Chapter 11

About 5000 years ago

A woman with long, ankle-length white hair sat on a fur rug in her hut, in the center of the small forest village. Her golden eyes held a wisdom that just didn't match her youthful face. She wore a dress made from the skins of monsters and fiends slain by the village warriors. A cloak of thick fur was held onto her shoulders by a bit of twine threaded through a hole on each side.

She stared at the entrance to her hut, golden eyes blank. A gasp suddenly tore through her throat, and she shot to her bare feet, eyes focused once more. She ran outside, through the village, and to the meadow just outside. The villagers stopped respectfully as she passed them, some murmuring "Sorceress" respectfully. A small group of warriors followed her, to make sure the fiends didn't harm their gift from Hyne.

The white-haired sorceress stopped, then called to the sky. The warriors stood a respectful distance away, not wanting to interrupt her work. They knew she had Seen something, and they trusted the sorceress to protect their village and families. After all, Hyne wouldn't give them a gift that would harm them, not with Hyne's Children being so outnumbered by the monsters and fiends.

"OH, GUARDIAN AND GOD OF THUNDER! GUARDIAN AND GODDESS OF MUSIC! I CALL FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE! PLEASE, COME AND HELP ME!" the woman cried. She only had to wait for a few minutes before they came. The first was the God of Thunder, a huge bird. He didn't have eyes, or a beak or feet, but he was a beautiful creature, with pale yellow feathers. Some of the feathers were dark grey, creating lightning bolt patterns all over his body. The second was the Goddess of Music, a woman with feathers covering her body. A pair of large, yellow and purple wings were attached to her head, right where her ears should be. Her golden hair came to her knees. She held a harp in her hands.

"Sorceress, you require our assistance?" the winged woman asked. Her voice was soft, like the waves, or like the sounds of the harp she carries. There was a faint sound of bells, adding to her title of Goddess of Music.

"Yes!" the sorceress gasped. "I Saw something, something terrible!"

"Go on, dear. What did you see?" the goddess asked. The white-haired sorceress described her vision.

"Oh, dear Hyne," the goddess worried.

"What doest thou plan on doing, milady?" the bird finally spoke. His voice was soft like rain yet loud like thunder, soothing like wind but as charged as his element. The way he spoke said he was older than the civilization of that day. The golden-eyed woman bowed her head.

"I don't know if it'll work…" the sorceress replied softly, trailing off.

"If there is even a chance of it working, thou shouldst try it. Thou called us; thou must think there is a chance," the thunder god said.

"Well… we could try it," she finally agreed. She told the two gods her idea.

"It might just work," the goddess said.

"May we help in any way?" the bird asked. The goddess scoffed.

"Thunderer, she wouldn't have called us unless she thought we could," she said, her musical voice tinted with annoyance.

"Songstress, I was being courteous. Hyne's Gifted shouldst be respected," the Thunderer said. His rumbling voice was patient. Apparently, he was older than the Songstress, and used to dealing with the attitude the Songstress was showing him.

"Um, if I may?" the sorceress cut in timidly.

"Yes dear?" the Songstress asked, her musical voice once again soothing.

"Um, I was just thinking. Maybe, if it does work, I could send your future selves to the saviors." The gods were quiet for a bit, pondering this new idea.

"…Couldst thou do that from this time?" the Thunderer asked.

"I-I may be able to. But, we won't know until we try, right?" the sorceress said. Her tone betrayed her young age.

"I think it is a wonderful idea!" the Songstress replied. The Thunderer nodded his head in agreement.

"We shouldst inform the others of this new development," he added. The Songstress looked pensive. "Thy won't hurt thee," the Thunderer added. His companion's face relaxed.

"Alright." Seeing the sorceress's confused face, the Songstress laughed nervously. "I've not been in a Council Meeting before. I've not even met most of the Council Members."

"Thou shouldst keep to thy plan. Hyne watch over thee," the Thunderer said. Then he took to the skies.

"Good luck finding the saviors right for the job. You'll need it," the Songstress said. The sorceress nodded, smiling. The goddess returned the gesture before disappearing.

The sorceress watched the Thunderer's figure get smaller and smaller, before he wasn't visible through the branches of the forest. Then she turned to the warriors.

