Stuck on You

by Joey Destructo

Direct sequel to Not a Wrinkle, But a Tear. The Symphonians are stuck on Earth and are forced to adapt to Japanese life. Major crossovers and pairings present. I selected Zelos and Presea because they are the most prominent characters. Please R&R. Ch.11 u

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't anything that I've written about in this story, so don't sue!

Soun Tendo watched a little unsurely as the eleven strangers eagerly ate up the cheap ramen dinner his daughter Kasumi had made. All except for the rust-haired man, who ate slowly, dignified, and watchfully. "So, uh, Lloyd," said Soun when the boy had finished his meal, "where are you from?" Lloyd glanced over at Kratos, who returned his look. "Well, we could tell you, but," began Lloyd. "Then we'd have to kill you!" chimed in Zelos, earning him a good whollop from Sheena. "Where'd he pick up that one?" whispered Genis to Colette, who shrugged embarrassedly, knowing it came from that lecherous old man, Happosai. However, as the old dude was seated at that very table, Colette said nothing, so that they wouldn't get themselves in any more trouble than Zelos had stealing panties with the geezer the first night, last night, that they had arrived in this city. Already a number of glances had passed between the partners in crime, and to the Tendos and Saotomes, the looks of anxiety, humor, and seriousness were bewildering. No one pursued it, gratefully.

"What we meant," said Kratos, closing his eyes in irritation, "is that if we told you where we are from, you would likely not understand and might ridicule us. So you must pardon us. If you still wish to know, we will tell you, but we must ask you to hear us out." "Please, do tell," said Akane politely. "We come from a parallel universe," said Raine bluntly. Kratos spread his arms helplessly. "You see?" he said. "There is far more to the tale, if you wish to know it. If you are willingly to listen for a while, we will tell you our story in full." The residents considered this, and agreed. Then, after moving to the living area, Kratos began the story.

"To start this story, I must tell the future. Or rather, the future as it could have been. Or once was. Whatever. In any case, there existed an alternate timeline where an organization from our world came to yours, and drastically altered the planet. They built a giant tower, and caused a deadly sickness. To cut this part of the story short, Ranma fell prey to this sickness, and by my comrade Botta's efforts was cured with some of his allies' abilities. Thereafter you set out to destroy the tower and restore the world back to the way it was with a group of your friends. Along the way you met us and also a group know as the Shinsengumi. Together we destroyed the tower and sent the world back in time to a date shortly before the remnants of our evil organization arrived here. However, time changed things this time around so that an event like that would not happen again. Did you hear about that plane crash? It killed the survivors of Cruxis, the evil organization plotting to overthrow our worlds. However, when time was sent back, we were stuck in this world, and didn't belong. Thus, we were caught in this world and it didn't know how to rewind us, if you will, back to this day. So we still have all our memories, even if you do not. So we actually know more about you than you know about us. At least, right now."

Kratos sat down, and Raine stood up. "Now I will give you a concise version of the history of our world," she said, and cleared her throat. Lloyd groaned mentally. Do I have to study here, too! he wondered. Can't I get a break in another world, at least! He found himself dozing off, and soon he was asleep. When he woke up, Raine was finished, questions had been answered, everyone seemed enlightened, and Ranma looked amazed. (You probably would too, if you found out you had crushed an evil organization in the future and gone back in time so that you had no memory of it). "Well, now that that's cleared up," said Zelos, "on to the real business: Where do we sleep?" Zelos' head thunked when hit by Sheena's fist. "What he means," she said, aggravated, "is we would be very grateful if you would allow us to sleep under your roof tonight, and if you might help us with a few things in the morning." Soun bowed low. "It would be my honor," he said, and showed them to the training hall.

"It's not much," said Soun, "but I'm afraid you'll have to sleep here, as we don't have much in the way of guest rooms." The group appraised the long room with gratitude. "It's definitely a lot better than some of the places I've slept before," remarked Lloyd. "It's great!" said Colette. "Thank you so much!" Soun blushed and rubbed his head. "Not at all, little lady!" he replied. "Well, if you need anything, I'm sure someone will be glad to help you. I'll be right back with some things for you to sleep on." He bowed, and left them alone while he went to retrieve some air mattresses. Lloyd sat down, kicked off his boots, and laid back with a sigh. "I could go to sleep right now," he said tiredly. "Wouldn't you rather change first?" asked Colette. "I'm just expressing my exhaustion," he replied as if Colette didn't understand figures of speech (which she often didn't).

Soun returned and set up the eleven air mattresses he'd managed to find throughout the house and covered them with sheets, blankets, and pillows. He wished them a good night, and left, shutting the door behind him. Wearily, they disrobed and crawled into bed. It wasn't until they had all gotten in that they realized the light was still on. "Dammit," whined Lloyd. "What do we do?" Raine grumbled. "You get up and turn it off," she said, rolling her eyes. "But I don't wanna!" he complained. "Do it now, or you don't get anything more from me!" Sheena threatened. Not wanting to lose his already limited privileges with her, Lloyd grudgingly got up and flicked the switch off. Everyone sighed. After a moment, Sheena patted Lloyd's bed, wanting to give him a kiss in thanks for getting the light, only to find he hadn't returned. "Uh, Lloyd?" she said. "Yeah?" he replied. "Aren't you going to go back to bed?" she asked. "Well, I would, but, I can't see a thing!" he said.

"You need to eat more carrots," said Kratos. "Huh?" said Lloyd. "Why?" "Because carrots contain carotene," said Genis, "and carotene improves your night vision." "Whoa," said Lloyd. "So if I eat a lot of carrots, I can have night vision!" Raine sighed. "Unfortunately not," said Raine. "Human eyes can only work so well. Eventually, your eyes get as good as they get, and then you turn orange from the excessive pigment in carrots." "Pig-mint?" said Lloyd. "A mint for pigs?" Something struck him in the side of the head. "Oww," he said. "Pigments are substances that give things color," said Raine, "and carrots contain an orange pigment. Now get to bed, before I find something else to throw."
"But," began Lloyd. "Now!" she yelled. "Yes, ma'am," he said meekly. He strained his eyes, and took a few hesitant steps forward. Lloyd's foot struck something and he tripped forwards. "Man, you guys, I'm trying to get my beauty sleep," Zelos said, irritated, shoving Lloyd off of himself and onto Lloyd's bed. "I think you're already beautiful enough," said Colette. "Why, thank you!" said Zelos, completely flattered. "But when referring to a man, use the term handsome, not beautiful, although it does describe me well!" "Alright, well, if everyone's through," said Regal, "I would like to get some sleep." "As would I," said Presea. "Yes, that's a good idea," said Raine. "We've got a lot to do tomorrow, so let's get some rest. And if anyone says anything more, I'll find something and nail you with it." After that, everyone settled down, in fear of Raine's fearsome projectile launching skills. All that was heard were couples exchanging goodnight kisses, and then there was nothing but the peaceful sound of deep breathing.

Kratos woke up first, as usual. He stood up, stretched, gathered up his clothes, and tiptoed to the door, so as to not wake any of his friends. He found Kasumi in the kitchen, about to start cooking breakfast. "May I use a bath?" he asked her. "Certainly!" she said. "Up the stairs, down the hall to the right, first door on the left. Towels are in the cabinet." Kratos bowed. "Thank you," he said, and followed her directions to the bathroom. He shut the door and locked it behind him. He sighed, looking upon their bathroom. Although he had been on Earth a long while, he had never had the experience of dealing with all their technology and fixtures. Fortunately, everything was labeled. Unfortunately, it was all in Japanese, of which he knew nothing. He remembered one of Ranma's friends saying that Japanese could possibly be a language in Symphonia. "'Fujibayashi'?" he had said. "'That's definitely Japanese.'" They had been in this city for a while, but Sheena hadn't said anything. He sighed, and decided to get Sheena. Lucky for him, she had just gotten up. Kratos slid the door open and saw her pick up her regular clothes. He signaled for her to come with him, and she came to the door. He led her to the bathroom.

