Disclaimer: I own nothing expect for my characters. Etc. etc.
'words' talking to summon spirits
Camp had been set up and it is now night time. My mat is placed far from the group so I would be alone yet still watch over them. Movement caught my eye and I realize it was Lloyd. He was walking towards Genis probably to see what he was doing. I decided to listen to the conversation because to be honest… I'm bored out of my mind! I have no one I can drive crazy or confuse that wouldn't somehow get back at me. Why?! I need blueberry so I can terrorize him, but back to the conversation before I start ranting….again.
"Hey how was the tofu curry?" Would have never guessed the little half elf could cook so well, but he can. Lloyd seemed to agree with my silent opinion, but he spoke it.
"It tasted good." I thought it was a sweet compliment, but I must have been wrong.
"Really? Are you sure your taste buds are okay?" Well, what was wrong with your food Genis? Did you secretly poison me? My eyes widen slightly at the thought. No, Genis wouldn't do that. Not yet at least.
"What does that mean?" I can't blame Lloyd for being defensive on this considering I agreed with him.
"Exactly what I said. I didn't have all the ingredients so I couldn't get the flavor I wanted." I did not know tofu curry had a particular flavor. Really I didn't!
"Oh you're the one that made this?" Okay cue sweat drop and dead pan expression here. Lloyd you did not know Genis cooked tonight yet you sat there by the fire and watched him. Can anyone say oblivious?
"Of course." I half way expected a sarcastic comment to this.
"I thought it was the professor." Lloyd why do I have the feeling that is dangerous territory? This caught the Raine's attention.
"Oh will you try my cooking next time Lloyd?" I'm not exactly sure why, but a look of horror crossed my face when she said this.
"If you want to live you better not." Genis this makes me even more scared. I was so horror stricken I almost didn't catch Genis saying it was true after being hit by Raine. Note to self. When Raine cooks I shall find food for myself.
My eyes traced the path the red clad swordsman made. He left Genis and Raine and went to Noishe and Kratos.
"Your exsphere is an unusual color." I never noticed this. Now I feel bad for my oblivious comment.
"It does seem to be a little different from yours and the others." It's a good thing that it is different from Kratos' since his is a- what did they call them again? Either way it makes you an angel.
"By the way why do you have an exsphere?" Lloyd, have you not notice that almost everyone in this group has one?
"I took one from a Desian." In a way true.
"I heard that the Desians force the humans at the ranch to make them." At this my body stilled. I did not want to think about the horror those places were.
"So that's why Marble had an exsphere too.." My curiosity stopped me from going to dark places in my mind. Who was Marble?
"Is it all right if I ask you something as well?" Wow usually Kratos just asks and expects you to answer. Where is the real Kratos?
"Oh- okay. Sure." I'm curious as to what will be asked so I almost missed Lloyd's response. Geez I need to check my ears.
"Why were you raised by a dwarf?" My jaw almost dropped. Did he just ask this?
"Dad found me collapsed in the forest along with Mom and Noishe." My heart ached at this. Poor Lloyd.
"Although what really happened was that we were attacked by Desians." My eyes widened. I never knew Lloyd went through such things.
"…I see. From the sound of it your father is probably not alive either." Why would you say such a thing Kratos?
"…Probably not." That was.. I just can't.
"So the Desians are responsible for the deaths of your parents." Kratos… just no. "Your life has been completely torn apart by them." Blueberry when you said Kratos was never straight forward you were wrong. I just can't believe he is saying this so… impassively.
"Huh?" Lloyd just how do you not understand?
"Your mother was killed then you were chased out of your village." Lloyd you have had a hard life yet you still are so happy. Like Colette. See this is why you make a great couple.
"The village was my fault." Lloyd? How could it be your fault when it is ours? "I'm the one that caused them to be there." No you weren't Lloyd. My heart just drops and I start to feel the cold of the desert night.
"So averting your eyes won't make a difference…" That statement was lost on me Kratos.
"I'm not going to run away from the consequences of my actions for the sake of the people that lost their lives and for myself." Lloyd you are better than all of us.
".. I see. Then no matter what waits ahead you must not forget that determination." I feel like Kratos was saying that to me to since it is obvious I am listening. I really need to work on this habit. Meh I'll do it later.
"Why am I talking to you about this anyway?" It is true, this conversation started with exspheres so I'm not sure Lloyd.
At that Lloyd left Kratos and headed back to Raine.
"It seems Colette's feeling better now." I'm so glad to hear that Raine you just don't even begin to understand. Yet that is.
"…Yeah it looks like becoming an angel is pretty rough." I feel as if Raine knows more about this then she is letting on Lloyd.
"Yes I wonder if her biological structure is changing." Raine if you start lecturing I will tune you out.
"Bio-what?" Lloyd you had to ask.
Deciding my brain knew enough I doodled in the sand while I waited for the conversation to catch my attention again. Without realizing it I drew Yuan, and when I did realize it I admired my work for a second before smoothing the sand out so there are not suspicions. Can't have them now when I have to stop world regeneration.
"Colette is Colette." Lloyd's voice sounded so final that it broke my reverie.
".. Yes you are right. You always point out the truth." Raine seems to have a good amount of respect for Lloyd. A tiny smile broke out on my face at that. "
Ah well.." Ahh Lloyd got a compliment and he doesn't know what to do with it. So cute! Now if only that was Colette then I could secretly push them together and make them hug.
"It's because he only lives by instinct." Way to break a dream for me Genis.
Lloyd seems frustrated by that and stomps his way.. towards me?
"Hey Lloyd." He just glances down at me sitting on my mat. I huff at this. He has deep conversations with everyone else and is completely silent to me. Thanks I feel so special Lloyd. I am not pouting by the way.
"Why did you protect me from that guy at the base?" This caught me completely off guard. My surprise must have shown because he seemed to get more determined to find an answer.
"Because-" I want to save you and your group from a secret organization yet I can't do it like I want. Because I don't like what Yuan is doing yet I love him; though I don't know his feelings for me. "Because I feel like you are going to change the world with Colette and the others.. and I just felt it was the right thing to do." Lloyd seemed to take this answer quite well considering he seemed surprised.
"Thank you." I look at him my face sober.
"Don't thank me Lloyd." Then I smiled. "Go talk to Colette. You know you guys are cute together. If you ever need advice I'm always open to give you some." After I say this I wink at him. Lloyd blushes at my statement and runs off to the last person of the group. Colette.
"Oh yeah. I know this is kind of late now, but here is your birthday present." Awe see? They make a cute couple.
"Oh no its broken." If they weren't staring straight at it I would see if I could fix it though I doubt I could. Sorry Colette.
"I wonder when it broke. I'm sorry I'll make you a new one." Lloyd you are so sweet. Someone could take notes from you.
"Thanks and I'm sorry I keep causing trouble for you." No sweet girl you haven't caused any trouble.
"Don't worry about it. By the way you haven't been eating at all. Are you still feeling sick?" No. The angel transformation has started. I have but so much time to stop it before it can't be undone. Frustration starts building in my chest.
"No I'm fine I just don't seem to have much of an appetite." Poor girl. She won't be able to eat now.
"You won't be able to keep up your strength if you don't eat." Poor Lloyd so concerned yet he doesn't even know what is going on.
"I know your right." Colette tell him. "cough. Cough." The child is still sick.
"Lloyd don't push her." I want to tell Raine that it isn't Lloyd, but I have a feeling she knows.
"Colette is delicate unlike you." Genis so kind one moment then the next you are like a child. It makes me want to smile and smack you upside the head at the same time. You should feel special only blueberry has done that in a while.