"I am not to be disturbed unless for meals," she ordered. Her previously youthful, vulnerable voice was strong once again. The warriors saluted as she passed through the small group. She strode back to her hut, then sat in front of a stone bowl filled with water.

"Hyne, I need to find the twins to save us. Please, Hyne, show me the time and place that the Saviors are in!" the sorceress pleaded. She took a small wooden bowl and filled it with the water, then sipped from it. She kept repeating her prayer after every sip, until the water in the wooden bowl was gone. Then, she fell asleep.


(April, present day) (after the T-Garden winter festival)

Sylvia

Well, I have gotten a lot stronger! I love the training regimen of B-Garden! I am also better at casting magic! I can name and describe all the plants that would make any healing item, as well as point those plants out! I can also point out, name, and/or describe which plants are edible, and which are harmful. I am getting stronger in the Interrogation classes, as well. I have finished my Math classes (Thank Hyne!), and now have PE every day. I am caught up in the study department, up to the point of Zell, Seifer, and Squall. Quistis is getting closer to being able to be a SeeD. I'm gonna miss her, since she'll be off on missions. But, she says she wants to be an instructor, so she could still see us ('us' being me, Squall, and Zell. Quistis doesn't like Seifer). I still need to get stronger to be as strong as Quisty, though. And I have a long way until I'm as strong as any of the boys.

Anyway, Fenrir is slowly getting adapted to being junctioned to me. Quez, for whatever reason it it, has such a high compatibility, he won't let anyone else junction him. And both Guardians are really strong! But, I've heard Ifrit, in the Fire Cavern, is stronger. We have a ways to go if we want to beat him.

I've been here…11 months, but I don't really have a lot of time to think about that. The instructors have been giving us more homework, since summer vacay is gonna be starting soon. I'm really looking forward to it. More time to train, and explore! Zell has promised to take me into the mountains once classes let out, so I'm really excited!

I've been offered a part time job at the weapon/junk shop. I'm planning on taking it. Just have to see when the hours I'll be working are, so I can make sure I won't be late for curfew. But, I can't drive, so I'll either have to borrow Zell's T-Board, walk, find/make a bike/scooter, or have someone drive me. One thing's for sure, I'm not letting Seifer drive me. He started driving not too long ago, and I've been in the car with him exactly once. I'm surprised we didn't crash; Sei was going really fast!

Um… OH! Yeah! Squall is in my Thursday PE class! YAY! Let me tell you, he is HOT! Without his jacket and in shorts, you can really see his muscles. Wow, talk about s…er…never mind. Ehehe… Quez's threatening to use Thundara or something on me… I don't feel like being shocked, thanks!

So… Lessee… Um… Oh… Yeah, Justin Keewa has been acting really weird. I think he has a crush on me. He trips and blushes when I look at him, he can't keep his eyes off of me, and he has developed a hatred for Seifer, Zell, and Squall. Justin glares at them when I spend time with them, when they talk to me, when I talk to them… And especially when I ogle Squall when we're in PE. He… I just don't know what to do. I could tell him I don't like him like that, but then he might hate me, or hate my friends even more… and I don't want that.

Dell, my roommate, is still a hyper, ADD girl. But, my friends love her (as a friend, I think. I don't think anyone has any real feelings for her, like Justin has for me). She cheers Seifer up when Squall kicks his ass in a spar. She made Fujin smile (I mean actually smile! I though Fu's smile is beautiful!). She charmed Rai by sharing his fascination with the Pupurun books. Quistis talks highly of Dell (probably the girl shares Quisty's fascination of teaching). Zell comes to her for help with homework in some classes. Ami (the library girl with the pigtail) loves her cause the girl loves books.

I could go on and on with how people love Dell, but I won't. I'd be writing for hours!

So, let's move on. I finally killed my first T-Rexaur last month! Yes, I actually went back into the T-Center. I've been going in the T-Center for a few months now, as long as I have company. Anyway, Zell and I were just walking around in the T-Center, and found a T-Rexaur drinking from the watering hole place. It looks up, roars at us, and then charges. Zell casted Blind and I summoned Quez. Zell summoned Hydra, and after a few more summons, and a few hits from Enova and Zell's fists, the dino-monster was laying on the ground, dead. Well, it lasted a lot longer than that, cause the stupid Rex kept getting in lucky shots so we had to keep healing, and Zell had to keep blinding it since I didn't have any Blinds. But, we did kill it, and without an Instructor, Seifer, or Squall!

