Aaaaaaaaand…Fire Seal time! It's chapter three!
Colette: But don't you/the OC hate fire?
Yup, so the seal might actually be brushed by. I'm a little worried about this chapter, but I got pretty much everything down, and it is fourteen pages minus the A/N's. Don't kill me too much, okay?? D:
Sheena: The introduction of the self-defense techniques will be in here as well, and RoyalFanatic added just a little more to it. It should explain itself, but if you're still confused, then let us know in a review. Everyone, including RoyalFanatic herself, the OC Anna, and the two guest authors, has that little more, and you'll see when we get there!
Colette: RoyalFanatic doesn't own us or Tales of Symphonia, nor does she own Anna, Spice, Gamecube, and the three other yet to be mentioned characters, but she does own the fiction, her personal ideas, herself, Calvin, and the OC she swapped lives with.
Then let's do this. Chapter three away!
"Absolutely fascinating! A real live humanoid! I simply must dissect and observe you!"
"Keep her away from meee!"
I should've realized this was going to happen…honestly I should've. But holy shit man, I was actually watching Raine in full "Ruin Mode". With my own two eyes. And let me tell you, it's a hell lot funnier in real life than it is in the "game".
Lloyd and Colette were staring at their teacher, probably torn between questioning her sanity and falling on the ground in hysterical laughter; I'll admit that that was how I was feeling right now. Genis looked ready to shoot himself, and Kratos was looking very annoyed.
And I can't blame him too much; he already made a little schedule for the day in his head. But first Lloyd overslept, Gamecube and I had to be introduced, and now Raine was running around trying to dissect my best friend.
Still, being chased by Raine in full "Ruin Mode" is an honor very few people have; basically meaning Corrine and Noishe, if my memory is correct. I think I'll also have that chance as well…once Raine finds out that I have wings and I'm not as tough as either Kratos or Yuan. Or Yggy. Forgot about the femboy for a minute.
So we're a few hours behind schedule; it's not that big of a deal!
…okay, maybe it is. But we know the chase is over when Gamecube hid behind Colette. "I have to learn how to use magic from her!?" Ummm…maybe Raine teaching her is a bad idea?
"Miss Sage…" Kratos' voice was almost a growl. Ooooooh, he's not too happy. "We have wasted enough time here, and Miss Silvermoon is a friend of my niece."
"Best friend," I added.
Raine paused, and cleared her throat. "O-of course. I apologize, Gamecube. I won't let it happen again. But please care to explain how she can use light magic?"
"T-the Desians forced me to drink something…" Gamecube muttered, her ears drooping. I told her to play the experimentation card; they'll totally suck it up. Well, Kratos won't, but I already told him that the Aionis was found in her bag, so hopefully he'll play along as well. "I…I don't know what it was." Damn she sounds convincing. "N-next thing I know…I was able to use light mana!"
Hopefully everyone will forget this when they learn the so-called "Desians" are actually the Renegades.
"That's horrible!" Genis cried. Yup; he bought it. "How could the Desians treat people like that!?"
"That's why we have to stop them!" Lloyd shouted. "Right Colette!?"
"Right!"
"Well, it worked in our favor in the end," I insisted. All of a sudden, my satchel grew heavier… "Eh?" Everyone turned to look at me as I opened it; gald, apple and orange gels, damn you orange gels…and an exsphere and Key Crest???
Everyone jumped as I pulled the objects out of the small bag; they looked like an ordinary exsphere and Key Crest. Looks like whoever pulled Gamecube here…Origin, perhaps? Anyway, it looks like they forgot to give her the exsphere.
"Cecilia, where did you get that?" Kratos asked.
"I…have no clue," I replied, shaking my head. "I think it's for Gamecube, though; she doesn't have an exsphere, right?"
"M-me!?" The tigress squeaked. I wonder if she remembered about what exspheres really are and everything. I gave a small nod and offered the gem and crest to her. "H-how do I put it on?"
"Here, I'll show you," Lloyd said, walking over to Gamecube and helping her get the gem on her right hand.
"I guess we're ready to go now," Genis said. "Off to the Fire Seal!"