"Shut it!" Poor Lloyd everyone is turning against you. Don't worry Lloyd I still have your back! We can throw sand at them and build a fort since there is an abundance of it. "I'm sorry Colette." Lloyd you have nothing to apologize for. It should be me who is apologizing.
"No. no I'm okay…I'm really sorry for worrying you…" Colette you care so much for people and Lloyd. I haven't seen someone like that since way back when. It seemed the conversation had wounded down at the moment and everyone left to their own thoughts.
I must have drifted off for a moment because next thing I know Colette told Lloyd she was going for a walk. From what I could gather in my sleepy mind is that Colette turned him down when he asked if she wanted company and now Genis is singing about him getting rejected. How long did I fall asleep? Why do I miss all the fun stuff? And why Colette no take Lloyd they need to be a couple! One glance from Kratos told me to go back to sleep and just not worry about it.
'Spirit. Young one wake!' A breathy voice spoke.
'Efreet? Is that you? What is it?' My response was airy since I wasn't in the temple, but I could tell he heard me.
'Someone wishes to speak with you. Come to the entrance there are no monsters there.'
Surprisingly my muscles didn't fight me getting up and heading into the temple. The only issue there seem to be is that everything seemed almost to be in a daze. I enter the temple yet I saw no one or at least I didn't till I started searching the shadows. A figure steps out of the shadow directly in front of me.
"Hello young spirit." A blue haired male steps into the light.
"Yuan." I wanted so badly to run up to him and hug him whether he accepted the hug or not, but I knew I had to stand my ground since I stood between him and the group. "If you plan on attacking them I will be in your way." My blades hummed in response. Any blade was ready to be pulled and used.
"I mean no harm to them." Yuan walks closer to the point we were a foot apart. "I wished to speak with you Kimiori." He practically purred my name relaxing my tense muscles unwillingly.
He stepped even closer to me yet when I looked into his eyes I saw nothing but agonizing pain. A question formed at my mouth, but before I could answer a laugh echoed and I felt a blade slicing my arm. Did Yuan just cut me? Tears sprang to my eyes yet my face put up a mask to conceal any emotions.
"Kim! Geez you sleep the most out of any person I know! That saying something since Lloyd sleeps all the time in class." Genis voice met my ears, but the words didn't go far.
'Efreet! Efreet! Where are you!?' A growl was slowly building in my chest and tears seemed to want to pick at my eyes. I searched my arm while I awaited an answer yet I found no mark. Was it a dream?
'What is it that you so forcefully call me Child.' I could feel his anger because I had forced him to answer. My ears droop slightly. I didn't like to force summon spirits to answer me.
'I apologize, my friend I just am slightly… confused. I have a question.' I gather my things quite quickly and carelessly.
'It is well young one. What is it that you need?' A sigh of relief silently is expressed. Efreet forgave me.
'Old friend did you wake me last night?' I could feel the tense silence as I waited.
'I have no recollection if I have done so young one.' This frustrates me. Was it a dream that I met with Yuan last night? I felt something hit me in the back. I look up with frustration evident on my face.
Genis hid behind Raine who just frowned.
"We must get going if we are to make it to the next temple." This brought me out of my frenzy.
'Sorry my friend I must go. Till the next time.' My quick goodbye was met with a rumbled laugh that I faintly felt.
"My apologies for holding up the group let's get going shall we?" For some reason Kratos gave me the most startled look. Wait did I just apologize. Great that gave away that something was up with me and now Kratos knows. I want to throw my head back and groan.
"Professor where are we going next?" Lloyd stopped me from throwing some form of pity party for myself. I glance up and see the red clad dual blade wielder next to Colette and Genis.
"We should head for Palmacosta. I don't think we are going to find any more clues on this continent." I almost forgot we get to go sailing. My eyes light with excitement. However, Raine didn't seem so happy.
"It's the biggest city in the world!" I wanted to laugh at Genis' expression. It was so childish and happy. He continued on by listing what was there, but I already knew so I didn't care to listen. Instead I concentrated on whether I dreamed last night or not. It must be a dream there isn't a cut on my arm and Efreet says he didn't wake me.
"However if we are going to Palmacosta we are going to have to pass through the Ossa Trail." It shouldn't be too bad if we don't run into any skeletons.
"It is not a treacherous trail but there is no harm in being prepared." Now that I think about it Kratos is the type of person who would be prepared for the worst in a field of flowers. Wait now that I think about that something did happen in a field of flowers.
Yuan and I were in a field of flowers looking for firewood. At some point a flower flew up and landed on my head in between my ears. Yuan walked over and reached up to get the flower. Once he got it a mischievous glint passed in his eyes and my own widen.
He took the offending flower and started tickling my nose with it. That dreadful thing made me sneeze so much that a monster found us. The thing was we didn't have in weapons because I mean it's a field of flowers who needs weapons.
We backed up from the killer ladybug and turn tailed and ran. Next thing we know Kratos appears and kills the killer ladybug. Once he clears his sword he turns to us and smirks. We both gulp in fear. It would have been funny if you weren't the ones being smirked at.
Kratos then proceeds to walk away and we both glance at each other mirroring the other's expression of horror. We run to catch up with the swordsman to stop him from ruining our pride. Ah fun times. My day dream was broke by Lloyd.
"Yeah how about we get some shopping done in Triet before we go." At this I realize we had been walking the whole time while we were talking.
"Oh there is no need for that. I did some shopping before we headed to the temple." It was true I had shopped, but I just wanted to get out of the desert. Kratos gave me an incredulous look while the others held surprise.
"What? I wanted to show appreciation for you guys letting me stay." This cause smiles from Lloyd and Colette, a smirk from Genis and a dubious look from Raine. Kratos went back to being impassive.
Despite the shopping being done we headed to Triet anyways. By the time we were there Genis was excited to get to the inn he tripped even though he claimed he wouldn't. This made Raine go all sisterly on him and it was quite sweet. We went to the inn and decided to stay for the night and recharge ourselves. However, for some unknown reason I just can't get to sleep. Deciding to speak to Kratos since I knew he was up I head towards the shared room he had with Lloyd.
Reaching their door something felt off. Like someone else was in there. Someone who is familiar to me.
"…Whoa. Who's there?" Lloyds shout caused me to rush in to see what was going on. "What was that?" By this time I had rushed into the room.
"Lloyd are you okay?" He looks at me then away. Since he didn't answer I sensed the air around him by manipulating the mana and he seemed fine. That was good.
"What's wrong?" Kratos must have heard the shout along with everyone else.
"…Some weird guy came in here." Why is Yuan so interested in Lloyd? I mean it has to be Yuan he is weird unless Lloyd has some stalker I don't know about.
"Are you hurt?" Colette is always concerned about everyone.
"Nah. I'm fine." It is true Lloyd was fine, but what is going on around here?
"It may have been a Desian. Everyone be careful." Not quite right Raine, it was a renegade, but I agree with the careful part.
"It seems like Lloyd always got someone after him." Did not know this Genis.
"What so it's my fault? Seriously though we can't be too careful. I'll be fine but Colette and the Professor you two be careful." They should be fine Lloyd.
"Yeah thanks." Sweet Colette.
"Yes I'll make sure." Raine is sweet in her own way I guess.
"They will be fine Lloyd." My response seemed to go unnoticed. Kratos walked out first and I followed.
"See we should have left." This earned me a tired annoyed expression from the Aurion. A weary sigh passed my lips. "Well who was it that attacked Lloyd?" He didn't answer. This means he didn't know or he wasn't going to divulge the information to me. I'm going with the first one considering his frustrated expression in his tired eyes. I left him with that question and went back to my room.