Well, I gotta go. Dell's going on about some stunt Seifer has planned. Ciao!

S. Marriba

I put the journal under my mattress and walk into the living room.

"Sylvia! Hurry up! Seifer told me about this trick he has planned! It's gonna be funny!" Dell squeals. I sigh. I just wanted to sit, I ate too much at dinner…

"Alright, lead the way…" I say as I grab my Dao. The auburn/red-head girl claps, giggling. She grabs Fallow and hurries out of the dorm. I grab the keycard (Dell always forgets, I've learned to keep the card on me at all times) and follow her. She leads me to the Quad, down to the benches. We sit. Well, I lean against the back of the bench, facing the entrance. Dell sits on the top of the bench.

On the overhang, I see Seifer laying down. He keeps peeking over the side, probably watching for someone. He sees me watching him and raises a finger to his lips in a 'keep quiet or you'll ruin it' motion. I nod, then start talking with Dell.

"So, do you think we should have the picnic this weekend or next?" I ask. Then murmur "Just go with it." Dell nods.

"Um, I dunno. It depends on whether this nice weather keeps up. I heard that Balamb had unpredictable weather, what with being right next to the ocean and everything," Dell says.

"You'd be right on that. About a week after I came to Garden, this freak thunderstorm started up!" I tell her indignantly.

"No way!" comes the reply.

"Yeah! And Zell had promised to show me how to ride his T-Board, outside of Garden, of course."

"That sucks!"

"Yup! You know what else sucks?" I ask.

"What?" We keep sneaking glances at Seifer, while facing each other.

"I lost the game," I snigger.

"What? Aw, Hyne damn you!" Dell cries. "I lost the game!" she shouts. There were groans, followed by the same cry of 'I lost the game!' from the surrounding people.

"Told you that sucks!" I laugh. Dell glares at me.

"Well, another thing that sucks is I lost my ToM homework," Dell says.

"What! No way!" Dell nods. "Ooo, Instructor Buell is gonna flame your ass!" I cry.

"I know! I just don't know where it went!" she whined.

"Well, you could re-do it before Tuesday," I suggest.

"Yeah, I guess…"

Suddenly, Raijin runs in.

"Hey, man, he's coming, ya know?" he informs Seifer. The blonde gunblader smirks. Raijin runs over to us.

"I hear you're planning a picnic, ya know? Is it true?" he asks nonchalantly. We just go with it.

"Yeah, but we don't know if it should be this weekend or next weekend," I reply.

"Depends on the weather, ya know," the bulky guy replies.

"Yeah, that's what I said," Dell adds. "Hey, Rai?"

"Huh?" he looks at the red-headed girl.

"I lost the game!" she giggles.

"Aw! C'mon, man! I lost the game, ya know!" he cried. I was about to add something, but then Zell runs into the Quad.

"Where is it?" he asks. Seifer, still laying on the overhang, smirks and lowers a hotdog attached to a fishing string which was held by the hiding blonde. Zell looks around, before turning around. Upon seeing the hotdog, he cheers.

"There you are! Floating Hotdog, you will be mine!" he shouts. Then he starts jumping, trying to grab the 'Floating Hotdog.' Seifer would make the hotdog 'float' higher when Zell jumped, keeping it just out of reach. Seeing the performance, Dell, Raijin, and I start sniggering, even though I feel sorry for the blonde fist-fighter. I mean, Seifer constantly teases and picks on Zell.

Finally, Zell somehow manages to grab the hotdog, walking off. Seifer jumps off the overhang once Zell had left the Quad and walks over to us. He had a big grin on his face.

"Seifer, that was sooo mean!" I manage through my laughter.

"Genius! Bloody brilliant!" Dell says.

"I know, I know. Autographs are only handed out on Thursdays," the tall blonde replies. That sends us into more laughter.

"Smart ass!" I chuckle.

"Ouch, Sylvia. Tame that sharp tongue of yours!" Seifer says, clutching his chest as if I hurt him. I finally control my laughter.

"Seifer, how many times do I have to tell you to be nice to Zell?" I demand.