"What's up?" Sheena asked when they came to the bathroom door. "I was hoping you might be able to read this," said Kratos, gesturing to the sink and shower. "Hey!" said Sheena. "Yes?" asked Kratos. "I can read it," she said. "I thought so," said Kratos. "Remember how that one guy said your name was Japanese? And that Japanese might be a language in our world-" "Such as Mizuho," Sheena finished. "Alright, well, the left on both of them say 'hot', and the right ones say 'cold'. I assume that's the water temperature?" "Probably," said Kratos. "Well, thank you. If you'd like, I'll let you know when I'm finished." "That would be great," said Sheena, and left Kratos to his bath.

Without too much difficulty, Kratos discovered the advent of the Earth shower, and passed on the wisdom of the modern bathroom to the others. Sheena went in next, and had just turned on the hot water when she thought she heard a noise in the bathroom. She slowly drew the shower curtain and peered out. There was nothing, and she let the shower curtain return to its normal position. Sheena took a washcloth and soaped it up, and was about to start washing herself when, out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw the curtain move. She looked at it, pulled the curtain back, and checked the bathroom again. Nothing. Of course, she thought. "I guess I'm just imagining things," she said out loud. She closed her eyes and start lathering her body. Three, two, one, she thought. Abruptly she dropped the washcloth and drove her fists into both ends of the shower curtain, and got two fistfuls of face. She wrapped herself in a towel and flung aside the curtain. Zelos and Happosai laid in pain on the floor, clutching their noses. "You damn perverts!" she yelled. "You're gonna get it good this time! There's no escape!"

That was when the two peepers knew they were screwed. They knew the worst that could happen on your voyeur trips was to get caught, because unlike the police, women have no laws to hold them back from cruel and unusual punishment. Zelos tried to get up and run, but Sheena grabbed Happosai and flung him through the door and out into the hallway, where he happened to trip down the stairs, hit his head on a sword Ranma had left out and landed in one of Kasumi's pots of boiling something or other. Sheena grinned sadistically. "Now you get yours," she hissed. "Oh no," moaned Zelos. A kick to the shins put him on the floor, and Sheena jumped with both feet and smashed them down in the two worst places for Zelos: his crotch, and his face. Zelos groaned, and rolled over and out the door Sheena had broken, rolled down the stairs and tumbled into the kitchen, where Kasumi accidentally spilled a pot of boiling water all over him. Zelos laid there for a long while, lamenting his situation. Happosai joined him. Sheena finished her shower. The others went afterwards, even Zelos, though his was icy cold to sooth the pain. Zelos went last, and as he limped to the table, Kasumi put the food on the table. The group took one look at him and shook their heads, pitying and laughing at him at the same time. Zelos looked like misery incarnate, and he ate slowly with his hand supporting his head.

"So, what can we do for you today?" asked Soun during the meal. Sheena raised her hand in mid-bite. She swallowed, and lowered her hand. "I'll field this one," she said. "We need to find a place for us to stay, at least temporarily. I think we can pay for it, but we don't know how to actually go through the processes." "Do you have jobs?" inquired Soun. "Or go to school?" Lloyd wiped his mouth and handed Soun a slip of paper. "We got that from a crazy lady," he said. "Is it a lot of money?" Soun unfolded it, and his jaw dropped. "F-five b-bi-billion yen!" he exclaimed. "How did you get this!" "Not sure, really," said Sheena. "Some lady stopped us on the street, took us to a studio, and took a bunch of, uh, 'pictures', and made some drawings, and then she gave Lloyd and me this piece of paper. She said we were her greatest inspiration ever, and that she could start a whole clothing line based on just us two, but then she saw the rest of us and tore up the old piece of paper and gave me this one. She was going wild."

"Not everyday you get to start a new trend," said Nabiki, wishing she could start a fashion trend and get rich like them. She wanted the money so bad... Akane elbowed her greedy sister. "You're drooling," said Akane. Nabiki wiped her chin and laughed. "Heh, heh," she said. Everyone was staring. "Sorry," she muttered. "So, how much is it?" asked Regal. "Enough to be considered a quite wealthy person, at least," said Genma Saotome. "You've got five billion yen there. To put it in perspective for you, a cheap item, like a pencil, costs fifty yen. A pair of very good shoes costs ten thousand. A fairly expensive house costs fifty million. Yeah, you've got a lot there. However, you need to first get a bank account, and to do that, you're gonna need to exist. Your lives aren't on file. There's no record of you being born, so to this world, you're strangers. If you'd like, I could go down with you to the office to get you registered." They considered this for a long moment. "I suppose we might as well," said Raine finally. "After we get that cleared up, then we can purchase a place to live, and after that-" "Let's not look too far ahead," said Yuan. "Take it one thing at a time. Are we ready to go?"

Everyone nodded. "Then let's get registered," he said.

After a very, very straining day with the bastards at city hall, everyone in Lloyd's group managed to get set up as a citizen of Japan. When they came home, Genma went mumbling to his bed, and the others went to the dojo.

"Damn," said Lloyd, rubbing his eyes. "Who thought it would be so hard just to get put on some lousy file?" Raine yawned. "Well," she said, "there could be a lot of reasons for the difficulty of the whole thing, but I think it was mostly that we didn't have any prior information. We really don't know all that much about this world. Lucky for us Genma filled in for us where we had gaps." "No more talking," said Presea, and no one argued. Soon, everyone was fast asleep, dreaming of how to get back at those damn bureaucrats.

The next morning, they woke up late, feeling ready to find a place of their own, where they could, uh, do whatever. Soun was already up, and he showed them the front page. It read:

FOR SALE: ONE MANSION

Soun read the article out loud to them. It seemed a millionaire had recently passed away, and his next of kin, who were to inherit a winter home in Tokyo, decided to sell it rather than keep it. It was being sold to the highest bidder, and the first bid had to be at least a million yen. "Why are they selling it so cheap?" asked Ranma when Soun finished. "They could easily get a hundred times that for a place that sweet!" "I don't know," replied Soun, "but if you're interested in this place, you'd better buy it soon, or someone else will, for certain."

"It sounds like a good idea," said Kratos. "I second the opinion," said Yuan. "All in favor, then?" said Botta. "Aye!" they all said in unison. "Then it's decided," said Raine. "Can we get someone to take a few of us there?" "Well, yes," said Soun, "but I'm afraid you have no money to do so. All your cash is in that check. You haven't created a bank account to put that money in, so you can't access any of it at this time. However, if you make an agreement, I would be happy to lend you the money..."

"Of course," said Kratos. "We'll reimburse you as soon as we have access to our money. Do you require a formal document?" Soun thought a moment. "Give me your word," he said, "and that will satisfy me." Kratos bowed low, and placed his hand over his heart. "Upon my honor as a warrior, I give you my word that I shall do as you have said," Kratos said somberly. Soun seemed pleased by this. "All right then, my friend," he said, offering his hand to Kratos, who took it and rose, "we have an accord. Let's get you that house."

"Uh, why, again, are you selling the house so cheap?" asked Soun as he wrote out the check for the young couple. The husband laughed and said, "Well, it just wasn't to our liking, and, apparently, wasn't to others. We showed it to many of our friends, but they all agreed they didn't like it. They said to sell it, and sell it cheap, otherwise we wouldn't get any money out of it." He shrugged. "Well, it's not like we really need any more money, really. My late relative also left me a substantial sum of money for debts he felt he incurred with me, and, because, well, I think he just liked me." Soun tore off the check and handed it to the man, who inspected it briefly, and then endorsed and folded it and put it in his pocket. "When this check clears, we will transfer official ownership to you via computer," said the couples' agent, who had come along with them. "Until then, we'll give you the documental deed for your records. Remember, this deed isn't official until we confirm transfer of ownership, at which time we will also give you the combination to the lockbox that contains the two sets of house keys."

