It's been a long time since I wrote a story with...Well, a story line, never mind plot, settings, development, multiple characters and, god forbid, Dialog! But I'll see what I can do and try not to use 'said' all the time. Since I'm still 'warming up' my writing I've decided to write a short, maybe five chapter, story based on Sheena and her assassination responsibility. I don't think something like this has been posted, too many stories to go through lol, but if there has...Well too bad, this is my version Please, enjoy.
It's bad enough they were 'traitors', let alone a strange organization, whose purpose they were uncertain, but if the king trusted them, and her Vice-Chief expected her too, she really had no choice but to accept them. Truthfully though, what isn't suspicious about a group called 'Renegades'? Maybe they offered help and solutions, and yes she would cooperate with them, but trust was another matter. After all, they were the reason they knew of this other world in the first place – who's to say they never just made it up, as some sort of ploy?
Unfortunately, Sheena had no say in the matter. Besides, after the incident with the Chief...The real one that is, Sheena had done all she could to make up for it and more. Being chosen to go on this mission was not just an honour but another chance to prove herself to her village. She was tired of hurting them, and letting them all down. Besides, more than any of that, this was for her world – How could she possibly say no to that?
Meltokio wasn't Sheena's most favourite place to visit, and for obvious reasons, but it was necessary for her to be here since she had been summoned by the Vice-Chief. Today was her last day in Tethe'alla and they needed to go over the details before her departure at the Renegades' base. How they expected to send her through to another world was beyond her, but she was willing to do anything for her Chief at this point.
Upon entering the city, she couldn't help but notice, and not for the first time, the obvious divisions that the city had been separated into: rich and poor. It was disgusting, really, to see poverty in a city so full of nobles, but nobody ever moved to change anything and neither did she. Not because she didn't want to, but because today she had an even more important mission – one that would save both the rich and poor of this world. But for right now there were other things to deal with – like the red-head that was heading her way.
"Sheeeeennnnaaa! How wonderful to see you again! His majesty and the Chief await your presence, and may I say that I too hav-"
"Oh, can it Zelos," she cut him off, "I don't have time to deal with you right now. Just hurry and show me to them, 'kay?"
"Such cold words, Sheena, really. Don't I at least get a hug?" One glance was all it took to tell him no, and the red-head continued, "They're in the castle's parlour, discussing matters over fine tea, I'm sure. You're not too late, if you hurry I'm sure there'll be no problems."
"That's good, I'm already nervous enough as it is. Are you coming with, or do you have other things to do?" She prayed the latter.
"Well, if you really want my company I can always make room just for you!"
"Go already. You're not good for my health."
"Hey! Sheena-!"
"Later Zelos!" leaving Zelos to his whine, Sheena sprints towards the castle, muttering a greeting to the guards on her way in. Talking to Zelos could be exhausting and she'd learn to cut things short – the less offense from his mouth, the less inclined she felt to beat him to a pulp.
"Ah! Miss Fujibayashi!" A maid called, having sighted her and heading her way, "We've been expecting you."
"Yes, sorry I'm late! I hope they haven't waited too long..."
"Not at all," the maid smiled, "If you would just follow me...?"
"Yes, of course. Please lead the way."
They walked in silence until they reached a decorative wooden door. Gently knocking before opening the door, the maid entered and announced Sheena's arrival.
"Pardon the intrusion, but Miss Fujibayashi of Mizuho has arrived."
"Thank you, that will be all," The king's slightly monotonic voice replied.
Performing a small curtsy, the maid proceeded to exit as Sheena made her way over to sit in a chair near her Vice-Chief, across from the king of Tethe'alla.
"So Sheena," the king began, "I take it you are fully prepared and ready to leave?"
"Yes, your majesty," Sheena replied, reminding herself to respond with the utmost respect.
"You are fully aware of your mission and responsibility? You are aware of the risks and, most of all, the importance of your duty? Can you give me no reason to doubt Tiga's confidence in you? I would hate to lose respect for someone I've come to trust so much."
Tiga stiffened at the king's wording, and Sheena flinched a little. After a moment she took a deep breath and prepared to answer. "Your majesty...I am aware that my mission is to assassinate the Sylvarant's Chosen before they can complete the Journey of Regeneration. I understand that that task may prove difficult at times, and that the risk is a high one. I also understand that this is an important duty to my world, and everyone who lives here. I can't swear perfect results, that this will be a complete success, but I promise to do my best, and I swear I won't allow this world to suffer as Sylvarant has. No matter what happens in the future, I will find a way to save this world of such a terrible fate."
The king stayed silent for a moment before rousing and mumbling a vague sound that resembled a 'good', and stood up. "I'm glad you were able to find a suitable person for the job," He said to Tiga before nodding to Sheena, "I wish you luck Sheena. Now, if you'd both excuse me, I feel a little unwell...I'll leave everything in your hands now."
Holding a hand to the side of his forehead, the king took his leave. Relived, Sheena released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Is that it then?" She asked, slightly unsure.
