Irrational panic almost bumps out Lloyd's excitement as Zelos lets go of his hand, stares at him so seriously and nervous that Lloyd has to fight the fear that begins to crawl up his spine. Is he having second thoughts? Does he want to stay, to go sleep and forget this happened at all? Because Lloyd doesn't know how he'd handle it, being this close to freedom, only to be rejected at it's gates.

And then Zelos speaks, and the fear is at once axed off by gentle fondness and a little bit of sadness spawned from the meaning behind Zelos' words. Lloyd knows he should have been there for Zelos, should have tried harder to see him, to talk to him, but - the idea that Zelos thinks Lloyd would want this without him - it's almost laughable. Still, the sadness mingles with the guilt in his heart, so before he can think too hard about it, he opens his mouth to respond.

What feels like ages ago, Lloyd and Zelos had discussed freedom, all big dreams and even bigger confidence. A simple question had been hatched: What would you do if you were truly free from your responsibilities? and all Lloyd could think about was traveling the lands with his best friend at his side. He had said as much aloud back then, and it's with a matured, yet equally cheeky grin that he repeats the sentiment.

"C'mon, Zelos. I wouldn't want to do this without you."