With that, the agent turned and walked back to his car. The couple waved cheerfully and got in their new sports car. "We'll call you the moment you own the house!" called the woman. The man turned the key, backed out of the driveway and sped off, laughing. "Well, they seemed nice," said Lloyd. "Yes, very," said Raine, who was a little irritated by their attitude. Why can't the wealthy ever just act...normal! she thought. Soun's cell phone rang, and he answered it. "Mr. Tendo?" said the young woman who had just left. "Yes?" he said. "I just called to tell you that the house officially belongs to your friends the Sages, Mr. Aurion, Mr. Irving, Ms. Combatir, Mr. Bryant, Mr. Yuan, Mr. Botta, Mr. Wilder, Ms. Fujibayashi, and Ms. Brunel! Thanks for your business! The combination is thirty-five, twenty-five, nine." Soun was confused, and with good reason. "Um, how did you do everything so fast?" he asked her, puzzled. "Oh, well, there's a bank down the street with a fast computer!" she replied. "Well, if there's any concerns, you have my number! Ciao!" Raine heard everything, and shook her head. "Ohh, my head," she complained. Every idiot seemed to give her a migraine.

Soun handed the deed over to Kratos. "Well, it's yours now," Soun said. Kratos took it and examined it. "We'll need a bank account soon, Soun," he said. "Let's head on over to that bank."

Within an hour, Kratos' group had a bank account, able to be used by all of them, and Soun was paid back in full. Afterwards, they headed over to a Volkswagen dealership and purchased a brand new van, with which Soun drove all of Kratos' comrades over to the furniture store, and then to the house. Once they finished unloading all their new furniture, Soun handed Kratos the keys and prepared to leave. Kratos looked at the keys mournfully.

"Ah, yes, that's right," said Soun, rubbing his mustache. "None of you know how to drive a car, hmmm? Well, tomorrow I'll have someone come over and get your eligible ones into driver's education classes. So, I guess that means everyone but Genis and Presea will get to go."

"But Presea's old enough!" Genis protested. Soun frowned. "You may be actually old enough," he said, "but unfortunately, you do not look it. Besides, you are registered as twelve years old." Presea nodded. "I understand," she said. Genis cocked his head. "Say, Presea," he said, "have you gotten taller?" Lloyd measured them with his eyes. "I think she is," he said. "She's almost eye level with you, Genis. Huh. Maybe her growth is starting up again from the time she had the crystal stuck in her?" "That's incredible, Lloyd!" exclaimed the Professor. "That's exactly what I was thinking! Your deductive powers are improving, Lloyd." Lloyd blushed. "Really?" he said.

Sheena smirked. "Then that means we'll have to go shopping soon," she said. "For a LOT of stuff." Presea blushed. She knew exactly the kinds of things she was talking about, and so did everyone else. It wasn't just new dresses. "Ah, yeah," she said embarrassedly. "Well, I guess I'll go then," said Soun, faking naïveté. With that he shut the door, leaving them to themselves.

Kratos checked out the house. "Not bad, if I say so myself," he said upon returning to the living room, where everyone else was. "But, there are only seven bedrooms. Meaning eight people will have to share rooms. Who will-" Before he finished, Genis grabbed Presea's hand, Sheena grabbed Lloyd's, Zelos grabbed Colette's, and Raine grabbed Regal's. "We'll share," they all said at once. "That was odd," said Yuan. "Then it's settled," said Botta. "The bachelors get their own rooms, and the couples get theirs."

Kratos sighed and fell back on a couch. "So, what are we going to do now?" he asked tiredly. "I want cable," said Zelos. "And I want the young ones to finish their education," said Raine. "It's important for them, should we be trapped in this world. At least they'll have something to do." "But it's a different planet!" complained Lloyd. "Sure, stuff like math will be the same, but what about science? Geography? History? We'll flunk, because we don't know squat about this planet and its ways." "You have a point," said Raine, admitting defeat. "All right, you won't to go to a school formally. But I'll home school you some, at least until you know what you need."

"Thanks, Raine," said Lloyd, feeling much better. School at home was always better, especially with the Professor. With her around, he could actually learn.

There came a soft, friendly knock at the door. Presea went to answer it. She opened it, and looked up. And up. And up. "Yes?" she said. "May I help you?" The person at the door was surprised, for he said, "You are not afraid?" in a deep, pleasant voice. "No," said Presea, looking at him funny. "Who is it, Presea?" asked Sheena. "I don't know, but he's not human," came the reply. The look on everyone's face was the same: What?

They all rushed to the door, to find Presea craning her neck all the way back to look up at the face of a seven foot, six inch tall, uh, person. She was right; he was not human. However, he was humanoid. His legs had two knee joints, and ended in large hooves. His long, slender fingers clenched and unclenched gracefully. He wore ornate silver armor, and where it did not cover, pebbled gray material showed through. His face showed that his skin was a dark grayish brown color. He had four mouthpieces, but no lower jaw to speak of. His eyes were small, but showed extreme calm, caring, and intelligence. Despite his armor, he looked quite friendly, but thoroughly nervous. "You humans do not assume I am in disguise?" he asked. "No..." said Lloyd.

"Hmm," the alien said. "You are different than the others, I can tell. I humbly ask a favor of you all." He bowed low, placing a hand on his stomach, in what they assumed was a humble gesture. "What do you want?" asked Kratos. "A place to live," he said. "I have need of lodging while I am on this planet, and I have gathered that no one else will accept me."

"So," said Lloyd, "you're from another planet?" "That is correct," said the alien. "Well, it's no wonder everyone thought you weren't for real," said Zelos. "They thought you were wearing a costume. Neither world we've been on has made formal contact with a species of another planet." The alien seemed puzzled. "I don't understand," he said. "Well, why don't you come in," said Raine, "and we'll get everything sorted out."

For the umpteenth time, Lloyd's group explained to their visitor their story. "Intriguing," said the alien when they had finished. "Say, you never told us your name," said Genis. "Yeah, what is it?" asked Colette. The alien made what seemed to be a smile, although it looked sort of like a grimace. "Roivas Ruo Si Retibra Eht," he said, "is my full, official name, though most people simply call me by my title of Arbiter. Well, sometimes I'm referred to by my birth name, Ruza 'Falamee." "So we can call you the Arbiter?" asked Regal. "That is fine," said the Arbiter. "Or just Arbiter. Whatever pleases you."

"Well, then, Arbiter," said Yuan, "what brings you to this world?" The Arbiter glanced down. "My beliefs," he said. "Or, rather, the beliefs of my people. My people believe it their destiny to rule the galaxy. The Forerunners, builders of the sacred Ring and the source of much of our knowledge, have left behind artifacts in this galaxy, and our Prophets have interpreted them as a way to salvation and glory. Falsely, however. What they intend will not occur. They believe that with the completion of what we call the Great Journey, our people will rule the galaxy. So far, it has not succeeded in recorded history. Though it did occur in real history, approximately sixty-five million years ago, through the actions of the

Forerunners themselves. What our people do not know is that the Ring, this Halo, is not a key to salvation. It is a key to destruction.

Long ago, the Forerunners discovered a parasitic species that destroyed all and made slaves of all life, and eventually food. They called it the Flood. They managed to seal the Flood away, but in case they should ever get out, they created a Ring, which we call Halo. However, I believe there are more. They float in space, like a silver ring on the outside, but like a planet on the inside. Each is a terrible weapon, capable of destroying all life in the galaxy when activated in harmony, thereby rendering the Flood harmless by removing their food. Though I have discovered this, I dare not reveal it to my people, to the Covenant, for they would declare it heresy, and I would be terminated. All my knowledge would be lost. Which is why I have sought refuge here. I have seen records of previous war, actual war, and visions of war to come, and I am certain that sooner or later, our peoples' paths will cross for the worse. Your people will discover the truth, and we will ignore it, leading us to yet more war. I have done what I can to stop the last Journey, but I could not stay, should they find out what I have done. I need to rest, and plan my next move."

He stopped talking, and took a deep breath. "I think I speak for all of us," said Raine, "when I say we would be glad to have you here, Arbiter." Her friends all nodded in agreement. "Thank you," he said. "If I may, I would like to rest now." Raine nodded. "Do you have any preferences?" she asked. The Arbiter sighed. "No," he said, "right now I could sleep anywhere." "I'm pretty sure we all could," said Sheena. "Yes," said Raine, "I think it's all time we got to bed."