It's hot…it's hot…it's hot…it's really, really, really hot…
I grab my water flask once again; I think I'm at the halfway point at this moment in time, and take another drink. Damn it's hot…why can't I be too cold instead!?
"You alright?" Genis, walking next to me, asked. We were actually in front of our little "train", despite the fact that the little kid's a spell caster. Gamecube and Colette were talking not too far off, but I wasn't paying any attention to what they were talking about. Actually, Gamecube was walking on her own, muttering to herself, but Colette walked over and started a conversation; I think about Noishe? Raine was walking a few paces behind them; observing her newest student, perhaps? I also told Gamecube that she should ask Raine to teach her about Sylvarant's history. She needs to be prepared for that test in Palmacosta, anyway.
And I think it would be wise for her to know; even if Mithos had warped most of the truth.
Lloyd and Kratos were near the rear of our "train", keeping an eye on our supplies and Noishe. It didn't matter too much, though; he'd take off once we neared the Fire Seal anyway.
"I'm slightly less delicate than the average person, and I have the mentality of 'Cold is better than hot'," I store the flask away; okay, no more water until we reach the seal! "Plus I'm naturally tuned to ice magic; a weakness to fire and hatred to heat is understandable."
"Touched with ice?" Genis asked; his eyes wide. "Wow…there aren't many people that have natural talents with the elements!"
"Dumb luck," I said, chuckling. I was about to say maybe it was because I was born in Flanoir and moved back home to Asgard when I was a newborn, but then I remembered that Genis doesn't know about Tethe'alla the world yet. Yet. "I don't know too much about my mother's family, but I think they were a family that tied more with the earth element." They had to, if they eventually spawned Rodyle.
I wonder if he knows about me… Maybe Femboy told him one of his great grand-aunts left the family because they were bitches? And then eventually mated with an inferior being and produced one of the Five Seraphim?
"What do you mean?" Genis asked. "Was she separated from her family? Because she married a human?"
"No no! Nothing like that!" I cried, shaking my head. "I don't know if they even know that my mother married; she ran away from them when she was younger. Maybe because they were so earth elemental related, and she was more akin to ice."
"Or maybe it's your father's side of the family you get the ice from," Genis muttered. "You're just the only one who can use it properly."
Wait…what is he…?
Oh. Yeah. Kratos was a little cold at times, wasn't he? I see what the kid means. Insert loud laughter here. And confused looks from the others. And a Kratos glare in our direction. That too. "You may be onto something there, Genis."
"Hey Cecilia, do you think you could teach me how to use ice magic?" Genis asked. "I've been trying, but I think I might be more attuned to fire magic."
"That could hinder your studies a little," I replied. "But sure, I'd be honored to."
Genis jumped and hugged me. "Thanks Cecilia! I'm finally going to learn ice magic! This is so cool!"
I smiled; guess I'm not going to be so useless to the group at all!
Oh wait…I get to be friends with at least some of these guys, right? Well, Kratos is sorta a given. Regal might be too; I'll need to talk to the fortune teller after we release the seal. Genis will be learning under me…I think I could befriend him too; maybe my parentage will keep him and Raine optimistic. Even though Haze and Aura are long dead…their blood lives on and shows that there was a human who willingly loved a half elf. Once upon a time…
Zelos…no way; we're going to be rivals. Not only because I will never be able to stand him flirting with me, or anyone else for that matter, but also because he's a Wilder, and I'm an Aurion. He knows that the Aurions were the Champions of Sylvarant. He knows I'm still the Champion. And he's doing a good job with being an ass towards Kratos, but that's beside the point.
I look at the group; Colette and Gamecube have located themselves next to Noishe, giggling and petting the protozoan. I think he adores the attention…makes one want to squeal and hug something. Like a spaz. Raine hasn't moved, but she still occasionally sends glances at the Chosen and tigress. And…hmmm…were we lagging, or was it that neither of the male swordsmen trusted us to be first? Either way, Lloyd and Kratos had made their way to the front of the train; my uncle's eyes on the sands in front of us and the twin blade user's eyes on…me!?
Oh no way…he's looking at me with unhappy eyes. I…can't honestly read the emotion hiding behind them. Not anger…I hope there's no suspicion! I wonder why…
Wait. A. Minute…is Lloyd Irving…jealous of me!?