In the morning everyone readied themselves in silence and we left Triet to go to Ossa Trial. I noticed while we were walking in the desert that the group seemed a little down. To make life less miserable for myself and them I thought of a game.
"Hey guys! Let's play a game so we can forget this oppressing heat!" My excitement wasn't exactly shared, but I didn't hear a no. "Okay what can we play? Um how about we play uh.." I honestly had no idea what to play.
"Let's play that question game we did earlier!" Colette my child that is brilliant.
"Yes! We can play that. Uh Kratos you go first." I picked him because he seemed the less exhausted out of all of us. One look told me I wasn't going to get far. "Fine I will. Uh.. Lloyd! Do you have anyone you like?" Maybe I could use this game to an advantage.
"Yeah I like Colette, Genis, the Professor, and everybody but those Desians and monsters and mean guys that hurt people." Not what I meant Lloyd. I would sweat drop if I could. However before I could respond we ran into a group of monsters.
We kept the formation we had when we fought the kitties in the temple. It was two sand vipers so it wasn't too bad. Kratos and Lloyd went to the one on the left. Lloyd barely escaped getting bitten by the worm. The snake I was fighting seemed to be more defensive than his friend. I decided Kurai hadn't had much play time so I would use it.
The blade sent a chilling effect up my arm telling me it wanted blood. This blade was dark and if I wasn't careful it would do more damage to me than to the enemy. I slash at the snake testing its defenses which turned out to be surprisingly strong for such a little thing. It lunged at me but I jumped sideways barely missing its fangs. I spare a glance at the rest of the group.
Lloyd had gotten behind his foe and was striking it while Kratos was guarding Colette who was guarding Raine and Genis. Lloyd seemed to be having trouble getting through the snake's defense. I could see the building frustration in his face.
The snake I was fighting decided that it could lunge again since I wasn't paying it much mind. What it didn't know is that I was watching it as well waiting for its defenses to drop. When it lunged I did not move, but instead held Kurai in front of me slicing the snake in half. Lloyd seemed to have enough and used some arte to finish his snake. The battle was over and not one scratch. I check over the others and they were fine as well. Now we get to continue to walk in the desert. Joy.
Are you kidding me? Why are there so many monsters and bandits in the desert? We had run into another group of monsters. Well it was actually a bandit. A single bandit. I decided my skills were not needed and watched from the side lines. Kratos charged first then Lloyd. While Lloyd distracted Kratos attacked from behind. The man fell shortly. I walked closer to him and saw he was skin and bones. I feel kind of bad for these people, but they shouldn't attack others. We left the man and continued on.
At some point Lloyd and Colette went off together and spoke with each other. I was too lazy to find out what they were going on about. I blame the heat of the desert. We must have walked miles and miles. I was about to start to complain about it again, but Kratos and Raine turned around at this exact moment and glared at me then continued walking. That was scary. They must have gotten into my mind. I decided to keep quite after this. I wish I had someone to speak to, but Efreet is too far away and Yuan well I don't know how that would go. I need more friends who travel with me. I glance back to Lloyd and Colette and notice Lloyd blushing. I will get those two together. Later though because it's too hot.
Just as I saw the start of the Trail we run into scorpions. I am going to scream. Instead of carefully planning what needs to be done I rush forward in anger.
"You stupid insect I am this close of getting out of the heat and you decide to attack me!" My anger throws the mana out of balance and the scorpions seem to falter. I pull out Masayoshi Raito because Kasai would be too hot and Kurai didn't seem to be the right choice.
I slice and a light ray shoots from my blade arcing to the insects. It touches them and burns them. I then charge at the closest one and run him through. He turns to ash. The other started to back away. I tensed my hands and felt the mana around it. I condense the mana to the point where it would explode and it did. The scorpion turns to ash. I turn to the group and they seemed surprised to say the least.
"Sorry I got a little angry there." I rub the back of my head then Lloyd smiles and give me a thumb up. I return it with a smile and we continue on.
A mile later and we reach the end of the desert and the beginning of the Ossa Trail.
"Yes beautiful grass how I will never take you for granted again."
My exotic behavior was usual for them now so they ignore me. The Ossa Trail was a sand trail with grass on the side that leads up for some bit and down another. It has some monsters as well and I think an old mine shaft somewhere. Also it's cooler than the desert! We walk for a bit not too far from the entrance then we hear a voice.
"Stop!" A girl hops down from the ledge she was standing on to the ground.
She had dark hair pulled up with a ribbon. Her outfit was pink and purple with black leggings and a big pink bow. She was quite beautiful and deadly. I could tell she was trained to kill by how she held herself. She was an assassin. "
What?" Poor Lloyd has never seen one before. He may yet to see many.
"Is she a friend of yours Lloyd?" I couldn't believe my ears at what Colette said. Well, how she said it. There was no jealousy. Colette must really trust Lloyd.
"Not that I'm aware of." Ah poor Lloyd such innocent confusion.
"..Is the Chosen of Mana among you?" Please Colette don't say a word.
"Oh that's me." I couldn't help the face palm I did when Colette responded. Ow my forehead hurts now.
"Prepare to die.." Despite what the female assassin said she seemed hesitate.
She didn't want to do this. My eyes widen and ears stand forward. I get ready to rush in front of Colette. Lloyd runs to the assassin trying to intercept, but Colette falls and some trap door underneath the assassin begins to open. Genis, Raine, and Lloyd all respond simultaneously
"Uh-oh" How clumsy is this girl? I can't tell if I want to know or not. Colette response was late, "Uh-oh." I took a sideways glance at Kratos and he seemed at a loss for words. I was too admittedly.
"Oh no. What should I do? I did it again." How often does Colette do this exactly? Wait don't tell me.
"You don't need to worry about it." I agreed with Raine. According to my senses the assassin was fine. "If she had not fallen in you might have been killed." I disagree. The assassin didn't look too pleased to have to do this.
"But.." Colette was so worried for her attacker that I wanted to hug her.
"Well.. I guess I do feel a bit sorry for her." Even Lloyd felt bad for her. They are so cute.
"I hope she is okay." I wanted to tell Colette she was, but I was too entertained. Genis started walking to the kneeled down Colette.
"Even assuming her weight to be 45kg. and this hole to be 10 meters deep and calculating the gravity constant at 9.8, the impact shouldn't have been fatal." My eyes widen and I stared jaw slacked at Genis kneeled down next to Colette. This kid is smart!
"….Gravity..constant? I don't understand what you just said, but she is alive right?" I'm with you Lloyd I'm not sure what Genis said besides that the girl is fine.
"Probably." Genis said that so freely, like what he just said is something he does every day. How smart is this kid?
"Still man she has got some bad luck standing on top of a trapdoor and all." I have to agree Lloyd.
"It's not a trap. It's a hidden maintenance passage for the mountain path." Wow Raine what don't you know too?
"..We should get moving." As much fun as this was Kratos is right. I walk to where he is to show I agree.
"Hey shouldn't we try to find out who that woman is?" Lloyd you poor naïve little kid.
"She'll come after us again on her own. This area is too confined and the footing is poor. It would be wise not to linger." I just nodded.
As we headed up the mountain trail we spotted monsters and Desians or possible Renegades. We managed to sneak by the half elf, but we ran into the monster.
It was two plants like human creatures and some bear thing. I ran for the bear while they took care of the plant. I jumped up with Kasai and slashed at the bear thing nose. He roars and takes his giant paw and swipes at me.