The Arbiter woke up in the middle of the night. He was laying on a couch, though he didn't remember lying down on it. He slowly got up, and stretched. He saw a dim light in a room past a hallway. He soundlessly walked over to it. He entered the doorway and looked around. To his left he saw an open door from some sort of appliance. Light spilled out from inside the door. He walked over to it, and reached his arm forward to shut it, when suddenly it closed by itself. The little pink haired girl was standing there, holding a container of some sort. When she saw the Arbiter with his arm reaching towards her she gasped and dropped the box. With a swift movement of his long, slender arm, he caught the container and handed it to her. "I apologize for alarming you," said the Arbiter softly. The girl's chest heaved, and her breathing returned to normal soon. "It's fine," she said. She set the box down on a table. "I was just startled."

The Arbiter glanced at the box she held. "What were you doing?" he asked. Presea looked at it. "I was hungry," she said. The Arbiter smiled. "I always get hungry at night as well," he said. "Although I am not sure what you have that I would like." The Arbiter noted she wore only a thin gown for sleeping in. However, it had a fine sheen to it. He crouched down, and removed one of his gloves. With his fingers, he reached to touch it, and stopped. A thought had struck him. "May I?" he asked. She nodded, hoping she understood what he meant. He grasped the fringe of her gown and felt it with his strong but gentle fingers. "It is a wonder to touch," he said. "It's silk," said Presea. "It was, somewhat expensive." The Arbiter released it, a look of grief in his eyes. "Comfort makes a soldier soft; there are no luxuries for the warrior," he whispered, barely audible. Presea looked at him oddly.

"A maxim," the Arbiter said. He stood up. "I have seen your eyes, Presea. A thousand wounds have hurt you, but a few friends have healed them all. I know that you have seen pain in your life, but your friends have helped you through, and have strengthened you. They are a precious gift, Presea. Would you help me, and, share some of the pain? Would you care to see the things I have seen?" Presea could not refuse the grievance, the sorrow in his eyes. "Y-yes," she whispered, afraid, but wanting to help. "It is a somewhat intimate thing, to share thoughts," said the Arbiter. "I must contact your most important areas: your mind, and your heart. I must touch the flesh near them to communicate with them. I know where your mind is, but you will have to guide me to your heart."

Presea was nervous, but she sensed no ill will from this creature. And, after all, she said she would help. She sat down on a chair, close to and facing the Arbiter. She slipped the straps off her shoulders, and her gown fell about her waist. The Arbiter placed one hand on her soft, warm face, and the other Presea guided to the tender flesh of her left breast. He closed his eyes, and she followed suit. She waited for what seemed a long time, and was about to say something when suddenly, it began.

Energy coursed through her body, and it felt like electric hands seized her heart and brain. She held back a cry at a moment of intense pain. Her back tensed, her chest came forward, and she felt sick. She moaned as the pain came back. Her back spasmed back, and then her chest came forward again, and the nausea came back, stronger than before. She moaned even louder. "I'm sorry," whispered the Arbiter fervently. "Almost there..." The pain surged, her back went back, her chest came forward, and she felt like retching when suddenly it stopped. Then, there was nothing.

Abruptly, she heard herself breathing, deeper than she remembered. Her heart pounded, but it was in the wrong place. It was too far over to the right. Abruptly, light came from beneath her, and then she was falling, falling, and she saw a green sky. Then she landed on her feet, and was running. The sound of plasma rifles firing was strange to her, but somehow it seemed familiar. She wondered why she knew what they were. She ran, uncommanded, past a building and into a courtyard. A pitiful rabble of sentients tried to fight off the onslaught off her comrades, but were completely obliterated. She ran off, following another of her kind, somehow knowing its name, until they ran into another group of poorly armed defenders.

Blue bolts of energy came from her side, and Presea realized she was firing them. She noticed the weight of the gun for the first time. She was too distracted being horrified. With her weapon, she killed them all, and then ran off in search of more. She found three more groups, and once again killed them all. Each time she tried to stop from shooting, but she had no control over any part of her body. She was on the verge of mental tears when everything went black again.

When she returned, she still felt the unfamiliar heartbeat and heard the unfamiliar breath. Then a light turned on, and she could see she was in a rocky tunnel. Several more of her kind were in it as well. "They are coming," said one of them. She hefted a fuel rod cannon, and waited for the Flood to arrive. Again she was struck by how she knew what everything was. She had no more time to wonder, for several little squid-like creatures leaped towards them from behind a boulder. Plasma bolts from her allies took them out, while she waited for the larger ones. Suddenly there came a scream from the left. A group of Flood had latched on to her best friend and had almost taken his body. "Kill him!" ordered her commander. The cannon trembled in her hands, and she blinked back tears. "But..." she protested. "Now!" shouted her commander. "Before he loses all control, you must destroy him! He doesn't want to harm us, so don't let him!" Presea whispered an unbidden plea for forgiveness, and fired her cannon. Her best friend died in a blast of heat. Presea turned swiftly and launched a volley of rods towards the coming Flood, choking back tears and aiming with blurry eyes.

Abruptly the vision changed. Now she was in a dark alleyway, alone, with the sounds of gunfire and plasma discharges all around. Her head turned so that she looked at her right arm. In her hand she grasped the hilt of a sword made of energy. Suddenly, footsteps rang loud outside the alley. They were about to pass her alley. She crept closer to the end, and pressed her back up against the wall. A human male ran past, and she stepped out behind him and plunged the energy blade into his back. Presea screamed in her mind, unable to do so with her vocal chords. The man went limp, and she withdrew the blade. As he fell, something black slid out of a back pocket. Presea's body bent down and retrieved it. Opening it caused several slips of green paper flutter out, and a row of plastic slots to unfold. Examining the slots, she saw there were pictures in them. In one, the man she had just killed played with a dog. In another he smiled with a woman and three children. In another, he held that woman in an embrace and kissed her. In another one, he beamed while he held up a young infant, presumably his son or daughter. In another...

With a bellow, Presea's body flung the wallet down in a fit of emotion. "What's wrong?" asked a comrade who had just shown up. "What are the Prophets telling us to do?" Presea said, her voice oddly deep and choked with anger. "Every decision they've made has led us to war. Against innocents and defenseless races as well as these humans! And what difference does it make if they stand a chance!" Presea stooped and picked up the wallet and flipped it open to show him the pictures. "They're not savages! They have lives! I just ended his, in a cowardly way at that. Why do you think they go to war? Because they have things they love as well. Things they want to protect. You go to war to protect your wife, do you not? He did as well. Think of how it will go: the female sits alone with her children, hoping her husband will come home safely. And then she gets the news that he's dead. She'll never see him again, and the children will never know their father. Would you like that! Would you like someone more powerful than you to take away the things you love!"

Her fellow soldier was quiet, head down. He looked back up. "We cannot do this much longer," he said. "But we can we do?" Presea's body looked towards the cruelly beautiful blue sky. "I don't know," she said. "But we have to do something."

With those words, it ended. It was black. She opened her eyes, and she saw nothing. Slowly, her vision returned to her. The Arbiter was over her, his hands still on her body, his eyes still shut. She cast her eyes downward, and saw she lay naked on a couch. "I had to move you," he said. "You were getting violent, and also, it is just easier to do when the one receiving is laying down. At least for the first time, anyway. You shouldn't move at all for at least a few minutes." He opened his eyes, and waited a few moments before lifting his hands. An unseen force made it feel as though his hands were magnetized to her body, and a strange sensation rippled on the places he touched her. The Arbiter stood and looked down at her. She blushed deep red.

He smiled again. "There is no need to be embarrassed," he said. Piece by piece, he removed his armor and his undersuit. He spread his arms. "Do you find me attractive?" he asked rhetorically. He shook his head. "You'll also have to forgive me if I don't understand your moral code. Where I come from, clothes are but formality, a decoration, and it was never necessary to conceal one's nakedness. On my homeworld, we believe in openness, and it is not the exposure of the genitals that is most important, but how you use them. From what I've seen, at least of this planet, it is the other way around."

Presea had to agree. "Another reason for the nakedness was because it taught everyone a valuable lesson: that everyone is mortal, everyone is the same, and life is frail."