"Cecilia?" Genis' voice brings my mind back to reality. Lloyd's gaze doesn't fade as it turns back towards the blank scenery in front of us. Damn…it looks like Lloydie doesn't like me…will this mean I won't be able to fight with him when we reach Kvar?
Wait…stop! Genis is looking concerned. "Sorry! I was just…thinking about the journey. What is it?"
"Oh, well, Lloyd was looking at you funny," the mage replied. "Have you two met before or something? It's hard for him to actually hate someone."
"I don't think he really hates me," I said, looking at the back of his head. "But that doesn't me he still likes me." Yeah, he has to be jealous of me…maybe it's because I'm also a sword and magic user, here to hog his spotlight? Maybe it's because I'm so close to Kratos? Or could it even be because he vaguely remembers his past or something? I know I did spend some time with the kid when he was younger…
Hmmm…
Noishe took off as soon as we reached the general area; ten freaking fire elementals showed up to take us on.
Not two, like it was in the "game", but ten.
And let me tell you, there were actually harder to deal with than they were in the game! Plus it is actual lives we're dealing with this time. No game overs…no restarts, or resets…
It's all or nothing, and while I enjoy gambling every now and then, I hate putting my life at stake.
Genis and I were in the back casting spell after spell; the half elf using water spells while I spammed Icicle over and over and over again. Raine was next to Genis, alternating between First Aid and Photon. Fire spells were flying everywhere, and any that hit me knocked me to the ground. Yes. You heard me right: Fire Ball spells knocked me to the ground.
I'm telling you, once we get this seal out of the way, I'll be the happiest female former Seraph alive! …at least until we reach Magnius. Fricking fire half elf Desian Cardinal…
Colette and Gamecube were actually in the middle lines; Colette sending her rings flying while Gamecube was attacking with ranged light magic flying from Lunavalora. The way she was swinging the blade…I thought I was looking at a female Ike or something…
Between the five of us, we probably knocked out five of the things; the tigress and Chosen teaming up on one, Genis and Raine teaming up on another, and my ice mana spamming helped take care of the other three.
Meanwhile Lloyd and Kratos were tag teaming on a Fire Elemental and destroyed it. Beware the power of steel blades. The duo fought a second one as Colette and Gamecube tag teamed up against a third. Genis and Raine defeated the fourth together, and I kept my magic spam to defeat the final one.
So, my first official battle in the world of Symphonia, and I didn't get my ass handed back to me! I think that's going to happen when we take on the Cardinals. And Femboy. Frick. Hopefully I'll be able to take care of myself and others once we reach Tethe'alla.
But we're all still burned to a certain degree. For reasons that escape me, Kratos was almost unharmed, while Raine, Genis, and I had a few burns at best as well. Gamecube and Colette looked a little worse off than we did, and poor Lloyd was almost cooked.
"This is going to be a nuisance…" Kratos muttered darkly. Ooooh, self defense time! I can learn to protect myself better!
…What? Even in the fanfic, she doesn't learn Guardian until this point in time.
But you know what, three people already have Guardian, and it seems to be more of a human swordsfighter thing. I may be a swordswoman, but I'm quarter elf. Fine, fine…angelic quarter elf, if you want to be specific.
But I do have a neat idea for a tech; it's going to be something to do with my music. My iPod's still on my belt, yet no one has seemed to notice it. Not even Gamecube! Maybe it's because it's magically invisible when on my belt?
"What is?" Lloyd asked, actually sounding innocent.
"Uhhh, nothing." Nothing? Suuuuuuuuuuure…and your boss isn't a femboy. Hey, I can't say our; I'll pretend, but he ain't my boss anymore. "Anyway, it would be wise to learn techniques to better protect yourself."
"You mean self-defense training?" Colette asked.
"Something similar to that," Kratos replied. "Techniques that create a force field of mana that protects you. Pour enough power into the technique, and you can also eject an additional source of protection for yourself and those around you."
"What does that mean?" Lloyd asked, looking confused. I'll admit that I'm puzzled as well; no one ever mentioned this during the "game". Gamecube and Colette looked confused as well, but Genis and Raine seem to have an idea of what he was talking about.