I jump back hitting the pant thing while she was singing. I turn quickly and let fire run out of Kasai to kill the plant. She screeches and burns. I turn back to the bear like thing only to be hit.
I fly into the other plant thing and she hits me with some vines. At this point I have some scratches that I consider minor. I feel Raine heal me as I take a swing at the plant girl while Lloyd and Kratos attack the bear thing.
Colette starts to sing and throws her discs doing the arte of angel feathers against the bear. Genis hits the plant girl with a fire ball and she falls. I head toward the bear and jump this time landing on his shoulders. I stab at his head and fire runs out of Kasai onto the bear. I jump off before I get burned as well. The bear like thing roars and falls. The battle ends and we need to get going before the half elf notices us.
We run into a few more groups of monsters, but the battle basically went the same expect I did my best not to fly into the air again. This is getting old if you ask me. We have also finally started heading down the hill as well. The assassin is nowhere in sight though. We run into a couple more battles which are becoming increasingly easier. Hm maybe all this fighting is paying off. Either way we are reaching the end of the trial and if I'm correct the end of that passage so we may see our friend again.
All of a sudden a boarded up area fell and there was the assassin.
"W…Wait.." She seems tired. Wait I feel another presence here as well.
'Hello' it has to be some form of summon spirit, but why would she have one?
"…Wow. She caught up with us." Lloyd responded, but I was more interested with another response.
'Well, of course she did she is trained to do so.' A small grin broke out on my face.
'So you are there.' I felt the spirit startle.
'Who are you?' I could feel the defensiveness as well.
'I am Kim. You are?' I was greeted with silence. Okay another tactic. 'The person who hired the assassin, did he have blue hair or a strange mana signature?' I could feel the confusion and anger.
'How did you know that?'
'It is a guess, but I know the person. Do me a favor and tell the assassin to tell her employer that he made the wrong move and if he isn't careful I will come for him. That is all.' I was once again greeted by silence and I had a feeling this one will last till I gain the spirit's trust. Fine by me.
"Oh. Thank goodness!" Colette is really relieved that her attacker is okay and that worries me almost.
"D…Don't move!" Poor thing. She doesn't want to do this especially since Colette is being so nice. Colette can disarm somebody with her kindness.
"A wise decision." Raine has quite the analytical character.
"…I won't be caught off guard this time. Prepare to die!" This time I have a feeling she will be able to attack. I place my hand on Masayoshi Raito.
As the assassin attacked Colette fell again! Now is not the time for that though.
"Genis, Raine protect Colette. Kratos, Lloyd, you are with me on attack. Move!"
Genis and Raine formed some kind of guard in front of Colette. I could tell she didn't want to attack the girl. Kratos and Lloyd ran forward with me. Lloyd continued to charge while Kratos stopped and I jumped onto his hands and flipped over the girl. However, I wasn't expecting the paper guardian.
This became slightly more difficult. I slashed at the back of the guardian to lower his defenses. He turned quickly towards me and slashed with his claw like hands. I jumped back nearly getting hit. Kratos and Lloyd were completely busy with the girl so that means I am on my own.
I jump in the air to slice downwards, but the guardian blocks my attack and pushes me back. I sheath Masayoshi and pull out Kasai and Kurai. I do a double slice with fire flaring out then darkness creating a swirl of power. I pull at the mana near the guardian, but he slashes again breaking my concentration. I growl softly and put up and x-block. The guardian's weak spot was on his back I just couldn't get to it.
Next thing I know fire and ice is sent in my direction and I have to dodge it or be hit. The elements hit the guardian and it slows him enough for me to flip over him so I was behind him. I do another double slash and this time it is effective. The guardian cries out and slashes at me again, but it is now sloppy. I slash once more with Kasai and the guardian falls.
Now for the assassin. I turn and see she is tiring, but is still putting up a good fight. She had managed to keep Kratos, Lloyd and the others facing her. I decide my best bet is while she was busy is to sneak behind her. I race around and do a wide loop so I stay in her blind side till I meet her back. I take Kasai and slash quickly. This paralyzes her long enough for Kratos to stab and Lloyd to slash forcing her to retreat or meet death.
She retreats. I notice everyone seemed to be scratched or bruised she must have targeted certain people, but Lloyd and Kratos forced her to fight them. Not only is she deadly, but she is smart as well if she knew who to target.
"Ugh…Just you wait! I swear I will kill you all next time!" She drops a smoke bomb and disappears.
Lloyd begins to run forward "Wait!... Why are people trying to kill us?"
"There are always those who reject salvation." I would reject your salvation too since it is so twisted Kratos.
"Maybe she is a Desian." You know full well she isn't Genis.
"Who knows? At any rate, we are in constant danger. That's all we need to know."
"I disagree Kratos some things would be nice to know besides that." I whisper this low enough that only he heard me.
"Those clothes…" What about her clothes Raine?
"Professor something wrong?" Lloyd seemed to pick up on what she had said as well.
"…No its nothing let's go." Your voice tells me a different story. I think this as my ears wiggle.
"Yeah. Anyway, let's go look for a place we can get a ship." Lloyd I had almost forgotten that is what we were doing.
So Lloyd, Genis, Colette, Raine, and Kratos all decide to head into the passage way through the mountain even though it is so old it probably could collapse and is like dark. Then again I could just be making it seem more than it is since darkness is up there with extreme heat. Who to say though? Either way I decided to find a comfortable rock on the outside and sit while I waited for the kids to come back into the nice sunny cool air.
By the time they had come back outside I had fell into a light sleep. The issue with this was that Lloyd and Genis thought it would be a great idea to mess with me. It wasn't. They crept up to my relaxed form ready to do whatever that was in their minds since I never really asked what they were going to do. Their plan failed when I sensed something unfamiliar at that second near me.
I unsheathed Kasai and Kurai and had a blade to each of their necks while I was giving off a low growl. The last time someone sneaked up on me they kidnapped me and I went through some unpleasant experiences. This is why my reaction was hostile to say the least. Kratos started towards me with his hands up in a peace gesture. My eyes narrowed at him analyzing whether or not he was a threat.
"Kim relax and look at who your weapons are pointed to." With that he backed away still facing me. I give a side glance and realize my weapons were pointed at Genis and Lloyd. I lower them and sheath them quickly.
"I-uh- I'm sorry please.. forgive me." I felt horrible for pointing my weapons at them, but they shouldn't have sneaked up on my sleeping form.
"It's not your fault we should have known better." Lloyd surprised me with this. We started walking again but I hung back to walk at the end of the group. If I listened I may have heard Kratos explaining why I acted so harshly and about team coordination so I wouldn't have to tell them where to go when a battle started. I felt a deep ache in my chest. I missed blueberry. Well, can't think about that now I have a world regeneration to stop.
As we walked out of the Ossa Trail and back towards open spaces hopefully in the direction of Palmacosta. Lloyd and Colette started speaking about the assassin. I really should think up a plan on how to get them together. They talk enough I just have to find out the feelings of both of them and if they feel mutual about each other then I can get them together. Looks like I have a plan!
I should celebrate since this doesn't happen often. I could plan a party and have that chocolate cake I have been wanting. Sounds good to me. Now who would I invite? Well, the group for sure and possibly some of my summon spirit friends if I can convince them to leave their temples and maybe Yuan so I have somebody to mess with. A smile breaks on my face and I feel a wet nose at my hand. I almost screamed till I noticed it was just Noishe. I ruffle his fur and catch up with the group that had made some distance on me.