The Arbiter clothed himself again. He stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, but you're just so, well, what is the word?" he said. He laughed. "Ah, yes. Cute." Presea blushed again. "It's just that, well, you're so small. Even more so than most humans. And your pink flesh and soft curves make me smile. Also, you sort of remind me of a frolicking little character on my world. They called them Dream Travelers, or-" "Klonoas?' ventured Presea, rolling her eyes and forgetting who she was talking to for a moment. "That's right," said the Arbiter. "How did you know?" "The Klonoa is also a fictional character in my world," she said, disturbed slightly. "Hmm," he said. "Well, I think you can move now." Presea carefully lifted her head, feeling only a slight twinge of pain. Then she sat up fully, and looked down at herself. She felt her breasts. Sheena was right; she was going to need some new clothes. Presea was apprehensive about puberty, but, well, she had weathered worse storms. "Here is your garment," said the Arbiter, handing Presea her nightgown. She slipped it on, and yawned. "What time is it?" she asked.

The Arbiter looked around. "Six and thirty-two," he said, seeing a digital clock on a table. "That must have taken longer than I thought," said Presea. The Arbiter nodded. "It does take a good deal of time," he said. Presea remembered the images she had seen, and the questions the Arbiter had asked. "I would be honored to be the one to be there to help you, Arbiter," she said with a smile. The Arbiter smiled back. "Thank you," he replied.

Soon, everyone was up and eating breakfast. Zelos grinned and glanced over at Presea, Genis, and the Arbiter. "Say Raine," he said loudly, "you said you wanted to home-school the kids, right?" "Yes..." she replied, wary of what he was going to suggest. "Seems you got an extra student, don't you?" he asked. "Yes..." she repeated. "And I know you're a great teacher," Zelos said, putting up his hands, "but I thought maybe you could use a little help." "Me?" she said. "Her?" said Genis. "With what?" asked Raine, a little put off. "Well, I'm know you're great in most subjects," he said, the grin growing broader, "but if I'm right, I'll bet you haven't worked up the nerve to teach any of your students, human or alien, the fascinating class of sexual education." Half of the people at the table coughed. Kratos hid a smile behind his mouth.

Zelos kept his grin. The blood drained from Raine's face. Then she sighed. "I hate to say it but you're right," she said. "I just can't teach it." "And I suppose you want to?" said Regal. "I'd be more than willing," Zelos said. Then his voice turned real sly. "Unless, of course, you'd like to teach it." Regal paled. "Well, I wasn't saying that," he fumbled. "Then maybe Kratos?" suggested Zelos in his sly tone. "You wanna teach your son Lloyd about the birds and the bees?" Kratos said nothing, but kept his hand over his mouth. "Huh?" said Lloyd. "What do birds and bees have to do with sex?" Zelos looked stumped. "I still don't know that," he said. "Well, Zelos," said Sheena, "it looks like you got the job, 'cause I sure ain't doing it!" "Neither are we," said Yuan and Botta. "Just stick to the program," pleaded Raine. "Don't give them the names of all the positions, or anything like that." Zelos held up his hands. "Hey, sure," he said. "I'll go by the book. It still doesn't mean I won't have fun with it!" Zelos cleared his throat. "Attention, students," said Zelos into an imaginary microphone. "Sex Ed will be taught in the living room today right after breakfast. Attendance is mandatory. No exceptions!"

After breakfast, Raine stayed in the kitchen to clean up. "May I assist?" he asked. "Certainly," said Raine in a slightly seductive tone. He took a dish from her, and set it down as he leaned closer towards her. She leaned towards him as well, pursing her lips. They kissed, and Regal hugged her tightly. Freeing my hands was the best thing I ever did, thought Regal.

Regal and Raine finished cleaning up the kitchen, and then went back to their room. "I've been wondering," said Raine, "about what we're going to do." They sat down next to each other on the bed. Raine closed her eyes as shouts of body parts came from the living room. They ignored it.

"What do you mean?" Regal said. "About what we're going to do here?" Raine nodded. "Weren't we going to try to find a way to go back?" he asked. Raine sighed and rubbed her temples with her eyes closed. "I don't know," she said finally. "The more I think about it, the more I come to think we can't go back. Or at least, shouldn't try. There are so many things that could happen, it's just, well, it's a miracle at all we were okay when the world went back in time. It could have been a lot worse. The gap between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant was no easy feat to cross, and between Earth and Symphonia could be greater."

Regal stroked his chin. "Well, Cruxis had to have made it over somehow," he said. Raine shook her head sadly. "Kratos went immediately to the scene of the crash, and managed to recover some documents before the police arrived," she said as she got up and went over to a desk. She handed a few sheets of paper to Regal. "You're pretty good at math and science, right, Regal?" she asked. "Take a look at these." He stared at them, and paled. "Oh," he said, "oh my." "Indeed," said Raine. "According to the page numbers, they had at least a hundred pages of these formulas. And who knows what some of the variables are? We didn't get the legend, so we have no idea what they even mean. I've scoured these pages, trying to comprehend, but even with this amount of information, I'm certain I would never recreate their work. And there are just so many risks...and we don't know anything about how they even did it. Did they use crafts? Did they use natural phenomena? Did they all sneeze at the same time to create a vortex? Martel knows how they got over here! And, besides, Regal..."

Raine turned and hugged herself. Regal came up beside her and placed his arms around her. "What is it?" he asked. She looked up into his eyes. "I think I speak for all of us when I say, perhaps," she said, "perhaps, we might like it here." Regal was silent. "I can't ever forget Symphonia," said Raine. "I can't forget the pain, the suffering, all the things we've gone through, just to make it the way it is (or will be). And I don't want to abandon it, but...it's becoming clearer that we may have no choice. At the very least, we have gotten stuck on a very interesting planet." Regal smiled at her. "I do like it here," he said. "But if so many of the good leaders are gone from that world, what will happen to it?"

Raine shook her head and smiled. "Regal, Regal, Regal," she said. "We're not the only ones who are fit to help on our world. They still have great leaders. They have hard-workers like Pietro, wise ones like Chief Igaguri and Vice-Chief Tiga, brave leaders like Governor-General Neil, and honest people like George. We may have left our world, but we left it in good hands." Regal was still quiet. "I only hope," he said at last, "is that there are more of those good people than there are bad." Raine cast her gaze downward. "We can but hope," she said. Then she looked up and beamed. "Well, just remember the most important Dwarven Vow!" Regal rolled his eyes and said it with her. "'Justice and love will always win.'" They laughed. "Well, then, I guess we don't have anything to worry about," said Regal. Raine gave him a sly look. "Now, I didn't say that," she said. Regal was unsure of what she meant. "Uh huh," he said. Raine just laughed.

Later on that day, after Zelos had finished his class for the day, Akane arrived to show them to the driver's ed course. "Of course, I can't drive either," she said, "so we'll just have to take the train."

The train was fairly crowded for a Saturday, and the group had to be split up. Genis and Presea, not wanting to be left alone, decided to come along as well. Presea opted to stand rather than sit. She watched with mild interest as buildings and trees flashed by. Suddenly, she felt a hand touch her rear, despite the large "Do NOT Touch Other Passengers" sign. Her eyes went wide with surprise, and then narrowed. Without turning around, she grabbed the hand and wrenched it into an unnatural position. There was a sharp pop, and after that she held it there. She turned around to see a man wincing in pain under Presea's powerful grip. "Touch me again," she said coldly, "and I will personally ensure that you will never touch anything with this hand again. Have I made myself clear?" The man nodded, tears seeping from his closed eyes, and she let him go. The train stopped, and he got off. She turned back around. Everyone stared at her for a moment, then went back to their business.

A minute later, a hand rested gently on her shoulder. "Hey," said a kind girl's voice from behind her. Presea turned. "Ryoko?" she asked, and suddenly realized her mistake. Ryoko Mitsurugi looked surprised. "How do you know who I am?" she asked. Presea faked a smile. "Uh, I've heard of you from some friends," she lied. "My name's Presea." Ryoko smiled. "That's a pretty name," she said. "So, Presea, where is your stop?" Presea ticked off the stops on her fingers. "Um, the next one, actually," she said. "Well, that happens to be our stop as well," said Ryoko. "Please wait for my friends and me. We'd like to talk with you."