"Perhaps a visual aid will help you understand," Kratos replied, looking ready to smack face with palm, or palm with face. I don't blame him; Lloyd can be a dunce sometimes. "Draw your blades." Looking confused, Lloyd did so. "Now, feel the protective mana flowing inside you; when I cast a lightning spell, activate the technique."
"How do I do that?" Lloyd asked.
"Merely think it; the name will come to you individually," Kratos replied. "Now be ready…Lightning!"
"Guardian!" Lloyd brought his swords up in a defense maneuver, and the green bubble came to life. Not only that, however, but four small carving knifes appeared in each cardinal direction. Gamecube, who was standing nearby the defending swordsman, jumped when a knife flew towards her, but it didn't harm her. Instead…
"Wow! I feel stronger than I did before!"
"Hey, I do too!" Lloyd cried. "There were carving knives…I wonder why?"
"Maybe because you learn craftsmanship from Dirk," Colette suggested. I agree with that; we're going to need that skill later on, Lloyd.
"So those additional sources are sort of a 'theme' based off our personality and skills?" I asked.
"Yes, that's what I was thinking as well," Raine agreed. "Let's have someone else try. Colette, would you like to go next?"
"Yes Professor," the Chosen replied, nodding. She took out her chakrams and nodded at Kratos. "I'm ready!"
"Lightning!"
"Damage Guard!" She raised her weapons up in defense as well; it was the same defense bubble as Lloyd, but instead of knives, angel feathers shot out in the four directions. One of them flew past Raine, and ended up doing nothing.
"I'm guessing Light damage?" Raine asked. "Something that hits opponents only? Well, Colette is the Chosen, so something angelic is to be expected."
"Neat!" Colette clapped her hands together. "I can protect myself and others too!"
"I'll go next," Genis said, pulling out his kendama and flexing his arms. "Okay. I'm ready."
"Lightning!"
"Force Field!" Weapon held in defense, and green bubble appeared again. This time, however, four different colored books, one red, one a dark blue, one purple, and one black shot out. Lloyd and I, who were in the line of fire, jumped, but nothing happened to us. "Books?"
"Maybe it's because you study!" Colette suggested. "And then the color of the books decides the elemental damage?"
"So in this case, it'd be fire, water, lightning, and dark," Raine said. "Fascinating…"
"You should go next, Professor!" Lloyd cried. "I'm sure you'll have something smartish too!"
"'Smartish' isn't a word, Lloyd," the professor said, pulling out her staff. "But I suppose I might as well give it a shot. Anytime you're ready, Kratos."
"Lightning!"
"Force Field!" Repeat what I said above, and there were also four stone tablets that jumped out in each direction. Tablets…? Representing Raine's Ruin Mode, perhaps? Ouch. They flew towards…
"Hey, they healed me!" Genis cried.
"Me too!" Colette added. "That's our professor! But why were they tablets?"
You'll find out shortly, everyone…you'll find out shortly. Raine turned red as I walked forward. "I guess I'll go next, uncle." Featherglow flew out of its sheath. "Anytime you're ready!"
"Lightning!"
"Sound Barrier!" Bring your weapon up in defense and oooooh, I like that! I really like that! Better than Guardian, anyway. The green bubble formed around me, and music notes actually shot out! Dude, this is totally awesome! I can't wait to use this again! The notes passed Genis and Kratos and…hey, my mana!
"Alright! My mana recharged!" Genis cried. "Good thing too; I'm low on orange gels!"
"Very impressive," Kratos said. "I had expected some sort of musical theme." Wait…he was…? Why? Oh wait…wait a minute! On his belt…camouflaging with the rest of his clothing…a harp! I guess even she loved music as well.
She missed out on the good stuff, however. Nothing can compare to Guitar Hero. And yes, I'm probably biased, but I don't care. "Music and mana make up my soul, uncle." Now, how about a little World Tour, my fantastic iPod? For some reason, Ozzy Osborne plays in my ears…oh well; I do like 'Mr. Crowley'.
Gamecube unsheathed Lunavalora. "I guess this means it's my turn! I'm ready!"
"Lightning!"
"Kounter!" The tigress held her blade in a defense position, and a stream of silver-green light spread from the bubble and misted out in the four directions. Lloyd got hit by the mist, and nothing happened. "Awwww, what does my protection do!?"