"But, I did let him have the hotdog, didn't I?" he asks innocently. I glare at the blonde. "Geez, you sound like Quistis."

"Hey, Seifer, have you seen my ToM homework?" Dell asks. Seifer looks at the girl.

"No, why?" Dell ignores him.

"Rai?"

"Uh, nope. Can't say I have…" the bulky guy looks at Dell. "Why do ya ask, ya know?"

"Aw, shit! I've lost it!" she cries.

"Dell, unless you find it, Instructor Buell is gonna freeze your ass," Seifer replies.

"She flamed my ass when I forgot my homework," I say.

"Really? She shocked mine, ya know?" Raijin says, laughing. "It tingled."

"Did you tell her Thunder and other lightning-based magics don't affect you?" I asked. He shook his head.

"She also casted Aero on Fu the only time she forgot hers," Seifer added, chuckling.

"Dude, that's so funny!" I laughed.

"Yeah, but ya need to find your homework, ya know?" Rai said to Dell.

"But I don't know where it could be!" she whined.

"Then redo it," Seifer suggested.

"Fine. I'll go do it," Dell said, walking off.

"I'll help," I say. Dell smiles.

"A'ight, see you guys later, ya know?" Raijin says.

"Course we know! We see you at most lunches!" I giggle. As Dell and I leave the Quad, I hear what can only be Seifer slapping Raijin upside the head.

We go back to our dorm, finish all the homework that wasn't done earlier, and then turn on the stereo. The music was just for background noise as I cleaned Enova and Dell cleaned Fallow.

"So, do you really want to have a picnic?" Dell asked me.

"Of course! I'd love to have a picnic! And I know where I wanna have one, too!" I smile. "There's this spot on the beach, where a rock is sorta sticking up. The Fastitocalons won't be able to get us on it, and it's just a beautiful place!"

"Oh, I know where you're talking about! I've been there with my brother before I was sent here," Dell said. "It is a beautiful spot, and I'd go make sand castles on the beach below the rock, where he'd see me."

"Yeah! I was thinking we could invite Seifer, Fu, Rai, Quisty, Zell, Squall, and Ami." I pause. "Well, we could have two picnics. One with Seifer and the DC, another with Quisty, Zell, Squall, and Ami. Maybe Nida, too."

"Why not just have a picnic with everyone?" Dell asked.

"Zell hates Seifer, Seifer picks on Zell. Seifer and Squall are rivals. Quistis likes Squall, so doesn't like Seifer since he's so mean to Squall. Ami likes Zell. Nida… Nida looks up to Squall. And Fu and Rai follow Seifer. So, yeah," I explain.

"Oooh, okaay. I see!" Dell chirps, grinning. I roll my eyes.

"Anyway, I got a job offer in town," I say.

"Oh, really? Where!" Dell asks.

"The weapons shop. The dude said it's only gonna be part time, but it's extra money to use. Or save," I shrug.

"Sweet! Oh, doesn't that Keewa dude work in town?" she asks.

"Yeah. In the music store, Siren Sounds," I reply.

"Hn. Hey, is it me, or has he been acting weird?" Dell asks.

"Girl, you ask a lot of questions. But, yeah. I've noticed it, too."

"Ok, let's see… He stumbles a lot, specially around you," my roommate started.

"He blushes when I look at him," I continued.

"He doesn't like it when you spend time with Seifer, Zell, or Squall." Dell smirked.

"He glares at said boys, often." Yes, I realize we are basically reiterating what I wrote in my journal earlier.

"…" Dell grinned suddenly.

"…What are you grinning about?" I ask accusingly.

"Iii think Justin has a crush on yooouuu!" she sang. I looked at the red-headed girl, pausing in polishing my Dao.

"Yeah? I think so, too." I reply. My thoughts turned to my own crush, Squall. Why do I even try? He hasn't shown any interest in anyone other than Seifer, but that's only because they're sparring partners since they're the only gunbladers in Garden. He barely acknowledges those around him. But, even so, I've fallen for him. Maybe… Maybe I should stop trying. Maybe then he'll acknowledge me. Maybe I should see if he could help me train. I mean, yeah, training with Seifer is cool, but he doesn't try to better my skills, only his own. I understand that Dao's and gunblades are different swords, but I'm sure some techniques could be used on both weapons. They're both types of swords, after all.