At the stop, Presea got off and waited with her friends for Ryoko. Ryoko showed up seconds later with her gang. "Are these your friends, Presea?" asked Ryoko. Presea nodded. "Well, I wanted to make an offer that I think you might like," Ryoko said. "We were looking for additional members to our group, and I think you may have what it takes." Presea shook her head sadly. "I-I'm sorry, but, I just can't make the commitment," said Presea. "I can't let my friends down."

Ryoko smiled. "That's always most important," she said. "If that's what it would mean, then, you don't have to join. Still, I think we could all be good friends. Oh!" she exclaimed, sticking out her tongue. "Where are my manners?" she said. "Let me introduce my friends. This is-" "Asuka," said Kratos, "Xiaoxing, Midori, Megumi, and Aoi. Right?" Ryoko was stunned. "You all know us?" she asked, puzzled. Raine wrote something on a piece of paper. "There's a lot between us you don't know about," Raine said, handing Ryoko the paper she had written on. "We have to go now, but if you're interested, come to this address tonight at seven. See you then."

Ryoko waved goodbye, still a little numb and confused. "What do you say, girls?" she asked her friends. Xiaoxing bounced up and down. "We go, we go, we go we oughta!" she said. "I want to know what is our relationship." "Me too!" said Asuka. "Sounds interesting," said Megumi. "I am interested," said Aoi. "Well, it would be a welcome break from fighting everyone Saturday night," said Midori. "Then it's settled!" said Ryoko. "We'll go, and we'll find out what their story really is!"

"Don't tell me we have to tell them too!" wailed Lloyd. Raine smacked him hard. Her eyes sparkled. "How could you say something like that!" she said. She clasped her hands in front of her. "Oh, I never tire of giving that lesson!" No one said anything, but they were all thinking the same thing, and it wasn't entirely nice.

The doorbell rang at exactly seven o'clock. "Punctual, as I thought," said Raine, and stuck out her hand in front of Zelos while Presea went to get the door. Glumly, he forked over the two thousand yen he owed her. Presea returned, followed by the Shinsengumi, as well as two men and another girl. One they knew; he was Shizuma Kusanagi. The other one had an Elvis-style haircut, and him they had never seen before. The girl had long brown hair and large glasses. She was a new face as well.

Ryoko raised her hand in greeting. "Hey," she said. "Um, we brought some guests along. I hope you don't mind?" Zelos beamed at Raine, who sighed and handed back the two thousand. Regal watched the two exchanges and wondered what caused the two bets in the first place. How many more bets, he wanted to know, would be decided tonight?

"No, we don't mind at all," said Raine, who was cheerful on the outside, but Regal could tell she was more than a little irritated at this change in plans. Megumi motioned to the headband guy. "This is-" she began. "Shizuma Kusanagi, so good to see you again," said Lloyd as he shook his hand. Shizuma grinned at the girls and shoved a finger in Ryoko's face. "See!" he exclaimed. "I told you I'm famous!" "Oh, I'm sorry, but you're not," said Lloyd. Shizuma looked crushed. Ryoko looked like she had just won a battle.

"Yes, we know everyone here," said Presea, "except for you two." She gazed up at the tall greaser dude. "Eh?" he said. "Oh, um, yeah, hey, I'm Taiho. Pleased t'meetcha." He extended a hand to the petite girl, who took it and smiled. "The pleasure is all mine," she replied. Taiho couldn't help but crack a grin at her manners. He shook hands with everyone else, one by one, and they all introduced themselves through small winces while he unknowingly crushed their hands. Lloyd nudged Sheena. "That guy is seriously strong," he whispered. Sheena was sucking on her fingers. "You think?" she said. "I'm Hitomi," said the unfamiliar girl shyly. She waved and they waved back. No one could take another handshake.

Colette clapped her hands together and regretted it immediately, but her face didn't change. "Well!" she said. "I know you all have a lot of questions, but, uh, first we're gonna have dinner. Okay?" Taiho's smile broadened. "Good idea!" he said. "I'm starved!" Megumi scratched her head with her finger. "Uh, just don't eat too much, please?" she said. Eyeing Kusanagi and Taiho, she added, "That goes for the both of you." They looked disappointed, but, not desiring to get in a fight with her, of all people, they reluctantly agreed they would leave some for the others.

They all sat around a long, wide table, set with wine glasses and fine plates. With a few adjustments, everyone was seated, and Raine and Colette served steak, baked potatoes, and Caesar salad. "So, Taiho," said Lloyd, "what's your relationship to these lovely ladies?" "Boyfriend," answered Shizuma immediately from behind a glass. Instead of looking at Shizuma, they all turned to Taiho. "Is that true?" asked Ryoko. Taiho looked embarrassed and he rubbed the back of his head. "Well," he said, "we weren't planning on telling anyone just yet, but..." "We've been dating for a while now," finished Megumi. "Really!" said Xiaoxing. "For how long?" "Um, since the K-Fight at Dragon Land?" she said. Taiho chuckled. "I told her not to fall in love with me," he said. "But he was too late," Megumi said. She hugged him lovingly. "Aww, that's so sweet!" said Colette. Ryoko smiled, and stared off into space, lost in thought.

However, she didn't notice she was staring at Megumi. "Hey, Ryoko? You okay?" Ryoko shook her thoughts, and came back to the real world. Megumi was looking at her concernedly. "Yes," said Ryoko with a sigh. "Just thinking. About how life isn't just about fighting, you know?" Megumi nodded. She did know. Fighting was core to her life. But core doesn't mean all. She'd realized that, and once she had she found she had a longing, a desire to be wanted, and not just by friends and fans and career scouts. She wanted a man. She wanted love. And she'd found it.

Megumi said nothing, but she made a mental note to talk to Ryoko about it later. Around the dinner table, Presea and her friends seemed to be telling their story. Though Megumi was worried about her captain, she dared not pass this up. While she listened, an odd yet familiar feeling tickled the back of her neck. It was silly, she knew, but it felt like she was being watched. You're only sitting at a table eating dinner, Megu dear, she thought to herself. Of course someone's bound to be watching you.

The Arbiter noted with interest as he watched the proceedings from the second floor balcony that the one called Megumi was the only one who seemed to notice his presence. It was strange, he thought, that Asuka, the one trained to be perceptive, did not feel him at all. Perhaps her interest in the talk holds all her attention. Well, at least it means she's focused. He smiled and shook his head, then quietly returned to his room. He shut the door with naught but a soft click. He sighed and rested his elbows on the windowsill as he stared out into the night. A cool breeze caressed his face and made the curtains sway. The Arbiter frowned. Something was preoccupying his mind, but it was difficult to say what. An unknown presence, a feeling of wrongness, perhaps, but he could not guess what the cause of it would be.

Taking a deep breath, he cleared his mind, and closed his eyes. Then he let his senses float free, expanding to fill the city. Where is the disturbance? he asked himself. And what is it? Then he felt it, a creature not belonging to this world, and it was neither himself nor his newfound friends. It was on the other side of town. Abruptly, its presence vanished, snuffed as quickly as a candle. The Arbiter gathered his perceptions and returned to his body. He opened his eyes.

This event disturbed him a bit. Someone had known of he creature, and killed it. He wondered what it was, and who had known, and why. But that creature was definitely what had caught his mind; his head felt clear again, and he could focus. But perhaps what piqued his curiosity the most was the fact that the alien had not gradually come closer, but instead had rather seemingly appeared out of nowhere. If there was a next time, he promised himself, he would try harder to pinpoint the creature. If someone knew of his arrival, it could be dangerous, and therefore should investigate. And even if it had nothing to do with him...he smiled. He would investigate anyway.

After dinner, they all sat around in a circle of furniture and continued their talk long into the night. At one point, Ryoko got up to go get some fresh air, or so she claimed. Megumi took the chance and followed her.