"Well, it felt like the mist was trying to heal me in some way," the swordsman admitted. "But my body was already healed anyway, so it couldn't do anything."
"Perhaps it heals statuses?" I suggested. "Poison, paralysis, curse, stone…stuff like that?" It'll be useful later on!
Gamecube looked joyous. "Excellent!"
Genis and I look towards the entrance of the seal and walk forward. Okay, it was time well spent, but honestly, the sooner we finish this damn seal, the better.
"Fantastic!"
Yep. This is why Raine has stone tablets. Once again in full "Ruin Mode", she ran up to the slab, looking at it as if it was some long lost lover or something. Scary… "Look at the slab covering the entrance! It's clearly of a different composition than the surrounding stone!" She knelt down, feeling the slab. "It's just as I thought! This is polycarbonate, designed during the Ancient War to defend against magic. Ooooh, feel the smooth surface; it's wonderous!"
I swear, really bad mental images just popped into my head, and I've scarred myself. For life. Oh joy…
We turned to face Genis; thankfully everyone ignored me shaking my head in denial and misery. Kratos spoke first. "…is she always like this?"
Genis looked ready to run off, and I don't think the sweat on his forehead was from the sun. Thinking back on Raine's reaction towards Gamecube, Lloyd continued. "Is she?"
There was a sigh from the mage. "I've been trying to hard to hide it too…"
At this point, Raine had stood up and ran over to the pedestal nearby. "Hmm? This depression…it reads 'Oracle Stone'. Colette, place your hand here. That should reveal the entrance."
"Really?" Lloyd asked.
"This stone is enhanced to identify the Chosen," Raine replied. "There's no question about it."
So, Colette does as she is told, and the entrance opens! Huzzah! "Wow, it opened! I guess I'm the Chosen after all!"
As if the Cruxis Crystal and Remiel weren't enough proof for you… And Genis seems to be thinking along the same lines. "Yeah, we kinda knew that already."
"Alright, now it's getting exciting!" Lloyd cried as Genis, Colette, Gamecube, and I lead the way down into the evil seal. "Let's go; I can't wait to see what we find!"
"I hope you can keep that enthusiasm up…" Oh Kratos, we're all hoping that. But knowing our luck, it won't.
And…woooooooooow…if I thought the desert was hot, then I have no idea how the hell I'm going to last here. Not that I'm worried about collapsing or anything but really…how does the saying go? From the frying pan into the fire?
I really do hate fire and heat…
Okay, so the place is fricking huge! Not that it looks any different than it did in the game, but it's obviously going to take more time to reach the guardian and take it out.
Speaking of seal guardians…I wonder if it's going to be the game based, or if it's even going to be my fic based. Not that my version of the fire guardian is that different from the game, but still. I mean, sure we're following the "game", but there was no, well, me in the game, and since there is a "me" in this reality…bleeeeh it's confusing! Just wait and see!
Wait…does this mean we're going to have to go up against raging sirens when we reach the Water Seal? Shit…okay Martel…just remind me to have the men stand guard when we finally reach it…
Passing through the seal wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. Well, we did run into monsters, including the evil that is the Fake, but for the most part, I hung back and spammed Icicle as fire, plates, trash, and various other items that monsters/Fakes spit out rammed into us. I swear; I'm going to learn Freeze Lancer before we fight Sheena.
Raine freaked out over the torches…run while you still can! She was flailing her arms, and she swears it was an accident when she hit me, but I made a comment about "Ruin-crazed maniacs", and I'm sure she heard me.
Not that I want to breeze through the seal, but I wasn't paying too much attention to my surroundings; I just wanted to get out of here! Genis was hanging out with me; I think we'll be buds before anyone else knows it. Maybe there's another reason why Lloyd's upset/jealous with me; I'm stealing his best friend away from him. Damn…sorry Lloydie!
We did manage to reach the warp, and all…seven of us were just staring at it.
"Soooo…do we all go forward, or what?" Lloyd asked. He turned towards Colette. "What sort of things do you have to do at the seal?"
"Well…"
"She probably has to prove her worth," Gamecube suggested. "Don't the seals have guardians? Would she have to fight?"