Once I finish cleaning and polishing my blade, I stand up.

"I'm gonna go in the training center for a bit. I'll see you later," I say, grabbing one of the keycards.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Dell asks.

"Nah, you had Battle Training earlier. You deserve a rest," I reply.

"Alright then. See ya."

I walk out the door, Enova in her sheath on my hip.

"Sylvia, milady, are you sure you shouldn't bring some help?" Quezacotl's voice rumbles through my mind.

Quez, I've told you not to call me that, I chide. And, I'll be fine. With you and Fenrir, I'm safe enough, aren't I?

"Sylvia. Remember last time you went into the Training Center?" My steps pause momentarily before I continue.

I'm not as defenseless as I was then, I growl.

"But…" Quezacotl starts.

I'm going. You can't change my mind, I tell him. Quez starts to protest again, but Fenrir cuts him off.

"She won't change her mind, no matter what you or I say. We just have to make sure to protect her if she gets in a bind," the wolf Guardian says. Then they grow quiet, probably having a private discussion. Whatever.

I enter the T-Center, unsheathing Enova. My senses were sharpened by the change my instincts could detect. I had gone from 'safe' to 'danger' in moments. My instincts had helped me many times in the past, even when there was little danger to be found.


Flashback

A girl with dark brown hair and I were walking through a forest just outside of a town. We were 8 years old. I had once again managed to get her to agree to go on a hike with me. There weren't any trails, so we just wandered. I made sure to remember what tree or rock we passed so we could make our way back home.

I had a bad feeling in my stomach as I led my more cautious sister down a dried streambed with many rocks. I stopped, holding out a hand to stop my companion.

"What?" she asks. I hold a finger to my lips. After a few moments, I spoke softly.

"Don't make any loud noises and follow me, kay?" I ask. She nods, green eyes dark with worry. "I won't let you get hurt, promise." Then I led her along the side of the streambed (moving to the west) before crossing to the other side (which was south). I felt that bad feeling pass with every step. When we were on the other side, the feeling was gone completely.

"Kay, you don't have ta be quiet anymore," I say.

"Why did you tell me to be quiet?" she asks timidly. I pause, thinking.

"Um… I dunno… I just had a really bad feeling. Something bad was gonna happen if we kept down that side," I reply after a bit.

"Oh. Ok." We were quiet for a while, just wandering. "Hey, Sylvia?" I look back at my twin. "Can we go back home? I'm getting hungry," she says quietly. That's how she normally talks.

"A'ight. Let's go." I led her back to the dried streambed. The bad feeling returned.

"Uh, I've gotta bad feeling again…" I told her. She nodded, keeping quiet. I led her further down the bank, more easterly than northerly. I passed the area we first arrived at the streambed, then further east. Finally I led the girl to the north, back to the town. I walked west again, before going back on the 'path' we took. I looked back at the streambed.

"Hold on," I say. I grabbed a rock and threw it into the streambed. A hissing was heard. Suddenly, a snake moved, right in front of us, where we were gonna pass. "Huh. Guess my bad feelings are right…" I mutter.

I turned back around, leading the dark-haired girl back home to get some food. Maybe I'll be able to talk her into going for another hike later…

End flashback


I shook my head, clearing my head. I was unfocused for only a moment, thankfully. But… what was that? I don't remember that ever happening. It didn't look like anywhere near Garden, nor the town… That town didn't look like Balamb, either… I'll think about that later.

I shook my head again, before focusing on that gut feeling. If I really focused on that feeling, I could almost pinpoint the area it was coming from. It's almost like having an internal radar. There were slight 'caution' urges, but two or three 'danger, use extreme caution' urges. They weren't getting any closer, though. I'd guess the 'caution' urges were Grats, and 'danger' urges were those Hyne-damned T-Rexaurs.

I followed my 'radar' to fight a few Grats. I was using it in the opposite way it was supposed to be used. Instead of going away from danger, I was looking for it.

Anyway, I came across a pair of Grats. One was taken out before either plant-monster knew I was there. The other spewed its guts all over me. Damn, it burns! I shook it off, charging the walking stomach bag. Seriously, that's what they look like: large, green stomachs with vines, feet, and a mouth.