We enter a small fishing town. If I'm correct its name is Izoold. We decided to stay at the inn for the night since we had been walking for like ever. I jumped on the closest bed which earned me an annoyed look from the owner. I stuck my tongue out at him and this made him have a startled expression. I didn't care if we pay he should let me do whatever I want even if it includes jumping on beds. Genis, Colette, Raine, and Lloyd started talking about Colette's angel wings so I turn to my other side to look at Kratos. He was cleaning one of his swords.
"Psst. Kratos you can't ignore me forever you know." A childish grin broke across my face. When he just looked at me and looked back down to his sword.
"Kratos. Kratos. . Heyyy." I had finally said hello when he gave me a look that kind of wants to kill me. He looks back down at his work. "Kratos-" he gives me a glare. "I was actually going to say something meany."
He heaved a sigh and whispered, thinking I wouldn't hear, "Where is Yuan when you need him? She is going crazy." I gave him a small glare.
"I heard that. What I wanted to say was that, you know you and Lloyd look a lot alike." He then turned sharply towards me and glared. I didn't think he would take it so seriously unless what I had once thought was true.
My eyes widen. Then a growl started in my throat. It was low enough that it wouldn't bother the others. I was about to comment until I saw the look in his eyes. He looked so lost that I got up from the bed and hugged him. He stiffed at my touch and I let go. I went back to the bed and went asleep. For once it was a dreamless sleep.
I woke early for once and saw Colette and Lloyd sleeping near each other. Genis and Raine were close and Kratos was in his chair. I waited for the others to wake. Raine was first then Genis and Colette. Last was Lloyd and I decided it was my turn to play a trick.
I grabbed a loose feather from a pillow and sneaked up to the side of his bed. I took said feather and ran it over his face. Lloyd sleepily moved his hand over his face and turned to his side. I ran the feather over his ear. His face scrunched up and he moved to slap the offending feather away. I stifled my giggle. Last time I had done this it was to Kratos and Yuan. Both weren't too happy with the end result because Kratos ended up smacking Yuan across the face and I ended up on the floor laughing. Good times for me. Not for a red face Yuan though. I took the feather one more time and ran it over Lloyd's nose.
Lloyd rose up with a fierce expression, "Who keeps messing with me!" At this I am on the floor laughing. Once I stifled my laughter I looked at Lloyd.
"That Lloyd is how you wake somebody." His confused face made me start laughing all over again.
After my laughing fit was over we left the inn to find our boat. At least that is what I thought we were doing. We asked around and it seemed no one was running their boats except this guy named Aifread who everyone seemed to either be looking for or wanted him gone. Huh sounds familiar. Wonder who that sounds like though?
We walked to the shop area of the town and I almost gagged at the smell. It stunk of fish. My face turned green and Kratos looked at me with sympathy. I just love my sensitive nose sometimes. We walked to some guy near a boat with some girl. They were arguing about that A… something guy. I would have made some comment about this but I was too sick too. All of a sudden the woman called out to us.
"You there excuse me." I wonder what she wanted, but I was too busy not throwing up.
"Us?" Yes Colette she is looking at us, but can someone help me. I don't feel so good.
"Do you see anyone else here?"I growled at the woman. I was not feeling well and she was making it worse. She gave me a suspicious look, but other than that she ignored me. I felt an arm near my back and look up drunkenly. It was Kratos. I relax and lean against him.
"I'd like you to deliver this letter for me to Aifread in Luin." We walk forward and Kratos drags me.
"We can't deliver it if we can't cross the ocean." Lloyd it looks like we found our boat.
"If you deliver it I'll have Max take you on his boat." Heh I like her she gets others to do her dirty work. Wait.. I don't like people like that. Gosh this smell is messing with my head.
"You can't be serious!" Poor guy. You fell in love with a tough woman to love.
"Okay." I feel bad for taking advantage of him Lloyd, but he does have a boat. A boat that can take me from this smelly place.
"Then its settled. All right Max?" You drive a hard bargain woman.
"I'm n-not going to do this." Sadly Max you are. The couple starts to argue again and I tune them out.
We get on the boat and the guy warns us about sea monsters.
"Now we can go to the next seal." Lloyd I don't care where it gets us so long as I get away from the smell.
"Yeah!" Colette seems to be excited about it.
"I was afraid this journey would force me on a boat sooner or later.." Poor Raine.
"I'm glad it does Raine. I'm sorry though." She gives me a confused look as I give her a sympathetic one. Kratos drags Raine onto the boat and sits her on the floor and we set sail. The wind shifts and I can't smell fish anymore. My sickness fades away and I grin.
"YES! I haven't been on the sea in forever!" Lloyd seemed to share my excitement along with the other kids, Kratos gave me an amused look before masking it with impassiveness, and Raine just looked sick.
"We're at sea! We're at sea!" Genis seemed to decide to join my happiness.
"Settle down this thing's tiny. Do you want to fall out?" Lloyd seemed happy, but he didn't want to fall into the sea. I want to jump in and play. Max replied with a sarcastic comment that I ignored because I was too happy.
"….I'm going to fall." I look at Colette.
"If you do I will jump in and save you." She seemed mystified by my happiness. We sail till we reach port.
"We're here." Max you don't seemed too thrilled.
"Thanks Max what are you going to do now?" Lloyd was genuinely wondering. Not many do that anymore.
From the little bit I heard he was heading back with a warship. Why does he need a warship? Lloyd apologized to Max for making him take us. The boys decide to go shopping and I wait patiently at the pathway to town. When they finally decide to stop shopping we head down the walkway. As we walked Colette collided with somebody and they both fell down causing something to break.
"..There she goes again." Genis you could help her up instead of commenting on it. I walk to help Colette up.
"Owww.. What did you do that for?" I wanted to growl at the girl, but a look from Kratos told me it wasn't worth it.
"Oh I'm sorry." I wanted to tell Colette it wasn't really her fault, but I knew she wouldn't listen to me.
"Ahh! The Palma Potion that we just received." I came close to getting in the girl's face.
"Hey lady that was a very valuable potion. How are you planning on making this up to us?" I snorted at the boy's comment. He knew nothing about valuable. I was about to say something, but was cut off by Colette.
"I'll buy a replacement potion right away."
"…Replacement potion?! Do you think that is going to be enough to appease my anger?!" You're about to find out about my anger if you don't shut up.
"Oh come on. Now you just sound like an idiot." I started laughing at Lloyd's comment.
"What-did-you-say? Do you know who we are?" Apparently you are not important enough to be put in my memory so no.
"No I don't exactly. Why should I? Have you done something that will cause me to get revenge?" My comment was ignored. What is it with people ignoring me?
"And I should care because?" I just said that Lloyd, but no one paid attention to me. I'm going to pout.
"Why you little.." The guy is shorter than Lloyd so how is Lloyd the little one?
"Stop. I'd like to leave here as soon as we can. Do not start any unnecessary trouble." The girl dressed in blue in the back was smart.
"I agree. Let's just have them replace the potion." The girl tried to sound like some great mediator, but to me she sounded like a liar.
"Bah you got off lucky this time kid. Hurry up and go buy that potion." I stuck my tongue out at the boy.
"There's no need to bother Colette!" I agree with Lloyd. "
No, I ran into them so I have to pay for it.." Technically Colette you both caused it not just you.
"..Fine all right." Lloyd you just gave in like this.
We walk towards some shops in town. As we were walking Lloyd and Kratos started talking together. I didn't feel like finding out what they were talking about because of the earlier conversation I had with Kratos.
We walk into some shop that was at least two stories. We were met with Desians in the store. I shrunk behind Kratos to hide.