"Most groups fight with four people maximum," Genis commented.
"Then should we send four people with Colette?" Lloyd asked. "And have the other two here? What would they do?"
"Stand guard, I suppose," Raine replied. "Make sure the way is clear, as well as make sure that no one follows us in."
"I'll stay behind," I insisted, shaking my head. Lloyd opened his mouth; maybe mentioning about my ice magic? Or maybe he's going to call me a chicken…I interrupted him before he could speak. "I doubt the Guardians have the weakness to ice that I have to fire."
"It would be best," Kratos added, and I nodded. What he said. He looked to the rest of us. "Miss Sage, it would be best if you went with the Chosen. I'm sure Lloyd and Gamecube would like to go as well."
"Of course!"
"Yeah, that's okay," Genis said. "I'll stay with Cecilia."
"Are you sure, Genis?" Lloyd asked.
The mage nodded. "There are other seals, right? Besides, I'm a little nervous about the monster."
"And you probably want to get started on learning how to handle ice mana?" I asked, remembering that he had asked me to teach him. "Go on and take care of this; we'll be here when you get back."
So, general agreement was passed around, and Genis and I watched as Lloyd and Colette, Gamecube and Raine, and Kratos passed through the warp. They better tell us about the battle when it's over.
A few stray monsters ran towards us, seeing that we had dropped from seven to two in seconds, but multiple Aqua Edge spells and Featherglow were enough to take them down. I winced at a burn a Fire Warrior gave me though; I'll need Raine to heal it when she gets back.
"Okay, let me see you hold ice mana," I suggested to Genis. If anything, now was a good time to introduce the kid to the spells. Well, I want to see how the mana will affect his body; he is wearing shorts. "I want to see how your body reacts to it."
"Ready a spell?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I want you to cup your hands and hold the mana."
Genis did so; I watched as a ball of ice blue mana appeared. He shivered, no doubt due to the sudden chill that I'm oh-so used to, but after a few seconds, the shaking stopped. Well, we are in a hot climate, so the heat will probably counter the chill. At least, until he's used to it.
"Okay, good." I nodded as he let go of the mana. "I'll teach you the basics of handling the mana now; the heat here should help counter the chill from the runes."
"Yeah." Genis nodded as well. "You get used to it though, right?"
"Once you add the spells to your roster, your body will recognize and adapt. My body can recognize the fire mana, but it won't adapt; you don't have that weakness. It's a good thing; I'd rather those with half elven blood or more be balanced."
"So…you do know that Raine and I are half elves, don't you?"
"I can't sense mana as well as you and Raine can, but I can pick up that you have both elven and human blood in you." I replied. "But Genis, I have no problems with that; I was born because one of my parents was one. My father had no problem either; I don't remember them too well, but my parents truly loved each other."
"How about Kratos? Does he mind half elves?"
"Before my parents' deaths, he was very vocal about equal rights for all." I focused on my memories of the past…it's funny how similar Kratos was to Lloyd back then. "Not that he hates the world and all who live in it after they died, but did become quite colder, and less vocal." I frowned in thought. "First his parents before I was born, then my parents when I was…younger…" They didn't know I was over four thousand years old yet. "And then his own family fourteen years ago…"
"He had a family?"
"A wife and son…both were wonderful, and both will be missed. They were taken by Desians."
Genis' shoulders fell. "That's a lot of tragedy for someone…it's a good reason to be cold
all of the time, even if it does make you somewhat of an ass."
"Indeed…" So much happened to him, and until Lloyd accepts him as his blood father, I'm all he has. Not to mention I'm the last link to his past…it's a scary honor to hold, however. "Now, back to ice magic: I want to see you cast Icicle…"
The group came out unscathed about…half an hour later. Maybe longer; I still have no clock on me. But they came out unscathed; I guess Remiel somehow heals after battles after all. He's not as useless as I thought. We still have to kill him, though. Sorry Cal.
…wait a minute…a thought just struck me; Genis never had a chance to spaz over Colette's wings! Uhhhh…ummm…well, not that it was a major part of the storyline, but still…did someone else spaz over them instead?
We exited the seal with no trouble, and as we began to head back into the desert…bam. No ashes, but Colette fall down.