"I suppose," Tiga replied, "We're lucky he saw us at all...He's been complaining about some illness as of late." Tiga turned to Sheena, "Sheena...Good luck. I have faith that you'll carry out your duty without fail."
"...Thanks Vice-Chief."
"Then, that'll be all. You should get going to the Renegade base near Flanoir. Go see the Elemental Research Laboratory for transportation...Goodbye Sheena"
"Bye Chief. I promise to do my best"
Farwell's over both Sheena and Tiga leave the castle, Tiga heading back for Mizuho, and Sheena for the Laboratory. Sheena was glad that the meeting was finally over with – she hated dealing with the royal family, especially with the pope around, whispering things to the king. The thought made her shiver.
Despite this being her last visit for a long time, Sheena couldn't help but smile as the Laboratory came into sight. She had begun visiting as often as she could to see the man-made summon spirit they named Corrine. The unfortunate summon had the pleasure of being subjected to all sorts of experiments, and Sheena liked to visit and comfort him – after all she was a summoner and by no means a cruel person.
Upon entering the Lab, however, she was attacked by a certain light brown furred, blue tailed fluff ball.
"Sheena! Quick, save me from this evil place! Please, take me with you!" Corrine whined, much in a similar way to Zelos, she couldn't help but notice.
"Calm down Corrine! I'd love you to come, but I don't think they'll just let me take away."
"Actually Sheena," A researcher stepped out, "We're finished our experiments. In fact, we were wondering if you wanted to take Corrine with you – think of it as the next step. Field research. If you'd have him, we couldn't think of anyone better to take care of him. Besides, he may be of help on your journey."
"You really mean that?" She smiled, holding Corrine in her arms, "I'd love to have him along! I'd be lonely travelling without a friend along."
"Thant's great, Sheena!" Corrine squeaked, "Now quickly, let's leave, let's leave, let's leave!"
"Hold on Corrine, she's here for a reason," the researcher smiled, looking at Sheena, "you're here for transportation right? I sent Kuchinawa to the dock with a wing pack already. He should be waiting there."
"Thanks, I appreciate it. Ok then, say goodbye Corrine!"
"Goodbye Corrine, good luck on your travels with Sheena."
"...I hate you. Let's go."
Sheena did a figurative face plant before finally leaving the lab and Meltokio behind for good. Fortunately the dock wasn't far, just enough away to catch up with Corrine.
Walking up to the dock she noticed her childhood ninja friend waiting for her, and called out.
"Kuchinawa! Good to see you again!"
"Sheena...Are you ready to depart?"
"Yes."
The trip to the icy continent was longer than her trip to the dock, only this time it was in complete silence. Corrine could sense Sheena's nerves as she spent her last moments in Tethe'alla, and didn't want to disturb her. Looking out at the sea, Sheena made a silent goodbye to her world. She really didn't know what to think of these so called 'Renegades', but if this was the only way, she had no doubt she would do it.
Too soon Kuchinawa announced their arrival, and Sheena couldn't help but hesitate on her way in the base.
"Hey...Kuchinawa?"
"Yes Sheena?"
"I'm sorry about...You know. Thanks for being a friend to me all these years. Please tell Orochi bye for me as well, 'kay? I'll be sure to see you two when I return again," She smiled at her friend.
Kuchinawa closed his eyes and shook his head a little as he sighed. "Just go already, Sheena. And don't let us down, alright?" He teased.
Finally, she entered the base, a Renegade appearing to lead the way and another to take the tail. Corrine shivered and began to complain until the Renegades looked at him with annoyance and he noticed the gleam of their weapons. Deciding to stay silent, Corrine moved closer to Sheena as they walked.
Coming into the hanger, the Renegade gestured towards some strange metal objects that were lined up in a row.
"These," he began, "are called Rheairds. They're what we use to transport ourselves between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant." Walking over to one he continued the explanation. "Press this button here to turn it on, this is the power, and here's the brake. It's very easy to use, and you won't be needing it once you reach Sylvarant anyway. Do you understand how it works?"
"Yes, I think I got it."
"Then you're ready to go. Just turn it on and fly through there," he pointed to an open portal on the other side of the room.
"Okay. Ready, Corrine?"
"Whenever you are, Sheena!"
"Then let's go!"
Kuchinawa...That's such a fun name to type, lol. Anyway, a final little 'to let you know', it's been a long time since I played the game so to refresh my mind I'm rereading scenes from a script I found online. Because of this I may miss events or some of my information may be inaccurate. I may even miss little details due to uncertainty (Ex. I don't know how well Sheena actually knew Zelos pre-game time line; I'm just going off what I remember here and what seems possible.) So sorry if some of this is...Improvised, but I will try my best to keep things accurate to the game. And possibly anime...We'll see.
On another note, this will be a relatively short story and may end when either Sheena joins the party in game or after the Tower of Salvation scene. Again, we'll see. Though I am leaning towards the tower right now...
Anyway, I hope I manage to keep the characters in...Character, lol. Thanks for sticking through and I hope to see you in chapter 2 ...Next time I promise there won't be these long rantings, lol.