"Oh please! There's no way anyone would sell those to at a price that low!" This girl sure has spirit if she is mouthing off like that. "
You should be thankful that we're even willing to spend money for goods from a rundown shack like this." One of the half elves was saying this. I just flattened out my ears and grounded my teeth so I wouldn't give us away.
"I don't need to hear that from a bunch of filthy Desians! I'm not going to sell one single gel to the likes of you." This girl is brave!
"Chocolat stop!" This must be the girl's mother.
"But mom these are the monsters that took Grandma away!" I had to tense so I wouldn't move any part of my body to respond to the girl.
"You've got some nerve talking to us like that little girl! You keep that up and we can't promise what would happen to you or to this city." I squeezed my eyes shut so I wouldn't do anything foolish, well Yuan would call it foolish.
"Just try it! As long as Governor-General Dorr is around we will never submit to the likes of you!" I don't like that Chocolat is relying on some man to protect them though.
"You little—"
"Stop we've exceeded our quota for the year!" the other half elf that had been quite spoke. "We need permission from Lord Magnuis to go any futher." The other guy just pouted.
"Depending on Lord Magnuis' mood you might or might not get to keep that pretty little head of yours!" My body started to shake at this. I should be proud I'm holding in a lot of comments. The Desians walked out and everyone turned their heads and I buried mine into Kratos' back. "
Well then I'm off to work now Mom." The girl doesn't even seemed to be shaken.
"Take care." Was her mother's response. "I apologize for what happened. I'm sure you were startled." Her mother seemed worn. I poked my head out from behind Kratos. "Please take a look around."
Kratos and I went to see if she had any potions while the others stood and talked about Dorr. I felt something was off about Dorr, but I couldn't name it. Either way we found the potion we were looking for and bought it while we were waiting on the others.
After they were done we walked to where we collided with the other group.
"Here." Lloyd handed the potion to the boy.
"All right then. Looks like you are good little boys and girls after all. Just make sure you learn your lesson and don't mess with us again." Kratos grabbed my arms before I could punch the boy.
"Yes I'll be careful." Colette you shouldn't be apologizing and if Kratos would let me go I would show you who would be apologizing.
"Come on we're leaving!" The girl in the back looked impatient.
"I have to say General-Governor Dorr sure was trusting. It's hard to believe that he gave us his family treasure to us like that." This made me narrow my eyes and still my struggles.
"So what are we going to do with that anyways?" The youngest in the back asked.
"You idiot we don't have any use for that thing. We're just going to sell it to that geezer in Hakonesia Peak who collects old junk." This kid makes me angry so easily.
"Now let's go." The girl who bumped into Colette said.
"Hehe Sorry for getting us into trouble." Colette smiled.
"You didn't do a thing Colette." She smiled at me when I said that. Lloyd just looked ill and said so though I agreed that they made me mad.
After our pleasant run in with the.. annoying brats. That was the nicest thing I could think of okay? Be proud of me Yuan! We headed towards the city hall building I think. As we walked across some bridge type thing we saw some man talking to some kids. He looked well he didn't look like much, but I am a bit biased. My ears turned so I could hear the conversation. If I do this I'll stop thinking about those kids which is my reasoning for this time. I really really need to break this habit…among others.
"Governor-General Dorr! Dad was taken away to the ranch and hasn't come back. Even though I've been a good boy!" The boy that was talking looked so young. I would say five at most. Who was taking care of him? I want to go to the ranch and destroy it now, but it isn't the time just yet.
"Hang on just a little longer. I promised remember? I'll save everyone who's been taken away to the ranch." My ears twitched meaning if my intuition was right that man just lied. "
But….I'm lonely.." I would have marched up right then and there if Lloyd and Colette weren't in my way. The kid had no one and the so called Governor-General had the gall to lie to him! My ears began twitching in irritation.
"Don't worry. Father is a friend of everyone in this city. My mother died because of an illness, but your father should still be alive. I'm sure he will come back." My ears stopped twitching. Something was off about that little girl's voice. It sounded evil.
"Really?" The little boy eyes filled with hope.
"Yes. They were taken away because they fought back against the Desians. I swear I'll rescue them. " He was lying again!
That man couldn't just walk back because he missed his boy! Terrible experiments were being done to him and THAT man acted like he was on a stroll! By this point I was growling and Lloyd and the others were giving me questioning looks about what was going on, but I was too busy growling to be able to answer.
"Okay I'll wait for Dad to come back." The boy was so down about this.
"Good boy. Let's go Kilia." I can't take it anymore forget growling. I sucked in a deep breath and let out a roar. The others looked startled and tried to block me from the man, even Kratos looked unsure as what to do. The only reason I didn't storm over there was because Colette was directly in front of me.
"Yes Father." The man and girl walked off, but I could tell they were nervous. The kid was looking around seeing if he needed to hide.
Closing my flaming purple eyes and flattening my ears I began breathing. In. Out. In. Out. It was something Yuan taught me to do when I was having a fit or the mana was messing with me too much. I relaxed each muscle separately and I breathed. I opened my eyes and my ears stood. My purple gaze meets the questioning faces of my friends.
I just nodded at them letting them know I was okay and we could go on. Lloyd looks over to two men near us. They looked at him, but avoided eye contact with me at all cost. I can't blame them it has been a while since I have been that worked up and I have a feeling it will not be the last. I wish someone would give me a hug.
All of a sudden I felt two arms around me. The sweet blond of our group was hugging me. I would have returned the hug if she hadn't captured my arms. Her innocent sweet gaze meets mine and I smile at her thanking her silently for the hug. She lets go and looks at the men as Lloyd began to talk.
"Who was that?" The elder of the two answered first.
"Governor-General Dorr. He's recruiting soldiers and resisting the Desians. He's a wonderful man." So he has leaded you to believe at least.
The younger of the two decided he should add some glory to the so called 'wonderful' man, "After losing his wife to an illness. He's raised his daughter Kilia all by himself..."
The elder not wanting to be outdone spoke again and a sweet sickening taste was entering my mouth at hear all of this, "As long as Governor-General Dorr is here we won't submit to the Desians. Even if we are carried off to the ranch Dorr will come and save us. We believe in him."
"Has he done any of this yet?" My hard purple eyes looked at the elder. He just sneered at me as did the younger one.
"The people of this city are all so strong." Colette was trying to diffuse the situation.
Lloyd jumped in, "That Dorr person must be a great man." I kept silent to this knowing they were trying to make it were a scene didn't break out again.
We headed to the building that Dorr and the girl walked into. Lloyd and Kratos headed up to speak to the guards. "
In order to fight against the Desians we are always training." The peoples' courage here was great and they really do believe in Dorr. Maybe I'm mistaken about him, but I haven't been mistaken about anybody except maybe blueberry.
"..Maybe I should train some too…" This was Lloyd's response. I could just see were this was headed and it caused me to smile.
"If you are serious I will train you. Well?" Kratos was going to teach Lloyd again. I could remember when he would train others. They were good memories.
"Please." Lloyd if you have Kratos train you it will be hard, but you will learn to fight better than most.
"Very well." I'm tempted to sneak and see how their training goes, but I feel as if I would be intruding however when has that stopped me before.
Kratos and Lloyd went off to train and I decided not to follow. The others went somewhere to shop for more supplies. I just decided to walk aimlessly through the town. Somehow I managed to walk near the inns and a couple of shops when I bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm sorry I wasn't paying any attention." The stranger turned out to be a guy who wasn't too bad looking. He had short black hair, vibrant green eyes, but he seemed kind of scrawny yet built in his own way. He must be a scholar of some kind. "
No Miss. I apologize for bumping into you." He gave me a charming smile a stuck out his hand for me to shake or at least that is what I believed. I put my hand out to shake his when he took my hand and brought it to his lips. It disgusted me honestly. Some random stranger, though cute, kissed my hand. Who knows where this person has been! "Forgive Miss, but may I have the beautiful name that you were given?" All he got was an uncertain look.