"Colette!" Lloyd ran over to her and knelt by her side; Raine did likewise. "Are you alright!?"
"I'm…fine…"
"But you don't look fine!" Gamecube shouted. "Oh no…it's not my fault, is it!? I shouldn't have made her pull her wings in and out so many times!"
So Gamecube did fit Genis' place. I wonder what it's like to spaz over wings; I've had mine for so long now…I decided to steal Lloyd's counter and spoke before he did. "Hmmm…I'm not sure if that's why she's ill."
"It doesn't matter; her lips are turning purple," Raine helped the Chosen to her feet; Lloyd hovered over them both. "We should get her to a doctor in the city."
And…go. "Wait." Cue an everyone stare at Kratos, who just so happened to decide to speak. "Remember the angel's words; she's required to pass a trial. It would probably be best to set up camp and wait it out."
"He's right…" Colette added, sighing. "It'll go away soon. I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing, you dork," Lloyd said. "It's not like you can help it; you're starting to turn into an angel!"
There was another sigh from the Chosen. "You're right. I'm sorry."
Personally, I blame the priests who trained her more than Colette herself.
So, remember what the "game" showed you? The generic campsite? Forget that; it's a lie I tell you! Lies! It was nothing but ruins and sand, since we decided to stay closer to the seal. Everyone was gathered near the fire; the desert does get colder when night comes. I didn't mind the cold though, so here I am off to the side. You know what happens; Lloyd goes around and talks to everyone, the broken birthday present, Colette goes for her walk, blah blah blah.
"Not staying with them?" I looked up to see Botta. He was speaking in a whisper; as long as we kept our voices down, my uncle shouldn't be able to hear us.
"I am." I lowered my own voice as well; again, I'm not about to tell Kratos I'm with the Renegades. Forget that. "I just needed to think. Any new orders for us? For me?"
Botta shook his head. "Other than joining the group, no. Yuan will let you slide on reports, as you know, but he'll want an overall summary of the Chosen's progress."
All the way to the Tower, in this case. Sorry Yuan. "I understand."
"Also, if we should meet on opposite sides, I want you and Gamecube to treat me as an enemy. And keep referring to us as Desians."
"Even though your men are all 'Hah, they think we're Desians'?" I asked. I almost laughed as my fellow Renegade rolled his eyes. "I know what you mean, though; not only because they don't know about the Renegades, but also because of my uncle." Botta nodded. "Plus you don't want us to lose our place in the group."
"And be careful," Botta added. "You're a good kid."
Kid! He called me a kid! Heeeey, I think he likes me! Neat! But wait…I'm probably older than he is! Hey! "Kid? I'm older than you, you know!"
"Who's counting?" The second asked, grinning. Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. "And you appear younger than me, so there's that. No matter. Good luck, and do your best."
He disappeared into the night, and I was by myself again. So, we'll go back to Triet to restock, and I'll see what the fortune teller has to say to me as well. Then the Ossa Trail, Sheena, and most likely Izlood and Palmacosta…
Okay then, journey. Let's see what happens next.
Zelos: And…cut! End chapter! Again, if you're still confused about the self defense techniques, let us know, mmmkay?
Regal: Some more information is passed, and it appears RoyalFanatic is starting to set her friendship ties in. She has a given "soul mate" status with Kratos, and it seems she's going to work to befriend Genis and myself as well.
Zelos: While me and my cool hunny will be at odds. And Lloyd doesn't like her too! Go figure. My little tiger hunny, meanwhile, seems to have a "soul mate" situation going with Colette, and will befriend Sheena as well. She won't be too interested with my little Rosebud though.
Regal: There were plans to include the Ossa Trail in this chapter, but as you can see, they were nixed. Instead, the trail will be added to the next chapter, which should also still include Izlood and Palmacosta. The Water Seal and the Human Ranch (in that order) will be the chapter after that.
Zelos: Yeah, canon defying time begins. RoyalFanatic has some plans going on, and they require the group getting the Water Seal done first. Expect some overall confusion when you see her expecting things to follow "game canon" but the situation doesn't. Well, that's chapter five, so we got a little ways to go. XD
Regal: And that should be all from us. We hope you enjoyed the chapter.