I sliced, trying to cut it in half, but the Grat scuttled back. The monster screeched as one of its four vines was cut off. I grinned sadistically. Unfortunately, the stupid Grat used its Sleeping Gas on me, causing me to black out.


"SYLVIA! WHERE ARE YOU!" a voice cries out desperately. "PLEASE!"

The blackness faded, revealing a dark night sky and snowy ground. A figure was stumbling around. Wait… it's that girl! The dark brown haired one with emerald eyes! …Where've I seen her before… Oh, that drawing Dell did for me when she first came to Balamb Garden! Then…that's my sister?

"Sylvia! I need you…" The girl falls to her knees, tears leaking out of her eyes as she cried silently. "You promised… You promised to protect me," she says quietly. I could barely make out the words.

"Sweetheart," a musical voice says. I look around wildly, searching for the voice. "You'll find each other."

"Songstress, they need each other now, not later. Not when they are going to meet the one who uses magic," a familiar thundering voice warns. "The other is forgetting."

"But, Thunderer! What can we do? And you promised to keep her memories with her!" the musical voice (Songstress) cries out.

"I have, but the other one is too young to know how. And the authorities here won't take him back." The Thunderer replies, sounding regretful.

"Please!" the girl cries out. "I know you're talking about my sister! Please tell me! Is she… is she alive?" she chokes out. I have this feeling she shouldn't sound so desperate. I want to wrap my arms around her, soothe her.

"Sweetheart… Your sister is safe."

"She is with me, and she is alive," the Thunderer replies.

"Please take me to her!" the girl shouts. "Sylvia!"


Suddenly a sharp pain wakes me.

"OW! Fuck!" I jump up from my kneeling position, looking around quickly. Spotting the thing responsible for giving me a large bump on the head, I grasp Enova's hilt tightly and run up to the Grat, slicing it in half. I shook my head, trying to clear it of the 'dream.'

"…What was that?" I ask softly. The gi- no. My sister's cry echos in my mind.

"Sylvia!" …Why do I feel like she shouldn't sound so desperate? I don't even remember her! I don't remember…anything… Do I?

Before I could ponder it any further, my 'danger' sense went sky-rocketing. Crap. That means either a mutated, super strong Grat is heading over here, or a T-Rexaur. I hurry to hide underneath a tree that had been broken (probably because two T-Rexaurs were fighting). It had been splintered, but was still attached to the roots. There was an area near the part of the trunk that was still upright that was just large enough for me to fit. I crawl in, watching as a (you guessed it) large T-Rexaur passed. Once it (and the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach) left, I crawled out, then left the T-Center. I have a lot to think about.

I walked into my shared dorm, surprised when I saw Dell sitting on the couch, curled up with a book. The red-head looked up as I entered.

"Hey, Sylvia," she smiled. "Have fun?"

"Hn." I walk into my room and grab my journal and a pencil before going back into the living room.

"…Why do you have tree-bark in your hair?" Dell asked.

"Hold on. I need to write something down. I'll talk after, kay?" I said. Dell agreed, going back to her book.

Ok. I know I already wrote something today, but I have to add to it. That thing Seifer had planned was just another way to tease Zell. He had Raijin tell Zell about some 'floating hotdog' in the Quad. Seifer was on the overhang with a hotdog attached to a fishing line. When Zell came into the Quad, Seifer lowered the hotdog and had Zell jump around trying to get it. But that's not why I have to write more. I just got back to the dorm I share with Delia from training in the T-Center. But, while I was in there, something weird happened. The first was when I first entered the T-Center.

I went on to write about the two visions, the first about me guiding that girl, my sister, through unfamiliar terrain and getting the 'bad feeling' and the second with my sister, the Thunderer, and the Songstress.

I've been put to sleep by Grats numerous times, but I've never had a dream, or vision or whatever. And I swear that "Thunderer's" voice was familiar. It sounded almost like… Ok, this is gonna sound crazy, but Thunderer sounded like… Quezacotl… But…

I think I'm just going insane. I can't figure anything out. I have too many questions that can't be answered.

Why did I have those visions? Why can't I remember that girl's name? …Where am I from? I know I'm not from Gaia, if my first journal entry says anything. But, why can't I remember? Why am I here? Gah! It's so frustrating! I have so many unanswered questions! And no one can give me the answers I need…

Well, I'm gonna go. Maybe talking to Dell will provide me with answers?