It was a cool night, and Megumi wrapped her jacket around herself tighter. She came up behind Ryoko and laid her hand on her captain's shoulder. "Hey," Megumi said softly. "Are you okay?" Ryoko nodded, her eyes clearly showing she was not. "Yes," she said. Megumi glanced at the ground. She knew she was lying, but did not know what to say. "You know you can tell me anything," she said at last, looking in Ryoko's eyes. "You have to believe that." Ryoko wavered, and finally she sighed and sat down on a decorative rock. "Well, I guess I was still thinking about what you said," Ryoko said. "And I began to wonder if my fighting has meaning." Megumi sat down next to her.

"Of course it does!" she said. "You're admired and respected because you fight. And you keep the city a safe place. Your fighting does have meaning. However," her tone got quiet, and serious, "fighting cannot occupy your whole life. There are more things for you to do in it than fight. That's- that's what I realized. You know I will always be there for you, don't you?" Ryoko nodded, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "Then there's no need to worry," said Megumi with a smile. "The girls and I won't let you fall. We're here for you, twenty-four seven. Don't ever forget it." Ryoko's lip trembled. Megumi offered herself and Ryoko sank gratefully into her arms. There they sat and cried, until they had no more tears left.

Ryoko exhaled a long breath and wiped her eyes. "Thanks, Megu," she said. "I needed that. It's funny, you know. I used to think crying was weak. But now, because of you guys, you and Hitomi, I feel like I can reach those feelings. Its amazing how much good they can do." Megumi nodded. "You just can't hold them back forever," she said. "You keep 'em inside and take them out when they won't stay. Kinda like owning a pet that doesn't die." Ryoko laughed. There was a koi pond nearby and they looked into it. "Ugh," said Megumi. "We look like hell," said Ryoko. Megumi shook her purse. "Well, I've got a few things in here," she said. "Not much, but it'll do."

Five minutes later, they were ready to go in. They stood up and stretched. "Ready?" asked Megumi. Ryoko nodded. Suddenly something rustled loudly in a nearby hedge. "Cat?" suggested Megumi. But what leapt out of the bushes at them was no cat. Everything happened so fast, neither of them got a good look at it. First it flew out of the bushes, and Ryoko got an impression of a four-legged spider. Then there was a flash of blue as something passed in front of the girls and sliced the thing in two. They flinched, and when nothing happened, they peeked out from behind their arms.

The first thing they saw was the creature, a crablike thing, lying in two on the ground. The second thing they saw was a glowing blue sword with two blades sticking out in front, parallel to each other. The third thing they saw was the wielder of the sword, a seven-foot tall alien. They gaped at one thing to another so fast it looked like they were watching a hockey game. The alien sighed, and did something with his hand. The sword disappeared, and the alien hung a small tube on his belt. He stooped down and picked up the two pieces of the creature. He started for the house, when he seemed to notice the girls for the first time. They stared at him, their mouths suddenly remembering to shut. "Come," he said in a deep, pleasant voice. "There is much to discuss."

No sooner had he begun to walk again than a voice came from behind all three of them. "Hey," it said. They all turned at once. A man in horn-rimmed glasses and some sort of hazardous environment suit held a shotgun at an angle. He looked at the dead crab. "That's mine," he said shortly. The alien harrumphed. "And what makes it yours?" he asked. The man seemed unsurprised that the alien spoke perfect English. Rather, he seemed more irritated that the alien refused to give the dead thing to him. However, the man couldn't seem to come up with a reply to that, so he said again, "It's mine." "Then you may have it," said the alien, "when we are done with it." The alien turned around and began to walk towards the house. The man suddenly aimed the gun at the alien and pumped it. "I can't allow that," he said.

The alien turned around slowly. He transferred one half of the carcass to his other hand, and extended his free hand towards the man. "And I can't allow that," he said. The man's finger tensed on the trigger, when suddenly it flew out of his hand into the alien's. "I told you that you may have it later," he said. A thought seemed to come into the alien's head. "Why don't you come and tell us what you know about this, hmm?" The man seemed to be contemplating this. "Fine," he said. He followed them into the house. Ryoko and Megumi wondered how much wine they'd had.

Ryoko opened the door and came in, followed by Megumi. "Hey, guys, what's-" began Taiho. Just then the Arbiter walked in the door, followed by a very disgruntled man in a very high-tech looking suit. "Arbiter!" exclaimed Presea. "I thought you said you weren't going to come out until later!" "You know it?" asked Shizuma. "Yes, we know him," said Kratos. "However, it was not intended for him to show himself. What is the reason for this?" The Arbiter held up the bisected creature. "This is the reason for this," he said. "It nearly made a meal of this woman's face. I could not allow that to happen." The man behind the Arbiter tapped him on the shoulder. "I could have dealt with it," he said. The Arbiter made a contemptuous sniff. "With this?" he said, showing him the shotgun. "Do not take me for a fool. I know of how your weapons operate. This one fires a barrage of small pellets. They would have dispersed and you could have hit her as well as this creature from the distance you were standing." The man was silent, knowing the alien had made a valid point. "When can I have it?" he asked.

The Arbiter examined the crab again. Suddenly his head snapped up and he stared intently at the man. "You know of the Combine, do you not?" the Arbiter asked. The man nodded. "Yeah," he said warily. "So?" The Arbiter's eyes narrowed. "You do not work for them, do you?" he asked, a threatening tone edging his voice. "Humph," said the man. "I fight the Combine." The Arbiter looked at him curiously. "What is your name?" he asked. "Freeman," replied the man. "Gordon Freeman." The Arbiter seemed satisfied. "Then, Gordon, I will give you your specimen," he said. "I commend your work. And do tell your employer that I wish to speak to him soon. He will know how to contact me." Gordon's eyes widened. "You know him?" he asked incredulously. The Arbiter glanced down. He looked sad, almost wistful. "I know more than you can imagine," he whispered. The tone of his voice filled Gordon with awe. Silently, he handed Gordon the two halves of the crab and his shotgun. Gordon took them, equally silent. Then Gordon backed out of the door, and shut it.

The Arbiter glanced around the room at the disbelieving faces. "I am...sorry...for the interruption," he said. With that he turned and went upstairs to his room. Downstairs, he heard the humans talk quietly amongst themselves. He ignored them, and went to the window. Staring up at the stars, he tried to find his home star, but could not. It was too bright in the city. He sighed. He knew no one could ever really understand him. But, he knew, some would do their best to try. And that made him smile.

There came a soft knock at the Arbiter's door a couple of hours later. "Come in," he said. Presea entered the room, closing the door softly behind her and locking it. She wore her silk nightgown. "Are you all right?" she asked, her face full of concern and worry. "I don't know the answer to that question," he replied. "Physically, mentally, I am sound. But my spirit is troubled." Presea crossed the room and sat down on the bed where the Arbiter sat with outstretched legs. "What is troubling you?" she asked, looking up into his small but keen eyes. "It is a number of things," he said. "I suppose one could clump it together and call it loneliness. But I experience it on a few levels. I am separated from my people, I am separated from my culture, but I am also separated from any sort of peer. My intellect is, well, untouchable, you might say. My Prophets call it a blessing, but when you are so alone like I am now, it seems more a curse." He sighed. Presea felt saddened. "I'm sorry," she said, "but I can't really understand what it's like."

"Do you want to?" said the Arbiter suddenly, his head snapping up. "I could transfer my raw emotion to you, if you wanted. However, it does require another intimate contact, but even more so than before. Nothing sexual, however, I can assure you." Presea nodded. "If it would help me understand," she said. "Then disrobe," he said. Quickly, he removed his armor and his underclothes, while Presea took off her gown. "Come into the center of the room," he instructed her. The Arbiter was staying in a sort of rec room, and the center was quite large, an empty space of about ten by ten feet. "We must, well," he said, and paused. He groped for the right word. "Perhaps...embrace, or hug," he said finally. He put his arms under Presea's arms and lifted her into his chest. "Latch on to me so that if I were to let go you would not fall," he said to her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him tightly. "Good," he said. Then he placed his arms around her, and bent his head down into his chest so it rested on Presea's head. "This time there will be no physical discomfort," he said. "Only emotional."