"How do you know my name is beautiful? It could be horrible." My expression was dead panned. The guy still had my hand too.
"My, she has wit too." After noticing my expression he continued. "Why a beautiful maiden as you would have a beautiful name. It could not possibly be horrible as you put it. My name is Hana." I could feel my mouth move into a grimace. My ears were moving back and forward looking for an escape.
"Isn't your name a bit feminine and you do realize it means flower." My expression went to a bored one. At this Hana's face got red.
"At least I look human you look like a dog." He let go of my hand as if it were poisoning him and walked away as quickly as he could without it seeming like he was running from a girl. What he doesn't know is that insults don't bother me if they are from people I don't care so much about. I head out to find the group.
When Kratos and Lloyd come back their faces were covered in sweat. I didn't say a word to them since I was too busy trying to clean my hand from that guy's lips. Genis was giving me amused looks while Colette was looking at me strangely. I had found out these two had seen me with the guy, but they didn't come to save me because ' I looked like I was having the time of my life.' Words spoken by Genis not me.
"Miss. Kim did you know that guy?" Colette still seemed to be confused and Raine watched with mild interest.
"No Colette. It was some random guy who decided he could touch me and talk to me because I was pretty enough for him. Do me a favor hon and just stick with Lloyd." This caused both her and Lloyd to blush.
I glanced at Kratos and quickly whispered at him. "Don't you dare tell Yuan!" He just looked away as if something else had caught his interest. Great now if he does tell Yuan I will have to answer questions from him and they won't be as simple as Colette's.
With that we decided we might as well get a move on while it was still light out. We headed back in the direction of the Governor-General building. As we walked in I moved towards the back of the group so I didn't have to see the guy's face that made me so angry before. Surprisingly all the guards let us walk straight up to him. I had expected some resistance from them.
"Greetings travellers. We welcome travellers as per the teachings of Martel. " This guy made me sick. I decided to tune him out until he gave out important information so I wouldn't jump across everyone and strangle him.
Lloyd spoke up telling him where they had come from and that we were on the world regeneration thingy that I plan on stopping if I am capable to do so. They started talking about how Colette was the Chosen of regeneration and I was tempted to get out my blades and start playing with them because I was getting bored fast.
That was until I noticed the stress the guy's assistant had on his face. He looked at the Governor-General and called to him as if he were unsure if he should divulge certain information with us standing there. Okay now this was getting interesting.
The Governor-General looked at us enraged, "The Chosen of regeneration was her moments ago! How dare you defile that name! These despicable criminals must be arrested and turned over to the church at once!" I just gave him a look stating are you kidding me. Is this guy stupid or something?
Out of nowhere Colette tripped while standing and fell making her wings come out. Her wings are beautiful, but they come at too steep a price and I'm not willing to let her pay it. Colette got back up as guards started to form behind me. All of my blades began to hum in excitement. They have wanted some action since I had gotten so enraged before.
The little girl then spoke up, "Wow Father did you see? She has wings! She is like an angel! They are beautiful!" The girl's voice sent a shiver down my spine and I turned and faced her ignoring the guards. That little child is evil I can feel it.
"W..Wait! Everyone lower your weapons! This person before us without a doubt is the Chosen of Mana!" I snorted at the man's panicked response. His assistant looked astonished.
"There is no mistaking the angel wings on your back! Please forgive our insolence Chosen One." Apparently there are since we almost were thrown in jail. This place has made me more agitated than usual and I can't figure out why! This is beginning to get frustrating!
Colette looked unsure what to say so she went with her usual, "Ah um please. It's okay. Um um..it's all right. Really. Everyone tells me I'm not really Chosen-like at all." The guy up front began to look slightly paler at this.
"The Chosen we gave the Book of Regeneration to was an imposter?"
So, I could say I could help this, but I couldn't, "Are you really this stupid?" This earned some annoyed looks from everyone, but Colette who gave me the motherly I'm-disappointed-you-said-such-mean-things look. They started talking again, but I was too annoyed to listen anymore I will find out what we are doing later.
While they were speaking the mana in the room began fluxing. My eyes scanned the room to see what was going on, but I couldn't find a thing out of place. I notice the hairs on the back of my neck stood like someone was staring at me. I looked around again and that little girl was staring at me. My weight shifted and my ears move back and forth. She gave me a smile and I froze. This little girl is evil. I'm not even sure she is a little girl anymore.
All of a sudden Raine slapped Genis. I gave them a questioning look since I hadn't been paying attention at all. After this they started talking again and I tuned out once more. These people take forever! The group started to head out after another minute of talking about stuff that is probably important. I waited till we were out of the building before I turned around to look at them.
"So, where are we headed?" All of them gave me exasperated looks.
"You didn't pay attention did you?" This was Genis asking since Kratos had face palmed, Raine was shaking her head, Colette was confused, and Lloyd just didn't know what to do.
"Nope." I popped the p as looked as innocent as I could. Genis shook his head.
"We are going to the church to find out if anyone knows what was in the Book of Regeneration." The group started walking towards the church which mind you is right across from the building we were just in.
"Well, sorry, but it was boring and I have a short attention span." They just gave me another look and kept walking. I huffed. Yuan would have understood. Wait never mind he probably would have hit me in the back of the head and complained about me not paying attention. I prefer this. It is less painful this way.
We walked into the church place up to the priest guy. He seemed nervous about me. I bet it was because of the hair. No one has seen such beautiful hair and he is intimidated by it. Who am I kidding it's the ears. Always has been always will be excluding the few exceptions.
"Chosen One do you remember me? I'm Marche. I trained as a priest at the Martel temple." He and Colette started talking.
I can't handle all this talking so I walked around and looked at all the different people. I ended up running into someone again! I looked up and saw green eyes. Oh this is going to end badly.
"Forgive me madam." Was all he mumbled before walking away.
My eyes widen then I decided I should sit down and not look a gift horse in the mouth. The group completed their discussion and spotted me in the back sitting down. Genis just sighed and this time Lloyd filled me in on what happened.
"They don't have anything about the book." He seemed a little down and put out by this.
I wanted to comfort him, but if we couldn't find the book maybe they would give up. Doubt it, but a girl can dream. Actually my dream is a bit different and involves a blue haired half elf, but no one needs to know that.
We walked out and Colette, Genis, and Lloyd began to have a discussion on what should we do. I vaguely paid attention since these were my friends speaking and not annoying people. They decided that finding the book was the best way to go and we were off to Hakonesia Peak. We headed off to the exit of the town and Lloyd, Colette, and Genis decided to strike up a conversation. Instead of listening to theirs I decided for once I would have my own.
"Kratos why are humans so weird?" I asked him since Raine nor I was human and he was once. It was like 4000 years ago, but he was human. Instead of answering he walked off ahead as if he was looking for the missing Noishe. I huffed.
"Well, Raine, do you know?" She looked at me debating on whether to answer or not.
"Honestly, I haven't a clue." I smiled at this and she grinned at me.
We may not be close, but we still are friends. Colette and Lloyd began to walk quicker so I fell behind to walk next to Genis while they talked to Raine about imposters to her. It seems Lloyd is exasperated by the answers he got in both conversations.