S. Marriba

I closed my journal and hid it in my room again before joining Dell on the couch. My roommate marked her spot and closed her book before turning to me.

"…Alright, what's going on?" she asked seriously. "Sylv, you're not acting like you. What's up? …What happened?" I sighed, grabbing my braid and pulling it over my shoulder, fiddling with the end of it.

"Well…" I trailed off, unsure of how to tell her what happened.

"Right. How 'bout you tell me why you have tree bark in your hair first, and we'll go from there," Dell suggested. I nod.

"I was fighting a Grat, and after I killed it, I had this feeling in my gut, something big and dangerous was coming toward me. Remember that broken tree?" Dell nods. "Well, I hid under it, and a T-Rexaur passed me. That's why I have tree bark in my hair."

"Ooohh. Ookaay. I see." I chewed my bottom lip, looking for the right words.

"Well, see… It's like this…" I decided to just crash through the bush instead of beating around it (1). I told Delia about the two strange visions. She was quiet for a while afterwards.

"Well… maybe the first was a memory, triggered by you using your gut feeling. And… I don't know how to explain the second one… Sorry."

"It's alright. At least you listened. That's all I needed," I tell my red-headed roommate sincerely, giving her a strained smile.

"That's what friends are for, right?" Dell replied lightly. I gave the ADD-prone girl a real smile then.

"Yes, that's right. Hey, I'm gonna take a shower, then I'm hittin' the sack," I say, pulling myself off the couch.

"Alright! Remember you promised to take me to town tomorrow!" my roommate says, opening her book up again.

"I know," I reply, grabbing my PJ's. I go take my shower, washing off all the dirt, grime, and tree bark from my skin and hair. Then I brushed my teeth and tied my long hair back up in the high ponytail braid.

"Night, Dell. See ya in the morning," I say, heading for my room.

"Night Sylvia! You better keep your word!" she warns, not looking up from her book. I chuckle, closing my door and flopping on my bed. I get myself comfortable, and before I could start thinking again, Quezacotl starts singing. I couldn't make out what he was singing, but his softly thundering voice calms my thoughts. When Fenrir joins in, I find myself sinking into sleep.


(1) You know the saying "Beating around the bush?" Well, this is just a form of it, though Sylvia is 'crashing' through it rather than beating around it.

A/N: who can guess who the Songstress and the Thunderer are? I already know! n.n

Any questions shall be directed to me, Sylvia, and/or Kailyn via review/PM.

I know a lot of this is gonna be confusing for a bit, but Sylvia refuses to explain anything to me. As I have told her, she's the actual author, I'm just the way this story comes into the world. I can say, however, this chapter is important.

School has started and I have tennis matches every week, which is why this chapter hasn't been updated earlier. I've had it written for a while, just haven't been able to post it. I also have the next chapter finished, but I will post it next week. I'm thinking updates will come Fridays or Saturdays. Maybe Sundays…

I want your honest opinion: Do I have too many OCs? I mean, I have Dell, Sylvia, Kailyn, Alex, Don, Justin, the T-Garden headmaster and doctor, Lindsey, a few instructors, Eric (that SeeD from ch…4 I think), Kale…

Well, they are important for Sylvia and Kai to develop their personalities, and to move the story along… I don't know…

Well, off to work on the next chapter… and homework… and chores… ugh, too many things to do! O.o

But, before I go... HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY SQUALL LEONHART! n.n Free virtual cake and ice cream for everyone!

Risika

She's just stressed. Don't worry about her. Family issues and crap.

The next few chapters are really important, so pay attention. You can ask any questions you may have, and we will try to answer it to the best of our abilities. If it will give away a major part of the plot, we will say so. Hope you all like it!

Sylvia

Um… I guess I'm wondering what you all think of my character… I like to know this stuff. So, would you please review and tell me? And I still haven't gotten an answer for my question last chapter. I mean, why did I let Selphie talk me into singing in front of the whole frickin' Garden? I don't… If I continue to rant, I will just repeat what I said last chapter. *sigh* I'm gonna go so Fenrir and my sister don't yell at me.

Kailyn