With that, he told her to shut her eyes, and they both closed their lids. The Arbiter began to chant slowly and softly in his own language. Presea thought it was rather beautiful. The Arbiter interrupted himself only once, to say, "If you want, go to sleep. It may help." He did not break his pace or tone, and then continued chanting. Presea could not help but drift off to his deep, melodious tone. Instantly she came into a vivid dream, so real she thought she had woken up. In her dream, she was holding a small child in her arms while she spoke reassuringly to it. In a few seconds it dawned on her that she was in the body of the Arbiter. Memories flowed into her, and along with them came a hollow, empty spot, an aching in her heart. It made her want to weep, to cry a river that never ran dry, and to crawl into a corner to hide. Then she felt a warm, fuzzy feeling begin to fill that cavernous void. She realized it was coming from the girl.

Then everything grew dim, and the dream faded into darkness. Presea woke, but did not open her eyes. She felt the arms of the Arbiter around her, and she waited for him to give her a signal. She had a falling sensation, and then there was a soft thud as the Arbiter's hooves hit the ground. "You may open your eyes now," he said. She opened them, and looked around. "Uh, were we just floating?" she asked. The Arbiter laughed. "Yes, that is an occasional side effect," he said. They released each other and sat own on the bed. She stared into to space for a while, then turned to the Arbiter. "Did that really happen?" she asked. The Arbiter looked uncertain. "Yes and no," he said at last. "It is difficult to explain, but suffice it to say that for a moment, part of your mind was in mine, and vice versa." She nodded. "Believe it or not," she said, "I've felt almost exactly the same way. Though your depression was stronger than mine, I've felt similar. And that warm feeling? That came from my friends." A thought came across her. "Is that what I do for you?" she asked in wonder. "It is indeed," replied the Arbiter.

For a while they sat in silence. Then the Arbiter said, "The Prophets gave me other gifts, as well, you know." Presea turned to him, shaken out of her thoughts. "Like what?" she asked. The Arbiter nodded at a book on a desk across the room. "Watch," he said. He extended his hand, and the book flew from the table into it. "Whoa!" said Presea. "There are other things I can do like that," he said. "The Prophets call it the Holy Force. You have heard of this Earth movie, Star Wars, perhaps?" She nodded. "It's something like that, though not so fundamentally important to the universe. It's more of a side effect of matter, not the essence. But it still works similarly. This Lucas person was not far off from the truth." Presea nodded slowly. "Could you teach me?" she asked. The Arbiter frowned. "Perhaps," he said cautiously. "I'm not sure if it will work on a human. I'm not sure it even works with all of the Covenant. But I could try. It is hard work and requires devotion," he warned. "How does every day, five to seven A.M, sound?" Presea smiled. "Sounds like a deal," she said.

Presea checked a clock on the wall. "Well, it's getting late," she said. "Perhaps I should go." The Arbiter fidgeted. "Yes," he said uneasily. "What's wrong?" she asked him, sensing his obvious discomfort. He glanced around, as if someone might have been watching. "Well," he said, "it is a somewhat personal matter of yours I have discovered based on our experience and observation. I will require further examination to confirm it, but, well." Presea was confused. "What do you mean?" she asked. The Arbiter sighed and spread his arms. "To put it bluntly, you have an infection." Presea raised an eyebrow. "On the inside of your left thigh, near your, ah, well, you know. You have a wound there. May I?" he asked, indicating her leg. Presea shrugged. "Sure, I guess..."

The Arbiter, using some sort of probe and a handheld light, examined her leg. He peered closely at it, then drew back, and muttered in his own language. For some reason it sounded oddly familiar. Then he leaned in again and examined it again, turning his head this way and that. Finally he stroked the cut with a finger and sniffed it, for what reason Presea could not begin to fathom. He wiped off his finger and stood up.

He went over to the desk and opened a drawer. He pulled out a box and rummaged through it. "Here we are," he said. He brought to her two objects, both in alien language. "Take this one," he said, shaking the left red bottle, "orally, once a day. Apply this one," he said shaking the right blue tube, "twice a day to the affected area. It should disappear in a week. When your symptoms are gone, follow my directions for two more days, and you'll be cured." "Thank you," said Presea. "Um, uh, yeah. Thanks."

She put on her nightgown and stood up. "I apologize if I have offended you," he said. Presea smiled. "Not at all," she said. "There is no problem. As long as this is confidential." The Arbiter made a complicated sign with his hands over his face and chest. "It is the Covenant seal of blood," he said. "Should I break my vow, you get to do what you will to me." Presea laughed. "I don't think it'll come to that," she said, and left.

During the night, a cold norther blew in from Siberia and mixed with Japan's high humidity. Much of the main island was blanketed by several feet of snow, and the Tokyo area was no exception.

"HEY EVERYBODY WAKE UP!" came the yell the next morning. Lloyd skidded down the hallway and knocked on the doors loudly. "It snowed last night!" he exclaimed. Older visages were disgruntled, but were brightened somewhat by the glee on the youths' faces. Lloyd slid happily down the banister to the first floor and landed face first on the floor. The others followed, yawning, to get their day started. Kratos opened a window in the kitchen while Genis got out pans to cook breakfast. Kratos took a deep breath of the bracingly chilled air. He smiled.

"I think today will have to be fun," he announced. "Like how?" said Sheena, taken a bit aback by Kratos' unusual statement. Kratos smelled the air again. "Shopping," he said. He took another breath. "And barbecue," he added. "Sounds good to me!" declared Zelos. "But what about the Arbiter?" asked Presea. Raine clucked her tongue. "Yes, what to do about him," she said thoughtfully. "I think a good disguise would fix him up pretty well." The Arbiter was doubtful. "If you say so," he said with a shrug.

She did say so. As she predicted, a long trench coat and a low hat hid his features well. "Try not to talk," Raine warned. His four mouthpieces might cause a commotion.

They set out for the shopping district. The first item of business was clothes. None of them had any clothes besides what they usually wore, and they were getting tired of their old styles. A rather flamboyant man asked them how they wanted to look. The adults chose more dignified clothing; Raine chose a long, dark gray skirt and black sweater combination, Regal got a casual jean and polo shirt, Kratos took a black comfortable suit and a dark red button-up shirt left untucked, Yuan opted for blue jeans and a green button-up, also untucked, and Zelos went with a black suit and a white, black striped shirt, which he left untucked but covered it with a buttoned jacket. Even though it was quite dark outside, he couldn't resist wearing sunglasses. Botta went along and got a deep blue suit and a lighter blue shirt. He tucked in his shirt and buttoned his jacket.

The young ones were a different story. Lloyd and Genis took to the skater style and picked out loose jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, skate shoes, and wristbands for themselves. Colette decided to go along with them for some reason. Presea also followed suit and got a medium length black skirt, dark stockings, a pink shirt, and a black, 20's style driving cap.

Sheena, was, well, somewhere in between the two. She took jeans and a dark pink button-up shirt, but she left it untucked, unbuttoned the top two buttons and the cuffs, and wore a white shirt underneath. Sheena let her hair down and sported a metal watch attached to a brown, wider leather band. The others saw the watch and decided they all wanted one too. After asking Lloyd about his wallet chain, everyone decided they wanted a wallet, too.

While none of them took very heavy coats, they all made sure to wear at least one undershirt, because even going between buildings was torture. As they walked along a sidewalk, heading for a cell phone store, they passed a bookstore. Hung in the window was a calendar with a very attractive man on it. Zelos took off his sunglasses and peered at it. "Well, it looks like I may have some competition," he said. "Orlando Bloom, huh?" Then Zelos noticed what Orlando was wearing. "Dammit!" he yelled. Everyone looked at him. "Everyone's gonna think I stole his style. Aw man..." Colette took his arm. "You can still wear it," she said. "I think it looks really nice on you." "Thanks, babe!" said Zelos.

"Oohh, but what a hunk Orlando is!" said Sheena. "Mmm, sexy..." "He is quite attractive, I must admit," said Presea. "So handsome," said Raine. The women ogled the dashing man for a long time, until their men got nervous and stole them back. "Don't be jealous, guys," said Sheena. "I think he's a celebrity, so he's out of our reach. We still love you guys, don't we girls?" "Yes!" they all said, and kissed their boyfriends on the cheek. It was convincing enough for them.