After finally exiting the city, which was bigger than I thought, we headed north along some path to find Hakonesia Peak. For now I'm going to call it Peak because it has a really long name that I don't feel like saying. At least in my mind I am. Sigh I need someone to talk to or I'm going to go crazy. Or crazier. Is it crazy or crazier since some people already say I'm crazy? See what all this silence is doing to me!
We walked quite a few miles before we ran into a group of bandits. This time I joined because honestly I need the stress reliever. I unsheathe my sword and head to the bandit with the most armor on. The main point of weaknesses will be joints and neck. Basically and open skin I see.
The others must be used to formations now because they got into one without me screaming it out. This is good it means I no longer have to waste breath telling them what to do. I circled the man and he did the same. We were looking for the other's weakness. Playing with him seems to be a good idea and this way I don't go crazy and try to do something I regret later like messing with Kratos' sword or something.
I take a little bit of mana and float it in between us then I manipulate the air and create more so little balls of light are floating everywhere in the space between the two of us. The balls just float around and the guy looks mystified. Apparently the others were done with the other guy that was with this one, but I hadn't noticed since I was too busy playing with this one.
Lloyd starts to come forward, but Kratos holds him back as Raine holds Colette and Genis from moving near me and the other man. The guy reaches forward to touch one of the floating balls of mana so I move it around so he doesn't catch it. I do this a couple times before someone clears their throat meaning my playtime was over and it was time to move on.
I move all the balls of mana around the man and he just follows them with his eyes. He freezes thinking they would come to him and land on him if he doesn't move. So naïve if you ask me. Breathing deeply I condense each ball of mana after they are in their place. As I let my breath go in a sigh all of them explode near him. He screams and tries to run, but I was waiting for him. I slash at his exposed weakness and he falls to the ground groaning.
My eyes look upwards from the groaning man to the group. Lloyd, Colette, and Genis had the most fascinated expressions on their faces, Raine looked curious as well; Kratos looked impassive as usual with a hint of annoyance.
We continue on to the Peak and stop by a House of Salvation. As we walked inside I saw a girl at the altar. Not just any girl, but the assassin as she is asking for help to save everyone. Surprise lights my face up.
"Let's go." Lloyd didn't want to seem to bother her and neither did anyone else so we all turned to go.
"Wait! This meeting shall be your end! I shall defeat you right here and right now!" She had noticed us.
"This is a place of prayer let's not start that here." Lloyd surprised me with this response as well.
"O..okay." I may as well keep the expression of shock on my face forever. These people all continue to surprise me no matter what.
"My name's Lloyd. What's yours?" I had to give it to the kid. He sure was different, but in a good way.
"What?" I snickered at her question. I think I'm in shock.
"Lloyd?" Genis was unsure of this. Well, we all were.
"Ah I'm Colette. I'm still inexperienced with regenerating, but I promise I'll do my best and regenerate the world." And there they go again with the surprise. My hair swayed softly as I shook my head at this.
"I never asked you your names!" I sighed at the girl's response.
"Oh you're right. I'm sorry." Seriously Colette you could disarm anyone with your kindness even Yuan!
"I'm trying to kill you.." I gave the girl a smile.
"I know. But if we can talk I'm sure we can come to an understanding." Colette.. I sneak up behind her and give her a quick hug. Then I do the same to Lloyd. Silently laughing at the confused faces.
"Are you listening to me?" I nod at the girl.
"I'm listening, but um... Ms. Assassin.." Colette was cut off by the girl.
"It's Sheena! Sheena Fujibayashi!" I gave a quick laugh at her yelling her name. Though her last name is a mouth full.
"Sheena you were praying. Prayer makes one heart grow. I pray too so I'm sure we can understand each other." Colette dear there is more to this girl than we know at the moment.
"i-I was praying that I would be able to kill you…" Well, an interesting prayer for sure. Kind of hope it doesn't happen though. "Forget it I lost my concentration! You'd better be ready next time!" I smile as Sheena disappears again. I have a feeling we will be friends one day.
We leave the house and continue our journey to the Peak. We fought some monsters along the way, but nothing was noteworthy. Once we reach the Peak I gave a short yip of happiness. The others didn't even look which means they are either getting used to my strange personality or they are ignoring me. I'm going with the former to make myself feel better. We walk into some guy shop. He is a horrible sales person.
"If you are looking for road passes its 100,000,000 Gald per person." My mouth drops at the sound of this. What a con artist!
"Wha- What kind of price is that? That's robbery!" I snap my jaw shut and nod to Lloyd's comment. Who would pay that anyways?
"Silence boy! I'll have you know I hate men!" I suddenly got this disturbed feeling in my stomach telling me to run out of here. Raine made a comment, but I couldn't hear it over the repulsion.
"Oh my you're quite a beauty! If you're on a pilgrimage, you should join the Asgard ruin tour at the Palmacosta travel agency." The old guy was looking closely at Raine, but I'm unsure of where and I don't want to find out.
"Hey you're in cahoots with the travel agency!" Genis seemed mad about this, but it wasn't to uncommon.
The guy made some snappy comeback, but I was uncomfortably shifting on my feet deciding if dashing out now would be inappropriate considering he is staring at me. Colette looks over to something I can't see.
"Hmm? That's very old scripture." She must have found the book and I am glad for once because that guy looked away from me.
"Oh my beautiful maiden you have a good eye! This here is something I purchased from the Chosen of Mana." I wanted to throw up. He went on to describe what was in the book and how he got it, but I was to creeped out of paying attention because he was staring at me again.
"Let us have that! At least let us have a look at it for a bit." Lloyd I have a feeling the answer is no.
"You've got to be kidding! Why should I show it to you people?!" the old guy's face was turning red.
Genis started to tell him Colette was the Chosen one, but Raine slapped him. She is violent. She then began filling in a lie to the guy, but I was inching my way back to the door. This old guy was just too creepy.
"Well, if it's that important to you the maiden and the beauty can have a look at it too just as long as the girl in the back stays as well. She had the beauty of a goddess." My stomach was threatening to throw up its contents, but I fought it back and stood still.
The guy started talking about some statue he wanted as Kratos grabbed my arm and pulled me forward closer to Raine. Apparently we had to bring the statue he wanted if we were to look at the book. Then at last he told us to get out because we had no money or the statue.
As we left a deep breath filled my lungs. So, glad to be out of that store and away from creeper. Lloyd notices a crowd outside. He walks to the closest person and we follow.
"What's wrong?"
A woman turned towards him, "Oh you don't know?"
Then a man followed her, "You all would be better off waiting here for a while. No matter what you should stay away from Palmacosta." A worried expression dawned on Lloyd's face.
"Did something happen in Palmacosta?" The tour lady then turned to our group.
"It seems the Desians are headed for Palmacosta!" The worried expression then turned to horrified.
"What?" I could feel the tense atmosphere surrounding us. We were worried for the city we had left not too long ago. What of that little boy waiting for his father? What will happen to him?
"Plus they say that the leader of the nearby ranch Magnuis is with them." I could feel Kratos tense next to me.
"Magnuis…" Lloyd thought to where he had heard the name before.
"I'm going to wait here till things cool down. You should hold off going anywhere for a while too." There goes the courage I thought the people of that city had.
Our group hurried out of the Peak and began our way back to Plamacosta. All I could think about was that little boy and his father. What would happen to the people of Palmacosta. For once, I wish they weren't as brave as they thought they were because it is soon about to get them into big trouble and I'm not sure how much of it I can undo. Stay safe kid we are coming.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! If there is anything you want to suggest or anything let me know! Bye bye for now!
John 3:16