright eyes looking back at her.

"Good morning," Genis said.

"Mm," she mumbled. It was too early in the process of waking up for her to say anything more intelligent. Genis got up and so did she, but Genis was a little faster. Presea knew of the situation the group was in, and decided that this short rest stop to Flanoir probably should stay short. She pulled on her gloves, belt, and boots while Genis just waited.

"Genis?" she called while pulling on her armored shoes.

"Mm?"

Instead of answering, she walked over and planted a kiss on his lips.

"Thank you for staying with me," she finally responded. For once, Genis didn't blush.

"You're plenty welcome, Presea," he muttered, not needing to talk any louder because she was right in front of him. The couple descended the staircase together, noticing the mansion was awfully quiet. When they reached the dining area of the suite they were staying in they only saw Sheena. She smiled warmly at them.

"Where is everyone?" Genis asked in puzzlement.

"In bed," she replied nonchalantly, playing with her cards. Presea knew that meant it was either early morning or late night. Sheena was always the last one to go to bed and the first one to wake up. That's how it is in Mizuho, she'd say.

"So...is it still night or is it morning?" Presea asked.

"It's morning, don't worry," she reassured them. "Presea, you must've been really tired. You slept a long time," the summoner added. Presea nodded.

"I had a few nightmares..."

"Oh."

They stood (or in Sheena's case, sat) in silence for a few moments before Genis broke the ice.

"Lets get some breakfast in here! I'm starving," he declared. Sheena laughed and Presea let out a small chuckle. Both the half elf and the ninja turned to stare at her. Did I do something wrong? she wondered.

"Presea...I've never heard you laugh before," Sheena said, gawking. Ah. So that's why they were looking at me funny, she thought.

"Y-you're...even cuter when you laugh," Genis added shyly. Presea smiled.

"I suppose my emotions are...returning," she said. Presea and Genis joined Sheena at the table while waiting for their breakfast to come. The inn in Flanoir was particuarly nice.

The next person to come down the stairs was Lloyd, followed by Colette. Those two were inseparable these days. Lloyd's desire to protect her and Colette's to be near him just seemed to keep them attached at the hip. Raine, Regal, and Zelos came down shortly after, and soon everyone was awake with full bellies. They set off again, this time for the temple of darkness.

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Okay so this chapter was a little short, but I was having some writer's block. Also, if you haven't read the first chapter please do! I fixed it, I didn't realize it had been deleted, so I am terribly sorry. Anyways, thanks for reading and hope you liked it!:) Vote, comment, fan:) Love and darkness,

BE